Best Winter Tires for Cars: The Car Guide's Top Picks for 2025-2026
Fall is in full swing, so you know what that means, don’t you? No, not football season. It’s time to think about winter tires.
Depending on where you live in Canada, winter tires may or may not be mandatory for a certain part of the year. Regardless, they have proven to outperform all-season and all-weather tires when temperatures drop below 7 degrees Celsius. And if you need a new set, it’s best to shop and book a service appointment early.
- Also: Hyundai’s Breakthrough Could Revolutionize Winter Tires
- Also: Is Climate Change Making Winter Tires More Vital? Survey Says Yes
Some Useful Tips and Reminders
As we’ve always said, the price is only one factor to consider when shopping for winter tires. Grip, ride quality, noise and durability also must be part of your decision. It often pays off to spend more money on higher-quality winter tires and take good care of them than buying cheap tires from lesser brands and replacing them after a short time. Not to mention you’ll be driving a safer vehicle, too.
Take the time to visit tire retailers, both in person and online, and see what offers are available. Tire manufacturers also have deals. These can change from month to month or week to week. A retailer may be willing to negotiate or match the price if you've found a lower price elsewhere for the same model. Few consumers try this, but you might be surprised by the results.
What Are the Best Winter Tires for Cars?
The Car Guide has compiled a selection of the best winter tires available for the 2025-2026 season, supported by recommendations from the experts at blackcircles.ca. These tires are typically suitable for cars as well as most small SUVs and crossovers.
We may have left out a few models, but those listed below should all appear near the top of your shopping list. Incidentally, we’ve only identified one model per tire brand in order to cover as much of the market as possible.
1. Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
Our Opinion
Often regarded as a top pick, the Blizzak WS90 stands out with innovations such as exclusive Multicell technology with biting particles to enhance grip. It also provides superior braking performance thanks to its sharp edges that grip ice and snow effectively. Furthermore, its NanoPro-Tech compound improves flexibility at low temperatures, ensuring remarkable handling even in the coldest conditions.
- Improved grip on ice
- High flexibility at low temperatures
- Enhanced lateral stability on icy roads
- Limited durability
- For cars and small SUVs/crossovers
2. Michelin X-Ice Snow
Our Opinion
Michelin sometimes draws mixed reviews, but many will tell you that its X-Ice Snow excels with its exceptional grip on snow, slush and ice. Its Flex-Ice 2.0 compound keeps the tire flexible even at extremely low temperatures and ensures a fairly quiet ride, while its full-depth 3D sipes deliver a secure and stable driving experience. It's also known as a long-lasting winter tire.
- 60,000km warranty on the tread life
- Superior traction in extreme conditions
- Optimal water and slush evacuation
- Dry grip could be better
- For cars and small SUVs/crossovers
3. Continental VikingContact 8
Our Opinion
The VikingContact 8 is a high-quality, reasonably priced winter tire that tackles snow, ice and wet roads with confidence. Its level of grip is hard to beat, resulting in safe handling in all conditions. This tire is also compatible with a wide range of SUVs, electric vehicles and sedans.
- Flawless traction on snow, ice and slush
- Increased efficiency from low rolling resistance
- Solid value
- May be prone to hydroplaning
- For cars and small SUVs/crossovers
4. Toyo Observe GSi6
Our Opinion
Thanks to its Microbit technology incorporating crushed walnut shells, the Observe GSi-6 provides better traction on icy surfaces. Performance in the snow is commendable, too. Meanwhile, the directional tread design allows for quick water and snow evacuation, ensuring stable and secure driving. Durability is another key attribute.
- Fantastic on ice
- Efficient snow and water evacuation
- High stability and control in corners
- Not the quietest winter tire
- For cars and small SUVs/crossovers
5. Pirelli Ice Friction
Our Opinion
Combining a smooth ride with low road noise, the new Ice Friction will be a favourite with Canadian drivers during the cold season, as it offers excellent handling on ice, snow and wet roads. It is designed for both cars and light SUVs, including electric and hybrid models.
- Superior comfort and control (particularly during braking)
- Energy-efficient thanks to low rolling resistance
- ELECT technology is ideal for EVs
- New model still with something to prove
- For cars and small SUVs/crossovers
6. Yokohama iceGuard IG53
Our Opinion
When it comes to tackling real winter conditions, the iceGUARD IG53 continues to rank among the elite. It provides great stability thanks to its diagonal microgrooves and water-absorbing compound that prevents micro-hydroplaning. What’s more, the 3D sipes technology improves traction and braking performance, enhancing safety when driving on snow and ice.
- Highly stable on snow and ice
- Great at preventing micro-hydroplaning
- Solid braking performance
- Dry and wet braking could be better
- For cars and small SUVs/crossovers