Top 12 Best All Terrain Tires for Snow: Recommendations and Reviews
Nevertheless, contrary to the general consensus, tires are more vital to traction on slippery roads than an all-wheel-drive system. For instance, a car with front-wheel drive with winter tires will have superior grip on snow when compared to an all-wheel drive vehicle with all-season or summer tires. Having a vehicle equipped with all-wheel drive and winter tires is, without a doubt, going to be the most advantageous choice.
However, if the weather forecast calls for you to install winter tires, should you always give it some thought? Luckily, the answer is no. There are several new all-terrain tires that are capable of providing superior traction in snow, particularly deep and unpacked snow. In addition, you will take advantage of improved grip for off-roading in comparison to the traction offered by normal winter tires, as well as a design that is more robust and long-lasting.
Now, of course, winter tires and snow tires are going to be the superior choice for driving in severe winter conditions at all times. On the other hand, a set of all-terrain tires will be sufficient for the majority of drivers who operate SUVs, trucks, and crossover vehicles. The fact of the matter is that not all all-terrain tires are designed to be driven on in really icy weather. Because of this, we felt it necessary to compile a curated list of the many all-terrain and snow-specific tires now available on the market.
Our selection of popular all-terrain tire options for SUVs, trucks, and crossovers includes a total of twelve different models. We will include high-end versions as well as more wallet-friendly options, but one thing that they will all have in common is that they perform quite well on terrain that are covered with snow. Additionally, all models must be easily accessible in North America in the truck and SUV sizes that are the most sought for.
We have also compiled a comprehensive buying guide for those of you who are interested in learning more about all-terrain tires and how they perform on snowy terrain. There, you will be able to discover how to identify decent all-terrain tires for snow just by glancing at the tread pattern, making it easier for you to choose the right tires. The buying guide can be found immediately below our list of the finest all terrain tires for snow, and it goes without saying that we strongly encourage you to go through it.
Now, without further ado, let’s have a look at the twelve tires that are now considered to be the finest on the market.
The 12 Best All-Terrain Tires for Snow Available in 2023
1. Hankook Dynapro AT-M
The Hankook Dynapro AT-M was at first designed only for the 2015 Ford F-150, but it is now made accessible to drivers of all other trucks and SUVs. In addition, this is really good news since it is one of the all-terrain tires that performs exceptionally well in the snow.
This tire will not cause any problems regardless of whether you are accelerating on packed or unpacked snow. In addition to this, your vehicle will be able to handle itself without excessive sliding, and you will have a shorter stopping distance. It is interesting to note that the Dynapro AT-M is capable of operating even on ice terrain, which is something that the majority of all-terrain tires cannot claim.
The tire’s performance off-road won’t let you down, either, and you won’t be unhappy about that. Even while I believe it performs best on dirt and gravel, you can certainly rely on this tire when driving through mud.
When driven on paved surfaces, the Dynapro AT-M does not have a very responsive feel, and its soft sidewalls give way during intense cornering. On dry roads, however, the tire offers more than sufficient protection for everyday driving conditions. In addition to that, the all-terrain tire possesses remarkable grip when it is wet.
Last but not least, Hankook backs the tire with an excellent guarantee that covers treadwear for 50,000 miles despite its affordable price. Even more impressive is the treadlife; previous purchasers attest that this tire has an exceptionally extended lifespan.
Pros
- The deeply siped tread provides exceptional grip on snow thanks to its design.
- Effective performance on the ice
- Excellent grip on compacted terrain such as gravel and dirt.
- Traction that is adequate in the mud
- Excellent hydroplaning resistance and traction in rainy conditions
- Extremely cozy and docile environment
- Long treadlife and a great treadwear warranty that covers 50,000 miles
Cons
- On the road, it lacks a sense of being highly responsive.
- falls victim after intense cornering.
2. Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
The Goodyear Wrangler Adventure is not only the finest all-terrain tire for snow, but it is also the best all-terrain tire overall. This is because it features a tread pattern that is optimized for snow traction. We are great admirers of its ability to perform well off-road, but we also really like how stable it is on the road. The aggressive all-terrain tire’s noisy operation at higher speeds is the only thing that can be considered a drawback of the product, although this is to be anticipated from such a tire.
When it comes to off-roading, the Wrangler Adventure will give you with exceptional traction whatever of the terrain you find yourself on, whether it be rocks, mud, or hard-packed ground. On the road, an all-terrain tire has extremely strong traction and grip, both over dry and wet roads, making it a fantastic choice for driving in a variety of conditions.
