Pirelli Tires: Are They Worth It? (+14 Brands Compared)

Pirelli (based in Milan, Italy) is the sixth largest tire manufacturer; founded in 1872, Pirelli is famous for its iconic calendar and high-performance tires.

How good are Pirelli tires? Are they worth the money?

pirelli tires

Why Buy Pirelli Tires?

Wherever you are in the world, Pirelli tires offer:

  • Excellent road safety – durable with excellent road grip.
  • Affordable quality – Pirelli is not the most expensive tire on the market.
  • Innovative tread designs to reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
  • Higher fuel efficiency.
  • Use of sustainable materials.
  • Quieter ride.

You may pay more for Pirelli tires but get more features than a budget brand.

Plus, in some cases, Pirelli is the more affordable tire.

Why is Pirelli So Expensive?

Although tire costs are relative, Pirelli has a reputation as a premium brand.

Factors influencing the cost of Pirelli tires include:

Rising Costs for Raw Materials and Transport

All manufacturers of all products are suffering from rising costs for raw materials and transport.

Every year different actors influence how economical it is to source the basic materials needed for tire production and shipping both tires and raw materials across the globe.

Marketing, Sponsorship, and Motorsport

Pirelli’s excellent reputation is maintained by keeping a high profile and being involved in motorsport.

Pirelli is a global player, and visibility is essential to brand awareness.

Ultimately additional expenses impact the price of products.

Innovation Costs

Producing a more fuel-efficient tire with less road noise and greater durability means investing in research and testing.

Ultimately all these costs raise the price of all Pirelli tires.

Pirelli does not remain in the top market rankings without investing heavily in innovation, requiring dedicated and expensive staff and facilities.

Pirelli Warranty vs. Actual Mileage

Pirelli has a comprehensive customer warranty you can download for full terms and conditions.

Typically, Pirelli offers a limited warranty covering defects rather than committing to a tread life warranty because tread life depends on road conditions and driving style.

A long-distance truck driver will wear out their tires faster than a commuter with a short daily journey on good roads. Some drivers may need to retire their tires because of age long before they wear out the tread.

Individual customer reviews of Pirelli tires are unavailable, but Pirelli scores four and five stars in summarized data.

Pirelli Recommended Tires

Tire recommendations for typical vehicle classes:

Car TypeExamplesPirelli Recommends
A compact Sedan is a typical small family car with a petrol engine of more than 1.2L or a Diesel of 1.5L.Hyundai Electra; Honda Civic; Audi A3; Toyota Corolla; Mazda 3.  Cinturato P7; Winter Sottozero 3; Cinturato Winter 2; Ice Zero; Ice Zero FR: Powergy; Cintura P7 Blue; Pzero;P Zero Rosso.
Midsize Sedan – a large family car with internal dimensions of 110-119 cuft, including passenger area and trunk.Chevrolet Malibu; Volkswagen Passat; Subaru Legacy; Nissan Altima; Toyota Camry.Winter Sottozero 3; Cinturato Winter; Ice Zero; Ice Zero FRCinturato All Season SF2; Cinturato All Season Plus; Cinturato P7; Powergy; Cinturato P7 Blue; Cinturato P1 Verde.
Compact SUV or CUVHonda CRV; Nissan Rogue; Toyota RAV4.  Ice Zero; Ice Zero FR; Scorpion Winter; Scorpion All Season SF2; Scorpion Verde All Season; Scorpion ATR; Scorpion Verde.
A midsize SUV is typically smaller than a full SUV with two or three rows of seats.Jeep Grand Cherokee; Chevrolet Equinox; Ford Explorer; Toyota Highlander.Ice Zero; Ice Zero FR; Scorpion Winter; Scorpion AllSeason SF2; Scorion Verde All Season; Scorpion ATR; Scorpion Verde.
Full SUV – basic sports utility vehicle with seating for seven passengers.Jeep Wagoneer; Ford Expedition; Chevrolet Suburban; Toyota Sequoia.Scorpion Winter; Scorpion Verde All Season; Scorpion Verde.
Light Trucks – gross vehicle weight of 8,500lbsFord F150; Toyota Tundra; Dodge RAM 1500; Nissan Titan.Scorpion ATR.

