Last Updated on September 30, 2024
Top Winter Tires of 2024 for Snowy and Icy Roads
Even though the weather is still warm outside, winter is approaching, which means icy roads and freezing temperatures. So, what is the best thing to do besides cranking the heat? You are correct if you guessed buying a set of good winter tires. As you probably know, winter tires are far superior to all-season rubber and provide the driver with the safety and stability needed in harsh weather conditions. But which one is best for you?
Since we’ve shared the best affordable winter tires before, this article will showcase the top-tier model options.
Michelin X-Ice Snow
The Michelin X-Ice Snow excels in severe winter conditions. Its Flex-Ice 2.0 compound and V-shaped tread pattern deliver outstanding grip on snow and ice, as well as impressive braking and acceleration.
Features:
Flex-Ice 2.0 tread compound
V-shaped tread pattern
3D sipes for improved snow grip
Low rolling resistance for fuel efficiency
Specifications:
Available sizes: 15 to 22 inches
Tread depth: 10/32″ to 11/32″
Speed rating: T (118 mph)
Pros:
Excellent snow and ice traction
Long-lasting tread life
Quiet and comfortable ride
Cons:
Premium price
Average handling on dry roads
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 is a flagship winter tire for passenger cars and SUVs that excels in extreme northern climates. Its innovative double stud technology offers enhanced ice grip, while the aramid sidewall increases durability on harsh winter terrain.
Features:
Double stud technology for ice grip
Aramid-reinforced sidewalls
Snow Claws for snow traction
Low rolling resistance for fuel efficiency
Specifications:
Available sizes: 15 to 22 inches
Tread depth: 11/32″ to 12/32″
Speed rating: R (106 mph)
Pros:
Superior ice and snow performance
Exceptional durability
Environmentally friendly materials
Cons:
Higher road noise due to studs
Expensive
Continental VikingContact 7
The Continental VikingContact 7 is a studless winter tire that shines in winter weather conditions. Its silica-enhanced compound and asymmetric tread pattern provide excellent stability and grip. The tire is particularly well-suited for drivers prioritizing comfort, fuel efficiency, and winter performance.
Features:
Silica-enhanced tread compound
PolarPlus technology for low-temperature flexibility
3D grooves for snow traction
Specifications:
Available sizes: 14 to 20 inches
Tread depth: 10/32″ to 11/32″
Speed rating: T (118 mph)
Pros:
Excellent wet and snow traction
Comfortable ride
Low rolling resistance
Cons:
Struggles with deep snow
Treadwear can be quicker than competitors
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is known for its outstanding ice and snow traction, making it one of the top-rated winter tires. Using the company’s Multi-Cell technology, the tire absorbs water on icy surfaces, improving braking and handling. Its zigzag sipes and deep tread pattern also ensure excellent snow performance.
Features:
Multi-cell compound for water evacuation
Zigzag sipes for improved ice traction
15% more block edges for snow performance
Optimized contact patch for even wear
Specifications:
Available sizes: 14 to 20 inches
Tread depth: 11/32″
Speed rating: T (118 mph)
Pros:
Outstanding ice and snow traction
Long tread life
Predictable and stable handling
Cons:
Not ideal on dry roads
Expensive compared to other options
Pirelli Cinturato Weatheractive
The Pirelli Cinturato Weatheractive is a relatively new entrant to the all-weather tire market and performs well year-round. It’s a versatile option for drivers who want reliable snow performance without the hassle of changing tires each season. The tire’s special compound remains flexible in low temperatures, while its sipes ensure excellent snow grip.
Features:
All-weather compound optimized for winter use
Deep grooves for water and snow evacuation
3D sipes for enhanced grip
Specifications:
Available sizes: 15 to 19 inches
Tread depth: 10/32″
Speed rating: H (130 mph)
Pros:
Year-round versatility
Good snow and ice performance
Low road noise
Cons:
Not as specialized for extreme winter conditions
Reduced performance on dry pavement
Toyo Observe GSi-6
The Toyo Observe GSi-6 is a well-rounded winter tire that performs consistently on ice, snow, and wet surfaces. Utilizing Microbit technology, where crushed walnut shells are embedded into the tread, this tire offers enhanced traction on ice. The high-density sipes and rigid tread blocks make it a strong contender for handling winter weather.
