Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Review: A Tire That Surprised Me

If you drive an SUV or crossover, you already know the frustration of finding an all-season tire that actually performs well in all seasons. Most tires compromise somewhere — they’re great in dry heat but terrifying in rain, or they handle snow decently but drone like a propeller plane on the highway.

The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 claims to solve that problem, and after putting it through a thorough real-world test on my midsize SUV, I have a lot to say. If you’re exploring different options, our full Pirelli Tires Review guide covers every model side by side — but right now, let’s go deep on this specific tire.

What Is the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3?

The Scorpion AS Plus 3 is Pirelli’s third-generation all-season tire designed specifically for SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks. It replaces the well-regarded Scorpion AS Plus and builds on that foundation with improvements to wet traction, tread life, and ride comfort.

Pirelli positioned this tire squarely in the premium all-season category, competing against heavyweights like the Michelin CrossClimate 2, Continental CrossContact LX25, and Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra. It’s available in a wide range of sizes from 16 to 22 inches, covering everything from compact crossovers like the Toyota RAV4 to full-size SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe.

What caught my attention initially was Pirelli’s claim of improved hydroplaning resistance. Living in the Southeast US, where summer thunderstorms can dump an inch of rain in minutes, that feature alone was enough to get me interested.

My Testing Setup and Conditions

I tested the Scorpion AS Plus 3 in size 245/60R18, mounted on a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe. I had the tires professionally installed and balanced at a local shop, and I made sure to break them in gently over the first few days before pushing them harder.

During my test period, I drove through a variety of conditions: dry highway cruising, torrential rain, some gravel back roads, and even a brief encounter with wet slush when a late-season cold snap hit. I used the same routes I always drive so I could compare the Scorpion AS Plus 3 directly against the OEM tires that came off the vehicle.

I also spent several days specifically evaluating highway noise, braking distances in wet and dry conditions, and cornering behavior on my favorite twisty two-lane roads. This wasn’t a sterile lab test — it was everyday American driving.

Dry Performance: Confident and Composed

In dry conditions, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 feels planted and predictable. Straight-line stability on the highway is excellent — the tire tracks true with minimal wandering, even in crosswinds that would normally make me white-knuckle the steering wheel.

Cornering grip on dry pavement impressed me more than I expected from an all-season SUV tire. Taking on-ramps and sweeping highway curves at speed, I felt strong lateral grip without that mushy, wallowing sensation that some all-season tires produce. The transition from grip to slip is progressive, not sudden, which gives you confidence to push a little harder when you need to.

Braking performance in the dry was solid but not class-leading. I’d put it on par with the Continental CrossContact LX25 and slightly behind the Michelin CrossClimate 2 in terms of absolute stopping distance. That said, the difference is marginal and unlikely to matter in normal driving situations.

One thing I noticed right away is how well the tire responds to steering input. There’s a crispness to the initial turn-in that I don’t always get with all-season tires. It made my Santa Fe feel more agile than it usually does, which was a pleasant surprise.

Wet Performance: This Is Where It Shines

Here’s where the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 truly separates itself from the pack. Wet grip is, in my experience, the single best feature of this tire.

I drove through multiple heavy rainstorms during my testing, including one downpour where visibility dropped to a few car lengths. At no point did I feel the tire losing contact with the road. The four wide circumferential grooves do an exceptional job of channeling water away, and Pirelli’s updated tread compound clearly provides strong mechanical grip on wet surfaces.

Hydroplaning resistance is genuinely impressive. On flooded highway sections where my old tires would have started to float, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 maintained traction. I could feel the water being displaced rather than accumulating under the contact patch. That’s a confidence-inspiring feeling when you’re merging onto a wet interstate at 60 mph.

Wet braking was equally strong. Stopping from highway speeds on soaked pavement, the tire grips hard and decelerates smoothly without any ABS chatter or pulsing. If wet-weather safety is your top priority, this tire deserves serious consideration.

For comparison, I found the wet performance here to be a meaningful step up from what I experienced with the original Pirelli P Zero in similar conditions. You can read my full Pirelli P Zero Review for more on that tire — but the P Zero is a different animal designed for performance cars, not SUVs.

Winter and Cold Weather Performance

Let me be clear: the Scorpion AS Plus 3 is not a winter tire. It carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which means it meets the minimum traction threshold for snow performance, but it’s not a substitute for dedicated winter rubber in severe conditions.

That said, for light snow and cold temperatures, it performs admirably. During my testing, I encountered a couple of inches of wet, slushy snow, and the tire maintained traction for accelerating, braking, and turning without any drama. The sipes in the tread blocks do their job, biting into the snow surface and providing reasonable grip.

