Overall Rating
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
I’m sure you know the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3. It is a popular name in the tire industry. This all-season tire boasts outstanding performance and reliability beyond expectations. If you drive a Toyota Highlander, Honda CR-V, or Ford Explorer, this tire is a perfect pick.
Its performance in light snow conditions is fine. But you shouldn’t expect to get enough grip and traction in deep or packed snow. As all-season tires, they are only suitable for mild weather conditions throughout the year. If you’re looking for tires with diverse capabilities, get a set of AS Plus 3 tires now.
Suitable for
Not Suitable for
What Do Customers Say About Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Tires?
Most customer reviews show that they are happy with the Scorpion AS Plus 3. They continually praise the tire’s all-weather capabilities, low noise, and comfort. However, some consumers are not satisfied with its severe snow performance.
Additionally, other users also complained about the tire’s tread wearing out faster than what was promised. However, upon deep analysis, we found that those consumers used these tires as performance tires so experienced early wear. Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 tires are touring tires, not performance tires.
The overall response towards tread life is positive. Most users also celebrate the tire’s stability on unpaved roads. They lavishly praise its ability to absorb impacts more than the OEM tires.
Pricing and Availability
The new Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 costs around $178 to $320 per tire. Although relatively expensive, its performance capabilities match the price. The AS Plus 3 is available in 37 sizes from 17 to 22-inch wheels.
Some potential consumers may perceive the tire as expensive regardless of being cheaper than Michelin. However, I think it is important to measure a tire’s price against its performance capabilities.
Key Features and Benefits of Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Tires
- The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 comes with a computer-optimized tread pattern which minimizes noise. It also features full-depth and 3D sipes. These sipes enhance grip in snow conditions.
- The tire design features highly synthesized polymers. They help to enhance the tire’s temperature range, resulting in improved performance in various conditions.
- It is built with an asymmetric tread design and multi-directional biters. It also comes with a well-orchestrated central rib, necessary for directional grip both on dry and wet surfaces.
- Thanks to the sound-blocking connectors and variable pitch technology, they provide good noise reduction.
- The tire features two ply polyester casing plus two steel belts, and dual nylon cap plies. They provide enhanced traction, stability, and rigidity at high speeds.
Specifications of Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
- Category: All-Season
- UTQG: 800 A A
- Maximum Speed: 130 MPH for H and 149 MPH for V-rated tires
- Treadwear Warranty: 6 Years / 70,000 Miles
- Workmanship & Materials Warranty: 6 Years / Free replacement first year, 2/32″ or 25% of wear, then prorated until 2/32″ remaining depth.
- Manufacturer’s Road Hazard Warranty: No
- Maximum Inflation Pressure: 44-51 psi
- Tread depth: 11/32″
- Rim Width Range: The Rim width ranges from a minimum of 6 inches to a maximum of 10.5 inches based on different tire sizes
- Load Range: SL or XL
- Tire sizes: 37 tire sizes are available for 17 to 22-inch rim diameter
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) Rating: No
- Mud + Snow (M+S) Rating: Yes
Detailed Performance Analysis of Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Tire
Treadwear and Tread Life
The Scorpion AS Plus 3 stands out for its top-notch durability. It offers an additional 15% tread life compared to its predecessor. It also has a UTQG rating of 800, as well as a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty. The warranty is more than sufficient, especially for such a tire built for heavy vehicles.
The tire’s temperature remains normal during hard acceleration and in hot weather conditions. Moreover, I can guarantee you consistent flexibility during the cold season. Also, you will not have issues with loss of grip and stiffness in the winter season.
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 tire can handle potholes effectively due to its strong sidewall. This helps the tire to swiftly return to its original position. However, I will never advise you to deliberately hit the vehicle into a pothole.
Dry Grip and Traction
The AS Plus 3 tire offers enhances stiffness, powerful handling stability, as well as excellent steering feel on dry pavement.
The 3D sipes deliver more sipe area in the process of the tire wearing out. This helps to ensure even wear and sustain the tire’s traction throughout the service life.
