The 10 Best Winter & Snow Tires in 2023

With winter just around the corner and Mariah Carey getting ready to fill the radio stations with the most Christmassy atmosphere, you can probably guess where this is going. It’s time for the best winter tires, and you’re getting 10 of those to choose from.

Going for winter tires is crucial in some areas where the winters are harsher. Having better grip and traction, as well as short braking distances, is essential for a safe driving experience. Yes, there are areas where all-season tires would do fine, but that’s not always the case.

Depending on the area you live in, you may be required by law to have winter tires, so it’s not something that you can avoid.

To cover as wide range as possible, I’ll talk about multiple types of winter tires. If you’re in a position where you need to buy a set now, this list has you covered.

#1. Continental VikingContact 7

I’m kicking this list off strong, with one of the best winter tires on the market. Continental’s VikingContact 7 is a tire that won’t disappoint in terms of performance. On the other hand, it won’t wow you with the refinement it offers.

Dry performance with the VikingContact 7 is excellent, putting it near the top of its class. You’ll get top levels of grip and traction, so even if you get more aggressive, the tire won’t struggle. Naturally, it won’t be on the same level as a summer tire on hot tarmac, but for a winter one, it does an excellent job. In terms of handling, Continental went with an interlinking design on the blocks. The result of this is sharper handling and a stable tire at higher speeds. Safety is also excellent, with the tire providing one of the shortest braking distances in this segment.

Continental tires are mostly known for good wet performance, and the VikingContact 7 is no exception. On damp surfaces, the tire claws and deliver high levels of grip and traction. You can accelerate more aggressively or go into a corner at a higher speed without any issues. Sure, you can overdo it, but you’ll need a bit more commitment for that. While it seems like a perfect option, it has some drawbacks. The aquaplaning resistance is good, but not great and falls a bit behind its rivals. Braking distances are good and short but aren’t on top of the class.

As a winter tire, you’re expecting good snow performance and the VikingContact 7 will deliver. The traction and grip are there regardless if the snow is packed or not. There is a point where the snow can get too deep for the tire to handle, but those are some very extreme conditions. Ice performance is also available, so it’s a bug plus. To be fair, it is limited and you won’t be driving as fast and as controlled, but it’s usable. The tire feels planted and stable even in aggressive scenarios.

The performance is good, but the refinement could use a bit of work. I wouldn’t classify it as terrible, but it’s far from the best. The VikingContact 7 has decent comfort levels which may feel harsh over rougher roads. This will also result in a bit more vibration transferred to the cabin. Noise levels aren’t impressive with any winter tire, but with this, it’s not too quiet, especially on rougher roads.

#2. Michelin X-Ice Xi3

As a direct competitor of Continental’s tire comes from Michelin’s X-Ice lineup. The tire in question is the X-Ice Xi3 which seems to do better than the previous tire in some situations. With that said, there are some slight drawbacks in others.

The biggest weakness the X-Ice Xi3 has is its dry performance. It’s good and for many drivers, it will offer plenty of performance for daily driving. The grip and traction levels aren’t the highest in this class. As a result, you won’t be able to push it as hard as the previous model. Aggressive drivers will find this tire lacking and not up to their standards. On a positive note, the handling isn’t terrible. You will have some sharpness and in terms of winter tires, the handling isn’t terrible. The braking distances are short and safe, but not as good as some of the best in class.

In wet conditions, the X-Ice Xi3 does very well. Michelin utilized Cross Z Sipes that work with the micro bumps on the tread to deliver performance. With these two, the tire’s grip and traction levels are excellent on damp roads. The tire will remain planted even if you get aggressive. The story continues in the braking department, as the tire’s stopping distances are among the shortest in the category. Finally, it outperforms the previous model in terms of aquaplaning resistance.

Despite the “ice” in the name, the X-Ice Xi3 is an excellent performer in all winter conditions. Shallow snow poses no problem and even in deeper one, the tire will have plenty of traction. Packed snow is another area where the tire’s biting force will prove plentiful. Getting to the ice section, we see the tire delivering usable performance. It won’t be the same as on dry roads or snow, but it should get the job done.

Refinement with most winter tires is a mixed bag. The comfort levels are good, but the noise isn’t, and the X-Ice Xi3 is not far from that. It’s a comfortable tire and can absorb bumps and smooth out imperfections while minimizing vibrations. The noise is not as loud as it could be. There is some hum from it which increases as the temperature rises.

