Here are the Tire Reviews best winter tires for the 2020 winter tire season.
As usual, all these tires have been picked based on data from Tire Reviews testing, other tests from around the world, and user reviews - think of this as one big meta-analysis of the best winter / snow / studded tires on the market. This video covers European, Nordic and North American winter tires / tires, and covers cars, SUV's and Electric vehicles (EVs.)
Other videos you should watch if you're trying to make up your mind if you need to fit winter tires / all season tires / nordic studless friction tires / studded winter tires etc:
- Different winter tire types compared
- Different winter tire types tested at different temperatures
- Full all season tire test
Top Winter Tires for the 2020 Winter
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 has a well rounded balance of performances, with outstanding grip during wet braking testing.
Average wear.
The Continental IceContact 3 is a very well rounded studded winter tire, with excellent grip in the dry, wet, snow and ice.
The Michelin X-Ice North 4 has the highest levels of grip on ice in the Test World nordic test, with good snow performance and short dry and wet braking distances.
Higher rolling resistance than some competitors tires.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 is continues to be a leading studless friction winter tire with excellent handling on snow, ice, dry and wet conditions.
The Continental VikingContact 7 is an outstanding studless winter tire in the snow, with good ice handling and high levels of grip in the wet.
The Michelin X-Ice Snow improves snow grip by 4% and ice grip by 8% when compared to the predecessor, making it particularly suited to extreme winter climates where studs aren't appropriate.
Slightly extended dry braking.
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 improved on the WS80, which is an American market favourite extreme winter tire.
The Michelin Alpin 6 is good in the dry, wet and snow, with good steering and very low wear.
Expensive to buy, higher noise.
The new Goodyear UltraGrip 9+ looks to have a very good snow and wet performance, with low fuel use.
Slight weakness in the dry.
The new Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 has won both tests it has featured in, with high levels of grip in all conditions, very low wear, low fuel use.
Expensive to buy.
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ is a balance winter tire with a very strong snow performance, good braking in the wet and low fuel use.
Slightly extended dry braking distances.
The studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 consistently tests well in extreme winter conditions, with high levels of grip on snow and ice.
Slight weakness in the dry.
While the Continental WinterContact TS860 should have now been replaced by the TS870, the TS860 is still an excellent rounded winter tire with good grip in the snow and wet.
Slight weakness in the dry.
The Continental WinterContact TS860S is a sporty winter tire with precise steering and high levels of grip in the dry.
Expensive to buy, extended wet braking.
The Hankook Winter I'Cept RS2 is a well balance, well priced winter tire with good grip in all conditions, especially the wet.
Average fuel use.
The BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 is a well priced winter tire with excellent snow performance and high aquaplaning resistance.
Limited dry performances.
The Kleber Krisalp HP3 is a well priced winter tire with excellent snow performance and high aquaplaning resistance.
Limited dry performances.
The Dunlop WinterSport 5 might be 5 years old now, but is still an excellent performer on snow covered roads, with good aquaplaning resistance.
Extended dry braking.
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro is a very consistent well priced winter tire, with a balanced performance in all weather conditions.
Increased fuel usage.