Pirelli Scorpion Tire Review & Rating
The new Pirelli Scorpion summer tire is an SUV tire designed to enhance the fuel economy of conventional engines and energy usage in EVs. This tire has been designed to deliver greater economy, quieter ride, and better safety than the preceding generation; it’s suitable for more EVs than any previous Pirelli tire.
The tire’s new-generation synthetic rubber is tuned for low rolling resistance, wet braking performance, and consistent tread wear. Pirelli claims each attribute remains essentially constant for the life of the tire. The tire is also less sensitive to temperature fluctuations thanks to a new generation of elastomeric particles that bond to the silica spread throughout the compound. These particles help bond the silica to the synthetic rubber better than previous versions, allowing the tire to respond effectively to hot or wet conditions. This motorsport-derived compound gives drivers confidence in a wide range of conditions.
Scorpion’s tread face is redesigned with an asymmetrical tread pattern and enhanced groove stiffness. A revised pattern for both the horizontal and vertical grooves makes for better braking stability in the wet.
The design also improves rolling resistance and road comfort, with Pirelli claiming this new version of the Scorpion summer tire is 3 decibels quieter than its predecessor.
New Scorpion from Pirelli is available for sedans and small SUVs with 16-inch to 21-inch rims.
Pros:
- Reduced rolling resistance (improves fuel economy)
- Quieter operation and more consistent tread wear (than the previous Scorpion)
Cons:
- Summer tire only
- Price
Overall Thoughts
Pirelli’s new Scorpion tire replaces the Scorpion Verde that came before it. This SUV crossover option has impressive compound technology that gives the tire consistent performance throughout the life of the tire.
It also makes for better road manners while improving low rolling resistance levels and, therefore, fuel economy. A new tread design that helps with braking stability and uniform tread wear makes this a more sustainable option for most drivers.
This is a summer tire only, despite that improved braking performance. The shift from the Verde to this new version of Scorpion will be a subtle one for existing Scorpion owners, who mostly praise the tires’ grip and handling but have previously said the wet weather performance was lacking.
New Scorpion should be quieter than its previous iteration as well, which will please existing users.
As with any summer tire that prioritizes grip and handling, treadwear remains a concern for drivers on Scorpion tires. On the plus side, this new generation will give them more consistent performance right throughout the life of the tire.
Tire Sizes
16-inch Rims
- 205/60R16
- 215/60R16
- 225/70R16
17-inch Rims
- 205/55 R17
- 215/55 R17
- 215/60 R17
- 215/65 R17
- 225/55 R17
18-inch Rims
- 215/55R18
- 225/50R18
- 225/55R18
- 225/60R18
- 235/50R18
- 235/55R18
- 235/60R18
- 245/60R18
- 255/55R18
19-inch Rims
- 235/45R19
- 235/50R19
- 255/45R19
- 255/50R19
- 255/55R19
20-inch Rims
- 235/45R20
- 235/50R20
- 255/45R20
- 255/50R20
- 265/45R20
21-inch Rims
- 235/45R21
- 255/40R21
- 255/40R21
Competitors & Alternatives
Action is heating up in the larger summer performance tire category, and Pirelli finds itself amid a host of serious contenders. Continental’s ContiSport Contact 5 is a well-priced summer tire for SUVs that boasts impressive performance in a range of conditions. Drivers looking for more wet-weather confidence might look to the Azensis FK510 SUV tire.
Price Range
Pirelli Scorpion tires are a top-tier tire and command as much money as similar offerings from Michelin. A popular 18-inch tire in this family will set you back around $300, which is just below the high water mark in this class. You may also find occasional rebates, discounts, coupons, and special offers on this tire.
Warranty
Pirelli offers an unlimited-time warranty against defects in workmanship or materials for this tire, with free replacement within 12 months or 2/32-inch of tread wear, whichever comes first. It also comes with a 1-year/ 2/32-inch warranty for uniformity. There is no tread life warranty or road defect guarantee offered on this tire.