Choosing the best all-terrain tires for snow can make all the difference when it comes to navigating snow-covered roads with confidence. Slippery surfaces and the risk of skidding can be a real concern for drivers during winter. But the right set of tires can help alleviate those worries.
I know that proper winter tires or snow tires are always better than all-terrain tires. But all-terrain tires provide a suitable alternative for off-road drivers who frequently switch snow and other rough terrains. Most of them can’t afford separate tires for each terrain.
When looking for the best all-terrain tires for snow, it’s crucial to consider factors like tread design, snow traction, and handling.
All-terrain tires are generally suitable for all conditions including sand, gravel, roads, mud, and rocky terrains. But not every all-terrain tire performs best on icy tracks. All-terrain tires that are specifically suitable for snow tracks are branded with a three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.
In our list of best all-terrain tires for snow, we carefully selected only those tires that have a 3PMSF rating. In this way, you can choose the best possible tire for your vehicle from this list of tires!
How We Select the Best Tires
We don’t just pick the tires randomly. There is a lot of work behind suggesting the lists of the best possible tires for readers and buyers. We adopt a multi-dimensional approach rather than just a ‘single person experience’. Our lists and reviews are a collective wisdom of many users rather than a single user.
To determine the best tires, we undertake extensive market research, meticulously examine the specifications of each tire, and carry out a very thorough analysis of user reviews from top retailers. Finally, me, and my keen tire experts apply their experience and expertise and provide a well-rounded assessment to create the final list of the best possible tires. Read our detailed review process.
Pro Tip: Rotating the tire once every 5000 miles can greatly increase the tire’s life.
Table of Contents
1. General Grabber A/TX (Best Overall)
The General Grabber A/TX is my top pick for pickup trucks, work vans, and full-size SUVs. This tire is suitable for dirt, wet conditions, and snow, earning high praise from users for its snow performance. Due to very few negative reviews, this tire tops my list of best all-terrain tires for snow.
General’s Comfort Balance Technology features an absorption layer under the tread and an acoustic tread pattern to control the noise. Its deep tread design ensures excellent traction and it can accept optional metal studs for added grip on terrains like packed snow and black ice. Made from cut- and chip-resistant material, it’s built to last.
This tire carries the severe snow service certification and the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.
With a 6-year/60,000-mile warranty for metric sizes and a 6-year/50,000-mile warranty for light trucks and flotation sizes, the Grabber A/TX is available in a wide variety of sizes. General also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee for added confidence in your purchase.
Pros
Cons
2. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (Best for Durability)
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a fantastic option for jeep and pickup truck owners who need a tire that can withstand the rigors of off-road adventures and provide exceptional snow traction. This tire is known for its remarkable durability and off-road traction, with users reporting minimal treadwear even after 10,000 miles of off-road use.
I am quite impressed with the KO2’s cut-, chip-, and tear-resistant tread compound and interlocking tread blocks because they ensure a good grip on sand, snow, and rocks.
Although some users have reported average performance on wet tracks, the silica compound enhances wet-weather handling, particularly when braking. I have observed a little bit of a hard ride due to the stiff sidewall but this is common with many all-terrain tires. This stiff sidewall also makes it highly resistant to punctures.
With a high load-carrying capacity and increased inflation pressure limits, this tire is built to handle heavy-duty tasks.
BFGoodrich backs the All-Terrain T/A KO2 with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. The tire also boasts a severe snow service certification and the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, making it a reliable choice for snowy conditions.
When purchasing the KO2, be aware of the “DT” labeled tires, which use a different tread compound and do not carry the 3PMSF symbol. To ensure optimal snow performance, always choose the tire with the 3PMSF symbol.
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3. Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus (Best for Comfort)
The Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus is a versatile choice for pickup trucks, crossovers, and SUVs. Its symmetric, high-void pattern tread design offers excellent performance, while deep grooves and separate tread blocks ensure a good grip.
Although I have noted tire balancing issues and early tread wear on off-road tracks among users, most were satisfied overall.
Equipped with conical stone ejectors, this tire protects itself from damage. It offers impressive light snow traction and excels in deep snow and wet conditions. The patented New Generation tread compound resists cuts and chips, ensuring durability.
Drivers can expect a stable and planted feel at high speeds. The tire also carries the severe snow service certification and three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. Available in various sizes, Pirelli offers a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty and a 30-day trial for added peace of mind.
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4. Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse AT
The Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse AT is a solid choice for pickup trucks, Jeeps, crossovers, and SUVs. This tire offers excellent dry and snow handling, with most users reporting impressive performance in both light and deep snow. However, I also see some users complaining about spinning on wet tracks during the rainy season.
