All-terrain tires can offer commendable snow traction thanks to their aggressive lug-type tread patterns. However, it’s important to distinguish between ice and snow performance. Due to their stiff and cut-resistant compound, all-terrain tires often face challenges on icy surfaces and slush. In this article, I will highlight the best all-terrain tires for snow and ice based on your vehicle type and usage. Let’s get started!
- Vredestein Pinza AT – Best Overall
- Sumitomo Encounter AT – Best Affordable
- Toyo Open Country AT3 – My Personal Crush
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Most Recommended
- Toyo Open Country R/T Trail – Best Rugged Terrain Tire
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Best for Commercial Usage
Table of Contents
Vredestein Pinza AT - Best Overall
The Vredestein Pinza AT falls into the category of on-road all-terrain tires, indicating that its off-road capabilities are somewhat limited, but it excels in on-road performance. However, what sets it apart from direct competitors like the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S and BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A is its aggressive and taller tread design. This unique tread pattern allows the Vredestein Pinza AT to deliver significantly better winter performance compared to other tires in the same category.
| Vredestein Pinza AT | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Quiet & smooth highway driving, mild off-road traction, long-lasting rubber, light snow & ice traction |
| Vehicle | 3/4 ton or below Light Truck, SUV, Jeep, CUV |
| Available Sizes | 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20” |
| Made In | India |
| Labels | 3PMSF |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 70,000 miles |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 60,000 miles |
The Vredestein Pinza AT features a 5-rib pattern combined with a 3PMSF compound. This tire excels in ice and light snow performance. Its compact pattern offers excellent traction on ice, while its extensive siping provides decent light snow traction. As for the sidewalls, p-metric versions come with a 2-ply sidewall, while LT metric versions have a sturdier 3-ply sidewall. This makes it a suitable choice not only for lighter vehicles but also for 3/4 ton or larger pickup trucks that focus on-road manners. Yet, later, I’ll provide better-looking options for you.
Sumitomo Encounter AT - Affordable Option
Sumitomo Encounter AT is a bargain option for those who don’t wanna spend too much money. Even though it’s an off-road all-terrain tire, it performs like an on-road all-terrain tire which makes it suitable choice for icy conditions.
| Sumitomo Encounter AT | |
|---|---|
| Best for | 4 season performance driven riding, Smooth & quiet driving, Aggressive appearance, Winter performance, |
| Pros | 4-season traction, Winter beast, Affordable, Reliable off-road traction |
| Cons | Since it’s performance-driven, its tread life is average Handling capability isn’t perfect |
| Vehicle | SUV, CUV, Light Trucks |
| Test Report | vs Wildpeak AT3W & General Grabber ATX (September 30, 2021) |
| Available Sizes | 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22” (Check if it fits your vehicle) |
| Made In | Thailand |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles |
The Sumitomo Encounter AT stands out as one of the best all-around tires on the market. Its 3-3 center lug design enhances its compactness, resulting in improved performance on light snow and ice. However, it’s important to note that this tire comes with relatively soft sidewalls, which makes it less suitable for towing or use on 3/4-ton or larger vehicles.
Toyo Open Country AT3 - My Personal Crush
Toyo Open Country AT3 is the first all-terrain tire, I’ve ever tested. Hence, it’s special for me. This tire is available in a wide range and with different specifications. For this reason, it’s a suitable option for most vehicles.
| Toyo Open Country AT3 | |
|---|---|
| Best for | SUV and light truck owners seeking year-round performance with a balanced 50% on-road and 50% off-road capability. |
| Pros | Winter performance Wet performance (for its category) Long-lasting rubber Moderate off-road capability |
| Cons | Slightly noisy, Slightly rough, Wet breaking is slightly long |
| Test Report | vs Wildpeak AT3W & Baja Boss AT (July 21, 2022) |
| Category | All-Terrain Tire |
| Vehicle | Light Truck, SUV |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’ (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Weight | 26-76 lbs |
| Made In | White, GA, USA |
| Labels | 3PMSF |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 65,000 Miles |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 50,000 Miles |
The Toyo Open Country AT3 is an ideal choice for those willing to sacrifice a bit of riding comfort. This tire features one of the most aggressive tread patterns, which impacts its on-road performance slightly compared to the tires I’ve mentioned earlier. However, it excels in off-road conditions, and its LT (Light Truck) sizes come with exceptionally sturdy sidewalls.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W -Most Recommended by Users
Falken Wildpeak AT3W is the most recommended all-terrain tire in the market. Well, I may agree with that if you’re okay with steering delay and slight wandering.
