The Best All-Terrain Tires for Snow
The best all-terrain tires for snow and ice include deep treads and are capable on and off the road.
Written by Bellina Gaskey
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
The following best all-terrain tires for snow balance on- and off-road capability, employ deep tread patterns, and work for crossovers, SUVs, and trucks.
While you’re shopping for tires tough enough to handle winter in your area, take some time to review
car insurance quotes online
and make sure you and your vehicle are protected in case of an accident.By using
Jerry
, you’ll get to compare dozens of quotes from up to 50 top insurance providers. The Jerry app is free to download, and it takes 45 seconds to enter your initial information before your options are ready for review.That said, we’ve compiled a list of the best all-terrain tires for snow and ice so you can tackle this year’s winter roads with confidence.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees, ever
Snow tires versus all-terrain tires for snow
Snow tires are designed to be used exclusively during winter and employ deeper treads (called "sipes") and softer rubber for better traction on snow. However, they are not always the most convenient option for drivers.
Since their rubber is softer, the structure can become brittle at temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
That’s why it’s important to change snow tires out as soon as winter ends (around April at the latest).
To avoid this hassle, many people opt for
all-season
or all-terrain tires designed to handle snow, which allows them to keep the same tires on year-round.These all-terrain tires have zigzag sipes and flexible rubber, like snow tires, but their reinforced sidewalls and high load capacity allow them to handle non-snowy surfaces with ease, too.
The only downsides of all-terrain tires are that they minimize your car’s fuel efficiency and can make for a noisier, less comfortable ride than all-season tires.
Some all-terrain tires are better equipped for handling ice, mud, heavy loads, or other driving conditions, so we’ve compiled a list of recommendations spanning multiple categories.
Key Takeaway All-terrain tires are more versatile and more convenient than winter tires, although they’re not as quiet and comfortable as all-season tires.
Best for on-road driving
The following all-terrain tires shine when it comes to performance on winter roads and highways. If you’re an SUV or truck driver looking for a reliable commute more than off-roading adventures, here are some options to consider.
Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus
Price: $150 to $330
3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certified
The
Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus
comes in four sizes, 16 through 20 inches. This tire is noted for its ability to help you navigate driving on winter highways, which can be slippery. Conical stone ejectors keep the tires clean when you take your car off the road. Even with this high-quality performance, the Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus is quieter on the road than many of its competitors.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Easy braking in snow | Doesn’t handle off-roading as well as competitors |
Quiet |
General Grabber A/T2
Price: $150 to $170
Some configurations 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certified
The
General Grabber A/T2
is another option for drivers looking for safety on snowy roads. As the name suggests, the Grabber AT2 was designed to grip any surface with ease. For enhanced performance on ice, these tires are compatible with metallic studs.
Five rows of tread blocks maximize the General Grabber AT2’s stability on and off winter roads and are spaced to keep the tire clean as it goes.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
On-road performance doesn’t sacrifice off-roading potential | Noisy |
Good braking in snow | Lacks some traction on wet surfaces |
Best for off-roading
The following all-terrain tires lend drivers best-in-class performance off the beaten (or snowy) path.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
Price: $145 to $600
3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certified
The
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
boasts some of the deepest treads in its class. Heat-diffusing technology keeps tire pressure consistent as you navigate rocks, ice, and snow with these gritty tires.The "3W" in the name signifies "wet, wear, and winter performance," three areas Falken wanted to prioritize in this tire’s creation.
The Wildpeak A/T3W can also handle up to 50 psi and loads up to C1 class.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Reliable braking in the snow (3D Canyon Sipe Tech) | Noisy highway driving |
Great for off-roading | |
Competent on wet and dry surfaces |
Kenda Klever R/T
Price: $100 to $290
The
Kenda Klever R/T
is ideal for light truck or SUV drivers who are ready to take on a challenge. Although it’s designed for rough terrain, the Klever R/T still performs well on tamer grounds like its all-terrain cousins.The Klever can power through muddy water, snow, or slick roads thanks to a 3-ply sidewall and irregular tread blocks. It’s studdable for those looking for extra traction on ice.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Studdable | Noisy (which is to be expected from a rough terrain tire) |
Good in mud | |
Good for wet surfaces |
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees, ever
Best for ice
Several all-terrain tires are particularly well-equipped for handling slick ice. Their sidewalls have textured patterns that reinforce their hold on the road during tricky turns.
Hankook Dynapro AT M
Price: $160 to $220
3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certified
The
Hankook Dynapro AT-M
is equipped with wraparound treads and thick sidewall rubber gauges to boost its puncture resistance, making it a reliable all-terrain tire for snow and ice.Hankook engineered the Dynapro AT M to handle wear and tear like no other. This tire performs well on dry surfaces in addition to wet snow and is especially recommended for SUV drivers.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
50,000-mile treadwear warranty | Not super responsive |
Great traction | Performance dips during hard cornering |
Great for ice and hard-packed surfaces like gravel |
Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
Price: $130 to $400
LT sizes are 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certified
Goodyear’s
Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
offers a balanced performance on and off the road. It’s a good choice for drivers who live in harsh winters involving heavy ice and snowfall.Kevlar (which is used in racing tires and bulletproof vests) boosts this tire’s durability and aggressiveness in all seasons and on all surfaces.
