People often ask me about how I choose tires for reviews. To help buyers, I put myself in their shoes and start by figuring out which tire brands to consider. This can be tricky because there are so many options.
Tire brands are usually split into three price categories to help with choosing. Premium brands have a good reputation and cost more. Some people care more about quality than price, so they prefer these brands.
Picking premium brands means spending more money, but you get better performance, longer warranties, and higher quality.
I’ve narrowed down the choices to two top contenders—a US brand and a French brand known for their excellence. Today’s comparison looks at Goodyear and Michelin to help consumers make a decision.
Goodyear’s History
Goodyear is a well-known tire brand that started in 1898 in Akron, Ohio. It was not named after its founder, Frank Seiberling, but after Charles Goodyear, who invented vulcanized rubber. This material is still used in many ways today.
At first, Goodyear made tires for bicycles. Then it switched to making tires for cars when Henry Ford started mass-producing automobiles. This partnership helped Goodyear become a big name in the automotive industry.
A big moment in Goodyear’s history was when it introduced radial tires. These were a big change from the old bias-ply tires. This new technology not only changed the industry but also helped Goodyear grow.
Goodyear keeps adding new technologies to its tire designs. Features like ActiveCornerGrip, ActiveBraking, and EfficientGrip make tires work better. Others like SoundComfort, WearControl, and SmartWear make touring tires last longer.
Goodyear uses ideas from racing to make better consumer tires. Even though it stopped making tires for Formula 1 in 1998, it still has the most wins in the sport. This shows how good their engineering is.
Goodyear is a top brand in the tire industry known for its quality and innovation. Their tire designs are always getting better, and they are respected for their skill and hard work.
Goodyear’s tire families
Goodyear makes it easy to choose tires by putting them into groups based on different driving needs.
The Assurance family is a top choice for most people. It includes touring tires known for lasting a long time and being very smooth. Models like Finesse, WeatherReady, and ComfortDrive give good performance all year round, with special features for different driving needs.
The Eagle family is for high performance. These tires have great grip and traction, but they might not be as comfortable or quiet. There are many options, like Sport, Touring, and RS, to fit different driving styles and sizes.
If you need tires for winter driving, the Ultra Grip family is a good choice. These tires grip well on snow and ice and also give a bit of sporty performance. Models like GW2 and Ice WRT work well on different sizes and types of vehicles.
WinterCommand tires are made specifically for driving on ice with studs. They work well on icy surfaces, but not all sizes can have studs.
The Wrangler family is well-known among off-road enthusiasts. It has over 20 different models for SUVs, light trucks, and CUVs. Whether you’re doing extreme off-roading or need a tire that works well both on and off the road, Wrangler tires are versatile and durable.
EfficientGrip tires offer a good balance between comfort and performance. They give a smooth ride with better performance than regular touring tires. Available in standard and Performance models, these summer tires come in many sizes to fit different vehicles.
Excellence tires are like the EfficientGrip family. They give good performance for touring. There aren’t as many Excellence models as Eagle or Assurance. But each model comes in many sizes to fit different cars.
Fierce tires are for SUVs and light trucks. They work well off-road and on-road. They are for drivers who like adventure.
Frontera tires are for SUVs and light trucks used mostly on paved roads. They come in SL and HL models. These tires are good for highway driving or a bit sportier driving. They work well in all seasons, even light snow.
Integrity tires are for people on a budget. They are affordable but still good quality. They may not perform as well as Assurance tires. But they have good traction in all seasons. There’s only one Integrity model, but it comes in many sizes for older cars.
Michelin’s History
Michelin is a top tire manufacturer with a long history. It started in 1889 when the Michelin brothers founded it in France. They focused on making better bicycle tires that could be easily fixed by removing them. Michelin became well-known quickly and got its famous Bibendum logo.
Michelin expanded into making car tires after providing tires for an important bicycle race. They have made big improvements in tire technology over the years, like inventing run-flat tires.
Michelin has been around for more than a hundred years. They have done well in racing, winning in Le Mans, WRC, and Formula 1. They have used racing ideas to make tires for regular cars too. Michelin is known for making high-quality tires that work well. They have faced challenges but they have stayed at the top as a leading tire maker.
Michelin’s tire families
Michelin and Goodyear offer tire lineups with unique features for consumers. The Pilot tires are for sporty driving and come in options for cars, SUVs, and CUVs. They have summer, winter, and all-season choices, including some for track use.
Primacy tires prioritize comfort and are suitable for touring. Models like Tour A/S, LTX, and MXM4 cater to different vehicles and weather conditions to provide a luxurious driving feel.
Premier tires focus on lasting durability and comfort when touring. They offer a refined driving experience for passenger cars, CUVs, and SUVs with models like A/S and LTX.
Latitude tires are designed for SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks to provide versatile driving performance. They come in Tour, Alpin, and Sport variants for various driving styles and weather conditions.
X-Ice tires are specialized for winter driving on snow and ice for passenger cars, SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks. Options like Snow, Xi2, and Xi3 are available.
Defender tires are made for durability and safety, providing all-season performance for cars, SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks. Models like T+H and LTX M/S are offered.