More importantly, because it has the 3PMSF logo (the three-peak mountain snowflake emblem is exclusive to the Pro-Grade LT-metric tires), this tire has previously demonstrated that it is capable of performing well in harsh weather circumstances, such as snow and ice. When driving through snow, especially unpacked snow, having tires with a multi-faceted symmetric tread pattern that also has open shoulder blocks and traction ridges is a huge benefit.
And as if all of that weren’t enough, the Wrangler Adventure comes included with Durawall Technology, which transforms it into the strongest and longest-lasting all-terrain tire available anywhere. To back up their promise, Goodyear offers an incredible treadwear guarantee that is good for 60,000 miles.
Pros
- Excellent grip on any and all slick surfaces.
- Effective operation when traveling.
- Excellent across snow that has not yet compacted down.
- a treadwear warranty that is the best in class and covers 60,000 miles
3. Toyo Open Country AT III
One of the all-terrain tires with the most aggressive tread pattern is the Toyo Open Country A/T III, which also features a significant number of zig-zag sipes. Because of this, the driver of this upgraded model benefits from exceptional grip on icy terrain as well as extremely powerful braking power. Additionally, this model has been made more fuel efficient. This tire has exceptional grip in the snow, as demonstrated by its 3PMSF rating, which is only an indicator.
Off-roading is another arena in which the aggressive tread pattern performs exceptionally well. These all-terrain tires are one of the few on the market that perform well on every type of off-road surface, even shallow mud. Additionally, the Open Country ATIII comes with a robust tread composition that extends the treadlife of the tire. A warranty against treadwear that lasts for 65,000 miles is provided by Toyo, which is undoubtedly outstanding.
The tire does not perform as well as other all-terrain tires that are focused on street performance when used on the road. Despite this, we continue to believe that it is perfectly safe, even when the weather is wet. The most significant problem is the noise, which can become irritating while traveling on the highway.
Pros
- Exceptional traction and stopping power in the snow
- Off-roading capabilities enhanced by exceptional traction.
- A material that is extremely robust and long-lasting.
- A remarkable guarantee that covers treadwear for 65,000 km.
4. Falken Wildpeak AT3W
while compared to the tread pattern of other all-terrain tires, the tread on the Falken Wildpeak AT3W is the deepest and most aggressive of any other tire. This provides a significant advantage while driving on snow. The 3D Canyon Sipe Technology and tough tread blocks, both of which give stronger biting edges, contribute to an additional improvement in traction and braking performance in extremely icy circumstances.
This is one of the most accomplished all-terrain tires when it comes to the aggressive tread pattern that it has, and off-roading is another activity that benefits from it. The Wildpeak AT3W comes with internal cooling protection as well as tough sidewall protection, so durability shouldn’t be an issue either. A guarantee that covers treadwear for 55,000 miles is provided by Falken, which is a good offering considering the cost.
On the road, the Wildpeak AT3W performs reliably on both dry and wet roads, offering the driver with a high degree of grip and traction throughout the driving experience. Having said that, even while the tire rides well over broken sections of the road, it may be somewhat noisy when driven on the highway.
Pros
- One of the most capable all-terrain tires for use when driving off-road.
- Extremely risk-free when driving, regardless of whether the road is dry or wet.
- Exceptional effectiveness despite the snowy weather.
- Excellent warranty covering treadwear for 55,000 miles.
- Competitive cost
5. Michelin LTX A/T 2
The Michelin LTX A/T 2 is a type of all-terrain tire that has the appearance of having been created with winter driving in mind. The tread design is extremely intricate and makes use of a large number of biting edges, which the firm refers to as Michelin Biting Edges. This technology makes significant strides in improving snow traction and braking performance, both of which are already among the best in the all-terrain class.
In addition, the LTX A/T 2 is nearly as quiet as a highway tire owing to a technology called Comfort Control, which was developed by Bridgestone. There is currently no other all-terrain tire on the market that can match the quietness of the Michelin. In addition to that, the ride quality is excellent, particularly over rougher terrain.
The LTX A/T 2 is one of the greatest all-terrain tires for driving on roads, and it performs exceptionally well in both dry and wet conditions. It excels in performance when traversing hardpacked surfaces, rocks, sandy terrain, and shallow mud when used for off-roading. On the other hand, we wouldn’t use it in areas with thick muck.
