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  • Pirelli Scorpion STR A
  • Pirelli Scorpion STR A
Tire Rack Test

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The Scorpion STR A and Scorpion STR tires are Pirelli's premium Highway All-Season tires that were designed to deliver the Stability, Traction and Ratings (STR) appropriate for today's light trucks by adapting their performance to the needs of crossover vehicles, sport utility vehicles and light duty pickup trucks. The Scorpion STR tires are designed to combine a quiet and comfortable ride along with ease of handling and year-round traction, even in light snow.

The Scorpion STR's tread compound is molded into one of two similar, but slightly different symmetric tread designs. The tires featuring Pirelli's North American tread pattern are identified as Scorpion STR A tires, while those featuring their European tread pattern are simply identified as Scorpion STR tires.

The Scorpion STR A tire's North American tread pattern features continuous shoulder ribs and narrower groves between all of the independent tread blocks. This type of tread design would tend to result in a quieter, more even-wearing tire.

The Scorpion STR tire's European tread pattern features lateral grooves through the shoulder ribs and larger grooves between all of the independent tread blocks. This type of tread design would tend to result in a tire with better hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.

On the inside, both Scorpion STR tires feature twin, high- tensile steel belts reinforced with polyamide to provide strength and durability on top of a two-ply polyester cord body that helps cushion the ride.

NOTE: The Scorpion STR in the 215/65R16 98V can be used in axle pairs to substitute for the Scorpion ST in the 215/65R16 98H size on Volvo XC70 AWD vehicles.

Tire Rack Test Results Pirelli Scorpion STR A

Sept. 5, 2003

Tires Tested

Bridgestone Dueler H/L D683 (Highway All-Season, P245/70R16) Pirelli Scorpion STR (Highway All-Season, P245/70R16) Pirelli STR A (Highway All-Season, P245/70R16)

Vehicles Used

2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Sport Utility Vehicles

The diverse performance of today’s sophisticated sport activity vehicles, traditional SUVs and civilized pickup trucks demands more specialization from their tires. Long wearing tires capable of summer and winter traction for traditional pickups and SUVs need different tread patterns and internal construction than the wider, lower profile performance tires aimed at satisfying drivers of European and Asian sport activity vehicles.

Recognizing this need, Pirelli has chosen to tailor the design characteristics of the Scorpion STR Highway All-Season tire line to better match the requirements of the vehicle they are fitted to. The Scorpion STR is molded with the European tread pattern, features an H-speed rating, and is produced in wider, lower profile sizes aimed at performance sport activity vehicles and hybrid 4x4 station wagons. The Scorpion STR A features the "North American" tread pattern, carries a T-speed rating in most sizes, and is produced in the taller, narrower sizes commonly found on many traditional SUVs and light trucks.

To evaluate the differences between the Pirelli Scorpion STR and Scorpion STR A, Tire Rack team conducted a Real World Road Ride comparing both to a third vehicle equipped with Bridgestone Dueler H/L D683 tires. We used three 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokees with new, full tread depth P245/70R16 tires mounted on 16x8" wheels.

Bridgestone Dueler H/L D683

Whether in town or on the Interstate, Dueler H/L D683 tires are designed to bring the qualities of passenger car comfort and a quiet ride to sport utility vehicles and pickups.

The Dueler H/L D683 was one of the first Bridgestone tires to feature UNI-T AQ technology, which in addition to several technologies aimed at optimizing performance characteristics, adds dual layer tread compounds to further resist the normal tread rubber hardening that can result from the heat of friction encountered during thousands of miles of use. As the tire wears, a second underlying high-grip rubber is exposed in the tread area, helping offset the effects on wet surface braking and handling, keeping wet performance up as the tread wears down. Our evaluation compared new, full tread depth tires, and we were not able to assess the tire’s performance later in its life.

Out on the road, the Dueler H/L D683 was praised for its comfortable ride, although it was not as quiet as either version of the Pirelli Scorpion STR. The trade off for best-in-test ride comfort was in road handling, where the Dueler H/L didn’t feel quite as responsive as the Scorpion STR or Scorpion STR A.

