Consumer Reports: Performance Winter/Snow Tires 2022

Consumer Reports: Performance Winter/Snow Tires

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
    82 46
    · 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   Dry Braking   Ride Comfort   Hydroplaning   Ice Braking   Rolling Resistance  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    78
  2. Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 Recommended
    Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4
    84 34
    · 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.

    Handling   Snow Traction   Dry Braking   Hydroplaning   Ice Braking   Wet Braking   Rolling Resistance  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia
    Test Score:
    72
  3. Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
    Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
    72 40
    · Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    This Nexen performance winter/snow tire offers a solid balance of performance on cleared and snow-covered roads, as well as excellent grip on icy surfaces. It's also one of the quietest tires in the category.

    Snow Traction   Hydroplaning   Ice Braking   Noise   Rolling Resistance  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia
    Test Score:
    71
  4. Yokohama W.Drive V905
    Yokohama W.Drive V905
    74 21
    · 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+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    70
  5. Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 W320
    Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 W320
    82 27
    · 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   Hydroplaning   Ice Braking   Noise   Wet Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · South Korea South Korea
    Test Score:
    70
  6. Bridgestone Blizzak LM001
    Bridgestone Blizzak LM001
    69 44
    · 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   Hydroplaning   Ice Braking   Noise  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    67
  7. Toyo Observe GSi-6
    Toyo Observe GSi-6
    69 40
    · 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.

    Snow Traction   Ride Comfort   Ice Braking   Hydroplaning   Handling   Wet Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · China China
    Test Score:
    66
Year
2022
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
North America
Date added
May 11, 2022
Date updated
May 13, 2022

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