All-weather tires are surging in popularity, promising year-round safety without seasonal swaps. But let’s cut through the marketing: no tire can master every condition. Instead, these hybrids balance trade-offs—prioritizing snow grip over dry precision, comfort over sportiness, or longevity over fuel efficiency. To help you navigate this complex landscape, TyreReviews team rigorously tested seven leading all-weather models across dry roads, torrential rain, deep snow, black ice, and everyday comfort.
All-weather tires, distinct from standard "all-season" options, meet strict snow-performance standards (marked by the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol). They blend softer rubber for cold-weather flexibility with tread patterns aggressive enough for light snow. But physics demands compromise: deeper grooves for snow evacuation mean noisier highway drives, and softer compounds wear faster in summer heat. These tires suit drivers in regions with mild winters—think Pacific Northwest drizzle or Mid-Atlantic slush—but falter in heavy snowbelt climates or for enthusiasts craving razor-sharp dry handling.
Wet Performance – Where Safety Meets Reality
Rain exposes engineering shortcuts. In soaked conditions, the tires split into three distinct groups. The Toyo Celsius, Firestone WeatherGrip, and Bridgestone WeatherPeak formed the weakest tier, offering minimal steering feedback and chronic understeer—a sign their designers prioritized snow traction over wet grip. The Nokian WR G4, Michelin CrossClimate 2, and Pirelli Cinturato Weatheractive occupied the middle ground. The Nokian delivered predictable lateral grip but vague turn-in, while the Michelin surprised with playful rear rotation, aiding agility. The Pirelli felt sharp initially but hesitated to recover from slides. Topping the group, the Goodyear WeatherReady mirrored a summer tire’s precision, with neutral balance and consistent lap times even as puddles deepened.
Wet Handling
- Summer
- Goodyear
- Pirelli
- Michelin
- Nokian
- Bridgestone
- Firestone
- Toyo
Info! Wet handling time, sec. Average temperature 9 c.
Wet Braking
- Summer
- Goodyear
- Pirelli
- Michelin
- Bridgestone
- Nokian
- Firestone
- Toyo
Info! Wet braking from 80 to 5 km/h, m. Average temperature 14.5 c.
Braking tests revealed life-or-death gaps. From 50 mph on wet roads, the Goodyear stopped in 127 feet—16 feet shorter than the lagging Toyo. At highway speeds, that difference spans car lengths, separating a near-miss from a collision. Aquaplaning tests added nuance: while the Goodyear stumbled in deeper water, the Nokian, Michelin, and Bridgestone held firm, their treads efficiently channeling floods.
Straight Aquaplaning
- Michelin
- Nokian
- Pirelli
- Bridgestone
- Goodyear
- Firestone
- Toyo
Info! Flost speed, km/h.
Lateral Aquaplaning
- Nokian
- Bridgestone
- Michelin
- Firestone
- Toyo
- Pirelli
- Goodyear
Info! Remaining lateral acceleration.
Dry Roads – Small Margins, Big Consequences
Dry performance separates adequate tires from exceptional ones. The Bridgestone and Firestone felt sluggish during aggressive lane changes, their soft sidewalls delaying response. The Michelin, Nokian, and Pirelli struck a balance, with the Michelin edging ahead in transient reflexes. The Goodyear, however, echoed summer-tire sharpness, its steering reacting almost telepathically.
Braking disparities shocked: from 80 mph, the Michelin halted in 63 meters—12 meters shorter than the Firestone. When the Michelin’s driver stood still, the Firestone’s would still hurtle at 30 mph. Michelin’s dual rubber zones—firmer shoulders for dry stability, softer centers for snow—explain its edge, while the Firestone’s snow-focused tread sacrificed dry contact.
Dry Handling
- Summer
- Goodyear
- Pirelli
- Nokian
- Michelin
- Firestone
- Toyo
- Bridgestone
Info! Dry handling time in seconds. Average temperature 9 c.
Dry Braking
- Summer
- Michelin
- Goodyear
- Pirelli
- Nokian
- Toyo
- Bridgestone
- Firestone
Info! Dry braking from 100 to 5 km/h, m. Average temperature 14.5 c.
Snow & Ice – The Ultimate Test
In fresh powder, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 reigned, its zigzag sipes clawing into snow for fastest laps. The Nokian WR G4 followed, predictable and balanced, while the Pirelli’s playful rear end made it fun but slower. The Goodyear and Toyo trailed by 3%, adequate but less confident.
Snow Handling
- Winter
- Michelin
- Nokian
- Firestone
- Bridgestone
- Pirelli
- Goodyear
- Toyo
Info! Snow handling time in seconds. Average temperature -5.5 c.
Snow Braking
- Winter
- Bridgestone
- Michelin
- Nokian
- Toyo
- Goodyear
- Firestone
- Pirelli
Info! Snow braking from 40 to 5 km/h, m. Average temperature -8.5 c.
Ice unveiled harder truths. On polished black ice, the Pirelli led acceleration, the Michelin aced braking, and the Nokian balanced both. Yet all paled beside the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, a dedicated winter tire that outpaced them by 10%—proof that all-weather models can’t replace true winters in severe cold.
Ice Braking
- Winter
- Michelin
- Pirelli
- Goodyear
- Firestone
- Bridgestone
- Nokian
- Toyo
Info! Ice braking from 20 to 5 km/h, m. Average temperature -10.5 c.