Pirelli Scorpion STR and Scorpion STR A

The Scorpion STR and Scorpion STR A tires are Pirelli’s Premium Highway All-Season tires that were designed to deliver the Stability, Traction and Ratings (STR) appropriate for today’s light trucks by adapting their performance to the needs of sport utility vehicles, light duty pickup trucks and 4x4 vehicles. The Scorpion STR tires are designed to combine a quiet and comfortable ride along with ease of handling and year round traction, even in light snow.

The Scorpion STR’s tread compound is molded into one of two similar, but slightly different symmetric tread designs. The tires featuring Pirelli’s "North American" tread pattern are identified as Scorpion STR A tires, while those featuring their "European" tread pattern are simply identified as Scorpion STR tires.

The Scorpion STR A tire’s "North American tread pattern" features continuous shoulder ribs and narrower grooves between all of the independent tread blocks. This pattern also features more sipes, or fine slits, in the shoulders and intermediate rows of tread blocks, to aid in light snow and slush traction. This type of tread design would normally tend to result in a quieter, and more even-wearing tire.

The Scorpion STR tire’s European tread pattern features lateral grooves through the shoulder ribs and larger grooves between all of the independent tread blocks. This type of tread design would normally tend to result in a tire with better hydroplaning resistance. Designed for European driving, where stretches of unlimited-speed Autobahn highway still exist, all but one size of the Scorpion STR carries an H-speed rating. While you may never drive above the posted legal speed limit, a tire with a higher speed rating normally translates into more responsive handling even at normal, everyday road speeds.

On the inside, both Scorpion STR tires feature twin, high-tensile steel belts reinforced with polyamide to provide strength and durability on top of a two-ply polyester cord body that helps cushion the ride.

The Pirelli Scorpion STR with European tread pattern generated the least amount of tread noise among the three tires in this evaluation providing a fairly quiet ride. With its large shoulder blocks and H-speed rating, we expected the Scorpion STR would offer the best road handling of the three tires tested. But to our surprise, it fell between the other two tires in this test.

Out on the road, our team found the Pirelli Scorpion STR A with the "North American" tread pattern offered the best overall handling of the three tires in this test, feeling very responsive and crisp turning into the corners, aided by the relatively tight tread pattern with its five nearly continuous rows of tread blocks. This version did produce more tread noise than the Scorpion STR, however. Ride comfort was rated as modestly firmer than the Scorpion STR, but still appropriate for a tire in the Highway All-Season tire category.

Read Full Report

Ratings Charts & Reviews Pirelli Scorpion STR A

Tire Category: Highway All-Season

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Pirelli Scorpion STR A
Good
80%
5.4M
6.4 - Fair
6.6 - Good
7.4 Dirt Traction
6.4 Sand Traction
5.4 Mud Traction
7.4 Rock Traction
7.7 - Good
7.8 Hydroplaning Resistance
7.7 Wet Traction
8.3 - Good
8.2 Corner Stability
8.6 Dry Traction
8.1 Steering Response
5.5 - Fair
6.2 Light Snow Traction
5.1 Deep Snow Traction
5.2 Ice Traction
8.0 - Good
7.8 Ride Quality
8.2 Noise
7.3 - Good

Customers Say

Customer ratings showcase the Pirelli Scorpion STR A's strong dry traction (8-10 scores) and confident handling, with many praising its responsive steering and stable cornering. Treadwear receives positive feedback for durability in highway use, though some note variability in longevity. Ride comfort earns consistent praise for smoothness and low noise. Wet traction is generally reliable with good hydroplaning resistance, but winter performance raises concerns-scores for snow/ice traction often fall below 5, highlighting limitations in severe conditions. As an all-season highway tire, it excels in dry/wet comfort but may require alternatives for frequent winter driving.

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Customers Like:
Customers Dislike:

184 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 142 positive
  • 42 negative

Most customers give wet traction high scores of 8-10, praising confident grip in rain. Some note concerns with ratings between 0-6.

December 26, 2003 (Verified Purchase)

4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

...Cornering now is a breeze, snow - bring it on, Rain - Great...

