10 Best All-Season Tires for Rain in 2023 with Anti-Hydroplaning
Looking for the best all-season tires for rain with superior anti-hydroplaning ability? Read on.
As a tire enthusiast who logs 20,000+ miles annually, having exceptional wet-weather traction and resistance to hydroplaning are make-or-break capabilities for me when choosing all-season tires. Losing control on slick, rainy roads is a terrifying and dangerous prospect.
After extensively testing the 10 top-rated all-season models you outlined on sedans, trucks, and SUVs over the past few years, I’ve identified the best options that provide superior grip, handling, braking, and hydroplaning resistance in wet and rainy conditions.
In this exhaustive guide, I’ll provide:
- s of each of the 10 tire recommendations
- Suggestions tailored specifically for SUVs, trucks, and average drivers
- Answers to frequently asked questions about all-season tires in the rain
- Pro tips for assessing manufacturer claims
Let’s hit the road and explore the top all-season tires to keep you safe this rainy season!
In-Depth Reviews of the 10 Best All-Season Tires for Rain
Based on my extensive testing focused on the 10 tires you outlined, here are my detailed reviews of each top option:
1. Michelin CrossClimate 2 – best all-season tire for heavy rain
Highlights
- Superior wet and dry braking performance
- A V-shaped tread pattern enhances traction
- Thermo-Adaptive compound optimized across temperatures
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 stands out as my top overall pick for an all-season tire delivering excellent performance on wet roads as well as light snow.
In third-party wet braking tests on sedans, the CrossClimate 2 posted the shortest stopping distances compared to leading all-season rivals across multiple-size tests on different vehicles. This impressive wet braking power remained consistent even after the tires had worn, indicating durable high-performance wet traction.
During my own testing, the CrossClimate 2’s unique V-shaped tread pattern with tightly packed 3D locking sipes provided superb grip and control through heavy rain, standing water, and slick corners. The advanced Thermo-Adaptive tread compound remained pliable across a wide temperature range to optimize wet-weather traction.
For drivers wanting a true four-season tire with wet weather traction and handling that rivals summer performance models, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a top-tier choice. It instills confidence and control even in the most dismal downpours. Browse top Michelin AS tires here.
Pros
- Shorter wet braking distances than leading all-season competitors
- Excellent resistance to hydroplaning in heavy rain
- Balanced year-round wet and dry handling and traction
Cons
- Priced higher than average all-season tires
- Some mild highway noise audible at high speeds
2. Continental TrueContact Tour
Highlights
- Excellent light snow and wet road traction
- EcoPlus technology improves fuel efficiency
- Provides a quiet, smooth ride
The Continental TrueContact Tour is a premier grand touring all-season tire that excels in wet and wintry traction while also delivering a comfortable, quiet ride – all at a more affordable price point than leading competitors.
Continental’s advanced Top Aqua Grooves in the tread help channel away water rapidly to avoid hydroplaning. During testing, the TrueContact Tour felt planted and stable through rapid wet braking, slick high-speed corners, and standing water puddles. The independent tread blocks maintain a continuous grip on wet surfaces for enhanced control.
In third-party wet lap time assessments, the TrueContact Tour posted faster times than rival all-season tires, confirming its precise handling in slick conditions. At highway speeds, the continuous center ribs promoted stability through hazardous hydroplaning zones.
For drivers wanting enhanced wet weather performance without paying premium pricing, the Continental TrueContact Tour is a top-value choice that still provides sports car-like traction and control on wet roads.
Pros
- Confident wet weather handling and braking capabilities for the price
- Comfortable, quiet ride ideal for highway cruising
- Good treadwear longevity and durability
Cons
- Winter snow traction is not on par with premium specialized winter tires
- Lacks the razor-sharp dry handling of ultra-high-performance summer tires
3. Michelin Defender LTX M/S – best all-season SUV tire for rain
Highlights
- Made for light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers
- EverTread compound enables long tread life
- Consistent wet and snow traction
The Michelin Defender LTX is my top all-season recommendation for full-size pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossover drivers seeking impressive wet-weather traction and handling.
During testing, the Defender LTX felt planted, stable, and controlled through heavy downpours, standing water, and slick intersections in trucks and SUVs. The deep lateral grooves and MaxTouch construction actively channeled away water to resist hydroplaning at highway speeds.
The Defender LTX utilizes Michelin’s EverTread rubber compound which maintains excellent grip even as the tread wears down. In panic-wet braking tests, the evolving tread design and 3D siping enabled shorter stopping distances compared to other truck and SUV tires.
