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If you drive an SUV in snowy areas, you might worry about two main safety issues: the weight and height of your vehicle.

 

The weight means SUVs take longer to stop because they have more momentum. Their height makes them great for deep snow but also makes them more likely to roll over.

 

That’s why using winter tires designed for SUVs when driving in snow is so important.

 

In this buying guide, we list and review six of the best snow tires for an SUV, starting with Michelin X-Ice Snow, known for its impressive performance even in the harshest winter conditions.

Best Snow Tires For SUV: Quick Rundown

 

These tire models will fit most SUVs and light trucks. They have more advanced grip than other tire types.

 

1. Michelin X-Ice Snow — Best Overall Pick For SUV Snow Tires
2. Continental VikingContact 7 — Hauling Heavy Loads on Snow
3. Bridgestone Blizzakl DM-V2 – Most Impressive Handling
4. Yokohama Iceguard G075 — Best in Fuel Efficiency
5. Cooper Evolution Winter — Aggressive Look, Light in Weight
6. Goodyear Ultra Grip SUV ROF — Great Value for Money

 

The best snow tires for an SUV are those whose winter performance has been tested and certified by the 3PMSF label.

 

This label guarantees the tire will perform well in cold weather and snowy roads. The rubber and tread pattern of 3PMSF tires provides an effective grip on cold, wet, and snowy surfaces.

 

However, other things like the tread design, tire features, and brand also matter.

 

As you read through the review of each top pick, you will learn about their price range, available size for SUV vehicles, specifications, and ratings. This will further help you make an informed choice.

1. Michelin X-Ice Snow — Best Overall Pick For SUV Snow Tires

 

 

Alt: Michelin X-Ice Snow tire

 

Price range	$130 – $427
Available sizes	14 to 22
Tire width	175 to 315
Aspect ratio	35 to 70
Mileage Warranty	40,000 miles

 

Pros:

 

• Fantastic snow traction and braking
• Smooth ride on pavement

 

Cons:

 

• Not studded/studdable

 

If you’re looking for a reliable option for long-term winter driving, the Michelin X-Ice Snow is a solid choice, especially if you drive sedans, minivans, or crossovers.

 

The tire has this special FleX-Ice 2.0 rubber compound that creates a tiny rough surface on its tread for better grip on snow and ice.

 

The wide grooves help push away water and slush, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. The V-shaped tread pattern improves performance and fits various wheel sizes, ranging from 14 to 22 inches.

 

The X-Ice Snow has two grooves, or “sipes”: one with sharp edges for biting into the snow and another that strengthens the tire’s contact with the road.

 

Compatible Wheels:

• 17-Inch Wheels: Provide a balance between ride comfort and winter performance.

2. Continental VikingContact 7 — Hauling Heavy Loads on Snow

 

 

Alt: Continental VikingContact 7

 

Price range	$113 – $339
Available sizes	15 to 22
Tire width	145 to 285
Aspect ratio	35 to 70

 

Pros:

 

• Superb dry handling
• Remarkably quiet
• Sleek appearance

 

Cons:

 

• Not predrilled for studs.

 

Some of the sizes under the Continental VikingContact 7 model have a Load Index of 77, meaning they can support up to 908 pounds.

 

The Continental VikingContact 7 is generally a top-performing winter tire. It provides excellent snow, ice, and slush traction while handling wet and dry roads well.

 

The tire has a special Nordic compound, including canola oil for flexibility and active grip silica for better performance on wet surfaces and during braking.

 

One of the most impressive aspects of the VikingContact 7 has to be the clever 3D sipes (or small slits in the tread) that improve grip in slippery conditions. This creates edges that “bite” into the surface.

 

The outer blocks of the tire have grip edges for added stability. This provides maximum contact with the road for stability and control, even at high speeds.

 

The Continental VikingContact 7 has two-speed ratings: T to 118 mph and H to 130 mph.

 

Compatible Wheels:

• 17-Inch Wheels: Ideal for maintaining ride comfort and effective winter performance.
• 18-Inch Wheels: Provide a balance between aesthetics and functionality.

 

3. Bridgestone Blizzakl DM-V2 – Most Impressive Handling

 

 

Alt: Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 tire

 

Price range	$154 – $348
Available sizes	15 to 22
Tire width	215 to 285
Aspect ratio	40 to 75

 

Pros:

 

• NanoPro Tech Multicell material offers both dry and wet winter traction
• Quiet drive

 

Cons:

 

• Cannot be used year-round due to the flexible rubber compound

 

 

If you prioritize better handling when driving your SUV on snowy roads, then the Bridgestone Blizzakl DM-V2 is a solid choice.

 

Made for SUVs, light trucks, and CUVs, these tires have advanced NanoPro Tech Multicell compound with a special water-loving coating that helps them grip slippery surfaces and stop effectively.

 

It has a directional tread pattern and 15% more tread blocks for better traction.

 

Compatible Wheels:

• 17-Inch Wheels: Ensure a comfortable ride with adequate sidewall height for winter traction.
• 18-Inch Wheels: Offer improved handling and a sportier look.
• 20-Inch Wheels: Provide an aggressive stance, suitable for larger SUVs.

4. Yokohama Iceguard G075 — Best in Fuel Efficiency

 

 

Alt:  Yokohama Iceguard G075 tire

 

Price range	$113 – $368
Available sizes	16 to 22
Tire width	215 to 285
Aspect ratio	45 to 75

 

Pros:

 

• Confident traction in winter conditions
• Available 16 through 22-inch sizes for various SUV fitments
• Offers drivers strong fuel efficiency

 

Cons:

 

• None so far

 

The Yokohama iceGUARD G075 is another reliable winter tire designed for SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks. Its optimized design reduces rolling resistance, helping you save on fuel while driving in winter weather.

