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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.

  1. Vredestein Wintrac Pro - Winner Recommended
    Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    80 49
    Passenger · 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  
    Northern America Northern America · Europe Europe · Eastern Europe & Central Asia Eastern Europe & Central Asia
    Test Score:
    78
  2. Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 Recommended
    Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4
    84 31
    Passenger · 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  
    Eastern Asia Eastern Asia · Northern America Northern America · Europe Europe · Eastern Europe & Central Asia Eastern Europe & Central Asia
    Test Score:
    72
  3. Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
    Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
    72 33
    Passenger · 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  
    Eastern Asia Eastern Asia · Northern America Northern America · Europe Europe · Eastern Europe & Central Asia Eastern Europe & Central Asia
    Test Score:
    71
  4. Yokohama W.Drive V905
    Yokohama W.Drive V905
    73 24
    Passenger · 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  
    Northern America Northern America · Europe Europe · Eastern Europe & Central Asia Eastern Europe & Central Asia
    Test Score:
    70
  5. Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 W320
    Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 W320
    81 29
    Passenger · 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  
    Northern America Northern America · Europe Europe · Eastern Europe & Central Asia Eastern Europe & Central Asia
    Test Score:
    70
  6. Bridgestone Blizzak LM001
    Bridgestone Blizzak LM001
    77 46
    Passenger · 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  
    Northern America Northern America · Europe Europe · Eastern Europe & Central Asia Eastern Europe & Central Asia
    Test Score:
    67
  7. Toyo Observe GSi-6 HP
    Toyo Observe GSi-6 HP
    66 34
    Passenger · 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  
    Northern America Northern America · Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    66
  8. Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
    Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
    80 59
    Passenger · 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  
    Eastern Asia Eastern Asia · Northern America Northern America · Europe Europe · Eastern Europe & Central Asia Eastern Europe & Central Asia
    Test Score:
    66
Year
2020
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
100
Tire Size
215/60R18
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Northern America
Date added
Sep 21, 2019
Date updated
Oct 25, 2020
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