Unlike most of its rivals in this class, the X-Ice Xi3 comes with a 40,000-mile treadwear warranty. This is something we don’t see with other premium tires.

#3. Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

The last model in the holy trinity of premium winter tires is the Blizzak WS90. Bridgestone’s option is very close to what the previous two had to offer. You can expect it to excel in some areas and be behind in others.

In many ways, the Blizzak WS90 reminds me of the Continental model, especially in terms of performance. The grip and traction levels are phenomenal, and the tire sticks to the road without any issues. With daily driving aside, you can even push it more aggressively and you’d still have no issues with slipping. The tire continues to impress with its short braking distances, putting it near the top of the winter category. As far as handling is concerned, surprisingly, it’s quite dynamic. There’s pretty good responsiveness, and the tire provides good feedback.

The good performance continues in wet conditions, putting the Blizzak WS90 near the top of this class. There’s plenty of traction for accelerating and grip for cornering on damp surfaces. The stickiness is excellent, so the tire can handle some aggressive driving if you choose that route. Going fast on wet roads isn’t fun if the tire isn’t easy to control, which isn’t the case here. Bridgestone made the tire handle well and feel planted. The best part about this tire is that the braking distances are short. In harsher conditions, the stability remains, as the aquaplaning resistance is excellent.

As far as winter tires are concerned, the Blizzak WS90 is one of the best performers in winter conditions. In lighter conditions, the performance is excellent thanks to the high levels of grip and traction. The same goes for packed snow, as the bites into the snow and doesn’t disappoint. Getting overly aggressive will cause slip, but in normal driving conditions, that won’t be a problem. Surprisingly, the tire’s performance on ice is pretty good. I wouldn’t classify it as the best option for those conditions, but it’s usable in a pinch.

Looking at the refinement, we see the same trend as with most winter tires. The comfort levels are on the soft side, and it irons out some of the road imperfections. Once it reaches a certain point of “bad road” the tire will feel a bit bouncy. Noise levels are similar to the rest of the pack. At slower speeds around town, the tire isn’t overly loud. Things aren’t improving over rougher surfaces or higher speeds. In these situations, the noise levels are noticeably higher.

#4. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

So far, we talked about premium winter tires, but what if you’re after a good performer at a slightly more affordable price? This is where the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 comes into play. It’s very close to the premium competitors, but doesn’t cost as much.

The Hakkapeliitta R3 reminds me a bit of the Michelin model I mentioned in the dry performance. It’s good and for daily driving scenarios, it won’t have any issues. With that said, it’s not the best in class. There’s a good amount of traction and grip, but you shouldn’t expect it to stick to the road as well as some of its rivals. When it comes to handling, it’s acceptably responsive and you will get some feedback from it. The braking distances are a bit of a letdown. They are short and safe, but not the shortest in this category or class.

Once it starts raining, things improve and the Hakkapeliitta R3 proves to be an excellent performer. Damp roads are no problem, as the grip and traction levels are superb. The tire sticks to the road without any issues, even in more aggressive situations. You also have a tire that’s easy to control, so responsiveness isn’t an issue. Stability in deeper water patches is excellent. The tread pattern does an excellent job of evacuating water from beneath it. Finally, the braking distances are very short, outperforming some of the premium models.

Forged in the cold weather in Finland, the Hakkapeliitta R3 is an impressive winter performer. Snow poses no problem, as the Snow Claws are doing an excellent job at providing high levels of grip and traction. Combine that with the relatively short braking distances and you’re looking at a very safe tire. Ice performance is also worth praising. It’s good enough to be used if needed, but I wouldn’t recommend relying on it too much.

We have a slight surprise in the refinement department. The Hakkapeliitta R3 is a well-refined tire, which is a rare sight in the winter category. Comfort levels are pretty good and the tire’s ability to soften the ride is excellent. With the soft ride, the tire manages to isolate plenty of the vibrations from bad roads. As for the noise levels, they are pretty low considering that it’s a winter tire. Sure, there is some hum, but it’s lower than what some of the premium competitors can do.

#5. Pirelli Sottozero 3

So far, the tires I mentioned are the touring winter options. What if you want something more performance-oriented? Say hello to the Pirelli Sottozero 3, a tire that won’t disappoint in terms of performance.

