Consumer Reports: Performance Winter/Snow Tires 2020

Performance winter tires have higher levels of snow and ice grip and keep some of the handling and cornering capabilities of the performance tires they replace, but they're not always as good as all-season tires on dry and wet pavement and tend to wear out faster.

Size tested: 215/60 R18.

Vredestein Wintrac Pro - Winner Recommended

85 51

· Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
A top rated performance winter/snow tire combining strong winter performance, handling, and dry braking. Good wet braking.
Snow Traction Handling Hydroplaning Dry Braking Ice Braking Ride Comfort Rolling Resistance

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

78
Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 Recommended

84 35

· Winter · 2011 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Very good dry and wet braking stopping performance is a rarity in the performance winter/snow category. Excellent grip on ice and very good snow traction.
Ice Braking Handling Hydroplaning Dry Braking Wet Braking Snow Traction Rolling Resistance

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia

Test Score:

72
Nexen WinGuard Sport 2

72 37

· Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow

Verdict:
A good balance of performance on cleared and snow covered roads. Excellent grip on icy surfaces and one of the quietest tires in the category.
Snow Traction Noise Ice Braking Hydroplaning Rolling Resistance

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia

Test Score:

71
Yokohama W.Drive V905

73 26

· Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Top rated performance winter tire is suited for most winter weather conditions. But it has some tread noise.
Snow Traction Ice Braking Hydroplaning Noise

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

70
Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 W320

81 30

· Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Good for moderately severe winter weather conditions. It has very good snow traction and excellent braking on ice.
Snow Traction Noise Ice Braking Hydroplaning Wet Braking

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

70
Bridgestone Blizzak LM001

77 47

· Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
This tire can tackle a wide range of weather conditions. Very good winter performance, though average braking and handling on cleared roads.
Snow Traction Noise Ice Braking Hydroplaning

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

67
Toyo Observe GSi-6 HP

66 38

· Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x

Verdict:
This tire ranks low among performance wnter/snow tires, but if you drive predominately on snow and ice covered roads, this tire is worth considering.
Ride Comfort Snow Traction Ice Braking Hydroplaning Wet Braking Handling

USA+ · Canada · Europe

Test Score:

66
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

80 63

· Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Ranks low among the highly competitive performance winter/snow tire group, though offers solid performance for most road conditions.
Dry Braking Snow Traction Ice Braking Hydroplaning

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia

Test Score:

66