Best Winter Tires for Snow and Ice in 2025

Winter weather brings a unique set of challenges for drivers, especially when it comes to maintaining traction on snowy and icy roads. To ensure safety and optimal performance during the coldest months, it's essential to equip your vehicle with the right set of winter tires.

Investing in a set of dedicated winter tires can make a significant difference in your driving experience, providing improved handling, braking, and overall confidence behind the wheel. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best winter tires for your vehicle?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key features of winter tires, discuss how to select the right set for your specific needs and highlight some of the top-performing options for cars, minivans, SUVs, and light trucks in 2025.

What Are Winter Tires and Why Do You Need Them?

Winter tires are specifically designed to provide optimal traction, handling, and braking performance in cold weather conditions, including snow and ice. The unique rubber compounds used in winter tires remain flexible at low temperatures, allowing the tire to grip the road better than all-season tires, which can become stiff and less effective in extreme cold.

One of the most distinctive features of winter tires is their tread pattern. These tires feature deeper grooves, aggressive siping (small slits in the tread blocks), and biting edges that work together to channel snow and slush while providing hundreds of extra gripping edges for improved traction on slippery surfaces. This specialized tread design is essential for maintaining control and stability on winter roads.

Investing in a set of dedicated winter tires can significantly enhance your vehicle's safety and performance during the coldest months. In fact, research conducted by SimpleTire and other industry experts has shown that winter tires can reduce braking distances by up to 50% on snow and ice compared to all-season tires. This improved braking performance can be the difference between avoiding an accident and becoming involved in a dangerous collision.

Moreover, winter tires offer better acceleration and cornering grip in cold weather conditions, allowing you to navigate safely through challenging winter weather. Even if you have a vehicle equipped with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, winter tires are still necessary to ensure optimal performance and safety. While these drivetrain systems can help with acceleration, they do not improve braking or cornering, which is where winter tires excel.

How to Choose the Right Winter Tires for Your Vehicle

Selecting winter tires requires a keen understanding of the specific demands of your local climate. In areas with frequent snow and ice, tires with specialized traction technologies and innovative tread designs are essential. For regions with milder winters, opting for tires that balance winter performance with a smoother ride can be advantageous. Consider your driving habits—those who travel on less-maintained roads may need tires with enhanced durability and grip.

Ensuring compatibility with your vehicle is crucial when choosing winter tires. Always consult your vehicle’s manual to verify the correct tire size, load capacity, and speed rating. Adhering to these specifications preserves vehicle handling and safety while optimizing tire performance.

Look for tires marked with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol to ensure they meet rigorous snow traction criteria. This certification guarantees that the tires can tackle severe winter conditions, providing confidence on snowy and icy roads.

When deciding between studless and studdable tires, evaluate your typical road conditions. Studless tires offer excellent performance on most winter surfaces and are known for their quiet operation. However, if you frequently encounter icy or hard-packed snow conditions, studdable tires might offer the extra traction you need. Be aware of any local restrictions on studded tires due to potential road wear.

Using online tools and resources can greatly assist in selecting the right winter tires. Many platforms offer detailed tire specifications and performance comparisons tailored to your vehicle's requirements. These resources often include user reviews that provide insights into the tires' real-world performance and longevity.

Top Winter Tires

These are some of the top winter tires for your vehicle:

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 tackles extreme winter conditions with confidence. Its studded design (check local laws) provides superior ice and slush grip, with optimized stud placement for acceleration, braking, and cornering. A flexible tread compound ensures traction in sub-freezing temperatures, while a directional tread pattern efficiently clears snow and slush. It offers responsive handling, low road noise, and reduced rolling resistance for fuel efficiency. EV/hybrid compatible and Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified.

Starting at $133.15 per tire, the Hakkapeliitta 10 is available in tire sizes ranging from 14 to 20 inches and received an average SimpleScore of 9.2, with an excellent 9.9 in traction, 9.1 in handling, and 8.8 in longevity.

Get Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here.

2. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2

The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2, introduced in 2015, is a studless winter tire with a 8.9 SimpleScore. Certified with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake, it offers exceptional ice and snow traction and braking. Additionally, its multi-cell tread compound, with microscopic pores, enhances wet performance, while a micro-texture pattern ensures top-tier winter handling, while a high-strength silica compound provides durability in extreme temperatures.

Starting at $165.96 per tire, the Blizzak DM-V2 is available in tire sizes ranging from 15 to 22 inches and received an impressive 9.2 in traction, 9 in longevity, and 8.5 in handling.

Get Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here.

3. Continental VikingContact 7

The Continental VikingContact 7, scoring an 8.5 SimpleScore, is a studless winter tire for cars, SUVs, and light trucks. Its directional tread, PolarPlus Technology, and Nordic compound ensure excellent wet and cold traction. Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, it features interlocking blocks for snow stability and biting edges for enhanced grip. Rapeseed oil in the compound reduces rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency. Backed by Continental's Total Confidence Plan.

Starting at $119.99 per tire, the Continental VikingContact 7 is available in tire sizes ranging from 15 to 22 inches and scored an impressive 9.1 in traction, 8.7 in handling, and 7.7 in longevity.

Get Continental VikingContact 7 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here.

4. General Grabber Arctic LT

The General Grabber Arctic LT, launched in 2016, is a studdable winter tire for light trucks, scoring an 8 SimpleScore. It delivers strong traction in snow, ice, and wet conditions, featuring a symmetrical winter tread for durability and Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. A tough rubber compound ensures flexibility in cold temperatures and enhances load capacity. It's also studdable, where permitted, for extra grip in severe conditions.

Starting at $227.99 per tire, the General Grabber Arctic LT is available in tire sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches and scored a great 8.6 in traction, 8.6 in handling, and 7 in longevity.

Get General Grabber Arctic LT tires at the best deals for your vehicle here.

5. Hankook Winter i*Pike X (W429A) Studded

The Hankook Winter i*Pike X (W429A) Studded, with an 8.5 SimpleScore, is a studded winter tire for CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks. Featuring a directional tread and ice slit technology, it excels in ice traction. It's studded with TSMI #12 and should only be used where permitted, for enhanced grip in severe conditions. Featuring Ultra High Tensile Steel belts, the tire delivers responsive handling and cornering capability with enhanced durability.

Starting at $156.96 per tire, the [Hankook Winter i*Pike X (W429A) Studded is available in tire sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches and scored a great 8.4 in traction, 8.1 in handling, and 9 in longevity.

Get Hankook Winter i*Pike X (W429A) Studded tires at the best deals for your vehicle here.

Choosing the Right Winter Tires for Your Needs

Selecting the ideal winter tires involves a thoughtful assessment of several factors, beginning with your budget. Tire longevity is a critical aspect—some models offer extended tread life, providing better value over time. Compare the expected lifespan of different tires against their cost to determine which option offers the best financial sense. Investing in a higher-priced tire with a longer tread life may provide greater long-term savings than opting for a cheaper model that requires more frequent replacements.

When assessing the type of tires best suited for your conditions, consider the specific challenges posed by your winter driving environment. For areas with heavy snowfall or persistent icy conditions, tires with aggressive tread patterns and advanced rubber compounds are crucial for maintaining grip and safety. On the other hand, regions experiencing light snowfalls might benefit more from tires that offer a balance between winter performance and smoother rides. Evaluate your typical winter roads to choose tires that meet your safety and performance needs effectively.

Consider the practicality of having a set of winter tires already mounted on dedicated rims. This approach streamlines tire changes as seasons shift, minimizing downtime and allowing for quick adaptability to sudden weather changes. It also prevents unnecessary wear on your regular rims, maintaining their appearance and structural integrity. Preparing your vehicle before the onset of winter ensures you're ready for any unexpected weather, offering peace of mind throughout the colder months.

As you prepare for the winter season, remember that investing in the right set of winter tires is crucial for ensuring your safety and performance on snowy and icy roads. We at SimpleTire are committed to helping you find the perfect winter tires for your vehicle, with a wide selection of top-performing options from leading brands. Shop for tires online at SimpleTire and let us help you find the best deals on winter tires that will keep you confident and in control behind the wheel.