In today’s review, we will tell you about the most interesting novelties among winter tires, from different price segments and with different technical characteristics. Our guide to what’s new for the 2021/2022 winter season will help you decide which tire is right for you by pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each of the 25 models listed below.
For convenience, we’ve divided all the models described into three groups: studded tires (harshest weather conditions), non-studded tires (cold, Scandinavian winters), and European-type tires (mild weather conditions). Most of the new products this winter are of the European type.
So, the list of new tire models for winter season 2021/2022 by the group.
Studded Tires
Non-studded Tires
European Tires
Let’s start with the new products designed for the most severe winters – studded tire models presented by manufacturers for the season 2021/2022. Nokian shines here today with its abundance of names, but first things first.
One of the leaders in the production of high-quality studded tires, Goodyear, has prepared another novelty for the winter season 2021/2022. The UltraGrip Arctic 2 offers unrivaled braking performance on the ice, with excellent handling and maneuvering on snow and icy surfaces.
The new model was created using the company’s tire technologies, Snow Grip and Eagle Claw Stud, which have already proven themselves on previous models. Goodyear increased the number of studs in the new UltraGrip by 220, but, thanks to their proper distribution across the tread, the new tire model is much less noisy than last year’s studs.
South Korean company Hankook has also increased the number of studs on its last season Winter iPike LT RW09 tires. The added 5% and the brand’s innovation – buffer cavities under the studs, which help to minimize stud damage – are the main characteristics of the new winter rubber Winter i*pike LV RW15.
The company itself positions the new model as the ideal tire for vans and trucks.
If Hankook was pleased with the novelty for trucks and passenger vehicles, Kumho presented the WinterCraft Ice Wi32 studded passenger tire for the upcoming season.
To create the new tire the company improved its previous winter model, WinterCraft Ice Wi31, improving longitudinal traction on ice by almost half. Due to this, the new tire has excellent acceleration and braking characteristics on snow and ice surfaces.
In addition to longitudinal traction, the new model of winter tires from Kumho can also boast an improved rubber compound and new studs, the number of which has also been increased. As for noisiness, it has also been reduced, but in Kumho’s case, thanks to a modified tread pattern.
Nankang is a brand from Taiwan, so it’s even a little surprised when a company that is completely foreign to soupy winters introduces studded rubber to the market. However, Nankang this year developed the very worthy Nankang SW-9 tire, which uses 190 studs made by Scandinavians from Vannetukku. The new model has more studs than the previous model, but the much more impressive leap here is something else: the tire’s grip on ice has been increased by 70%. The tires from the Taiwanese brand are incredibly stable on icy surfaces and are perfect for use in the coldest temperature zones.
One of the 2021/2022 record-breakers in the winter tire category is, of course, Nokian Tyres. Of the eight new tire models, seven are equipped with studs, and six are from the Hakkapeliitta 10 range.
The presence of several modifications of the Hakkapeliitta 10 model is due to the different requirements for studded tires for the European market. The key difference between Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 and Hakkapeliitta 10p tires is the length of the studs used, which are usually regulated at the national level.
Since European regulations are stricter (in particular in terms of limiting damage to the road surface), the studs on the Hakkapeliitta 10 are shorter than those on the Hakkapeliitta 10p, which minimizes their negative impact on the road surface.
The tenth generation of the Hakkapeliitta range features two types of studs. The studs in the center provide traction during acceleration and braking, while studs in the shoulder areas facilitate cornering and stabilize handling.
The SUV versions of Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV and Hakkapeliitta 10p SUV use lightweight technology but withstand even heavier loads. The company has also paid attention to electric cars, introducing a special tire version for electric and hybrid vehicles. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV focuses on a quiet ride, for which it incorporates a special noise-absorbing layer and reinforced inner construction.
Another new product from Nokian is the budget model of the Nordman 8 winter studded tires. Compared to the seventh version, the new model has twice as many studs, the tread pattern of the eighth Hakkapeliitta, and a new tread compound that retains studs better. The Nokian Nordman 8 SUV is a modification for off-roaders.
The smallest category in today’s review, studless tires, also called Scandinavian tires or Velcro tires. This season only three manufacturers have distinguished themselves here, but what a bunch!
