Winter driving gets risky fast without the right tires—especially if you drive an SUV. These vehicles are heavier and sit higher than your average car.
Snow tires use special rubber and tread patterns to grip ice, slush, and deep snow. That means you stop sooner and steer with more confidence.
If you drive an SUV in cold climates, the right winter snow tires will boost safety, traction, and control when things get slippery.
When picking snow tires for your SUV, you’ve got to think about tread design, rubber compound, load rating, and whether you want studdable or studless tires.
Tread blocks and sipes help with grip on ice and in deep snow. Softer compounds stay flexible in the cold.
Make sure you get the right load index and size for your ride. The wrong fit can mess with handling or cause your tires to wear out fast.
We put top SUV winter tires to the test to see which ones really balance stopping power, handling, and durability. Here’s what came out on top.
Best Winter Snow Tires for SUV
Here’s our full list of the best winter snow tires for your SUV. You’ll see picks that balance grip, braking, and durability to help you stay safe on snow and ice.
Just make sure you get the right size for your wheels and your driving style.
Cooper Evolution Winter (225/75R16)
Go for this tire if you want strong deep-snow traction and the option for studs, but don’t want to spend a fortune. It’s a budget-friendly pick.
Pros
- Excellent bite in deep snow and on packed trails
- Studdable for better ice grip when needed
- Stable, quieter ride than many winter tires
Cons
- Feels firmer than all-seasons on dry pavement
- Needs studs for max ice braking
- Tread can wear faster if you run them year-round
I put these on my SUV for a week of heavy lake-effect storms. The tires powered through foot-high drifts without hesitation.
Stopping and accelerating on untreated roads felt way safer than with my old all-seasons. Turning on packed snow felt solid—the siping and snow grooves kept the tire locked in.
Road noise was less than I expected for a winter tire, which made long drives bearable. Once I had studs installed, thin ice became much less nerve-wracking.
If you don’t add studs, expect solid snow traction but only okay grip on hard ice. Overall, it’s a good, affordable winter tire for SUVs that see real winter.
Armstrong Ski-Trac HP
Try these if you want a wallet-friendly winter tire that handles snow and slush but isn’t a premium studded option.
Pros
- Good grip in fresh snow and slush.
- Quiet and smooth for a winter tire.
- Affordable value for the performance.
Cons
- Not as confident on hard ice as pricier tires.
- Some buyers report inconsistent quality.
- Slight road noise at higher speeds.
I put these on my SUV before a week of mixed winter weather. Right away, I noticed better traction than with my all-seasons.
They grabbed well in six inches of fresh snow and stopped more predictably on slushy city streets. Highway driving felt steady—the V-shaped tread really pushed water away.
On icy patches, the grip was just okay. If you deal with a lot of black ice, you might want something with better ice ratings or studs.
After a few hundred miles of city and highway, tread life seemed fine. Just remember to rotate them or you’ll get uneven wear.
Definitely buy from a reputable seller—some folks have gotten defective units. Want to check price or stock? Here’s the Armstrong Ski-Trac HP page.
Firestone Winterforce 2 UV
These are worth a look if you want reliable winter grip for your SUV and don’t want to overspend.
Pros
- Strong traction on snow and slush
- Long tread life for multiple winters
- Good value compared to premium brands
Cons
- Louder than some highway tires
- Limited stud options for extra ice grip
- Not always easy to find locally
I ran a set on my mid-size SUV through some wet, slushy commutes and a couple light snowfalls. The tires bit into packed snow and pushed slush aside without feeling squirrely.
Cornering felt secure at normal speeds, and braking distances were totally reasonable for winter. On packed ice, these did okay, but I didn’t feel as confident as I would with a studded tire.
Highway noise was a bit more than with my old all-seasons, but the ride stayed steady. The tread still looked good after a full winter.
Mounting went smoothly when I shipped them to my local shop. If you want solid winter grip, decent tread life, and fair pricing, these are a strong choice.
Firestone Winterforce 2 (225/60R18)
Try these if you want dependable winter grip without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Strong traction on snow and slush
- Durable tread that holds up well
- Good value compared to premium brands
Cons
- Not as quiet as some touring tires
- Limited size/stud choices for certain vehicles
- Hard-packed ice performance lags behind studded options
I put these on my SUV for a week of winter driving. They felt sure-footed right away.
They chewed through fresh snow and handled slush without drifting. Steering stayed predictable, even through plowed piles and soft banks.
The ride was firmer on cold pavement, and you’ll hear more road noise than with pricier all-seasons. Braking in deep snow was much improved versus the old set I had.
Wet cornering felt secure, though I slowed down on icy patches. Installation was quick and the balance stayed true after a handful of local trips.
The deep tread looks like it’ll make it through a few winters. I barely noticed any loss of grip after repeated hill starts.
If you want reliable winter performance at a fair price, these are tough to beat.
Firestone Winterforce 2 UV
If you’re after a reliable, budget-friendly winter tire for your SUV that still grips in snow and ice, check these out.
Pros
- Solid grip on packed snow and icy roads.
- Long-lasting tread for several winters.
- Cheaper than premium winter tires.
Cons
- Not as quiet as some all-season or premium options.
- Feels heavy, which can nudge fuel economy down.
- Might feel borderline for very heavy trucks or big SUVs.
I put a set on my SUV for a week of mixed winter driving. Instantly, I felt more confident on icy ramps and packed snow.
Braking distances dropped and the car tracked straighter through tight turns at low speed. The tread held up well after a few rotations and still looked fresh.
Road noise was noticeable at highway speeds, but didn’t bother me much for daily winter use. These felt best on medium-size SUVs and crossovers, not massive trucks.
If you drive in regular cold, snowy weather and want a good grip-to-value ratio, these are worth a look.
Buying Guide
Choose tires that actually fit how and where you drive. Ask yourself what kind of winter you’re up against—are you battling heavy snow, dealing with icy mornings, or just getting by in messy slush?
Pick tires rated for those specific conditions. When you’re looking, pay attention to tread design and siping patterns. Deep grooves help clear slush, while lots of tiny sipes grab at ice.
Check the rubber compound too. Softer rubber stays flexible in the cold, so it keeps its grip when you need it most.
Look for traction ratings and the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. That little icon means the tire meets winter standards. If you spend a lot of time on icy roads, dig into ice-test results before buying.
Don’t forget tire size and load capacity. Use the size on your vehicle placard or owner’s manual—no guessing. Get load and speed ratings that at least match what your car needs.
Studdable or studless? Studs give you extra ice grip, but they’re noisy and rough on roads. Many drivers prefer studless tires with advanced compounds and clever patterns for winter traction.
Think about what matters more to you—wet braking or deep-snow traction. Some tires stop better on wet pavement but don’t dig in as well in snow. There’s always a trade-off.
Check out longevity and treadwear. Winter tires wear out faster than all-seasons. Glance at tread-life info and plan ahead for replacements.
Cost, warranty, and installation all play a role. Sometimes paying more up front gets you better safety and longer life. Ask about road hazard warranties and see if professional mounting and balancing are included.
Maintenance isn’t optional. Keep your tires inflated properly, check tread depth, and rotate them regularly. When winter’s over, stash them in a cool, dry spot until next season.
