Super review of winter tires. 52 2021 models with and without studs: prices, features, sizes

Which company is better to choose budget winter tires?

As the cold season approaches, it is important to prepare and choose good winter tires for your car that will help you confidently handle the road in snow, ice and slush. There are many inexpensive brands on the market, but among them there are a lot of fakes and low-quality copies of famous models. In order not to get lost in the variety of budget tires for winter, we present here a rating of the best manufacturers.

Here are some good brands:

• Belshina is a large company in the tire industry, with over 300 tire sizes available in its assortment. It produces products for passenger cars, trucks, large-sized and specialized types of transport. All rubber is manufactured according to the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, DIN EN ISO 9001:2015, STB ISO 9001-2015 and IATF 16949:2016. The company has its own research center, where it constantly develops new technologies. Car tires from this company are durable, reliable and provide comfortable travel in Russian winter conditions.
• Viatti is a new brand that first demonstrated its products in 2010. It is focused on the production of tires in the middle price class, but also produces a number of budget models. The company was founded by the vice president of Continental, who decided to transfer the achievements of the premium segment to the production of relatively inexpensive tires. The company focuses on manufacturability and compliance with European quality standards. The advantages of the brand's products are resistance to significant temperature changes, excellent road handling, good quality material.
• Cordiant is a company that has been producing car tires since 2005 and is aimed at the low and middle price class. It develops rubber primarily for cars and small trucks. The company's products are wear-resistant, as they are based on computer-aided design and a rubber compound of European quality. Most models provide good driving characteristics when driving on snowy, icy and wet roads.
• Kama is the largest domestic brand that has been on the market since 1973. Over decades of work, the company has developed tires in more than 70 sizes. It specializes in producing inexpensive tires that are comparable in quality and grip to most mid-segment models. The company's products are supplied on an ongoing basis to the assembly line of Fiat, Skoda, Volkswagen. Their advantages are considered to be adaptability to domestic conditions and a successful balance of comfortable ride with wear resistance.
• Marshal is a manufacturer with a 36-year history, whose products are supplied to advanced European countries. The company belongs to the Korean manufacturer Kumho. Most tires are first developed in Korea and then sent to the European Technical Center, where they are tested and modified to suit the conditions of all Western countries. The brand aims to produce tires suitable for high-speed travel. He pays the greatest attention to traffic safety, so his tires have good grip on the road and minimal braking distance.
• Roadstone is a subsidiary of Nexen Tire, whose production is located in South Korea, China and the Czech Republic. The brand owns large laboratories, which allows it to constantly offer worthy innovative solutions. All products comply with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 certificates. The company produces budget winter tires for passenger cars, SUVs and light duty vehicles. Their main advantages: soft running, economical fuel consumption, resistance to sudden temperature changes and low-quality road surfaces.
• Firestone is a company with a large range of tires for various purposes. The manufacturer places maximum emphasis on high-quality tire grip on the road in rain, snow and ice. An extensive catalog of standard sizes allows you to choose tires for most car models. Over more than 100 years of operation, the company's products have gained a reputation as safe, durable and comfortable tires with good handling, regardless of external conditions.

The best all-season tires

Rating of the best budget winter tires

Not only the quality and comfort of driving, but also traffic safety depends on car tires during the cold season. First of all, winter tires are required to ensure the responsiveness of the car and its high-quality adhesion to the road surface for the shortest braking distance.

Here are the important parameters for compiling the TOP of the best tires:

• Economical fuel consumption;
• Minimum rolling resistance;
• Ability to get out of ruts;
• Resistance to aquaplaning;
• Effective removal of snow from the tread sipes;
• Large contact patch;
• Resistance to driving on poor-quality road surfaces;
• Maintaining controllability at high speed;
• Wide range of sizes;
• Wear resistance to friction.

In addition to the listed factors, the price-quality ratio was taken into account, which is especially important when choosing budget tires. The rating is also based on reviews from drivers and experts.

The best winter studded tires

The best budget studless winter tires

Non-studded tires are better suited for mild climates where frosts and sudden temperature changes are rare. Their main advantage is comfortable driving on roads with little snow or on open road surfaces.

Belshina Artmotion Snow

The rating of budget winter tires opens with a model from the Belshina brand. Its main advantage is its balanced driving characteristics, making it suitable for safe operation in cold weather. The tires have a deep tread pattern with wide sipes for water drainage. Multidirectionality and a zigzag shape protect the car from aquaplaning even on a wet road with puddles. The moisture removal technology showed itself positively when driving through snow and slush. The rubber does not dig in and distributes the weight well, allowing you to drive where others get stuck. Owners of tires note minimal noise levels, a soft ride and good grip.

