Rating of the best winter tires 2019-2020

Table: Top 12 best tires

Pirelli Ice Zero - the best winter studded tires according to reviews (2019 - 2020)

In the ranking of studs for winter, pride of place is occupied by Pirelli Ice Zero tires with effective braking and good stability. They hold the road well at speed, behave confidently on steep snow-covered inclines, brake and stop quickly and completely, after which the car starts moving without problems.

No tendency to skid, good grip on compacted and loose snow and ice. The rubber is soft, quite noisy, but not critical. The noise is noticeable mainly on asphalt surfaces, but not audible on snow. A large number of studs, which results in reduced braking speed on asphalt. But it confidently handles any road.

Pros *

• braking;
• directional stability;
• grip on ice, snow (loose, compacted);
• holds any road.

Minuses *

• noisy, on asphalt;
• reduced braking quality on asphalt due to a large number of studs.

Gislaved Nord Frost 200

The model replaced the “hundredth” model in the winter season 2015/2016.

Unlike its predecessor, it received an asymmetrical tread pattern, based on the discontinued Continental IceContact. The tire has relatively weak performance on dry and wet asphalt, provides average grip on ice and excellent grip on snow.

Combined with a reasonable price, this is a reliable choice for winter use.

Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ – the best winter non-studded tires according to reviews

Among velcro tires, the leading place in the ranking is occupied by Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ winter tires. They became the best in their category according to reviews and tests. Studless tires have a powerful sidewall, which provides excellent handling. There is practically no noise: quiet, soft, holds the road, and takes turns.

Studless tires are an ideal option for cities where winters have little snow but are cold. Comfortable tires with which you can confidently drive your car at any speed. In the snow they behave almost the same as studded ones. They react clearly and practically without delay to steering wheel turns.

Pros *

• quiet;
• softness;
• acceleration;
• high-quality grip;
• controllability;
• braking on compacted snow and asphalt.

Minuses *

• braking on ice is worse;
• sufficiently rigid passage of uneven asphalt;
• At temperatures above zero there is a feeling of floating tires.

The best studless winter tires R16

Such tires are designed for operation in not very cold winter conditions, in regions where ice and high snow cover are rare phenomena. There are quite a few such options on the market, and so that you don’t make a mistake in choosing, we have selected the 3 best R16 winter tires based on driver reviews in terms of quality, safety and ease of use.

Kumho WinterCraft WP51 195/55 R16 87H

These are winter tires designed for installation on passenger cars. Its tread wears out very slowly due to its abrasion resistance. The tire holds the road well, passes smoothly over various surfaces and brakes quickly enough, which reduces the likelihood of an accident. It gives good grip on the highway within the city at speeds of up to 80 km per hour, while it behaves flawlessly even when reaching 200 km.

Since the profile of this rubber is not very high, the calmer the ride, the more reliable the product and the easier it is to maintain control of the car. But in off-road conditions and on uneven, poorly paved areas, this option can be a little capricious. Being intended for use in winter, you can be sure of safety when driving on lightly snowy roads.

Advantages

• Does not tan at low temperatures;
• High-quality, solid sidewall;
• The tread wears out slowly and evenly over the entire surface;
• Excellent resistance to aquaplaning;
• It is almost impossible to break this tire.

Flaws

• A bit noisy.

Due to its good wear resistance, the Kumho WinterCraft WP51 195/55 R16 87H tire is often chosen for installation on taxi service vehicles that have high mileage.

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 235/70 R16 106S

These tires from Bridgestone are designed specifically for winter driving. With a diameter of 16″, they are used for installation on SUVs, and the maximum rubber load capacity is 950 kg. It allows you to safely and comfortably accelerate to a speed of 180 km per hour, but, naturally, the worse the road condition, the more difficult it will be to do this without problems. The tire is recognized as being of high quality in operation and easily serves for 1-2 years without consequences.

This model confidently rides on rolled and fresh snow, calmly getting out of small snowdrifts. It is also not afraid of ice, on which the car practically does not drift to the side. This improves handling and, as a result, increases the level of safety and comfort when driving in bad weather conditions. This is a pretty good option in terms of price-quality ratio.

Advantages

• Good adhesion properties;
• Easy to clean from dirt and snow;
• Durable sidewall for increased service life;
• Does not create problems in car maintenance;
• Acceptable noise level.

Flaws

• Not detected.