On a dry road in colder temperatures, the Sottozero 3 will deliver some of the best performance in the category. The traction is excellent at eliminating wheel spin, while the grip will keep the car planted in a corner. Even when you get too aggressive, the tire will let go, but it will do that progressively. As long as you’re paying attention, you’ll notice when it happens. The best part about it is that it has the shortest braking distances in its class.

The positive experience with the Sottozero 3 continues in wet conditions, as the tire remains at the top. Similar to dry conditions, the tire’s traction and grip levels are very high, allowing you to push it. it will remain planted and be controllable even at the limit. You’re also getting one of the shortest wet braking distances, making it a very safe tire. In the aquaplaning department, the tire does well. It’s not the best in class but remains very stable when driving in deeper water patches.

Winter performance is what the Sottozero 3 is designed for, and it does that excellently. In lighter conditions, the tire will drive without any issues, offering plenty of performance. The tread pattern does an excellent job of keeping traction and grip levels as high as possible. It’s a similar story on packed snow. If there’s a deeper snow section, expect a bit of a performance loss, but it’s still among the highest in the segment. Most of these tires aren’t impressive on ice, but there are good choices and this is one of them. It can offer very usable performance and with the short braking distances, it won’t have too many issues.

Refinement with the Sottozero 3 is a mixed review like some of the previous models I mentioned. Comfort levels are great and the tire does a good job of smoothing out the road. Hitting a larger pothole isn’t a horrible experience and you won’t get a lot of vibrations into the cabin. Noise levels, on the other hand, aren’t as impressive. As far as winter tires are concerned, this is not the quietest option you can find. There is a slight hum at slower speeds, which increases on the highway.

#6. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

SUV and light truck owners shouldn’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about them. As part of the Pilot lineup, we have the Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, an excellent performance winter tire. It does come with some slight drawbacks but is an excellent option as an overall package.

Generally, the performance in dry conditions is excellent, but it’s not perfect. For daily driving, the grip and traction levels are far more than what most drivers would need. The drawback is noticeable when you push it. It’s not terrible, but it falls behind some of its rivals. The handling of the Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is good and for a winter tire, it exhibits decent responsiveness. My only complaint is that there isn’t a lot of feedback. One thing I can’t complain about is the braking distances, which are among the shortest.

In wet conditions, we see the same “good, but not the best” aspect of the Pilot Alpin 5 SUV. I wouldn’t put it in the poor-performing category, but some of its rivals do a bit better. Like previously, you’re getting plenty of grip and traction, and the tire can handle getting pushed a bit. It handles good but lacks a bit of feedback like it did in dry conditions. Also, the braking distances could use some improvements. They’re short and safe, but not the shortest in this class. One thing that’s closer to the top is the aquaplaning resistance. Michelin made a very stable tire even when driving at higher speeds in heavy rain conditions.

As a winter tire, the Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is something that’s the best in the category. The tire’s grip and traction levels are superb and regardless if it’s shallow or packed snow, it won’t have any issues. Going for harsher conditions will result in a bit of slip, but only when the snow gets too deep. Another very positive aspect is the handling characteristics. The tire remains easy to control and handle when driving over the white stuff.

For refinement, the Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is a tire that deserves high praise. For a performance-oriented winter tire, you’re looking at one that’s very quiet. The hum is there but isn’t overly intrusive, like with some of its rivals. Comfort levels are also pretty good at offering a soft ride. The tire smooths up road imperfections and softens up harsher hits. Combining this with its ability to minimize vibrations makes this a comfortable tire.

The best part is that Michelin offers the Pilot Alpin 5 SUV with a 30,000-mile treadwear warranty. Keep in mind that some of its rivals don’t have this, so it’s a big plus.

#7. Nokian WR SUV 4

If the Michelin tire is out of your budget and you’re looking for something subdued, then the Nokian WR SUV 4 is a solid option. It may not have the “sporty” edge, but it’s an excellent contender in this category.

In dry conditions, the WR SUV 4 is a tire that will satisfy your needs as a daily driver. The grip and traction levels are pretty good, keeping the tire stuck to the road. You can get a bit carried away and the tire won’t handle that, but for the most part, it will perform excellently. The handling isn’t on par with the premium competitors. It’s easy to control and will be perfect for the average driver. Enthusiasts won’t like it too much, as the responsiveness is average and the feel is a bit muted. The braking distances are suitable and the tire can outperform some of the premium rivals. In the mid-range segment, it scores pretty high.

