TOP-5: winter tyres for SUVs (autumn 2014)

Matador MP 92 Sibir Snow SUV MS 255/60 R17 106H

Tyres are manufactured at a factory in Slovakia and are one of the most affordable offers for SUVs. They belong to the class of friction tyres with an asymmetric tread pattern, designed for use in mild European winters. Since the model is structurally designed to withstand cars with a lot of weight, the abbreviation SUV appeared in its name, which implies the possibility of installation on crossovers, SUVs and SUVs. But at the same time, the possibility of operation on passenger cars is not excluded, since the tyre is offered in seating sizes from R15 to R20.

The tread pattern is quite aggressive and functionally divided into two parts. Thus, one part with open grooves should provide effective braking on a wet surface and resistance to hydroplaning, and the second, closed, has increased rigidity for better handling on a dry road.

According to user reviews, such a pattern with zigzag grooves and numerous engagement edges is often clogged with snow, which worsens handling and increases braking distance. Rubber loses elasticity at very low temperatures, which also negatively affects operation.

Nevertheless, the tyre shows good performance on a dry road, and behaves predictably on a wet surface. It can be recommended for use in urban environments.

Toyo Open Country G02+ 255/55 R19 111H Price from 6 330 up to 7 912 ₴ →

Toyo Open Country G02+ winter friction tyre comes to our market from Japan and is offered in sizes from R15 to R20. It can be installed on both conventional passenger cars and pickups, SUVs or minibuses, primarily due to increased load indices.

Among the operational characteristics, the manufacturer claims an extended service life due to the special structure and composition of the rubber compound, as well as excellent handling both on ice and on a snowy road. The tyre should provide high performance on wet and dry road surfaces due to the directional and symmetrical tread pattern. The increased contact spot area is designed to improve grip and braking performance on ice and rolled snow, and powerful shoulder blocks — handling in turns.

In the tests of leading automotive specialists, the tyre is characterized by a low noise level, as for friction models, which allows us to talk about good acoustic comfort even while driving on dry asphalt. Additionally, good coupling properties are noted on rolled and loose snow, sane grip on icy surfaces.

Among the user reviews there are isolated mentions of low walking. But in general, Toyo Open Country G02+ can be recommended for use in our climatic conditions.

Barum Polaris 3 4x4 225/65 R17 102H

Friction tyres Barum Polaris 3 4x4 from the Czech manufacturer belong to the average price range and differ from the similar model Barum Polaris 3 only by the inscription 4x4 on the sidewall. It is she who confirms that the tyres are designed for higher loads and can be used on all-wheel drive and single-wheel drive crossovers, SUVs and SUVs.

Created specifically for the Central European winter. They have a symmetrical directional tread pattern with three longitudinal and through transverse grooves for good drainage of water and snow porridge from the contact spot. Additional slots in the shoulder blocks should provide low rolling resistance. In addition, a larger contact spot area and a more evenly distributed pressure increases the walking ability of the tyre itself.

The manufacturer has already earned a reputation among drivers, and the tyre offered on the market since 2011 has also managed to demonstrate certain performance characteristics. Good behavior on snow-covered surfaces and high performance in hydroplaning mode are noted. Among the minor drawbacks, it is possible to note low indicators on a dry surface and a slight instability of behavior on ice.

But in general, the reviews about the model are positive, and taking into account the relatively low price, the Barum Polaris 3 4x4 can be called one of the optimal solutions for all-wheel drive in our winters.

Michelin Latitude Alpin LA2 255/55 R19 111V Price from 9 350 up to 19 120 ₴ →

The tyres of the French manufacturer Michelin debuted on the market in 2012 and belong to the premium segment. The reinforced sidewall frame provides higher load indices, which implies use on cross-country vehicles. The model is offered in sizes from R16 to R21, and the manufacturer claims that it was created specifically for use in mild European winters.

The directional tread pattern with a central rib should provide good traction properties, directional stability and effective braking on snow-covered and icy surfaces. Also, such a structure provides a large area of the contact spot, the load on which is distributed evenly, and its dimensions remain constant regardless of the driving mode.

As befits tyres of the highest price segment, the model boasts high test performance on loose and rolled snow, as well as in the discipline of hydroplaning. There is a very low noise level, as for a friction tyre. Thanks to this, she received recommendations from leading automotive specialists.

In addition to pronounced advantages, minor disadvantages are also noted: increased braking distance on dry surfaces, slight flaws in handling on wet roads and a relatively high price.

Continental Conti4X4WinterContact 255/50 R19 107V

Another typical representative of the premium segment is the German Continental Conti4X4WinterContact tyres. Created for crossovers, SUVs and SUVs, this model was specially designed by the manufacturer for changeable winters with unstable weather.

Reinforced sidewalls protect against mechanical damage, as well as stabilize the tyre when passing turns and a sharp change in the trajectory of movement. For optimal performance, the tread pattern is directional and asymmetrical, which should guarantee good traction and handling in all weather conditions, whether it is a heavily snow-covered road, slush or ice. Wide grooves in the tread prevent the effect of hydroplaning, reliably cleaning the contact spot from water and snow dirt. The claimed low rolling resistance should ensure low fuel consumption.

The tests of this tyre carried out by automotive specialists confirm the high performance indicators. Excellent grip and handling on snowy and wet roads are noted. Good performance in the discipline of hydroplaning and low noise on dry asphalt.

At the same time, among the reviews there are mentions of insufficient efficiency on polished ice, but this is rather a traditional complaint inherent in all friction tyres. In general, the model is perfect for both all-terrain vehicles and passenger cars, as it is offered in formats from R16 to R19.