If you drive an SUV through real winters but do not want to swap to dedicated snow tires every November, you need an all season tire that actually earns its name. We focused on SUV-sized all season tires that carry the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating, which means they passed a real snow traction test rather than just claiming “all weather” on the sidewall. That rating is the single biggest separator between a tire that crawls up a snowy driveway and one that spins.
We ranked these seven on cold-weather grip, wet braking, tread life, road noise, and how confident they feel on a slushy on-ramp at highway speed. Every pick here is a genuine SUV and crossover fitment you can find on Amazon today. We left out summer-biased touring tires and pure off-road mud tires, because neither is what you want when the forecast says snow and you still have a school run to make.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Michelin CrossClimate2 Best Overall 3PMSF rated, V-formation directional tread, 60,000-mile warranty on most sizes |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Continental CrossContact LX25 Best for Crossovers Symmetric tread, EcoPlus compound, up to 70,000-mile treadwear warranty |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Best Wet and Snow Balance 3PMSF rated, asymmetric tread with Evolving Traction Grooves, 60,000-mile warranty |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 Best Deep Snow Traction Studless winter SUV tire, Multicell compound, 3PMSF rated |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II Best Highway Comfort All season SUV touring tire, optimized footprint, up to 70,000-mile warranty |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail Best Light Off-Road 3PMSF rated crossover all-terrain, 65,000-mile warranty, sidewall protection |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S Best All-Terrain Value 3PMSF rated all-terrain, 65,000-mile warranty, Adaptive-Traction Technology |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Michelin CrossClimate2: Best Overall
The CrossClimate2 is the tire we keep coming back to when an SUV owner says they want one set that handles everything. It carries the 3PMSF rating, but unlike many all-weather tires it does not trade away dry and wet performance to get there. The V-formation directional tread bites into packed snow and clears slush quickly, while the cold-flexible compound keeps the rubber gripping when temperatures drop into the 30s and below. On a mid-size SUV it feels planted rather than vague, and the wet braking is the best in this group by a clear margin.
The honest weakness is that this is not a true winter tire. In deep, unplowed snow or on glare ice at low temperatures, a dedicated studless winter set will still out-grip it. You are also paying a premium, and on a large heavy SUV some owners report tread life landing slightly below the mileage warranty figure if you rotate infrequently. For most people who see occasional to moderate snow, though, this is the most well-rounded choice you can bolt on.
- 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certified for verified snow traction
- Directional V-shaped tread channels slush and water away fast
- Thermal Adaptive compound stays pliable in near-freezing temps
Pros: Genuinely strong snow and ice grip for an all season tire; Class-leading wet braking that holds up as the tread wears; Quiet and composed at highway speed on a heavy SUV
Cons: Premium tier, so it sits at the top of the budget range; Not a substitute for dedicated winter tires in deep mountain snow
2. Continental CrossContact LX25: Best for Crossovers
The CrossContact LX25 is Continental’s comfort-and-mileage play for crossovers, and it nails the brief for owners who mostly see wet roads and the occasional snow day. The symmetric tread and EcoPlus compound deliver a quiet, planted ride with low rolling resistance, and the wide grooves do a good job clearing rain and slush before it can lift the contact patch. For a daily-driven family crossover that needs to feel calm on the highway and still get up a snowy incline, it is an easy tire to live with.
The caveat to watch is the snow rating. Not every size of the LX25 carries the 3PMSF symbol, so if winter grip is your top priority you need to confirm the specific size you are buying is the snow-certified version. It is also tuned more for light winter use than for serious storms, so people in heavy snowbelt regions may want one of the more aggressive picks lower on this list. Within its comfort-touring lane, though, the longevity and ride quality are excellent.
- Designed specifically for crossovers and SUVs with comfort tuning
- EcoPlus technology balances grip, low rolling resistance, and wear
- Wide circumferential grooves resist hydroplaning in slush and rain
Pros: Very long tread life backed by a strong mileage warranty; Smooth, quiet ride that suits family crossovers; Confident wet and light-snow traction for everyday driving
Cons: Standard version is not 3PMSF, so confirm the snow-rated fitment; Light-snow focused rather than built for heavy winter conditions
3. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady: Best Wet and Snow Balance
Goodyear built the Assurance WeatherReady to be the one-set-fits-all-seasons answer, and for SUV owners it delivers. It carries the 3PMSF rating, and the standout engineering touch is the Evolving Traction Grooves, which actually widen as the tire wears so that snow and water clearing does not fall off a cliff at half tread. That matters on an SUV that you might keep for four or five winters. Wet braking is strong, light-to-moderate snow grip is dependable, and the biting edges give it real confidence on slushy roads.
