When winter transforms roads into challenging mixes of snow, ice, and slush, having the right tires is not just about convenience—it’s about safety and control. All-terrain tires designed for winter conditions offer a compelling blend of year-round capability and specialized cold-weather performance. This roundup focuses on tires that provide reliable traction when temperatures drop, helping you navigate confidently whether you’re on a cleared highway or a remote trail.
Selecting the best tire involves balancing aggressive tread patterns for loose snow with advanced rubber compounds and siping for ice grip. The following products represent top choices from leading manufacturers, each engineered to tackle winter’s worst while maintaining solid on-road manners. From dedicated winter snow tires to robust all-terrain options with severe snow service ratings, these picks can upgrade your vehicle’s winter readiness.
Our Top Picks for All-Terrain Winter Tires
- Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT
- MICHELIN LTX A/T2 All Terrain Tire
- Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail All Terrain Tire
- Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 Radial Tire
- General Grabber APT All- Season Radial Tire
- Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 Winter/Snow SUV Tire
- Michelin X-Ice Snow Winter Tire
- Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT Winter Radial Tire
- TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T III All Terrain
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV Studless Winter Tire
Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT
The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is built for SUV and truck drivers who need dependable all-season traction that extends into winter conditions. Its design incorporates multi-angle sipes and sawtooth block edges to grip snowy and icy surfaces effectively. The large, interlocking tread blocks contribute to durability both on pavement and off-road.
For deeper snow and mud, the rugged stepped shoulder provides added biting edges to help propel the vehicle forward. This tire aims to deliver a balanced performance, making it a suitable choice for drivers who face varied weather and occasional off-pavement excursions without wanting to switch to dedicated winter tires.
MICHELIN LTX A/T2
The MICHELIN LTX A/T2 is a premium all-terrain tire known for its longevity and composed ride. It is engineered to handle a wide range of surfaces while providing reliable performance in light winter conditions. Its construction focuses on even wear and damage resistance, which is important for heavier trucks and SUVs.
While it maintains Michelin’s reputation for on-road comfort and low noise, the tread pattern is aggressive enough to manage gravel, dirt, and snow. With a substantial load capacity, it’s a strong option for those who use their vehicle for towing or hauling and need a tire that can perform year-round with an emphasis on durability.
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail
Specifically designed for crossover vehicles and smaller SUVs, the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail brings all-terrain looks and winter capability to a growing segment. It features 3D Canyon Sipe Technology, which helps the tread blocks remain stable during dry cornering while still flexing to grip ice and packed snow.
The tire boasts an increased tread depth compared to standard all-season tires, which contributes to its snow traction. Backed by a 65,000-mile warranty, it offers a combination of winter performance, off-road aesthetics, and value for drivers of lighter-duty vehicles who want more aggressive tires without major compromises in ride quality.
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is engineered as a true all-weather all-terrain tire. Its EdgeTec grooves are a key feature, designed to clean out mud, dirt, and snow to maintain consistent contact with the ground. This self-cleaning action helps prevent packing and preserves traction in soft conditions.
An Enduro Compound keeps the rubber pliable across a wide temperature range, which is essential for cold-weather grip and braking performance. This tire is built to deliver a smooth highway ride while being capable enough for weekend adventures, making it a versatile choice for diverse climates.
General Grabber APT
The General Grabber APT is optimized to balance off-road traction with on-road comfort, and it carries a 60,000-mile limited warranty. Its design focuses on providing a reliable driving experience across different surfaces, including winter roads. The tread pattern manages noise and wear while still offering capable performance.
Durable construction helps it withstand the demands of off-road use, which translates to toughness in harsh winter environments. For drivers seeking an all-terrain tire that doesn’t sacrifice too much in terms of ride refinement or tread life, the Grabber APT presents a compelling option.
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is a dedicated winter/snow tire for SUVs and trucks, representing the peak of ice and snow traction. Its standout technology is the use of microscopic “Bite Particles” in the tread compound, which act like thousands of tiny claws to grip icy surfaces.
This tire is engineered for confident stopping power and reliable handling specifically in winter conditions. As a specialist tire, it is meant to be used seasonally and will outperform all-terrain tires on sheer ice and packed snow, offering maximum security for drivers in the most severe winter climates.
Michelin X-Ice Snow
The Michelin X-Ice Snow is another top-tier dedicated winter tire designed to provide ultimate confidence on snow and ice. It uses advanced tread compounds and design features to maintain flexibility in extreme cold, ensuring the tire conforms to the road surface for maximum grip.
This tire often receives high marks for its balance of winter traction, longevity, and relatively quiet ride for a snow tire. It’s an excellent choice for drivers who face long winters and prioritize safety and performance on icy roads, and who prefer a tire from a manufacturer known for its innovation.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT
The Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT is a winter radial tire built to tackle harsh ice and snow conditions. Its tread pattern is designed to dig into snow and provide numerous biting edges for acceleration and braking on slippery surfaces.