Extended shoulder elements provide added traction on loose terrains, ensuring better off-road capabilities. Large tread blocks help prevent hydroplaning, improving safety on wet roads. Our tire experts also praise its exceptional high-speed handling and wonderful driving experience.
The Wrangler Workhorse AT is severe snow service rated and carries the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, making it a reliable option for winter conditions. Goodyear offers a 6-year/50,000-mile warranty and a 30-day test drive, giving you confidence in your purchase and a chance to test its performance for yourself.
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5. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S (Best Warranty)
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a versatile option for pickup trucks, crossovers, and full-size SUVs. With Adaptive-Traction Technology and a silica compound in the treads, this tire provides exceptional grip on dry, wet, or snowy tracks. I am a big fan of its traction on snow, ice, and wet surfaces. They are also long-lasting. However, some users find it a bit noisier which is not unusual for an all-terrain tire.
Featuring Snow Groove Technology and saw-tooth block edges, the AT3 4S offers improved traction and stability in winter conditions. The tire’s design resists hydroplaning, enhancing safety during heavy rain or slushy conditions.
Boasting severe snow service certification and the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a reliable choice for winter driving. Cooper offers a 6-year/65,000-mile warranty and a 45-day road test, allowing you to experience its performance first-hand.
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6. Firestone Destination X/T (Fuel Economy)
The Firestone Destination X/T offers reliability and performance in various conditions. To me, its standout feature is its exceptional traction on snow, whether light or deep, rivaling the General Grabber A/TX in snowy performance.
This tire’s deep treads and interlocking sipes provide excellent grip and stability, ensuring a confident drive. The high void ratio evacuates water and eliminates snow from the treads, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and maintaining traction on wet and snowy surfaces. With high lateral edge density in the pattern and an interlocking lug design, the Destination X/T adapts to different terrains for improved performance.
Upon analysis of the feedback from customers, we conclude that this is an all-around tire that performs equally well on almost all terrains and all weather conditions.
Firestone offers a 5-year/50,000-mile warranty and a 90-day buy-and-try period, giving you peace of mind. As it is severe snow service rated and carries the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, the Destination X/T is a reliable choice for tackling winter weather.
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7. Yokohama Geolander A/T G015 (Best Quiet Tire for Comfort)
The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is an excellent choice for light trucks and SUVs. Users have reported smooth and stable driving on various terrains such as snow, highways, and gravel. However, I have also noted the performance to be average on mud and rocky tracks.
The wear and tear-resistant feature of this tire ensures that it lasts longer and withstands challenging conditions. Its aggressive symmetric tread design provides excellent traction and grip, while the water evacuation and hydroplaning resistance help maintain control on wet surfaces.
Despite its sturdy build, I find Geolandar A/T G015 to be quiet during highway rides. The tire offers excellent snow and longitudinal traction and is suitable for light and unpacked snow. With the severe snow service certification and three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, you can trust its performance in wintry conditions.
Yokohama offers a 5-year or 60,000-mile warranty for Euro/P-metric sizes and a 5-year or 50,000-mile warranty for LT-metric/Flotation sizes. Plus, there’s a 30-day test drive to ensure your satisfaction with the tire.
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8. Kumho Road Venture AT51 (Best for Grip and Treadwear)
The Kumho Road Venture AT51 offers solid performance across various terrains and throughout all seasons. While it delivers good traction on snow, mud, and wet tracks, a few customers reported that snow can get stuck in the treads, impacting self-cleaning capabilities.
The tire’s cut-resistant dual silica tread compound is optimized for strength and heat dispersal, ensuring enhanced all-weather grip and durability. The unique deep and wide tread design offers impressive handling and grip on snowy surfaces, making it suitable for winter driving conditions.
The Kumho Road Venture AT51 has earned the severe snow service certification and is branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. This guarantees its performance in harsh winter conditions.
Kumho provides a 6-year or 55,000-mile warranty for Euro & P-Metric sizes, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your investment. Kumho doesn’t offer any trial run or buy-and-try option.
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9. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is designed for pickup trucks, vans, and full-sized SUVs, offering excellent all-terrain and all-season performance. The tire is known for its impressive handling, steering response, and traction on loose snow and mud along with top-notch performance on rocky tracks. The 3D Canyon Sipe Technology, combined with an aggressive tread design, provides better wear resistance and biting edges for enhanced traction on wet surfaces, snow, and ice.
To me, the most impressive feature of Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is the heat-diffusing technology in the lower sidewall, which helps dissipate heat during towing or hauling loads. This ensures better durability and performance during summer. The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is backed by a 5-year/55,000-mile warranty, along with a 30-day or 1,000-mile trial ride to ensure customer satisfaction.
