Consumer Reports: Winter Tires 2022

Winter tires have a tread with more biting edges for better grip on snow and ice than all season tires, and many have a softer rubber compound that remains flexible in extremely cold temperatures.

Size tested: 215/60R16.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 - Winner Recommended

83 45

· Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x

Verdict:
Execllent snow traction and braking on ice. Fair handling, but typical of many winter / snow tires.
Snow Traction Dry Braking Ride Comfort Hydroplaning Ice Braking Wet Braking

USA+ · Canada · South Korea

Test Score:

73
Michelin X-Ice Snow Recommended

82 55

· Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x

Verdict:
If snow traction and ice grip is the top priority, this tire is your choice. It ranked highest in snow traction and ability to stop on ice among a very capable field of winter / snow tires.
Noise Ice Braking Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Wet Braking Handling

USA+ · Canada · Russia+ · Japan · China

Test Score:

73
Continental VikingContact 7 Recommended

91 60

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

Verdict:
The Continental VikingContact 7 strikes a good balance of snow traction and ice braking performance.
Snow Traction Noise Rolling Resistance Ride Comfort Hydroplaning Ice Braking Wet Braking Handling

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

Test Score:

70
Hankook Winter i*cept iZ 2 W616 Recommended

80 32

· Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x

Verdict:
The Hankook Winter i*cept iz2 is a high rated winter / snow tire suitable for snow covered and icy roads and has good braking on dry pavement.
Ride Comfort Ice Braking Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Wet Braking

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

69
Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra Recommended

N/A 36

· Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x

Verdict:
The Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra is a good choice for traveling over snow and icy roads.
Snow Traction Noise Ride Comfort Hydroplaning Ice Braking Wet Braking Handling

USA+ · Canada

Test Score:

69
General Altimax Arctic 12 Recommended

80 30

· Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Studdable Winter / Snow · Studded · For Nordic Winter x

Verdict:
An impressive balance of grip for snow and icy road conditions, even without the tire studded.
Ice Braking Hydroplaning Noise Snow Traction Wet Braking Handling

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

Test Score:

68
Nokian Nordman 7

76 32

· Winter · 2017 · Passenger - Studdable Winter / Snow · Studded · For Nordic Winter x

Verdict:
Excellent snow traction, very good ice braking and a comfortable ride. Fair wet braking and handling performance common to many winter / snow tires.
Hydroplaning Ice Braking Snow Traction Wet Braking Handling Noise

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

64
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

85 59

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

Verdict:
For those looking for a studless winter / snow tire with a good balance of grip on snow and icy roads, and when they are cleared, too.
Ride Comfort Ice Braking Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Wet Braking Handling Noise

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · Japan · China

Test Score:

64
Toyo Observe GSi-6

66 39

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

Verdict:
Excellent snow traction and hydroplaning resistance are the highlights of this model. Fair wet braking and handling performance like many winter / snow tires.
Ice Braking Hydroplaning Noise Snow Traction Wet Braking Handling

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · Japan · China

Test Score:

64
Yokohama iceGUARD iG53

N/A 26

· Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x

Verdict:
Excels in snow traction and has exceptionally low rolling resistance to enhance fuel economy. Very long wet stopping performance.
Ride Comfort Ice Braking Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Handling

USA+ · Canada · China

Test Score:

63
Nexen Winguard Ice Plus

70 41

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

Verdict:
Excellent snow traction, ride comfort, and resistance to hydroplaning. Long wet stops and fair handling are compromising traits.
Ride Comfort Hydroplaning Snow Traction Wet Braking Handling

USA+ · Canada · Russia+

Test Score:

62
Falken Winterpeak F-ICE 1

N/A 27

· Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x

Verdict:
Excellent performance on snow and icy roads, and high resistance to hydroplaning. Fair handling and long stops on wet roads is a trade-off, though common to winter / snow tires.
Hydroplaning Ice Braking Snow Traction Wet Braking Handling

USA+ · Canada · Europe

Test Score:

62
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

81 61

· Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Very good snow traction and hydroplaning resistance. The ride is comfortable. Fair stopping performance on ice.
Hydroplaning Handling Dry Braking Snow Traction Noise Ice Braking

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

Test Score:

60
Uniroyal Tiger Paw Ice & Snow 3

N/A 22

· Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Studdable Winter / Snow · Studded · For Nordic Winter x

Verdict:
Delivers on snow traction and hydroplaning resistance, but unexceptional elsewhere. Ice braking was just average without studs installed.
Hydroplaning Snow Traction Wet Braking Handling

USA+ · Canada

Test Score:

59
Sumitomo Ice Edge

82 31

· Winter · 2017 · Passenger - Studdable Winter / Snow · Studded · For Nordic Winter x

Verdict:
High marks for snow traction, and average grip on ice, though adding studs typically enhances ice braking performance.
Ride Comfort Hydroplaning Snow Traction Wet Braking Handling

USA+ · Canada · East Asia

Test Score:

58
Firestone Winterforce 2

75 30

· Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Studdable Winter / Snow · Studded · For Nordic Winter x

Verdict:
This Firestone performs well in areas with modest wintery conditions. It scores an Excellent rating on CR's test for resisting hydroplaning, topping all winter/snow tire rivals.
Ride Comfort Hydroplaning Snow Traction Wet Braking Handling Noise

USA+ · Canada

Test Score:

54