Advantages

• Compensates for unevenness on the road without causing severe shaking;
• Silent movement on any surface;
• Goes well in the snow;
• Reliably holds the car in city mud;
• Low wear.

Flaws

• It's not entirely pleasant to drive out of a rut at high speed;
• Confident movement on the highway at speeds up to 110-115 km/h.

The peculiarity of the tread pattern provides comfort for trips in urban conditions, but the rubber is not entirely suitable for long journeys. It is somewhat rolly, which manifests itself when quickly accelerating at high speeds or during sharp turns.

Viatti Brina V-521

This is friction tires for winter with a reliable tread, which is designed for passenger cars. It is characterized by driving comfort, low rolling resistance and high driving safety over road irregularities. The optimal arrangement of the checkers with a small shift towards the edges ensures low-speed operation of the model and helps dampen vibrations when traveling along embankments and roads with a complex configuration. Due to the large number of grooves with different directions, the model quickly removes slush and snow from the contact patch. The design of the lamellas ensures predictable behavior of the car during maneuvers and turns, and also maintains directional stability.

Advantages

• Wear-resistant rubber compound;
• Combined frame with a durable steel breaker;
• Resistance to mechanical damage;
• Elasticity under temperature changes;
• Holds the road well in snow and slush.

Flaws

• Slightly long braking distance;
• Small stones accumulate in the soft lamellas.

Due to the small contact patch, tires are characterized by average driving stability on ice. It is better to use it in regions with a mild climate; in cold parts of the country it is appropriate to install studded tires.

Cordiant Polar SL 175/65 R14 82Q

Buying inexpensive winter tires of this model will be appropriate for owners of passenger cars with 14 wheel diameters. The positive change of the updated rubber is the improvement in the quality of road grip, which was achieved by adjusting the rubber compound and tread pattern. Also, tires are distinguished by their ability to quickly accelerate and brake under different road conditions and temperatures.

There are 2 rows of large blocks installed in the center of the rubber, which improve the traction capabilities of the car. The abundance of grooves on the shoulder areas facilitates the immediate removal of liquid and snow, and also improves directional stability. The symmetrical, arrow-shaped pattern has a positive effect on uniform tire wear.

Advantages

• Optimal contact patch size (medium);
• Soft ride;
• Durable cord and good rubber composition, resistant to mechanical damage;
• Good handling on snow;
• Wear resistance.

Flaws

• Great care must be taken on ice;
• At positive temperatures, rubber can “float”.

These tires are perfect for urban driving conditions, as the rubber easily copes with any snow, provides excellent grip and creates a minimum of noise.

The best studless tires for winter

Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2

Chinese company Sailun is fighting preconceived notions about build quality. In just one year, the company sells more than 10 million tires worldwide, but still remains a mystery to many consumers. Sailun is trying to convey to car owners that their wheels are as good as many of the big brands. In tests in winter conditions, the Ice Blazer WSL2 performs as well as popular tires with a large price premium.

Sailun Velcro tires feel comfortable during skidding, during hard braking and on unclean roads with ice, snow and salt solution. Prices for WSL2 start from 2,600 rubles, but in online stores you can find random discounts and promotional codes that will save money on buying new wheels.

Nexen Winguard Ice

The Nexen Winguard Ice winter tire is designed to provide reliable traction in all weather conditions and a smooth, comfortable ride. Low cost Winguard Ice fits any budget. Stiff outer shoulder blocks and a solid center rib increase steering response and provide additional cornering control throughout the entire speed range.

Nexen Winguard Ice offers 13-19 inch size options with Q (up to 160 km/h) / T (up to 190 km/h) speed ratings. The rubber provides the reliability that drivers look for in cheap tires for everyday use. This is an affordable set of tires for your daily commute.

Pirelli Ice Zero Fr

Ice Zero Fr is the latest model in the winter tire line from the Pirelli factory in 2020/2021. It provides precise handling, short braking distances and increased traction on snow and wet asphalt. Ice Zero Fr is suitable for fans of driving sports coupes and passenger sedans. Pirelli offers more than 7 sizes and are available in various ranges T, H, XL. Even a flat tire remains roadworthy thanks to the reinforced sidewalls.

Pirelli's Ice Zero tire line is well known for its performance. The tire inspires confidence on ice, both when turning and when braking. Prices on Yandex.Market for one wheel from a dealer start from 3,500 rubles with free delivery to any city in Russia.

Michelin X ice 3

Winter non-studded Velcro tires X ice 3 from Michelin are designed to save fuel and are widely used for cars of Honda, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and others. This is an excellent option for replacing old tires on cars and SUVs. Five circumferential grooves combined with independent tread blocks provide improved handling on snowy roads.