I have a NISSAN PATHFINDER 02 which came with BRIDGESTONE DUELER 689, which ----. After driving around for 12000 miles with them I got rid of them and bought me a new set of tires (PIRELLI SCORPION STR-A). They are of course a litle harder than my older tires but far better in every other aspect. Cornening now is a breeze, snow - bring it on, Rain - Great. I like a fast response even from a SUV and with these tires makes it possible. At 245/65 R17 you get a 520 A A which is great. Ive always used MICHELIN tires to replace my stock tires, this was the first time I used PIRELLI. I would certainly purchase these again.



Keep in mind PIRELLI tires have always been a better built tire but it is also a bit harder then the average tire. (PERFORMANCE)



P.S. I Work in a PORT where we get all kinds of cars and truck with different tires.

Vehicle: 2002 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4wd
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly On Road
Location: Newark , NJ
Driving Style: Spirited
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March 11, 2004

4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...They corner great when its dry and in the rain. I drive fast and these tires stay with me the entire time...

These tires are great. Ive only had them for about 500 miles and I can really tell the difference. I live in Philadelphia so they get every type of conditions posible. They corner great when its dry and in the rain. I drive fast and these tires stay with me the entire time. No screeching in turns and no burn outs. They ride a little stiff over Philadelphia potholes but they make up for it when it counts. They are a big improvement on the Laredos that came with the truck. They sceeched when you turned the wheel. I may never buy any other type of tire again. Definatley recommended.

Vehicle: 1999 Jeep Gr. Cherokee Laredo
Miles Driven on Tires: 400
Driving Conditions: Mostly On Road
Location: Phila, PA
Driving Style: Spirited
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January 20, 2006

4.2 out of 5 Star Rating
4.2 out of 5

...Excellent dry and wet cornering; I havent explored their limits yet but they stick better than my last tires ever did...

Good Tires that deserve their high ratings. Though the tread pattern is not aggressive they have been great on ice and light snow. I live on a twisty dirt road that has been snow and ice covered and most of the time I havent needed 4WD. Quiet and true on the hwy. Excellent dry and wet cornering; I havent explored their limits yet but they stick better than my last tires ever did; Ive already scared some imports on the on/off ramps.

Vehicle: 1994 Jeep Wrangler
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: CHRISTIANSBURG, VA
Driving Style: Spirited
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191 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 179 positive
  • 12 negative

Customers rate dry traction between 8-10, praising confident grip and stability. A few note lower scores (3-7), but most highlight strong highway performance with responsive handling in dry conditions.

December 06, 2005

4.2 out of 5 Star Rating
4.2 out of 5

...The dry handling is better-higher grip with 35psi all around, ( I stepped down in size to get better turn in response)...

I drive mostly smooth but sometimes enjoy a good blast if I have the space. I use a V8 yrailer towing class 3/4 Ltd Explorer (pretty heavy) for everthing from highway driving at 75 -80, pulling a 22 boat and launching from some unimproved ramps, driving unloaded and loading heavy with weight and have found the tires to be much better than oe. The braking performance of the car seems to have improved, (some panic stops that I thought I was going to back end someone) The dry handling is better-higher grip with 35psi all around, ( I stepped down in size to get better turn in response) the wet is definitely better and the noise and ride have not really changed from what I can tell. The rim size is only 16", that is the big limiter to higher g force. Fords previous way of trying to keep the wagon upright.

Vehicle: 2002 Ford Explorer Limited
Miles Driven on Tires: 20,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly On Road
Location: Warren, nj
Driving Style: Spirited
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November 17, 2007 (Verified Purchase)

4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...no squealing or black marking in turns, very little weights to balance, no squealing or black marking in turns, very stable when towing 10,000 - 12,000# loads, excellent dry traction...

having owned over 135 different vehicles in my time, and hundreds of tires, I was pleasantly surprised at these. I reviewed everything out there in this size for 3 months before buying these, and I wouldnt hesitate to put them on everything else I could. In fact, im going to buy 2 more sets soon for 2 more trucks I now have. Perfectly round, very little weights to balance, no squealing or black marking in turns, very stable when towing 10,000 - 12,000# loads, excellent dry traction, I just cant say enough good about them. This is the first time I have ever written a public tire review, so that in itself speaks volumes for this product.

