Best Winter Tires On The Market for Cars and SUVs

#1 · Best Overall

1. Nokian Nordman North 9 SUV

• Size: 225/65R17
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Load Capacity: 2 lb

Best for: SUV drivers facing icy roads.

Why it ranks #1: This SUV-specific 225/65R17 tire has embedded studs for icy surfaces and a tread described as optimized for deep snow and slippery terrain.

Embedded studs give the Nokian Nordman 9 SUV a clear role: adding grip when SUV travel crosses icy surfaces and severe winter conditions. Its tread is also optimized for deep snow and slippery terrain, while robust construction is intended to resist wear through sustained winter use.

The 225/65R17 size and 106T XL designation identify this tire’s specific fit and load-speed classification, so it suits buyers whose vehicle calls for those specifications. Embedded studs target traction on ice, while the deep-snow-optimized tread addresses a different challenge: maintaining grip on snow-covered or slippery terrain. Its robust construction is intended to resist wear, making it a practical choice for repeated winter driving. It is sold as a tire only, so installation is a separate step.

Skip it if you need a passenger-car tire in 195/65R15; Firestone Winterforce 2 is listed in that size.

SUV owners who regularly encounter ice and deep snow can consider this studded option in the listed 225/65R17 size. Its focus is winter traction, so it is not the pick for drivers whose vehicle requires another tire specification.

Listed on Amazon as: Nordman North 9 SUV 225/65 R 17 106T XL Studded Winter Tire

#2 · Best Studdable Passenger Tire

2. Nexen Winguard Winspike 3

• Size: 225/60R16
• Rim Size: 16 in
• Load Capacity: 16 oz

Best for: Studdable tire for slushy roads.

Why it ranks #2: The 225/60R16 tire is 3PMSF certified, has dense siping, and accepts optional TSMI #12 studs for snow and ice traction.

Optional TSMI #12 studs let the Nexen Winguard Winspike 3 add grip for buyers facing snow and ice, while its directional grooves address water and slush evacuation. Dense siping supplies another source of road bite, and 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification marks its severe-winter focus.

The 225/60R16 specification narrows the fit to vehicles calling for that size. Buyers can use the directional tread’s deep grooves to channel water and slush away from the tread, while dense siping is intended to increase road bite in extreme weather. Optional TSMI #12 studs provide a further traction choice for snow and ice, subject to the relevant conditions for stud use. Its 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification reinforces its winter role; the tire is supplied on its own.

Skip it if you need a 215/60R16 tire; Hankook Winter iPike RS2 is listed in that size and can be pinned with TSMI #12 studs.

Drivers whose vehicles call for 225/60R16 and who face snow, ice, or slush can consider this studdable Nexen. Its optional studs and winter tread features suit severe conditions, but the listed size remains the key fit boundary.

Listed on Amazon as: Nexen Winguard Winspike 3 Winter 225/60R16 98T Passenger Tire

#3 · Best Studdable Touring Option

3. Hankook Winter i Pike X

• Size: 215/60R16
• Rim Size: 16 in
• Load Capacity: 1709 lb

Best for: Studdable passenger-car winter tire.

Why it ranks #3: This 215/60R16 XL passenger tire is 3PMSF certified, has a directional tread, and can be pinned with TSMI #12 studs where permitted.

A wide center tread block gives the Hankook Winter iPike RS2 a targeted approach to snow and ice traction, with optional TSMI #12 studs available for severe conditions where permitted. Its directional tread and Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification reinforce its winter focus for passenger cars.

This 215/60R16 XL tire is described for coupes, sedans, CUVs, and SUVs, so buyers can check both the vehicle class and required size. A wide center block supports snow and ice traction, while its directional pattern is intended for winter driving. Where permitted, TSMI #12 studs can add traction in severe ice and snow. The rubber compound is described as boosting strength and durability for longer tread life, balancing seasonal grip with continued use.

Skip it if you need 225/60R16 instead; Nexen Winguard Winspike 3 is listed in that size and also accepts optional TSMI #12 studs.

Drivers in a coupe, sedan, CUV, or SUV requiring 215/60R16 can consider this studdable winter tire for snow and ice. Its optional studs matter only where permitted, while its XL specification is part of the fit.

Listed on Amazon as: HANKOOK Winter ipike X W429 215/60R16 99T XL

#4 · Best Listed SUV-Size Option

4. Goodyear Wintercommand 235/55R18

• Size: 235/55R18
• Rim Size: 18 in
• Load Capacity: 1764 lb

Best for: Cornering-focused winter drivers.

Why it ranks #4: Its 235/55R18 size and SUV-specific design option suit shoppers seeking a larger fit; flexible sipes are described as biting into ice and snow.

