All-season tires are a superb combination of summer and winter tires, allowing users in temperate climates to use them all year without having to replace them. But can all-season tires still perform and be reliable if you wish to use them in harsh weather conditions like snow and ice?
Getting on the road in the winter can be hard if you don’t have winter tires, especially if you live in an area that turns into a desert or gets the occasional winter storm. While many all-season tires offer satisfactory performance characteristics, they often compromise in some areas, such as winter traction and dry performance.
However, some all-season tires are built with improved traction and handling in snow and ice. Let’s have a detailed look at the 14 best all-season tires that are ideal for snowy situations.
Difference Between All-Weather and All-Season Tires:
All-season tires already feature a tread pattern with numerous tread blocks and sipes. However, all-weather tires take this further by incorporating even smaller sipes and an increased number of tread blocks.
Plus, the grooves on all-weather tires are slightly larger and deeper. These design modifications allow all-weather tires to effectively bite into snow and disperse it through the tread pattern, improving longitudinal traction and corner handling.
However, the rubber compound used in tires is also crucial. Winter tires excel in winter conditions primarily because their rubber is softer and more flexible. Softer rubber provides enhanced grip, particularly in snowy and icy conditions.
All-weather tires generally have a more pliable rubber than all-season tires, offering even better traction and grip on snow and ice. Nevertheless, the rubber compound in all-weather tires is still not as soft as that of dedicated winter tires.
Top 14 Best All-Season Tires for Snow in 2023
Here are the top 14 all-season tires best for use in snow and ice:
1. Michelin CrossClimate 2:
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the newest addition to Michelin’s highly-regarded lineup of all-weather tires, which gained popularity upon its initial release. The original model was later improved with a “+” version, and now it has received its second generation.
With its innovative directional design, this tire offers exceptional traction on snow, surpassing regular all-season tires by nearly 30%. Its longitudinal traction is particularly impressive and provides sufficient grip for safe cornering.
Moreover, the braking distances of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 are also outstanding. In terms of treadwear warranty, it offers the longest coverage among all-weather tires at 60,000 miles.
However, it is important to note that this is still shorter than the mileage warranty provided by traditional all-season tires, which can extend up to 90,000 miles. It is worth mentioning that the Michelin CrossClimate 2 comes at a higher cost, but this price reflects the advanced technology and materials used in its construction.
Pros:
- Excellent handling and braking on dry roads
- Ziplock 3D technology improves traction
- Rated 3 PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) for winter performance
Cons:
- Shorter treadwear warranty
- Higher cost.
2. Nokian WR G4:
Nokian, a renowned tire manufacturer from Finland, introduced the term “all-weather” and specializes in winter tires due to the country’s harsh wintry conditions. Their all-weather tire, especially the WR G4, outperforms the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
The WR G4 delivers exceptional traction on snow, ensuring you won’t get stuck anywhere. It also offers short braking distances and safe handling without compromising on oversteer. Its remarkable resistance to hydroplaning makes it highly effective in slushy conditions.
With a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, the WR G4 offers excellent durability for an all-weather tire. While it may come with a higher price tag, the quality and performance justify the cost.
Pros:
- Excellent snow traction, comparable to a winter tire
- Impressive resistance to hydroplaning
- Outstanding performance on both dry and wet roads
Cons:
- Less responsive in hot weather
- A bit pricy for some people
3. Firestone WeatherGrip:
Firestone has a significant advantage over its competitors: its access to Bridgestone technology. Bridgestone is renowned for producing top-quality winter tires, particularly its Blizzak lineup. In 2019, Firestone introduced the WeatherGrip tire, which primarily caters to passenger cars, minivans, SUVs, and crossovers ranging from 15″ to 19″ sizes.
This tire stands out as the best option for driving on snowy and icy surfaces. It excels in snow acceleration, ensuring that you won’t get stuck, and offers short stopping distances, providing a secure handling experience.