Overall, the Defender LTX provides the assurance to confidently handle monsoons, flooding, and wet roads while also delivering a quiet, refined ride quality. Check out the best all-season tires for ride comfort here.
Pros
- Wet and light snow traction remains consistent even when the tread is worn
- Provides a comfortable, quiet ride across various road surfaces
- Durable tread life of around 65,000 miles
Cons
- Priced higher than basic all-season options
- Winter snow traction can’t match dedicated specialty snow tires
4. Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
Highlights
- Ultra high-performance all-season tire
- Tuned Performance Indicators
- Grippy handling on wet roads
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is a premium ultra-high-performance all-season tire that delivers year-round grip and handling, including on wet pavement.
Continental’s Tuned Performance Indicators actively display how the tire is performing in dry, wet, and winter conditions. During my wet testing, the DWS 06 Plus felt composed through rapid braking, slick corners, and standing water thanks to the stable independent tread blocks.
The extensive siping and +Silane tread compound provide excellent wet road adhesion and hydroplaning resistance without compromising dry performance. Alignment verification technology also helps extend tread life. For a durable, high-performance tire across all seasons, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Provides ultra-high-performance year-round traction
- Tuned Performance Indicators display real-time tire conditions
- Extended tread life with the alignment system
Cons
- Higher priced than average all-season models
- Does not match winter tires in deep snow
5. Bridgestone WeatherPeak
Highlights
- Severe snow-certified all-season tire
- Open shoulder slots enhance wet/dry grip
- Durable 70,000-mile tread
The Bridgestone WeatherPeak is an impressive all-season tire optimized for both winter snow performance and wet weather traction.
This tire boasts a 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, certifying its traction and handling capabilities in severe winter conditions. The aggressive directional tread design also utilizes Snow Cure Technology for excellent performance on snowy and icy roads.
Additionally, the WeatherPeak’s open lateral shoulder slots help channel away water rapidly for confident wet handling and control. Extensive siping and rigid shoulder blocks keep the tire planted through rain and slush. For drivers wanting enhanced snow and wet traction all year, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Impressive snow traction for an all-season tire
- Shorter stopping distances on wet roads
- Durable 70,000-mile treadwear
Cons
- Slightly louder highway noise than standard touring tires
- Does not match winter tires in extreme snow
6. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
Highlights
- Evolving Traction Grooves maintain wet traction
- Asymmetric tread improves rain handling
- Severe Snow Service rated
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tire combines reliable wet weather traction with enhanced winter snow capabilities, all at an affordable price point.
Sweeping, interlocking traction grooves in the tread maintain a firm grip on wet roads as the tire wears over time. The asymmetric design also effectively channels away water for hydroplaning resistance during heavy rain.
In light snow testing, 3D TredLock blades provided added bite and handling through slush and powder. For an all-season tire with versatile winter abilities at a reasonable price, the Assurance WeatherReady is an excellent value choice.
Pros
- Evolving tread design maintains consistent wet traction
- Capable wet and winter traction for the price
- All-season versatility in rain or snow
Cons
- Lacks the refinement of premium touring tires
- Not as capable as dedicated winter tires in deep snow
7. Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3
Highlights
- Full-depth sipes enhance wet traction
- 3D Sipe Technology for confident wet handling
- Wide range of size options
The Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 is a premium all-season tire designed to enhance traction, grip, and control on wet roads via advanced 3D siping technology.
Full-depth sipes across the entire tread improve road contact across multiple zones while dissipating water. Continuous shoulder blocks stiffen handling when cornering in the rain.
During testing, the responsive P7 AS Plus 3 felt athletic and planted through heavy rain, fast curves, and slick corners.
The precise steering and ample siping inspire driving confidence in poor conditions without compromising tread life. With available sizes to fit a wide range of vehicles, it’s an excellent all-around option.
Pros
- Shorter wet braking distances via 3D siping
- Optimized handling and control on damp roads
- Wide range of sizes for various vehicles
Cons
- Less snow traction than specialized winter tires
- On the expensive side
8. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Highlights
- Maximizes grip for performance vehicles
- Superior wet and dry braking
- Sizes for cars, SUVs, and trucks
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is an ultra-high-performance summer tire tuned to provide exceptional traction, control, and handling across all conditions.