Thanks to the speed index of 180 km per hour, these R16 winter tires are good for car racing outside the city or on special sites.

Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 215/55 R16 97T

This is another studless winter tire for heavy vehicles weighing up to 750 kg. They are made in Japan from new materials and have an improved design. They are distinguished by a reduced braking distance on ice thanks to a special tread pattern. They are also characterized by an increased number of lamellas by 17%, which guarantees a larger contact patch for high-quality adhesion to the road surface.

Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 215/55 R16 97T has good grip properties also thanks to the rubber compound, which tightly fits small irregularities on ice. This was made possible through the use of 4D Nano Design technology in the manufacture of tire tread. Because of this, the rubber guarantees tight contact with the surface in the presence of a large amount of ice. This model is also characterized by a long service life due to the inclusion of components that slow down tread wear.

Advantages

• Virtually indestructible;
• Handling is excellent in loose snow and slush conditions;
• Does not lose elasticity over time;
• Not very noisy;
• Predictable behavior on any road section.

Flaws

• It floats a little on dry and wet asphalt.

Reviews note that Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 215/55 R16 97T behaves a little better on snow than on ice, because these tires are not studded after all.

Viatti Bosco S/T V-526 245/70 R16 107T

...Having tested this R16 winter tire, I can say that it behaves quite calmly both in snow and on icy roads. But due to the lack of spikes, it is still not recommended to abuse its good adhesion properties...

Expert opinion

First of all, these tires catch your eye because of their low price. Having a load index of 108, they are intended for heavy vehicles. They are created only for winter use, although there are no studs on the tire. The rubber has one of the highest speed indexes - 190 km/h and is distinguished by its confident behavior on both wet and slippery and snowy roads.

This model has an asymmetric tread, when its outer and inner parts have a different pattern. The first provides optimal rigidity for stability on the surface and maneuverability when cornering, while the second guarantees high-quality water drainage and reduces the likelihood of aquaplaning. In total, this provides a safe and comfortable ride in various weather conditions.

Advantages

• It “rows” well in the snow;
• Increased wear resistance;
• Excellent surface adhesion;
• Sturdy tire;
• Impeccable handling on ice.

Flaws

• A bit noisy.

3. Continental IceContact 2 - the best winter studded tires (2018 - 2019)

Quiet, comfortable tires with Continental IceContact 2 studs. Produced in Russia using German equipment, the quality of the tires is high, comparable to their European counterparts. At the same time, the price is affordable. They hold the road, there is no sudden stalling when skidding on ice, they are controlled smoothly and confidently. Good handling both on asphalt and on snow or ice; there is no roll when cornering.

It brakes excellently on any surface and holds the road, including in icy conditions. Well balanced, practically no rutting. There is no characteristic noise of unbroken studs, while there are more studs on the tire itself than on noisier analogues, and the studs do not fly out. The rubber is soft, but still holds the course perfectly.

Pros *

• handling on any track;
• lack of rolliness when turning and changing lanes;
• absence of characteristic noise of spikes;
• road traction.

Minuses *

• some noise, but no discomfort;
• price.

The best winter studded tires R16

This type of tire is used in regions with harsh winters, when ice often forms on the roads. Thanks to the presence of studs, they adhere well to the road surface, which eliminates skidding and provides comfortable and safer movement, including at high speeds. We reviewed the range of European and Asian manufacturers and, based on compliance with the specified selection criteria, included the 7 best options in this rating category.

Firestone Ice Cruiser 7 205/55 R16 91T

This is an average-priced tire designed for installation on passenger cars. The tire behaves confidently when driving fast, as it is designed for operation at speeds of up to 190 km/h. It has a directional design with a distinctive V-shaped pattern, giving it increased performance on wet asphalt surfaces. This also improves road grip and reduces the risk of aquaplaning.

The studs on the Firestone Ice Cruiser 7 205/55 R16 91T literally bite into the surface, which shortens the braking distance and minimizes the risk of the car moving to the side when cornering on slippery road conditions. The reinforced sidewall guarantees increased service life. This tire behaves well both on ice and snow, but when driving on a compacted surface, its grip properties are not so bright compared to studless models.

Advantages

• Good balance of price and quality;
• No strong vibrations;
• Ease of driving;
• Increased strength;
• Surface abrasion resistance.

Flaws

• When driving on dry asphalt it sometimes makes faint noises.

According to reviews, this option is good for use both within the city and outside it.

