10:08 26-12-2025

Top all-season tires that actually work in winter: Consumer Reports picks

Swapping summer tires for winter ones and back is ideal for safety and control, but real life gets in the way: storage takes space and tire service eats time. That is why all-season rubber remains a one-set-for-the-year compromise, though it truly fits only the milder regions of Russia. Consumer Reports set out to narrow the field by highlighting all-season tires that feel most reassuring when winter turns serious.

For passenger cars, the standout is Nokian Tyres Remedy WRG5. In testing it delivered very good resistance to hydroplaning and strong braking on ice, plus excellent traction on snow. The idea is straightforward: even in areas with snow-heavy winters, you can skip a dedicated winter set without a clear hit to safety. Added bonuses include predictable ride comfort, low noise, and solid efficiency thanks to decent rolling resistance. CR estimates an expected life of about 80,000 km.

For crossovers and SUVs, Michelin CrossClimate2 takes the lead—one of the best-known all-season options with a winter tilt. It is pricier than average, but makes up for it with steady scores across almost every discipline and convincing winter performance: snow traction and ice braking are rated excellent. The clincher is longevity: CR predicts up to 150,000 km, which makes the investment easier to justify over time.

For pickups, Consumer Reports highlights the Continental TerrainContact H/T. Alongside excellent grip on snow, it stands out for low noise—traditionally a weak spot for many truck tires. Very good results in dry and icy braking and in handling were noted as well. The projected life is about 110,000 km.

If a more driver-focused all-season is the goal, the pick is Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus. Tests show excellent dry braking and an overall very good showing in nearly every metric, without record-setting results for rolling resistance or comfort. CR puts the expected life at around 80,000 km.

The takeaway is clear: if you want to avoid seasonal tire changes, look for all-season models that prove their winter credentials in testing—snow traction, ice braking, and wet-surface stability—rather than relying on what the sidewall promises.