The Best Snow Tires of 2021-2022
This winter, have confidence on the roads in any weather with a solid set of snow tires.
When winter weather arrives, the show must go on — but keep the drama at a minimum with a set of trustworthy snow tires. Now when the weatherman calls for wintery conditions, you can make white-knuckle winter drives a thing of the past with a quality set of snow tires.
The best snow tires for you will depend on your vehicle and your location, which is why we’ve broken up our list of the best snow tires into a range of options to cover everything from small cars and sedans to full-size trucks and SUVs.
We’ve also included some heavy-duty studded tires for the worst winter weather you might encounter as well as a snow-oriented performance tire, in case you get mild winters with only an occasional dusting of the white stuff.
Either way, you should be able to find a set of tires that suits both your typical winter conditions and your vehicle on our list of the best snow tires.
- Best Overall
- Runner-Up
- Best Budget Studdable Snow Tire
- Best Snow Tire for Trucks/SUVs
- Best Snow Tire for Crossovers
- Best Snow Tire for Passenger Cars/Sedans
- Best Winter Tire for All-Around Adventure Use
- Best Snow Tire for High-Performance Winter Driving
- Best Studded Tire
- Best of the Rest
The Best Snow Tires of 2023
Best Snow Tire Overall: Michelin X-Ice
Based on our research, the Michelin Latitude X-Ice snow tire is the best overall in its class. On packed snow and ice, it performs exceptionally well, providing outstanding grip in cold, wet conditions. Users of this tire report a quiet and comfortable ride on a wide range of road surfaces and in varied weather conditions.
For maximum confidence on snow and ice, be sure to check out Michelin’s top-of-the-line winter tire. The Latitude X-Ice XI2 has sizes that fit light trucks and SUV owners looking for a no-compromise winter tire. Passenger cars and crossovers will benefit from having the Latitude X-Ice SNOW on all four corners.
Michelin’s directional snow tire uses a special Flex-Ice silica rubber compound to keep it flexible in extreme cold and in temperatures above freezing. The full-depth Cross Z sipes claw into the snow and ice while the deep grooves and large tread blocks channel water and slush outward.
The tread blocks serve a secondary purpose to stiffen the shoulder blocks, thus enabling this snow tire’s dry road-handling capabilities to be on par with all-season tires.
The Michelin Latitude X-ICE is Green X certified, which translates to low rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency. Part of the certification includes a longer tread life and an environmentally friendly manufacturing process.
The company is confident that these tires will last an extra winter season over its competitors. It supports that claim with a 40,000-mile, 6-year limited warranty.
Specs:
- Rim sizes: 15-21 in.
- Price range: $145-260 per tire
Pros:
- Drives like an all-season tire
- Terrific wet and ice performance
- Resistant to hydroplaning
Cons:
- Not intended for season-long deep snow
- Some reviewers report poor traction in slush
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Best Snow Tire Runner-Up: Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
The latest iteration of the popular Bridgestone Blizzak snow tire has a new tread compound with a larger contact patch specifically designed for better performance on the ice. This optimized contact patch helps distribute forces evenly across the tire, giving you better stability in dry, icy, and snowy conditions — and shortening your stopping distance on ice and snow.
The sipes and wide channels between the tread blocks cut through slush and ice while decreasing the chances of hydroplaning. To sum up, Bridgestone’s premier snow tire is responsive, handles well, and delivers excellent highway stability in dry conditions.
The Blizzak WS90 is one of the most popular and dependable snow tires on the market. What makes the Blizzak so good is the combination of its circumferential and lateral grooves, which direct water, slush, and snow away from the contact area.
The 3D zigzag sipes give the tire extra biting edges. Additionally, the tire uses a next-generation compound, a hydrophilic coating that helps the tire remain pliable in below-freezing conditions. Bridgestone’s silica-enhanced tread has tiny “bite particles” that act like microscopic studs to add grip.
The wide, aggressive tread is soft and squirmy, which is outstanding in freezing temperatures. However, the soft compound won’t last long on hard pavement and doesn’t perform well in warmer temperatures like an all-season tire. Check out the Blizzak DM-V2 for light truck and SUV applications.