As part of Goodyear’s dedicated winter lineup, it uses specialized compounds that resist hardening in freezing temperatures. This tire is for drivers who need a focused winter solution and value the proven performance of the Ultra Grip series in challenging cold-weather driving.
TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T III
The TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T III is the third generation of a popular all-terrain line, featuring an updated tread design for improved performance. It aims to deliver aggressive off-road traction while also managing well on wet and winter roads.
The tread incorporates elements to help evacuate water and slush, reducing hydroplaning risk. For drivers wanting a modern, aggressive-looking all-terrain tire with updated technology for year-round use, including moderate winter conditions, the A/T III is a contemporary option.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV
From the brand synonymous with winter tire innovation, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV is a studless winter tire engineered for supreme ice and snow performance. Nokian tires are developed in Finland, where winter driving conditions are extreme, and this heritage is built into every aspect of the design.
The tire likely features a specially formulated crystal-free rubber compound and a directional tread pattern designed to provide exceptional grip and braking performance on ice. For drivers who face the most demanding winter conditions and want a tire from a dedicated winter specialist, the Hakkapeliitta line is often considered a benchmark.
What to Look For in the Best All-Terrain Tires For Snow And Ice
When I’m picking out the best all-terrain tires for snow and ice, I don’t just look for a cool tread pattern. It’s about finding a tire that can handle a muddy trail on Saturday and a slick, icy commute on Monday. The first thing I check is the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. This isn’t just a marketing sticker; it’s a standardized test that means the tire meets specific performance criteria in severe snow conditions. An all-terrain tire with this symbol has been engineered for better snow traction than a standard all-terrain.
Next, I look at the siping. Those tiny slits in the tread blocks are what grip ice and hard-packed snow. More sipes usually mean better winter performance. Some of the best all-terrain tires for snow and ice use what’s called “multi-wave” or “zigzag” siping, which creates more biting edges. The rubber compound is just as important. In cold weather, standard tire rubber gets hard and slick. Winter-capable all-terrains use a softer, more pliable compound that stays flexible in freezing temps to maintain grip.
Tread design is a balancing act. You need deep, aggressive lugs for mud and self-cleaning, but you also need plenty of siping and a tread pattern that packs and clears snow effectively. I pay attention to the shoulder blocks and the central ribs. A continuous center rib can improve stability on cleared highways, while independent shoulder blocks help with off-road digging. Finally, I think about my actual driving. If I spend 90% of my time on pavement in winter, I might prioritize ice braking and wet pavement handling. If I’m often in deep snow off-road, I’ll look for a more open, aggressive tread that won’t pack up. The goal is to get a tire that sacrifices as little as possible in dry and wet conditions while giving you the confidence to handle a surprise winter storm.
FAQ
Can I use all-terrain tires as a true winter tire replacement?
This is the big question. While the best all-terrain tires for snow and ice are massively better in winter than standard all-terrains, they are not a direct replacement for a dedicated winter (snow) tire. A dedicated winter tire uses a much softer compound and a tread design focused entirely on snow and ice. An all-terrain tire is a fantastic compromise, offering very good snow performance, decent ice capability, and year-round durability for on and off-road use. If you face extreme ice and long periods of deep cold, dedicated winters are still the safest choice.
How much tread life do I sacrifice for winter traction?
It’s a trade-off. The softer rubber compounds that provide cold-weather flexibility will generally wear faster on warm, dry pavement than a harder, long-lasting all-terrain compound. However, tire technology has come a long way. Many modern winter-rated all-terrains use advanced compounds to improve tread life without giving up too much winter grip. You should expect a slight reduction in overall mileage compared to a highway-terrain tire, but the difference isn’t as dramatic as it used to be.
Are these tires noisy on the highway?
Aggressive tread patterns can create more road noise. However, many newer all-terrain designs use variable pitch tread blocks and noise-canceling technologies to keep highway hum to a minimum. The noise level varies significantly between models. Some are very quiet for their capability, while others have a more pronounced growl. If a quiet ride is a priority for you, look for reviews that specifically mention on-road comfort and noise levels.
Do I need to buy a full set of four tires?
Yes, absolutely. For the safety and proper function of your vehicle’s drivetrain and stability control systems, you must install four identical tires. Mixing a winter-rated all-terrain with a standard all-terrain or a different model can create dangerous handling imbalances, especially in slippery conditions. Always replace tires in complete sets of four.
How do I know if a tire is truly good on ice, not just snow?
Look beyond the 3PMSF symbol. That symbol certifies snow performance. For ice, you need to look at the tire’s features and professional reviews. Tires that perform well on ice will heavily emphasize their siping technology and biting edges. Some may even have a micro-sipe texture on the tread blocks themselves. Reading professional tests and owner reviews that mention “ice braking” or “hard-packed snow” will give you the best insight.