Pirelli Formula Ice 205/60 R16 96T

Winter studded Pirelli Formula Ice tires are included in the rating of the best tires due to the combination of impeccable grip on the road surface in winter in all weather conditions, be it ice, snowfall or thaw with slush. It provides good traction, which is especially important when there are snowdrifts on the road. Hexagonal studs are made of aluminum and are reliably protected from falling out by means of flanges.

In the rating of winter tires, Pirelli Formula Ice 205/60 R16 96T guarantees excellent grip on snowy and icy road surfaces due to the frequent arrangement of sipes, which are located on each tread block. At the same time, rapid removal of moisture from the contact patch is ensured, which is made possible due to the combination of several diagonal and two longitudinal grooves. This model is suitable for use in urban environments due to the directional V-shaped tread pattern.

Advantages

• High load index – 96, which corresponds to 710 kg;
• Reliable protection against aquaplaning;
• The spikes bite into the snow well;
• Gives a smooth and even ride;
• High level of comfort when moving.

Flaws

• Not detected.

Overall, the Pirelli Formula Ice 205/60 R16 96T tire is the best option in terms of price-quality ratio. But it is useless to expect equally impeccable behavior from it on dry and wet asphalt.

Continental IceContact 2 SUV 215/65 R16 102T

According to the test results of the Finnish car magazine Tuulilasi, this winter tire model confidently took second place. Compared to the previous version from this company, the manufacturer was able to improve the quality of vehicle handling by 2% when there was ice on the road and by 9% when the road was dry. It maintains a stable position and remains obedient even in heavily snowy areas. It contains many polymers and silica, as well as rapeseed oil for softening, which prevents it from hardening at low temperatures.

By maintaining its flexibility in winter, effective traction of the wheels with the road surface is guaranteed. This, in turn, gives a more confident, calm, comfortable and safe ride. Also, due to this, the car behaves well when entering corners at high speeds, but it is still not recommended to drive on ice with it. This tire has an asymmetric tread pattern, which provides high traction for quick acceleration and trouble-free braking.

Advantages

• Lightweight mass of spikes;
• Excellent performance on icy roads;
• Durable stud fastening;
• Shortened braking distance;
• There are ice pockets for spikes.

Flaws

• Not detected.

According to reviews, the Continental IceContact 2 SUV 215/65 R16 102T tires run for several seasons with virtually no loss of studs.

4. Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 - the best winter studless tires (2018 - 2019)

Among studless winter tires, the leader is the Continental ContiWinterContact TS850. According to reviews, these are truly quiet, comfortable tires with good handling and grip. It holds the track in heavy snow, and on ice there is also good grip for non-studded tires.

Excellent tires for those who prefer silence and comfort when driving in the winter season. The tires are soft, comfortable, without a sporty bias; they drive on asphalt without snow at almost summer speeds. Slower in deep snow or slush. Directional stability is above average, response to steering movements is moderate.

Pros *

• quiet;
• good handling;
• grip with the road;
• comfort.

Minuses *

• some sizes are difficult to find;
• not suitable for driving in deep snow or slush; they skid;
• average directional stability.

Continental IceContact 2 SUV – studded tires for crossovers and SUVs

If you have a crossover or jeep, pay attention to the Continental IceContact 2 SUV winter tires. The rubber holds up well on any surface, including icy conditions. Quiet, soft, the steering response increases with it, the chassis works better.

Moderately noisy winter tires, comfortable, a good option for both big cities and trips out of town. High-quality braking on dry and wet asphalt, in this quality there are practically no differences with studless tires. It runs and brakes well in the snow, and has good cross-country ability in slush. It walks and brakes confidently on ice and packed snow, there is no rutting on the asphalt, and there are no lateral stalls.

Pros *

• low noise;
• road grip;
• softness;
• holds the road in ice and snow;
• reliability.

Minuses *

• high price;
• Soft sidewall but still durable.

BFGoodrich G-Force Stud

The model from a subsidiary of the French Michelin is more focused on dry and wet asphalt, where it is superior to its direct competitors (and even some premium ones) in braking and handling. But on ice and snow they are slightly inferior in grip qualities.

The model is more suitable for city use or quiet driving in difficult winter conditions.

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 – studless tires for crossovers and SUVs

To ensure safety while driving in winter, owners of jeeps, crossovers, and SUVs prefer studless tires from a well-known brand - Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2. Driving on such cars is often more aggressive, on ruts, potholes, and different surfaces. The tires behave well on wet asphalt and dry surfaces, and feel confident in slushy snow. Cup protectors allow you to walk in the snow without slipping.

