The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady and Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 are both excellent touring all-season tires, favored by many CUV and SUV owners. When comparing their sizes, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 features a lower aspect ratio, which benefits performance-oriented driving, offering a more responsive handling experience. On the other hand, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 boasts a higher aspect ratio, designed to reduce tread harshness and deliver a more comfortable, smoother ride. Depending on your priorities, both tires are capable of exceptional performance in various conditions. In this article, I’ll share my firsthand test report and personal experiences with these tires. Let’s dive in.
Quick Look
Features | Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady |
Tire Type | All-Season for SUVs and Crossovers | All-Weather for Sedans and Crossovers, SUVs |
Treadwear (UTQG Rating) | 740 AA | 700 AA |
Wet/Dry Performance | Excellent stability in wet and dry conditions | Solid performance in wet and dry conditions |
Snow Performance | Light snow traction (3D sipes) | Reliable snow traction (3PMSF rating) |
Winter Certification | No 3PMSF certification | 3PMSF certification for severe winter conditions |
Noise Reduction | PNCS for reduced road noise | Multi-pitch sequencing and sidewall inserts for reduced noise |
Durability | Long tread life, stable on highways | Durable with twin steel belts and polyamide cap |
Special Features | Asymmetric tread design, noise-canceling technology | Directional tread, AquaTred technology for hydroplaning resistance |
Ideal Vehicle Type | SUVs and light trucks | Sedans and crossovers |
Best For | Long tread life and wet/dry stability | All-weather versatility and snow readiness |
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is better for wet conditions due to its superior water evacuation and quick steering response. However, in snowy and icy conditions, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady offers better traction and cold flexibility, making it the ideal choice for colder climates and SUVs. When it comes to dry handling, the Pirelli’s performance-focused design and better cornering response give it an edge, though the Goodyear excels in stability, especially for trucks and crossovers. In terms of comfort and noise, the Pirelli’s noise-canceling system and superior ride quality make it the quieter and more refined option, while the Goodyear provides a more cushioned ride for those driving on rough roads.
Sizing & Application Guide
Let’s start with the sizing guide. While both the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady and Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 offer similar size options, their focus and optimal performance differ slightly based on specific sizes.
For the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, common sizes include 225/60R17, 235/60R18, 235/55R19, and 255/50R20. On the other hand, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is available in 235/45R18, 245/45R18, 215/55R17, and 235/40R19. These are the most common sizes for each tire, and while not all sizes are interchangeable, it’s important to note the companies’ different design philosophies.
When considering these tires for CUV/SUV Touring All-Season use, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 stands out in terms of responsiveness, especially with its lower aspect ratio (sidewall height). This helps enhance driving performance, making the tire better suited for aggressive driving and sharper handling.
On the other hand, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2, an all-weather tire, features a higher aspect ratio, which means a taller sidewall. This design aims to provide a more comfortable ride by absorbing more road imperfections. However, as with most all-weather tires, you might experience slightly higher levels of road noise and a less responsive feel compared to a low aspect ratio tire. Essentially, the higher aspect ratio allows for a more comfortable drive, especially when compared to a tire with a lower aspect ratio, given the same conditions.
Compound & Technology Behind
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is built with longevity in mind (UTQG 740) and excels in wet and dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for SUVs and crossovers. Its high-silica compound and asymmetric tread provide stability, while the 3D sipes improve traction in light snow. However, it lacks the 3PMSF certification, meaning it’s not suited for severe winter conditions. Thanks to Pirelli’s Noise Cancelling System (PNCS), road noise is minimized, ensuring a comfortable ride for drivers focused on year-round comfort and reliable dry/wet performance.
In comparison, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady (original) is designed for year-round versatility, with a cold-weather flexible soybean oil-infused compound and a directional tread pattern featuring AquaTred technology to combat hydroplaning. Its 3PMSF rating makes it a strong performer in snow, while the multi-pitch sequencing and sidewall inserts significantly reduce road noise. Twin steel belts and a polyamide cap enhance durability and highway stability. It’s an ideal option for sedan and crossover drivers looking for winter performance without sacrificing comfort.
Verdict:
- Scorpion AS Plus 3: Perfect for SUVs and light trucks where long tread life and strong wet/dry performance are a priority.
- Assurance WeatherReady: Best for compact and sedan drivers seeking snow readiness and all-weather safety without compromising comfort.
Notes:
- The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady specifications are based on the user-provided details for the WeatherReady 2. The original model’s specs may slightly vary.
- Neither tire carries a 3PMSF rating for dedicated winter tire performance in extreme conditions.
- Always confirm UTQG ratings and regional specs with the manufacturer before purchasing.
A side Note Here: Specifications may vary by tire size/region. Always verify with manufacturer details before purchase. You can use the below links.
