The name “all-season” really isn’t all encompassing. Several sources, like JTSU, state that winter tires improve braking, corning, and handling. Traction is even improved by at least 25 percent, but sometimes even up to 50 percent, over all-season tires. Here’s a look at the best studless winter tires.

Best Studless Winter Tires Overview

In analyzing winter tire road tests and “Best Studless Winter Tires” lists, these tires are ranked based on how often they were mentioned at being the “best.” The prices shown are based off of the most popular tire size, but a range in price for each tire is provided. Keep in mind that prices increase as the size of the tire increases, prices are per tire, and the tires might not be available in the size you need for your vehicle. Prices may also vary for the best studless winter tires. The most common tire size for passenger vehicles is 215/55 R17 for the original equipment manufacturer. Other popular sizes are 265/70 R17 and 215/60 R16. Popular light truck sizes are 245/75 R17, 245/75 R16, and 225/75 R16.

Best-Rated Studless Winter Tires

Michelin X-Ice

The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 was mentioned on Consumer Search, Gear Patrol, Car and Driver, and Tire Rack as a great winter tire. It fits tire sizes 215/55 R17, which has an MSRP of $184, and 215/60 R16, which has an MSRP of $154. The tire ranges in MSRP price from $119 to $349 from smallest rim size to largest. The tire is designed to fit coupes, sedans, minivans, and crossovers. According to Michelin, the X-Ice provides increased grip on snow and ice while providing a quiet, smooth ride. Based on 173 reviews, the tire is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Bridgestone Blizzak

The Bridgestone Blizzak was also mentioned on Consumer Search, Gear Patrol, Car and Driver, and Tire Rack, so it is also an exceptional winter tire choice. The Blizzak WS60, WS70, and WS80 are all designed for coupes, sedans, and minivans. The WS80 is available in sizes small enough for a compact car. The WS70 and WS60 can fit crossovers. The Blizzak WS80 will fit the most common tire sizes of 215/55 R17, which starts at MSRP $134, and 215/60 R16, with an MSRP of $113.The WS80 tire ranges in price from $87 to $220 from smallest rim size to largest. This tire is made for driving in snow and ice and the tire’s tread is made to provide ultimate grip for braking on ice. Of 18 reviews, the WS80 is 5-star rated.
The Blizzak LM-60 is intended for performance vehicles like Audi and Cadillac, although it may fit other tire sizes for passenger vehicles. The Blizzak LM-25 RFT is also intended for performance vehicles like the BMW Z4 and Nissan GT-R.
The Blizzak W965 fits light trucks and SUVs. It has the popular light truck tire size of 225/75 R16, which has an MSRP of $193. The Blizzak DM-V1 also fits the 225/75 R16, which has an MSRP of $142.The tire fits the sizese 245/75 R16, with an MSRP $131, and 245/75 R17, MSRP $147. This tire has an RC Polymer that improves snow and ice performance. A center multi-Z pattern improves traction in snow and on ice. The range of price for this tire is $129 to $301, from smallest rim size to largest.

Continental ExtremeWinterContact

Like the previous two winter tires, the Continental ExtremeWinterContact made the same lists. The tire fits the 215/60 R16 size and prices for that size start at $104. The tire ranges in price from smallest rim to largest from $72 to $218. The tire is made to fit coupes, sedans, minivans, and crossovers. The Continental ExtremeWinterContact is said to reduce braking distances in snow and ice and resist hydroplaning due to tire’s inclined grooves.

Next-Best Studless Winter Tires

Dunlop Winter Maxx

The Dunlop Winter Maxx tire was mentioned on Tire Rack and Gear Patrol as being another good winter tire choice. This tire is available in the 215/55 R17 size, with an MSRP of $159, and in 215/60 R16, with an MSRP of $129. The Winter Maxx tire has sipes that increase the tire’s contact with ice. Wide grooves help improve traction in the snow and handling in wet conditions. The tire ranges in price from smallest rim size to largest at $82 to $214. The tire fits coupes, sedans, minivans, and crossovers.

Yokohama iceGUARD

The Yokohama iceGUARD was mentioned on Tire Rack, Gear Patrol, and Car and Driver. The Yokohama iceGUARD iG52c fits compacts, coupes, sedans, and minivans. It is available in the 215/55 R17 size, starting at $106, and in the 215/60 R16 size, starting at $88. Prices range from $63 to $168. The tire does well in snowy conditions, but also in slush and ice. Yokohama is dedicated to sustainability. Their product design and performance are based on these principles.
The iceGUARD iG20 fits sports cars, as well as sedans, and the iceGUARD iG51v is suited for light trucks and SUVs.

Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice

The Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT made winter tire lists on Tire Rack and Car and Driver. The Ultra Grip Ice WRT tire fits the 265/70 R17 size, with a starting price of $166. The tire also fits the 245/75 R16 size, which has a starting price of $159. It was made to fit coupes, sedans, minivans, and crossovers. Prices range from $140 to $250. The tire has cornering stability, stopping power, as well as traction in ice and wet conditions.
Call Fisher Auto in Boulder, Colo., at 303-245-6414 for tire price quotes on the best studless winter tires, to have tires installed, or to have summer/winter tires swapped. The summer/winter tire swap is $60, or if the tires were purchased at Fisher Auto the service is free!

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