Last Updated on August 7, 2025
Top Winter Tires for New York Drivers- Nokian, Sumitomo, Bridgestone, and Nexen Compared
New York is famous for many things, including congested traffic, especially during the winter months. With over 9.4 million registered vehicles in the whole state and over 2 million cars, trucks, and buses navigating the streets of New York City daily, you can see why winter conditions would make commuting even more challenging. If you want to battle those conditions, the first and most important thing to do is to get a proper set of quality winter tires. But which ones? Today, we will tell you all you need to know about selecting the best winter tires for New York drivers.
What You Need To Know Before Buying Winter Tires For New York Weather
When it comes to selecting snow tires, you have to consider your driving habits and needs. It will also depend on your vehicle’s tire size, which varies by drivetrain and trim level.
- Highway Driving: Look for less aggressive treads, focusing on stability and comfort.
- Urban Driving: Look for dependability, excellent braking capability, and value.
- Icy Roads: Opt for studded tires to maximize grip if you encounter icy roads or hard-packed snow.
Budget is also a key factor. While winter tires can be pricey, we curated a list of the best mid-tier tire options that balance performance and affordability.
What Are The Best Winter Tires For New York Drivers?
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV is renowned for its exceptional performance in harsh winter conditions. It is designed with advanced technology and provides superior grip and handling on snow and ice, making it an excellent choice for New York’s unpredictable winter weather.
Features
- Eco-friendly materials.
- Arctic Grip rubber compound for improved grip.
- SilentDrive Technology for reduced road noise.
- Advanced tread pattern for optimal snow and ice performance.
Specifications
- Available Sizes: 16 to 20 inches.
- Load Capacity: Varies by size.
- Speed Rating: R and T.
- Price: From $150 per tire
Sumitomo Ice Edge
The Sumitomo Ice Edge offers a budget-friendly solution without compromising essential winter performance. It balances winter traction and all-season usability, making it a versatile choice for cost-conscious drivers.
Features
- 3D siping technology for enhanced grip.
- Triangular center blocks for improved handling.
- Tread compound optimized for low temperatures.
- Wide tread grooves for adequate water and slush evacuation.
Specifications
- Available Sizes: 14 to 20 inches.
- Load Capacity: Varies by size.
- Speed Rating: T.
- Price: From $69 per tire
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is a premium winter tire known for its outstanding performance on ice and snow. Its innovative technology and superior traction make it a popular choice among drivers prioritizing safety.
Features
- NanoPro-Tech Multicell compound with microscopic bite particles.
- Optimized contact footprint for better weight distribution.
- Deep tread depth for long-lasting performance.
- Zigzag sipes for improved grip on snow and ice.
Specifications
- Available Sizes: 15 to 22 inches.
- Load Capacity: Varies by size.
- Speed Rating: R and T.
- Price: From $120 per tire.
Nexen Winguard Winspike 3
The Nexen Winguard Winspike 3 is a studded winter tire that excels on icy surfaces. It is ideal for extreme winter conditions, particularly in upstate New York, where ice and heavy snow are common.
Features
- V-shaped tread design for efficient water and slush evacuation.
- Stiff shoulder blocks for improved handling.
- Stud pin holes for enhanced grip on icy surfaces.
- Optimized stud distribution for balanced traction and durability.
Specifications
- Available Sizes: 14 to 20 inches.
- Load Capacity: Varies by size.
- Speed Rating: Q and T.
- Price: From $62 per tire
Direct Comparison
Performance on Snow and Ice
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV: Excels with superior grip and handling in extreme conditions.
- Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2: Offers outstanding traction on ice and snow with advanced technology.
- Nexen Winguard Winspike 3: Best for icy roads due to its studded design.
- Sumitomo Ice Edge: Provides good performance for a budget tire, suitable for light to moderate snow.
Durability and Longevity
- Nokian and Bridgestone are durable, offering longer tread life.
- Nexen and Sumitomo perform well but may wear faster in extreme conditions.
Noise and Comfort
- Nokian: SilentDrive Technology ensures a quieter ride.
- Bridgestone and Sumitomo: Balanced comfort and noise levels.
- Nexen: Studded design can be noisier but provides unmatched traction.
Why Tires Easy Is The Best Place For Shopping For New York Winter Tires
Besides being bonafide tire fans and experts, Tires Easy offers fantastic deals with the best prices and terms. This includes a 45-day return policy, free delivery, and a wide range of tires, including high-quality New York winter rubber. What sets us apart is our vast network of 1000+ trusted tire installers, like Pep Boys and Monro, with free shipping to their locations. Tires Easy has over 180 installer locations in New York State, and the number is constantly rising. Here are a few places to choose from: whatever is closer to you.
Pep Boys Locations
1. Budget Muffler-Brake Center
Address: 1870 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461, US
2. East Tremont
Address: 2633 East Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, US
3. Utica Ave
Address: 2015 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11234, US
4. 4th Avenue
Address: 354 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, US
5. Long Island City
Address: 38-19 21st Street, Long Island City, NY 11101, US
Monro Locations
1. Monro Auto Service and Tire Centers
Address: 78 Brookside Avenue (Chester Mall), Chester, NY 10918, US
If you opt for this service (free shipping and installation), you’ll get a fantastic deal that is tough to beat. With over 7 million tires sold, we are the top choice on the market.
Conclusion: The Winner Is?
Although all four tires excel in their own way, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV is the best overall for its exceptional winter performance, innovative features, and eco-friendly design. Its longevity, quality, and brand reputation make it the best choice for New York drivers this winter.
