Kal’s Best Winter Tires for 2023

Hakkapeliitta 10 Studded | Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV Studded

Nokian invented the world’s first winter tire nearly 100 years ago, and the Finnish manufacturer’s commitment to reliability shines through in its winter tires today. When it comes to braking and cornering on ice, the Hakkapeliitta 10 Studded and Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV Studded tires can’t be beat.

Hakkapeliitta 10 Studded Kal’s Tire Testing results:

• Top marks in braking on ice and snow
• Top marks in cornering on ice and snow
• Incredible handling in dry and wet conditions
• Great hydroplane resistance

With the “Hakka” 10 studded, you can trust your tire to give you the best in winter performance. Some of its standout features include:

• Double Stud Technology sees centre studs for better acceleration and braking grip, while shoulder studs improve turning and lane-changing control. This studded tire innovation makes the Hakka 10 unmatched on ice and snow.
• Nokian’s Eco Stud cushion dampens road contact to keep road noise down and reduce wear.

Hakkapeliitta 10 Studded customer review:

“Just bought Hakkapeliitta 10 studded for my Tacoma and Mazda 3. Both the vehicles’ traction control has barely initiated and the grip on packed snow and ice is incredible! They undoubtedly will keep us as safe as possible in our winter commutes.” – Barrett, Edmonton.

Nordman North 9 Studded | Nordman North 9 SUV Studded

Nordman North 9 Studded and North 9 SUV Studded offer solid performance for all winter conditions. The tires are balanced and reliable while handling stays precise and easy. A division of Nokian Tyres, Nordman delivers great performance, safety, and comfort at an incredible value.

Nordman North 9 Studded Kal’s Tire Testing results:

• Top performer on ice
• Excellent braking on ice and snow
• Excellent cornering on ice and snow
• 4-star hydroplane resistance

Nordman North 9’s standout features:

• Nordman’s aggressive tread pattern, 3D sipping, and NorthTech 9 tread compound offer confident driving on winter roads.
• High amount of natural rubber helps to keep the tire soft in cold weather.

Nitto Winter SN3

Depending on where you live and your winter hobbies, you may not need the extra grip of studded tires, which are a must on many rural roads with black ice. For a quiet ride that balances comfort and safety, the Nitto Winter SN3 brings trusted winter performance to cars, sport coupes, SUVs, crossovers, and some sport trucks.

Nitto Winter SN3 Kal’s Tire Testing results:

• Strong performance in all winter conditions
• Top marks in hydroplane resistance

Nitto Winter SN3’s standout features:

• Nitto’s advanced tread design with studless technology brings better handling and driving security in severe winter conditions while maintaining the comfort of a studless tire.

Nitto Winter SN3 customer review:

“I’ve had these winter tires on our family minivan and faced freezing rain, slush, snow and ice. These tires had good grip, provided good handling in all those conditions, and showed good stopping power on the ice. This tire has exceeded my expectations and is a great value for your money.” – Josiah, Regina.

Hakkapeliitta R5 | Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV

Introduced in 2022, the Hakkapeliitta R5 and Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV build on the success of customer favourite, the Hakkapeliitta R3. The R5 and R5 SUV is a non-studded winter tire designed to deliver uncompromised grip and smart driving features for every day of winter. The new Double Block Grip design offers superior grip and handling, while the best-in-class ice performance is guaranteed by the unique Arctic Grip Crystals.

Hakkapeliitta R5 Kal’s Tire Testing results:

• 5-star braking and cornering on snow
• Top marks for performance on snow
• Top-tier cornering on wet and snowy conditions

Hakkapeliitta R5 customer review:

“These tires are amazing in the winter. I have had no problems both in the snow and ice compared to other brands. These tires are also extremely quiet, definitely a winter tire I’d recommend if you live in an area with harsh winter conditions as I do.” – Ali, Calgary.

Michelin X-Ice Snow | X-Ice Snow SUV

If you’re looking for a studless winter tire with good everyday winter driving performance, the X-Ice Snow and X-Ice Snow SUV live up to the Michelin name.

Michelin X-Ice Snow Kal’s Tire Testing results:

• Excellent braking and cornering on snow
• Good braking on ice
• Very comfortable on wet winter roads

Michelin X-Ice Snow customer review:

“After using the X-Ice Snow tire, I am totally satisfied with its performance. Good grip and stopping on wet, slushy and icy roads.” – Jimin, Waterloo.