Features:
Microbit technology for ice traction
Rigid tread blocks for stability
High-density sipes for snow grip
Specifications:
Available sizes: 14 to 20 inches
Tread depth: 11/32″
Speed rating: T (118 mph)
Pros:
Great ice traction
Consistent snow performance
Durable tread
Cons:
Average dry road handling
Slightly higher road noise
Yokohama iceGUARD iG53
The Yokohama iceGUARD iG53 is a studless winter tire with adaptive 3D sipes and a tread pattern designed for slush and snow evacuation. Common to most winter tires, it features a flexible tread compound that can handle freezing temperatures.
Features:
Adaptive 3D sipes for enhanced traction
Directional tread for snow and water evacuation
Tread compound designed for extreme cold
Specifications:
Available sizes: 14 to 18 inches
Tread depth: 10/32″
Speed rating: T (118 mph)
Pros:
Excellent snow and ice traction
Good handling in slush
Comfortable and quiet ride
Cons:
Limited dry road performance
Faster treadwear compared to premium options
Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra
The Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra is a studless tire that handles extreme winter conditions. Its winter-specific tread compound and biting edges ensure superior traction on snow and ice. The tire also boasts a directional tread pattern that enhances hydroplaning resistance.
Features:
Biting edges for snow traction
Winter-specific tread compound
Directional tread design for water evacuation
3D sipes for improved flexibility
Specifications:
Available sizes: 14 to 20 inches
Tread depth: 11/32″
Speed rating: T (118 mph)
Pros:
Reliable ice and snow traction
Comfortable ride
Excellent hydroplaning resistance
Cons:
Struggles on dry roads
Pricier than some competitors
Falken Espia EPZ II
The Falken Espia EPZ II is a value-oriented winter tire that performs surprisingly well in icy and snowy conditions. Its large tread blocks and aggressive sipe design provide excellent snow traction. It’s affordable for drivers who want to maintain winter performance on a budget.
Features:
Large tread blocks for snow grip
Aggressive sipe design for improved ice traction
Wide grooves for slush evacuation
Specifications:
Available sizes: 13 to 19 inches
Tread depth: 10/32″
Speed rating: T (118 mph)
Pros:
Affordable price
Solid snow and ice performance
Durable design
Cons:
Noisy on dry roads
Treadwear is quicker than premium options
Hankook Winter I*cept IZ2
The Hankook Winter I*cept IZ2 is designed to deliver exceptional performance in snow and ice conditions. Its directional tread pattern and high-density sipes offer a solid grip in winter, while the tread compound ensures flexibility in low temperatures.
Features:
Directional tread for snow evacuation
High-density sipes for improved traction
Flexible tread compound for cold weather
Specifications:
Available sizes: 14 to 20 inches
Tread depth: 10/32″ to 11/32″
Speed rating: T (118 mph)
Pros:
Good snow and ice traction
Reliable performance in cold temperatures
Comfortable ride
Cons:
Not as durable as some competitors
Dry road performance is average
Declaring a Winner
After comparing these top winter tires for 2024, the Michelin X-Ice Snow stands out as the clear winner. It excels in all areas critical to winter driving, from ice and snow traction to long tread life and comfort. While it comes at a premium price, its superior performance makes it worth the investment.
All of the tires on this list are outstanding choices for winter weather – based on their shared qualities, advanced tire technology, and construction. They deliver the performance you’d expect in icy conditions – the main thing setting them apart depends on your needs. Notably, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 for its double stud construction, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 for its outstanding traction on snow; the way the Toyo Observe GSi-6 can handle ice, or the Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra for freezing temperatures.
