The Best 205 55R16 Winter tires in 2025
Disclaimer:
We conduct independent, quantitative, and objective analysis of various products based on our multidimensional evaluation methodology. We may earn a commission if you use our links to purchase a product.
Which are the 5 best 205 55R16 winter tires (studless)?
Our reviews of winter tires are challenging as these tires normally are not requested to report UTQG ratings, meaning: treadwear (durability), traction and temperature. Therefore in these cases, we also look at reviews conducted by actual buyers in Amazon.
|
3PMSF ❄ (?) |
Tire Name / Model |
Amazon Rating |
# of 1-star ratings |
Mileage Warranty |
Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
❄ |
4.8 (17) |
– |
40K | ||
|
❄ |
4.5 (104) |
3 |
N/A | ||
|
❄ |
4.7 (25) |
– |
N/A | ||
|
❄ |
5.0 (1) |
– |
N/A | ||
|
❄ |
4.5 (59) |
1 |
N/A |
Sources: NHTSA, EU, Amazon, Tire Manufacturers and GTSelector
3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF)
All of these 205 55R16 winter tires are 3PMSF Compliant – which basically means that they are suitable for snowing conditions. However, please note that these tires do not have studs or spikes and therefore their performance on Ice must not be compared to winter studded tires. For more information on this please read this Car and Driver article here.
🏆Our Top Pick + The Longest Lasting 205 55R16 winter tires: Michelin X-Ice Snow
Studdless Ice & Snow
We rate these tires the longest lasting as they are the only ones that have a milage warranty and it looks fairly high when compared with other tires’ durability expectations.
What does Michelin say?
What do the reviews on Amazon say (17 ratings / 1 review)?
The good
“Product fit my 2020 corolla and got me through
Vermont snow and ice 🤙🏻”
The bad
None.
The ugly
None.
🏅Most Popular 205 55R16 Winter Tires: Cooper Discoverer True North
Studdless Ice & Snow
What does Cooper say?
“Tires for all-around winter highway driving.
The Discoverer True North is a premium studless tire, offering the kind of performance you need to handle unpredictable winter conditions. No, it can’t read Mother Nature’s mind, and it doesn’t have to. It’s specifically designed to handle the many faces of winter.”
“Traction in the toughest weather.
The tire’s compound and biting edges help boost traction in the harshest conditions.”
“Control in Snow.
Snow GrooveTM technology traps snow for greater traction handling and stopping power.”
“Less noise, more calm.
A tread designed to help keep your tires quiet, so you can enjoy peaceful winters.”
“No need for pins.
An enhanced compound offers outstanding traction on ice, negating the need for stud pins.”
What do the reviews on Amazon say (104 ratings / 36 reviews)?
These winter tires have received high praise for their performance in snowy and icy conditions, with multiple users highlighting improvements in traction, braking, and overall driving confidence. No negative review has been made to date (Feb. 4th 2025).
The good
Traction & Performance
Durability & Longevity
Road Noise & Comfort
Price & Value
The bad
The ugly
None.
Overall Verdict
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Highly Recommended) – Excellent traction, great durability, and unbeatable value. Perfect for snowy and icy conditions, with only minor trade-offs in road noise.
🏅Best Reviews of 205 55R16 winter tires: Continental VikingContact 7 Winter
Studdless Ice & Snow
What does Continental say?
“The VikingContact 7 is a premium winter tire for passenger cars, crossovers, SUVs and light trucks. This winter tire features PolarPlus Technology, which provides flexible tread in cold temperatures, better grip in winter conditions and shorter stopping distances on snow and ice-covered roads. It also carries the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol for severe winter conditions.”
What do the reviews on Amazon say (25 ratings / 5 reviews)?
These winter tires have received high praise for their performance in snowy and icy conditions, with multiple users highlighting improvements in traction, braking, and overall driving confidence. No negative review has been made to date (Feb. 4th 2025).
The good
Traction & Performance
Durability & Comfort
Overall Value
The bad
None.
The ugly
None.
🏅The only Run-Flat 205 55R16 winter tire: Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 Run-Flat
Studdless Ice & Snow
What does Bridgestone say?
“Whether the roads are wet, dry, icy, slushy, or snowy, the Blizzak LM001 tires are the tires for the job. Developed for sedans and coupes, these tires offer an excellent performance in the winter with impressive grip and control.”
What do the reviews on Amazon say (1 rating / 0 reviews)?
The good
None.
The bad
None.
The ugly
None.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 205 55R16 winter tire
Studdless Ice & Snow
What does Bridgestone say?
