Snow Tires: Reviews

For the fourth straight year, the Michelin X-Ice is the best-reviewed winter tire overall. It aces top tire tests in the U.S. and Canada, and even hard-to-please Scandinavian testers like this tire. It clings tenaciously… expandto snow and ice, while driving more quietly and offering less rolling resistance (and therefore better gas mileage) than other winter tires. However, the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 is more expensive than the competent General Altimax Arctic (*Est. $80), and it can't handle wet and dry roads as confidently as the performance-oriented Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 (*Est. $155). collapse

The General Altimax Arctic handles winter roads almost as well as the pricier Michelin X-Ice Xi2 (*Est. $100) in tests. The General grips almost as well on ice, just as well in snow, and it actually outclasses the pricier… expandMichelin on wet pavement, but the General Altimax Arctic is also noisier and less comfortable, with higher rolling resistance (which can mean lower gas mileage). Unlike the Michelin, the General can be studded for maximum ice grip. Neither the Altimax Arctic nor X-Ice Xi2 brakes or handles well on dry roads; for that, experts say you need a performance winter tire such as the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 (*Est. $155). collapse

For drivers in harsh-winter regions who find they get the best results from studded tires, experts say the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 is the best of the bunch. In demanding Scandinavian tire tests, the Hakkapeliitta 7 slogs… expandthrough deep snow and brakes on slick ice better than studless (and most studded) tires. However, the Hakkapeliitta 7 is best for truly harsh winters. It's more expensive than a good studless tire like the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 (*Est. $100), it's noisier and less comfortable to ride on, and it won't brake or handle as well on bare pavement as a studless tire. Be aware that some regions restrict the use of studded snow tires since they contribute to road damage. The Hakkapeliitta 7 is recommended for cars as well as light trucks and SUVs. collapse

If winter in your area brings rainy or dry roads most days, with bouts of snow and ice, experts say the best performance winter tires will keep you ready to handle any road condition. The Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 takes… expandtop honors in this category, gripping snow and ice far better than all-season tires can -- although not nearly as well as a severe-winter tire such as the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 (*Est. $100). But performance winter tires aren't designed for harsh winters; they're designed to keep performance cars sure-footed in cold weather, and experts say they're far more agile on wet and dry roads than traditional winter tires with slow speed ratings. collapse

Many SUV and truck owners stick with their all-season tires in winter, but if you live in a harsher climate, experts say you'll appreciate the better handling and grip that come with dedicated winter tires. Trustworthy… expandU.S. and Canadian tests have long recommended the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 and now its successor, the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1. Experts say the Blizzak handles ice and snow confidently, and owners say it does a great job on wet and dry roads, too. The studless Blizzak even beats studded tires in some reviews, and it wins over some owners who were loyal studded tire users. If you prefer a studded tire, reviews point to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 (*Est. $240 in SUV sizes). collapse