| Falken Wildpeak AT3W | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Squishy and snowy regions, mild off-road applications (dirt & gravel) |
| Category | All-Terrain Tire |
| Vehicle | Light Truck, SUV, CUV |
| Test Report | vs Open Country AT3 & Baja Boss AT (July 21, 2022) |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’ (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Weight | 35 – 82 lbs |
| Made In | Thailand or China |
| Labels | 3PMSF |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 55,000 Miles |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 55,000 Miles |
The Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a top choice for snowy conditions, but it comes with a few trade-offs. This tire is on the heavier side and features an aggressive tread pattern, which can affect its on-road handling. However, it’s important to note that not all LT (Light Truck) sizes come with a 3-ply sidewall, so selecting the right size is crucial when considering this tire.
Toyo Open Country R/T Trail - Best Rugged Terrain Tire for Snow
The Toyo Open Country R/T Trail is a next-generation all-terrain tire from Toyo. It’s an excellent choice for individuals who require exceptional off-road traction and desire a rugged appearance for their vehicle.
| Toyo Open Country R/T Trail | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Daily drivers and weekend warriors, 3/4 ton or above truck owner who wants extra off-road traction, Jeep owner who wants to add extra aggressiveness, Regions don’t see ice often, Towing and hauling, |
| Pros | Made in USA Loose ground traction capability, Towing & hauling stability 3-ply sidewall(selected sizes), Reliable winter performance for a non-3PMSF tire, Decent treadwear |
| Cons | Doesn’t have 3PMSF, |
| Vehicle | Lifted trucks, SUVs High-powered diesel pickups |
| Product Page | Toyo Open Country R/T Trail |
| Available Sizes | 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”, 24” |
| Made In | USA |
| Warranty | 45,000 miles |
The Toyo Open Country R/T Trail is classified as a rugged terrain tire and doesn’t feature the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) marking. This designation is less relevant for this tire, especially since it’s primarily used on 3/4-ton or larger pickup trucks that have different requirements. The tire is highly recommended for severe usage. However, it’s important to note that its performance on icy surfaces is not as strong due to its less compact tread pattern.
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac - Best for Commercial Usage
The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is a commercial all-terrain tire designed primarily for heavy-duty applications. While it may not be the most comfortable or long-lasting tire in its category, it stands out for its exceptional snow performance.
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is great tire for a short commute usage. Due to its aggressive pattern, its deep snow and slush performance is amazing. However, it sometimes spins on icy highways. Yet, you have a stud option to get over this.
All-Terrain Tires on Snow and Ice
It’s important to acknowledge that the performance of all-terrain tires on ice is generally average at best. These tires have wide patterns and stiff compounds, which limits their performance on icy surfaces. However, the tires I’ve discussed in this article excel in self-cleaning capabilities, making them more suitable for slushy conditions.
On the other hand, these tires excel in deep and packed snow conditions because of their loose-ground traction capability.
If you wanna learn more about the snow performance of all-terrain tires –> https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-snow/
Conclusion
I’ve shared my favorite all-terrain tires in the market. Before you make a selection here are a couple of points to consider.
- 3PMSF marking is the compound marking. It doesn’t guarantee winter performance.
- 3/4 or above trucks don’t have to look for 3PMSF marking
- I recommend on-road all-terrain tires for SUV and CUVs
- If your priority is on-road performance, on-road all-terrain tires are better option for you
- Don’t use on-road all-terrain tires for towing or hauling
- You can also use the below guide for better understanding
I hope the article was helpful. If you need any further support, please leave a comment below. Have a safe ride folks!
