Tire Scouter

Best winter tires

Winter tires use rubber compounds that stay pliable below freezing and heavily siped tread designs that bite into snow and ice. That chemistry is the point: below roughly 45°F, even the best all-season hardens and loses grip, while a winter tire keeps working. On packed snow and ice they typically stop well short of an all-season, which makes them one of the biggest safety upgrades for cold-climate driving.

Spec scores are our estimates from five manufacturer specs, not road tests. Severe-snow rated models carry the three-peak mountain snowflake on at least one size. How we score

Models
164
Sizes
276
Spec score range
51–86
Severe-snow rated
105

Top 30 winter tires by spec score

Highest estimated spec score first. Each scale runs from the lowest to the highest score among the 59 scored winter tires (51 to 86).

How we score

  1. Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 Run Flat

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for drivers in wet winter climates.

    83StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9.5 significantly outperforms the winter category average of 5.7, making it an excellent choice for rainy winter conditions.
    • Snow traction score of 8 aligns with the category's expectations, providing reliable performance in snowy conditions.
    • Lack of a treadwear warranty may deter buyers looking for guaranteed longevity and cost predictability.

  2. Pirelli P Zero Winter 2

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for drivers in snowy regions.

    75StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph
    • Snow traction score of 8 matches the winter category benchmark, making it reliable in snowy conditions.
    • Treadlife score of 7.5 suggests a longer lifespan compared to many winter tires, which typically have shorter treadwear.
    • Lack of a treadwear warranty could be a concern for those looking for guaranteed longevity.

  3. Toyo Observe GSI-6

    Best for high-mileage winter drivers.

    74Strong
    Warranty
    75k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph
    • Treadwear warranty of 75,000 miles far exceeds the winter category average of 54,431 miles, offering strong longevity.
    • Dry and wet grip scores of 7.5 each are above the category averages of 7.1 and 5.7, respectively, providing reliable performance on cold, dry, and wet roads.
    • Lack of 3PMSF certification may not meet the needs of drivers in areas with severe winter conditions.

  4. Toyo Observe GSI-6 LS

    Best for mild winter drivers.

    74Strong
    Warranty
    75k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph
    • Dry grip score of 7.5 exceeds the winter category average of 7.1, providing better performance on dry roads.
    • Handling score of 7.5 aligns well with the dry grip, making it a competent choice for drivers who need responsive steering.
    • Lack of 3PMSF certification may deter buyers needing assured severe winter performance.

  5. Yokohama Iceguard IG52C

    Best for drivers prioritizing dry grip.

    74Strong
    Warranty
    55k mi
    Treadwear
    550
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Dry grip score of 8.5 significantly exceeds the winter category average of 7.1, making it a strong performer on cold, dry roads.
    • Handling score of 8.5 matches its dry grip, suggesting a balanced and responsive drive in winter conditions.
    • Lack of 3PMSF certification means it may not be the best choice for severe snow and ice conditions.

  6. Bridgestone Blizzak W965

    Best for drivers with heavier vehicles.

    73StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    800
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    T · 118 mph
    • Treadlife score of 10 suggests a long-lasting tire, which is rare for winter tires.
    • Wet grip score of 7.5 exceeds the winter category average of 5.7, indicating good performance on slushy roads.
    • Lack of 3PMSF certification means it's not the best choice for severe snow conditions.

  7. Sumitomo HTR Enhance WX2

    Best for drivers in mild winter climates.

    72Strong
    Warranty
    55k mi
    Treadwear
    450
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Dry grip score of 8.5 surpasses the winter category average of 7.1, making it a solid choice for cold, dry conditions.
    • Handling rated at 8.5 indicates strong performance in maneuverability, which is beneficial for winter driving dynamics.
    • Lack of 3PMSF certification means it's not the best choice for areas with severe winter conditions.

  8. Toyo Celsius CUV

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for mild winter drivers.

    71Good
    Warranty
    60k mi
    Treadwear
    520
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph
    • 60,000-mile treadwear warranty surpasses the winter category average of 54,431 miles, offering longer usage between replacements.
    • Dry grip score of 8.5 significantly exceeds the category average of 7.1, making it a strong performer on dry winter roads.
    • Lack of 3PMSF certification means it's not the best choice for severe winter weather conditions.

  9. Toyo Celsius CUV A

    Best for drivers in mild winter climates.

    71Good
    Warranty
    60k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph
    • Dry grip score of 8.5 significantly exceeds the winter category average of 7.1, making it a strong performer on clear, cold roads.
    • Handling score of 8.5 suggests responsive driving dynamics, which is beneficial for drivers who prioritize control.
    • Lack of 3PMSF certification means it's not the best choice for areas with frequent heavy snowfalls.

  10. Michelin Latitude Alpin LA2

    Best for long-distance winter travelers.

    70Good
    Warranty
    25k mi
    Treadwear
    800
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph
    • Treadlife score of 10 with a 25,000-mile warranty — a strong point for a winter tire, even if below the category benchmark.
    • Dry and wet grip scores of 7.5 exceed the winter category averages, offering reliable performance on both dry and wet surfaces.
    • Lack of 3PMSF certification may not meet requirements for severe snow conditions, limiting its appeal in regions with heavy snowfall.

