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In much of the country, dedicated winter tires are a must, changing them on and off a seasonal ritual. But they are a confusing topic and are offered in many variations. We turned to Tire Rack to help make sense of it. Tire Rack's rankings are based on user reviews, and it also does its own tire testing — in this case, even using an ice rink.
- Related: Best cars for winter driving
For a deeper research dive, you can go to tirerack.com., But here's a rundown, with links, to some solid choices in winter tires.
In budgeting for this purchase, keep in mind that it's highly recommended you run a full set of four matched snow tires. The olden days when your grandpa would put on just two are long gone.
Passenger cars
Studless |
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Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 (from $101.99 in sizes down to 14")Blizzack has become practically synonymous with tires for snow and ice. The WS90 works for passenger cars, minivans, crossovers. Tire Rack likes its braking performance on wintry surfaces and its steering feel. In traction and handling tests, it ranks a very close second to the next tire on our list. But nothing beats it for stopping distance on both wet and dry surfaces. |
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Michelin X-Ice Snow (from $111.99 in sizes down to 14")It beat even the Blizzak in snow traction and handling. Says Tire Rack's testers: "Excellent road manners combined with balanced traction for all road conditions." |
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Continental VikingContact 7 (from $92.78)This tire is described as "competitive" with the others and earns praise for low highway tread noise, though it can be noisy on rough surfaces. It also gets dinged slightly for steering feel. |
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Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra (from $129.73)This Goodyear is lauded for its traction on both snow and ice. "Traction in line with the best with a distinct connection to the road." |
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Yokohama IceGuard IG52C (from $90.37)Good ice and snow traction. Not the best of this bunch, but it's the best price here and may be good enough for your needs. Tire Rack's verdict: "A good value that performs well on ice and in the snow." |
Studdable |
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Cooper Evolution Winter (from 107.99)If you're a believer in studs, this tire gets a 100% rating from Tire Rack customers. Tire Rack has not done testing on this class of tire. |
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General Altimax Arctic 12 (from $119.99, in sizes down to 14")No. 2 on Tire Rack customers' list of studded favorites. |
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Firestone Winterforce 2 (from $88.99 in sizes down to 14")If you don't want to spend much on tires you run just a few months a year, but you want studs, this might be the bargain buy. |
Winter performance |
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Michelin Pilot Alpin PA/4 (from $234.80)Good handling and great traction in all conditions. (It's derived from the Pilot Alpin PA/4 N-Spec, which was the highest-ranked tire in this category, though the N-Spec was developed specifically for Porsches, is extremely expensive, and is available only in 19" and 20".) |
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Vredstein Wintertrac Pro (from $161.80, starting at 17")This one was tested against two Michelins and was competitive for wet and dry traction, and tops in ride quality. Tire Rack testers deemed it a bit noisy but call it a "strong contender" in this category. |
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Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 (from $165.99)Not tested. But it's a Blizzak and well-liked by customers. |
Trucks and SUVs
Studless |
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Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 (from $149.99)The benchmark Blizzak for pickups, vans, crossovers and SUVs. Testing showed "very good capability in all winter conditions — ice, snow, cold, wet." Snow traction and handling was particularly impressive. |
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Bridgestone Blizzak LT (from $184.99)The Blizzak for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. |
Others in this category: |
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The following tires show in limited sizes, but if they fit your vehicle, they're worth a look: Yokohama IceGuard IG51V, Michelin Latitiude X-Ice Xi2, Firestone Winterforce CV |
Studdable |
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General Grabber Arctic LT (from $216.99)Top marks in this category, designed for heavy-duty rigs. |
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Firestone Winterforce 2 UV (from $108.99)Available in limited sizes. |
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General Grabber Arctic (from $166.99)The Grabber Arctic LT's lighter-duty brother. Limited sizes. |
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Firestone Winterforce LT (from $177.99)Another choice for medium- to heavy-duty, even commercial, trucks, vans and SUVs. |
Winter performance |
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Pirelli Scorpion Winter ($180.59)If you have a luxury performance SUV that needs to be shod for winter, this is the only choice on the Tire Rack rack. Rated "excellent" across the board by TR customers. |
