When we think about driving in snow, naturally, winter tires pop in mind. However, the situation is not that simple if you intend to drive in off-road conditions with snow. Off-road driving has certain requirements that vary drastically from what winter tires have to offer. Therefore, it is imperative to choose tires that are suited to the rough and unfriendly off-road conditions, in addition to having the ability to excel in snow.
The Top 5 Best Off-Road tires for Snow
If you are looking for the best off-road tires for snow, worry no more! Here is a list of the best off-road tires available in the market that can perform superbly in snow:
- BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire LT265/75R16/E 123/120R (Editor’s choice)
- Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10 Off-Road Tire – P265/70R17” 113T
- Kumho Road Venture AT51 All-Terrain Tire – P265/75R16 114T
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W all_ Season Radial Tire-33×12.5R15 108R
- Michelin LTX A/T2 All Season Radial Tire P275/65R18 114T
1. BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire LT265/75R16/E 123/120R (Editor’s choice)
The best snow performer you can get in the all-terrain category…
This BFGoodrich tire is one of the best all-terrain tires available. It is one of our favorites because in addition to excellent off-road handling, it performs magnificently in all sorts of snowy conditions.
Its tread is very aggressive, with gigantic tread blocks and deep voids. These features allow for excellent traction in dry, muddy and snowy conditions. These allow the tire to dig into the snow and maintain control. This means that this tire is capable of performing superbly in even the deepest snow, which is an unusual quality for an all-terrain tire. Moreover, it has sipes that are small slits which amplify a tires’ grip in snow by holding onto the snow tightly. Another feature that adds to this traction is the serrated cut of the shoulder. All these features mean that the snow handling of this tire is excellent, with steady grip and minimal braking distance, ensuring safety.
When taken off the beaten path, this tire possesses the ability to resist damage by deflecting sharp objects such as stones. Additional strength is provided by the robust tread compound, which lasts for a long time. This tire is also unusually quiet and comes with a 50,000 miles treadwear warranty. Its balancing, however, is tricky and might need the assistance of an expert.
Pros:
- Aggressive
- Excellent snow, dry and wet traction
- Safe and sturdy
- Bruise resistant tread
- Backed by warranty
Cons:
- Difficult balancing
2. Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10 Off-Road Tire – P265/70R17” 113T
A unique and innovative two-step sipe design…
This all-terrain tire by Hankook is another great off-road tire that has exemplary performance in snow as well. It has an aggressive but elegant tread pattern that can transform the look of your vehicle.
Like all great off-road tires, it has deep treads that ensure steady grip in all terrains. It also has circumferential grooves that add tremendously to the wet and snow traction by evacuating the water and pushing it in a direction away from the center of the tire. An innovative addition in this tire are the two-step sipes, that provide snow traction like no other. What makes this tire stick out is its ability to perform equally good on hard ice, as well as slush. The chances of sliding are minimal, as its optimized tread pattern allows for maximum contact with the surface. This means that you can take your vehicle to all sorts of icy and snowy conditions with complete peace of mind. The increased surface contact, however, means that the tread life of this tire is relatively short.
The construction of this tire is rugged, which provides satisfactory off-road capabilities. It is able to drive through harsh conditions while maintaining control, even when cornering. In addition, it can also resist bruises and punctures effectively.
Pros:
- Performs well in all terrains
- Great snow traction
- Aesthetically appealing
- Provides satisfactory control
- Economical
Cons:
- Diminished tread life
3. Kumho Road Venture AT51 All-Terrain Tire – P265/75R16 114T
The best budget option without all the compromises…
If you are looking for a budget-friendly tire for your vehicle, this Kumho tire is your best bet. It provides all the qualities expected from an off-road tire, while being light on the pocket. Its tread is moderately aggressive which means that it not only performs superbly in harsh off-road conditions, but also functions effectively on roads. Its tread pattern is symmetrical and features deep central grooves. Both these features work by channeling water and snow away from the tread of the tire, thus providing uncompromised grip and stability in snow. Interestingly, its performance is maintained even in deep snow, which is a rare quality for an all-terrain tire. To prevent any chances of getting stuck, the tread of this tire has densely packed minute biting edges that grasp the snow underneath and allow the vehicle to maneuver easily. This results in a smooth and steady ride despite heavy snow. However, the downside of having these unique features is that the tire is difficult to mount on the rim and balancing it can be a cumbersome task.
The tread of this tire is constructed to be fuel efficient and quiet, which makes it a very user-friendly option.
Pros:
- Great off-road handling
- Excellent wet and snow traction
- Easy handling
- Inexpensive
- Fuel efficient
Cons:
- Tricky balancing
4. Falken Wildpeak AT3W all_ Season Radial Tire-33×12.5R15 108R
The most aggressive, most capable off-road tire here…
If an extremely aggressive tire is your preference, this Falken tire is the one for you. It has a very rugged build which provides it with the ability to excel in all sorts of off-road conditions, without affecting its ride quality.
The tread of this tire is built to tackle extremely rough terrains. The tread blocks and shoulders are massive and provide unparalleled traction by keeping a firm hold on the ground. Furthermore, the depth of these treads is more than most of its counterparts, which play a major role in getting rid of water, ice, gravels and other debris. This not only provides amplified traction, but also protects the tread from any damage due to sharp objects. To perform safely in snow, this tire has deep sipes that pack the snow tightly, so that neither the grip is compromised nor are there any chances of getting stuck. Moreover, the tread and sidewall are made of extremely tough material and have an aggressive construction that allows safe handling and easy cornering. Nonetheless, the tread life of this tire is lesser than many other options available.
Pros:
- Very rugged
- Tough
- Strong grip in snow
- Performs in all seasons
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Compromised tread life
5. Michelin LTX A/T2 All Season Radial Tire P275/65R18 114T
A quiet and comforting break from the traditional off-road options…
This Michelin tire is another great off-road tire, which is known for its top notch quality and comfortable drive.
This tire is made of premium quality materials, like other Michelin tires. This not only adds greatly to its off-road potential, but also makes it very comfortable and user-friendly. The ride is smooth despite the unfriendly off-road conditions, and there is minimal noise which is a surprising feature for an all-terrain tire. It has multiple deep circumferential grooves that work by clearing off excess water, snow and slush so that the vehicle can keep moving uniformly. The symmetrical tread pattern is also a favorable feature when driving in snow, and provides a safe grip. However, the tread of this tire is only moderately aggressive and might not be safe for very rough terrains.
The innovative construction and top quality materials of this tire allow it to resist any damage due to unfavorable conditions. This means that it can go for long distances without any significant bruising or punctures, making the tread last for long. Nonetheless, the use of these premium materials makes it an expensive option.
Pros:
- Great quality
- Excellent off-road survival
- Superb snow and wet traction
- Long life
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not suited to extremely rough terrains
How to pick the best off-road tire for snow?
In order to make the wisest choice, there are a few factors that must be taken into consideration before making the purchase.
1. Tread Pattern:
To ensure adequate grip and safety in snow, it is absolutely necessary to choose a tire with deep treads and huge tread blocks. These make sure that the tire does not slide about.
2. Sipes and Grooves:
Sipes are a crucial feature for a snow tire, as they hold onto the snow tightly and make sure that the grip is not even slightly compromised. Circumferential grooves work by clearing the tread of slush or snow so that there is no hurdle in driving.
3. The 3PMSF symbol:
A three-peak mountain snowflake symbol suggests that the tire is tested and approved to be used on snow, so it is always recommended to look for the 3PMSF sign. For mud tires, the M+S sign suggests the same.
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