Sample of tire specifications:

 Ice ZeroCinturato AS SF2Scorpion VerdeScorpion ATR
Driving conditionsWinterAll seasonAll Season Mud and snowAll Season All Terrain
Selling points.Runflat technology. Studless.Designed for short urban commuting.Runflat technology. Environmentally friendly and fuel efficient.Reinforced to bear extra loads. Self-cleaning tread.
Price per tireStarts under $100 up to $240Starts under $100 up to $240Starts under $100 up to $240$150-$250
Rim Sizes14″ – 20″14″ – 20”16″ – 22″14″ – 22″
Warranty – treadwear.Manufacturer limited warranty.Manufacturer limited warranty.Manufacturer limited warranty.50,000 miles
Fuel efficiency (A-E)BC-ECD-E
Wet Grip braking (A-E)E (Range A-G)BBC -E
Rolling noise68 dB69 – 71 dB71 dB71-74 dB
Extreme snow.3PMSF snowflake rated3PMS snowflake ratedNoNo
Ice traction.NoNoNoNo

Comparison of Pirelli Tires with Other Brands

For comparison purposes, using the Scorpion Verde (compact SUV like the Toyota RAV4) and the Scorpion ATR (Light Truck like Ford F150).

#1 Pirelli vs. Michelin

Comparing the Scorpion Verde with Michelin Cross Climate 2 for crossover SUVs: The Michelin tires are more expensive, quieter, and have a 3PSMF rating. But the Pirelli tire matches Michelin for fuel efficiency (C rating) and wet grip braking (B rating).

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeMichelin Cross Climate 2
PriceUnder $100 to $240$170 – $350
Rim Size16” – 22”15” – 20”
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CB-C
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BB
Rolling Noise71 dB69 dB
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF rated.

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with the Michelin Defender LTX for pickups – similar in performance and price, although the Michelin get expensive quickly as you move to larger rims.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRMichelin Defender LTX
Price$150 – $250$143 – $466
Rim Size14” – 22”15” – 22”
Warranty50,000 miles50,000 – 70,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-ENo EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-ENo EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking.
Rolling Noise71-74 dBNo EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels.
Suitability for SnowNoNot snowflake rated.

#2 Pirelli vs. Firestone

Comparing the Pirelli Scorpion Verde with Firestone All Season for SUVs: The prices, rolling noise, and wet grip between the Pirelli and Firestone are broadly similar, but the former has better fuel efficiency.

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeFirestone All Season
PriceUnder $100 to $240$160 – $220
Rim Size16” – 22”14” – 20”
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.65,000 miles.
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CD
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BB
Rolling Noise71 dB71 dB
Suitability for SnowNoNo.

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with the Destination LE3 for pickup trucks – they are similar in price and performance, so the Firestone’s longer warranty may be the decider.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRFirestone Destination LE3
Price$150 – $250$150 – $250
Rim Size14” – 22”15” – 22”
Warranty50,000 miles70,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-ENo EU label. Firestone scores this as the best for fuel efficiency.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-ENo EU label. Firestone scores this in the best zone.
Rolling Noise71-74 dBNo EU label. Firestone scores this as quiet and smooth.
Suitability for SnowNoNo.

#3 Pirelli vs. Goodyear

Comparing the Pirelli Scorpion Verde with Goodyear Assurance All Season for SUVs: The Goodyear tire may be $20-$40 cheaper than the Pirelli and offers similar performance. The Pirelli tire allows you to run on flat tires and uses more sustainable materials for very little more in cost.

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeGoodyear Assurance All Season
PriceUnder $100 to $240Under $100 to $200
Rim Size16” – 22”14” – 20”
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CNo EU label, but has a low rolling resistance for good fuel efficiency.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BUTQG rated A.
Rolling Noise71 dBNo EU label, but considered relatively quiet.
Suitability for SnowNoNo.

