How We Chose
For US light truck and pickup owners, winter tyres must deliver confidence in snow, ice, and slush while supporting heavy loads. Our top 10 list is based on:
- Safety: Braking and handling in winter conditions.
- Wet Grip: Performance on rain, slush, and thawed roads.
- Snow Capability: Traction in deep snow and on packed ice.
- Comfort/Noise: Ride quality and in-cabin noise levels.
- Durability: Tread life, resistance to chipping and uneven wear.
- Economy: Value for money, including fuel efficiency and mileage.
- Regulatory Ratings: Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF), Siped tread, UTQG for all-season variants.
1. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 — Dependable Traction for Extreme Winters
Why it stands out
The Blizzak DM-V2 is a benchmark winter tyre for light trucks and SUVs, providing superior snow and ice grip thanks to its specialized Multi-Cell compound and aggressive tread blocks. Its reputation for safety and control in harsh conditions makes it a frequent top choice.
Best for
- Drivers in regions with frequent snow and ice
- Pickups/SUVs needing maximum winter safety
Key notes
- Season/Type: Studless winter
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 245/75R16, 275/55R20
- Strengths: Ice/snow braking, predictable handling
- Trade-offs: Tread may wear faster in warm temps
2. Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV — Premium Comfort Meets Winter Security
Why it stands out
Michelin’s X-Ice Snow SUV brings consistent winter performance with long tread life, quiet ride, and reliable grip in snow and ice. The EverWinter compound balances flexibility and durability, making it a premium yet practical choice.
Best for
- Drivers prioritizing low noise and comfort
- Frequent highway commuters
Key notes
- Season/Type: Studless winter
- Popular sizes: 265/60R18, 275/65R18, 255/70R16
- Strengths: Quiet, long-lasting, fuel efficient
- Trade-offs: Premium price
3. Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 — Nordic-Engineered for Deep Snow
Why it stands out
Designed for the harshest winter climates, the Hakkapeliitta LT3 offers deep snow traction and excellent stud retention. Its Aramid-reinforced sidewalls resist cuts and punctures, making it ideal for rugged use and plow duty.
Best for
- Northern states, mountain regions
- Fleet trucks, work trucks, off-road winter use
Key notes
- Season/Type: Studdable winter
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/70R18, 245/75R16
- Strengths: Extreme snow/ice traction, durability
- Trade-offs: Higher noise, requires stud installation for max performance
4. Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter — Versatile and Affordable
Why it stands out
The Ultra Grip Winter is a value-oriented tyre with solid snow and ice performance. Its directional tread design and full-depth sipes provide good cornering and braking, making it a reliable upgrade from all-seasons.
Best for
- Budget-conscious drivers
- Occasional winter conditions
Key notes
- Season/Type: Studdable winter
- Popular sizes: 245/75R16, 265/70R17, 235/75R15
- Strengths: Price, versatile fitment
- Trade-offs: Softer handling at highway speeds
5. Continental VikingContact 7 — Balanced Performance for Mixed Winters
Why it stands out
The VikingContact 7 offers a blend of performance in snow, wet, and cold dry conditions. Its flexible Nordic compound and unique tread geometry deliver responsive steering and reliable grip, particularly when roads alternate between snow and slush.
Best for
- Urban/suburban drivers
- Regions with mixed winter precipitation
Key notes
- Season/Type: Studless winter
- Popular sizes: 255/60R18, 265/65R17, 225/75R16
- Strengths: Wet and slush traction, quiet ride
- Trade-offs: Not available in all LT sizes
6. Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw — Made for American Winters
Why it stands out
Specifically designed for US winter roads, the Snow Claw features deep tread and Snow-Groove technology for biting grip in snow and slush. It’s a popular choice among light truck owners seeking value and durability.
Best for
- Drivers in snowy Midwest or Northeast
- Owners needing confident performance on rural roads
Key notes
- Season/Type: Studdable winter
- Popular sizes: 275/60R20, 265/70R17, 245/75R16
- Strengths: Deep snow traction, value
- Trade-offs: Slightly higher rolling resistance
7. Firestone Winterforce LT — Heavy-Duty Value
Why it stands out
The Winterforce LT is a workhorse for pickups and vans, with a robust construction to handle towing and payloads. Full-depth tread features and studdable design ensure grip over long winters at a competitive price.
Best for
- Fleets, contractors, and work trucks
- Towing in winter conditions
Key notes
- Season/Type: Studdable winter
- Popular sizes: 245/75R16, 265/70R17, 235/85R16
- Strengths: Durability, heavy-duty load capacity
- Trade-offs: Louder at highway speeds, ride firmness
8. General Grabber Arctic LT — All-Around Winter Performer
Why it stands out
The Grabber Arctic LT delivers consistent winter performance for light trucks and commercial vehicles. With an optimized tread for snow evacuation and studdable lugs, it’s a top choice for stability and safety on icy roads.
