Choosing the right all-season tires for winter driving is a critical safety decision. While dedicated winter tires are the gold standard for severe conditions, modern all-season tires with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol offer impressive snow and ice performance for many drivers. This roundup focuses on tires that provide reliable year-round capability with a strong emphasis on traction in light to moderate snow, giving you confidence when the temperature drops.
Our selections consider a range of vehicles, from sedans to SUVs and trucks, balancing snow grip with dry and wet pavement performance, tread life, and comfort. The following tires represent some of the best options on the market, each bringing unique technologies to ensure your vehicle is prepared for whatever the weather brings, without the need for a seasonal tire change.
Our Top Picks for All-Season Tires with Snow Traction
- Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II 265/70R17 115T
- Kumho Solus TA31 All-Season Tire – 215/55R17 94V
- Hankook Ventus V2 concept 2 All-Season Radial Tire
- HANKOOK TerrainContact A/T all Season Radial Tire
- MICHELIN CrossClimate2 All-Season Car Tire for SUVs
- Bridgestone WEATHERPEAK 215/55R17 94V
- Continental 265/50R20 CONTI CROSSCONTACT LX25 BW
- General Tire Altimax 365AW 205/55R16 91H
- Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax All-Season 235/65R17 Tire
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady All-Season Tire
Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II 265/70R17 115T
Designed for crossover and SUV drivers, the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II aims to deliver a balanced performance package. Its silica functionalized polymer compound is engineered to improve wet grip and contribute to lower fuel consumption. This makes it a practical choice for everyday driving in various conditions.
The tire’s optimized tread design focuses on providing competent handling in dry, wet, and light snow scenarios while actively working to reduce internal noise for a quieter ride. It represents a solid option for those who need reliable all-season performance with a focus on efficiency and comfort, without specializing in extreme winter weather.
Kumho Solus TA31 All-Season Tire
The Kumho Solus TA31 is a value-oriented all-season tire that emphasizes stability and responsive handling. Its design features wide shoulder blocks that create a soft contact edge with the road, which promotes better traction and sharper steering response, especially when cornering.
For wet weather safety, the siped, four-groove tread pattern is made to evacuate water efficiently, channeling it away from the tire’s contact patch. The symmetric tread design also helps in lowering rolling resistance, which can lead to reduced vibration, noise, and improved fuel economy over the life of the tire.
Hankook Ventus V2 concept 2 All-Season Radial Tire
The Hankook Ventus V2 concept 2 is engineered as a vehicle-specific all-season tire, meaning its design is tailored to match the driving characteristics of particular car models. This focus aims to provide a driving experience that feels cohesive with the vehicle’s original equipment performance.
As a radial tire from a reputable manufacturer, it offers a dependable construction for daily commuting and all-weather driving. Its all-season compound and tread pattern are made to handle a variety of road conditions, providing a balanced option for drivers looking for a direct replacement tire.
HANKOOK TerrainContact A/T all Season Radial Tire
Bridging the gap between highway comfort and off-road capability, the Hankook TerrainContact A/T is an all-terrain tire built for light trucks and SUVs. Its solid shoulder and five-rib design provide stability and even wear, while the steel-belted construction offers durability for more demanding use.
The full-service tread design is made for longer tread life, making it a cost-effective choice for drivers who want aggressive looks and all-position strength without the significant road noise often associated with traditional all-terrain tires. It’s capable in light snow and varied conditions.
Explore This All-Terrain Option
MICHELIN CrossClimate2 All-Season Car Tire for SUVs
The MICHELIN CrossClimate2 is a standout in the all-season category, often described as an “all-weather” tire. It is engineered to be a true year-round performer, providing reliable grip in rain, shine, and snow, and is backed by the 3PMSF certification for verified snow traction.
Michelin emphasizes its long-lasting performance, noting it can outlast several leading competitors. A key benefit is its consistent stopping power, even as the tire wears, offering shorter braking distances on both dry and wet pavement compared to many other tires. This makes it a premium investment in safety and durability.
Bridgestone WEATHERPEAK
Positioned as the next evolution of the all-season tire, the Bridgestone WEATHERPEAK is a touring tire designed for quiet, long-lasting performance with true all-weather protection. It boasts superior wet and dry grip for confident driving in common conditions.
Critically for winter driving, it carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, meaning it has passed specific tests for performance in snow. This certification makes it a compelling choice for drivers in regions with predictable winter weather who want a single tire solution without compromising on snow safety.
Continental CONTI CROSSCONTACT LX25
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a premium touring all-season tire designed for SUVs and crossovers, offering an impressive up to 70,000-mile limited treadwear warranty. This highlights its focus on long-term value and durability for high-mileage drivers.
It incorporates Continental’s EcoPlus Technology, which is engineered to save fuel, optimize electric vehicle range, and extend tread life. A major safety feature is its focus on short braking distances on wet roads, providing an important performance advantage during rainy conditions.
General Tire Altimax 365AW
The General Tire Altimax 365AW is built to deliver consistent performance across a wide spectrum of driving conditions. With a focus on reliability, it offers up to 60,000 miles of limited manufacturer tread life coverage, promising long-term service.