Customer feedback and independent tests claim the Blizzak snow tires were more comfortable than the Michelin X-Ice and less prone to hydroplaning. They also commented on the Blizzak’s road noise and high rolling resistance. Nevertheless, they’re sterling winter tires, with a price that reflects their prominence.
Specs:
- Rim sizes: 14-19 in.
- Price range: $99-240 per tire
Pros:
- Excellent traction on ice and snow
- Ride comfort
- Highly rated
- Available in a wide range of sizes
Cons:
- Road noise
- Not studdable
- Limited mileage warranty not available
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Best Budget Snow Tire (Studdable): Cooper Evolution Winter
This sturdy winter tire fits cars, crossovers, and SUVs. It provides great performance in deep snow and other harsh elements that winter may throw your way. The tires are also studdable for improved ice traction. They’re rated for severe weather and have a standard limited warranty.
Reviewers have noted that this winter tire provides excellent traction in deep snow conditions and uncleared roads. The Evolution Winter has a directional tread pattern for better braking and acceleration on slippery road surfaces.
The wide, rigid tread blocks add stability for better handling on ice or in deep snow. That being said, the Cooper Evolution Winter is meant to be primarily used in bitterly cold conditions — and probably excessive for mild winter seasons or mostly dry roads.
The Discoverer Evolution Winter is available in 67 sizes for wheels 14 to 20 inches in diameter.
Specs:
- Rim sizes: 14-20 in.
- Price range: $87-203 per tire
Pros:
- Studdable
- Severe Snow Service Rated
- Wide range of sizes
Cons:
- Aggressive tread pattern not ideal for dry roads or warm weather
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Best Snow Tire for Light Trucks/SUVs: Toyo Open Country A/T III
Toyo, known for its all-terrain and mud-terrain tires, is revered by off-road enthusiasts because of its outstanding traction. The Toyo Open Country AT III is an aggressive all-terrain tire designed for light trucks and SUVs that is exceptional in extreme winter conditions.
Its open block tread design works wonders clawing at mud, dirt, and snow. The company’s Nano Balance technology blended into the rubber compound improves fuel efficiency on the road.
Compared to most all-terrain tires, the Open Country A/T III is relatively quieter. The 3D multiwave sipes enhance wet and snow traction while reducing irregular wear. Customers appreciate the rugged character, prodigious off-road properties, wet traction, and tenacious grip on snow and ice.
The Toyo Open Country AT3 is available in three styles (LT-Metric, P/Euro-Metric, and Flotation) and 146 sizes from 15 to 22 inches in diameter. The AT3 has a 65,000-mile warranty and is 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certified.
Specs:
- Rim sizes: 15-22 in.
- Price range: $115-325
Pros:
- Superior off-road and wet traction
- Aggressive looks
- Well-mannered on the road
Cons:
- On-road traction not as strong as off-road performance
- Deep mud and snow can get packed
Best Snow Tire for Crossovers: Firestone Winterforce 2 UV
The Firestone Winterforce 2 UV is designed with crossovers and minivans in mind. The directional tread pattern has deep grooves, open shoulder slots, and wide lateral notches all designed to provide the best grip possible. Additionally, the high sipe-density tread pattern adds even more traction for snow and ice, as well as resistance to hydroplaning.
The tires are winter-certified and studdable. They’re built with two steel belts on top of a polyester casing for a durable, smooth ride. Drivers report good tread life even with use on dry roads.
The Winterforce 2 UV is a recent addition to the Firestone family and encapsulates new technology. Thankfully, it doesn’t cost as much as the other top-tier snow tires. Performance is strong across the board, but people mention the road noise that this tire generates.
Specs:
- Rim sizes: 15-18 in.
- Price range: $105-171 per tire
Pros:
- Excellent traction in snow
- Good performance in both wet and dry conditions
- Responsive
Cons:
- Noisy on dry roads
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Best Snow Tire for Passenger Cars and Small Crossovers: Continental Viking Contact 7
In harsh wintery conditions, the Continental VikingContact 7 proves itself as an exceptional snow tire. It is one of the best-handling tires on ice and snow. The inherent technology and its tread pattern enable it to bite and grab the snow with authority. Short stopping distances and traction on ice when accelerating is stellar.