Best for
- Drivers facing regular ice and packed snow
- Commercial vans and pickups
Key notes
- Season/Type: Studdable winter
- Popular sizes: 265/75R16, 245/70R17, 235/85R16
- Strengths: Versatile, tough construction
- Trade-offs: Best with studs for maximum ice grip
9. Toyo Open Country WLT1 — Durable for Heavy Loads
Why it stands out
Engineered for commercial and HD trucks, the Open Country WLT1 features a strong casing and wide tread pattern for stability under heavy loads. Its compound resists wear and chipping, making it suitable for frequent haulers and snow plows.
Best for
- Heavy-duty pickups, work vans
- Long-distance drivers in snowy climates
Key notes
- Season/Type: Studless winter
- Popular sizes: 245/75R16, 265/70R17, 275/65R18
- Strengths: Load support, tread longevity
- Trade-offs: Firmer ride, less sporty handling
10. Falken WildPeak A/T3W — All-Terrain with Real Winter Credentials
Why it stands out
For light truck owners seeking all-terrain versatility with winter capability, the A/T3W is 3PMSF-rated and delivers solid grip on snow and ice. Its aggressive tread and silica compound make it a year-round solution for mixed use, including off-road excursions.
Best for
- Drivers needing off-road traction and winter readiness
- One-tyre solution for varying conditions
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, 3PMSF winter rated
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/60R20, 245/75R16
- Strengths: Off-road durability, winter safety
- Trade-offs: Slightly less ice grip than dedicated winters
Buying Tips
- Fitment: Always match tyre size, load, and speed rating to vehicle specs. Check owner’s manual or door jamb placard before buying.
- Speed/Load Index: Winter tyres for trucks often have higher load ratings (LT-metric). Never downgrade from OE specifications.
- Rotations: Rotate every 5,000–8,000 miles to ensure even tread wear, especially with heavier vehicles.
- Storage: Store off-season tyres in a cool, dry place, stacked flat or hung, and away from direct sunlight or chemicals.
- Alignment: Have alignment checked when switching to or from winter tyres to prevent premature wear and maximize handling.
Verdict
Your ideal winter tyre depends on your driving environment, budget, and vehicle use:
- For maximum snow and ice safety: Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 or Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 (especially in northern states and rural areas).
- For comfort and longevity: Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV or Continental VikingContact 7.
- For heavy-duty or commercial needs: Toyo Open Country WLT1, Firestone Winterforce LT, or General Grabber Arctic LT.
- For all-terrain and year-round versatility: Falken WildPeak A/T3W (if winter conditions are moderate).
- For value-focused buyers: Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter or Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw.
Always prioritize safety and ensure your tyres are installed and maintained by professionals. Investing in quality winter tyres for your light truck or pickup pays off in control, confidence, and peace of mind on the road.
For someone on a tighter budget, are there any options on this list that reliably balance winter traction with longer tread life, without the premium price tag of the Michelin?
If you’re watching your budget, the General Grabber Arctic and Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw are solid choices from the list. Both offer dependable winter traction and are known for reasonable tread life, but come at a more affordable price compared to the Michelin. They’re popular among drivers looking for value without sacrificing too much on performance.
For those of us who mostly drive light trucks on the highway but occasionally face heavy snow, would the Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV be a better choice than the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 given its focus on comfort and noise?
If highway comfort and low noise are priorities for you, the Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV is a strong choice. It offers excellent winter traction along with a quieter, more comfortable ride compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2, which focuses more on peak snow and ice grip. For mostly highway driving with only occasional snow, the Michelin could suit your needs better.
Can you recommend which of these tires offers the best combination of snow traction and fuel efficiency for someone running a small landscaping business through the winter?
For a small landscaping business needing both strong snow traction and good fuel efficiency, the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate stands out from the list. It’s well-regarded for its reliable grip in winter conditions and is designed to minimize rolling resistance, which helps with fuel economy. This tire strikes a good balance for light trucks and pickups used in demanding winter work.
For a pickup that carries heavier loads, do any of these top tyres offer reinforced sidewalls or specific load-rated options, particularly in the sizes you listed like 275/55R20?
Yes, several tyres on the list come in load-rated options suitable for heavier pickups. For example, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 and the Michelin X-Ice Snow are both available in LT (Light Truck) versions with reinforced sidewalls and higher load ratings, including sizes like 275/55R20. Always check the specific tyre’s ‘Load Range’ (such as E or XL) to match your load requirements.
Does the Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 come in a version suitable for occasional off-road use, or is it just designed for snow and ice performance?
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 is primarily designed for excellent performance on snow and ice, but it does feature a robust construction and a reinforced tread that can handle occasional off-road use. However, if you need a tire for frequent off-roading, you might want to consider a model specifically built for that purpose.
For those of us on a tight budget, are there any options in your list that still meet the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake standard without the premium price tag?
Yes, a few tyres from the list meet the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake standard and are reasonably priced. The General Grabber Arctic and the Firestone Winterforce LT are both budget-friendly choices that still provide certified winter performance for light trucks and pickups.
How do the costs for these recommended winter tyres compare when buying a full set for a Silverado 1500? I’m trying to figure out how much to budget.
The exact cost depends on the brand and size you choose, but for a Silverado 1500, expect to pay between $600 and $1,200 for a full set of the winter tyres listed in the article. Prices vary due to features and tread technology. Be sure to factor in mounting and balancing fees, which are usually extra.