Lastly, the tire meets severe snow service requirements and carries the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, assuring buyers that the tire is designed to handle harsh winter conditions.
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10. Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek (Best for Grip)
The Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek is an all-terrain tire that offers impressive off-road traction and good performance on almost all surfaces. Due to its deep, aggressive, and wide tread design, I highly recommend it for rugged, rocky mountains, and rough tracks.
Users have also reported exceptional grip on snow, wet, rocky, and mud terrains, thanks to the aggressive tread design. However, noise can be an issue for some customers.
The aggressive tread design on one side, gives excellent traction on all the terrains but on the other hand, produces noise as well. Nevertheless, the tire remains a trusted choice for mountainous snow performance.
The Discoverer Rugged Trek also carries the severe snow service certification and the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, proving its capability in challenging winter conditions.
Backed by a 6-year/60,000-mile warranty and a 45-day road test, the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek is a reliable and trustworthy option for drivers seeking a tire that performs well in various terrains.
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11. Armstrong Tru-Trac AT (Best Budget Tire)
The Armstrong Tru-Trac AT is a budget-friendly all-terrain tire designed for SUVs and light trucks. This American tire brand offers a good balance of performance, warranty, and price, making it a great choice for those on a tight budget without compromising on quality.
Some buyers complain about the early wear and tear of the tire, overall, there are a lot of positive reviews regarding its all-terrain performance. Our market researcher also confirmed it to be a trusted and high-selling tire brand among budget users.
The tire features a symmetric tread design with large, staggered tread blocks and wide grooves, providing enhanced cornering and maneuvering capabilities. Its off-road performance makes it suitable for soft, loose, and uneven terrains, including snow.
Armstrong Tru-Trac AT offers a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, a 90-day money-back guarantee, and a limited 6-year warranty covering manufacturing defects, ensuring customer satisfaction and peace of mind. With its impressive performance and affordable price, I can recommend Armstrong Tru-Trac AT to those seeking a cost-effective all-terrain tire.
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What You Need To Know Before Buying All-Terrain Tires for Snow
When selecting all-terrain tires for snow, it’s essential to consider several factors. First and foremost, look for the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which indicates the tire meets severe snow service standards.
Also, take into account the price and ensure they align with your budget and expectations. The tread design plays a crucial role in providing optimal traction in winter conditions, so examine it closely. Aggressive tread design provides a better grip on off-road rides.
Moreover, consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer to guarantee you’re getting the best value for your investment. By weighing all these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the most suitable all-terrain tire for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are M + S Tires?
M + S tires, or Mud and Snow tires, are designed for better traction in muddy and light snow conditions. It is a visual standard that indicates that a tire has a much wider and deeper tread pattern. However, they are not specifically designed for severe winter conditions and may not perform as well as dedicated winter or snow tires in deep snow, ice, or freezing temperatures.
What Are Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) Tires?
Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) tires are those that have passed specific industry tests and offer enhanced traction and performance in severe snow conditions. These tires feature a symbol of a snowflake inside a three-peaked mountain on their sidewalls, which signifies their capability to handle deeper snow, ice, and harsh winter conditions better than all-season tires.
Which Tire Is Better for Snow? M+S or 3PMSF Tire?
3PMSF tires are better for snow compared to M+S tires. While M+S tires offer some traction in mud and light snow, 3PMSF is a performance standard rather than just a visual tread standard. These tires have undergone rigorous testing and are specifically designed to handle deeper snow, ice, and harsh winter conditions.
Are All-Terrain Tires Good for Snow?
All-terrain tires can be good for snow, but their performance varies depending on the specific tire model and its features. Some all-terrain tires are designed with snow traction in mind and carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which indicates they have passed rigorous testing for severe snow conditions. However, for optimal snow and ice traction, dedicated winter or snow tires are still the best choice.
Do You Need Snow Chains While Driving on Snow Tracks?
If you’re driving in heavy snow, icy conditions, or on steep inclines, snow chains can provide extra traction and safety, regardless of your tire type. However, in light to moderate snow conditions, having dedicated winter or snow tires is sufficient without snow chains. In certain regions, local regulations mandate the use of snow chains, even when your vehicle is equipped with winter or snow tires.
Final Verdict
Considering the performance, features, and user experiences, I recommend the General Grabber A/TX as the top choice for all-terrain tires for snow. This tire offers excellent traction, durability, and comfort, making it an exceptional overall performer in various conditions.
However, it’s crucial to assess your specific driving needs and budget before making a final decision, as all the tires mentioned above have their unique strengths and characteristics.
