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21st
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As we ourselves are fans of compact crossover vehicles (and in some cases even own one), we had no choice but to expand on our top winter tire choices.
This list of top tire choices is all about trendy crossovers and small SUVs, as well as the less popular (but still pertinent) minivan segments.
For this exercise, I've selected the very common P235/65R17 size as the yardstick.
Once again, the ratings could not be simpler: They range from inexpensive to moderate to best, regardless of price. And, once more, I've consulted with my friends at Talon Tire: the store that eats tires for breakfast.
Here are the picks:
Best inexpensive tire: $150-$200
Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6 or Goodyear Ultra Grip winter
Most tires in this price range are studdable, the exception being the Dunlops. They provide good snow and slush traction, and for maximum ice traction studs do help, at the expense of increased road noise.
Best moderately priced tire: $200-$250
Toyo GSi-5 or Yokohama IG51v
These tires offer the ideal compromise for optimal performance whether the conditions feature ice, snow or other wintery situations. Their compound technology also works well in dry or wet circumstances.
Best tire: $250 +
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 or Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV
This pair of studless winter tires provide maximum grip in all conditions. The rubber compounds and tread patterns are engineered to remain flexible and work hard to tackle the worst winter has to offer.
This list of top tire choices is all about trendy crossovers and small SUVs, as well as the less popular (but still pertinent) minivan segments.
For this exercise, I've selected the very common P235/65R17 size as the yardstick.
Once again, the ratings could not be simpler: They range from inexpensive to moderate to best, regardless of price. And, once more, I've consulted with my friends at Talon Tire: the store that eats tires for breakfast.
Here are the picks:
Best inexpensive tire: $150-$200
Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6 or Goodyear Ultra Grip winter
Most tires in this price range are studdable, the exception being the Dunlops. They provide good snow and slush traction, and for maximum ice traction studs do help, at the expense of increased road noise.
 |
| Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6 or Goodyear Ultra Grip winter (Photo: Dunlop and Goodyear) |
Best moderately priced tire: $200-$250
Toyo GSi-5 or Yokohama IG51v
These tires offer the ideal compromise for optimal performance whether the conditions feature ice, snow or other wintery situations. Their compound technology also works well in dry or wet circumstances.
 |
| Toyo GSi-5 or Yokohama IG51v (Photo: Toyo and Yokohama) |
Best tire: $250 +
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 or Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV
This pair of studless winter tires provide maximum grip in all conditions. The rubber compounds and tread patterns are engineered to remain flexible and work hard to tackle the worst winter has to offer.
 |
| Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 or Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV (Photo: Bridgestone and Nokian) |