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Last updated 10/11/2023 - Originally published 10/11/2023
Written by SimpleTire
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When it comes to offering value and performance at aggressive prices, both Toyo and Yokohama are neck and neck. While they are seasoned in manufacturing great tires, including all-season, all-weather, all-terrain, UHP, and others, they have earned a reputation in rolling out winter tires as well. In terms of brand positioning, both Japanese tire makers are placed side by side; hence, their winter tires, too, offer similar performances comparatively.
Designed for use on minivans and passenger cars, the winter tire lines – Toyo Observe GSI-6 and Yokohama iceGuard iG53 - are a result of years of research and development by their respective manufacturers. While the Observe GSI-6 features micro-grip technology for extra traction, the iceGuard iG53 offers a directional tread pattern for low rolling resistance and high fuel economy. So, which one should be your choice? Let’s do a Toyo Observe GSI-6 vs. Yokohama iceGuard iG53 comparison using SimpleScore to know the areas where they perform better and have an edge over the other.
Introduced a few years back, the Observe GSI-6 is a studless performance winter tire that can be equipped on passenger cars, sports coupes and sedans, CUVs, and SUVs. The Toyo tire features an aggressive tread design for improved traction in snow, a high-grip silica rubber compound for enhanced wet braking performance, patented Microbit technology for extra biting edges, absorbent carbonic powder for better road contact, and advanced sipe technology for improved cornering and ice braking capacity. With a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, the heavily siped tread design of the Observe GSI-6 ensures maximum traction and optimum performance in snow, wet, and ice.
On a scale of 10, the Toyo tire scores great with a SimpleScore of 8.89 thanks to its excellent handling, traction, grip, and longevity.
Launched in 2019, the iceGUARD iG53 is designed for passenger cars and minivans, and features a directional tread pattern for increased contact area with the road and maximum grip on ice and snow. With the new absorptive rubber compound, the Yokohama tire reduces the risk of hydroplaning on icy surfaces as it removes water to stay in contact with the ice for better grip and traction. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified tire offers low rolling resistance for better fuel economy and enhanced grip in freezing conditions. It comes with zigzag-shaped grooves, wide center rib, 3-D triple sipes, and micro diagonal grooves for increased traction and solid grip in freezing conditions.
The iceGUARD iG53 gets an excellent SimpleScore of 8.83 thanks to its impressive traction, handling, and great longevity.
To hold your ground in winter, you need tires that can offer superior grip and traction on ice, snow, and slush. Regular tires do not have the full-depth grooves and sipes and the necessary rubber compound to bear severe cold; hence, winter tires are a prerequisite as they’re designed to combat such extreme weather conditions.
The Toyo Observe GSI-6 achieves a great SimpleScore of 9 out of 10 for traction thanks to the high-grip silica tread compound that not only enhances wet grip and braking performance but also delivers great traction on ice and snow. While the Microbit tech of Toyo uses ground walnut shells that dig and bite into ice and snow for a strong grip, the bamboo-derived absorbent carbonic powder absorbs thin moisture film on winter surfaces and delivers consistent grip and traction.
On the other hand, the Yokohama iceGUARD iG53 gets a slightly better SimpleScore of 9.1 out of 10. The traits that help it achieve the excellent score include the directional tread pattern that not only boosts traction, but also helps improve stability on ice and snowy roads. Additionally, the 3D triple sipes of the iceGUARD iG53 dig into the ice and snow to lend superior traction and better control. The optimized contact patch also aids in lowering the road noise and lending you a comfortable riding experience.
The fight in this section is very close, with Yokohama iceGUARD iG53 beating the Toyo Observe GSI-6 by a whisker (0.1).
ADVANTAGE: Yokohama iceGUARD iG53
While traction is essential in winter, handling is a critical aspect for winter tires, too. In freezing temperatures where chances of slipping are high, you need excellent winter tires that give quick and precise steering responses to your moves. Toyo and Yokohama have ensured their tires handle winters pretty well.
The Observe GSI-6 achieves a fantastic SimpleScore of 8.9, courtesy of its continuous notched center rib that enhances steering feedback. The advanced sipe technology improves ice braking performance, and also helps in boosting cornering performance and stability. The strong shoulders with lateral grooves and dense sipes provide the necessary traction and better grip while turning.
Similarly, the iceGUARD iG53 scores exactly the same score of 8.9 in our testing. The strong center rib with strategic grooves not only boosts traction but also enhances precision handling by maximizing steering feedback. Just like the Toyo tire, the shoulders of the Yokohama tire come with lateral grooves and sipes to support confident cornering and improved stability.
Both tires are equally matched in the SimpleScore at 8.9, so the handling section is a tie.
ADVANTAGE: Scores tied
Handling and traction are essential traits of a winter tire, but longevity can’t be forgotten either. A winter tire with poor wearability is of no use to vehicle owners as they have to frequently get it replaced.
With a superb SimpleScore of 8.7, the Observe GSI-6 is a safe bet as far as tread life is concerned. The aggressive, symmetric tread design of the Toyo tire enhances traction and handling, plus ensures gradual wear of the tire. The special silica compound maintains flexibility in freezing temperatures and prevents tread from hardening and developing cracks.
The Yokohama tire, on the other hand, is very close to Toyo with a SimpleScore of 8.6 in longevity. While the use of an innovative absorptive compound provides increased resistance to wear, the deep, 3D sipes optimize the performance and longevity of the tread. The unidirectional tread design further improves the wearability of the tread by resisting uneven wear.
Both tires are neck and neck in terms of durability with the Toyo slightly having an edge over the Yokohama.
ADVANTAGE: Toyo Observe GSI-6
Winter tires are designed for use in regions where the temperature consistently dips below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. They offer full-depth grooves and hundreds of sipes to grip slippery surfaces and provide you with the necessary traction you need. Winter tires come with a special rubber compound that maintains flexibility in extreme weather conditions without any complaints. However, since their rubber compound is unique and is made for freezing conditions, any use in warmer weather will lead to quick wearing of the tread.
Both the Observe GSI-6 and iceGUARD iG53 are studless tires and should be used in areas experiencing severe winter conditions of ice, snow, and slush with a temperature below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, which tire is best for you? Considering their overall average SimpleScores of 8.89 versus 8.83, the Toyo has a slight edge over the Yokohama. They are almost similar in every department, the only aspect which separates the two is the price.
For a tire size of 205/65R16, the Observe GSI-6 is available at around $103 per tire while the iceGUARD iG53 costs $108 per tire. If you want to buy a set of four tires, the Toyo would cost $412 while the Yokohama would cost $432 (a difference of $20).
Based on SimpleScores, let’s understand why you should choose a particular tire.
You should go for the Toyo Observe GSI-6 if you
Contrarily, you should go for the Yokohama iceGUARD iG53 if you
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.
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