Autoreview 2021: Big test of winter tires size 225/50 R17

Content:

• TOP 5 studded winter tires R17
• TOP 5 studless winter tires R17
• TOP 5 best winter tires R17 for crossovers
• Conclusion

Properly selected winter tires will ensure safety on icy and snowy roads and will also help reduce fuel consumption. When choosing suitable tires, you should focus not only on their price and manufacturer’s reputation, but also on the expected operating conditions and your own driving style. To make the search for the optimal solution as simple and convenient as possible, we have prepared a special rating of winter tires for a specific size. This article contains 15 R17 tires that received the best ratings from independent experts and car enthusiasts, and also demonstrated excellent results in tests from reputable publications. The rating is subjective and is presented to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of leading winter tire models.

Conclusions. Which tires to choose?

As we see in the review of winter tires 2018-2019 for crossovers, the opinions of experts are not always unanimous. Some tires that rank first in one rating may not look as good or be completely unnoticed in another. Therefore, it is impossible to give a clear answer that a certain manufacturer is better than all others.

The choice of winter tire model for a crossover depends on its operating conditions:

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In the modern world, cars have long become a common addition to human comfort. The car must be kept in order, undergo a timely inspection and replace faulty components, including tires. The quality of the tires installed on the crossover will determine human safety, as well as such indicators of the vehicle itself as speed, level of wheel adhesion to the road surface, etc.

TOP 5 studded winter tires R17

Michelin X-Ice North 4

The rating of winter tires R17 2021 opens with a French model. It uses the largest number of studs among analogues of the same size. This ensures a high level of safety when driving on ice and compacted snow. Zigzag sipes create additional grip edges, which improves the cross-country ability of winter tires.

Reviews of Michelin X-Ice North 4

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

The Finnish manufacturer was the first to use the concept of double studding. In the central zone there are metal inserts designed to accelerate acceleration and braking. Closer to the sides, the studs are shaped like a trefoil to provide reliable traction while driving. Self-locking slats further increase rigidity and protect against excessive deformation under heavy loads.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 reviews

Continental IceContact 2

This model uses 50% more studs than previous generations of tires. Each of the metal inserts is secured using StudOn Retention Technology, which ensures high wear resistance. The tread has special pockets that help quickly remove ice chips from the stud.

Reviews of Continental IceContact 2

Hankook W429 (Winter i*Pike RS2)

When creating this budget tire, computer modeling was used, with the help of which it was possible to develop a tread pattern that allows the tires to maintain reliable grip on snow and cope with the rapid drainage of water and slush. The spikes are located in 12 lines, which gives confidence in safety when moving on ice.

Reviews of Hankook W429 (Winter i*Pike RS2)

Pirelli Ice Zero

Double core studs feature a lightweight design and a wide base to maintain durability. V-shaped slats handle drainage and provide an increased number of toe edges. There are also special blocks in the side zones that improve traction on loose snow.

Reviews of Pirelli Ice Zero

TOP 5 studless winter tires R17

Bridgestone Blizzak VRX

The asymmetrical tread pattern of Japanese Velcro tires allows them to remain universal for any road conditions. They hold the road equally well both on dry asphalt and on snow and ice. Multicell Compound rubber ensures rapid drainage of water, and arrow-shaped blocks protect studless winter tires from excessive deformation.

Reviews of Bridgestone Blizzak VRX

Continental ContiViking Contact 6

A special feature of these studless winter tires is a large number of sipes and blocks on the asymmetric tread, which provides traction on snow and asphalt surfaces. The shoulder areas are further reinforced to improve directional stability in corners.

Reviews of Continental ContiVikingContact 6

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

This tire is recognized by many auto experts as one of the best among friction models. The directional tread pattern provides good directional stability, and the cryo-adaptive composition of the compound allows the rubber to remain elastic even at low temperatures.

Reviews of Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

A new product from the Finnish manufacturer provides comfort and safety on winter roads. Rubber has two layers. The outer one provides reliable adhesion to asphalt and is elastic. The inner layer is designed to increase the durability of studless winter tires. Cryo Crystal technology with crystal-like particles ensures good grip on slippery surfaces.

Reviews of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

Michelin X-Ice XI 3

These winter tires have an increased number of sipes, which improves longitudinal and lateral grip. Their outer side has a zigzag shape, which also increases traction. The tires also cope well with deep snow due to the reinforced shoulder areas.

Reviews of Michelin X-Ice XI 3

Which winter tires to choose for this type of car

Choosing winter tires for a crossover makes a motorist think about many questions, for example, what tire sizes are best suited for his car. First of all, the question arises about the type of tires: studded or friction.

In addition, the car enthusiast must decide on the following tire indicators:

• Brand. The company that produces winter tires has a great influence not only on the pricing policy, but also on the quality of both the rubber and the technologies used.
• It is also necessary to determine the operating features. For example, will it be urban conditions, an intercity route, or alternating options 1 and 2.
• The choice of tires will be influenced by your driving style. Studded tires are well suited for those who prefer aggressive driving, in which case the tires will last longer than friction rubber.
• You should decide in advance about your wishes regarding the tread pattern.
• The dynamic characteristics of the crossover will also influence certain preferences regarding the tires installed.
• One of the main indicators is the size of winter tires. As practice shows, it is best to use sets of winter tires of a suitable size for the car. For example, changing the diameter of the installed tire sets, both smaller and larger, can lead to different behavior of the car on the road. In the case of inexperienced drivers, this can lead to a serious accident.

TOP 5 best winter tires R17 for crossovers

Continental ContiWinterContact TS 830 P SUV

Winter non-studded tires have an increased number of blocks and sipes for quick water drainage and reliable traction on any type of slippery surface. A frame with a reinforced belt contributes to wear resistance. The tread blocks are located so as to evenly distribute pressure across the contact patch.

Reviews of Continental ContiWinterContact TS 830 P SUV

Hankook RW08

Thanks to a large number of sipes and semi-sipes, these studless tires maintain strong grip on various types of surfaces. This also helps to increase traction in the snow. Rubber contains silicon and silica, which are responsible for maintaining elasticity and grip.

Reviews of Hankook RW08

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV

Studded tires demonstrate good grip on ice and compacted snow. In the center there are specially shaped spikes that speed up acceleration and braking. On the sides there are metal inserts in the shape of a trefoil, which are responsible for traction in the direction of travel.

Reviews of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV

Yokohama Geolandar I/TS G-073

The directional tread pattern of studless tires provides good directional stability. Longitudinal grooves facilitate rapid drainage of water, dirt, and slush. Multi-format blocks minimize noise when moving.

Reviews of Yokohama Geolandar I/TS G-073

Michelin Latitude X-Ice XI 2

The micro-pump tread is responsible for quickly draining water and maintaining traction even on slippery surfaces. Flex-Ice compound with high silicon content provides fast braking and sufficient elasticity. Zigzag sipes help drain water and increase the number of hooks, which is good for maintaining traction on the snow.

Reviews of Michelin Latitude X-Ice XI 2