A comfortable ride is what Michelin tire users expect. Road noise is minimal and the highway ride is smooth. Materials and workmanship are guaranteed for 6 years and include free replacement until severe wear occurs. Michelin X ice 3 takes 7th place in the ranking of the best winter tires in Russia according to car owners.

Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8

The Winter Maxx SJ8 features responsive handling and stability, reliable cornering grip and good grip on dry and wet roads. Dunlop uses a special tread compound that improves handling, braking and acceleration. The steering is quick and responsive, and tire stability at high speeds is very good. The Velcro tire performs confidently in harsh winter conditions and at low temperatures.

Prices for Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8 start from 7,500 rubles, but in online stores you can find seasonal sales and promotions with discounts of up to 15%. The UK manufacturer guarantees replacement tires or monetary compensation if the tires are punctured, cut or ruptured during operation.

Continental ContiViking Contact 7

ContiVikingContact 7 is a studless tire for ice and snow designed for sedans, coupes, crossovers and minivans. With the Continental you get good braking on icy roads and excellent handling on powdery snow. The studless wheel is great for dry surfaces and produces less noise when driving on the highway. Rolling resistance has been reduced by three percent compared to its predecessor.

If a Continental tire punctures, it automatically seals its holes up to five millimeters in diameter. It is protected from hydroplaning and also has a shorter braking distance when wet. The manufacturer recommends purchasing a complete set of tires for optimal performance on the road.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2

Hakkapeliitta R2 is a new model in the growing range of high-quality winter tires without studs, which are presented on the Russian car market. The tire is designed with performance, safety and grip in mind, as well as a smoother, more comfortable driving experience. The advanced wheel composition softens the impact of road defects and potholes.

Nokian offers sizes from 13 to 21 inches, with a Q speed rating for all sizes. All tires come with a lifetime extended warranty. Nokian engineers have put a lot of effort into a new studless tire for challenging northern conditions and with fuel efficiency level "A".

Bridgestone Blizzak VRX

Bridgestone's Blizzak VRX is used primarily on passenger cars such as Toyota, Dodge, Suzuki and other popular brands. Thanks to the unique composition of the rubber compound, braking and acceleration on ice and snow are improved, and the tread life is increased. Its asymmetrical pattern helps the wheel to better grip the road surface.

Blizzak VRX is an inexpensive tire for daily commuting in a city sedan or premium car. The manufacturer guarantees to replace the tire after a puncture, cut, swelling of the sidewall and rupture when purchasing a set (from 4 pieces). To do this, you need to activate the extended warranty for the product on the Bridgestone website.

Yokohama Ice Guard IG50

User selection

Yokohama is known worldwide as a true revolutionary in the tire industry. Therefore, it is not surprising that Ice Guard IG50 received a lot of positive reviews in the rating of studless tires. The manufacturer made sure that the wheels could withstand the harsh Russian winter. The considerable cost of a tire raises questions among consumers, but it greatly depends on the type of car and the chosen online store.

Professionals and car enthusiasts from all over the world highly appreciate the comfort of Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 tires. The asymmetrical tread design handles confidently on snowy roads, and a special moisture-absorbing compound prevents hydroplaning. The Yokohama tire was included in the list of TOP 20 best options for any car for 2021.

The best budget winter tires with studs

It is recommended to buy studded tires in regions with frequent frosts and icy roads. Its main advantage is its ability to provide good grip on slippery ice. Tires with studs grip much better on smooth surfaces than their non-studded counterparts, but they also create more noise.

KAMA Kama-Euro-519 175/70 R13 82T

If you want to buy inexpensive winter tires that would provide reliable grip on roads covered with snow and ice, Kama-Euro-519 is a good choice, because it retains its elasticity even in severe frosts. The two-layer tread promotes good handling in domestic conditions.

The bottom layer is made of high-strength rubber, which in combination with studs allows you to maintain stability on the road. The top coating with a tread pattern provides a smooth ride at low temperatures. Although the sidewall of the rubber is elastic, it easily withstands impacts without the appearance of gulps.

Advantages

• Good grip on ice;
• Short braking distance;
• If it goes into a skid, it does so smoothly, allowing the driver to react;
• Quiet running;
• Makes it easy to get out of ruts.

Flaws

• Requires running-in, during which performance is reduced;
• On a clean road it does not behave very stable under strong acceleration.

If you need to buy car tires at a low price and for several seasons in advance, then this model is perfect; on average, it lasts for five winters.

