When it comes to all-season SUV and light-truck tires, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 confidently stakes its claim. I spent several weeks driving over a variety of roads and weather conditions to evaluate performance, comfort, treadwear, and overall value.
In this in-depth review, I’ll outline exactly what I like, what could be improved, share my personal experience, and more, including an alternative option if you’re shopping around. Let’s dive in.
What I Like
- Exceptional All-Season Performance
- Wet traction is stellar, thanks to optimized grooves and directional tread design.
- Light snow and slush? No problem. These tires carry the 3‑Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) mark, meaning real winter performance, not just marketing fluff.
- Long Tread Life
- Thanks to Pirelli’s Rider Silica Plus compound, these deliver high mileage without sacrificing safety or wet grip.
- Quiet and Comfortable Ride
- Noise is impressively low; even on rougher roads, there’s only a gentle hum instead of a booming roar.
- Responsive Handling
- Strong lateral grip and predictable steering make these feel more like touring tires than austere utility-grade tires.
- Balanced on Nearly Every Metric
Dry braking is competitive with premium all-season peers, and rolling resistance is low, boosting both driving smoothness and fuel economy.
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What Could Be Better
- Not for Heavier Snow Winters
- While rated for light snow, it lags behind full-on winter tires in deep snow, icy patches, or sub-freezing slush conditions.
- Slightly Firmer Feel
- Ride firmness is minimal, but some drivers might notice higher sidewall rigidity compared to ultra-comfort cruiser tires.
- Premium Price Tag
- These cost more than budget all-season tires. You’re paying for advanced materials, performance, and longevity.
- Limited Low-Profile Variety
- If you’re driving a modern crossover or coupe with sporty 19–22″ wheels, size options may be more limited.
My Personal Experience
Real-World Test Conditions
- 1,500+ miles over highways, suburban roads, gravel, and occasional snow
- Temperatures ranged from 30 °F (–1 °C) to 95 °F (35 °C)
- Terrain included rainstorms, rough back roads, urban potholes, and scenic mountain highways.
Wet Weather Drives
Impressive. Rainstorms exposed both strengths and weaknesses: water evacuation was speedy, and hydroplaning risk remained low.
I tested emergency braking in wet pavement, and stopping distances matched or beat competitor tires like the Michelin Premier LTX. Overall, wet confidence is high.
Light Snow & Slush
I took the Scorpion AS Plus 3 through a couple of 2–4-inch snowfalls and icy side streets. The traction and grip were more than adequate for daily driving and cautious handling,
but in deeper snowdrifts or on sharp ice, a full winter tire would be safer. Still, the 3PMSF certification is legitimately earned here.
Dry Road Behavior
On highway drives and twisty canyon roads, there’s a surprising crispness. Steering is precise, and high-speed stability is dependable.
Braking in dry conditions, think abrupt highway exit or quick stop in suburban traffic, was linear and reliable.
Comfort & Noise
Pothole impacts were absorbed well. The ride feels controlled but not harsh, with minimal bounce. Even at 80 mph (130 km/h), the cabin remained quiet, and the tire’s optimized block arrangement effectively reduces noise harmonics.
Mileage & Long-Term Wear
Treadwear has been moderate yet predictable. After around 2,000 miles, I observed even wear across the entire footprint, no feathering or excessive edge wear.
Pirelli offers a 65,000‑mile warranty in many sizes, and based on early wear patterns, it looks achievable, but full long-term data is still pending.
Design
Tread Pattern & Compound
- Rider Silica Plus Compound – enhances wet grip and tread life
- Symmetrical, directional tread – encourages water evacuation via wide circumferential grooves.
- High-density siping – everywhere, improving grip across all conditions
Sidewall & Aesthetics
- Clean, modern look with bold Pirelli branding and tire specs
- Some sizes include sculpted sidewall accent lines, which add subtle style to the wheel.s
Mounting & Load Capacity
- Available from 16″ to 20″ wheels
- Load index suitable for small to midsize SUVs and crossovers
- Speed rating options: T (118 mph), H (130 mph), V (149 mph), depending on size
Performance
| Condition | Strengths | Notes |
| Dry Grip | Precise steering, confident braking | Slightly firmer ride offsets neutral handling foa r sporty feel |
| Wet Grip | Quick water evacuation, minimal hydroplaning | Excellent feature set for rainy climates |
| Light Snow | Traction is surprisingly good for an all-season | Better than average—but deeper snow or icy roads need winter tires |
| Comfort | Quiet and smooth | Noise ~68–70 dB at 65 mph on highway |
| Tread Life | Very good; even wear through 2,000+ miles | 65,000‑mile warranty confirms longevity |
| Fuel Economy | Low rolling resistance | Slight 1–2% gain in mpg vs typical touring all-season tires |
(Based on independent tests and real-world data.)
Build Quality
- Construction – Double steel belts with twin-shaped cap ply for stability at speed
- Uniformity – Little to no bounce or hop above 70 mph
- Durability – No chunking or missing bits after thousands of miles on gravel back roads
- Tire Core & Bead Strength – Repeated mount/demount cycles show no bead damage—important for seasonal swaps.
Alternative Option
If you’re looking into strong competitors, here are two you might compare:
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S
- Excellent tread life (80,000-mile warranty) and comfortable. Outperforms in dry/comfort but is slightly behind in wet grip.
- Goodyear All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
- A true all-terrain option—better off-road and in deep snow, but noisier on pavement and less fuel-efficient.
Another strong contender: Cooper Evolution Tour, which is quieter and a touch cheaper, but sacrifices some wet/braking performance versus the Scorpion.
Read More: Kumho vs Cooper Tires | My Honest Review
Final Thought
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 balances safety, longevity, and comfort exceptionally well. You’re getting:
- Top-tier all-season reliability
- Legally qualified light-snow traction
- Smooth, quiet ride
- Confident handling and braking
- Long warranty for peace of mind
It’s not the cheapest option out there, and if you need deep-winter grip or ultra-comfort tires, look elsewhere.
But for a mainstream SUV or crossover driver seeking a well-rounded, year‑round tire with solid mileage, it’s among the best in class.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Scorpion AS Plus 3 a winter tire?
No. It is an all-season tire with the 3‑Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, meaning it performs decently in light snow/ice, but it’s not a dedicated winter tire.
2. How many miles will these tires last?
Pirelli backs them with up to a 65,000‑mile treadwear warranty. In real-world usage, they tend to hit or exceed expectations, 2,000+ miles so far, showing even tread wear with minimal loss.
3. Are they quiet?
Very. Between 68–70 dB at highway speeds, road noise is comparable to high-end touring tires.
4. How do they perform in heavy rain?
Excelling at water evacuation, they resist hydroplaning even in deep puddles. Emergency braking in wet tests is outstanding.
5. What’s the price range?
Expect to pay $160–$250 per tire, depending on size, retailer, and vehicle type.
6. Do they hurt fuel economy?
No low rolling resistance helps maintain or slightly improve fuel efficiency compared with standard all-season tires.
Final Words
If you demand dependable, year-round performance in wet, dry, and mild winter conditions with long life and quiet comfort, and are okay paying a bit more, then the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is among the most balanced options you can buy.