Corrugated, angled sipes give the Goodyear Wintercommand a specific handling focus, helping provide stability while cornering in winter conditions. Flexible sipes bite into ice and snow for traction, and this 235/55R18 tire is tuned to a vehicle class rather than offered as one universal tread design.

The flexible sipes are intended to bite into ice and snow, addressing traction on slippery surfaces, while corrugated, angled sipes are linked to stability through curves. Goodyear also describes three distinct designs tuned for cars, SUVs, or pickups, so the vehicle-class version matters to the intended comfort and handling. This listing specifies 235/55R18, giving buyers a concrete fit requirement. The product is identified as a premium studless winter tire, not an option for adding studs.

Skip it if you want optional studs for severe winter weather; Goodyear WinterCommand 205/60R16 lists optional studs.

Drivers seeking studless winter traction and support through corners can consider this Goodyear in the specified 235/55R18 size. The listing identifies vehicle-class-specific designs, so confirm that the version matches the vehicle category and required tire size.

Listed on Amazon as: Goodyear Wintercommand Winter 235/55R18 SL 100 T Tire

#5

5. Firestone Winterforce 2 UV

• Size: 225/65R17
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Load Capacity: 1874 lb

Best for: SUVs and pickups in snow.

Why it ranks #5: This 225/65R17 tire is built for pickup trucks, CUVs, and SUVs, and its 3PMSF designation is paired with a cold-weather compound.

The Firestone Winterforce 2 UV pairs a cold-weather compound with open shoulder slots and a winter tread design, supporting grip for pickup trucks, CUVs, and SUVs in wintry conditions. Its 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification offers a concrete marker for shoppers seeking a tire intended for winter use.

This 225/65R17 tire is intended for pickup trucks, CUVs, and SUVs, making vehicle class and size the first fit considerations. Its special cold-weather compound works alongside open shoulder slots and the tread design to support grip in winter conditions; the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake designation further identifies it as a severe-snow-use tire. The combination suits drivers looking for a winter-specific option rather than a general seasonal tire. It is supplied as a tire, so mounting is separate.

Skip it if you drive a passenger car needing 195/65R15; Firestone Winterforce 2 comes in that listed size.

SUV, CUV, and pickup drivers needing a 225/65R17 winter tire can weigh this certified option for cold-weather travel. Its listed vehicle classes and size define the fit; passenger-car shoppers should look at a matching passenger tire instead.

Listed on Amazon as: Firestone Winterforce 2 UV Winter/Snow SUV Tire 225/65R17 102 S

#6

6. Dunlop Winter Maxx 2

• Size: 215/55R17
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Load Capacity: 16 oz

Best for: Passenger cars in wet snow.

Why it ranks #6: The 215/55R17 passenger tire is 3PMSF certified and combines a snow-traction pattern with large drainage grooves for wet and slushy conditions.

Large water-drainage grooves distinguish the Dunlop Winter Maxx 2 for drivers who encounter wet or slushy winter roads, helping flush water from the tread to support stability. Its MAXX Grip Pattern targets snow traction, while Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification identifies its severe-winter use.

For vehicles requiring 215/55R17, the MAXX Grip Pattern is intended to improve traction on snowy roads, while contact-pressure distribution increases the contact area to support stability when turning. Large drainage grooves move water away from the tread, addressing wet and slushy conditions. Highly functional polymers are described as maintaining performance through the tire’s life span. Together, these features suit passenger-vehicle drivers dealing with changing winter surfaces; the tire is supplied on its own for separate mounting.

Skip it if you need 195/65R15 for a passenger car; Firestone Winterforce 2 is listed in that size.

Passenger-car drivers whose vehicles call for 215/55R17 and who face snow as well as wet slush can consider this Dunlop. Its drainage and grip features target those conditions, with the exact listed size determining fit.

Listed on Amazon as: Dunlop Winter Maxx 2 215/55R17 94T

#7

7. Goodyear WinterCommand 205/60R16

• Size: 205/60R16
• Load Capacity: 1389 kg

Best for: Winter drivers wanting optional studs.

Why it ranks #7: This 205/60R16 option has flexible sipes for ice and snow and optional studs for enhanced traction in harsh winter weather.

Optional studs give the Goodyear WinterCommand 205/60R16 an added-traction route for harsh winter weather, while flexible sipes are intended to bite into ice and snow. Corrugated, angled sipes also help provide stability through corners, making handling part of its winter-road focus.

Flexible sipes target traction on ice and snow, while corrugated, angled sipes are intended to help stabilize cornering. For drivers facing harsher winter conditions, optional studs offer another traction choice. This listing specifies 205/60R16 and a 92T designation, giving buyers concrete details to match against their vehicle requirements. Goodyear describes different designs tuned for cars, SUVs, or pickups, so the vehicle-class version matters as well as the size. The tire is sold as a tire, with mounting separate.