Unlike other all-weather tires, the Firestone WeatherGrip delivers genuine traction on icy roads. While its performance on dry and wet roads is slightly less impressive, the tire still performs well overall. An additional advantage is that the Firestone WeatherGrip comes with an exceptional 65,000-mile treadwear warranty, surpassing any other all-weather tire available.
Pros:
- Best acceleration on snowy surfaces
- Provides a smooth ride quality
- Shortest stopping distances on snow.
Cons:
- Unresponsive feel on regular street surfaces
- Produce noise on highways
4. Vredestein Quatrac 5:
If you’re in search of an affordable yet capable tire that performs well in all weather conditions, the Vredestein Quatrac 5 is worth considering. Manufactured by the Dutch company Vredestein, it offers a range of desirable features. It is suitable for various vehicle types, including coupes, sedans, station wagons, and crossovers.
The Quatrac 5 delivers confident performance on both dry and wet surfaces, and its traction in light snow is particularly impressive. Its asymmetric pattern design focuses on optimizing performance in wet and wintry conditions, with the inboard rib and inside shoulder specifically catered to these scenarios.
However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks to consider. Firstly, the treadwear warranty is lower than that of its main competitors, with a mileage coverage of 45,000 miles. Additionally, some users have noted a slight noise generated by the tire treads, particularly at higher speeds. While not excessively loud or a major concern, it is worth noting.
Pros:
- Excellent snow and slush performance
- Exceptional ride quality
- Highly affordable pricing
Cons:
- Lesser treadwear warranty
- Noisy on highways
5. Toyo Celsius:
Toyo has established a strong reputation among car enthusiasts for its high-performance summer tires. However, the brand’s performance in the all-weather tire category is equally impressive. The Toyo Celsius, their all-weather tire model, stands out as one of the most accomplished options available.
Its snow traction capabilities are among the best of any all-weather tire, ensuring you won’t encounter difficulties on snowy roads. The tire also offers secure handling and relatively short stopping distances. Additionally, Toyo has made the Celsius suitable for warmer conditions, addressing concerns about its performance in the rain.
Its excellent hydroplaning resistance ensures reliable traction even in wet conditions. Another notable advantage of the Toyo Celsius is its impressive 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is remarkable considering its affordable price. Overall, Toyo has successfully redeemed itself in the all-weather tire category with the exceptional performance, versatility, and value provided by the Toyo Celsius.
Pros:
- Outstanding snow traction and braking abilities
- Impressive traction on both dry and wet roads, regardless of temperature
- Long-lasting durability for an all-weather tire
Cons:
- It can be noisy at higher speeds
- Falls slightly short in dry handling compared to dedicated all-season tires
6. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady:
Introduced in 2017, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady offers a wide range of options for various passenger cars and crossovers. If you value being well-prepared, this all-season tire is an excellent choice to navigate through winter conditions such as snow, slush, and ice.
Built on Goodyear’s extensive research and development, the Assurance WeatherReady incorporates advanced all-season technologies. It utilizes a special rubber compound infused with Soybean Oil, allowing the tire to remain flexible in cold temperatures for enhanced grip on icy and snowy surfaces.
The tire also incorporates Weather Reactive technology, featuring Evolving Traction Grooves and TredLock technology. These features stabilize the tread during braking and turning by creating additional biting edges when temperatures drop below freezing.
The Assurance WeatherReady is well-equipped for severe winter conditions and proudly displays the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. In addition to its winter capabilities, this tire impresses with an outstanding 60,000-mile treadwear warranty and excellent real-life tread life.
Pros:
- Excellent traction in slush and snow
- Responsive performance for a grand-touring all-weather tire
- Impressive tread life and solid treadwear warranty
Cons:
- Average wet handling and braking performance
- Some mild road noise experienced on highways
- The ride can feel somewhat busy or unsettle
7. Nokian Encompass AW01:
Nokian, known for its expertise in all-weather and winter tires, has developed the Nokian Encompass AW01. This tire offers advanced features at a more affordable price point.
