Best Winter Tires for SUVs: 6 Top Snow and Ice Tires

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All-wheel drive helps an SUV get moving in snow, but it does nothing to help you stop or turn. That job belongs to your tires. A proper winter tire uses a soft rubber compound and thousands of small sipes (slits) that stay flexible and grip in freezing temperatures, giving much shorter stopping distances on snow and ice than any all-season tire.

These are the winter tires we recommend for SUVs and crossovers. Read more cold-weather guides in our winter tires section.

How we chose these tires: we did not test these tires ourselves. Our picks are based on manufacturer specifications, independent test results (such as Tire Rack, TyreReviews and Consumer Reports where available), warranty terms and long-term owner feedback. Always confirm the size, load index and speed rating on your door-jamb placard before buying.

Quick Picks

• Best overall: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV
• Best for long tread life: Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV
• Best for ice: Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
• Best for comfort: Continental VikingContact 7
• Best for mixed winter roads: Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra
• Best budget / studdable: General Altimax Arctic 12

Comparison Table

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV – Best overall

Nokian is a Finnish company with decades of winter tire experience, and Consumer Reports named the Hakkapeliitta R5 its best winter/snow tire, praising its snow and ice performance, low rolling resistance and high owner satisfaction. The SUV version is built for heavier vehicles.

It is a premium-priced tire and is not always easy to find in every size, but it is the one to beat for harsh winters.

Pros

• Outstanding snow and ice grip
• Low rolling resistance helps fuel economy
• Very high owner satisfaction

Cons

• Expensive
• Limited availability in some sizes

Check Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV price on Amazon

2. Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV – Best for long tread life

The X-Ice Snow SUV is designed to keep its grip for several winters. Michelin uses a compound that stays flexible in the cold and a tread pattern that keeps biting as it wears. It is also comfortable and quiet for a winter tire.

It is a great choice for SUV drivers who cover a lot of miles each winter and want a tire that lasts.

Pros

• Long-lasting winter performance
• Quiet, comfortable ride
• Good ice braking

Cons

• High price

Check Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV price on Amazon

3. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 – Best for ice

The Blizzak line is famous for ice grip. The DM-V2 uses Bridgestone’s multicell compound, which helps remove the thin layer of water that makes ice so slippery. It is one of the most common winter tires on SUVs in snowy regions. In some markets Bridgestone now sells the newer Blizzak DM-V3 alongside or in place of it, so check which version is offered in your size.

Note that the special compound only fills the top part of the tread, so ice grip drops once the tire is about half worn.

Pros

• Excellent ice grip
• Strong snow traction
• Widely available

Cons

• Ice performance fades in the second half of tread life

Check Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 price on Amazon

4. Continental VikingContact 7 – Best for comfort

Consumer Reports found the VikingContact 7 matched the Nokian in many categories and beat it for noise and comfort. It is available in many SUV and crossover sizes and is a good fit for drivers who split time between snowy and cleared roads.

Pros

• Quiet and smooth
• Strong snow and wet traction

Cons

• Slightly lower owner satisfaction than the Nokian

Check Continental VikingContact 7 price on Amazon

5. Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra – Best for mixed winter roads

Goodyear’s WinterCommand Ultra covers cars, crossovers and SUVs. It is designed for confident traction in snow and slush, and it is a good middle-ground option that is usually cheaper than the Nokian or Michelin.

Pros

• Good snow and slush traction
• Wide size range

Cons

• Ice grip not as strong as the Blizzak

Check Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra price on Amazon

6. General Altimax Arctic 12 – Best budget / studdable

If you want a capable winter tire at a lower price, the Altimax Arctic 12 is a strong option. It can be used without studs or fitted with studs for extra grip on ice, where local laws allow.

Pros

• Affordable
• Studdable for icy areas

Cons

• Noisier, especially with studs
• Not as refined as premium options

Check General Altimax Arctic 12 price on Amazon

Buying Winter Tires for an SUV

Choose the right load index

SUVs are heavy. Make sure the winter tire you choose matches or exceeds the load index of your original tires.

Consider a smaller wheel

Many SUV owners buy a separate set of winter tires on smaller, cheaper wheels. A narrower tire with a taller sidewall cuts through snow better and is less likely to be damaged by potholes.

Studless or studded?

Modern studless winter tires are excellent on snow and ice. Studded tires grip better on glare ice but are noisier and are restricted in some states and provinces.

When to switch

Fit winter tires once temperatures regularly stay below about 45°F (7°C), and switch back in spring to avoid fast wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need winter tires if my SUV has AWD?

AWD helps you accelerate, but it does not shorten braking distances. Winter tires improve stopping and steering on snow and ice, which matters more for safety.

Should I put winter tires on all four wheels?

Yes. Fitting winter tires on only two wheels can make the vehicle unstable when braking or turning.

How long do winter tires last?

Most winter tires last around four to six winters if they are only used in the cold months and stored properly.

Final Verdict

For the best snow and ice grip on an SUV, choose the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV. If you want long tread life and a quiet ride, the Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV is excellent, and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is the pick for icy roads.