Best Winter Tires for SUVs in 2023

SUVs, or Sports Utility Vehicles, have always been known for their versatility and space. Once they were used as an alternate commuting option for larger families, but with time, their utility has grown. Now they provide flexibility to transport passengers, cargo, and even haul and tow. Since SUVs are offered with a lot of space, they allow owners to carry luggage for their road trips, pick up groceries, or haul the equipment used for activities and sports, alongside accommodating passengers. SUVs these days are engineered to offer space, comfort, technology, and performance. To make sure that SUVs are able to perform in different terrains and conditions, it is necessary that you get the right set of tires installed.

There are drivers who look for the right set of tires for the winter season when the temperature goes below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. So, to ensure that you’re able to drive your SUV in the most deserving way in conditions like snow, slush, and ice this winter season, we have curated a list of the best, great, and budget-friendly winter tires for SUVs on the basis of our SimpleScore. So, read on and find out the one that’s suitable for your SUV on the basis of handling, traction, longevity, and other relevant details discussed below.

1. Nokian Nordman 9 SUV - Best Overall Winter Tire for SUVs

SUVs deserve to be given the best set of tires because the tasks they perform are versatile. So, the first priority of any SUV tire buyer should be to prefer the tires that are best in quality, feature world-class technologies, and have a higher brand value. If you’re the one who wants to buy one particular tire that comes with a renowned brand and represents top-notch winter tire technology, our recommendation is the Nokian Nordman 9 SUV. Let’s read more about this best winter tire designed for SUVs.

If you need a high-quality studdable winter tire that provides a balanced, reliable, and confident driving experience on ice and snow, then consider the Nokian Nordman 9 SUV. The Nordman 9 SUV’s handling, traction, and longevity SimpleScores are read as 9.0, 9.9, and 9.5, respectively, on a scale of 10. The scores are excellent, and exhibit the manufacturer’s technological prowess in making the best-rated winter tires for SUVs. Handling, stability, and control are the most important attributes of a winter tire, and the Nordman 9 SUV comes with remarkable features to offer the same at the best level. The sturdy construction, Snow Grip Boosters, and studdable profile ensure that the tire offers predictable handling. For enhanced traction and grip on ice and snow, the manufacturer has optimized the studs and their placement. The 3D siping, lightning-shaped Snow Grip Boosters, and high-silica compound also contribute to providing better traction and grip on icy, snowy, and wet roads. The tire’s excellence in longevity is because of its durable construction, solid tread compound, and optimized tread pattern as these attributes ensure slower, even, and longer wear. The price of this best SUV winter tire starts at $136.50 per tire.

2. General Altimax Arctic 12 - Great Winter Tire for SUVs

While buying a winter tire for an SUV from a renowned and leading tire brand is preferred for a particular set of tire buyers, there are drivers who look for other alternatives that offer great value without coming at a premium cost. For those drivers, our recommendation on the basis of our SimpleScore as the great winter for SUVs is the General Altimax Arctic 12. Let’s discuss this tire in detail.

Coming from an iconic American tire brand, the General Altimax Arctic 12 is a great studdable winter tire for your SUV. The tire’s handling, traction, and longevity scores are 8.3, 8.5, and 8.6, respectively. The handling of the tire is enhanced by features like an advanced directional tread design with studdable profile, solid construction, and innovative compound, whereas the traction of the tire is boosted by features like tread blocks with sharper biting edges, silica-rich tread compound, advanced siping technology, and bigger grooves. The strong polyester casing, optimized tread design, and reinforced steel belt construction work in conjunction to provide better load-carrying capacity, reduce the chances of deformation, and ensure longer and even tread wear.

3. GT Radial IcePro SUV 3 - Best Budget Friendly Winter Tire for SUVs

There are drivers who consider the premium range of tires and there are many who ditch the premium ones and consider the others that offer higher value. However, some tire buyers prefer spending less and choosing from all the budget-friendly options available. So, for those SUV tire buyers who need a budget friendly alternative in the winter season, our recommendation is the GT Radial IcePro SUV 3. Let’s understand more about this tire and see how worthy it is, taking our SimpleScore into consideration.

The GT Radial IcePro SUV 3 is a budget-friendly studdable winter tire that has good handling and traction scores of 7.7 and 7.5, respectively. Its longevity score is excellent at 9.0 on a scale of 10 for longevity. The handling performance of this winter tire for SUVs is enhanced by optimal stud distribution, a high silica compound, and a directional tread pattern. Additionally, the traction performance is improved by its innovative tread design with various biting edges, studdable profile, and wider tread grooves. On the longevity front, the tire’s score is actually better than many tires from more well-known brands. The solid construction of the tire allows it to withstand impacts and driving pressures, whereas the flat footprint ensures even and longer wear.

Most Popular SUVs

With these sets of winter tires, you’re very likely to experience a seamless driving experience. Now, let’s take a look at the amazing SUVs that are popular in the country.

• Toyota 4Runner
• Subaru Outback
• Hyundai Tucson
• Ford Explorer
• Nissan Rogue
• Jeep Wrangler
• Mazda CX-5
• Chevrolet Equinox
• Honda CR-V
• Kia Sportage
• GMC Yukon
• Volkswagen Tiguan
• Audi Q5
• Dodge Durango
• Lexus NX
• Buick Encore GX
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Cadillac Escalade
• Volvo XC60
• Infiniti QX60
• BMW X7
• Genesis GV70
• Lincoln MKX
• Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Still not sure what the best winter tire for SUVs is? Give us a call and one of our tire experts would be happy to help you find the tire that’s right for your ride and budget.