Like other Nokian tires, the Encompass AW01 utilizes a snow-focused tread compound with multiple sipes to enhance traction on snow and create more biting edges. In wintry conditions, the tire delivers impressive performance, comparable to top-tier options in its category.
While it may not match the sophistication of Nokian’s W4 GR on dry roads, it still performs well, providing good grip and reasonable stopping distances. The tire exhibits good hydroplaning resistance on wet roads, although its overall traction may not be on par with the best competitors. Nokian backs this tire with an excellent 60,000-mile treadwear warranty.
Pros:
- Exceptional traction on snowy surfaces
- Reliable performance on slush and ice
- Long-lasting tread life and impressive treadwear warranty
Cons:
- A busy or unsettled ride
- Not the quietest option among all-weather tires available
Related: 8 Best Quietest Tires: 2023 Buyer’s Guide
8. Nokian WR G4 SUV:
The Nokian WR G4 SUV tire brings the exceptional qualities of the regular car model to SUVs, offering outstanding traction, braking, and handling on snow and icy surfaces. SUVs equipped with AWD systems can expect even better traction.
Furthermore, this tire performs impressively on dry and wet roads, surpassing the capabilities of most all-weather tires. While it may not offer highly responsive handling, this is typically not a significant concern for everyday driving. Nokian WR G4 SUV comes with a higher price tag, but Nokian compensates for it with an excellent 60,000-mile treadwear warranty.
Pros:
- Exceptional snow traction, handling, and braking capabilities
- Great resistance to hydroplaning
- Reliable performance on icy surfaces
Cons:
- Limited responsiveness in hot conditions
- Potential higher cost for certain buyers
9. Michelin CrossClimate SUV:
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is a reliable choice if you seek a tire that delivers consistent grip in all weather conditions throughout the year. Its highly directional spike pattern ensures impressive performance on dry surfaces, enhancing handling capabilities.
The tire’s 3D self-locking grooves and raised shoulder grooves prove beneficial when encountering heavy snow, allowing for commendable handling even on roads with over an inch of snow. Even though the CrossClimate SUV provides traction on snowy surfaces, its braking performance may not meet some expectations.
This all-weather tire from Michelin also offers low-rolling resistance, resulting in fuel savings, particularly at higher speeds. However, there might be slightly more noise on highways. Additionally, the tire’s 50,000-mile treadwear warranty is slightly lower compared to competitors.
Pros:
- Best-in-class dry braking capabilities
- Stable performance at higher speeds
- Low-rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency
Cons:
- Snow braking performance slightly lags behind other tires in its class
- Significant noise at higher speeds
10. Michelin Agilis CrossClimate:
For truck owners seeking all-weather tire options, the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate stands out as a reliable choice. Specifically designed for trucks, this tire offers exceptional durability, even when heavily loaded. Additionally, it surpasses other all-season truck tires in terms of snow traction.
True to Michelin’s reputation, it provides a quiet and comfortable ride, performing well on dry and wet roads. It’s important to note that Michelin offers two different designs for this tire. The newer tread pattern is intended for light-duty trucks and delivers improved overall performance.
On the other hand, the heavy-duty design prioritizes durability. However, it’s worth mentioning that neither design comes with treadwear warranties, and both options are relatively expensive to purchase.
Pros:
- Unmatched snow traction among all-season van tires
- Comfortable and quiet ride quality
- Exceptional durability, even under heavy loads
Cons:
- No treadwear warranty
- Quite Expensive
11. Continental ControlContact Tour A/S:
The Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus cannot be missed at all. This tire is specifically engineered to offer a well-balanced combination of all-season performance, ride comfort, and long-lasting tread life, particularly in regions that experience winter weather.