The tire comes with a treadwear warranty from Michelin that is good for 60,000 miles, which is to be anticipated considering that the company uses a technique called Advanced MaxTouch Construction, which reduces treadwear.
Pros
- Exceptionally nimble handling on both dry and rainy terrain.
- Exceptional performance in the snow
- Exceptionally long treadlife
- Outstanding performance on both dirt and gravel terrains
- On the drive, a very peaceful and comfortable experience
Cons
- When there is a lot of muck, this is not the greatest option.
6. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
It’s possible that the BFGoodrich KO2 is the most well-liked all-terrain tire among enthusiasts. This is mostly due to the fact that it performs very well when used for off-roading. This tire offers sufficient grip to pull you out from thick mud, enable you to crawl over huge boulders, and provide you with a responsive driving over dirt and gravel.
The aggressive tire pattern is beneficial in the winter as well; snow grip and braking are excellent thanks to the aggressive tread pattern. This style of tire was one of the first to receive the 3PMSF symbol for both the all-terrain and the street categories.
The fact that the BFGoodrich KO2 also performs exceptionally well on the road is undoubtedly the finest feature of this tire. There is a lot of traction and grip available, regardless of whether the surface is dry or wet, making this all-terrain tire an excellent choice for use on the highway. The tire is also quite pleasant while traveling over bumps and uneven areas; but, similar to the majority of its competitors, it is noisy when driven on the highway.
This tire comes with a treadwear guarantee from BFGoodrich that covers 50,000 miles, which is much less than what the competition offers. However, the KO2 is well-known for its exceptional toughness and durability; the casing is resistant to being cut, chipped, and punctured in addition to being resistant to being cut.
Pros
- Outstanding traction off the beaten path
- A material that is very hard and long-lasting.
- Able to operate in thick mud as well as over huge boulders
- Excellent performance in public settings
- Superior traction and stopping power in the snow
Cons
- There is some background noise on the roadway. Aside than that, there is nothing about this tire that warrants a complaint.
7. General Grabber AT2
Because of its outstanding on-road capabilities as well as its high off-road traction, the all-terrain tire manufactured by General is extremely well-liked among those who are passionate about off-roading. This tread design, which was adjusted by a computer to include numerous blocks and sipes, performs exceptionally well on hardpacked surfaces, as well as dirt and pebbles.
Most significantly, the tread pattern performs exceptionally well on snow and slush, delivering high levels of grip as well as powerful braking. In addition to this, the tire has been given the 3PMSF label, which indicates that it performs very well in the winter.
On paved roads with dry pavement, the Grabber AT2 works wonderfully; the handling is precise and secure. However, wet traction is still entirely safe despite the fact that it is marginally inferior to the finest in the category. The ride quality is excellent, making it a very comfortable option; nevertheless, noise might be a concern while driving on the highway.
The Grabber AT2 comes with a treadwear warranty from General Tire that covers 60,000 miles, which is an outstanding result, especially considering the cost of the tire.
Pros
- Traction off-road that is exceptional on any and all terrain
- Extremely long treadlife and extremely durable structure
- Outstanding snow traction and stopping ability
- dependable operation when driving
Cons
- Traction in wet conditions has room for improvement.
- The roadway may sometimes be rather loud.
8. Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT
- Traction in wet conditions has room for improvement.
- The roadway may sometimes be rather loud.
Pros
- Outstanding performance across the board off-road.
- Excellent performance both on the road and the highway.
- Superior traction and stopping power in the snow
- Outstanding warranty on treadwear coverage
- On the highway, there is not much of a noise level.
Cons
- Loss of traction is common in thick mud.
9. Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3
Because it is not designed to perform well in thick mud, the all-terrain tire manufactured by Bridgestone is not the ideal choice for off-road driving. On the other hand, both responsiveness and traction are exceptional over hardpacked terrain. Additionally, the Dueler Revo 3 performs exceptionally well on both city streets and highways, offering the driver exceptional levels of grip and traction as well as powerful braking capabilities.
The Dueler Revo 3 can also operate effectively on icy terrain. Even if it is not the finest winter option available, the TractionClaw Technology is nevertheless quite helpful while driving in heavy snow that has not been packed down. Finally, Bridgestone offers a treadwear warranty on P-metric sizes that is good for 60,000 miles and a treadwear warranty on LT-metric sizes that is good for 50,000 miles. Both of these figures are great.
Pros
- Characteristics on the route that are truly exceptional
- Unparalleled levels of comfort and peace of mind for an all-terrain tire.
