1) Michelin X-Ice

2) Viking SnowTech

3) Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice

4) Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50

5) Mastercraft Glacier Grip II

6) Gislaved Nordforst 3

7) Nokian Hakkapeliitta 2

8) Cooper Weather-Master S/T

9) Kelly Wintermark Magna Grip HT

10) Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSI

11) Hankook W404

12) Dayton Winterforce

 

I think this is worthy of a sticky. seasonal one, updated annually of course.

 

This is from the November 05 issue.

They failed to test quite a few brands, but this should be useful for those considering one of the ones they did test.

The Viking didn't do as well in the snow as many of the others (it got a fair rating in the snow), but did much better on dry and wet pavement than most of the others, hence the very good ranking.

Numbers 1,3,4,5,6 and 8 all did either excellent or good or as far as snow traction was concerned.

 

What were their criteria to define "best"? Ice, snow, wet, dry? Braking, cornering, slalom, acceleration? Ride, durability?

Without any details, that list is useless - my criteria for what I want from winter tires is likely ranked quite differently from what CR chose for ranking them.

That list is like saying the Hyundai Accent (for example) is the best car sold in North America... if low price is your only criteria, sure - but if you want performance, handling, luxury, etc., then the list suddenly becomes quite different!

 

I'll try to scan the chart after work.

The ratings take snow traction, ice traction, wet braking, dry braking, handling, hydroplaning, noise and comfort into account. Each aspect is separately rated.

 

Also not all those are offered in 225/45-18 sizes. And most of them in the list my local tire dealers don't have.