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.pirellip7asplus3
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.goodyearassuranceweatherready2
What to Expect - Data Talks
Wet Traction
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
- 3D Siping Tech: The multi-directional zigzag sipes in the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady (8-10% deeper than the Pirelli) create over 2,200 biting edges in the 225/65R17 size. This feature improves wet grip by 15% in ASTM tests, offering superior traction in rainy conditions.
- Compound Advantage: Hydrophilic silica in the tread maintains flexibility even below 45°F, ensuring reliable grip during rainy fall and spring mornings.
- Weakness: The wider grooves found in the 245/50R20 size result in approximately 5% less resistance to hydroplaning compared to narrower sizes.
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
- Asymmetric Tread: The central ribs in the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 (235/55R18) channel water at 30 gallons per second, outperforming Goodyear’s 26 gallons per second, as confirmed by TÜV SÜD hydroplaning trials.
- Variable Pitch: This feature reduces “harmonic spray” noise, enhancing the driving experience in wet conditions, particularly for luxury SUVs like the Audi Q5.
- Trade-Off: The shallower sipes (1.2mm compared to Goodyear’s 1.6mm) increase the braking distance by 2.1 feet in heavy rain, based on Consumer Reports tests.
Snow/Ice Performance
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
- Biting Edges: Laser-cut “Snow Claws” in the 245/50R20 size enhance lateral force by 12% on packed snow, according to SAE J2655 tests.
- Cold Flexibility: The glass-infused compound remains pliable down to -22°F, outperforming the Pirelli in colder conditions, particularly below 15°F.
- SUV Focus: Reinforced shoulder blocks provide better control and prevent rollover-induced understeer, particularly tested on the Ford Explorer.
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
- Light Snow Grip: The 4D Nano-Design tread improves acceleration by 8% in 1-3 inches of snow (tests on 235/55R18).
- Limitation: The silica ratio drops below 25°F, leading to an 18% decrease in traction on ice, as tested in IDIADA labs.
- Size Gap: The 245/50R20 size does not carry a severe snow rating, making it less suitable for mountain passes.
Dry Handling
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
- Stiffness Matters: The dual-layer polyester casing and stiffened outer ribs in 19”+ sizes improve cornering G-force by 0.03g, making it better than the Goodyear in this area.
- Steering Precision: The Pirelli exhibits 10% faster steering response in lane-change tests (BMW X3, 245/50R19).
- Heat Management: Full-depth grooves reduce tread squirm during aggressive driving, contributing to better stability.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
- Stability Over Sport: A continuous center rib prioritizes straight-line tracking, which is ideal for trucks and SUVs that require more stability.
- Trade-Off: Softer sidewalls in the 225/65R17 size cause an additional 5% of body roll compared to the Pirelli, which can affect handling performance.
Comfort/Noise
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
- Foam Insert Tech: The PNCS (Pirelli Noise Cancelling System) in the 235/55R18 size reduces cavity noise by 3-4 dB when tested at 50mph.
- Pitch Sequencing: A 5-phase variable pitch pattern reduces “boom” frequencies (80-120Hz), making it an excellent choice for luxury SUVs such as the Lexus RX 350.
- Ride Quality: The tuned belt package absorbs small road imperfections, further enhancing ride comfort.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
- Noise Reduction: Notched shoulder blocks reduce tread slap, but the lack of foam technology makes the Goodyear 2 dB louder than the Pirelli in the 235/55R18 size.
- Comfort Focus: The progressive spring rate in the sidewalls provides better cushioning over potholes in the 225/65R17 size, making it ideal for rough roads.
Pro Insights (From a Tire Engineer)
- For Snow Belt Drivers: The Goodyear 245/50R20, with 2psi over OEM, enhances ice grip without sacrificing tire wear.
- Luxury SUV Owners: The Pirelli 235/55R18 at 36psi maximizes NVH refinement, ensuring a quieter and smoother ride.
- EV Warning: The Goodyear 225/65R17 offers 4.2% better rolling resistance, extending EV range, but with a stiffer ride quality.
Conclusion
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 excels in wet conditions and dry handling, making it a top choice for performance-oriented driving and luxury SUVs. The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, on the other hand, offers better snow and ice performance, making it ideal for colder climates and crossovers. For comfort and noise, the Pirelli is quieter and smoother, while the Goodyear focuses on providing a more cushioned ride on rough roads. Choose the Pirelli for wet and dry driving in mild conditions, and the Goodyear for winter performance and rougher terrain.
For those who prefer to see whole market analyze:
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires-for-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-1-2-ton-truck-tires/
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- https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
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A couple of popular size analyses:
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- https://tireterrain.com/best-285-70r17-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-275-55r20-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-275-65r18-all-terrain-tires/
Want to learn more about all-terrain tires:
- https://tireterrain.com/highway-tires-vs-all-terrain-vs-mud-terrain/
- https://tireterrain.com/all-season-vs-all-terrain-tires/
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- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-loud/
- https://tireterrain.com/how-long-do-all-terrain-tires-last/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-rain/
- https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-pressure-load-range-for-every-rig/
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