Found the right type of tire?

Explore the selection at Tire Rack, then narrow it to your vehicle or tire size.

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  1. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for drivers in mixed winter conditions.

    68Good
    Warranty
    30k mi
    Treadwear
    600
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph

  2. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for SUV owners in snowy regions.

    66Good
    Warranty
    30k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph

  3. Bridgestone Blizzak LM-80 EVO

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for snowbelt drivers.

    64Good
    Warranty
    40k mi
    Treadwear
    400
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph

  4. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV ZP

    Best for drivers prioritizing treadlife.

    64Good
    Warranty
    30k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph

  5. Goodyear Eagle Enforcer Winter

    Best for high-mileage winter drivers.

    86ExcellentFrom 2 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    85k mi
    Treadwear
    Not graded
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph

  6. Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906 SUV

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for drivers in moderate snow regions.

    85ExcellentFrom 3 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    85k mi
    Treadwear
    850
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph

  7. Yokohama Iceguard IG51V

    Best for drivers in moderate snow regions.

    85ExcellentFrom 3 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    85k mi
    Treadwear
    850
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph

  8. Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for long-distance winter drivers.

    83StrongFrom 2 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    800
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph

  9. Michelin X-Ice North 4

    Best for long-distance winter drivers.

    81StrongFrom 3 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    80k mi
    Treadwear
    800
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph

  10. Pirelli P Zero Winter

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for drivers in moderate winter climates.

    78StrongFrom 2 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    700
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph

  11. Continental VikingContact 7

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for snowbelt residents.

    75StrongFrom 2 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    80k mi
    Treadwear
    Not graded
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    T · 118 mph

  12. Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip Gw3

    Best for mileage-focused winter drivers.

    75StrongFrom 2 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    65k mi
    Treadwear
    Not graded
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph

  13. Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for snowbelt drivers.

    75StrongFrom 2 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    65k mi
    Treadwear
    Not graded
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph

  14. GT Radial Champiro Winterpro HP

    Best for mileage-focused winter drivers.

    74StrongFrom 3 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    70k mi
    Treadwear
    700
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph

  15. GT Radial Icepro SUV 3 Studdable

    Best for long-distance winter drivers.

    74StrongFrom 3 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    70k mi
    Treadwear
    700
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph

  16. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10EV

    Best for drivers prioritizing dry road performance.

    74StrongFrom 2 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    55k mi
    Treadwear
    Not graded
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  17. Falken Eurowinter HS01 SUV

    Best for mileage-conscious drivers.

    73StrongFrom 3 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    65k mi
    Treadwear
    650
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph

  18. Toyo Observe G3-Ice

    Best for high-mileage winter drivers.

    72StrongFrom 2 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    75k mi
    Treadwear
    Not graded
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    T · 118 mph

  19. Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozero S2

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for cold-weather drivers with dry roads.

    72StrongFrom 3 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    60k mi
    Treadwear
    600
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  20. Hankook Winter i Pike RS W419 Studdable

    Best for budget-conscious winter drivers.

    71GoodFrom 3 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    70k mi
    Treadwear
    700
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    T · 118 mph

Popular brands in winter

The number beside each brand is how many of its models we analyze in this category.

About winter tires

The category spans studless ice-and-snow models (the mainstream choice), performance winter tires for faster driving on cold, mostly-clear roads, and studdable designs for extreme ice. Tradeoffs: soft winter compounds wear quickly in warm weather, handling feels softer on dry pavement, and you'll need a second set of tires or wheels with a seasonal swap.

Buy winter tires if temperatures sit near or below freezing for weeks at a time where you live — all-wheel drive helps you accelerate, but only tires help you stop. Mount them when temperatures consistently drop below about 45°F and remove them in spring to preserve tread life.

Frequently asked questions

What are winter tires best for?

Winter tires are best for drivers who want cold-weather grip and dramatically shorter snow-and-ice stopping distances. The right choice still depends on your climate, vehicle, and whether you value comfort, tread life, or maximum traction most.

How do I choose the right winter tire?

Start with your vehicle fitment and climate, then compare price, warranty, category strengths, and special ratings like 3PMSF for snow use. Tire Scouter helps narrow the best winter options once you know your size or vehicle.

Are premium winter tires worth it?

Premium winter tires can be worth it if you care about wet braking, quieter ride quality, longer warranty coverage, or better cold-weather performance. Budget options can still make sense when price matters most, but they usually involve tradeoffs.

Winter buying guides

Best winter tires 2026

Cold-weather picks for snow, ice, slush, and sub-freezing temperatures across cars, SUVs, and trucks.

Read the guide

3PMSF vs M+S snow ratings

What the mountain snowflake and M+S marks certify, and which one the winter tire laws ask for.

Read the guide

When to replace tires

Know the real tread-depth, age, and wear-pattern signs that mean your tires are ready to be replaced.

Read the guide

Find winter tires for your vehicle

Enter your vehicle to see which winter tires fit, then check prices at the store you prefer.

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