Vehicle: 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 Heavy Duty 4wd Crew Cab
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,000
Driving Conditions: All On Road
Location: Miami, FL
Driving Style: Spirited
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191 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 152 positive
  • 39 negative

Customers praise ride comfort and low noise, with most scoring 7-10. Many rate comfort 9s and 10s, noting smooth handling. A few report lower comfort (scores 0-6), but even these highlight quiet operation.

January 23, 2009

4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...Ride is comfortable, noise is low, and the tires are VERY responsive to driver input...

Our 2007 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring came with 245/50/20 tires, which size sharply limited the availability of replacements. The OEM Bridgestone Duelers were done at 40K, so after much shopping, I settled on the Pirellis, with one of the major considerations being the tread life guarantee. Every other tire available at the time I bought these was categorized as a "Sport" tire, with no mileage guarantee. Well, the Mazda is a zoom-zoom machine, but at 4300 pounds, not exactly an autocross mount, so this was kind of a bummer when laying out 8 large to reshoe the beast. Now that they're on, we are delighted with them. They are a MUCH better tire than the Bridgestones; superior in every measure. We live in central Maryland, so haven''t had any serious snow to deal with, but the few inches we've had have not been a problem with the STR A's. Ride is comfortable, noise is low, and the tires are VERY responsive to driver input. We're very happy with them and highly recommend.

Vehicle: 2007 Mazda CX-9 AWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 6,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: Eldersburg, MD
Driving Style: Average
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April 22, 2005

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...The ride is confortable and noice is not a factor...

when i went to get these tires installed i noticed that it felt heavy. sure enough i checked on the specs and it weighted 43 lbs which is 6-9 lbs more than others in this class. Interesting, the only other tire that weighted this much was the also highly rated Yokohama Geolander ht. Maybe i should be buying tires by the pound. Anyway, just completed a 700 mile trip in dry and wet condtions and the tire is terrific. The ride is confortable and noice is not a factor. The tire handles really well. I will not use in snow as i have a set of Dunlop snows. There was no problem getting them balanced as some have reported. They cost just a few bucks more than some others but are an H rated tire. I think they are a good buy

Vehicle: 1997 Mitsubishi Montero
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,000
Driving Conditions: All On Road
Location: coopersburg, pa
Driving Style: Average
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September 26, 2011

3.9 out of 5 Star Rating
3.9 out of 5

...ride, handling and lack of noise is extremely satisfying... The car rides like a limo yet handles and corners like a car half it's size...

Second set on an Expedition EL- big car. ride, handling and lack of noise is extremely satisfying. I've never had problems with balancing. The car always rides like a limo yet handles and corners like a car half it's size. Only negative is that they are okay in the snow, not great. We go to VT and I would not recommend them in heavy snow. otherwise a great tire.

Vehicle: 2007 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4wd
Miles Driven on Tires: 30,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: Long Island, NY
Driving Style: Spirited
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157 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 107 positive
  • 50 negative

Customers praise treadwear durability with many 9s and 10s, though some report premature wear with scores as low as 0-3. High scores highlight long-lasting performance, while lower ratings indicate concerns.

September 13, 2013

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

I still have these original tires now with a little over 100,000 miles and plan on replacing them very shortly as the tread is finally wearing down... Great treadwear having rotated tires at each oil change every 5000-6000 miles...

I still have these original tires now with a little over 100,000 miles and plan on replacing them very shortly as the tread is finally wearing down; likely with the same tires. Great treadwear having rotated tires at each oil change every 5000-6000 miles. No other issues.

Vehicle: 2008 Ford Edge Limited AWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 99,999
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: LEESBURG, VA
Driving Style: Average
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January 22, 2005

4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

These tires are Load Range E Truck tires, highway rib and have treadwear like they were made of iron, easly going to be around for 65,000 miles...