Continental’s proprietary Nordic Compound uses canola oil to provide flexibility in chilling temperatures and active grip silica to increase wet performance. Wide sipes create snow pockets and use snow-to-snow traction for enhanced grip. Its weaknesses point to long braking distances on wet roads and a noticeable tread growl at highway speeds.
Specs:
- Rim sizes: 15-22 in.
- Studless
- Applications: sedans, coupes, crossovers, minivans
Pros:
- Exceptional handling capabilities in the snow
- Terrific traction and acceleration on ice
Cons:
- Braking performance on wet surfaces
- Road noise
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Best Winter Tire for All-Around Adventure Use: Nitto EXO Grappler AWT
If you’re looking for a do-everything, off-road-ready tire that can also handle a winter blizzard, the Nitto EXO Grappler AWT is a winter-rated tire ready for all of the above — and more. The all-weather compound is drilled for studs and features a durable three-ply sidewall for added durability on rough roads.
The tread pattern is designed to provide traction off the pavement as well as add grip in snow or on ice. The lateral grooves work to remove water, snow, and slush from the tire. And Nitto even incorporates a variable pitch tread block design specifically to help reduce road noise on the highway.
It’s not often a multitasker does all of its jobs this well, but the EXO Grappler AWT is decidedly well-suited for rugged winter driving — and adventurous off-roading.
Specs:
- Rim sizes: 17-20 in.
- Price range: $220-502 per tire
Pros:
- Excellent traction in deep snow and on ice
- Off-road capable
- Studdable
Cons:
- Expensive
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Best Snow Tire for High-Performance Winter Driving: Pirelli P Zero Winter
Not ready to hang up the keys to your sports car when winter rolls around? Now you don’t have to, with the Pirelli P Zero Winter, a snow tire designed specifically for high-performance winter driving.
Whether you have a sports car, coupe, sedan, high-performance crossover, or SUV, the P Zero is designed to give you the kind of high-level driving experience you enjoy in the warmer months.
The P Zero Winter tread compound is engineered to stay flexible and responsive in cold conditions, while the tread pattern is designed to simultaneously evacuate water and slush from the contact patch while adding lateral stability for confident turn-in and cornering. Drivers report the P Zero does best in cold, dry conditions or on roads with light snow.
Sure, this isn’t the tire you want to take out in the next blizzard, but it will allow you to dust off that sports car even in the dead of winter. Just be prepared to pay to play, as these tires aren’t exactly budget-friendly.
Specs:
- Rim sizes: 18-22 in.
- Price range: $404-665 per tire
Pros:
- Designed for high-performance driving
- Fit sports cars, coupes, and sedans
Cons:
- Not meant for severe winter conditions or deep snow
- Expensive
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Best Studded Tire: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
This Nokian tire has long been a popular choice for extreme winter driving. It delivers a balanced and stable grip in winter conditions and is extremely durable. The tire comes studded for grip on ice.
Available for both passenger cars and SUVs, the Hakkapeliitta 10 also comes in an EV version, which gets a stronger structure, additional rubber, and Nokian’s SilentDrive technology for use with EVs and hybrids.
The Hakkapeliitta 10 utilizes Nokian’s Double Stud Technology with center studs to improve acceleration and braking grip and studs on the shoulder of the tire to maximize turn-in grip. The stud pattern is designed to add traction especially when the conditions get extreme. Additionally, the strong sidewall helps resist any impacts or cuts, making this a durable and long-lasting winter tire.
Specs:
- Rim sizes: 14-20 in.
- Price range: $150-430 per tire
Pros:
- Come studded
- Excellent on ice
- Durable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Noisy on dry roads due to studs
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Best of the Rest
Sumitomo Ice Edge
The Sumitomo Ice Edge is certified to work its best in snow. Whether you’re facing a blizzard or icy roads, these tires are designed to give you traction in winter conditions. These studdable winter tires are made to fit most passenger cars and SUVs.