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with the Wrangler TrailRunner AT for pickups – similar price and performance. The Goodyear tire has reinforced sidewalls and a 3PMSF rating, while the Pirelli tire has self-cleaning treads and reasonable fuel efficiency for this type of tire.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRGoodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT
Price$150 – $250$170 – $350
Rim Size14” – 22”15” – 20”
Warranty50,000 miles60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-EExempt class; will vary with loading.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-EExempt class. Sawtooth design with sipes to increase traction.
Rolling Noise71-74 dBExempt class. Computer-optimized tread pattern reduces noise.
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF winter rating.

#4 Pirelli vs. Bridgestone

Comparing the Pirelli Scorpion Verde with Bridgestone WeatherPeak for crossover SUVs: The Bridgestone tire is more expensive ($30-$60) but gives you a quieter tire with top-class wet braking and excellent grip on snow. Both tires have the same fuel efficiency score.

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeBridgestone WeatherPeak
PriceUnder $100 to $240$160 – $270
Rim Size16” – 22”15″ – 20″
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.70,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CC
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BA
Rolling Noise71 dB70 dB
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF Snowflake rated for extreme snow.

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with the Dueler A/T for pickups – the Bridgestone tire costs significantly more ($100-$150) while providing a similar level of performance. The Pirelli tire is self-cleaning, increasing off-road durability, while the Bridgestone tire has a 3PMSF rating, so which one you choose depends on the use case.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRBridgestone Dueler A/T
Price$150 – $250$300- $350
Rim Size14” – 22”16″ – 20″
Warranty50,000 miles60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-ED
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-EC
Rolling Noise71-74 dB72-73 dB
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF snowflake rated.

#5 Pirelli vs. Cooper

Comparing the Scorpion Verde with Cooper Endeavor Plus for SUVs: Similar price and performance, but the Pirelli tire offers the additional safety feature of run-on-flat.

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeCooper Endeavor Plus
PriceUnder $100 to $240$100 – $260
Rim Size16” – 22”16” – 22”
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CNo EU label
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BNo EU label
Rolling Noise71 dBNo EU label
Suitability for SnowNoNo

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with Cooper Discoverer AT3 for trucks: the Cooper tire is $50-$100 more expensive for a similar performance to the Pirelli, but the extra investment for the Cooper rubber’s 3PMSF rating means you don’t need to swap tires come winter.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRCooper Discoverer AT3
Price$150 – $250$197 – $400
Rim Size14” – 22”15” – 22”
Warranty50,000 miles65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-ED
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-EC
Rolling Noise71-74 dB73-75 dB
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF snowflake rated

#6 Pirelli vs. Continental

Comparing the Scorpion Verde with Continental All Season Contact for SUVs: Comparable price and performance, but the Continental tire has a 3PMSF rating, while the Pirelli offers Run-on-flat technology.

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeContinental All Season Contact
PriceUnder $100 to $240Starts under $100 to about $200
Rim Size16” – 22”13″ – 20″
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.No treadwear warranty.
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CB-C
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BB
Rolling Noise71 dB71-72 dB
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF Snowflake rated for extreme snow.

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with the Viking Contact7 for pickup trucks: You can save considerably on the Continental tire, but the Pirelli performs better for wet grip braking while the Viking Contact7 has a 3PMSF rating for greater adaptability to most surfaces.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRContinental Viking Contact 7
Price$150 – $250$110 – $160
Rim Size14” – 22”15″ – 22″
Warranty50,000 milesTwo years from date of purchase – not treadwear.
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-EC-D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-ED-E
Rolling Noise71-74 dB71-72 dB
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF snowflake rated.

#7 Pirelli vs. Yokohama

Comparing the Scorpion Verde with Advan Fleva V701 for crossover SUVs: The Yokohama is a similar price and matches or exceeds the Pirelli performance. The Yokohama is a warm-weather tire that is not suitable at temperatures below 37F.