“Equipped to ensure that winter driving doesn’t become a dangerous pastime, the Blizzak WS90 gives you certainty in uncertain moments. With patented Multicell™ technology and improved tread pattern featuring 15% more block edges over the Blizzak WS80, the Blizzak WS90 takes wet, snowy and icy performance to the next level. And its extended wear life means an extra season of winter adventures for the average driver.* Dependability matters. Never getting stuck out in the cold again is what really matters.”
What do the reviews on Amazon say (59 ratings / 10 reviews)?
The good
Traction and Performance
Durability & Longevity
Noise & Comfort
The bad
“They were washy.” (1 review)
The ugly
None.
The 5 best 205 55R16 winter tires (studdable or studded)
Our reviews of 205 55R16 winter tires are challenging as these tires normally are not requested to report UTQG ratings, meaning: treadwear (durability), traction and temperature. Therefore in these cases, we also look at reviews conducted by actual buyers in Amazon.
|
3PMSF ❄ (?) |
Tire Name / Model |
Amazon Rating |
# of 1-star ratings |
Mileage Warranty |
Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
❄ |
4.7 (44) |
– | |||
|
❄ |
4.7 (714) |
16 (2.2%) |
N/A | ||
|
❄ |
5.0 (2) |
– |
N/A | ||
|
❄ |
4.5 (220) |
8 (3.6%) |
N/A | ||
|
❄ |
4.2 (101) |
4 (4.0%) |
N/A | ||
|
❄ |
4.4 (427) |
35 (8.2%) |
N/A |
🏆Our Top Pick + the Longest Lasting 205 55R16 Winter Tires: General Altimax Arctic 12
Studdable
What does General Tire say?
“A studdable winter tire for passenger cars and crossovers. Developed with innovative compound and tread pattern technologies for superior traction on wet, snow and ice-covered roads, this tire carries the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol for severe winter conditions.
What do the reviews on Amazon say (44 ratings / 10 reviews)?
The good
Overall, the tires received high praise, particularly for winter performance in snow and ice.
Key Takeaways
The bad
None.
The ugly
None.
Final Veredict
Highly recommended for winter driving, with strong traction, safety, and value. The only 205 55R16 winter tire from its category with a Milage Warranty!
🏅🏎 Most Popular + Fastest 205 55R16 Winter Tires: Cooper Evolution Winter
Studdable
What does Cooper Tires say?
“Tires to break through ice and snow.
“With Evolution Winter tires, you decide when you drive, not the weather. They’re designed to plow through the packed snow of a daily commute.
Its studdable design provides maximum traction in the toughest conditions, turning hard drives into easy outings. With Evolution Winter tires experience confidence and control on the wintery-est roads.”
Cooper Evolution Winter Features
What do the reviews on Amazon say (714 ratings / 214 reviews)?
Overall
These tires receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, especially for winter driving. They excel in snow, ice, slush, and wet conditions, making them a reliable option for those in harsh winter climates. Many users compare their performance favorably to premium brands like Blizzak, but at a significantly lower price.
Traction & Handling:
Braking & Cornering Stability:
Highway & Dry Road Performance:
Durability & Tread Life:
Value for Money:
Final Verdict:
✅ Excellent snow and ice traction
✅ Reliable braking and cornering
✅ Great value for money
✅ Durable tread (when used seasonally)
⚠️ Some road noise and tread wear
🔹 Best for: Drivers needing an affordable, high-performance winter tire for harsh conditions. Highest speed index, supports up to 130 mp/h.
🔹 Not ideal for: Year-round use due to potential faster wear.
🏅The only factory-Studded 205 55R16 Winter Tires Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
Studded
What does Nokian Tyres say?
“The Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10 studded winter tire is made to deliver ultimate safety for situations when it’s needed most. Providing next-generation safety, the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10 is an innovative combination of superior winter grip, driving comfort and eco-friendliness. Nokian Tyres’ Double Stud Technology offers maximum safety on ice and snow, as the center studs improve acceleration and braking grip, while the studs on the shoulder areas maximize grip during turning and lane changes.
What do the reviews on Amazon say (2 ratings / 1 review)?
“As I said top of the line snow tires when it comes to quality. These tires come with very low road noise. The studs are started straight from the factory and you do not need to go have them put in. I actually used to work and sell Nokian tires and that’s how I know how much quality you get with the Hakkapeliittas. They have studs made for driving straight and studs made for cornering. I used to get Nokian Nordman which are great as well but these ones are above and beyond. Very glad I was able to obtain these. They fit perfectly. And the grip is second to none when it comes to snow and ice.“
Sumitomo Ice Edge 205 55R16 Winter Tires
Studdable
What does Sumitomo Tires say?