Nokian WRG4 | WRG4 SUV

Sometimes, it’s easier to have one set of tires that you can ride all year round. And, with the Nokian WRG4 and WRG4 SUV, you don’t need to compromise. The WRG4 combines the cold-weather performance you need in a winter tire with the strong handling of a premium three-season tire in summer.

Nokian WRG4 Kal’s Tire Testing results:

• Excellent braking on snow and wet winter roads
• Very good cornering on snow and wet conditions
• Great hydroplane resistance

Nokian WRG4 customer review:

 "Perfect tires, very grippy in heavy rain and snow. Confidently control my Land Rover in difficult conditions and not noisy at all. It is our second set of the WRG4s and we use them year-round from Whistler to the Okanagan.” – Alexander, North Vancouver.

RoadX RXFrost FX11

If you're looking for a winter passenger tire that will fit most budgets, the RoadX RXFrost FX11 is that tire. It offers exceptional handling and traction to keep you safe in the most severe winter conditions. The advanced 3D multi-wave sipping reduces braking distances while the proprietary compound ensures this tire will consistently deliver the grip and performance you can depend on. 

RoadX RXFrost FX11 Kal’s Tire Testing results:

• Top marks braking on snow, ice and wet winter roads
• Top marks cornering on ice
• 4-star hydroplane resistance

RoadX RXFrost FX11 standout features:

• Lateral grooves channel wet and slush for enhanced performance.
• Proprietary winter compound provides excellent grip and braking performance at low temperatures.



RoadX RXQuest AT QX12

The RoadX RXQuest AT QX12 is the perfect all-terrain tire for light truck, SUV, and crossover drivers while being easy on the wallet. The advanced tread pattern and aggressive sidewall allow it to handle all you can throw at it both on and off-road terrains.

RoadX RXQuest AT QX12 Kal’s Tire Testing results:

• Excellent braking on snow and wet conditions
• Excellent cornering on snow
• 4-star hydroplane resistance

RoadX RXQuest AT QX12 customer review:

“My new RoadX tires are fantastic. The aggressive ATV tread tackles all the weather and yet road noise is minimal.” – Larissa, Mackenzie. 

Hakkapeliitta 10 EV Studded Tire

For EV drivers, the Hakkapeliitta 10 EV Studded Tire was made with you in mind. This special addition to the Nokian lineup was designed with environmentally friendly technology to offer the best comfort and safety for your EV or hybrid. With ultra-low rolling resistance, you’re free to drive even further before it’s time for a charge.

Hakkapeliitta 10 EV Studded Tire’s standout features:

• SilentDrive Technology keeps you comfortable on even the longest winter drive. The Hakka 10 EV’s exceptionally quiet ride comes from the layer of acoustic foam added to the inner liner of the tire and is available in all sizes.

Hakkapeliitta 10 EV Studded customer review:

“I recently installed new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EVs on my new Tesla. These tires provide amazing traction on snow and ice – and would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good set of winter tires.” – Nick, Medicine Hat.

Nitto Nomad Grappler

If you like the convenience of one set of tires all year for your truck, you can’t go wrong with the Nitto Nomad Grappler. With the option of two different rugged sidewall designs, traction, and maintaining stable performance in dry, wet, or snowy road conditions, you’ll be cruising through winter in style.

Nitto Nomad Grappler Kal’s Tire Testing results:

• 5-star braking on wet winter roads
• Good braking and cornering on snow and ice
• 4.5-star hydroplane resistance

Firestone Destination A/T2

The rugged yet classic design of Firestone’s Destination A/T2 all-terrain, all-weather tire is made to last on and off the road. Our independent testing found respectable performance in snowy and icy conditions.

Firestone Destination A/T2 Kal’s Tire Testing results:

• Excellent braking on snow and wet conditions
• Top marks on cold, wet roads
• 4.5-star cornering on wet winter roads

Firestone Destination A/T2 customer review:

“Great tires! They are very quiet and handled very well in torrential rain. No hydroplaning.” – Gary, Barrie.

Sumitomo Encounter AT

Go beyond the end of the road any time of year with the Sumitomo Encounter AT. Whether you’re towing materials to the job site on gravel roads or traversing a forest service road in the heart of winter, the Sumitomo Encounter AT is the tire you need for the job.

Sumitomo Encounter AT Kal’s Tire Testing results:

• Top marks cornering in wet conditions
• Great braking in snow
• Great hydroplane resistance

Sumitomo Encounter AT customer review:

“The tires are performing just as I hoped they would. Quiet and responsive on the dry pavement and surefooted on the ice and snow.” – Abe, Westbank.