Ice Traction
- Winter
- Pirelli
- Nokian
- Michelin
- Bridgestone
- Goodyear
- Firestone
- Toyo
Info! Ice acceleration time from 5 to 20 km/h. Average temperature -10.5 c.
Comfort & Noise – The Daily Grind
After 1,000 miles on mixed surfaces, comfort trends emerged. The Pirelli Cinturato Weatheractive stood out, its 68 dB hum quieter than rivals and its tread absorbing potholes gracefully. The Firestone WeatherGip cushioned cracks well but droned at 72 dB, its tread whine grating over time. The Toyo Celsius ran silent but firm, telegraphing every expansion joint, while the Goodyear WeatherReady controlled small bumps but jolted over sharp impacts. Differences here are subtle—choose based on your tolerance for noise versus stiffness.
Subj. Comfort
- Firestone
- Pirelli
- Goodyear
- Nokian
- Bridgestone
- Toyo
- Michelin
Info! Subjective comfort score, points.
Noise
- Pirelli
- Bridgestone
- Toyo
- Michelin
- Firestone
- Nokian
- Goodyear
Info! External noise, dB.
Value – Long-Term Costs Unmasked
Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 leads in fuel efficiency, its 6.5 kg/t rolling resistance saving $120 in gas over 15,000 miles compared to the Goodyear’s 9.1 kg/t. Yet the Toyo Celsius, with its 80,000-mile warranty, costs half as much per mile. The catch? Michelin’s safety margins—shorter braking, surer snow grip—often justify its premium. Budget buyers risk wet-performance trade-offs; safety-conscious drivers pay for peace of mind.
Rolling Resistance
- Michelin
- Bridgestone
- Nokian
- Firestone
- Pirelli
- Toyo
- Goodyear
Info! Rolling resistance, kg/t.
Value
- Toyo
- Firestone
- Bridgestone
- Nokian
- Goodyear
- Pirelli
- Michelin
Info! Dollars/1000 miles, mileage warranty.
The Final Rankings
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 emerges as the gold standard—dominant in snow, precise in dry, frugal on fuel—but commands a premium. The Pirelli Cinturato Weatheactive coddles with refinement, ideal for noise-sensitive commuters, though it lags in deep snow. The Nokian WR G4 suits Nordic climates with its winter reliability, while the Goodyear WeatherReady appeals to dry-performance seekers. The Toyo Celsius saves cash but risks wet safety, and the Bridgestone/Firestone duo underwhelm outside plush rides.
Results
1st Place: Michelin / CrossClimate 2
Quick Take
Michelin CrossClimate 2
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW excels in nearly all conditions, making it a strong contender in the all-weather category. It leads the pack in dry, wet, and snow performance, achieving top marks for braking and traction. While it performs excellently on ice, offering impressive braking distances, its comfort and noise levels slightly lag behind competitors. With the lowest rolling resistance in the test, it strikes a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, though its price might deter budget-conscious buyers.
2nd Place: Goodyear / Assurance WeatherReady 2
Quick Take
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 is a standout performer in dry and wet conditions, offering superior braking and handling in both. It excels in comfort, with high marks in subjective comfort and noise reduction, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable all-weather tire. However, its performance on snow and ice falls short, particularly in terms of traction and braking. With the highest rolling resistance in the test, it sacrifices fuel efficiency for enhanced performance in wet and dry conditions.
3rd Place: Pirelli / Scorpion WeatherActive
Quick Take
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive offers a well-rounded performance across various conditions, standing out for its dry and wet grip, and excelling in ice performance. While it lags slightly behind in snow traction and lateral aquaplaning, its overall balance between comfort, noise reduction, and rolling resistance makes it a solid all-weather option. This tire is a great choice for drivers who prioritize comfort and ice performance, with minimal sacrifices in other areas.
4th Place: Nokian / Remedy WRG5
Quick Take
Nokian Remedy WRG5
The Nokian Remedy WRG5 stands out as a reliable all-weather tire, offering solid performance across various conditions. It performs well in dry and wet conditions, excelling in deep water aquaplaning and showing strong snow performance. While its braking distances on dry, wet, and ice surfaces are slightly extended compared to the best competitors, it compensates with excellent traction on snow and ice, good comfort, and low rolling resistance, making it a great choice for winter climates.
5th Place: Bridgestone / WeatherPeak
Quick Take
Bridgestone WeatherPeak
The Bridgestone WeatherPeak stands out for its exceptional snow grip, low noise levels, and impressive rolling resistance. It delivers good aquaplaning resistance and is priced competitively, with a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty. However, its performance in dry and wet conditions, particularly in braking, falls behind the leaders, with extended braking distances impacting its overall ranking.
6th Place: Firestone / WeatherGrip
Quick Take
Firestone WeatherGrip
The Firestone WeatherGrip excels in snow performance, offering excellent traction and braking, along with good comfort and a low cost per mile. However, its dry and wet performance lags behind, particularly with long braking distances in both conditions. Additionally, ice performance is not its strong suit, and it produces more noise than other options. Despite these drawbacks, it stands out for its value, with a competitive price and a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty.
7th Place: Toyo / Celsius AS2
Quick Take
Toyo Celsius AS2
The Toyo Celsius 2 delivers exceptional value with standout subjective dry handling and reliable snow performance. However, its prolonged braking distances on dry and wet surfaces, limited hydroplaning resistance, and very low ice grip—coupled with elevated rolling resistance—undermine its appeal as a year-round tire.