The tires remain soft at any temperature, which allows them to remain silent in any weather.

“Swallows” small cracks and potholes on the asphalt. On clean and smooth ice, the Velcro has a fairly long braking distance; at temperatures above -10, it is very slippery on ice and compacted snow and can skid. But in frosts of -15 or more, the grip is more confident on ice, on compacted snow, and on any surface.

Pros *

• value for money;
• holds any road;
• excellent grip;
• behaves well in the snow, in slush;
• soft at any temperature;
• silent.

Minuses *

• drifts on compacted ice;
• it’s hard to get out of a rut;
• long braking distance on ice.

TOP winter tires 2018-2019 – selection criteria

Car tires from different manufacturers have certain advantages and disadvantages. There are no ideal models, however, it is possible to choose the best winter tires based on a number of parameters. During operation, each type of winter tire meets certain operating conditions at low temperatures. Buyers often face the problem of wondering which winter tires are best to choose for their car. When choosing the most suitable model, the following factors must be taken into account:

1. Features of the climate and road conditions of a particular area;
2. Carrying capacity of the machine, its brand;
3. Car type – passenger car or SUV;
4. The nature of the car owner's driving style;
5. Value for money.

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 5 – inexpensive studded tires for winter

In the budget segment of studded winter tires, Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 5 have proven themselves with a long service life. The tires do not have spikes coming off, and the tires hold the road well in mixed driving styles. The tread does not wear off for a long time, the studs do not allow air to pass through.

The studded Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 5 handle equally well on ice and snow; on asphalt they brake a little worse, which is understandable for this type of winter tire. The rubber has excellent build quality and the installation of studs, allowing it to hold the road well even in part-time drive. They have a long service life and do not wear out for a long time.

Pros *

• holder;
• long service life;
• high-quality assembly and installation of studs;
• handling (ice, snow - compacted or loose);
• The stud does not allow air to pass through.

Minuses *

• relatively high cost;
• Brakes worse on asphalt than on ice and snow.

Cordiant Winter Drive – budget studless winter tires (Velcro)

Among studless tires, the so-called Velcro tires, in the budget category, according to reviews from car owners, Cordiant Winter Drive took pride of place. Almost silent, it moves and brakes well in slush, loose and compacted snow. On ice it behaves somewhat weaker, however, in city conditions good handling is maintained.

Completely predictable behavior of a car with Cordiant Winter Drive tires, abrasion-resistant, soft, with good tread, but at temperatures from 5 degrees above zero it begins to “float”. An excellent option for a quiet winter ride; it handles well in the snowdrifts.

Pros *

• predictable behavior on various surfaces;
• does not wash off;
• soft;
• good tread;
• acceptable cost.

Minuses *

• braking on ice is worse;
• somewhat noisy for a non-studded shoe;
• floats at temperatures above +5.

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 8 – studded tires: test by Za Rulem magazine

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 8 tires were tested by Za Rulem magazine and named the best studded tires for winter driving. It has diamond-shaped spikes, and not just pins, it behaves confidently both on the asphalt and in ruts, it does not lead or throw. When cornering, the tires behave smoothly and predictably.

On fresh wet snow, on frozen ice crust, compacted snow and ice it behaves confidently and predictably, brakes clearly and confidently along a predictable trajectory. When cornering, the rear axle can drift a little, but it is quite controllable. On ice it behaves the same as on asphalt within a reasonable speed, there is noise in the range from 60 to 110 km/h.

Pros *

• diamond-shaped spines;
• no rutting;
• cornering control;
• does not float on asphalt;
• holds the road (ice, snow, porridge).

Minuses *

• price;
• noisiness.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 – studless tires: test by Za Rulem magazine

Quiet studless tires for driving in winter, one of the best according to tests by the magazine “Behind the Wheel” - Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2. It holds the road well on ice, freshly fallen snow and slushy snow; it behaves confidently when changing lanes and parking, including in parking spaces that have not been cleared of snow.

The rubber is strong, small holes, joints, bumps and tram tracks are not felt at speed, they pass very smoothly. An excellent option for winter tires for use in urban areas. In warm weather above +5, the car reacts worse to steering wheel turns, and when overtaking, ruts appear. However, rubber wears out and wears out quite quickly, but this does not have much effect on the “stickiness”.