An open tread pattern lends itself to wet and muddy roads, while big biting edges keep your car stable when turning through ice.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
60,000-mile treadwear warranty | Noisy |
Good on wet and dry surfaces | |
Good on-road and off-road performance |
Best for balanced use
The price for any set of all-terrain tires can vary by several hundred dollars depending on the size and upgrades you choose. The following tires balance affordability, on-road performance, and off-road performance on a variety of surfaces.
Sumitomo Encounter AT
Price: $140 to $530
3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certified
The
Sumitomo Encounter AT
features stepped edges that maintain stability on loose paths, while zigzag sipes and spaced tread blocks minimize slipping in the snow.The Encounter AT’s 5-rib tread pattern and deep grooves work together to minimize wear and prolong the tire’s lifespan.
Overall, this deceptively simple tire works hard to put lesser-known brand Sumitomo on the radar for tire enthusiasts.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
60,000-mile treadwear warranty | Weaker on wet surfaces |
Good on hard-packed snow | Less impressive than others in its class |
Reliable braking |
Toyo Open Country A/T III
Price: $140 to $640
3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certified
The
Toyo Open Country A/T III
is a dependable option for drivers of trucks, SUVs, and crossovers who spend a significant amount of time on- and off-road. This tire isn’t as chunky as some of its competitors, but you can upgrade the tire size to match the feel of a bigger rig.
The tire comes in three sizes: LT-metric, P/Euro-metric, and Flotation.
Toyo wanted to ensure great performance on wet and irregular surfaces when creating the Open Country A/T III, so the tire employs 3D multi-wave sipes and staggered shoulder lugs for increased edge grabbing and stability.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Very reliable | Noisy |
Good for slush, mud, and water |
Best for trucks
The final two items on this list may be of particular interest to truck drivers for their bigger size options or ability to handle heavy loads.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Price: $130 to $310
3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certified
The
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
is engineered to grip the road in wet and slippery conditions with patented Micro-Gauge Zigzag sipes. Drivers can choose from six sizes, between 15 and 22 inches. The Discoverer AT3 4S can handle pressure up to 44 psi and a 2,700-lb load.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Dependable for all-terrain types | Shorter lifespan |
Sheds water (Aqua-Vac technology) | Not as aggressive as some competitors |
65,000-mile warranty |
Nexen Roadian MTX
Price: $220 to $430
With some seriously deep treads and a dual sidewall design called "Machine and Beast", the
Nexen Roadian MTX
can power your vehicle through most winter challenges. Test drivers have reported that the tire kept them in control on wintry highways and handled bumps and boulders with ease.
MTX stands for "Mud-Terrain Xtreme," indicating its best performance will be on trails.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
F-load range hauling capacity | On-road performance lacking |
Total Coverage Warranty, which includes roadside assistance for 36 months | Not as comfortable as other competitors |
Great performance on trails |
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees, ever
How to decide
Ask yourself the following questions when shopping for winter-ready all-terrain tires:
- What’s my total budget for this purchase? (Costs are listed in price per tire, so be sure to multiply by four and consider extra charges for shipping or upgrades.)
- What kind of winter weather will I be driving in? (Light snow versus snowbanks, ice, slush)
- Will I take my car off-roading?
- Do I use my vehicle for towing?
Key Takeaway The right snow-ready all-terrain tire for you will depend on the severity of your winter, the terrains you want to tackle, and the price.
Get winter roadside assistance
Whether you’re tearing up the trails or dropping the kids off in a slippery parking lot, you know winter driving can be unpredictable.
Jerry
has partnered with Urgently to provide a roadside assistance program for only $6.99 per month. The plan includes 10 miles of towing, tire changes, fuel replacement, and more. Members can upgrade to a plan that includes more perks, including Uber credits and key replacement.
While you’re with us, don’t forget that Jerry makes it easy to find
cheap car insurance
in your area and switch policies with the click of a button."The savings are real!Jerrysaved me almost $1,000 a year for my car insurance. Was I surprised? Yes. Was I happy? Yes!" —Sonia Z.
FAQ about best all-terrain tires for snow
Are all-season or all-terrain tires better in the snow?
While all-season tires can perform adequately enough in mild winters, all-terrain tires will give you a better performance in heavy snow.
If you go off-roading or use your vehicle for towing, you will definitely want all-terrain tires.
RECOMMENDED
Saved $725 annuallySaved $834 annuallySaved $668 annually
Haven’t shopped for insurance in the last six months? There might be hundreds $$$ in savings waiting for you.
Judith switched to Progressive
Saved $725 annually
Alexander switched to Travelers
Saved $834 annually
Annie switched to Nationwide
Saved $668 annuallyCheck if you are overpaying for car insurance.
No phone calls. No long forms. Quotes from 50+ insurance companies.
Find insurance savings (100% Free)
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
Compare Car Insurance Quotes For Free
Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. Members save $872/year.
Start saving money!
You might also be interested
