Winter driving presents a unique set of challenges, demanding tires that can handle everything from deep snow and black ice to slushy, wet roads. The choice often comes down to dedicated winter tires, engineered specifically for cold-weather traction, or rugged all-terrain tires that promise year-round capability. This roundup examines eight top options to help you navigate this critical decision for your vehicle’s safety and performance.
Understanding the difference is key. True winter tires, marked with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, use specialized rubber compounds that stay pliable in freezing temperatures for superior grip. All-terrain tires offer a more aggressive tread for varied surfaces but may compromise on sheer ice and packed snow. The right choice depends on your local climate, driving habits, and vehicle type.
Top Winter and All-Terrain Tire Picks
- General Altimax Arctic 12 Studable Winter Tire
- Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 Passenger Tire
- Firestone Winterforce 2 UV Winter/Snow SUV Tire
- Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV Winter Tire
- Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 Winter Tire
- Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT Winter Tire
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV Studless Winter Tire
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tire
General Altimax Arctic 12 Studable Winter Radial Tire
For drivers facing the most severe icy conditions, the General Altimax Arctic 12 offers a robust solution. This tire is designed to be studdable, allowing for metal studs to be added for exceptional traction on sheer ice. Its winter-specific compound maintains flexibility in low temperatures, providing reliable grip and stability when you need it most.
Beyond its ice capability, this tire delivers confident braking and handling on wet and snowy roads. It is backed by strong consumer assurance programs, including a 45-day trial period and a 72-month limited treadwear warranty, which speaks to the manufacturer’s confidence in its long-term performance.
Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 Winter Passenger Tire
Engineered specifically for crossover and SUV vehicles, the Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 is built to handle winter weather with composure. It carries the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, confirming its performance in severe snow conditions. The tread pattern and compound are optimized for cold-weather traction without sacrificing the ride comfort expected from a modern CUV.
This tire is intended for seasonal use and should be swapped out when temperatures are consistently above 45 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve its specialized rubber. It provides a balanced focus on snow traction, wet braking, and overall handling stability for larger, heavier vehicles.
Firestone Winterforce 2 UV Winter/Snow SUV Tire
The Firestone Winterforce 2 UV is a dependable winter tire option focused on value and durability. It is built to provide the winter performance and grip necessary for safe travel in snow and cold conditions, with an emphasis on long-lasting tread life. This makes it a practical choice for drivers who face long winters and want a tire that will last several seasons.
Its design offers reliable traction to help keep you moving, whether commuting or navigating unplowed roads. The Winterforce 2 UV represents a straightforward, no-fuss approach to winter driving security for SUVs and light trucks.
Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV Winter Tire
Michelin’s X-Ice Snow SUV tire is engineered for drivers who prioritize a quiet, comfortable ride alongside top-tier winter safety. It uses a advanced thermal-flexible rubber compound that remains pliable in extreme cold to grip the road. The tread design incorporates numerous biting edges and cross-Z sipes for enhanced traction in snow and on ice.
This tire is known for its impressive treadwear for a winter product, often lasting longer than many competitors. It provides strong all-around winter performance, including reliable braking on wet roads and slush, making it an excellent choice for regions with varied winter conditions.
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 Winter Tire
The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is a benchmark in studless winter tire performance, particularly for SUVs, trucks, and crossovers. Its proprietary Multicell Compound technology helps absorb water film on ice for better contact and braking. The aggressive directional tread pattern is designed to evacuate snow and slush efficiently.
This tire excels in deep snow and on icy surfaces, offering drivers a high level of confidence in severe storms. The DM-V2 is a frequent top performer in independent winter tire tests, favored for its balanced handling and strong traction across the full spectrum of winter hazards.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT Winter Tire
Goodyear’s Ultra Grip Ice WRT is built to tackle harsh winter conditions with a focus on ice and snow traction. The tire features an ice-strengthened compound and a high-density sipe design that creates thousands of biting edges for grip on slippery surfaces. It is also Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified for severe snow service.
This model is designed to offer durability and reliable performance throughout the winter season. It provides a stable and secure feel for drivers of trucks, SUVs, and vans who need dependable traction in cold climates, from daily driving to handling unexpected winter weather.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV Studless Winter Tire
Hailing from a company renowned for winter tire expertise, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV represents premium studless technology. It uses a cryo-crystal silica compound and canola oil to maintain elasticity in extreme cold. The Aramid fiber sidewall reinforcement provides extra strength against curb damage and improves handling stability.