Bridgestone has introduced the new Blizzak VRX3 passenger car tire for the season in Japan as an update for the Blizzak VRX2 sold in Europe as Blizzak Ice. Compared to the second-generation tire, the new model features markedly improved ice grip properties that persist as it wears, as well as an immediate 17% increase in service life.
Another legendary brand, Dunlop, pleased this winter with its novelty, the winter tire model Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8+, an updated version of the off-road model. This improved model has improved braking performance and lateral stability on ice, which was achieved by the introduction of a new formula of the rubber compound.
At home, Yokohama has introduced the new iceGuard iG70 winter tire, which will soon be available in other countries. The new model has increased performance on icy and snowy surfaces, which has been achieved by a modified water-absorbing compound and a new tread pattern.
It is noted that the model will be available in two tread patterns: with a width of up to 235 mm – one, from 235 mm – the other.
And, of course, the most popular tire models, as usual, are represented in the European category. Designed for mild climates and suitable for most European car owners, these tires are improved and updated with enviable regularity.
Chinese brand Aplus, owned by Haohua Tire, which in addition to Aplus owns such tire brands as Lanvigator, Compasal, and Royal Black, this winter introduced as many as three new models of winter tires.
The Aplus A701 is a standard car tire, with pretty decent traction on snow and ice, thanks to its dual tread design. In addition, they are soft and low-noise, which is important for a comfortable ride.
Aplus A702 is a model designed for SUVs and more powerful vehicles, which have a higher center of gravity. This model has an interesting asymmetric tread pattern that provides maximum comfort, allowing you to compare driving on snow and icy surfaces with driving a passenger car.
The Aplus A869 is a model for trucks and large passenger vehicles. In this model, the main features are resistance to wear and increased durability.
One more Chinese brand in today’s review, Arivo, introduced its novelty this season, or rather, even two. Arivo Winmaster ProX ARW3 and Arivo Winmaster ProX ARW5 tires. Quite decent and, what is important, budget models from the brand owned by Union Tyre.
The German tire brand Barum has introduced the winter novelty SnoVanis 3, a quality and stable tire with a good level of grip. It is a tire designed for small and medium-sized trucks, marked 3PMSF. Barum’s model is perfect for driving on urban snow-covered roads as well as country roads and highways.
Distinctive features of the SnoVanis 3 are the low rolling resistance for fuel economy and the high mileage associated with increased resistance to wear compared to the previous, second model tire.
The TS870 from Continental was probably the most anticipated model this year because its presentation was held a year ago, but due to the world pandemic, serial production had to be postponed. And now, for the winter season, 2021/2022 premium tires from the legendary manufacturer finally saw the light of day. It was paired with the version of Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, which is designed for larger cars and crossovers.
Traditionally high-performance qualities of tires of the WinterContact line were additionally improved, and that did not remain unnoticed by the world experts. Continental WinterContact TS 870 topped the final minutes of the Auto Bild winter tire test 205/55 R16, while WinterContact TS 870P was leading in the tests, realized by the efforts of British Tyre Reviews for 225/40 R18 sized tires.
Introduced in 2021, Giti’s winter tires, the GitiWinter W2 provides excellent performance in all winter conditions, regardless of your driving style, assures the manufacturer. No special innovations, everything is quite traditional, but very high quality. Even the standard tread pattern.
In pre-sale comparative tests with its predecessor, the GitiWinter W1, the GitiWinter W2 improved its aquaplaning resistance by 30% and improved braking on both wet and dry roads. However, these performance characteristics were not enough to get into the top 20 tires of German Auto Bild’s winter tire test.
Goodyear has delighted us this season with an incredibly new product. Their UltraGrip Performance+ SUV tire is literally a technological breakthrough for SUVs and crossovers of various sizes. The combination of Winter Grip technology, which maintains the elasticity of the rubber compound at low temperatures, Traction Protect, which improves traction and braking power transmission, and Mileage Plus, which increases wear resistance and durability, has taken performance in all winter conditions to a new level.
Model Hankook Winter i*Cept RS3 W462 was to replace last year’s Winter i*Cept RS2 (W452), which was repeatedly noted by independent testers for its excellent performance on snow and wet road surface, as well as a good quality-price ratio. Well and, logically, the updated version should surpass its predecessor in all respects, so we are waiting for something very worthy. The quality of premium tires at the price of budget tires, isn’t it ideal?
