EmailBest Reviewed
Snow Tires
- Best winter tire Michelin X-Ice Xi2 *Est. $95
- Budget snow tire General Altimax Arctic *Est. $65
- Studded snow tire Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 *Est. $145
- Mild-winter performance tire Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 *Est. $145
- SUV/Light truck winter tire Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 *Est. $135
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- A top performer on cold, dry pavement
- Mixed reviews on wet roads
- Not meant for harsh winters
Reviews say the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D grips nicely on cold, dry pavement -- but when winter roads get snowy and icy, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 (*Est. $145) is the best performance winter tire for the job. The Dunlop does have its proponents, though, including tough Swedish and German testing organizations. Like all performance winter tires, the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D is designed for mild winters only; if you'll see a lot of snow and ice this winter, experts recommend a severe winter tire like the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 (*Est. $95).
We found the best comparison tests of the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D in Europe, at ADAC (Germany's version of AAA) and at the Swedish magazines Aftonbladet and Auto Motor & Sport. TireRack.com, a retail site, compares the Winter Sport 3D with other performance winter tires based on staffers' opinions and consumer ratings.
Our Sources
This Swedish auto magazine tests 10 "Central European" winter tires -- studless tires suitable for mild winters. The Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D places first overall, with the best grip on wet roads and high scores on snowy and dry pavement as well.
Review: Repeat Favorites, Götz Leyrer and Pär Brandt, Oct. 23, 2008
2. Aftonbladet.seDetails/Subscribe
Unlike Auto Motor & Sport, this Swedish auto magazine finds the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D "nervous in all winter conditions." It is not recommended.
Review: Sweden's Biggest Winter Tire Test, Robert Collin, Oct. 2009
3. ADAC
ADAC, Germany's version of AAA, tested 37 winter and three all-season tires in 2008. The article is in German, but a Google translation is very clear. The Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D is one of four tires that are "especially recommended."
Review: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D, Editors of ADAC, 2008
4. Tire Rack
Retail website TireRack.com also tests tires. The Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D makes this list of the top winter tires for 2009, with good traction in snow but better grip on wet and dry roads.
Review: Winter Tires or Snow Tires Which Do I Need?, Chad Hocker, Oct. 13, 2009
5. Tire Rack
The Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D still rates highly with customers here, but this former favorite tire has been surpassed by a few newer performance winter tires. This page includes users' written reviews and a link to the chart where consumers rank the Winter Sport 3D against other winter tires.
Review: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D, Contributors to TireRack.com, As of Oct. 2009
Snow Tires Runners Up:
3 picks including: Canadian Driver, Automobile Protection Association…
2 picks including: Aftonbladet.se, Auto Motor & Sport…
2 picks including: Aftonbladet.se, Auto Motor & Sport…
2 picks including: Automobile Protection Association, 1010Tires.com…
2 picks including: Automobile Protection Association…
2 picks including: Automobile Protection Association, 1010Tires.com…
2 picks including: Automobile Protection Association, 1010Tires.com…
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