With no premium products in the AR test, the Yokohama tires, typically ranked mid-list, seized the top position. The iG65 clinched victory thanks to strong performance on ice, with improved stud quality enhancing grip, and impressive traction on both compact and loose snow. Asphalt results and comfort levels came in as average.

Linglong tires claimed second place, with their numerous studs delivering solid acceleration and braking performance on ice. The directional tread pattern, notably similar to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 design, aids in powering through snowdrifts. Asphalt grip and comfort were also satisfactory. Linglong may not have excelled in any single category, yet showed no significant weaknesses, highlighting a well-balanced performance across the board.

The Formula Ice tire takes the bronze, a model launched over a decade ago in 2013. Despite having fewer studs by today’s standards, it still performs reliably on icy surfaces. Snow traction is solid across acceleration, braking, and handling, though slides can initiate somewhat abruptly. Formula also offers decent braking on asphalt, but it’s notably noisy—especially at speeds up to 60 km/h, which can be quite tiresome.

Kumho tires delivered strong results on both ice and snow, although getting through deep snow proved more challenging than their aggressive tread might suggest. They offer notable acoustic comfort, and AR testers highlighted the secure stud retention. However, they recorded the longest braking distance on wet surfaces among all tires in the test.

Maxxis tires took a shared fifth place but disappointed with their notably poor grip on ice, largely due to their minimal stud protrusion (0.08 mm on one tire). On snow, they recover grip slowly after sliding begins, yet they excelled on asphalt, showcasing excellent performance and standing out as the quietest tires in the test.

Sailun tires, on the other hand, performed well on ice and quickly stopped the car on snow. However, on a snow-covered handling track, they showed vague steering responses. Asphalt performance was mediocre, with the main drawback being a “terrible hum” at any speed. These tires are better suited for those primarily driving on snow and ice in winter, while their noise levels make them less ideal for large city use.

Triangle tires finished at the bottom of the ranking, with underwhelming performance on both ice and snow. They are far better suited for asphalt, where they even outperformed all competitors in stopping distance on wet pavement. Additionally, they have low noise levels, making them a solid choice for those who frequently drive on cleared winter roads.