Pros *

• quiet;
• soft;
• sustainability;
• holds the road well;
• high speed index.

Minuses *

• relatively fast wear;
• price.

11. Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 9 – studded tires: Autoreview test

According to tests carried out by the Autoreview magazine, Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 9 became the best winter studded tires. Yakohama tires hold the road well, are soft, and ride on snow as if they were on asphalt. They behave confidently when cornering at high speed and during emergency braking.

The car goes uphill on these tires without slipping, and does not skid when turning on ice. The rubber is not afraid of ruts, including icy ones, the studs work 100% on ice, the handling is comfortable and predictable. It also handles well in slushy snow and has a short braking distance. Tires for snowy roads. At low speed there is no noise, it appears when the car travels over 120 km.

Pros *

• no rutting;
• no noise at medium speeds;
• holds the road;
• emergency braking;
• holds turns confidently.

Minuses *

• price;
• The break-in period is longer than with similar tires.

Top 2. Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 9

Rating (2021): 4.55

308 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Mosavtoshina

A popular choice for harsh winters in size R16 Excellent handling on icy roads, excellent snow flotation and resistance to wear and shock loads make the Hakkapeliitta 9 studded tire from Nokian Tires a popular choice in regions with harsh winters.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 8370 rub.

• Country: Finland
• Tread pattern: symmetrical
• Speed ​​index: T
• Spikes: 220 pcs.

Finnish winter tires offer 8 tire sizes for R16 rims and have a separate line of reinforced SUVs in this size. The tire is somewhat inferior to its competitors in terms of acceleration and braking, but maneuvering in snow and on slippery roads with studded tires is more than confident. Popular Science magazine was one of the first to test the new 2021 product and awarded the Hakkapeliitta 9 a prize as the best winter tire. Owners also positively evaluate double studding (different types of lugs) and at the same time moderate noise, high wear resistance and resistance to shock loads.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Large selection of sizes for R16 wheels
• Resistant to wear and shock
• Confident handling on snow and ice
• Excellent directional stability

• High price
• Braking distance on rolled snow

See also:

• 10 Quietest Winter Tires

12. Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV – studless tires: review “Autoreview”

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV tires drive along a snowy road at speeds above 100 km. They also perform well on the road with freshly fallen snow, in slush, on clean asphalt and even in puddles. Very quiet and soft tires, grips the road with any asphalt surface.

The car has good directional stability and a short braking distance. Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV tires are suitable for the middle zone with mild winters, because the quality of handling decreases on purely winter surfaces and conditions. At the same time, with such tires the car goes through deep snow.

Pros *

• quiet;
• cross-country ability in snowdrifts;
• confidently keeps track;
• cross-country ability on ice, slush, and puddles.

Minuses *

• price;
• increased fuel consumption.

Choosing the right winter tires

For their manufacture, a special chemical composition is used to provide winter tires with the required properties. Car tires need to be changed depending on the season: it is recommended to change your car to winter tires when the temperature does not rise above 5-7 C during the week. To choose suitable winter tires, you should follow some recommendations.

Key characteristics of good winter tires

Run Flat Technology
Decide on the budget you are willing to spend on purchasing a set of winter tires. As a rule, the cost of tires is determined by the brand and country.

Winter tires can be studded or fractional, that is, non-studded (Velcro) - this is probably the main selection criterion. Moreover, non-studded ones can be European and Scandinavian. Each type is suitable for its own operating conditions:

1. Studded - high-quality grip on the road surface and braking. They are intended for use on hard ice, an option for regions where winters are cold and harsh, with frequent ice conditions and for use outside the city. Such rubber is noisy, which is explained by the presence of spikes; it quickly wears off on asphalt and loses its characteristics.
2. Studless Scandinavian tires are recommended where the winter is long and there is a lot of snow. They are not afraid of snowdrifts and snow drifts. Road traction is provided by treads: the more lamella cavities there are, the better the grip on the snow surface. There are also lugs along the outer edge of the tread, which provide the maximum contact patch. Recommended for use at temperatures significantly below -0 and below, on roads with a lot of snow. Such tires are soft and therefore not suitable for driving on ice, and on dry asphalt their wear resistance sharply decreases and they float.
3. Studless tires of the European variety are an ideal choice for use in regions with mild winters, where sleet or rain often falls. They walk through slushy snow and are safe at high speeds. But in icy conditions and on compacted snow, the road grip characteristics are worse, when driving on dry asphalt at low temperatures, with slushy snow.

