Best Reviewed
Snow Tires
- Best winter tire Michelin X-Ice Xi2 *Est. $100
- Budget snow tire General Altimax Arctic *Est. $80
- Studded snow tire Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 *Est. $140
- Mild-winter performance tire Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 *Est. $155
- SUV/Light truck winter tire Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 *Est. $130
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- Good on snow and ice
- Best choice for SUVs, minivans, light trucks
- Braking on wet and dry roads
- Fast tread wear
Reviews recommend the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 as the best snow tire for SUVs and light trucks, especially in harsh winter climates where snow and ice performance is critical. Some consumers report that the Blizzak DM-Z3 wears out quickly, but its main drawback is that it doesn't brake that well on wet and dry roads -- a common flaw among winter tires for light trucks and SUVs, according to reviews. Consumers give the pricier Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow (*Est. $160) and Michelin Latitude X-Ice (*Est. $150) slightly higher marks on wet and dry roads, although they prefer the Blizzak DM-Z3 on snow and ice. In mild-winter regions, where rain and dry weather are more common than ice and snow, critics say the less expensive Continental ContiWinterContact TS810 (*Est. $80) is the best choice.
Consumer Reports' experts test the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 and rank it against other winter tires, but the report is available only to subscribers. Canada's Automobile Protection Association, a nonprofit funded by consumer memberships, includes the Blizzak DM-Z3 in its reliable rankings. At TireRack.com, a retail site, 350 owners provide detailed ratings of the Blizzak DM-Z3. We found additional owner-written reviews at another Canadian site, 1010Tires.com.
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Consumer Reports' unbiased tests compare the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 with other winter tires for light trucks and SUVs. A ratings chart clearly ranks the tires' performance on snow, ice, wet and dry pavement, noise and other measures.
Review: Winter Tires, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, 2008
2. Automobile Protection Association
Based on tests, this independent Canadian nonprofit organization selects the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 as a top pick for SUVs, giving it the maximum score (five stars) and high ratings for performance in both ice and deep snow.
Review: Winter Tires for Sport Utility Vehicles 2008-2009, Editors of Automobile Protection Association, Not Dated
3. Tire Rack
The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 winter tire has accumulated 350 consumer reviews here, where it earns top ratings for snow and ice traction. This page includes written reviews of the DM-Z3 and a link to a chart where owners rate the snow tire against its competitors. Although the DM-Z3 earns no less than an "excellent" on every measure, consumers here like other studless tires better, including the Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow, Michelin Latitude X-Ice and Bridgestone Blizzak W965.
Review: Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3, Editors of TireRack.com
About 20 owners review the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 at this Canadian retail site, giving it an average 3.9 stars (out of five). The lowest scores are for treadwear.
Review: Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 Tire Reviews & Ratings, Contributors to 1010Tires.com
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