On cold, dry pavement — think those 25°F mornings where the road is just cold but not icy — the tire compound stayed pliable enough to grip well. I didn’t notice the hard, plasticky feeling that some all-season tires develop in freezing temperatures.

Where the tire reaches its limits is on packed ice or heavy snow. In those conditions, the rubber compound and tread design simply can’t match what a true winter tire offers. If you live in Minnesota or upstate New York and regularly drive through serious winter storms, you’ll still want a dedicated winter set. But for the Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, or the upper South? The Scorpion AS Plus 3 handles winter’s occasional punches just fine.

Ride Comfort and Noise

This is another area where the Scorpion AS Plus 3 punches above its weight. Ride comfort is genuinely excellent — among the best I’ve experienced in the all-season SUV tire category.

The tire absorbs road imperfections quietly and smoothly. Expansion joints, manhole covers, patchy asphalt — none of it transmits harsh impacts into the cabin. There’s a suppleness to the ride that reminds me of touring tires rather than typical SUV rubber.

Noise levels are impressively low. On fresh asphalt, the tire is nearly silent. On coarser chip-seal surfaces, there’s a mild hum, but it’s lower in volume and frequency than what I’ve heard from competitors like the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra. After several days of highway driving, I found that the low noise floor made long trips noticeably more pleasant.

If you’re coming from a set of all-terrain tires or aggressive OEM rubber, the difference in comfort will be dramatic. This tire prioritizes refinement, and it shows.

Tread Life and Durability

Pirelli backs the Scorpion AS Plus 3 with a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is competitive for this class. Over my test period, the tread wore evenly across all four tires, with no signs of irregular wear or premature degradation.

The tread depth starts at roughly 10/32″, which is generous and bodes well for long-term durability. I measured the tread at multiple points after several weeks of mixed driving, and wear was consistent and minimal. Based on what I’ve seen, hitting that 70,000-mile warranty figure seems realistic for most drivers who maintain proper inflation and rotation schedules.

The UTQG treadwear rating is 800, placing it firmly in the long-wearing category. For context, many ultra-high-performance tires carry ratings of 300–400, so this is clearly a tire built for longevity rather than track-day heroics.

Comparison: Scorpion AS Plus 3 vs. Key Competitors

No tire review is complete without context. Here’s how the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 stacks up against its main rivals in the all-season SUV tire segment:

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is arguably the closest competitor and edges ahead in dry braking and snow traction. But it’s also pricier and, in my experience, noticeably louder on the highway. The Pirelli wins on comfort and value.

The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a fantastic comfort-oriented tire, but its wet grip falls short of what the Scorpion AS Plus 3 delivers. And the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra offers the longest treadwear warranty but doesn’t quite match the Pirelli’s wet-weather confidence.

Who Should Buy the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3?

Based on my testing, this tire is an ideal match for a specific type of driver. Let me break it down.

It’s Great For:

• Daily commuters who drive SUVs or crossovers and want year-round confidence without seasonal tire swaps.
• Drivers in rainy climates — if you live in the Pacific Northwest, Southeast, or anywhere that gets significant rainfall, the wet performance alone justifies this tire.
• Highway cruisers who prioritize a quiet, comfortable ride for long drives and road trips.
• Value-conscious buyers who want premium performance without paying Michelin prices.
• Families who need a tire they can trust in varied conditions — school runs, grocery trips, weekend getaways.

It’s Not Ideal For:

• Performance enthusiasts who want maximum dry grip and aggressive cornering. If that’s your priority, check out the Pirelli P Zero Pz4 Review — it’s a different class of tire designed for spirited driving.
• Severe winter drivers who regularly face heavy snowfall, ice storms, or unplowed roads. You need dedicated winters.
• Off-road adventurers — this is a highway tire. Gravel is fine, but mud and rocks are not its territory.

How It Compares to Other Pirelli Models

Pirelli’s lineup can be confusing, so let me help you navigate it if you’re trying to decide between models.

The Scorpion AS Plus 3 is purpose-built for SUVs and crossovers. If you drive a sedan or compact car, you’ll want to look at the Cinturato line instead. I’ve reviewed the Pirelli Cinturato P7, which is a solid grand-touring option for passenger cars, and the Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue, which adds a fuel-efficiency focus to that formula.

If you’re driving a performance SUV — think BMW X5 M, Porsche Cayenne, or Mercedes-AMG GLE — the Scorpion AS Plus 3 might feel a bit too comfort-oriented. In that case, Pirelli’s P Zero line offers more aggressive grip and handling characteristics tuned for higher-powered vehicles.

