The best all terrain tires for snow carry the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, not just an M+S marking. In this list, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 and the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W are the clearest snow-rated picks. Several others are listed as 3PMSF-rated on Amazon, so confirm the symbol on the sidewall or in the manufacturer spec before you rely on it. A few tires here are not snow picks and are labelled that way.
Disclosure: some links are Amazon affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How to Pick an All-Terrain Tire for Snow
- Look for the 3PMSF symbol (a mountain with a snowflake) on the sidewall. M+S only means a mud and snow tread pattern.
- Match your factory size and load index from the door placard.
- Buy a full set of four with the same model so grip is even front to rear.
- Know the limit: an all-terrain tire is a compromise. On ice and in very cold weather, dedicated winter tires usually grip better.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Atturo Trail Blade ATS 235/65R16 Commercial Van Tire
This is a commercial van tire in 235/65R16 with a 121 load index (about 3,197 lb per tire) and an R speed rating. The listing gives no winter rating, so it is not a confirmed snow pick. It suits cargo vans that carry weight. Expect a firmer ride than a passenger or SUV tire. Check the listing for the warranty and maximum pressure.
- Size:235/65R16
- Rim Size:16 inches
- Load Index:121
- Speed Rating:R
- Winter Rating:Not specified
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- E load range 10-ply for heavy use
- Self-cleaning tread ejects mud
- 3297-lb capacity per tire
Cons
- Commercial focus not for daily driving
- May be stiffer than passenger tires
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 LT225/65R17 107/103S
The KO2 is one of the best-known snow-rated all-terrain tires and carries the 3PMSF symbol. This listing is the LT225/65R17 size (Load Range D) with a 107/103S rating, about 2,149 lb per tire. It suits trucks, SUVs and crossovers that use 17-inch wheels and this size. Check the listing for the warranty on this size.
- Size:LT225/65R17
- Rim Size:17 inches
- Load Index:107/103
- Speed Rating:S
- Winter Rating:3PMSF
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Balances durability and comfort
- Proven traction in mud and snow
- Trusted brand reputation
Cons
- Premium pricing
- May not be quietest
Falken Wildpeak A/T4W 265/70R17 115T
Falken sells the Wildpeak A/T4W as an all-terrain, all-weather tire and it carries the 3PMSF symbol. This listing is the 265/70R17 115T size, with a load index of 115 (about 2,679 lb per tire) and a T speed rating. Check the listing for the warranty and tread depth, since figures differ by size.
- Size:265/70R17
- Rim Size:17 inches
- Load Index:115 (2,679 lb)
- Speed Rating:T
- Winter Rating:3PMSF (confirm on sidewall)
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Year-round grip capability
- Deep 14/32 tread for durability
- Durable sidewalls for trails
Cons
- May be stiffer on highways
- Not specialized for one condition
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail 245/50R20 102V
The Wildpeak A/T Trail is a crossover and SUV all-terrain tire, and this 245/50R20 102V size fits crossovers on 20-inch wheels. A 102 load index is about 1,874 lb per tire. Falken advertises enhanced winter traction on this line; confirm the 3PMSF symbol on the sidewall of the size you order.
- Size:245/50R20
- Rim Size:20 inches
- Load Index:102 (1,874 lb)
- Speed Rating:V
- Winter Rating:Confirm 3PMSF on listing
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- 3D Canyon Sipe Technology
- Off-road bite without comfort loss
- CUV-friendly sizing
Cons
- Not for extreme mud terrain
- May sacrifice some traction
Travelstar Ecopath AT 275/60R20 (Set of 4)
This set is four 275/60R20 all-terrain tires with a 115 load index (about 2,679 lb per tire) and a T speed rating. The listing calls it year-round, but we could not confirm a 3PMSF rating, so check the sidewall before buying it for snow. Check the listing for the mileage and road-hazard terms.
- Size:275/60R20
- Rim Size:20 inches
- Load Index:115 (2,679 lb)
- Speed Rating:T
- Winter Rating:Not confirmed
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Asymmetrical tread balances comfort
- 275/60R20 capacity 2674 lbs
- Value pricing for sets
Cons
- Value brand may limit durability
- Not specialist for extreme terrain
Mastertrack BADLANDS AT 265/65R18 (Set of 4)
This set is four 265/65R18 all-terrain SUV tires with a 114 load index (about 2,601 lb per tire). The listing does not state a winter rating, so do not treat it as a certified snow tire. The listing mentions a road-hazard warranty; read the terms on Amazon.
- Size:265/65R18
- Rim Size:18 inches
- Load Index:114 (2,601 lb)
- Speed Rating:Not specified
- Winter Rating:Not specified
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Reinforced casing resists cuts
- Aggressive shoulder tread
- Road-hazard protection emphasis
Cons
- May be heavier than competitors
- Not optimized for fuel economy
Atturo Trail Blade A/T 265/70R17
This is a 265/70R17 all-terrain tire with a 115 load index (about 2,679 lb per tire). The Amazon listing describes it as 3PMSF certified, so look for the symbol on the sidewall before you count on it in snow. Check the listing for the mileage warranty and ply rating on this size.