Marshal WinterCraft Ice WI31

Marshal studded tires are distinguished by a high degree of safety and reliability. The tires acquired the listed properties due to the special composition of the rubber, which does not change its characteristics when the temperature drops and always remains elastic. The aggressive tread design with multi-directional sipes ensures reliable traction even during lateral contact. Rubber is produced with a large number of solid blocks and wide channels only on the sides, which guarantees a large contact patch and the ability to perform relatively complex maneuvers.

Advantages

• Minimum noise;
• Confident braking on snow and ice;
• Excellent car handling;
• Durable spikes that fall out very rarely;
• Durable material.

Flaws

• When changing lanes abruptly, you need to be careful;
• The spikes don't dig deep enough into the ice.

A special feature of the model is the specific placement of wedge-shaped studs, which provide excellent handling on packed snow and on icy roads. The presence of notches on them improves stability even at high speeds.

Roadstone Winguard Spike

If you need winter tires that are inexpensive, but with excellent driving performance, then the model from Roadstone is the right solution. The tread demonstrates excellent grip on ice and snowy roads. The key advantage of the tires is the 12-row stud system, which protects against skidding, rolling, and skidding and guarantees excellent handling and traffic safety.

The arrow-shaped pattern improves the car's responsiveness on any type of surface, even with temperature changes. Numerous longitudinal channels are responsible for the effective removal of fluid from the contact patch and prevent the gliding effect. The V-shaped pattern is durable, which makes the machine move more confidently.

Advantages

• 12 rows of spikes;
• Holds the car well on ice;
• Wave-shaped slats improve control over transport;
• Minimal wear resistance;
• Acoustic comfort of passengers.

Flaws

• On ice, slippage sometimes occurs;
• Heavy tires slightly increase consumption and acceleration speed.

Rubber provides strong grip on the road, but only with spikes. If they wear out or fall out, the tires become slippery. True, 12-row studs disappear for a very long time and rarely.

Firestone Ice Cruiser 7 195/65 R15 91T

The Ice Cruiser 7 model is a budget analogue of the Ice Cruiser 7000. The tires have a continuous rib in the center with small notches to remove moisture. Large checkers with deep slats are installed in the shoulder area for quick drainage. Tire owners note its excellent grip on asphalt, high maneuverability and directional stability. The fine-pored rubber compound is wear-resistant and has effective contact with the road surface, which has a positive effect on the responsiveness of the braking system.

Advantages

• High cross-country ability on ice and snow;
• Tendency to self-cleaning of tread grooves;
• Control stability;
• Impact and puncture resistant;
• Brakes well on all types of surfaces.

Flaws

• Creates a slight noise;
• Hard tires will cause slight vibrations on uneven roads.

Separately, it should be noted the reliable fixation of the spikes. Owners who have driven these tires for a season often note that none of the four wheels loses studs.

The best studded budget tires

Nokian Nordman 5

The famous Finnish manufacturer Nokian is known not only for premium models, but also for budget models that can compete with mid-range tires. Despite the fact that the fifth Nordman was released more than ten years ago, its good characteristics continue to attract car owners. The main advantage is the excellent handling of the car in bad weather. Drivers who have tested the northerner's strength note that the car continues to respond well even on ice and maintain a low braking distance. The secret of this success is the tread configuration with a directional pattern and a pronounced rib in the central part of the tire. Directional stability remains stable thanks to the lateral edges, and the wide block grooves quickly wash away all dirt from the rubber surface.

Nokian Nordman 5 reviews

Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000S

This tire from a Japanese manufacturer is suitable for both SUVs and cars. The undeniable advantage of these tires, which most drivers and experts note, is the improved system for draining water from the contact patch, which reliably protects the wheels from the slashplaning effect. The directional tread pattern consists of large blocks and transverse sipes, which, in combination with rigid shoulder areas, help the vehicle to have strong grip on the road and better handling in slippery conditions during icy conditions or on compacted snow. As the load changes, the grooves will expand and contract, which maintains the shape of the wheel and helps it stay on course on rough roads. Users also praise the durability of the rubber and the resistance of the “thorn” to falling out over several seasons.

Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000S reviews

Toyo Observe Ice-Freezer

The tire from the Japanese company Toyo is designed for small and medium-class passenger cars. The main point that experts paid attention to is the enlarged flange of the stud, which sinks into the rubber and holds it firmly at the base. The pin has become smaller and now interacts more softly with the road surface. For better contact with the road, this model is equipped with a directional V-shaped tread pattern. The wheels cope well with longitudinal and lateral grip and do not wander at high speeds, thanks to the arrow-shaped blocks of the central part. The sipes are scattered not only along the contact patch, but also on the sidewalls, which allows the car to more easily take turns in the slipperiest areas.

