Menu

The Best Winter Tires for 2020

Joint test winnersBridgestone Blizzak LM005 Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Continental IceContact 3 Continental VikingContact 7 Michelin X Ice North 4 Michelin X Ice Snow Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

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…

Tested and written byJonathan Benson
8 min read Updated
Tire shortlist Read the test Watch on YouTube
Tires tested
19
Tested size
205/55 R16

At a glance

Tire shortlist

19 Tires tested

Published finishing positions, with the strengths and considerations from this test. Owner reviews cover other sizes and driving conditions.

Joint1st

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

+The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 has a well rounded balance of performances, with outstanding grip during wet braking testing.

−Average wear.

115 owner reviews Test Results
Joint1st

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

+The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 improved on the WS80, which is an American market favorite extreme winter tire.

6 owner reviews Test Results
Joint1st

Continental IceContact 3

+The Continental IceContact 3 is a very well rounded studded winter tire, with excellent grip in the dry, wet, snow and ice.

3 owner reviews Test Results
Joint1st

Continental VikingContact 7

+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.

25 owner reviews Test Results
Joint1st

Michelin X Ice North 4

+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.

12 owner reviews Test Results
Joint1st

Michelin X Ice Snow

+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.

19 owner reviews Test Results
Joint1st

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

+The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 is continues to be a leading studless friction winter tire with excellent handling on snow, ice, dry and wet conditions.

15 owner reviews Test Results
Joint2nd

Goodyear UltraGrip 9+

+The new Goodyear UltraGrip 9+ looks to have a very good snow and wet performance, with low fuel use.

−Slight weakness in the dry.

6 owner reviews Test Results
Joint2nd

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+

+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.

20 owner reviews Test Results
Joint2nd

Michelin Alpin 6

+The Michelin Alpin 6 is good in the dry, wet and snow, with good steering and very low wear.

−Expensive to buy, higher noise.

35 owner reviews Test Results
Joint2nd

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

+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.

33 owner reviews Test Results
Joint2nd

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

+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.

11 owner reviews Test Results
Joint3rd

Continental WinterContact TS 860

+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.

50 owner reviews Test Results
Joint3rd

Continental WinterContact TS 860 S

+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.

16 owner reviews Test Results
Joint3rd

Hankook Winter i cept RS2

+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.

50 owner reviews Test Results
Joint4th

BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2

+The BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 is a well priced winter tire with excellent snow performance and high aquaplaning resistance.

−Limited dry performances.

30 owner reviews Test Results
Joint4th

Dunlop Winter Sport 5

+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.

47 owner reviews Test Results
Joint4th

Kleber Krisalp HP3

+The Kleber Krisalp HP3 is a well priced winter tire with excellent snow performance and high aquaplaning resistance.

−Limited dry performances.

36 owner reviews Test Results
Joint4th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro

+The Vredestein Wintrac Pro is a very consistent well priced winter tire, with a balanced performance in all weather conditions.

−Increased fuel usage.

30 owner reviews Test Results

Tire shortlist

Compare selected tires

The Best Winter Tires for 2020 · 205/55 R16

TireBridgestone Blizzak LM005Bridgestone Blizzak WS90Continental IceContact 3Continental VikingContact 7Michelin X Ice North 4Michelin X Ice SnowNokian Hakkapeliitta R3Goodyear UltraGrip 9+Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+Michelin Alpin 6Michelin Pilot Alpin 5Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9Continental WinterContact TS 860Continental WinterContact TS 860 SHankook Winter i cept RS2BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2Dunlop Winter Sport 5Kleber Krisalp HP3Vredestein Wintrac Pro
PositionJoint 1stJoint 1stJoint 1stJoint 1stJoint 1stJoint 1stJoint 1stJoint 2ndJoint 2ndJoint 2ndJoint 2ndJoint 2ndJoint 3rdJoint 3rdJoint 3rdJoint 4thJoint 4thJoint 4thJoint 4th
Keep researchingRead owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results

Explore the complete results →

The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

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:

 

Top Winter Tires for the 2020 Winter

The Best Winter Tires for 2020Watch the full video of this test on YouTube Watch on YouTube

