Dunlop Winter Maxx vs Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1

Dunlop tires are a member of the Goodyear family of brands, and have a long history of production and use in the United States (and worldwide). While not as well known as Dunlop, Falken tires has a rich history of success and innovation, and even partnered with Dunlop to craft motorcycle tires at one point in time.

Winter tires, the Dunlop Winter Maxx and Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 are designed for use on passenger vehicles like sedans, coupes, CUVs, SUVs, and minivans and offer better traction and solid performance in ice, snow, and frigid temperatures.

While both tires provide solid performance, is one tire superior to the other? Let’s compare Dunlop Winter Maxx vs Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 tires using SimpleScore to show where each tire excels and which one might be right for you.

Dunlop Winter Maxx tires

A studless winter tire, the Dunlop Winter Maxx is developed for drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans, and crossover vehicles. It is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, which means this tire can perform well in severe winter weather conditions. In addition it has wide grooves to improve snow traction and handling.

On average, the Winter Maxx tires sport a great SimpleScore of 8.7 due to its great handling, traction, and longevity.

Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 tires

A studdable winter tire, the Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 has a special rubber compound which is flexible to offer consistent traction, sipes for better braking, and curved grooves with open shoulders to evacuate water and snow for better traction. In addition, these tires can be pinned TSMI #12 or # 13 studs (where permitted) to enhance snow traction, and is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified to ensure traction in harsh winter weather traction.

On average, the Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 has a great SimpleScore of 8.7 due to its great handling, traction, and longevity.

Dunlop Winter Maxx vs Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 tires on traction

Winter brings ice, slush, and snow to many regions, which means you need winter tires that can resist severe conditions.

Having an excellent score of 9.1 out of 10 in traction, the Winter Maxx’s Nano-Fit compound and the siping detail in the tread design improve traction on icy roads. The Winter Maxx maintains its flexibility at lower temperatures thanks to a unique rubber compound, and its wide grooves enhance snow traction and wet handling.

The Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1, on the other hand, has a score of 9.2 out of 10 in traction. Where allowed, TSMI #12 or 13 studs can be used to add additional grip to Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 tires for use in extremely slippery ice, slush, and snow. Even in the worst winter weather, surface traction is ensured by the high-density 3D Canyon Sipes, 4D Nano Design Compound, and wide grooves.

When it comes to winter weather traction, the Winterpeak F-Ice 1 has a very slight edge over the Winter Maxx.

ADVANTAGE: Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1

Dunlop Winter Maxx vs Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 tires on handling

In winter weather, the ability to turn and change lanes with assurance depends on handling more than traction. Winter tires from Dunlop and Falken have great handling, according to SimpleScore.

The Dunlop Winter Maxx sports an 8.5 SimpleScore for handling, which is largely driven by the asymmetric tread pattern. The more road contact there is, the more sensitive the steering is, and the more stable the vehicle is. Not to mention that, this is possible because of the asymmetric tread pattern.

On the other hand, with a SimpleScore of 8.6, the Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 outperforms the Dunlop tire in terms of handling. The stabilized directional tread pattern provides surface contact, which enhances steering response and driving stability.

Although great, the Winterpeak F-Ice 1 has slightly better handling than the Winter Maxx.

ADVANTAGE: Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1.

Dunlop Winter Maxx vs Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 tires on longevity

Starting with the Winter Maxx, the tire has a solid SimpleScore of 8.6 out of 10 for longevity. The spirally wrapped nylon cord utilized in Jointless Band Technology supports the twin steel belts, preventing deformation. In addition, the Miura-Ori sipes on the Winter Maxx’s Sharp Edges improve tread block stability and prevent uneven tread wear patterns. Similarly, the Winterpeak F-Ice 1 has a SimpleScore of 8.6 in longevity, indicating that both have the same longevity.

Although the Winterpeak F-Ice 1 winter tire has greater traction and handling, they both have the same SimpleScore for longevity.

ADVANTAGE: Tie

When to use each

Both the Winter Maxx and the Winterpeak F-Ice 1 are classified as winter tires, and they should not be used in conditions that are frequently above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter tires use a flexible rubber compound that quickly deteriorates at temperatures over that limit, which is why this is the case.

The main difference between the two tires, then, is that the Winter Maxx can be used everywhere as it’s a studless tire. Whereas, the Winterpeak F-Ice 1 is a studdable tire and can only be used in certain locations and/or during certain months when it is studded as studs are prohibited in certain areas and months.

Which one should you choose?

Which winter tire is therefore the best choice for you? The Winterpeak F-Ice 1 and Winter Maxx both have the same SimpleScore of 8.7, and it will be challenging to choose the ideal tire for you because, as was already mentioned, there are only very slight changes between the two tires.

These two tires have a significant price difference between them: Winter Maxx tires cost at least $114.96 per tire, while Winterpeak F-ICe 1 tires cost only $90.96 per tire. A set of four Winter Maxx snow tires will therefore cost you at least $460, whilst a set of four Winterpeak F-Ice 1 tires would cost you at least $360.

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Winter Maxx if you:

• Drive a sedan like the Audi A8 or a minivan like the Ford Windstar LX.
• Live and drive in an area where studs are not permitted
• Are willing to pay a little bit more money for a “name brand”

Conversely, you should choose the Winterpeak F-Ice 1 if you:

• Drive a sedan like the Honda Accord or a crossover SUV like the Subaru Forester.
• Want marginally better traction (9.2 vs 9.1)
• Want marginally better handling (8.6 vs 8.5)
• If you want more traction by adding studs to your tires.
• Want the better performing tire at a lower price.

Dunlop Winter Maxx and Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 tires are great winter tires which offer comparable traction, handling, and tread life. However, at the end of the day, the decision to buy one or the other depends on your vehicle, where (and how) you drive, and what you care more about in terms of traction, handling, longevity, and price.

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.