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeYokohama Advan Fleva V701
PriceUnder $100 to $240Starts under $100
Rim Size16” – 22”15” – 20”
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.Limited warranty
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CC-D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BA
Rolling Noise71 dBA-B (quiet)
Suitability for SnowNoNo

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with the Geolandar A/T G015 for pickup trucks: Similar in price and performance. Though both are all season, all terrain tires, the Yokohama has a 3PMSF rating, giving it an advantage when it snows.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRYokohama Geolandar A/T G015
Price$150 – $250$100 – $250
Rim Size14” – 22”15” – 22”
Warranty50,000 miles60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-EE
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-EC
Rolling Noise71-74 dB71 dB
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF snowflake rated

#8 Pirelli vs. Hankook

Comparing the Scorpion Verde with Ventus S1 EVO3 for SUVs: Both tires have run-on flat technology, and the Hankook tire matches or exceeds the Pirelli tire performance. It is worth shopping around because the prices are similar.

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeHankook Ventus S1 EVO3
PriceUnder $100 to $240$150 – $250
Rim Size16” – 22”17” – 22”
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.50,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CA
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BB
Rolling Noise71 dB69-70 dB
Suitability for SnowNoNo

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with the Dynapro AT2 for trucks: You will pay more for Hankook, but you get better fuel efficiency and a 3PMSF rating for extra traction in winter conditions.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRHankook Dynapro AT2
Price$150 – $250$250 – $300
Rim Size14” – 22”15” – 20”
Warranty50,000 miles60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-EC-D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-ED
Rolling Noise71-74 dB73 dB
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF rated.

#9 Pirelli vs. Dunlop

Comparing the Scorpion Verde with Sport Maxx RT2 for SUVs: Similar prices, but the Dunlop matches or exceeds Pirelli’s performance. If you want a quiet ride opt for the Dunlop.

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeDunlop Sport Maxx RT2
PriceUnder $100 to $240Under $100 to $300
Rim Size16” – 22”17” – 20”
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.24 months or 24,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CB-D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BA-B
Rolling Noise71 dBLower than 69 dB
Suitability for SnowNoNo.

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with the Grandtrek AT20 for pickups: Provided the Dunlop tire fits your wheels, it costs the same and gives better performance. Otherwise, the Pirelli tire will meet your needs and offer various sizes.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRDunlop Grandtrek AT20
Price$150 – $250Around $170 to $300
Rim Size14” – 22”16″ – 18″
Warranty50,000 miles24 months or 24,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-EC-D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-EB-D
Rolling Noise71-74 dBA-B (lower than 69 dB)
Suitability for SnowNoNo

#10 Pirelli vs. Falken

Comparing the Scorpion Verde with Ziex ZE950 for SUVs: You may pay slightly more, but the Falken tire offers a quieter tire with better wet braking than the Pirelli.

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeFalken Ziex ZE950
PriceUnder $100 to $240$150 – $240
Rim Size16” – 22”15” – 20”
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.65,000 to 45,000 miles, depending on the speed rating.
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CNo EU label, but other Zeix range tires rate C.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BNo EU label, but other Zeix range tires rate A. UTQG rating AA.
Rolling Noise71 dBNo EU label, but other Zeix range tires rate 67 dB.
Suitability for SnowNoNo.

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with the WildPeak A/T for pickups: Similar in price and performance to the Pirelli, but the Falken tire has a 3PMSF rating and a longer warranty.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRFalken WildPeak A/T
Price$150 – $250$150 – $240
Rim Size14” – 22”15” – 22”
Warranty50,000 miles65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-EC-E
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-EB-D
Rolling Noise71-74 dB71 dB
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF snow rating

#11 Pirelli vs. Kumho

Comparing the Scorpion Verde with Crugen HP71 for SUVs: The Pirelli has run-on-flat technology and more sustainable materials, an advantage over the Kumho equivalent.

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeKumho Crugen HP71
PriceUnder $100 to $240Starts at $142
Rim Size16” – 22”16” – 22”
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CNo details
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BKumho scores 9/10 wet, 8.5/10 dry.
Rolling Noise71 dBKumho scores 9.5/10
Suitability for SnowNoKumho scores 8/10

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with the Road Venture AT52 for trucks: Similar in price, performance, and warranty to the Pirelli, but the Kumho tire has a 3PMSF rating for better winter driving.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRKumho Road Venture AT52
Price$150 – $250Starts at $173
Rim Size14” – 22”15” – 20”
Warranty50,000 miles50,000 – 55,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-ENo details
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-EKumho scores 7/10 for wet and dry.
Rolling Noise71-74 dBKumho scores 6/10
Suitability for SnowNoKumho scores 8/10. Has 3PMSF rating.

