Goodyear Assurance Maxlife and Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3 are two of the most popular all-season tires on the market, yet they cater to entirely different audiences. The Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3 is primarily designed for crossovers and SUVs, while the Goodyear Assurance Maxlife is recognized as a standard touring tire aimed at sedans and everyday vehicles.
However, when manufacturers create successful tire models, they often expand their lineups to cover additional sizes — a practice we refer to as “market coverage” in the tire industry. That’s precisely what Goodyear and Pirelli have done. Most readers are likely here because they’re considering the 225/65R17 size, which both companies offer. However, there are also interchangeable sizes worth noting:
- 235/55R18 ↔ 235/60R18
- 235/55R20 ↔ 255/50R20
In this article, I’ll focus on these sizes and break down which tire performs better under various conditions, based on my firsthand testing experience as a former Bridgestone field test engineer. Let’s dive in.
At a Glance
Goodyear Assurance Maxlife | Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3 | |
Best Using Conditions | – Sedans, minivans, crossovers (Daily driving) – Dry, mild-wet conditions – Fuel-conscious drivers | – SUVs, CUVs, light trucks (Performance focus) – Wet, colder climates – Aggressive drivers seeking traction and comfort |
Pros | – Outstanding tread life (85,000 miles warranty) – Excellent fuel efficiency – Affordable and suitable for daily commuting | – Superior traction and comfort – Enhanced handling for SUVs and CUVs – Better wet and cold performance |
Cons | – Lacks traction and stability for SUVs – Noisy at high speeds and rough surfaces – Prone to hydroplaning with aggressive driving | – Shorter tread life (70,000 miles warranty) – Slightly reduced fuel efficiency – Not 3PMSF rated, limiting winter performance |
As a former Bridgestone engineer, I think the Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3 delivers superior wet performance and traction, especially for SUVs and CUVs. Its softer compound and wider tread excel in rainy and colder conditions. On the other hand, Goodyear Assurance MaxLife offers excellent tread life and fuel efficiency for sedans and daily commuters. Your ideal tire depends on your driving habits and vehicle type—find out which one suits you best!
Tire Overview & Target Audience
Goodyear Assurance Maxlife
The Goodyear Assurance MaxLife, much like the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422, is a standard touring tire primarily focused on longevity and fuel efficiency. While these tires aren’t built for maximum performance, they serve their purpose exceptionally well for everyday driving needs, making them a solid choice for applications like Uber driving, where durability and cost-effectiveness are key.
Designed to fit a wide range of vehicles—sedans, minivans, crossovers, and coupes—this review will focus specifically on crossover vehicles, as they represent the most common application for these types of tires. Let’s explore how the Assurance MaxLife performs in this category.
Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3
The Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3, similar to the Continental Crosscontact LX, is specifically tailored for crossovers and SUVs. Unlike the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife, which emphasizes longevity and fuel efficiency, these tires prioritize performance. If you drive a CUV and are looking to enhance your vehicle’s handling and overall driving experience, this category of tire is the best fit.
These tires are also designed to fit a broad range of vehicles, including crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks, offering versatility for various types of drivers. However, a key point to note is that the Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3 is not marked with the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol, which means they may not perform as optimally in freezing conditions. You might experience a slight decrease in traction when temperatures dip below freezing, so keep that in mind if you frequently encounter harsh winter weather.
Size-Specific Analysis
Goodyear Assurance Maxlife 225/65R17 | Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 225/65R17 | |
Load Range | SL | SL |
Load & Speed Rating | 102H | 102H |
UTQG | 820 A B | 800 A A |
Tread Depth | 11/32″ | 11/32″ |
Weight | 27 lbs | 29 lbs |
Tread Width | 6.8″ | 6.7″ |
Country of Origin | US | BR |
Let’s kick things off with one of the most popular size debates: 225/65R17.
Although both tires feature similar compound characteristics, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife uses a slightly stiffer compound. This firmness contributes to enhanced durability, especially in this particular size, where the Goodyear tire is also approximately 2 lbs lighter. That weight difference can further boost fuel efficiency and extend tire life.
However, the right choice here largely depends on your driving style. If you’re a calm, steady driver focused on daily commuting and efficiency, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife’s stiffer compound and lighter construction offer solid advantages. But if you lean towards a more spirited driving style, Pirelli has the upper hand. The second letter in the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) rating signifies heat resistance, which correlates to high-speed wear performance. Pirelli’s compound is better equipped to handle heat buildup during aggressive driving, providing superior tread life under demanding conditions.
Ultimately, your driving habits will be the key factor in deciding which tire suits your needs best.
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 235/60R18 | Goodyear Assurance Maxlife 235/60R18 | Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 235/55R18 | Goodyear Assurance Maxlife 235/55R18 | |
Load Range | SL | SL | XL | SL |
Load & Speed Rating | 103H | 103V | 104V | 100V |
UTQG | 800 A A | 820 A B | 800 A A | 820 A B |
Tread Depth | 11/32″ | 11/32″ | 11/32″ | 11/32″ |
Weight | 34 lbs | 29 lbs | 31 lbs | 26 lbs |
Tread Width | 7.7″ | 7.5″ | 7.8″ | 7.8″ |
Country of Origin | BR | CA | MX | US |
Let’s break down the differences between XL (Extra Load) and SL (Standard Load) tires. Essentially, XL and SL ratings indicate how much air pressure the tire can safely hold. Since it’s actually the air inside the tire that supports all the weight, more air means greater load-carrying capacity. In this comparison, the only XL tire is the Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3 in the 235/55R18 size.
If you own an SUV or a light truck, the Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3 is a solid choice. However, the trade-off is slightly reduced fuel efficiency and increased road noise. That’s because the wider tread pattern with a higher void area ratio tends to produce more noise and create additional rolling resistance.