Where it gives a little back is refinement. The dry steering feel is a touch softer and less precise than the CrossClimate2, and as the tire ages some owners notice a modest increase in road noise on coarse highway surfaces. Those are reasonable trade-offs given how consistently it handles wet and winter conditions across its life, and it is one of the better-balanced all season options for a snow-prone SUV that does not want a premium price tag.
- 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated for certified snow traction
- Evolving Traction Grooves widen as the tire wears to keep grip
- Sweeping tread grooves and biting edges improve wet and snow control
Pros: Reliable year-round traction without seasonal tire swaps; Holds wet and snow performance well as tread depth drops; Solid all-around value for the warranty and capability
Cons: Highway noise rises slightly as the tread ages; Dry handling feel is softer than the Michelin
4. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2: Best Deep Snow Traction
If your version of winter means unplowed mountain passes and genuine deep snow, the Blizzak DM-V2 is the most capable tire on this list when the temperature actually drops. It is a studless winter tire designed for SUVs, and the Multicell compound is the secret: microscopic pores pull the thin water film off ice so the rubber can grip rather than skate. The aggressive siping digs into packed snow and slush in a way no true all season tire can match, and braking on cold slick roads is in a different class.
The trade-off is right there in the name. This is a winter tire, not an all season, so it belongs on the SUV from late fall to early spring and should come off when the warm months arrive. Run it through summer heat and the soft, grippy compound wears down quickly and gets noisier. We include it because plenty of snow-belt SUV owners search for an all season and genuinely need a dedicated winter set instead, and if that is you, this is the one to put on a separate set of wheels.
- Multicell compound grips ice by wicking the water film away
- Aggressive sipe pattern bites into packed snow and slush
- Engineered specifically for SUV and truck winter traction
Pros: Outstanding deep-snow and ice grip, the best here in true winter; Confident braking on cold, slick surfaces; Purpose-built tread that clears heavy snow effectively
Cons: A winter-season tire, not a year-round all season; Softer compound wears faster if used in warm weather
5. Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II: Best Highway Comfort
The Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II is the pick for SUV owners whose winters are more cold-and-wet than buried-in-snow, and who put a premium on a hushed, comfortable highway ride. Pirelli optimized the footprint to spread load evenly, which gives long, predictable wear and a genuinely smooth, quiet experience even on a heavier SUV. The low rolling resistance helps fuel economy on long commutes, and wet grip is solid in rain and light slush. For mild-winter regions, it is a refined and long-lasting touring choice.
You need to be clear-eyed about its limits, though. This is a standard all season tire, not a 3PMSF-rated all weather one, so its light-snow capability is just that, light. In real accumulation or on icy mornings it will not give you the confidence of the CrossClimate2 or WeatherReady. If you live where snow is occasional and roads get plowed quickly, the comfort and mileage make it worth a look. If you face regular winter storms, step up to one of the snow-rated options instead.
- Optimized contact patch spreads load for even, long wear
- Low rolling resistance compound improves fuel economy
- Refined tread pattern keeps highway noise low and ride smooth
Pros: Exceptionally quiet and comfortable on long highway drives; Long tread life with a strong mileage warranty; Good wet grip and light-snow capability for milder winters
Cons: Not 3PMSF rated, so light snow only, not heavy winter; Snow traction trails the dedicated winter-capable picks
6. Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail: Best Light Off-Road
The Wildpeak A/T Trail is the crossover-oriented all-terrain in Falken’s lineup, and it is a smart choice for SUV owners who hit snowy back roads, gravel, and the occasional trail rather than just paved commutes. It carries the 3PMSF rating, so the snow traction is verified, not marketing, and the full-depth siping keeps that grip available deep into the tread life. On snowy forest roads or a slushy unplowed lane it has a ruggedness and bite that touring tires simply cannot match, plus tougher shoulders that shrug off curbs and gravel.
The compromise is comfort. Because it is built tougher and grippier off-road, it generates more road noise and a slightly firmer ride than a pure highway tire like the Pirelli or Continental. On smooth pavement at speed you will hear it more, and the steering feel is a hair less plush. For a crossover that splits time between snowy roads and light trails, that trade is well worth it, but pavement-only drivers will be happier with a quieter touring pick.