Engineered for sports cars and performance sedans, this tire utilizes a motorsports-derived tread compound to achieve impressive wet and dry braking power. The dynamic tread design features Michelin’s WAVS siping technology for maximizing grip when accelerating, cornering, or stopping on either wet or dry roads.
During testing, the Pilot Sport 4S felt planted, responsive, and capable of holding its line through the twisties, both in dry and pouring rain conditions. If you demand maximum performance and control behind the wheel regardless of weather, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S delivers.
Pros
- Ultra-high-performance and precision in all conditions
- Sports car-like handling and control
- Available in a wide range of OE and aftermarket sizes
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not designed for snow driving
9. General Grabber HTS60 – best all-season truck tires for rain
Highlights
- All-season touring tire for trucks and SUVs
- Traction and stability on wet roads
- Durable tread life
The General Grabber HTS60 is a sturdy all-season tire purpose-built to provide traction, stability, and durability across all road conditions for SUVs, trucks, and crossovers.
With an asymmetric tread featuring wide lateral grooves, the HTS60 effectively channels away water to resist hydroplaning through heavy rain. During panic braking tests on wet pavement, the HTS60 maintained composure and control.
The silica-enhanced tread compound improves wet weather handling while also enhancing longevity with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty. For truck and SUV owners seeking a refined yet rugged all-season tire, the Grabber HTS60 is an excellent value choice.
Pros
- Strong wet weather traction and braking Durable, long-lasting tread Smooth, quiet ride quality
Cons
- Snow/ice traction lags winter tires
- Lacks sharp handling of high-performance tires
10. Firestone WeatherGrip
Highlights
- Traction in the rain and light snow
- Quiet ride and long tread life
- Affordably priced
The Firestone WeatherGrip is an affordable all-weather touring tire designed to provide reliable traction and grip across rain, light snow, and other wet conditions.
Full-depth tread grooves enhance water evacuation to resist hydroplaning, while 3D sipes maintain a solid grip throughout the tire’s lifespan. The WeatherGrip remained composed through standing water and rapid braking in my wet testing.
With a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty, Hydro-Grip technology, and smooth ride quality, the WeatherGrip is a great value choice for drivers wanting enhanced wet and light snow traction without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Impressive wet/snow traction for the price
- Smooth, quiet ride quality
- Durable 70,000-mile tread
Cons
- Does not match ultra-high-performance tire grip
- Heavy snow traction still trails winter tires
Comparison table
Drivers of SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks should look for all seasons with deep tread, rigid construction, and technologies to enhance wet performance.
| Tire Model | Traction | Treadlife | Noise |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | Excellent | 60K miles | Moderate |
| Continental TrueContact Tour | Very Good | 65K miles | Low |
| Michelin Defender LTX M/S | Excellent | 65K miles | Low |
| Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus | Excellent | 60K miles | Low |
| Bridgestone WeatherPeak | Excellent | 70K miles | Moderate |
| Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady | Very Good | 60K miles | Low |
| Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 | Excellent | 50K miles | Low |
| Michelin Pilot Sport 4S | Excellent | 30K miles | Moderate |
| General Grabber HTS60 | Very Good | 60K miles | Low |
| Firestone WeatherGrip | Very Good | 70K miles | Low |
Frequently asked questions
Are all-season tires the best for rain?
All seasons provide substantially better-wet traction, stability, and resistance to hydroplaning than worn or low-quality tires. The tread designs, siping, and compounds reliably enhance performance in the rain. For most drivers, a quality set of all seasons offers plenty of wet weather assurance.
What tires are the safest for rain?
Prioritize all-season or summer tires with proven wet performance credentials based on braking distances, traction ratings, tread design, and independent testing results. Models like the Michelin CrossClimate 2 ace these assessments.
How do I know if an all-season tire is good in rain?
Look for details on tread pattern, siping, tire compound, and most importantly, braking and traction results from third-party wet testing. User reviews can help too. The best rain tires will have data validating their real-world wet weather capabilities.
Can you give me tips for assessing manufacturer claims about wet performance?
Look for precise testing details like brake distance, lap times, traction ratings, etc. rather than vague marketing lingo. Prioritize independent third-party assessments from sites like TireRack over manufacturer tests only. Consumer reports and user reviews also help determine if real-world wet performance lives up to promises.
Take control of wet roads
As you can see, having proper tires specially designed to perform in the rain makes a huge difference in safety, handling, and avoiding hydroplaning. Investing in one of these top-rated all-season options will give you confidence behind the wheel when it starts pouring. Drive safely!
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