Energy tires prioritize fuel efficiency and comfort, offering a quiet and comfortable driving experience. They have reduced rolling resistance, making them ideal for eco-conscious drivers of passenger cars.
Saver tires come in all-season and summer types. They offer versatility and performance. These tires come in various sizes and work well for different vehicle sizes, especially smaller ones.
CrossClimate tires are Michelin’s new models. They are all-season touring tires that balance refinement and performance. These tires come in CrossClimate+ and CrossClimate 2 models. They are suitable for vehicles like hatchbacks and SUVs. The V-shaped tread pattern on these tires improves traction.
LTX tires are made for CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks. The LTX family offers different options for driving needs. The A/T2 model is great for off-road trips with light trucks and SUVs. The M/S2 model is a touring tire for larger vehicles. It provides all-season performance for various road conditions, even lighter snow.
Differences between Goodyear and Michelin
| Aspect | Goodyear | Michelin |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1898 | 1889 |
| Headquarters | Akron, Ohio, USA | Clermont-Ferrand, France |
| Brand Origin | United States | France |
| Iconic Logo | Winged Foot | Bibendum (Michelin Man) |
| Notable Models | Assurance, Eagle, Ultra Grip, Wrangler, EfficientGrip | Pilot, Primacy, Latitude, X-Ice, CrossClimate, LTX |
| Performance | Offers a broad range from budget to high-performance | Known for high-performance and premium offerings |
| Focus | Versatility across various price points | Premium quality and innovation |
| Racing History | Active in various motorsport categories | Extensive involvement in motorsports, including F1 |
| Technology | Emphasizes innovation with features like ActiveCornerGrip, ActiveBraking | Pioneered technologies such as run-flat tires |
| Market Position | Offers a wide range of options catering to different needs and budgets | Renowned for quality, durability, and performance |
Advantages of Goodyear
- Versatility: Goodyear offers a wide range of tire options catering to diverse driving needs, including all-season, performance, touring, and off-road tires.
- Innovation: The company emphasizes innovation, introducing advanced technologies such as ActiveCornerGrip and ActiveBraking to enhance traction and braking performance.
- Racing Heritage: With a rich history in motorsports, Goodyear’s involvement in racing translates into cutting-edge technologies and performance enhancements that trickle down to their consumer tires.
- Durability: Goodyear tires are known for their durability and longevity, making them a reliable choice for drivers seeking long-lasting performance.
- Variety: Goodyear offers tires for a wide range of vehicles, from passenger cars to SUVs, light trucks, and off-road vehicles, ensuring that there’s a suitable option for every driver.
- Value for Money: While offering premium options, Goodyear also provides budget-friendly tire choices, allowing customers to find tires that meet their needs without breaking the bank.
- Warranty Coverage: Many Goodyear tires come with warranty coverage, providing added peace of mind to customers regarding their investment.
Advantages of Michelin
- Premium Quality: Michelin is renowned for producing high-quality tires known for their exceptional performance, durability, and reliability.
- Innovative Technology: Michelin leads the industry in tire technology, pioneering advancements such as run-flat tires and incorporating innovative features like the CrossClimate’s V-shaped tread pattern for enhanced traction.
- Versatility: Michelin offers a diverse range of tire options, catering to different driving needs and vehicle types, from passenger cars to SUVs, light trucks, and even commercial vehicles.
- Superior Performance: Michelin tires are engineered to deliver superior performance across various road conditions, providing excellent traction, handling, and braking capabilities.
- Longevity: Michelin tires are known for their longevity, with many models offering extended tread life and wear resistance, resulting in cost savings over the long term.
- Quiet and Comfortable Ride: Michelin tires are designed to provide a quiet and comfortable driving experience, thanks to advanced tire construction and noise-reducing technologies.
- Safety: Michelin prioritizes safety, designing tires with features that enhance stability, grip, and maneuverability, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring driver confidence on the road.
- Environmental Sustainability: Michelin is committed to sustainability, developing eco-friendly tire solutions that reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, contributing to a greener future.
Which Tires Are Good?
Comparing Goodyear and Michelin tires can be challenging because both brands are known for making excellent tires. They have earned top spots in the industry by consistently producing high-quality tires in different categories.
Choosing between Goodyear and Michelin tires for paved roads can be tricky. Each brand has its strengths, with certain models excelling in different areas. To make a good choice, it’s best to compare individual tire models from both brands through detailed reviews.
When it comes to off-road driving, Goodyear is the clear winner. They are known for making exceptional all-terrain and mud-terrain tires, outshining Michelin in this category.
Whether you go for Goodyear or Michelin, you can expect top performance and reliability. Both brands offer strong options in various tire categories, ensuring drivers can find suitable tires for their specific needs.
Verdict
If you need new tires, Michelin and Goodyear both have great options. Their products are top quality, but they can be pricey for some people.
For off-road driving, consider the Goodyear Wrangler series. For excellent on-road traction and comfort, check out Michelin Premier and Defender lines.
Both Goodyear and Michelin offer high-performance tires for serious drivers. Your choice between the two brands will depend on what you prefer and how you drive.