With wet roads, the WR SUV 4 is good enough but doesn’t excel when compared to its rivals. On damp surfaces, you’ll get moderately good traction for acceleration. It will slip if you give it the beans, but in a daily driving scenario, you probably won’t notice it. The grip levels are also good and will keep the vehicle in check around the corners. Going too fast will result in under or oversteering, so be mindful of the limitations. The braking distances are very good and are very close to the Michelin model. I’m not very impressed with the aquaplaning resistance, which seems to be the weakest point. It’s not bad, but even in the mid-range segment, it’s average.

Moving on to snow performance, the WR SUV 4 is good if you keep in mind that it’s a mid-range tire. The traction should be good for most drivers that will look at this as a daily commuter. It will keep slip to a minimum and will go around a corner without too many issues in lighter conditions. The tire also doesn’t struggle with packed snow. Harsher conditions aren’t a problem and the performance in deeper snow is as I was expecting. There’s a decent amount of traction, so if you’re mindful of the limitations, it won’t disappoint. The braking distances are very good and only a bit behind the Pilot Alpin 5 SUV. Like in previous conditions, the tire remains easy to control and predictable even at the limit. One positive thing is the short braking distances on snow.

If you compare the refinement to the Michelin tire, you may be disappointed. As a mid-range option, the WR SUV 4 does pretty good. The noise levels aren’t too far off from the premium competitors and, even at higher speeds, it’s not overly intrusive. On the comfort side of things, we’re looking at the same thing. It’s comfortable enough to eliminate any harshness. It softens up the larger bumps and can feel just a bit bouncy, but that’s just me nitpicking.

#8. Cooper Evolution Winter

So far, the tires I’ve mentioned are studless, so it’s time to talk about models that can offer more. The first studdable winter tire on today’s list is the Cooper Evolution Winter. It’s a mid-range option that seems to have a lot to offer, considering the price point.

In dry conditions, the Evolution Winter is a tire that can deliver pretty good levels of grip and traction. as a mid-range option, these won’t be comparable with the premium models, but are very close. There is some room to push it a bit, but don’t expect it to handle a lot of aggressiveness. It will slip if you overdo it, so don’t treat it like a performance winter tire. Another area where the tire won’t feel like a performance one is the handling. It will be fine for most regular drivers. Easy to handle and controllable, but it’s not very responsive and won’t offer you with a lot of feedback.

The Evolution Winter manages to make up for the average dry performance with excellent results in wet conditions. There’s more than enough grip and traction to satisfy almost all drivers that are looking for a safe and planted winter tire. You have some breathing room on damp roads, meaning that you can push it a bit and remain slip-free. A safe tire is one that has short braking distances and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s not the best in the industry, but it’s among the best in the mid-range class. The same can be said about the aquaplaning resistance. It will stay planted in heavy rain at highway speeds without breaking a sweat.

In winter without the studs, the Evolution Winter is an excellent performer. Shallow snow won’t be any problem and the traction and grip levels will be more than enough. If the snow is packaged, you may notice slightly reduced performance, but it will still be more than enough. The tire handles deep snow and slush without any issues, and you can rely on the short braking distances to keep you safe. A slight letdown is the ice performance. The tire is usable, but not the best in these conditions. Luckily, you can fit the studs, which will transform into one of the best studdable tires.

Refinement is something that the Evolution Winter doesn’t disappoint too much, depending on the conditions. The comfort is generally good, and the tire does a decent job of eliminating vibrations and smoothing up road imperfections. With that said, driving over broken-up roads won’t be the most positive experience, as it may feel bouncy at times. As for the noise levels, they are on the lower end of the spectrum. The tire is generally quiet-ish at slower speeds and the noise increases a bit when you’re driving on the highway.

#9. Goodyear WinterCommand

Moving on, we have the premium competitor to the Cooper tire and that’s the Goodyear WinterCommand. Even though we’re looking at a tire from this category, it does have some drawbacks, but there are also some advantages worth having.