 

It has three-dimensional sipes and micro-edges that guarantee strong traction in harsh winter conditions.

 

Whether you drive a Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, or Toyota Sequoia, the iceGUARD G075 delivers stability, durability, and improved fuel efficiency.

 

Its unidirectional tread pattern and wear-resistant compound are designed to maintain their shape and provide a secure grip on the road.

5. Cooper Evolution Winter — Aggressive Look, Light in Weight

 

 

Alt: Cooper Evolution Winter tire

 

Price range	$113 – $225
Available sizes	15 to 20
Tire width	185 to 265
Aspect ratio	45 to 75

 

Pros:

 

• 45,000 mileage warranty
• Studdable
• Fantastic in deep snow
• Better than expected real-world treadwear
• Studdable

 

Cons:

 

• Limited performance in less winter areas.

 

Cooper Evolution Winter is a great choice if you’re looking for reliable winter tires that keep your vehicle steady on slippery roads.

 

The Evolution Winter tire features a special winter-ready compound and a directional tread pattern, which help with quick acceleration and safe braking on icy or snowy roads.

 

It also meets the 3PMSF standard for outstanding winter traction. Strong grooves along the tire improve grip, ensuring stability while driving.

 

Inside, the tire is built with a durable one-ply polyester casing for added strength.

6. Goodyear Ultra Grip SUV ROF — Great Value for Money

 

 

Alt: Goodyear Ultra Grip SUV ROF

 

 

Price range	$189 – $193
Available sizes	17 to 18
Tire width	215 to 255
Aspect ratio	55 to 65

 

Pros:

 

• Strong in the snow, best marks in the wet
• Excellent aquaplaning properties
• Moderate price

 

Cons:

 

• Limited size is available.

 

Goodyear Ultra Grip SUV ROF tire has a special silica compound that helps it perform well on icy roads, while another resin compound prevents snow from sticking to it.

 

Thanks to its run-flat technology, this tire can keep you moving safely even after losing air pressure.

 

The tire’s V-shaped tread pattern and grooves are designed to channel water away, improving traction on wet and snowy roads.

 

Extended tread blocks enhance control, making braking more stable and responsive.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Snow Tires

 

Now that you have a list of great snow tires for an SUV, remember that not all are ideal for your vehicle model and driving style.

 

To make a better buying decision, you can focus on areas like size and specs compatibility, tread design, and the presence of stud features.

1. Tire size and compatibility

 

SUV tires generally have extended sections and rim widths. They also usually have shorter rim diameters, so there’s enough ground contact and less ground pressure.

 

If your SUV still has its original tires, you can quickly check the size of the tire’s sidewall. Look for a number with three parts separated by a “/” or an “X. The format is usually like “35×11.50R17LT.”

 

Wider tires with a lower sidewall usually improve handling and performance, but they can make the ride less smooth.

 

 

 

QUICK TIP:

 

If you shop for SUV snow tires on the Discounted Wheel Warehouse store, you can input your vehicle model on a pop-up display, and it will automatically suggest the best tire size options for your SUV.

2. Tread design

 

Since you’re buying a tire that needs to match the demands of an SUV and winter condition, focus on models with deep grooves and side cuts that help push out slush and water. This lowers the chances of slipping or losing control in wet or snowy weather.

 

The tread block design matters in snow. While some think closely spaced blocks don’t work well in snow, that’s not entirely true.

 

Wide spaces between blocks are great for clearing mud, but in snow, you actually want the channels to fill with snow. This creates snow-on-snow contact, which improves traction.

3. Rubber compound

 

The most important thing to consider when choosing tires is the material they’re made from.

 

For example, tires can be made with rubber or sometimes include silica. Most regular tires don’t have silica and are mainly made of rubber.

 

However, winter tires are different—they often contain silica. Silica is added to improve the tire’s grip on the road and help it keep its shape.

4. Studded vs studless tires

 

Some SUV winter tires don’t have metal studs but are designed with special face blocks on the surface.

 

At first glance, they look similar to regular tires. However, they perform impressively well on snowy roads.

 

Another notable feature of studless tires is their softness and flexibility, making them ideal for winter.

 

However, if the winter conditions in your area are extreme, you should stick to studded or studdable tires.

 

They have metal studs or can be fitted with them, which helps them dig deeper into thick snow. This greatly improves traction, giving you better control and stability on slippery roads.

 

QUICK TIP:

 

• Whatever your decision, ensure all four tires on your vehicle are the same.
• Using different tires on the front and rear wheels can cause uneven tire wear, poor handling, inflation issues, and overall limited performance.

Finally, Remember…

 

The performance of your SUV can change a lot depending on the type of tires you use for each season.

 

For example, if you drive a compact SUV like the Audi RS Q2, the best summer tire would be the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 or 4S. In winter, switching to X-Ice Snow tires is a better choice.

 

However, using the right snow tires is just one part of staying safe. It’s also important to follow driving safety tips.

 

Be gentle and gradual with the throttle, pay close attention to the road ahead, and use your anti-lock brakes well.

FAQs

Can I Use All-Season Tires in Snow?

While all-season tires can handle light snow, dedicated snow tires offer superior traction in severe winter conditions.

When Should I Install Snow Tires?

Install snow tires when temperatures consistently drop below 45°F (7°C).

How Long Do Snow Tires Last?

Snow tires typically last 3-4 seasons, depending on usage and maintenance.