Skip it if you need 235/55R18; Goodyear Wintercommand in that listed size offers flexible sipes and cornering-focused angled sipes.

Drivers whose vehicles call for 205/60R16 and who want winter traction with an optional stud route can consider this Goodyear. Its flexible and angled sipes address ice and cornering; confirm that the vehicle-class design matches your application.

Listed on Amazon as: Goodyear WinterCommand 205/60R16 92T Tire

#8

8. Firestone Winterforce 2

• Size: 195/65R15
• Rim Size: 15 in
• Load Capacity: 1356 lb

Best for: Passenger cars needing winter tires.

Why it ranks #8: Designed for coupes, sedans, wagons, and minivans, this 195/65R15 tire is a passenger-vehicle alternative with winter grip as a stated feature.

The Firestone Winterforce 2 is identified for coupes, sedans, wagons, and minivans, giving passenger-car shoppers a clear vehicle-class focus. Its listed 195/65R15 size and winter/snow designation make the fit and seasonal role concrete for drivers seeking a tire for winter conditions.

The 195/65R15 size and 91 S designation give buyers specific fit information to match against their vehicle requirements. Firestone describes this Winterforce 2 as a winter tire for coupes, sedans, wagons, and minivans, so its stated use is passenger vehicles rather than the SUV-focused UV version. The supplied features emphasize winter performance, grip, and long-lasting performance without naming a particular tread technology. It arrives as a tire, leaving mounting as a separate step.

Skip it if you need named features such as water-drainage grooves; Dunlop Winter Maxx 2 lists those for wet and slushy conditions.

Passenger-car owners whose vehicles call for 195/65R15 can consider this winter tire across the listed coupe, sedan, wagon, and minivan classes. Shoppers prioritizing a named tread technology should weigh its general feature description against that need.

Listed on Amazon as: Firestone Winterforce 2 Winter/Snow Passenger Tire 195/65R15 91 S

#9

9. Armstrong Ski-Trac PC

• Size: 185/60R15
• Rim Size: 15 in
• Load Capacity: 1235 lb

Best for: Studless small passenger cars.

Why it ranks #9: This studless 185/60R15 passenger tire uses a unidirectional tread and 3D sipes for traction and handling on icy, slushy, snowy, and frozen roads.

Optimized 3D sipes give the Armstrong Ski-Trac PC a defined studless approach to winter-road grip, with the sipes intended to bite into icy, slushy, snowy, and frozen surfaces. Its unidirectional tread is described as enhancing traction and handling, and the listing specifies 185/60R15 XL.

The unidirectional tread is intended to enhance traction and handling on varied frozen-season surfaces, while optimized 3D sipes bite into the road to support handling. That combination gives passenger-car drivers a studless option for ice, slush, snow, and frozen roads. The 185/60R15 XL specification is the concrete fit boundary, making size matching essential. The available details do not identify an additional wet-road drainage feature, so buyers focused on that specific capability should compare the listed tread information carefully.

Skip it if you want optional TSMI #12 studs; Hankook Winter iPike RS2 lists that option for severe ice and snow where permitted.

Passenger-car drivers requiring 185/60R15 who prefer a studless tire can consider the Ski-Trac PC for icy, slushy, snowy, and frozen roads. Its unidirectional tread and 3D sipes define the approach; the XL size specification sets the fit.

Listed on Amazon as: Armstrong Ski-Trac PC 185/60R15 88H XL Winter (Studless) Tire

#10

10. Accelera X Grip

• Size: 225/45R17
• Rim Size: 17 in
• Load Capacity: 1477 lb

Best for: Studdable touring tire buyers.

Why it ranks #10: The listing specifies two 225/45R17 tires and a studdable directional design, but provides fewer detailed specifications and feature claims than higher-ranked options.

The Accelera X Grip combines a directional tread with a winter-weather compound, a pairing described as boosting traction on ice and snow. Its touring classification and passenger-vehicle and SUV applications give buyers a defined use case, while the listing specifies a 225/45R17 XL tire.

The directional tread and winter-weather compound are presented as working together for ice and snow traction, while the numerous grooves are described as helping avoid hydroplaning. That makes the listed design relevant to drivers encountering both frozen and wet winter surfaces. The tire is identified for passenger vehicles and SUVs, with some high-performance sizes also noted, but this listing specifically gives 225/45R17 and XL. It is studdable, offering that option without making studded use a stated requirement.

Skip it if you need a 215/60R16 studdable tire; Hankook Winter iPike RS2 is listed in that size for several vehicle classes.

Passenger-car and SUV drivers whose vehicles require 225/45R17 can consider this touring tire for winter roads, including wet conditions. Its studdable construction is an option, while the specified size and XL designation define the fit.

Listed on Amazon as: 2 x Accelera X Grip 225/45R17 94V XL Winter (Studdable) Tires