- Extremely long-lasting tread compound
- Snow driving with enough traction and stopping ability
Cons
- The traction in the deep muck is not very good.
10. Continental TerrainContact A/T
When compared to other all-terrain tires, the TerrainContact A/T appears to have an exterior design that is noticeably less aggressive. However, Continental took this choice with the intention of improving the on-road characteristics of their vehicles, which they accomplished with aplomb.
This all-terrain tire is among the most successful when it comes to its performance on paved roads. The TerrainContact A/T delivers exceptional performance on both dry and wet terrain, delivering high levels of grip and traction across all conditions. Additionally, the tire is quite comfy and quiet, which is not something that can be claimed about the majority of all-terrain tires.
In addition to this, the snow performance of these tires is comparable to that of the very finest all-terrain tires now available, particularly while driving through light snow. In addition, Continental offers a fantastic guarantee that covers treadwear for 60,000 miles.
Pros
- Efficiency and dependability in the snow
- One of the best all-terrain tires designed specifically for use on the road.
- Outstanding guarantee on treadwear covering 60,000 km
- On the road, peaceful and comfortable accommodations
Cons
- Not very effective in mucky conditions
11. Kumho Road Venture AT51
The Kumho Road Venture AT51 is an affordable all-terrain tire that is able to compete favorably with the highest-quality premium tires despite its lower price point. The tire has a treadwear warranty that covers 55,000 miles and a casing that is resistant to being cut, despite the fact that its price is extremely reasonable. It is also highly sturdy and long-lasting.
In addition, the aggressive tread pattern of the AT51, which has zigzag center blocks, allows it to perform very well in the snow (as indicated by the 3PMSF designation), giving the driver with effective grip as well as powerful braking. On-road performance is also quite good, and we can attest to the fact that the AT51 is capable of traversing hardpacked ground as well as rocks.
Having saying that, the Road Venture AT51 is not very smooth over bumps and uneven areas of road. In addition, the traction in mud is somewhat inferior than that of the category’s finest.
Pros
- Cost effective
- Extended tire treadlife
- Excellent performance when driving off-road.
- Superior traction and stopping power in the snow
Cons
- A crowded ride
- The traction in the deep mud is merely acceptable.
12. Sumitomo Encounter AT
One of the most reasonably priced all-terrain tires that is still able to compete favorably with the industry’s leading models is the Sumitomo Encounter AT. This tire is unmatched on paper because, despite its more affordable price, it comes with a treadwear warranty that is good for 60,000 miles.
In addition, the aggressive tire pattern offers the driver good grip even on snow that has not been compacted down. The Encounter AT even has a marking on the side that says 3PMSF, which is really astounding considering how much it costs. The off-road traction is also quite good, and it is especially good on ground that are hardpacked.
On the highway, the Sumitomo Encounter AT performs quite well on dry terrain, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a vehicle with superb highway stability. Despite having great resistance to hydroplaning, the vehicle’s wet traction is not as good as that of the finest in its category.
Pros
- Outstanding performance on both dirt and gravel terrain
- Strong and long-lasting build quality.
- Maintaining control and stopping safely when driving.
- Compatible with use on snow that has not been compacted down.
- Outstanding guarantee on treadwear covering 60,000 km
- Cost effective
Cons
- Traction in the rain is inferior than that of the premium rivals.
Buying Guide For Best Tires in 2023
1. What to Look for When Choosing All-Terrain Tires for Snow?
All-terrain tires of the modern era nearly invariably come with a tread compound that is designed to operate effectively in both warmer and colder situations. This compound is called an all-season tread compound. Having said that, there are no all-terrain tires available that have a compound designed for the winter, nor are there any that have a compound designed for the summer. That’s great news since it narrows down the options for tires considerably.
After we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s have a look at some of the other marks on the tire that are significant for driving in the snow.
2. The Difference Between M+S and 3PMSF Markings
At a minimum, the M+S designation may be seen on the sidewall of any all-season tire available for purchase online today. This label reads “Mud + Snow,” and it should, in theory at least, signify that the tire is designed to function on both of those surfaces.
However, because this indicator merely indicates that the tread compound is soft enough (at least an all-season compound) and that it has sufficient tread depth and sipes, it can be quite deceiving. This designation is normally seen on all-season tires, however just because they have it does not indicate that they may be driven on icy or snowy surfaces.