For the vast majority of American SUV and crossover owners, though, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 hits the sweet spot. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone — it’s trying to be the best all-season tire for everyday SUV driving, and in my experience, it succeeds.

Installation Tips and What to Expect

A few practical notes for anyone ordering these tires:

I recommend buying from reputable online retailers like Tire Rack, Discount Tire, or SimpleTire, where you can often find the best prices and have them shipped to a local installer. At the time of my testing, prices ranged from about $150 to $220 per tire depending on size, with popular sizes like 245/60R18 and 235/65R17 typically falling in the $160–$180 range.

After installation, expect a brief break-in period. During my first few days with the tires, they felt slightly slick — this is normal with new tires as the mold-release compound wears off the surface. After a few days of regular driving, the full grip level became apparent, and the tire really came into its own.

Make sure your installer performs a road-force balance rather than a standard spin balance if possible. This tire is quiet by nature, but a proper balance will ensure you get the full benefit of its low-noise design. An alignment check is also wise whenever you mount new tires — even a small misalignment can cause premature and uneven wear.

Real-World Fuel Efficiency Observations

Pirelli doesn’t make aggressive fuel-economy claims for the Scorpion AS Plus 3, but I did notice a slight improvement in fuel efficiency compared to my previous OEM tires. Over several weeks of mixed highway and city driving, my average MPG ticked up by roughly half a mile per gallon.

That’s not a dramatic difference, but it’s consistent with what I’d expect from a tire with low rolling resistance and a modern tread compound. Over the life of the tire, those small savings at the pump add up — especially with gas prices being what they are in 2024.

The tire’s rolling resistance is well-managed without sacrificing grip. Some eco-focused tires achieve low rolling resistance by using harder compounds that compromise traction, but that’s not the case here. The Scorpion AS Plus 3 manages to balance efficiency with grip in a way that doesn’t force you to choose one over the other.

What I’d Improve

No tire is perfect, and I want to be honest about the areas where the Scorpion AS Plus 3 falls short — even if they’re minor.

Dry braking could be slightly better. While perfectly adequate for daily driving, the tire doesn’t stop quite as short as the Michelin CrossClimate 2 on dry pavement. The difference is small, but it’s there, and in an emergency scenario, every foot matters.

Sidewall aesthetics are plain. This is purely cosmetic, but the sidewall design is fairly utilitarian. If you care about how your tires look (and many SUV owners do), you might wish for more aggressive lettering or design elements. It’s a minor gripe, but worth mentioning.

Snow performance, while good, isn’t exceptional. The 3PMSF rating is legitimate, and the tire handles light snow well. But compared to the Michelin CrossClimate 2, which is genuinely impressive in winter conditions, the Pirelli falls a step behind in deeper snow and colder temperatures.

Pricing and Value Assessment

In the US market, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is priced competitively within the premium all-season SUV tire segment. At $150–$220 per tire (depending on size), it typically comes in $10–$30 cheaper per tire than the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and roughly on par with the Continental CrossContact LX25.

When you factor in the 70,000-mile treadwear warranty, the strong wet-weather performance, and the excellent ride comfort, I think the value proposition is compelling. You’re getting 90% of what the best tire in the segment offers at a lower price point.

Keep an eye out for manufacturer rebates, too. Pirelli regularly runs promotions through major retailers, and I’ve seen $70–$100 rebates on a set of four several times throughout the year. Timing your purchase around these promotions can bring the cost per tire down significantly.

My Final Verdict

After thoroughly testing the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3, I can confidently say it’s one of the best all-season tires available for SUVs and crossovers in 2024. It doesn’t dominate every single category, but it delivers an exceptionally well-rounded package that will satisfy the vast majority of drivers.

The wet-weather performance is its standout feature — genuinely class-leading and confidence-inspiring in heavy rain. Ride comfort and noise levels are excellent, making it a tire that you’ll appreciate every single day, not just in bad weather. And the competitive pricing makes it accessible to a wide range of budgets.

If you prioritize dry performance above all else, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is worth the premium. If you want the absolute longest tread life, look at the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra. But if you want the best overall balance of wet grip, comfort, longevity, and value? The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is my recommendation.

I’d give it a solid 8.8 out of 10 — a tire that earns its place on any SUV or crossover and one that I’d happily run on my own vehicle for the foreseeable future.

For those of you who drive performance sedans and are curious about Pirelli’s sport-oriented options, be sure to check out our detailed Pirelli P Zero Review and Pirelli P Zero Pz4 Review for a different perspective on what Pirelli can do when grip is the top priority.

Frequently Asked Questions