Regarding its dry handling, grip, and traction, the AS Plus 3 tires display superior turn-in responses, as well as consistent traction. This further improved the driving experience, especially on large vehicles.
The Pirelli’s Scorpion AS Plus 3 tire has a powerful handling and braking capacity. This is due to its excellently streamlined central lugs. Also, the tire provides balanced and responsive steering and control, alongside a fantastic under/oversteering balance.
Here’s a quick advice for you. If you notice any braking performance issues when your Pirelli tires are still new, contact a technician for wheel balancing. The reason is that the braking issues in new Pirelli tires are mostly caused by imbalanced wheels.
Wet Grip and Hydroplaning Resistance
The Pirelli’s scorpion design pattern and materials help to enhance superior wet performance. Its traction as well as braking capabilities are top-notch.
This touring all-season tire provides exceptional steering response on wet roads. It also has high aquaplaning resistance in heavy rain and standing water.
Typically, the tire seems to have performed well in straightforward aquaplaning tests. However, it has a tendency for understeering, especially at sharp road curves in rainy conditions.
Noise and Comfort
The AS Plus 3 is recognized for its exceptional quietness and the ability to absorb road noise/impacts. This further enhances a comfortable and smooth driving experience.
The tire can also deliver a confident grip with minimal noise on unpaved, gravel, and dirt roads. Though, it is not designed for off-roading.
Also, you can’t feel bumpy with the AS Plus 3, as it absorbs shocks from uneven surfaces quite well. Nonetheless, using this tire excessively on gravel and dirt may cause it to wear faster.
Here’s my take: You can use the tire for off-roading just occasionally while in your SUV or light truck. And when I say off-roading, it only means dirt or gravel roads, not rocks and mud.
Fuel Efficiency
The Scorpion AS Plus 3 offers lower rolling resistance. This is a result of its streamlined central ribs and lighter structure. Of course, lower rolling resistance is a major factor that enhances fuel efficiency. With lower fuel consumption, you can save a little more on gas.
Winter Performance (Snow and Ice)
With the 3D sipes on the AS Plus 3’s tread, the tire delivers a better grip in snow. However, the tire’s light snow performance seems to be better than its performance in deep snow. Simply note that the tire will most likely not do well in deep snow more than 6 inches.
In addition, this tire is not good for ice at all. If your needs are largely winter-related, I will advise you to get dedicated winter tires.
Comparison with Competitor Tires
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 features a high mileage warranty of 70K miles. This is superior compared to that of most Michelin’s all-season tires.
Besides its strong braking, the AS Plus 3 also provides exceptional handling in all weather conditions, including snow. On the contrary, the Michelin CrossClimate2 offers better winter traction. Meanwhile, both tires perform alike in dry traction. The AS Plus 3 comes in 37 sizes while Michelin has 90 sizes.
Although it provides superior handling, the AS Plus 3 is a little slack in wet braking than the CrossClimate2.
Nonetheless, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 beats the CrossClimate2 in delivering comfortable and quiet rides. It also provides superior wheel protection compared to the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season tire.
Some Notable Alternative
1st Alternative
Michelin CrossClimate2
Michelin CrossClimate2 offers excellent dry and wet traction. Its wet and deep snow performance is significantly better. Although slightly noisier.
2nd Alternative
Yokohama Geolandar CV G058
Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 is an affordable alternative. It delivers excellent wet traction, quieter ride, highway stability, and swift responsiveness.
3rd Alternative
Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season
Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season is a popular eco-friendly all-season tire with comparable dry & wet traction and ride comfort. It has low rolling resistance and offers better fuel economy.
How We Review the Tires?
There is a lot of work behind our detailed tire reviews. We adopt a multi-dimensional approach and our reviews are a collective wisdom of many users.
Before reviewing, we undertake extensive market research, meticulously examine the specifications of each tire, and carry out a very thorough analysis of user reviews from top retailers. Finally, our keen tire experts apply their experience and expertise and provide a well-rounded assessment of tires. Read our detailed review process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