It is also important to look at the manufacturing date of winter tires, since the shelf life of winter tires is 5 years. Wear resistance indicator, the index is indicated on the sidewall.

It is better to choose the maximum indicator. Also, modern car tires are equipped with Run Flat technology: even when the tire deflates, it remains on the rim and remains able to bear the weight of the car.

Another indicator is the speed index: each tire model is designed for use in the speed range in which optimal adhesion of the rubber to the road is guaranteed.

Manufacturers

Previously, Scandinavian brands were considered the best producers of winter tires. But Russian companies produce tires with qualities that are not inferior to either their Scandinavian or European counterparts. Among Russian brands it is worth noting Amtel, Cordiant, Kama, Nokian.

Among European manufacturers of winter tires, Barum, Continental, Matador, Michelin are popular, and Japanese ones are Bridgestone.

Moreover, Nokian occupies a leading position in ratings based on reviews, as well as tests in car magazines, leaving French, Japanese and other competitors far behind. At the same time, it cannot be said unequivocally that Japan or France make tires for the Russian winter better than domestic manufacturers.

Based on the above rating, as well as recommendations for choosing tires, every car enthusiast will be able to make the right choice.

Winter tire rating 2021

When choosing winter tires, you should not rely only on price and choose the cheapest option. Good tires cannot be very cheap. Although you don’t always have to pay dearly for quality. You can often find reliable budget options. Our ratings of the best winter tires for 2021 feature only the best, proven models in various price categories.

Studded tire rating

The leaders in the rating of studded tires are such distinguished manufacturers as Nokian, Goodyears, Bridgestone, Dunlop, Michelin, Continental, Yokohama.

Top 10 best winter studded tires:

1. The top of the best winter studded tires opens with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 - it’s not enough to say that the rubber can withstand almost any low temperature without becoming hard; in addition, the studs have an unusual shape - a diamond with beveled-pointed corners. This structure made it possible to improve lateral grip on the track and improve driving stability on it. In addition, the tires are almost silent due to the use of proprietary Air Claw Technology - in particular, due to the air shock absorbers of the tread. Reviews from car owners about Nokian are only the best. The cost of the model starts at 3,300 rubles. for 13 diameter, R14 will cost 4,300 rubles, and R17 will cost almost 8,700.
2. Nokian Nordman 7 - tires feature a radial design. They are equipped with studs and are tubeless models, which makes them ideal for driving on snow and ice both outside and within the city. The line consists of models ranging in size from 13 to 17 inches , the price for R17 starts from 7,500 rubles.
3. Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02 SUV - characterized by the most frequent arrangement of spikes, which ensures reliability. The tread uses a new directional stud with a strong hold. The sidewalls of the tire are reinforced, which ensures resistance to wear. The cost for R17 starts at 10,000 rubles , various sizes are available: from R15 to R20 .
4. Continental IceContact 2 – distinguished by asymmetrical lines on the tread, which helps save fuel, improve the car’s maneuverability on ice, and also allows the car to move smoothly from the start. The studded elements are located very tightly to each other, which ensures good grip on the road. The price for size R17 starts from 12,500 rubles.
5. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic - designed specifically for use in northern territories and off-road driving. The tread structure allows the car to achieve excellent grip on the road, while minimally affecting acceleration and minimizing braking distance. Produced in sizes R15, R16, R17, R18. The price varies from 4,500 to 11,000 rubles.
6. Yokohama Ice Guard IG65 - the model can hardly be called a new product, but it can definitely be one of the best in the class. In the model, deep furrows and grooves are intertwined in a symmetrically directed pattern against the movement of the car, which allows self-cleaning of snow. The tire is quite thick, can withstand loads from 650 to 1250 kg and provides a quiet ride. Available in sizes R16, R17, R18. The cost starts from 6000 rub.
7. Pirelli Ice Zero - the manufacturer positions them as solutions for premium cars, where they are one of the most effective and cheapest. The peculiarity of the tires is that they are able to provide fast acceleration and good resistance on ice, and also minimize skidding when cornering when driving fast. Among the design features, it is worth highlighting that the lamellas are located at an increased frequency , which increases traction. The cost of the model is 3500 rubles. for R15 .
8. Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02 XL - specially designed for driving on wet asphalt and snowy roads. This model may well top the rating of winter tires for crossovers and compact SUVs. The tread pattern of this rubber is symmetrically directed, the drainage grooves are located against the movement. This tire is available in sizes R15, R16, R17, R18, R19, R20 . The price starts at 7,650 rubles for R17 .
9. Michelin X-Ice North 4 – this model is a continuation of the previous generation. In the updated version, the tire began to brake the car much faster (by 10%). Improvements can also be seen in the reshaped grooves, which improve maneuverability on ice. The cost of a tire varies from 4100 rubles. depending on the wheel diameter. Available in sizes R14, R15, R16 and R17.
10. The rating of winter studded tires is completed by Kama Euro 519. The tires are developed using Finnish Irbis . Equipped with 2.45 mm studs. They feature a two-layer protector. The bottom layer of the tire is hard, the top layer is softer, able to adapt to the type of road surface. Customer reviews indicate that the car's handling is not very good, but they note its excellent braking properties. The cost of the model starts from 2400 rubles. for 14 diameter.

