Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive Review: A Great Mid-Range Option

In today’s market, few names resonate as strongly as Goodyear. With more than one hundred years in the business, this renowned American tire is synonymous with durability and performance. And one of their leading products is the Assurance ComfortDrive.

As an all-season grand touring tire, it’s designed to deliver excellent performance across varying conditions, coupled with superior ride comfort and impressive tread life.

But does it stand up to its claims? We put it under the microscope in this detailed review.

Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive Specifications & Features

The medley of technologies inside the Assurance ComfortDrive aims at delivering a balanced performance across varying road and weather conditions. 

Central to its construction is the ComfortFlex technology. This system is intended to absorb road imperfections and offer better handling.

It’s incorporated alongside twin steel belts, a two-ply casing, and a reinforcement cap ply. This suggests an effort to enhance the tire’s stability at high speeds.

Looking at the tire’s tread, we found a mix of Evolving Traction Grooves and TreadLock Technology. This design is meant to balance grip and control for the tire, improving its traction while maintaining responsiveness.

The use of soybean oil in the tire compound is also an interesting choice. This addition can bolster traction in wet and cold conditions (the oil makes the tire more flexible and less stiff). It shows Goodyear’s emphasis on environmental sustainability as well as performance.

Another distinctive feature of the tire is the AquaChannel grooves. These symmetrically arranged features, along with large lateral notches, are designed for water evacuation and improved hydroplaning resistance. 

The tire also features large sipes that produce biting edges. In general, this design tends to provide a better grip in snowy or icy conditions.

There is a traditional tread wear indicator (TWI) included with this tire, which provides an easy means to check tread wear. Goodyear provides a 60,000-mile warranty for this tire – a standard offering in the all-season tire segment. 

All in all, the first glance suggests the manufacturer designs this tire with an eye for comfort, durability, and handling in all weather conditions. We used real-world testing to determine if they had achieved these ambitious goals.

Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive Review & Performance Test Results

Our 2023 COR Wheels Tire Test took place over 10 days in June and July (combined with our winter test in January), designed to include various road conditions and seasonal changes.

The tire size used for the test was 225/45R17. We fitted these tires to a 2022 Toyota Corolla, a popular compact sedan. The choice of vehicle was deliberate. It represented the typical car segment this type of tire is often used with.

Dry Performance: 9/10

Dry Traction: 9.2/10

We started by cruising at around 70 mph on a winding country road on a scorching afternoon. Yet the tires gripped the road with surprising tenacity, providing a sense of security comparable to sportier products.

As we swiftly maneuvered between cones, the traction remained unfazed. It gave us the impression that the notched and interlocked tread pattern played a significant role in this.

We found the longitudinal traction to be impressive during our tests. From a standstill to a robust acceleration, the tires responded well.

Even during a sudden braking exercise from 60 mph, the tires’ stopping distance was around 180 feet. That was shorter than the Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack’s on the same course.

But as we decided to push the envelope a little further, the tire revealed its limitations. We attempted to execute tight turns at approximately 80 mph on a long, sweeping curve. At this speed and maneuver, we experienced a brief oversteering that reminded us to ease off slightly. 

Corner Stability: 8.9/10

The symmetric tread pattern kept the car composed through long high-speed bends. When pushed hard into a tight 60 mph downhill turn, the Assurance ComfortDrive was able to maintain the line as most rivals broke traction.

But a particularly quick-flipping curve at around 65 mph did reveal a slight lapse in the tire’s grip, giving us a hint of wheel slip.

We quickly remedied this by slowing down and increasing our steering angle, to which the tires responded smoothly and predictably.

Steering Response: 9/10

Our steering response testing took place on a bustling city road filled with abrupt turns and unexpected obstacles.

The Assurance ComfortDrive was up to the task in most cases. Its response was quick and alert when we had to suddenly change our path to avoid an unanticipated pothole. 

Yet, despite these positive observations, we noticed a slight on-center vagueness during a drive on a highway at 75 mph. The steering response was prompt during maneuvers, but it felt slightly less connected when driving straight.

Wet Performance: 8.8/10

Wet Traction: 8.8/10

We took the Corolla out for a spin on a day of torrential rain, with large puddles strewn about our testing track. The surface was soaked, with an approximate water layer of an inch across most of the track.

Upon setting off in our test vehicle, it was almost immediately clear that the tires were up to the challenge. The proprietary soybean oil-infused compound of the tires gave us an advantage right from the get-go.

The car moved off briskly without any wheel spin. It allowed us to navigate with an assured sense of safety and control.

Our most significant encounter was when we were exiting a slip road onto the highway at a speed of around 60 mph. Despite the slick conditions and the road’s bend, the tires responded quickly to the steering input and powered through with an impressive grip.

Compared to the Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 tires that we had tested before, Goodyear’s braking distance was slightly longer. However, it was still within an acceptable and safe range. During a sudden braking situation at approximately 50 mph, it brought the vehicle to a standstill just a hair later.

Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.8/10

We drove the car through standing water of around 3 inches at 65 mph. Thanks to its AquaChannel Groove technology, the tires navigated through it without losing contact with the road.

It efficiently dispersed the water away from the center rib of the tire. During a sudden hard braking situation on a flooded patch, the Assurance ComfortDrive also demonstrated a very good grip. But the deeper the water, the slower we had to drive.

Under severe conditions, hydroplaning resistance appeared to dwindle a bit. On test tracks submerged under 6 inches of standing water, the car felt an obvious loss of control and stability.