Starting off with the “weakest” point of the WinterCommand is the dry performance. The tire isn’t terrible, but when compared with some of its rivals it falls behind. You’ll get pretty good levels of grip and traction, and most average drivers won’t notice that it’s not the best. It will accelerate without slipping and go around a corner without too much drama. The high-speed stability and short braking distances make this a very safe bet for most people that aren’t into sporty driving. For those, this tire will disappoint. The handling is decent, but not the most responsive. You’ll also notice a bit more sidewall flex than you’d want, and you won’t get a lot of feedback.

Wet performance is an improvement and something that the WinterCommand can brag about. On damp roads, the tire’s ability to stick to the road is pretty good. The tread design does an excellent job of providing high levels of grip and traction, so you can be more aggressive. It won’t slip and will continue to perform with no issues. The braking distances are another big plus for this tire’s performance. They are short putting it near the top even in the premium segment. Goodyear’s tread pattern does an excellent job at water evacuation. Thanks to that, the aquaplaning resistance is excellent, keeping the tire stable in heavy rain.

Studdable tires can be used in winter conditions without the studs. In these situations, the WinterCommand won’t disappoint. In lighter snow conditions, the performance is among the best in the class. You’ll get plenty of grip and traction to play with, meaning that even if you push it, the tire won’t have any issues. At a certain point, if you get too aggressive, the tire will start to let go, but that’s in the more extreme situations. Even in deeper snow, the tire’s biting force is more than adequate, to deliver a good driving performance with no serious issues. If you need to drive on ice, then fitting the studs is something you should consider. Without them, the tire is usable, but it won’t do the best job. With the studs on, the tire’s performance is among the best in the business.

When it comes to refinement, the WinterCommand falls in the standard trend of winter tires. You’re getting a package that can deliver very good comfort levels. Small imperfections will be smoothed out and the larger potholes will be softened. In some situations, you will notice a bit of jolt, but it won’t be terrible. Note levels are just as you’d expect from a winter tire. Around town, it will be decently quiet, but that changes when you get at highway speeds.

Not many manufacturers offer a treadwear warranty in this category, and Goodyear is one of them. You’re can get the WinterCommand with a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is more than even some Michelin models.

#10. General Grabber Arctic

The last tire on the list is a studdable one as well, but a model for SUVs and light trucks. The General Grabber Arctic is one of those tires that will surprise most people. It’s an excellent performer without too many drawbacks and it’s leaning toward the affordable side.

Driving in dry conditions with the Grabber Arctic is a positive experience. Don’t expect premium-like performance, but expect a safe one. The tire delivers very good levels of grip and traction, which most drivers will be fine with. Like with most tires so far, the option to push it is there as long as you don’t expect it to do wonders. The braking distances are suitable, and I’d rank them pretty high in the mid-range segment. As for handling, I wouldn’t consider this to be a sporty-feeling tire. The responsiveness is average at best, and you’ll have a higher sidewall, so expect a bit of flex there.

Like the previous tire, the Grabber Arctic seems to be a more capable performer in wet conditions. Driving on damp roads with this tire is no problem. The traction levels are very good and you’ll experience almost no slip. Almost being the keyword, because if you floor it, the tire will slip, which is to be expected. It’s a similar story in the corners. The tire holds on to the road and, for normal driving, the performance is more than enough. Harsher conditions like pouring rain are also not an issue for the tire. The tread pattern does a good job of evacuating water, making it stable at higher speeds.

Winter is where the Grabber Arctic shines from multiple angles. Shallow snow is not a problem for the tire, keeping things in check and offering plenty of performance. Even on packed snow, the tire won’t struggle at all. Slush and deep snow can be problematic, but in this case, you won’t experience any issues. The traction and grip levels are pretty good, and the tire does well even without the studs. Speaking of those, once you put them, ice won’t be an issue. The tire and the metal studs combined will offer one of the best performance in these conditions. Throughout the entire winter, regardless of the situation, you’ll be looking at a tire with short braking distances.

So far things have seemed good, but the Grabber Arctic isn’t perfect and we can see that in the refinement. The tire is comfortable enough and can swallow bumps and imperfections, but it’s not as smooth as its premium rivals. Noise levels are similar. We can consider the tire quiet-ish, which is acceptable for most people. Like with many winter tires, the noise increases at higher speeds. With that said, the premium options are a bit quieter.