Joint 1st

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

205/55 R16
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
Joint 1st

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

205/55 R16
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
Joint 1st

Michelin X Ice Snow

205/55 R16
Michelin X Ice Snow
Joint 1st

Continental VikingContact 7

205/55 R16
Continental VikingContact 7
Joint 1st

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

205/55 R16
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
Joint 1st

Michelin X Ice North 4

205/55 R16
Michelin X Ice North 4
Joint 1st

Continental IceContact 3

205/55 R16
Continental IceContact 3
Joint 2nd

Michelin Alpin 6

205/55 R16
Michelin Alpin 6
Joint 2nd

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

205/55 R16
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
Joint 2nd

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+

205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
Joint 2nd

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

205/55 R16
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
Joint 2nd

Goodyear UltraGrip 9+

205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip 9+
Joint 3rd

Hankook Winter i cept RS2

205/55 R16
Hankook Winter i cept RS2
Joint 3rd

Continental WinterContact TS 860 S

205/55 R16
Continental WinterContact TS 860 S
Joint 3rd

Continental WinterContact TS 860

205/55 R16
Continental WinterContact TS 860
Joint 4th

Kleber Krisalp HP3

205/55 R16
Kleber Krisalp HP3
Joint 4th

Dunlop Winter Sport 5

205/55 R16
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
Joint 4th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro

205/55 R16
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
Joint 4th

BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2

205/55 R16
BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2

More tire tests

Cross-check this test

All tire tests

Where these tires were tested again, and how the verdict held up.

More tire tests2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test2026 Tire Rack New Winter Tire Test2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 SetsAll tests: Winter Tires
Best tiresBest Winter TiresBest UHP Winter TiresBest Studless Winter Tires

Discussion

12 comments
  1. Dmitrii archived

    Did you compare TS860S vs VikingContact7 (ice braking)? I can not find any tests for different types of tires..

    #9155
  2. Radek Rutkowski archived

    Are there any 225/50R17 winter/summer tires with AR homologation?

    #7106
    1. TireReviews Radek Rutkowski archived

      If that's a fitment size on the car there might well be, but one to ask the dealer I think

      #7107
      1. Radek Rutkowski TireReviews archived

        AR dealers are clueless with regards to most questions being asked :). For sure, Continental EcoContact 6 have the AR marking, but can't find anything on winter ones. Should be Pirellis most probably, but according to their website, only the 18" runflat variant.

        #7110
  3. David Card archived

    The last time it has snowed in my area (18cm) was 2018. I bought a set of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 a couple of years ago, maybe this year I will get a chance to use them!

    #7080
  4. Anton Nankov archived

    Hi,
    just wanted to ask you a question. I just bought a set of Bridgestone
    LM005 (Dot 3220 made in hungary) and i noticed that the profile and
    sipes are quite hard. Very unusual for a new tire. I have not jet driven
    on them and the factory oils are still on them as they feel very slick.
    Just wanted to pick your brain. Have you noticed anything like that?

    #6449
    1. TireReviews Anton Nankov archived

      Not something I've heard of, but they're new DOTs so I'd just assume that's how it is. They're a well regarded winter tire so I wouldn't be worried.

      #6450
  5. Chris archived

    Afternoon
    I have a 2016 xc90 with 275/45 r20 wheels I live in the east midlands so not much snow but I did slide into a kerb a few weeks ago on snow and buckle a couple of alloys the tires that were on at the time are contisport contact 5 and were terrible.
    I would like your advise on what to put on now I was thinking a winter tire and swapping back to summer tires in spring ( storage not a problem) and insurance paying for new tires so cost not a factor either. The blizzard lm005 are not available. Or should I just go Michelin cross climate?

    #6443
    1. TireReviews Chris archived

      I'd certainly consider the CrossClimate SUV, it will have much better cold weather / snow performance than your existing tires, with the added bonus of being usable in the summer should you decide changing is too much effort.

      #6444
  6. Steve archived

    "The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 has a well rounded balance of performances, without outstanding grip during wet braking testing."
    Typo - ''without' should be 'with'?

    #6289
    1. TireReviews Steve archived

      Updated, thank you

      #6291
Rate your tires

My tires

Saved in this browser on this site. No account needed. Clearing browser data removes your choices.

Vehicle and size

Check the size, load and speed ratings on your vehicle. Saving a size does not confirm fitment.

Saved tires

Save tires from a tire page, test or comparison to keep them here.

Select 2–8 saved tires. Ranked comparisons require at least two shared tests.