WINTER TIRES FOR PASSENGER VEHICLES 2009-2010

Top Rated

Michelin X-Ice Xi2

Consumer Reports’ preferred tire in testing because of its superior ice and snow performance, and ride comfort. Developed from the old Michelin X-Ice. Optimized for ice and snow, but the shallow tread may limit its durability. Michelin says the tire will be long wearing. Good performance on wet and dry pavement. Expensive. Mail-in rebate until November 21st when you buy four tires.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5

This tire is available (where permitted) with factory-installed studs. A top performer in deep snow and superior on ice. Offered in sizes suitable for performance cars. A little noisier than average. The soft rubber compound will require that you remove the tire promptly in spring. Expensive -- allow about $20-$40 more per tire depending on the size and competing brand of tire. Road hazard warranty included in the price. Mai-in rebate of $40 to $50 when you buy four tires.

Toyo Observe G-02 Plus

Tire optimized for deep snow and ice. One of the best choices for the price even though it is not the best performer on dry roads and can be noisier than average in some applications.  Superior durability due to the deep tread and relatively long-wearing rubber compound. Well suited for heavy vehicles. Mail-in rebate of $30 to $100 when you buy four tires.

Above average

Bridgestone Blizzak WS 60 

Directional tire, optimized for snow and ice. Very good overall performance; a good choice for severe conditions. Expensive, offered in sizes for some high performance vehicles

Dunlop Graspic DS-3

(Provisional rating based on results for the similar DS-2 which this tire replaces.)

Tire optimized for snow and ice. Very good overall performance including a competitive price point. Durable.

Yokohama Ice Guard IG20

Very good overall performance on snow and ice, similar to the Bridgestone Blizzak WS60. With less tread depth than the Bridgestone Blizzak WS 60, the Ice Guard will likely need replacing after three winters. Downgraded because some consumers reported the tire did not track well at highway speeds.  Gift card of $25 to $100 on the purchase of 4 tires.

Acceptable

Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice

A quieter tire than the Goodyear Ultra Grip that features a deeper and more open tread design. Optimized for snow, average on ice. Mail-in rebate of $50 when you buy four tires.

Below Average (listed according to relative ranking)

Kelly Snowtrakker ST-2

A popular tire in Quebec once-upon-a-time because it was manufactured in Valleyfield. Today, it’s Made in Chile. The tread design and technology are dated. The deep tread ensures relatively good traction in snow, but performance on other surfaces lags. Noisy. A viable option for drivers in remote areas who are looking for a tire that can accept studs.

GT Radial Champiro GT65

A portent of the future, this Chinese-made off-brand tire performed poorly but is priced much lower than all the other tires evaluated. A possible solution if you’re turning in your leased vehicle during its last winter, particularly if it is equipped with large original-equipment tires, where the savings are substantial. Note that some lessors require a tire of like kind and quality (except for wear, which can be “normal”), so check beforehand to ensure the GT Radial Champiro will pass muster when you turn the car in.