The Lassa Competus Winter 2+ friction winter tire for CUV and SUVs replaces the brand’s older model, the Competus Winter 2. The tread pattern remains unchanged, but the rubber itself has been greatly improved, affecting the tire’s traction and durability at high speeds, making the Lassa Competus Winter 2+ virtually ideal for urban driving in a comfortable winter climate zone.
The extremely attractive price, low wear, and long service life of the Competus Winter 2 Plus minimize operating costs and ensure good value for money.
The winter novelty from the subsidiary brand Hankook, Laufenn I Fit+, has received very high marks from world experts. They have excellent traction and maneuverability on both snow and ice surfaces, as well as high fuel efficiency.
In the big test of the Auto Bild tire, I Fit + in size 205/55 R16 managed not only to get into the final test but also on the whole ahead of such tire mastodons as Nokian, Cooper, and Pirelli. And all this is only due to the optimization of the rubber compound.
Two variations of the same model from Matador also deserve attention and a separate place in our review of winter tires 2021/2022. Both the Matador MP 93 Nórdica and its light truck version replace a rather old line, the Matador MP Sibir, which was introduced by the company back in 2013.
In the new model, engineers abandoned the asymmetric design of its predecessor, betting on a more traditional winter tires directional V-shaped tread pattern with lots of sipes and open shoulder sections. This resulted in improved traction on snow and wet asphalt. In addition, optimized pressure distribution in the contact zone of the novelty prevents uneven wear, increases ride comfort, and reduces rolling resistance, while increasing fuel efficiency.
The second novelty of the season in the offer of the Slovak brand was a light-duty model Matador Nordicca Van. Compared to its predecessor, it has improved grip properties on winter roads, which are typical for mild weather conditions, as well as higher service life and reduced noise level, which promises better acoustic comfort in the cabin of a light truck.
Intended to replace Winter Activa SV-3 in the model range, Nankang Winter Activa SV-4 winter tires are characterized by more balanced characteristics than their predecessors. Nankang collaborated with European companies to create this new tire, trying to improve maneuverability and braking qualities of tires on different surfaces. As a result, in accordance with the rules of tire labeling adopted in Europe, SV-4 is classified as a class “B” on that parameter. They also claim improved traction on snow, increased resistance to wear, and energy efficiency.
Another new product from Nokian in our trim today, the Snowproof C tire, designed for use on light- and medium-sized trucks, in mild winter climates. The model features a tread pattern aimed at improving handling and steering response on snow, dry and wet road surfaces, as well as reducing noise levels for a more comfortable ride.
The winter tires from the legendary Pirelli, the Cinturato Winter 2, are designed for use in mild winter conditions. They feature adaptive sipes, which change their shape with wear, turning from straight to zigzag, thus optimizing the level of grip, even after quite long use. At the same time, a new generation rubber compound improves tire performance on wet and snowy roads. But that’s not all, because the company’s engineers managed to reduce the rolling resistance of the model, thus increasing its fuel efficiency.
Sub-brand of Continental, Austrian label Semperit, also prepared for this season and released two new models at once, Semperit Speed-Grip 5 for passenger cars and commercial model Semperit Van-Grip 3. Optimized and improved design of Semperit Speed-Grip 5, resulted in improved traction on snow, and increased density of lamellization of beads contributed to improved braking and acceleration performance on surfaces covered with snow and ice.
The Semperit Van-Grip 3 inherited the Uniroyal Snow Max 3 tread design, which ensures a high level of winter performance and, in combination with the wear-resistant rubber compound, guarantees long-term use on light-duty vehicles.
As you can see from the list above, this year several concerns can boast the greatest number of new winter tire models. First of all, Continental, which presented seven renewed models at once, both under the main brand and under its subsidiary brands. It is also worth noting the Scandinavian Nokian, which presented seven studded models.
Today we saw almost all the global industry leaders, both from European and American, as well as from the Asian markets. There were Hankook with its Laufen, and legendary Goodyear, and Japanese Yokohama. Only one name is missing in this parade of well-known brands and it is, of course, Michelin, which is in no hurry to please us with winter novelties in 2021-2022, considering that the last year’s models are still very competitive. And rightly so.