“The Sumitomo Ice Edge winter tire gives you the edge on snow, ice and slush-covered roads. Developed with Sumitomo’s most advanced cutting-edge technology, the Ice Edge delivers an outstanding combination of cold-weather grip and superior stability, handling performance and smooth ride comfort. Certified with the USTMA 3PMSF symbol for severe snow performance, the versatile Ice Edge has been specially engineered to meet the needs of users in a variety of winter driving environments. This tire is loaded with design features that specifically target the unique demands of cold-weather driving, such as a specially formulated tread compound tuned to superior performance in low temperatures and Sumitomo’s unique 3D sipe technology that provides the ultimate “bite” on snow and ice. Get an edge on winter’s worst with the Sumitomo Ice Edge.
Sumitomo Tread Technology
What do the reviews on Amazon say (220 ratings / 44 reviews)?
Overall
These tires receive outstanding reviews for their performance in winter conditions, with users consistently praising their ability to handle snow, ice, and slush with ease. Many customers note that their vehicles feel significantly safer and more stable compared to using all-season tires.
Traction & Handling:
Durability & Tread Life:
Value for Money:
Final Verdict:
These tires are highly recommended for winter driving, especially for those in snow-prone areas. With their strong snow and ice traction, affordability, and overall reliability, they are an excellent alternative to more expensive winter tire brands. While they may have some minor noise and tread wear over time, their performance in extreme conditions outweighs these drawbacks.
Ideal for: Drivers looking for affordable yet highly effective winter tires without compromising on safety and traction.
Firestone Winterforce 2 205/55R16 91S
Studdable
What does Firestone say?
“Built to keep working through the winter, the Firestone Winterforce 2 tires provide a grip you can rely on in the harshest of winter conditions. With full depth tread features, these tires offer a long-lasting performance winter after winter.”
What do the reviews on Amazon say (101 ratings / 15 reviews)?
The good
These tires received overwhelmingly positive feedback, especially for their winter performance and value for money.
Key Takeaways:
The bad
None.
The ugly
None.
Final Veredict
A highly recommended winter tire that offers excellent snow grip, great value, and solid durability, with minor concerns about highway handling for some users.
NEXEN Winguard Winspike 3
Studdable
What does Nexen Tire say?
“The Winguard Winspike 3 tires are molded to allow for stud installation that provides better traction on ice and snow. It was developed for the drivers of sedans, crossovers, and SUVs looking for sure-footed performance and traditional wintertime traction on dry, wet, and snow-covered roads.”
What do the reviews on Amazon say (427 ratings / 154 reviews)?
Overall
Most reviewers were highly satisfied with the tires, especially for winter conditions. They were praised for their excellent grip on snow and ice, low road noise, and good ride comfort. Many customers compared their performance favorably to premium brands like Nokian, Blizzak, and Michelin, but at a more affordable price.
1️⃣ Snow & Ice Traction (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent)
2️⃣ Dry & Wet Road Performance (⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good)
3️⃣ Ride Comfort & Road Noise (⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Good to Excellent)
4️⃣ Tread Life & Durability (⭐⭐⭐ – Mixed Reviews)& Tread Life:
5️⃣ Studded vs. Non-Studded Confusion (⭐⭐ – Common Complaint)
Final Verdict:
✅ Pros:
✔️ Excellent snow and ice grip, even without studs.
✔️ Affordable, often half the price of premium winter tires.
✔️ Low noise and comfortable ride compared to competitors.
✔️ Directional stability and good braking performance.
✔️ Great value for money—many say they’d buy them again.
⚠️ Cons:
❌ Not pre-studded despite misleading pictures.
❌ Soft rubber compound—may wear faster in non-winter conditions.
❌ Some durability concerns, especially sidewall softness.
❌ A few cases of manufacturing defects (bead line failure, sidewall bubbles).
🔹 Who Should Buy These Tires?
✔️ Winter drivers who need reliable grip on snow and ice.
✔️ Budget-conscious buyers looking for great value.
✔️ Those willing to install studs separately, if needed.
✔️ Drivers in moderate winter climates who don’t encounter extreme cold (-30°F or lower).
🔹 Who Should Avoid These Tires?
❌ People expecting pre-studded tires.
❌ Drivers who use winter tires year-round—these may wear out faster in warm weather.
❌ Those who want ultra-durable sidewalls for rough road conditions.