Reviews of Toyo Observe Ice-Freezer

Hankook Winter i*Pike RS2

This model from the Korean manufacturer is distinguished by its rich tread pattern, equipped with hexagonal blocks in the center. It promotes better contact even on compacted snow or ice. Water is quickly removed by drainage grooves, which are indispensable on wet asphalt and when driving through puddles. The shoulder areas help when driving through snowdrifts - they compact and accumulate snow chips and ice. Experts call this budget model the best for walking on bare ice - the studs are located not only along the edges, but also along the edges in as many as twelve rows.

Reviews of Hankook Winter i*Pike RS2

Pirelli Ice Zero

The products of Italian craftsmen can be easily recognized by their tread pattern. It is filled with pentagonal checkers and many lamellas, which improve the car's stability on the track and quickly drain water. The shape of the spikes is also remarkable: at the leading edge the edge has a wide edge, with the help of which the rotation is slowed down; on the back there are diamond-shaped spikes. With them, the car takes off faster and stays more confident on slippery sections of the road. Drivers who used Ice Zero, if it falls out, it is extremely slow.

Reviews of Pirelli Ice Zero

Marshal WinterCraft Ice WI31

A car in Marshal tires is protected from slipping on ice and on a packed snow track; the car holds firmly on a slippery surface and does not deviate from the trajectory even with lateral contact. It's all about the unique tread design with multi-directional sipes, solid blocks and side channels, with the help of which everyone can handle any maneuver. The rubber compound protects the tire from freezing in the cold; at any temperature it remains soft and elastic.

Reviews of Marshal WinterCraft Ice WI31

Cordiant Snow Cross

The rubber mixture contains a lot of silicon, which protects tires from wear. Silica protects rubber from destruction at low temperatures, allowing it to better maintain stability on ice and wet surfaces. During testing, the tire showed good results in braking and starting from an icy road.

Reviews of Cordiant Snow Cross

Roadstone WinGuard WinSpike

The low price of the Roadstone product hides a lot of capabilities of this budget model. The directional, arrow-shaped tread design provides good traction on ice and compacted snow. The car does not skid and quickly responds to steering turns. The main feature of this tire is its generous 12-row tread, which prevents the car from losing control on icy and wet surfaces. The rubber is generously studded with drainage grooves, which quickly and effectively cope with liquid and prevent the effect of aquaplaning.

Which budget winter tires are best to buy?

Even with a limited budget, you can choose good car tires that will ensure safe driving on snow and ice. When searching for a suitable model, it is important to focus on driving style, operating conditions and regional climate characteristics.

This is the purpose of the tires listed above:

• For city trips in a temperate climate, it is better to take the Belshina Artmotion Snow.
• If you plan periodic trips outside the city, in places with a mild climate it is wise to use the Viatti Brina V-521.
• When choosing quiet tires for driving in snow and mud, you should pay attention to the Cordiant Polar SL 175/65 R14 82Q.
• For an imposing driving style on icy roads, KAMA Kama-Euro-519 175/70 R13 82T tires are well suited.
• When selecting studded tires that perform well both on icy roads and on asphalt, it is better to take Marshal WinterCraft Ice WI31.
• If you like a soft ride in winter and a relaxed driving style, then the Roadstone Winguard Spike would be the ideal option.
• If you need durable tires with studs that won’t fall out even after many seasons, then Firestone Ice Cruiser 7 195/65 R15 91T comes to the rescue.

Listed above are the best inexpensive winter tires for the most popular applications. All of them provide good grip on the road, and studded versions hold the car securely even on ice. When choosing tires, the priority is always the speed, maneuverability and resistance of tires to different weather conditions. However, in winter the most important criterion is safety.

What are the best winter tires to buy for an SUV in 2021?

Of course, each driver decides for himself which winter tires to buy for his SUV, but thanks to this article, we hope you will be able to highlight important points. You can make the right choice based on the following parameters: driving style, climatic conditions, vehicle weight, etc. Be sure to take all this into account when buying tires and don’t forget about safety precautions! No matter how reliable the wheels are, you should not exceed the speed limit. After all, at any moment something can go wrong and people will suffer from it.

The main rule that you should never forget: don’t skimp on buying tires. If the budget does not allow you to “diverge,” then our opinion on the leaders in different segments is as follows:

1. Good budget winter tires – Nokian Tires Nordman 7 SUV;
2. Inexpensive tires with spikes - Nexen-Roadstone Winguard WinSpike WS62;
3. The best tires for a crossover are Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02 SUV;
4. Winter tires for price and quality – Continental ContiVikingContact 6 SUV.