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Touring Tires Guide: The Road to Comfort and Versatility

By Tire Agent Staff

September 19, 2023

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The term "touring" carries different meanings depending on whether you're talking about the automotive industry as a whole or delving into the specialized lingo of tire enthusiasts.

In this article, we'll analyze the intricacies of touring in both contexts, explain what GT radial tires bring to the table and explore the various types of touring tires. We'll also weigh the pros and cons of touring tires.

Touring in the Automotive Industry

In the broader automotive industry, "touring" is a versatile term encompassing various aspects of comfort, practicality and long-distance travel. Essentially, it refers to a class of vehicles that prioritizes a smooth and comfortable ride, making them ideal companions for extended journeys.

Touring vehicles typically feature a design focusing on passenger comfort and ample cargo space. These cars are engineered for highway cruising, offering a peaceful driving experience where road noise and vibrations are minimized. Think of sedans, hatchbacks and even some SUVs that provide a comfortable ride for those who prefer the open road over quick sprints.

Touring in Tire Lingo

When we transition into the world of tires, the term "touring" takes on a more specialized meaning. Touring tires are designed to focus on comfort, quietness and long-lasting performance. They are often associated with passenger vehicles and complement the characteristics of touring cars in the automotive industry.

Breaking down touring tires

Touring tires come in different subtypes, each tailored to specific driving conditions and preferences. Here are some common types of touring tires and how they stack up:

      • Touring all-season: These tires are designed to perform well in various weather conditions, making them a versatile choice for year-round driving. They excel in wet and dry conditions, making them suitable for many regions.
      • Grand touring: Grand touring tires take comfort and performance up a notch. They often feature a more refined tread pattern and better handling characteristics compared to standard touring tires.
      • Touring performance: These tires strike a balance between touring and high-performance tires. They offer improved handling and responsiveness without sacrificing too much on comfort.
      • Touring vs. all-season: While "touring" and "all-season" are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same. All-season tires are designed to handle a broader range of weather conditions, whereas touring tires prioritize comfort and quietness.
      • Touring vs. highway tires: Highway tires are a subset of touring tires optimized for long highway drives. They offer excellent fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride, making them suitable for those who spend a lot of time on the open road.

What's the difference between touring and grand touring tires?

One common source of confusion is the difference between touring and grand touring tires. While both types prioritize comfort and quietness, grand touring tires often take it a step further in performance. They tend to have more advanced tread designs and are engineered to provide better handling and cornering capabilities. Grand touring tires are for those who want a sportier feel without compromising comfort.

Pros and Cons of Touring Tires

Before deciding if touring tires are the right fit for your vehicle, consider their advantages and disadvantages.

Why you'd want touring tires on a car:

      • Comfortable ride: Touring tires offer a smooth and comfortable driving experience, making long journeys more enjoyable.
      • Low noise: They are designed to reduce road noise, contributing to a quieter cabin.
      • Longevity: Touring tires often have a good tread life, meaning they last a long time before needing replacement.
      • Fuel efficiency: Many touring tires are engineered for fuel efficiency, helping you save on gas costs during your travels.

Why you might not want touring tires:

      • Limited performance: While comfortable, touring tires may not provide the sharp handling and responsiveness of high-performance tires.
      • Not ideal for extreme conditions: They may struggle in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow or extreme off-road situations.
      • Cost: Some high-quality touring tires can be relatively expensive, but they often justify the cost with their durability and performance.

BUY NOW, PAY TOMORROW: On a budget and need new tires? Tire Agent has easy payment plans, including $0 down, no credit check, 90 days same as cash and more. Scroll down for our list of 9 brands that offer some of the best touring tires for your car, SUV, or crossover.

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Best Touring Tires for Passenger Vehicles

Here is a quick guide to your best options for touring tires. Note that *all prices are subject to change, and prices vary based on the size. Use Tire Agent's tire matching tool to find the right touring tire to fit your vehicle. Enter your make, model, year and trim level, then verify the tire size. Use the filters to set the tread type to touring, performance touring, touring all season, etc. 

Bridgestone bs_turanza_el400_l.jpeg

Bridgestone offers some of the best touring tires in the industry, including its Turanza line, which provides a quiet, smooth driving experience thanks to its enhanced tread technology. If you're looking for significantly decreased road noise, explore Bridgestone's touring tires.

Continental continental truecontact tour.webp

When it comes to dependable and comfortable journeys on the road, Continental touring tires stand out for drivers seeking a combination of performance, safety and longevity. Crafted with precision and engineered to excel in various driving conditions, these tires offer a remarkable driving experience.

Cooper 

Cooper touring tires are your ticket to a driving experience characterized by comfort, dependability and outstanding performance. Crafted with precision engineering and a commitment to quality, these tires are designed to enhance your driving adventures in various conditions. 

Goodyear 

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady.jpg

When it comes to dependable and high-performance touring tires, Goodyear stands as a symbol of excellence. They are meticulously crafted to offer drivers a remarkable balance of comfort, safety and lasting performance, making them an exceptional choice for any road trip.

Kumho

Kumho touring tires are your gateway to a dynamic and reliable driving experience. Crafted with precision and a commitment to performance, these tires are engineered to provide a harmonious blend of comfort, safety and lasting performance. kumho ko_solus_ta11_l.jpeg

Michelin

Michelin touring tires offer drivers a superior blend of comfort, safety and long-lasting performance, setting the standard for road travel.

Pirelli Pirelli Cinturato_P7_All_Season_Plus_...

Pirelli touring tires are a testament to the brand's commitment to blending style, performance and reliability. Crafted with precision and a heritage of excellence, these tires are designed to enhance your driving experience, offering a balance of comfort, safety and enduring performance.

Toyo

Toyo touring tires are designed to deliver a superior driving experience. These tires strike a harmonious balance between comfort, safety and long-lasting performance, making them an excellent choice for daily commutes and extended road trips.

Yokohama Yokohama AVID_ASCEND_GT.jpeg

Yokohama touring tires represent a commitment to excellence in tire engineering, offering drivers an exceptional combination of comfort, safety and lasting performance. Formulated with precision and innovation, these tires are designed to enhance your journeys.

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