These tires are Load Range E Truck tires, highway rib and have treadwear like they were made of iron, easly going to be around for 65,000 miles. They have a less than great resistance to hydroplaning when the truck is empty (most of the time) but when carring even a light load or trailer they are like a completely different tire, cutting through standing water like it wasnt there. They do have a minor drawback in that the open tread design picks up gravel all the time and eventually throws it back at the truck, so that is a concern as eventually its going to chip the paint without fender extensions. On the plus side they deliver a level of handling that is surprisingly good, well beyond average. They were replacements for non-load rated General tires of the same size that were very soft riding and quiter but didnt last, seeing only 28,000 miles before they were worn enough that wet weather traction was affected. These are an excellent choice for on road extended driving and I recommend them highly, unloaded wet weather tracting aside. So much so that I bought a second set for my other truck of the same kind, only in size 265/70R17s. Cant say much more about a high recommendation beyond I already bought more of the same.

Vehicle: 2002 GMC Sierra 1500HD 2wd
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: All On Road
Location: Copperas Cove, TX
Driving Style: Average
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March 11, 2014 (Verified Purchase)

3.9 out of 5 Star Rating
3.9 out of 5

...These are very nice tires that wear extremely well...

Picked up these tires to supplement the Hankook OE tires. Bought as take-offs from a F-350 with less than 50 miles on them. These are very nice tires that wear extremely well.

These tires are substantially better than the OE tires which are still periodically in service. But then comparing P radials with LT radials isn't fair.

Vehicle: 2005 Ford F150 XLT Sup Cab 4wd
Miles Driven on Tires: 25,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: EDISON, NJ
Driving Style: Average
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116 customers mention "Winter Traction"

  • 63 positive
  • 53 negative

Customers report excellent snow and ice grip with many 9-10 scores, but significant concerns (0-6 ratings) highlight mixed winter performance. All-Season use shows variability in deeper snow and ice traction.

July 25, 2007

2.1 out of 5 Star Rating
2.1 out of 5

Wet traction scary, not at all confidence inspiring...

Wet traction scary, not at all confidence inspiring. Dry traction pulling into traffic in a hurry (not floored) not so great, way too easy to start wheels spinning. Wouldnt buy them again.

Vehicle: 2004 Chevrolet Silverado C1500 Ext
Miles Driven on Tires: 5,000
Driving Conditions: All On Road
Location: Stockton, CA
Driving Style: Average
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December 27, 2005

2.8 out of 5 Star Rating
2.8 out of 5

Not a great tire for this SUV, almost hydroplanned twice and 360 on highway in slush during a two week period. I drive 40 miles/hour when people are fying past me in snowy conditions... Great dry road driving, but any rain or snow forget it, stay home...

Not a great tire for this SUV, almost hydroplanned twice and 360 on highway in slush during a two week period. I drive 40 miles/hour when people are fying past me in snowy conditions. I feel this tire should not be recommended for this vehicle. Great dry road driving, but any rain or snow forget it, stay home..

Vehicle: 2004 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4wd
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly On Road
Location: Manchester, nh
Driving Style: Average
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June 19, 2006

1.7 out of 5 Star Rating
1.7 out of 5

...Snow traction is nonexistant, my wife got stuck in a hard-packed parking lot with a slope of about 1 inch drop every 10 or 12 ft (so very slight). I had to pull her out with my Audi A4Q (that has ultra high performance summer tires on it)...

This is a terrible tire. It is impossible to keep the STRa balanced. The tires are now so out of round that the shop cant add enough weight to bring them into balance (I balance and rotate ever 5,000 miles). The tires drove well when new, but became a nightmare after only a few thousand miles. Steering wheel vibration is unbearable, they are unpredictable in cornering, and they track very poorly at highway speeds. Snow traction is nonexistant, my wife got stuck in a hard-packed parking lot with a slope of about 1 inch drop every 10 or 12 ft (so very slight). I had to pull her out with my Audi A4Q (that has ultra high performance summer tires on it). Dont waste your time with these tires. The money (and time) you spend attempting to keep them balanced is better spent on a better tire.

Vehicle: 2000 Lexus RX300
Miles Driven on Tires: 20,000
Driving Conditions: All On Road
Location: Lookout Mtn., GA
Driving Style: Average
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