The best winter tires for large SUVs and trucks in 2024-2025
Auto123.com presents its winter tire buying guide for 2024-2025. On Friday, we provided an overview of the current situation in the industry. Yesterday, we discussed winter tires for cars and small SUVs. Today, we are focusing on products for larger SUVs and trucks.
In this article, we will be discussing tires for larger SUVs, trucks, vans, and light commercial vehicles.
Many of the tires mentioned are carry-over products from last year. The recent trend has been towards more aggressive tires designed primarily for off-road use to meet the demand of drivers attracted to robust versions of trucks like the Ford F-150 Raptor and Tremor, as well as the Ranger, Bronco Raptor, Chevrolet Silverado, Colorado (ZR2 and Bison versions), GMC Sierra, Canyon AT4, Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Ford Expedition Timberline, Chevrolet Z71 models, among others.
Even vans like the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are now offered with all-wheel drive and very aggressive tires for off-road excursions.
**The LT tires**
For owners of robust trucks like the Ford F-250, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra 2500 HD, or Ram 2500 HD, ensure that your choice is identified as LT (Light Truck) to support the additional weight you may load.
The same advice applies to users of F-350 or 3500 HD, but here we are mostly addressing entrepreneurs who should be more informed about these restrictions.
**Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, Outpost, and LT3**
Just like with cars, our truck tire guide starts with products from the Finnish manufacturer Nokian. The **Hakkapeliitta R5** model is suitable for more “normal” urban or highway driving due to its smooth ride and grip despite the absence of studs (optional).
However, more truck drivers are opting for the **Outpost nAT** version, which is a more aggressive tire, smooth and silent on dry roads, and very effective in snow and mud with remarkable off-road capabilities. Additionally, the Outpost is an “approved” tire, usable in both summer and winter. I have been using this tire on my Jeep Wrangler TJ for a few years now, and it fully satisfies me.
Finally, also from Nokian, the **Hakkapeliitta LT3** is truly more robust, specifically designed for work trucks. Offered in many sizes, this tire, available in regular or studded versions, can also be fitted on robust SUVs such as the Bronco Raptor, Jeep Rubicon and Gladiator, among others.
**Michelin X-Ice Snow and BF Goodrich T/A KO3**
Michelin’s catalog offers a variety of winter tires for trucks and SUVs. Most of the French company’s products are both quiet and efficient, including the latest **X-Ice Snow** and North models (with studs). They are available in an SUV version for larger utility vehicles.
If you are looking for a tire that performs well in both winter and summer, Michelin now offers its approved **Cross-Climate 2** tire in the Agilis range for trucks and large SUVs.
The BFGoodrich brand is owned by the Michelin Group, so it’s not surprising that they offer a more aggressive tire known for its off-road capabilities, where it has already proven itself.
Since last year, BFGoodrich has been offering an improved version of this tire, now named **T/A KO3**, which is winter-summer approved. It comes in 33 sizes for 16 to 20-inch rims.
It’s worth noting that the **Commercial T/A Traction** version is specific to heavier commercial trucks.
*To be continued in the next message*
