When winter’s worst conditions arrive, standard all-season tires simply can’t compete with the specialized performance of a true winter tire. Navigating snow-packed roads and treacherous black ice requires a tread compound that stays pliable in freezing temperatures and a tread pattern designed to bite into the snow. The difference in control, braking distance, and overall confidence is not just noticeable; it’s a critical safety upgrade for any driver facing a harsh winter season.
To help you find the right set for your vehicle, we’ve compiled the results of our professional winter test. This roundup focuses on the top all-terrain and winter tires that excel in snow and ice, evaluating them on key factors like ice braking, snow traction, and handling stability. Our selections represent the best offerings from leading manufacturers, each engineered to provide superior grip and security when the temperature drops.
The Best All-Terrain Winter Tires for Superior Traction
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Winter/Snow Passenger Tire
- Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta R5 205/55 R 16 94R XL
- General Altimax Arctic 12 Studable-Winter Radial Tire
- Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT Winter Radial Tire
- Continental VikingContact 7 225/55R17XL 101T BSW
- Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 255/45R19 104W XL
- Toyo Observe GSI-6 LS 255/50R20 109H
- HANKOOK Winter icept evo3 SUV W330A 265/50R20 111V
- FALKEN Espia EPZ II
- Michelin X-Ice Snow
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Winter/Snow Passenger Tire
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is a recognized leader for control on ice, making it a top contender in our winter test. Its advanced Multicell compound is engineered to wipe away the thin film of water on ice that can cause hydroplaning, resulting in more consistent grip. This technology provides confident stopping power when you need it most on snow and ice-covered roads.
Beyond its ice performance, the WS90 offers reliable handling in a variety of winter conditions. The tread design features 3D sipes that lock together under braking and cornering for enhanced stability. For drivers seeking a proven winter tire that builds confidence with every drive in the coldest months, the Blizzak is an excellent choice.
Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta R5
Hailing from a brand synonymous with winter expertise, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 incorporates innovative Arctic Grip Crystals within the tread. These particles function like built-in studs to increase grip as the tire wears down, offering a long-lasting solution for winter weather conditions. The Double Block Grip design further improves handling and traction by providing more biting edges.
This tire also considers efficiency with its Green Trace rubber compound, which lowers rolling resistance to enhance fuel economy and reduce environmental impact. The Hakkapeliitta R5 represents a blend of cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious design, making it a smart option for the environmentally aware driver who refuses to compromise on safety.
General Altimax Arctic 12 Studable Winter Radial Tire
The General Altimax Arctic 12 is a robust and versatile winter tire that offers exceptional grip and stability in low temperatures. Its design provides reliable braking performance on wet, snowy, and ice-covered roads, giving drivers peace of mind in diverse winter scenarios. As a studable tire, it offers the option for even greater ice traction for those in the most extreme winter climates.
General stands behind this tire with a strong consumer assurance package. It is backed by a 45-day trial period and 72 months of limited treadwear coverage. This combination of performance and value makes the Altimax Arctic 12 a compelling choice for budget-conscious drivers who need serious winter capability.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT Winter Radial Tire
The Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT is engineered to tackle harsh winter conditions with confidence. This radial tire is built with Goodyear’s winter traction technology, which is designed to provide a secure grip in snow and on ice. The tread compound is formulated to remain flexible in freezing temperatures, ensuring the tire can conform to the road surface for better contact.
The tire’s construction is focused on delivering a balanced performance, offering not just traction but also durability throughout the winter season. For drivers looking for a dependable winter tire from a trusted brand, the Ultra Grip Ice WRT is a solid performer designed to keep you moving safely.
Continental VikingContact 7
The Continental VikingContact 7 carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, certifying it for use in severe snow conditions. It is designed to offer drivers superb grip in winter weather, thanks to its specialized tread pattern and rubber compound. Continental supports this tire with a valuable 60-day trial and three years of roadside assistance, adding significant value to your purchase.