The tread compound and 3D sipe technology maximize grip even in freezing temperatures. The tire has a wide tread pattern that helps enhance grip in light snow and slush. The triangle pattern of the center tread blocks adds stability, helping to improve handling, especially when braking.
Specs:
- Rim sizes: 14-20 in.
- Price range: $103-280 per tire
Pros:
- Studdable
- Sturdy and responsive in cold weather conditions
Cons:
- Not ideal in deep snow
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Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter
For a reliable, no-frills snow tire you can depend on for good traction in snow, slush, and ice, the Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tire comes highly rated. These tires fit passenger cars, minivans, and crossovers as well as SUVs and light-duty pickup trucks. They deliver good snow and wet performance.
These tires have wide tread grooves to eliminate snow and slush getting packed in the tread, as well as a directional tread pattern for better traction on snow and ice. If you’re looking for even better traction on packed snow or ice, the tires are studdable and can accommodate alternating rows of metal studs.
Specs:
- Rim sizes: 14-15 in.
- Price range: $83-90 per tire
Pros:
- Affordable
- Decent traction in all conditions
Cons:
- Limited sizes
- Not as aggressive as other snow tires
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Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Snow Tires
You should consider a few factors when picking the best snow tires. First, determine your budget. You should also consider where you live and how much snow you typically get during the winter. If you have very mild winters, you may be fine with a set of all-season tires.
However, if you see regular snowfall or icy road conditions, you’ll want to consider upgrading to snow tires. For locations with severe winter weather, you might even want a studded set of snow tires.
It’s worth noting that all-season tires are not the same as snow tires. Though you can use an all-season tire year-round, you won’t get the same level of performance on snow and ice as from a dedicated set of snow tires. Here are a few things you should consider when deciding which snow tire is best for you.
Local Winter Weather Conditions
First, consider where you live. For locations with mild winters or those that only get a few light snowfalls each winter, you may be able to stick with all-season tires or all-terrain tires. However, if you regularly drive in snow or ice storms, you could probably use a set of snow tires.
All-Season vs. Snow Tires
It’s a common misconception that if you have all-season or all-terrain tires, then you don’t need snow tires. All-season tires are designed for year-round use, and all-terrain tires work well in elements such as mud and rain. Snow tires provide the best traction specifically for snowy and icy conditions.
Snow tires perform best in winter conditions. While all-season tires have a harder rubber compound, snow tires have a hydrophilic rubber. The harder rubber of all-season tires works better on hot pavement. The softer rubber of snow tires will be more pliable in cold winter weather.
Another factor is tread design. Snow tires have larger grooves and specific tread patterns to help keep slush and ice from building up in the tread. You can also add metal studs to many snow tires — studded snow tires will be the most winter-ready tires you can put on your vehicle.
Price & Brand
One last thing you should consider is how much money you want to spend. Many snow tires have a relatively similar price point, so you can steer toward the lower-priced options if you’re on a budget.
Most well-known tire brands have at least one quality snow tire that should perform moderately well in winter conditions. If you have a preferred brand of tire, chances are they also make a snow tire you can purchase for your car this winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Difference Between Snow Tires and Winter Tires?
It is common to use “snow” and “winter” interchangeably when referring to tires purposely designed for ultra-cold temperatures and maintaining traction on snow, ice, and slush. Look for the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol on the sidewall, which indicates that it’s surpassed a minimum baseline in light snow acceleration.
Note that the engineering behind an M+S branding typically applied to all-season tires generally refers to the tread pattern geometry and is not associated with any performance abilities.
What Is a Winter Tire?
- Winter tires are designed to perform in temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius
- Their soft rubber compound continues to be pliable even in freezing temperatures, providing a superior grip on snow and ice
- Sipes create biting edges to grip snow
- Snow tires feature patterns with wide tread grooves that have sharp-angled tread blocks to press into the snow for optimal traction
- Certified winter tires feature the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol on the sidewall. Note: M + S marking does not indicate that a tire is a certified winter tire
- Maximize the handling and traction of your vehicle by fitting winter tires to all four-wheel positions of the car
Is It OK to Buy Used Snow Tires?
