So I was never really satisfied with the OEM Michelin Latitude, though they were OK. I wanted a more smooth, comfortable ride while at least maintaining the performance in wet and dry handling of the Latitudes.

After a lot of research on various sites, I went with the new Michelin LTX A/S, which were top rated on tire rack. Let me just say, they have transformed the MDX! I was afraid I wouldn't notice much difference. Nope. My wife and I both immediately noticed a significantly improved ride, along with much improved handling as well!

We will see how they wear, but the whole point of these is they don't lose performance as they age, due to a new tech design. I expect they will be good for some time. Tread life itself may not be 50,000 miles, but that's not my number one concern.

I just wanted to let folks know about another good replacement tire option out there, and maybe save you some time.

 

But the new Premier LTX tire is not available in the 3G MDX size 245/55/19 !

 

That's too bad, yeah I have the 18s. Hopefully they will come out with the 19" soon? And I'm glad you mentioned they are the Premier, I neglected to specify.

 

Yeh, the new Premier LTX A/S is a vastly superior tire than the older LTX A/S.

The brand new Premier LTX A/S is using the latest "EverGrip" tire technology, just like the Premier A/S passenger car tires.

Whereas the older LTX A/S tire has been around for a long time.

 

Aargh.... I have never been happy with the OEM Conti's on mine.

 

I'm not happy with the OEM Michelin Latitute Tour HP tires on mine, either.

Unfortunately, the 245/55/19 is such an odd size SUV tire that there aren't too many other better choices out there.

 

You can increase the first number to 255 or decrease to 235 to help find more tires.

HP Tours aren't the best tires, I had a blowout with a rear at 34K. Good to hear about you liking the tires! I've heard some great things about the LTX and as well Pirelli Scorpions.

 

Looks like Premier LTX is now available in this size.

Detailed SKU table

 

We have the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus (seems the plus part is important) on our 2013 Ford Explorer and have mixed feelings about them.

Pros: they ride very quiet and smooth, take going through puddles well, and supposedly have good winter traction (we had a mild winter so no chance to test).

Cons: they have only average dry traction, the Explorer's engine easily overwhelms them and traction control has to activate, they howl in turns with the slightest provocation (properly inflated), and I question their straight-line braking abilit because of these factors (I really need to find a lonely road and do a couple of panic stops to see what they can do).

By comparison the OEM Hankooks that came with the car offered superior normal traction, great braking and turn performance, pathetic cold traction, and we're a bit noisier overall.

The Scorpions get very good reviews so maybe it just isn't the right tire for the Explorer??