This tire excels in providing stability and control on packed snow and slush. The siping and block design are optimized to maintain traction and shorten braking distances. For those who value a comprehensive package of performance and customer support, the VikingContact 7 is a highly recommended option.
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 is a high-performance winter tire that is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified for moderate to severe conditions. It utilizes 3D sipe technology and an optimized footprint to improve grip and stability not just in snow, but also on dry winter roads. This makes it an ideal choice for performance vehicles that see varied winter driving.
Its directional, double arrow tread pattern and dense siping work in concert to increase traction and grip on snowy roads. The focus on sporty handling without sacrificing winter safety is evident in its design. If you drive a performance sedan or coupe and need a tire that responds well to aggressive driving, the Sottozero 3 is built for you.
Toyo Observe GSI-6 LS
The Toyo Observe GSI-6 LS is designed for drivers who need reliable winter traction for their SUVs and light trucks. Its tread design incorporates a high number of biting edges to dig into snow and provide forward momentum. The compound is engineered to resist hardening in cold weather, maintaining flexibility for better road contact.
This tire focuses on providing a quiet and comfortable ride, a feature not always present in aggressive winter tires. The Observe GSI-6 LS aims to deliver a balanced experience of winter security and everyday drivability, making it a strong candidate for family vehicles that must handle winter storms.
HANKOOK Winter icept evo3 SUV W330A
The HANKOOK Winter icept evo3 is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, ensuring it meets rigorous winter performance standards. Its unidirectional tread design features a gull-wing shape that significantly improves traction and braking performance on snow. This design helps to evacuate snow and slush efficiently from the tread area.
Further enhancing its capability are the serrated winter sipes, which improve braking performance in winter driving. These special sipes also enhance driving stability by minimizing block movement under load. For SUV owners seeking a modern tire with focused technology for snow and ice, the icept evo3 delivers impressive results.
FALKEN Espia EPZ II
The FALKEN Espia EPZ II is a winter tire designed for consistent performance in cold weather conditions. Its tread pattern is engineered to provide reliable traction in light snow and on wet roads, offering an upgrade over all-season tires. The focus is on providing secure handling and dependable braking as temperatures fall.
This tire represents a value-oriented approach to winter driving safety. It provides the essential winter performance many drivers need without the premium cost of more specialized ice tires. For those in regions with moderately harsh winters, the Espia EPZ II is a practical and effective solution.
Michelin X-Ice Snow
The Michelin X-Ice Snow is engineered for drivers who face long winters and require a tire with excellent ice traction and long treadlife. It uses a special Cross-Z Sipe technology that provides biting edges in multiple directions for enhanced grip on ice and packed snow. The rubber compound is designed to maintain its flexibility over a wider range of winter temperatures.
A key benefit of the X-Ice Snow is its focus on fuel efficiency, as it is designed with low rolling resistance compared to many winter tires. This tire is an ideal choice for the driver who prioritizes a smooth, quiet ride and long-term value without giving up critical winter safety features.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best All-Terrain Tires for Snow and Ice
After spending a lot of time testing tires in harsh winter conditions, I have learned that not all all-terrain tires are created equal when the temperature drops. The term “all-terrain” can be misleading, as many are designed primarily for dry and wet traction in warmer months. When your safety depends on grip in snow and on ice, you need to look beyond the aggressive tread pattern and focus on a few critical factors. This guide will help you understand what separates a good all-season all-terrain from a truly capable winter all-terrain tire.
First and foremost, you need to look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. This is the single most important identifier. Unlike the M+S (Mud and Snow) marking, which is almost meaningless for winter performance, the 3PMSF symbol is awarded only to tires that meet specific performance criteria in severe snow conditions. Any tire claiming to be good in snow should have this symbol molded on its sidewall. It is your guarantee of a baseline level of snow traction.