- Size:265/70R17
- Rim Size:17 inches
- Load Index:115 (2,679 lb)
- Speed Rating:Not specified
- Winter Rating:3PMSF per listing
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certified
- 10-ply build for durability
- Wave-shaped sipes for winter
Cons
- Limited brand recognition
- May not match premium brands
Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus 275/55R20 113T
The Scorpion All Terrain Plus is Pirelli’s all-terrain line, listed here as 3PMSF certified. This listing is the 275/55R20 113T size, with a load index of 113 (about 2,535 lb per tire) and a T speed rating. It suits trucks and SUVs on 20-inch wheels. Check the listing for the mileage warranty on this size.
- Size:275/55R20
- Rim Size:20 inches
- Load Index:113 (2,535 lb)
- Speed Rating:T
- Winter Rating:3PMSF per listing
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Premium brand traction
- 13/32-inch tread depth
- Conical stone ejectors
Cons
- Premium pricing
- May sacrifice comfort
Lexani Terrain Beast AT 215/75R15 100T
This is a small 215/75R15 100T all-terrain tire with a 100 load index (about 1,764 lb per tire). It only fits 15-inch wheels, and we could not confirm a 3PMSF rating, so it is not a certified snow pick. It is the smallest-capacity tire on this list, so check the load index against your vehicle.
- Size:215/75R15
- Rim Size:15 inches
- Load Index:100 (1,764 lb)
- Speed Rating:T
- Winter Rating:Not confirmed
- Warranty:Not specified
Pros
- Full-depth siping for grip
- Computer-optimized layout
- Quiet design for all-terrain
Cons
- Budget brand
- May not match premium performance
Armstrong Tru-Trac AT 265/70R16
This is a 265/70R16 all-terrain truck and SUV tire with a 116 load index (about 2,756 lb per tire) and a T speed rating. The listing describes it as all-season and we could not confirm a 3PMSF rating. A mileage warranty is listed on Amazon; confirm the terms before relying on it.
- Size:265/70R16
- Rim Size:16 inches
- Load Index:116 (2,756 lb)
- Speed Rating:T
- Winter Rating:All-season (not confirmed 3PMSF)
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- 60,000-mile treadlife warranty
- Non-directional tread
- 2756-lb capacity
Cons
- May be less aggressive off-road
- Budget brand option
Mastertrack Badlands ATX 245/60R18 (Set of 4)
This set is four 245/60R18 all-season all-terrain SUV tires. The listing describes them as 3PMSF certified, so look for the symbol on the sidewall. Load index and speed rating are not specified in the listing, so confirm both against your door placard. The tires are sold without wheels.
- Size:245/60R18
- Rim Size:18 inches
- Load Index:Not specified
- Speed Rating:Not specified
- Winter Rating:3PMSF per listing
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- 3PMSF certified for winter
- 4-row tread boosts traction
- On and off-road capability
Cons
- May compromise on one terrain
- Safety focus over performance
Factors to Consider When Choosing All Terrain Tires for Snow
Snowflake Certification
The three-peak mountain snowflake symbol means the tire met a minimum snow-traction test. M+S does not. If winter driving matters, start with 3PMSF tires and confirm the symbol on the sidewall.
Tread Pattern and Depth
Deeper grooves and open tread blocks help bite into snow and shed slush. Tread wears down, so snow grip falls as the tire ages. Replace tires that are close to the wear bars.
Siping
Sipes are thin slits in the tread blocks that add biting edges on snow and wet roads. More siping generally helps in winter conditions.
Self-Cleaning Grooves
Wide grooves and shoulder voids help eject packed snow and mud so the tread can keep gripping.
Rubber Compound
Rubber stiffens in the cold. All-terrain compounds are usually a compromise between wear and cold grip, which is one reason dedicated winter tires can outperform them on ice.
Load Capacity
Choose a load index at or above the number on your door placard. Higher load ranges carry more but usually ride firmer and can feel less grippy when the vehicle is empty.
Related reading:
- Best All Terrain Tires for MPG: What to Look For and Picks
- Best All Season Truck Tires for Snow and Ice: 4 Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an all-terrain tire good in snow?
Look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, an open tread with siping, and the correct size and load index for your vehicle. M+S alone is not a snow certification.
Are all-terrain tires as good as winter tires in snow?
Usually not. All-terrain tires are a compromise. Dedicated winter tires generally grip better on ice and in very cold weather, while 3PMSF all-terrain tires can be a reasonable year-round choice for moderate snow.
How often should I rotate all-terrain tires in winter?
Many tire makers suggest rotating roughly every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Follow your owner’s manual for the interval and pattern that fits your vehicle.
Should I lower tire pressure in snow?
Do not change pressure to chase grip on the road. Keep to the door placard pressure and check it often, because cold air lowers tire pressure. Lowering pressure off-road is a separate practice that needs a way to re-inflate.
Can all-terrain tires fit on factory wheels?
Often yes, if the tire size matches your wheel diameter and the load index meets your placard. Going wider or taller can cause rubbing and changes your speedometer reading.
Do all-terrain tires lower fuel economy in winter?
Usually a little. Heavier, more open tread adds rolling resistance, and cold weather lowers tire pressure and fuel economy. Checking pressure regularly limits the loss.
Conclusion
For snow, start with the KO2 or the Wildpeak A/T4W, confirm the 3PMSF symbol on the tire you order, and match your factory size and load index. If your area sees heavy ice, consider dedicated winter tires, and see our best truck tires for snow guide for more options.