- 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated for verified snow traction
- All-terrain tread tuned for crossovers and lighter SUVs
- Full-depth siping and grooves clear snow, mud, and water
Pros: Rare combination of snow rating and light off-road capability; Confident on gravel, dirt, and snowy back roads; Tougher tread and shoulder than a pure touring tire
Cons: More road noise than a dedicated highway touring tire; Slightly firmer ride from the more rugged construction
7. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S: Best All-Terrain Value
The Discoverer AT3 4S is Cooper’s four-season all-terrain, and it delivers a lot of capability for SUV and truck owners who want winter traction plus the ruggedness to leave the pavement. It is 3PMSF rated, so snow grip is genuine, and the Adaptive-Traction tread is designed to shift its behavior across dry, wet, and snowy surfaces. The stone-ejecting grooves and tough casing make it a dependable choice for snowy gravel roads and light trails, and it backs that with a long mileage warranty that is generous for an all-terrain.
As with any all-terrain, the price of that off-road toughness is on-road manners. It runs noisier than a dedicated touring tire, the ride is firmer, and its wet-pavement braking does not reach the level of the CrossClimate2 or LX25. For an SUV that regularly tackles snow-covered back roads and the occasional trail, it is a strong value pick. For a vehicle that mostly lives on the highway, a smoother touring tire higher on this list will serve you better day to day.
- 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated for real winter traction
- Adaptive-Traction tread adjusts grip across wet, dry, and snow
- Durable construction with strong stone-ejecting groove design
Pros: Strong snow grip and all-terrain toughness for the value; Long mileage warranty for an all-terrain tire; Capable on dirt, gravel, and snow-covered roads
Cons: Noisier and firmer than highway touring tires; Wet pavement grip trails the premium on-road picks
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 3PMSF rating mean and why does it matter for snow?
The 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol is a small mountain-and-snowflake icon on the tire sidewall, and it means the tire passed a standardized snow traction test. A regular all season tire with the older M+S (mud and snow) marking has not necessarily passed that test, so M+S alone is not a reliable snow indicator. For an SUV that has to move confidently in real winter weather, the 3PMSF rating is the single most important thing to look for, because it certifies measured snow grip rather than a marketing claim. Five of our seven picks carry it, and the two that do not are best reserved for milder, light-snow regions.
Are all season tires good enough, or do I need dedicated winter tires?
It depends on how severe your winters are. If you see occasional snow on roads that get plowed quickly, a quality 3PMSF-rated all season tire like the Michelin CrossClimate2 or Goodyear WeatherReady will keep you safe and save you the hassle of swapping tires twice a year. If you live in a heavy snowbelt with deep accumulation, ice, and long stretches of sub-freezing temperatures, dedicated winter tires such as the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 will out-grip any all season on ice and in deep snow. Many SUV owners in harsh climates keep a second set of wheels with winter tires for the cold months and run all seasons the rest of the year.
How do I know which tire size fits my SUV?
Your current tire size is printed on the sidewall and looks something like 235/65R17, and the same number is usually listed on a sticker inside the driver door jamb along with the recommended inflation pressure. The format reads as width in millimeters, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter in inches. When buying, match that size exactly unless you are doing a deliberate plus or minus sizing change. It is also worth confirming the load index and speed rating meet or exceed your SUV’s original specification, since heavier SUVs need a load rating that can carry the weight safely.
Will all season tires with snow ratings wear out faster?
Not significantly, and that is the appeal of a modern all-weather all season tire. The 3PMSF-rated touring tires here, such as the CrossClimate2 and CrossContact LX25, use compounds engineered to stay flexible in cold while still resisting wear in warmth, and they carry long mileage warranties of 60,000 miles or more. The exception is a true winter tire like the Blizzak, which uses a much softer compound that grips ice brilliantly but wears quickly if you leave it on through summer heat. The rule of thumb is simple: all-weather all season tires are fine year-round, but pull dedicated winter tires off once the warm season arrives.
How important is wet braking compared to snow grip on an SUV?
It is just as important, and often more relevant day to day. You will drive on wet roads far more often than on snow in most regions, and SUVs are heavy, which means longer stopping distances and a bigger penalty for a tire that hydroplanes or brakes poorly in the rain. The best picks here, led by the Michelin CrossClimate2, deliver strong snow capability without giving up wet braking, which is the ideal balance. When you compare tires, look for wide circumferential grooves that channel water away and a compound rated for cold-weather flexibility, since both help wet performance and winter performance at the same time.
Our Verdict
For most SUV owners who face real but manageable winters, the Michelin CrossClimate2 is the clear top pick. It pairs a genuine 3PMSF snow rating with the best wet braking in this group and a quiet, planted ride, so you get one set of tires that handles the whole year with confidence. Our runner up is the Continental CrossContact LX25, which delivers long tread life, excellent highway comfort, and dependable everyday traction for crossovers, just be sure to select the snow-rated fitment for your size. If your winters are genuinely severe with deep snow and ice, add a dedicated set of the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 for the cold months and you will be covered no matter what the forecast brings.
More Tires Guides
Video Guide
Video: Related tutorial from YouTube