Next, pay close attention to the rubber compound. All-terrain tires designed for year-round use often use a harder compound to resist wear and handle heat. The problem is that hard rubber turns into hard plastic in freezing temperatures. The best all-terrain tires for snow and ice use a specialized, softer rubber compound that stays pliable in the cold. This flexibility allows the tire to conform to the tiny imperfections in ice and packed snow, providing significantly better grip. Some manufacturers use silica-infused compounds or other proprietary technologies to achieve this crucial cold-weather flexibility without sacrificing too much tread life.
The tread design is another area where the best tires excel. Look for a high density of biting edges. This means lots of small sipes (the tiny slits in the tread blocks) that squirm and grip onto slippery surfaces. Wider lateral grooves are also essential for ejecting snow and slush to prevent packing, which can turn your tire into a slick donut. A more open shoulder design helps with digging through deeper snow. While a blocky, aggressive tread looks tough, it is the multitude of small sipes and grooves that do the hard work on ice and hard-packed snow.
Finally, consider your specific needs. Are you dealing with deep, unplowed snow, or is your main concern black ice on cleared highways? A tire with a very aggressive, open tread might be slightly noisier on dry pavement but will be a champion in deep powder. A tire focused on ice traction will have an incredibly high sipe density for maximum bite. Balancing your daily driving comfort with your specific winter challenges is key to finding the right set of the 10 best all-terrain tires for snow and ice for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my all-terrain tires year-round, or do I need dedicated winter tires?
This is the most common question I get. While the top-performing all-terrain tires with the 3PMSF symbol are vastly better in snow than standard all-terrains, they are still a compromise. A dedicated winter tire will almost always provide superior braking and handling on ice and in very cold, dry conditions because its entire design—from the ultra-soft compound to the extreme sipe density—is focused on winter. For someone who experiences moderate winters and doesn’t want to swap tires, a severe snow-rated all-terrain is a great option. But if you face long, harsh winters with consistent sub-freezing temperatures and icy roads, a dedicated winter tire set is the safest choice.
How much tread life should I expect from a winter-rated all-terrain tire?
You should expect a slightly shorter tread life compared to a standard all-terrain tire. The softer rubber compounds that provide excellent cold-weather grip will wear faster, especially if you do a lot of driving on dry, warm pavement. Many of these tires come with treadwear warranties in the 50,000 to 60,000-mile range, which is respectable. To maximize their life, make sure you keep up with regular rotations and maintain proper tire pressure. Think of the potential for slightly faster wear as a trade-off for the significant gain in safety during the winter months.
Are these tires noisy on the highway?
Tire noise is a valid concern. The aggressive tread patterns and numerous sipes that provide snow and ice traction can generate more hum on paved roads than a standard highway tire. However, tire technology has come a long way. Many modern winter-rated all-terrain tires use variable pitch tread blocks and noise-canceling technologies to keep cabin noise to a minimum. In my testing, some are surprisingly quiet, while others have a more noticeable hum. It is one of the trade-offs to consider, but it should not be a deal-breaker for most people, as the difference is often not extreme.
Do I need to buy a special size for my truck or SUV?
No, you do not need a special size. You should always replace your tires with the same size as your vehicle’s original equipment, or a size that is approved by the manufacturer and your local regulations. The key is to find a tire in your correct size that also carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. Whether you have a half-ton truck, a full-size SUV, or a crossover, manufacturers produce these severe snow-rated all-terrain tires in a wide range of common sizes to fit your vehicle.
How do these tires perform in deep mud compared to standard all-terrain tires?
While they are excellent in snow, their performance in deep, thick mud can be a mixed bag. The high density of sipes that gives them grip on ice can make the tread blocks a bit more flexible, which might reduce their biting force in thick mud compared to a more traditional, stiff-blocked all-terrain tire like a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2. However, their open tread patterns still provide good self-cleaning properties. For occasional light mud, they are perfectly capable. But if your primary use is serious mudding, a dedicated mud-terrain tire would be a better fit. The focus of the 10 best all-terrain tires for snow and ice is, as the name suggests, winter traction above all else.