On the other hand, the vast majority of all-season tires are not suitable on mud and only have limited traction on snow. It is possible to use these tires on muddy or snowy terrain, and while they will provide some grip, it will not be sufficient for safe driving. When it comes to safety, braking will be very difficult, which is a far more crucial factor to consider than traction.
To our good fortune, many all-terrain tires sold in stores now come with a label on the side of the tire that reads “3PMSF,” which stands for “Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake.” These tires have significantly improved grip and braking in comparison to M+S tires, since they have been tested for use in severe winter conditions.
Having said that, it is reasonable to assert that certain M+S all-terrain tires will perform exceptionally well on snow; the producers just chose not to submit them for 3PMSF testing.
3. Tread Pattern and Biting Edges
Simply by glancing at the tread pattern, it is possible to determine whether or not a tire is suitable for snow driving and whether or not it is not. Tires intended for use in warmer circumstances typically feature a tread pattern that is less visible in order to enhance the amount of road surface area that is in touch with the tire. When driving on dry or wet pavement, this is of considerable assistance; however, it is not as helpful when driving through snow.
When traveling through snow, it is best to have tires that have a tread pattern that is both deeper and more visible. To be more specific, the tire’s ability to grip the snow is directly proportional to the number of tread blocks it possesses. In addition, the majority of all-terrain tires include microscopic sipes that are integrated into the tread blocks. This further increases the number of biting edges present on the tire. The tread pattern should be as busy as possible for optimal performance on snow.
The majority of all-terrain tires feature a tread pattern that is more aggressive than standard patterns, which enables them to perform quite well on snowy terrain. However, while purchasing a new pair, you should always keep an eye out for the little sipes that are shaped like a zigzag. When driving on snow, tires with zig-zag sipes will serve you considerably better since they will provide you with more grip and improved stopping power.
Having said that, the tread pattern of all-terrain tires can begin to wear down with time, and this is particularly true for the tiny sipes in the tread. That shouldn’t make a huge impact for dry weather, but the performance will start to deteriorate in wet and snowy circumstances. In most cases, if you want to maintain a good degree of snow traction and braking, you will need to replace the tires sooner rather than later.
The treadwear guarantees offered by the majority of tire manufacturers run from 45,000 to 60,000 miles, but you really shouldn’t wait that long to replace your tires. Only tires with a tread depth of 2/32 of an inch or less at the time of purchase will be covered by the guarantee. At this point, the tire will no longer be suitable for use in snowy conditions. We recommend changing the tires every 30,000 to 40,000 miles for the optimum performance, or once the tread pattern starts to degrade significantly, whichever comes first.
4. What are All-Terrain Tires?
As their name indicates, all-terrain tires are intended for use when driving on a wide variety of terrain types. To put it another way, they will be superior for off-roading compared to highway tires, while also being superior for use on the street compared to mud-terrain tires. You may also look at them as a compromise on both ends, but this is to be anticipated from a device that is designed to function effectively on all different kinds of surfaces.
You will have a driving experience that is 100 percent risk-free on the road with today’s greatest all-terrain tires, regardless of whether the road is dry, wet, or covered in snow. In addition to this, these tires perform exceptionally well on the majority of off-road conditions, such as dirt, gravel, mud, sand, and rocks.
In light of the aforementioned, if you are an avid off-road enthusiast, it is possible that you would benefit more from purchasing off-road tires designed for mud terrain or maximum grip. All-terrain tires are the best option, but for the vast majority of owners of SUVs, trucks, and crossovers, standard tires will suffice.
When opposed to touring and highway tires, however, you should be aware that performance tires produce a somewhat higher level of road noise. The level of noise is something that every person in the vehicle, including the driver and passengers, will notice more than traction or braking. Before settling on a choice, you should have some experience behind the wheel of a vehicle equipped with all-terrain tires. This is especially important if you value traveling in a relaxed state over lengthy distances.
Conclusion
Driving in the snow might be a lot of fun, but it’s also incredibly risky. Because of this, purchasing all-terrain tires that perform well in the snow is not only going to make driving more safer, but it will also make driving a lot more enjoyable. If you regularly inspect the tread pattern for signs of wear and tear, you should be alright. Just remember to perform this maintenance.
In case you didn’t already notice, the models on our list of the finest all-terrain tires for snow can be purchased right here on our website. That way, not only will you be able to find the greatest deals on each model, but you’ll also be contributing to our ability to continue publishing articles like this and assisting other drivers in the future.