#12 Pirelli vs. General Tire

Comparing the Scorpion Verde with G-Max AS for SUVs: Similar price and performance to the General Tire, but the Pirelli rubber is more fuel efficient and offers additional safety features.

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeGeneral Tire G-Max AS
PriceUnder $100 to $240$116 – $281
Rim Size16” – 22”16” – 22”
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.50,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CNo EU label. Reviews indicate improvements in fuel efficiency.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BNo EU label. Reviews indicate excellent handling in the wet.
Rolling Noise71 dBNo EU label. Reviews indicate this it is relatively quiet.
Suitability for SnowNoNo.

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with the Grabber HTS for pickups: There isn’t much between the two in price and performance, so whoever offers you the best price should win your dollars.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRGeneral Tire Grabber HTS
Price$150 – $250$150 – $380
Rim Size14” – 22”16” – 22”
Warranty50,000 miles65,000 limited warranty
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-ED
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-ED
Rolling Noise71-74 dB71-72 dB
Suitability for SnowNoNo.

#13 Pirelli vs. Toyo

Comparing the Scorpion Verde with Celsius CUV for crossovers: The Toyo tire is about $40 more than the Pirelli. The best feature of the Toyo tire is better traction on snow and ice, with a 3PMSF rating, although the Pirelli tire gives better fuel efficiency and wet braking.

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeToyo Celsius CUV
PriceUnder $100 to $240$140 – $290
Rim Size16” – 22”16” – 22”
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CC-E
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BC
Rolling Noise71 dB69-72 dB
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with the Open Country AT III for trucks: The Pirelli tire costs less and performs better, but if you need to drive on snow, opt for the Toyo rubber.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRToyo Open Country AT III
Price$150 – $250$200 – $700
Rim Size14” – 22”15” – 22”
Warranty50,000 miles65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-ENo EU label, but the AT Plus rates D.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-ENo EU label, but the AT Plus rates D.
Rolling Noise71-74 dBNo EU label, but the AT Plus rates 70-74 dB.
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF snowflake rating

#14 Pirelli vs. Nexen

Comparing the Scorpion Verde with Roadian GTX for SUVs: You may pay slightly more for the Nexen tire, but it gives better braking performance and a longer warranty than the Pirelli equivalent.

 Pirelli Scorpion VerdeNexen Roadian GTX
PriceUnder $100 to $240Starts at $150
Rim Size16” – 22”17” – 22”
WarrantyManufacturer limited warranty.70,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)CNexen rating 9/10
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)BUTQG AA (best rating). Nexen rating 8/10
Rolling Noise71 dBNexen rating 10/10
Suitability for SnowNoNexen rating 6/10

Comparing the Scorpion ATR with the Roadian MTX for pickups: The Nexen costs more for a similar performance, so opting for the Pirelli makes better sense.

 Pirelli Scorpion ATRNexen Roadian MTX
Price$150 – $250Starts at $257
Rim Size14” – 22”15” – 22”
Warranty50,000 milesNo treadwear warranty
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)D-ENexen rating 6/10
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)C-ENexen rating 8/10
Rolling Noise71-74 dBNexen rating 7/10
Suitability for SnowNoNo.

Alternatives to Pirelli Tires

Many tires offer a similar price and performance to Pirelli, and budget brands like Ironman, Kelly, and Douglas give you a cheaper tire.

Pirelli is a market leader in sustainable materials, but other manufacturers offer specific tires with a high level of sustainable content; these include Michelin and Goodyear.

Pirelli offers some of the quietest tires, and brands with matching performance include Michelin, Hankook, and Yokohama.

Pirelli tires have excellent fuel efficiency, and brands that match this level include Nexen, Hankook, and Michelin.

Conclusion

Pirelli produces a range of affordable tires with an excellent reputation.

You get a commitment to sustainable materials and innovations like run-on-flat technology to enhance your road safety.

The price you pay for Pirelli tires are comparable to many other brands on the market, and you get excellent performance and durability.

References:

https://www.pirelli.com/global/en-ww/homepage