- Pirelli has introduced a new range of tires. all-terrain tires In North America known as the Scorpion XTM AT.
- The off-road rubber is available in two variants: one for gas-powered trucks and SUVs and the other with Pirelli's Elect technology for vehicles with plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains.
- At launch, there will be 21 size options available (comprising of 10 regular sizes and 11 Elect sizes), featuring wheel diameters between 17 to 20 inches for standard tires and 18 to 22 inches for Elect tires.
The concept of using one vehicle for daily commutes as well as outdoor adventures holds significant allure across the U.S. Many Americans already possess trucks or SUVs designed precisely for these dual purposes, such as a Toyota Tacoma equipped with a rooftop tent at places like Kroger’s parking lots. Addressing this demand head-on, Pirelli is now venturing into the upper echelons of this profitable segment with their newest and toughest all-terrain tire: the Scorpion XTM AT. This model was crafted in collaboration between facilities in Texas and Brazil, aiming to bring joy to American drivers, says Ian Coke, who serves as the Chief Technical Officer at Pirelli North America.
The Scorpion series traces back to 1998 when the company launched the Scorpion Mud, a rugged tire intended exclusively for challenging terrains and off-road vehicles, not suitable for roads. After more than twenty-five years and numerous iterations of Scorpion tires, Coke states that the Scorpion XTM AT “shouldn’t be considered a street tire; this is strictly an off-road product.” However, our experience driving it both on and off the pavement suggests that the XTM AT might succeed where the original Mud fell short.
Pirelli highlights the Scorpion XTM AT’s bold, highly voided tread design. This particular arrangement of larger blocks and their strategic placement aim at minimizing road noise while ensuring superior control and capability on unpaved terrains. This robust configuration extends through the dual-layer, thick-strength, multi-part sidewalls. Pirelli refers to this as the claw effect, which proves especially advantageous during travel across sandy areas or similar unstable grounds. Achieving such an unbroken motif up to the edge required developing innovative techniques within their production methods, diverging significantly from more than a century-and-a-half of established practices in tire construction. Additionally, the Scorpion XTM AT includes debris expellers embedded in its treads; thus, should you spot vehicles adorned with these tires looking dusty out on roads, maintain ample space behind them to protect your windscreen from ejected stones. AsIanCoke informedusbeforeourfirsttestdrive,"Keepabiggapbetweenyourvehicles.Rockejectorssurework.”
This tire gets the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) The rating indicates that this model can effectively handle snowy conditions. According to Pirelli, the XTM AT features an innovative compound technology enabling varying transition stages. As temperatures change, the molecular connections inside the rubber adapt accordingly, ensuring flexibility regardless of weather warmth or chill. "This truly qualifies as a three-peak mountain snowflake symbol," states Coke about the tire. "And it’s indeed a robust example of such a designation."
The most significant announcement might be the launch of the Scorpion XTM AT Elect, a tire specially developed for electric trucks and SUVs with distinct objectives. According to Coke, this new model boasts an exceptionally low rolling resistance compared to standard references as well as other offerings from Pirelli. The aim here is to enhance both range and efficiency, which could result in up to 5 percent greater travel distance when compared to regular tires. Nonetheless, the company admits that these improvements come at a cost; namely, the Elect does not offer superior noise reduction over conventional options. Additionally, it performs less effectively in muddy conditions due to the lower rolling resistance feature.
We got to test-drive the Scorpion XTM AT on both a 2025 Ford Bronco and a Jeep Wrangler. One standout feature was how quietly they performed on the highway; even within the relatively open interior of the Bronco, we really had to strain our ears to discern any tire noise above the breeze. While we definitely heard them, their sound wasn’t overly intrusive. Additionally, the tread remained impressively intact without losing pieces or chunks. During our time with Pirelli’s off-road challenge—speeding along rough gravel paths dotted with jagged stones and deep potholes—we didn't lose a shred after covering around 20 miles. This durability stood out all the more since ours was the fourth group to put these exact models under stress across two weeks of rigorous trials. The visual appeal also caught our eye: the unbroken shoulder design isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but adds muscle to its looks too. As wear progresses near the rim, this band smoothes seamlessly into the rest of the tire.
At launch, the Scorpion XTM AT comes in 21 sizes, expanding over time to reach a final count of 37 different sizes. However, the dimensions between the electric vehicle-specific tires and conventional ones vary significantly; for instance, the narrowest size offered for the EV model starts at 275 mm wide, whereas regular versions start as low as 235 mm. In terms of rim diameter options, the elect variant ranges from 18 to 22 inches, contrasting with the typical one’s span from 17 to 20 inches. Upon completing this lineup, these tires will be accessible across various metrics: widths ranging from 235mm up to 295mm, height-to-width ratio varying between 50% and 80%, wheel diameters extending from 17 inches to 24 inches, along with speed grades designated as R (up to 106mph), S (capable of reaching speeds up to 112mph), and T (topping off at 118mph). Additionally, flotation variants are provided within this collection. Backed by a comprehensive 55,000-mile limited warranty, consumers purchasing the Scorpion XTM AT should feel confident when navigating rugged terrains without fearing damage accumulation.
Pirelli doesn’t sell tires directly to customers; instead, their prices depend on the distributors they collaborate with. However, Pirelli shared some example prices with us. For instance, the LT 265/70R-17 123S tire—a popular choice for medium-sized pickups—costs around $282. Meanwhile, the Elect 275/60R-20 115T model retails for approximately $344. While these prices might seem steep, they align closely with those of comparable alternatives. Additionally, we inquired about the possibility of the Scorpion XTM AT becoming an original equipment option on future trucks or SUV models. According to Pirelli, they are currently collaborating with various manufacturers, notably pointing out partnerships with Rivian and plans involving the 2026 Ram 1500 REV.
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