This tire is engineered for exceptional performance on ice and snow, often setting the standard in winter traction tests. It is an ideal choice for drivers in the coldest climates who seek maximum safety and performance from a dedicated winter tire without the use of studs.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tire
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a legendary all-terrain tire designed for year-round, off-road capable driving. It features a tough, chip-resistant tread compound and aggressive sidewall lugs for traction in mud, rocks, and dirt. Its core strength is durability and versatility across diverse terrains in all seasons.
While it carries the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, meaning it meets specific snow traction requirements, it is not a dedicated winter tire. The KO2 is best for drivers who need a single tire for moderate winter conditions combined with serious off-road use, accepting that its ice and packed snow performance will not match a true winter tire.
Buying Guide: 8 All-Terrain Vs Snow Tires: Which Should You Choose For Winter Roads?
I get asked this question a lot: should I just run my all-terrain tires in winter or do I need dedicated snow tires? The answer isn’t the same for everyone. It comes down to your local weather, your vehicle, and how you drive. Let me break down what to look for.
First, know the fundamental difference. A proper winter tire, marked with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, is made from a special rubber compound that stays flexible in freezing temperatures. This gives you grip on cold, dry pavement, slush, and ice. The tread is packed with thousands of tiny sipes (little slits) that bite into snow. An all-terrain (A/T) tire is a compromise. It’s designed for dirt, gravel, and some mud, with a tougher compound for durability. While many modern A/T tires have aggressive tread and may even carry the Three-Peak Mountain rating, their compound is still stiffer in the cold.
So, how do you choose? Look at your winter reality. If you face long, harsh winters with constant snow cover, frequent ice, and temperatures that stay below freezing, dedicated snow tires are the only safe, high-performance choice. The difference in braking distance and cornering grip is massive. If your winters are mild with occasional storms that get plowed quickly, a severe snow service-rated all-terrain tire could be sufficient. These are a great “one-tire” solution if you also go off-road in other seasons.
Also, consider your vehicle. A heavy 4WD truck on rated A/T tires will generally perform better in snow than a lightweight rear-wheel-drive car on the same tires. But put that same truck on true winter tires, and it becomes a tank. For SUVs and crossovers that are daily drivers in snow country, I usually recommend the winter tire swap. It’s an investment in safety.
Think about storage and cost. Running winter tires means a second set of wheels or paying to mount and balance tires twice a year. A/T tires run year-round, which is simpler. However, using soft winter tires in summer wears them out extremely fast, and running hard A/T tires in deep winter might cost you in other ways. Weigh the initial outlay against the longer total tire life you get by using two optimized sets.
My final take? If winter safety is your top priority and you see serious snow and ice, choose dedicated snow tires. If you need a capable, do-it-all tire for mixed conditions and moderate winter weather, a modern, winter-rated all-terrain tire is a solid compromise. Always check the tire’s rating and read reviews specific to winter performance.
FAQ
Can’t I just use my 4WD system instead of snow tires?
This is a huge misconception. 4WD or AWD only helps you go forward. It does nothing to help you turn or, most importantly, stop. All vehicles, regardless of drive system, use all four tires for braking and cornering. Winter tires provide the critical grip needed for those actions on cold, slick surfaces.
What does the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol mean?
This symbol on a tire’s sidewall means it meets specific industry standards for severe snow service. It has been tested to provide a significant level of traction in winter conditions compared to a standard all-season tire. Both dedicated winter tires and some all-terrain tires can have this rating, so it’s a key thing to look for.
Are “all-season” tires good enough for snow?
Standard all-season tires are a compromise for all temperatures. They are not specialized for winter. Their rubber compound gets hard and loses grip as temperatures drop near and below freezing. While they may handle light, occasional snow, they are not a safe choice for consistent winter conditions. The debate between 8 all-terrain vs snow tires often includes this, but true winter tires are in a different league.
How much worse are all-terrain tires on ice compared to snow tires?
The difference is usually substantial. Dedicated winter tires have specialized rubber and tread designs with far more biting edges (sipes) specifically for ice traction. An all-terrain tire, even a winter-rated one, will have a much harder compound and less aggressive siping for ice, leading to longer stopping distances and less control.
Do I need to buy four winter tires, or is two enough?
Always buy four. Putting only two winter tires on your vehicle can create a dangerous imbalance in grip between the axles, which may cause loss of control during braking or cornering. For balanced and predictable handling in winter, all four tires need to have the same capability.