Its design philosophy centers on providing dependable grip and stability in all weather conditions, from summer heat to winter’s light snow. This makes it a practical and economical choice for drivers who need a trustworthy tire that performs adequately throughout the changing seasons.
Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax All-Season Tire
The Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax is an all-weather tire certified with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, confirming its capability in winter conditions. It comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, underscoring its durability.
Its EnduraGuard design features durable internal construction that helps the tire maintain its shape and integrity when driving over rough or uneven surfaces. This construction provides a blend of comfort, winter traction, and resilience for SUV and light truck drivers.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady All-Season Tire
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is engineered as a serious all-weather tire, also bearing the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for reliable snow traction. It is designed to perform in harsh winter conditions while maintaining smooth, quiet driving on dry roads.
Goodyear’s Weather Reactive Technology includes a tread compound and pattern that adapt to changing conditions, providing biting edges for snow and ice. It offers confident handling and braking in rain and snow, making it a strong contender for drivers facing diverse and challenging weather throughout the year.
What to Look For in the Best All Season Tires For Snow
When I’m shopping for the best all season tires for snow, I know I’m looking for a specific kind of tire. These aren’t your standard all-seasons; they’re a special category often called “all-weather” tires. They carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which means they’ve passed a specific test for snow traction. That symbol is my non-negotiable starting point. It’s the difference between a tire that’s merely okay in a light dusting and one that can confidently handle a real winter storm.
Once I’ve confirmed that 3PMSF rating, I look at the tread pattern. I want to see aggressive, biting edges and plenty of sipes—those tiny slits in the tread blocks. These sipes flex and grip on packed snow and ice, providing crucial traction when I need to stop or turn on a slick road. A tire with a dense, complex sipe pattern is usually a winner for winter performance. The rubber compound is just as important. These tires use a special compound that stays flexible in freezing temperatures, whereas a standard all-season tire’s rubber can harden and lose grip.
I also have to balance my winter needs with my year-round driving. Since I’m not switching to dedicated winter tires, I need this tire to be quiet, comfortable, and handle well in the rain and dry summer heat. I read reviews specifically looking for comments on road noise and wet braking performance. A tire that’s a champion in snow but sounds like a propeller plane on the highway is a tough sell for me.
Finally, I consider my specific vehicle and driving style. If I drive a heavy SUV, I might prioritize a tire with a robust construction and longer treadwear warranty. For my sedan, I might look for something with a focus on fuel efficiency and crisp handling. My budget is always a factor, but I view tires as a critical safety investment. Finding the right set of all season tires for snow gives me peace of mind for every season, knowing I have a capable tire ready for whatever the road throws at me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all-season tires with a snow rating good enough for severe winter?
This is the big one. The short answer is: it depends on where you live and how you drive. Tires with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol are a massive upgrade over standard all-seasons and are genuinely capable in moderate to heavy snow. For most drivers in areas with occasional to regular winter storms, but not constant Arctic conditions, they are an excellent “do-it-all” choice. However, if you face months of ice, deep snow, and temperatures consistently below freezing, a dedicated winter tire will still offer superior braking and handling. Think of the best all season tires for snow as a superb compromise, not a total replacement for a dedicated winter tire in the most extreme conditions.
How do these tires differ from standard all-season tires?
The difference is in the details you can’t always see. Visually, the tread on a snow-rated all-season tire is often more aggressive, with more biting edges. The real magic is in the rubber compound. It’s formulated to resist hardening in cold weather, maintaining its grip. They also have a much higher density of sipes (those small slits) to grab onto slick surfaces. A standard all-season tire is designed primarily for rain and dry conditions, with mild snow capability as a secondary feature. The snow-rated versions flip that priority, making winter traction a primary design goal while still aiming for year-round comfort.
Will using these tires affect my fuel economy?
Often, yes, but usually only slightly. The trade-off for better traction is often a small increase in rolling resistance. The more aggressive tread pattern and specialized rubber can require a bit more energy to move down the road compared to a low-rolling-resistance touring tire. However, modern tire engineering has come a long way. Many top models in this category are designed to minimize this impact. When I’m comparing options, I look for brands that highlight their fuel-efficient technologies to find the best balance between grip and miles per gallon.
Do I need to buy a full set of four tires?
Absolutely. I always recommend replacing tires in sets of four, especially when we’re talking about traction-critical tires like these. Mixing tires with different tread patterns, wear levels, or capabilities can lead to unpredictable handling, particularly in emergency situations on wet or snowy roads. Your vehicle’s stability control and anti-lock brake systems are calibrated for four tires with identical grip. Mismatched tires can confuse these systems and compromise your safety. For the best performance and control, a complete set is the only way to go.
How long do these hybrid all-season/winter tires typically last?
Treadwear can vary quite a bit by brand and model. Generally, you can expect a slightly shorter overall tread life compared to a standard, long-wearing all-season tire. This is again due to the softer, more flexible rubber compound that provides the cold-weather grip. Many quality models still offer very respectable warranties in the 50,000 to 70,000-mile range. The key to maximizing their life is proper maintenance: regular rotations, keeping them properly inflated, and getting an alignment if needed. I always check the manufacturer’s treadwear warranty as a good benchmark for comparison.