If you’re on a budget, used snow tires can be a cheaper alternative. However, make sure the snow tires are lightly used, no more than a year or two old, and don’t have too much wear.
Check the tread depth to make sure the tire has enough life left. A new tire normally has about 11/32 of tread depth. If getting a used tire, aim for something in the 7-10/32 range or more.
Also, make sure the tires aren’t more than a few years old (and definitely no older than 6 years since the manufacture date). Rubber degrades (dry rots) over time, greatly reducing the tires’ dependability and capabilities in adverse weather conditions.
Are Chains a Better Option Than Snow Tires?
If you’re planning to drive on the highway in snowy conditions, chains are probably not the way to go. Chains are effective for snowy and icy conditions. However, they’re best for mountain driving at slower speeds and require you to put them on and take them off at the side of the road.
Snow tires, on the other hand, are designed to not only drive on snow and ice but also perform effectively at high speeds on dry pavement. Chains are not a substitute for snow tires but can be a good option to have on hand in a pinch.
What Tires Perform Best on Ice?
Studded tires do best on ice. If your area has restrictions using studded tires, a dedicated snow tire that is 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated is the next best solution.
What's the Difference Between Studded and Studless Snow Tires?
When deciding which kind of snow tire you need, consider your driving habits. Studless tires work well in slush and on packed snow. They have wide and deep grooves that allow for optimal traction.
Studded tires, on the other hand, give you even greater traction on ice. The metal studs will stick into slick surfaces for added grip. One downside is that studded tires can be quite noisy on dry roads.
At What Tread Depth Should You Replace Winter Tires?
The tire manufacturers recommend a 4 mm minimum tread depth for winter tires with the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol on the sidewall.
What Is a High-Performance Winter Tire?
The design of a high-performance winter tire will contend with the power of high-performance vehicles in freezing temperatures. As such, high-performance snow tires make the most of traction and braking performance and are an excellent solution for drivers who don’t have an alternate vehicle for winter driving.
Plus, these tires can give more confidence in wintery conditions when used on AWD performance vehicles such as the Ford Focus RS, Subaru WRX STi, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, or Audi RS.
Is It OK to Drive on Winter Tires All Year?
Winter tires are designed to perform in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). Thus, the soft rubber compound stays pliable in freezing temperatures, providing a superior grip on snow and ice. On hard and dry surfaces, the soft compound wears quickly and doesn’t perform well in warmer temperatures like a true all-season tire.
Do You Need 4 Winter Tires or Just 2?
Use snow tires on all four wheels to maximize your vehicle’s handling, traction, and braking in winter conditions.
Are Snow Tires Worth It on AWD or 4WD Cars?
The answer is an emphatic “yes” since a winter tire will optimize grip, handling, and braking on any vehicle. AWD and 4WD vehicles are good at distributing power to the wheels with the least amount of traction. Tires specifically designed for wintery conditions will get the job done in extreme winter environments. Whichever type of drive system is in play, all of the traction comes from the tires and their capabilities.
How Do I Measure the Size of My Tires?
Printed on the tire’s sidewall are the dimensions. If you can’t find the numbers on the sidewall, check with the automaker to get the appropriate measurements for the year, make, and model of your vehicle.
How to Read Tire Numbers and Letters on the Sidewall
- Tire type: The first letter of the code denotes the tire class. P stands for passenger vehicle, LT denotes light truck tire, and ST means special trailer. The tire is measured using the European metric system if there is no letter before the numbers.
- Tire width: The first three-digit number is the tire width, sometimes referred to as the section width.
- Aspect ratio: Following the forward slash is the two-digit aspect ratio. The larger the number, the higher/taller the tire’s sidewall, or profile.
- Construction type: A single letter that signifies the internal construction of the tire. R is for radial tires, D is for tires built using diagonal plies, also known as bias-constructed tires; F identifies run-flat tires followed by the internal construction type.
- Wheel diameter: This is the two-digit number specifying the wheel diameter in inches.
- Load index: The two or three-digit number is a load index symbol, which indicates how much weight a tire can support.
- Speed rating: The last letter designates the tire’s speed rating and indicates the top speed it’s safe to run for a sustained period.
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