Winter and Snow Performance: 7.8/10

Light Snow Traction: 8.5/10

We took these tires out for a spin in a dusting of about 2-3 inches. The handling and cornering were good. Not groundbreaking, but they got the job done. We drove through city streets that had a fine blanket of snow and got around pretty easily.

The tire’s grip was decent under these conditions. During an uphill drive on a 15% incline lightly dusted with snow, the tires held their own, and we didn’t experience any major slippage. They also managed to maintain road contact in patches of wet snow, which was somewhat reassuring.

On the flip side, the braking distance in light snow was a bit of a letdown. Coming to a stop from 30 mph on a road with an inch of snow, we noticed the braking distance was around 25% longer than other tires we’ve tested in the past.

Deep Snow Traction: 7.7/10

Without the 3PMSF rating, these results were pretty average during deep snow. When we drove on roads that had around 10 inches of fresh snow, the tires struggled a bit.

During those times, we noticed a bit of wheel spinning and slower acceleration than we’d have liked. It took us longer than usual to get up to a speed of 30 mph, which was less than ideal.

Another weak spot was the tire’s self-cleaning ability in deep snow. On less-traveled country roads with about 8 inches of accumulated snow, the tires had a hard time shedding the snow. This contributed to reduced traction and a slightly more unstable ride.

Ice Traction: 7.4/10

The tires didn’t quite stand up to icy conditions. During a cold snap with temperatures dipping to 20°F, they did just an alright job, nothing spectacular.

We had a run-in with a patch of black ice at an intersection. While the tires kept their grip for the most part, there was a brief moment of lost control. This was a reminder that while these tires could handle mild winter conditions, they might not be the best choice for severe icy weather.

Comfort: 8.7/10

Ride Quality: 8.9/10

The tire offered a slightly softer ride compared to its competitors. As we switched from city roads to highway speeds, the ComfortFlex technology really began to shine.

We noticed smoother transitions when changing lanes or adjusting course, all while maintaining responsive steering. This was particularly noticeable when maneuvering through dense traffic on a multi-lane highway at speeds of around 70 mph.

However, the ride wasn’t always perfect. The tire occasionally lacked composure on certain road sections. For instance, we felt some reverberations inside the cabin when encountering broken tarmac at around 40 mph.

Noise: 8.5/10

While cruising at 65 mph on the highway, the tire’s low noise was truly noticeable with minimal pattern growl.

The symmetrical pattern did a good job of enhancing stability. It seemed to be able to maintain excellent contact with the ground and resulted in a surprisingly quiet ride.

But it wasn’t all silence and tranquility. When encountering potholes, the tire did produce a noticeable thumping sound.

There are also products, such as the Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack, that offer an even quieter ride. The difference isn’t stark but noticeable at higher speeds, around 70-75 mph.

Treadwear and Durability: 8.8/10

We were somewhat concerned at first that the softer compound used in the Assurance ComfortDrive might affect its long-term treadwear.

The supple, adaptable nature of the compound can be fantastic for traction and ride comfort. But it did raise some questions about how it would fare under prolonged use.

We were pleasantly surprised by the results. As we took the tires through various scenarios, the tread wear appeared consistently decent.

After driving approximately 500 miles, we could observe no severe or abnormal signs of wear. This assured us that these tires had plenty more mileage left in them.

Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive Test Result Highlights

• 2023 All Season Tires for SUV Test: Ranked 5th out of 10 tires
• 2023 Comfort And Noise Tires Test: Ranked 7th out of 10 tires
• Top All Season Tires Choice For Honda CR-V

Assurance ComfortDrive Pros & Cons

Assurance ComfortDrive Competitors & Alternatives

Two notable competitors in this segment are the Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 and the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus. These tires have similar features and target the same type of consumers.

The Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 is lauded for its excellent ride comfort and effective noise reduction. It’s also priced very similarly to the Assurance ComfortDrive.

Its real standout trait, however, is its performance on snowy and dry conditions. It offers superior grip and control, making it an attractive choice for those who regularly drive in colder climates.

The P7 AS Plus 3 does slightly fall behind the Assurance ComfortDrive in wet conditions. It is unable to provide the same level of traction and control on slick surfaces.

The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus, meanwhile, provides an interesting contrast to both of them. Its standout feature is its extended mobility.

This feature gives drivers the peace of mind to continue driving even after a puncture. It can be a significant advantage for long-distance drivers or those in areas with limited roadside assistance.

When it comes to on-road refinement, the DriveGuard Plus matches closely with its non-run-flat competitors. This makes it a worthy consideration for those prioritizing ride comfort.

However, all those premium features come with much steeper prices. It also somewhat lags behind the Assurance ComfortDrive in wet and winter performance.

Conclusion

As our Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive reviews have pointed out, this is a well-rounded all-season touring tire that delivers impressive wet and dry performance for the price.

It provides superb dry traction along with secure wet handling, balanced with a comfortable ride. This makes it a great option for drivers in temperate to warmer climates with only occasional winter weather.

The tire lacks the peak snow and ice traction that some all-season and winter tires provide. Drivers in regions with frequent heavy snow or icy conditions may want to consider other specialized tires for maximum capability in those harsh conditions.

But for most drivers, the Assurance ComfortDrive hits a sweet spot between performance, comfort, and affordability. Handsomely priced lower than premium tires, it gives drivers excellent value without major compromises.