Best snow tires for winter 2022 and 2023

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In much of the country, dedicated winter tires are a must, changing them on and off a seasonal ritual. But they are a confusing topic and are offered in many variations. We turned to Tire Rack to help make sense of it. Tire Rack’s rankings are based on user reviews, and it also does its own tire testing — in this case, even using an ice rink.

For a deeper research dive, you can go to tirerack.com., But here’s a rundown, with links, to some solid choices in winter tires.

In budgeting for this purchase, keep in mind that it’s highly recommended you run a full set of four matched snow tires. The olden days when your grandpa would put on just two are long gone.

Passenger cars

Studless

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 (from $101.99 in sizes down to 14″)

Blizzack has become practically synonymous with tires for snow and ice. The WS90 works for passenger cars, minivans, crossovers. Tire Rack likes its braking performance on wintry surfaces and its steering feel. In traction and handling tests, it ranks a very close second to the next tire on our list. But nothing beats it for stopping distance on both wet and dry surfaces.

Michelin X-Ice Snow (from $111.99 in sizes down to 14″)

It beat even the Blizzak in snow traction and handling. Says Tire Rack’s testers: “Excellent road manners combined with balanced traction for all road conditions.”

Continental VikingContact 7 (from $92.78)

This tire is described as “competitive” with the others and earns praise for low highway tread noise, though it can be noisy on rough surfaces. It also gets dinged slightly for steering feel. 

Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra (from $129.73)

This Goodyear is lauded for its traction on both snow and ice. “Traction in line with the best with a distinct connection to the road.”

Yokohama IceGuard IG52C (from $90.37)

Good ice and snow traction. Not the best of this bunch, but it’s the best price here and may be good enough for your needs. Tire Rack’s verdict: “A good value that performs well on ice and in the snow.”

Trucks and SUVs

Winter performance

Pirelli Scorpion Winter ($180.59)

If you have a luxury performance SUV that needs to be shod for winter, this is the only choice on the Tire Rack rack. Rated “excellent” across the board by TR customers.