Rating of non-studded tires

Below is a rating of studless winter tires - Velcro

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 is ready for any weather conditions due to a special rubber formula that does not harden even in the most extreme temperatures below zero. The tire structure includes unique three-dimensional zizgas-like lamellas, which themselves remove dirt, snow and water, due to which the model performs well on loose snow. The price starts from 3500 rubles for R14, from 6000 rubles. for R16 and from 8000-9000 rub. for 17 diameter.
2. Goodyear Ultragrip Ice 2 - allow you to drive both on clear ice and in large snow drifts. Ultragrip Ice 2 is produced from a cryo-adaptive composition, which allows the tire not to lose its qualities when the temperature drops down to -50 degrees Celsius . Available in sizes from 13 to 19 inches. For example, R17 will cost from 7600 to 8500 rubles .
3. Continental ContiVikingContact 6 - allow you to quickly start and brake, and demonstrate excellent handling on compacted snow. They are distinguished by an asymmetrical diamond-shaped tread pattern. Available in sizes from 14 to 19 inches. R14 can be purchased for 4,700 rubles, and R17 for 8,000.
4. Pirelli Ice Zero Fr - allow you to quickly start on a snowy road without losing maneuverability. Excellent for snowy and icy roads. It is not recommended to use the model on dry asphalt - tests of the model, as well as reviews from drivers, indicate rapid abrasion on a dry surface. The peculiarity of this model lies in the special formula and large thickness of the rubber. Ice Zero price ranges from 3,000 to 9,000 rubles.
5. Michelin X ice 3 - they have an interesting feature - they are deformed both from load and from temperature, but they are deformed within specified limits, which allows the tire to adapt to different routes and better stabilize driving on ice and snow. The sipes on the treads are shaped like the letter Z with sharp edges, which helps to get out of the watery mess with snow. The cost starts at 3100 rubles. for R14, R15 it will cost 5300, R16 – 7000, R17 – 9,500 rubles.
6. Bridgestone Blizzak DM – characterized by the presence of two layers, which makes the model very strong. These are one of the few tires that were specially developed for Russian weather conditions. They are included in many ratings of winter tires for SUVs and crossovers. Available in diameters from 15 to 20 inches , the price of R17 is 10,000 rubles. Their reviews are the best, judging by data from popular Internet portals.
7. Hankook Winter icept iZ2 – have a wedge-shaped tread pattern, which allows you not to lose control of the car even on snowy roads. Suitable for both regular passenger cars and large SUVs. The cost is relatively low - R17 can be purchased for 6,300 rubles.
8. Barum Polaris 5 – are distinguished by their low price, which covers minor functional flaws. The model was designed by Continental engineers. A feature of the treads is the specific arrangement of the ring channels, which evenly diverge into small grooves towards the central part of the tire, which allows you to quickly self-clean from snow and debris and provide good traction with the road. Among budget options in 2021, these tires will be one of the best. Prices start from 2300 rubles for R13, from 3500 for R16 and 4000-4500 for R17 .
9. Bridgestone Blizzak VRX – feel confident even on fairly snowy roads. Prices for R16 are about 6300, and for R17 – 8800.
10. Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 – if the version of tires with studs is in the middle of the rating, then the model of velcro tires is somewhat inferior. The tires are equipped with grooves to drain snow and water, are not afraid of low temperatures and provide excellent maneuverability. Available in sizes from 12 to 20 inches, the price of R17 in stores is 6200 rubles.

A test review of winter tires is presented below.