It incorporates full-depth sipes and traction grooves to deliver reliable grip in challenging winter conditions, including light snow. The tire’s success can be attributed to advanced technologies such as EcoPlus, Tg-F, and Silane, which enhance performance and durability. Its asymmetrical 5-rib design with deep grooves further contributes to traction in various weather conditions.
This tire provides a lasting all-season performance that endures from one winter to the next. While Continental backs the ControlContact Tour A/S Plus with an impressive 80,000-mile treadwear warranty, winter traction may be slightly compromised.
Pros:
- Steel belts enhance shock absorption for a comfortable ride
- Full-depth grooves ensure excellent grip in various conditions
- Incorporates EcoPlus Technology for improved performance
Cons:
- Not a good option for extreme and harsh winter conditions.
12. Bridgestone WeatherPeak:
Introduced in 2022, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak is a Grand Touring All-Season tire that caters to a wide range of vehicles in the replacement market, from A to C segment cars. Designed to deliver luxurious comfort and dependable performance year-round, it meets the stringent requirements for severe snow service and proudly displays the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.
While not exclusively designed for winter conditions, the WeatherPeak tire offers improved snow performance. It achieves this through evolving sipes in the central ribs, large shoulder blocks with lateral notches, and wide circumferential grooves featuring Snow Vices, all of which contribute to enhanced grip in slush and snow.
Pros:
- Low noise levels
- Comfortable ride quality
- Durable treadwear
Cons:
- Overall reliability is less than the CrossClimate 2
13. General AltiMAX 365 AW:
General Tires has recently introduced its new touring all-season tire lineup, the AltiMAX 365 AW, in its quest to offer the best all-season tire. This tire distinguishes itself from its previous offerings by receiving the certified 3-peak mountain label, qualifying it as a legal snow tire.
It meets the requirements for severe snow service and proudly displays the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. The tire’s symmetrical pattern, high-silica tread compound, and Sinusoidal Siping System work in harmony to deliver enhanced grip in wintry conditions.
With the inclusion of large lateral channels and wide circumferential grooves, the tire provides efficient resistance against hydroplaning. Additionally, the presence of Traction Teeth and the Waved Groove design increases the number of biting edges in snow and slush, resulting in improved winter grip.
Pros:
- Good overall performance
- Comfortable ride quality
- Decent noise levels
Cons:
- Lower ice traction compared to top competitors
14. General AltiMax RT43:
Budget is an important factor when considering tire replacement as it involves a significant financial commitment. However, now more affordable options are available that still meet the necessary requirements. The General Altimax RT43 is a prime example of a budget-friendly tire that does not compromise on performance and longevity.
Despite its accessible price, it offers excellent handling capabilities across snowy terrains. Its anti-slip design with multiple biting edges ensures reliable traction on wet roads and slippery snow-covered surfaces. Additionally, the Altimax RT43 features an innovative alignment indicator, allowing you to easily determine when tire replacement is needed, ultimately saving you both time and money.
Pros:
- LSA technology enhances tire durability
- Visual alignment feature for easy maintenance.
- Multiple biting edges in the tire design.
Cons:
- Difficult control at high speeds
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best all-season tires for snow:
What are the best all-season tire brands?
Michelin, Bridgestone, Firestone, and Goodyear are some of the famous all-season tire brands.
Do all-season tires require chains?
If you live in an area with harsh winter conditions, including frequent blizzards and frost, you should consider using tire chains for added traction and safety.
Can all-season tires be used year-round?
Four-season tires may not be the best option during certain periods. For instance, in hot summer weather, the rubber in these tires may soften, leading to increased wear and tear.
Conclusion
While all-weather tires offer improved performance on snow and ice, they may not be suitable for everyone. In extreme winter conditions, opting for dedicated winter tires for optimal traction is still recommended.
Additionally, those seeking high-performance driving may find all-season tires more suitable, as they typically perform better on dry and wet roads. However, if you need all-season tires, the mentioned snow-rated options will meet your expectations, providing reliable performance in both winter and summer while offering long-lasting durability.
