We defeat the elements. TOP-5 best winter tires for crossovers

Many Ukrainian drivers mention that it is time to change tires only when the first snow falls. Well, it hasn’t snowed yet this year, but it’s promised soon. So it’s time to talk about winter tires.

For example, about the best winter tires for the most popular car category today.

So, which winter tire to buy this year for a crossover.

The best winter tires for a crossover in 2024

Crossovers and off-road vehicles make special demands on rubber. As a rule, such cars are larger and heavier than cars. Therefore, even during operation on asphalt, the load on the tires is increased.

And of course, off-road. Many modern crossovers are clean “SUVs”, which behave like ordinary sedans and hatchbacks even on banal dirt or light snow. But more serious crossovers and real SUVs (although there are quite a few of them left) often allow the driver to safely drive off the asphalt. Here is the additional load on the tires. Especially in winter, when snow and ice are added to road irregularities.

In short, no matter what crossover you drive, you need special tires made for SUVs.

Here are five options that the experts at Tire Reviews advise you to choose this winter.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

From 5200 hryvnias

These tires from a well-known brand have become the experts’ favorite in the overall standings.

Even though they ranked first in only one of the more than 15 categories that Tire Review experts evaluate tires in. Namely, Continental WinterContact TS 870 P became the best in the Rolling resistance category.

But in most of the main categories, these tires entered the first three or five. For example, they took second place in handling on snow, third in braking on wet asphalt, third in handling on dry asphalt and wet asphalt, and fifth in braking in snow.

In general, experts called the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P the most balanced offer for crossovers. Their disadvantages include loudness and insufficient resistance to aquaplaning.

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

From 6600 hryvnias

These expensive tires from a well-known brand are available “the default choice” for many owners of premium cars. And not for nothing.

These tires were among the leaders in many nominations of this study. In particular, they took first place in such nominations as handling on snow, braking on a wet surface, loudness.

According to experts, the main disadvantage of the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is the high price of these tires.

They are not cheap even in regular sizes – from UAH 6,000 in the size of R18/

But especially “it becomes “biting” when it comes to large sizes – from R20 and above with a low profile and a high speed index. A set of such tires for a car in Ukraine today can cost 60-80 thousand UAH.

Hankook Winter i cept evo 3 X

From 4900 hryvnias

Every year, Hankook tires become more and more popular, and experts tend to explain this with a good price-quality ratio.

Tire Review experts note that the Hankook Winter i cept evo 3 X performed best in the categories Handling on dry asphalt and Braking on snow. These tires did the worst in the loudness test, where they took only 9th place.

Their quite democratic price for many consumers justifies this shortcoming, experts believe.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

From 3400 hryvnias

These tires are a solid average in most nominations, but took a prestigious 2nd place in the categories related to the behavior of the car on wet asphalt (steering, braking, aquaplaning). Experts also noted decent indicators in terms of volume level (4th place in the rating).

Prices for these tires are not particularly expensive. In short, Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is a good choice for someone who is ready to make some compromises, but wants to get a balanced tire for reasonable money.

Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV

From 4500 hryvnias

Nokian, one of the most beloved Ukrainian tire brands, also made it to the top of Tire Review’s rating. Tires with the telling name Snowproof 2 SUV ended up in the final fifth place in the rating.

They excelled on snow and wet surfaces, in particular, becoming the leader in the Aquaplaning category. And in terms of volume, they came out on the 2nd line.

Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV tires are not cheap, but they contribute to a comfortable ride and increase safety on wet asphalt, experts say.