For aggressive drivers who prefer sticking with Pirelli, the 235/60R18 size is the best option. Just pay attention to the load rating—every point difference translates to nearly 200 lbs of weight capacity. Make sure your vehicle’s requirements align with this specification to avoid compromising performance or safety.
On the other hand, if your priorities are fuel efficiency and comfort, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife in the 235/55R18 size offers a great solution. However, its load range of 100 may not be suitable for most CUVs, which typically require a load range of 102 or 103.
For daily commuters who don’t drive SUVs or light trucks, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife in the 235/60R18 size is the safer, more practical choice. It’s a well-optimized tire for regular vehicles, providing a balanced blend of comfort, longevity, and fuel efficiency. But if you own an SUV or light truck, it’s best to steer clear of the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife or any other standard touring tire, as they’re not designed to handle the heavier demands of these vehicles.
Head to Head - Performance Comparison
First of all, if you’ve selected the right tire, this section mostly comes down to your driving habits and the conditions you frequently encounter.
I’ll break down this section based on your specific needs to help you make the most informed decision. Let’s dive in.
Tread Life & Durability
When it comes to durability and treadwear, it’s essential to distinguish between tread life and chunking resistance. I consider durability mainly as chunking resistance—how well the tire handles cuts, tears, and general damage from rough surfaces.
Goodyear Assurance MaxLife offers an impressive 85,000-mile treadwear warranty, whereas Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3 provides only 70,000 miles. Why the difference? Pirelli is designed for larger vehicles like CUVs and SUVs, which naturally results in shorter tread life compared to standard touring tires.
Here’s why: The Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3, as a grand touring tire for CUVs and SUVs, uses a softer compound. This provides superior traction most of the time, but the trade-off is quicker wear. Additionally, its wider tread pattern creates more friction, leading to higher heat buildup and accelerated tread wear.
One critical note: The Goodyear Assurance MaxLife isn’t going to deliver the stability SUVs require. While it may seem fine initially, over time, this mismatch often results in uneven wear. And believe me, if your tires start wearing unevenly due to improper selection, that 85,000-mile treadwear warranty won’t mean much.
To sum it up, if you own an SUV, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife simply isn’t the right choice. However, if you drive a sedan or coupe and prioritize long-lasting tread life, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife is the better option. For everyone else—especially CUV and SUV drivers—the Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 is the smarter, more reliable choice.
All-Season Performance
First of all, both tires isn’t marked with 3PMSF. This actually decreases their performance below freezing degrees.
Wet Performance:
For standard touring tires like Goodyear Assurance MaxLife, the key to maximizing performance is simple: brake sooner, drive slower, and avoid pushing the tire too hard. Let’s be honest—if a tire offers an 85,000-mile treadwear warranty, it’s not going to deliver top-tier wet performance. To get the most out of these tires, you have to drive with a little restraint.
Interestingly, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife is slightly wider than typical standard touring tires. Goodyear designed it this way to enhance traction, but as I mentioned before, aggressive driving will make this tire prone to hydroplaning. The extra width doesn’t necessarily translate to better performance if you push the tire beyond its intended usage.
Now, if we shift our focus to the Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3, it’s a different story. This tire provides significantly better grip and evacuates water more effectively, thanks to its softer compound and optimized tread design. Plus, it performs slightly better in colder conditions, making it a versatile option for varying climates.
If you live in warm areas with minimal heavy rain, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife is a solid choice. However, if you drive a larger vehicle or live in colder, wetter regions, I’d confidently recommend the Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3. Its superior traction and wet handling simply outclass the Goodyear in those conditions.
Winter Performance:
Since neither tire is marked with the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol, I wouldn’t consider either one a solid choice for winter. However, Pirelli’s softer, more notched compound does give it a slight edge when dealing with light snow or slush. Its tread design allows for better grip and improved traction compared to the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife.
That said, while both tires can handle light snow to some extent, I wouldn’t recommend pushing them too hard in harsh winter conditions. They’re simply not designed for extreme cold or icy surfaces. If you frequently encounter deep snow or ice, investing in a dedicated winter tire is a much better choice.
Comfort & Road Noise
From my perspective, this is where the Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3 truly sets itself apart.
The Goodyear Assurance MaxLife offers acceptable comfort and road noise for everyday driving. It’s not going to blow you away with smoothness, but it’s manageable. However, when compared to the Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3, the difference in noise levels becomes apparent. Goodyear’s stiff compound and wider tread pattern contribute to a noisier ride, especially at higher speeds or on rougher roads.
The tire’s construction also plays a role here. Unlike Pirelli’s two-ply casing, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife relies on a one-ply casing with a polyamide reinforcement — essentially a 1.5-ply structure. While this design improves durability and helps with handling, it compromises comfort and increases noise levels. The shoulder stabilizer, intended to enhance stability, makes the tire noticeably stiff, which tends to generate additional noise on uneven or poorly maintained pavements.
To sum it up, the Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 offers a much more refined and quiet ride. But if your driving is mostly within the city at normal speeds, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife won’t make you feel like a champion of comfort, but it certainly won’t leave you overly disappointed either.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the right choice between the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife and Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3 ultimately depends on your vehicle type and driving style. If you’re a daily commuter seeking long-lasting tread life and fuel efficiency, especially for smaller vehicles, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife is a practical and budget-friendly choice. On the other hand, if you drive an SUV or crossover and prioritize traction, comfort, and performance, particularly in wet or colder conditions, the Pirelli Scorpion P7 AS Plus 3 is the superior option. Carefully consider your driving habits and conditions to make the most informed decision.
