Winter Is Coming! These Are The Most Snow-Worthy Cars!

[@max4wd]

you have to compare the all terrains to proper winter tires!

[@GIGrandpa]

Thank you for doing this. For years I ran BFG AT/KO2s on my daily driver. My '21 Gladiator came with Falken AT3W and found they out performed the KO2s in snow, had more even wear, quieter, etc. When it came time to replace them, I stayed with Falkens, mostly because the BFGs were not available. I will definitely look at the AT/KO3s next time as I love all the BFG does to support the 4x4 Community and helping to keep our trails open!

[@Redhawk24]

I’ll take a 2WD with Blizzaks or Hakkaks over 4wd with all seasons or ATs any day.

[@austenslost]

Rear wheel drive with blizzaks and sandbags in the bed is the poor man’s 4Wd

[@Just_Joe71]

Tommy is so pissed😂 I love it when they argue! Please video Thanksgiving dinner.

[@jamespostle6894]

Subie season is coming.

[@Jay-me7gw]

According to BFG, they improved snow performance on the KO3 over the KO2’s. I had two sets of KO2’s in two different sizes and really found them to be mediocre in snow. Glad to see the KO3 is improved. What I have seen on Falken is that they made changes which made them worse in snow in favor of other attributes. It’s all a balancing act.

[@miguelbaeza65]

Just going to be honest here, tires make the difference when it comes to driving in the snow. I can get away with all weather tires on my FWD vehicle while majority of the people driving with AWD/4WD vehicles can go on the snow, but stopping is dangerous because they have normal all seasons.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

I’ve often heard this but never had this issue in my AWD SUVs that are rear biased. I just don’t slam on brakes or drive too quickly and leave plenty of space for stopping. If I had to say that’s what I see people do that’s pretty stupid, driving in snow on ANY kind of tires like it’s dry pavement 😅🤦🏾‍♀️ that’s what it is for me from my anecdotal experience

[@Cloud30000]

I can safely drive drive old muscle cars with worn summer tires over the speed limit on ice and snow; driver skill makes all the difference. I even take my old motorcycle out in those same conditions if it’s nice out. Snow tires, ABS, and AWD are just crutches for those that can’t drive.

[@peregrine2361]

The dude at the Outdoor Auto channel said Falkon changed the rubber compound on the AT4W’s so heavy duty trucks could use them….the AT3W’s were to soft so that is likely why they aren’t as good in her snow….compound is harder.

[@Cloud30000]

Tyre Reviews recently did a video on the Falken AT4W snow performance and also got disappointing results. Falken told him that the LT (E rated) tires sacrificed snow performance for durability, but the normal (P rated) AT4W tires should show significantly improved snow performance. Might be worth requesting those tires to compare to the E rated ones they already sent to help your viewers see the difference when deciding which type to purchase.

[@malossus99]

I don't know about a TRX (way beyond my budget) but you can get snow tires for practically any 1/2 ton. Living in Canada I swap out my truck tires every year. Buy a cheap set of rims and leave them mounted. Did 4 trucks and a car myself last weekend for friends and family. I happen to have air tools but even without it's not that hard. If you're paying $50 to get them done after you buy the tools it pays for itself in a couple years.

[@aerynlovell4754]

I always buy tire chains when I get a new truck. Several years ago I had a car and the owner's manual had a section on installing tire chains. Usually cars have "chains" that are steel cables that are more low profile compared to chains. When you get new chains you should put them on in the summer to practice installing them. You lay them on the top of the tire and connect the bottom section. Then you pull forward about a foot and check the tightness and add a tensioner if needed. There are square link chains that are street legal and are good for mud and snow. The most extreme chains are V-bar chains that have cleats in the chain links that can dig into ice. The great thing about chains is that you don't need to put them on the tire to get unstuck. You can lay them on the ground either in front or behind your drive wheels and use them as a traction aid.

[@Olddahg]

I have the Wildpeaks on my Yukon 2500. Driven through nasty snow storms in the Rockies and in MN, no problems.

[@libertystuffnthingsreviews829]

Jeep Cherokee KL's snow mode is terrific.

[@RicDurant]

Lived in New Jersey for five years (90-95). Had two front wheel drive cars. Lived on Schooleys Mountain with the access roads were steep. Never had a problem with the snow ( blizzards). They had snow tires and worked great.

[@kieransteele7223]

I have a 2025 Sorento hybrid AWD. We have a set of Toyo observe snow tires on it. It does amazing in the snow! The snow mode actually really helps modulate the traction and the tires do fantastic in most conditions. Maybe not strait ice, but the only thing that does good there is studs. It’s honestly better than my F150 which has blizzak LT snow tires on it. Long story short, these new awd SUVs really do will in snow, especially with good tires. Ps. We live in Fairbanks AK so we have had snow for over a month now lol

[@AtaboyJeep]

Quebec Winter tires are mandatory From December 1 to March 15 inclusively, all passenger vehicles registered in Quebec, including taxis, must be equipped with winter tires. This requirement also applies to rental passenger vehicles in Québec, as well as mopeds, motorized scooters and motorcycles. Since December 15, 2014, only tires on which the Alpine Symbol (Three peak mountain and snowflake symbol) and studded tires are considered winter tires under the Highway Safety Code. Studs and Chains authorized between October 15 and May 1 inclusively

[@joeyg283]

Come on Tommy, get that slip-test list up and going.

[@fscottgray9784]

I put snow tires on all my pickups. You didn't mention short wheel base vs. Long wheel bases in the snow.

[@DrKellieOwczarczak]

I had a 2013 Audi A4 Allroad that was just amazing in the snow even without proper snow tires. It would regularly climb snowy hills with ease that would leave SUVs and pickups struggling or even failing to climb.

[@jguil4d]

I went searching for a tow eyelet exactly once: after that, I moved the one for my Subaru and the one for my wife’s Explorer into the glove boxes. Because digging around in the spare tire well when you’re in deep snow is stupid.

[@Just_Joe71]

You need to do Falken Wildpeak AT3W vs AT4w. The new tread blocks on the 4w are too wide and are not as good in the snow, they also have less siping. You should've known this.

[@mikemccabe7124]

the auto chains they make for semi trucks work pretty well ther actuated and they pivot into place and your tires drive them when they swing into place and as the tire turns it rotates the chain arms around and spits them out just in front of the tires giving the same effect as chains slung around your tires but you only flip a switch on the dash when needed off wen you dont

[@highoctaneadventure]

This is great. I’m trying to see if I can run Nitto Nomad Grapplers (All terrain with three-peak rating) all year. I’ve always had winters before. Would be cool seeing all terrains against dedicated winters.

[@OldThomMerton]

I carried cable-chains around for years on two different vehicles, relatively easy to mount compared to chains. Have't used them in decades, two front wheel drive and an AWD suv manage without them.

[@wiicodman]

Clearly the answer is a 2016 Mercedes C-Class, right? Just me? Well it worked great being AWD with Blizzaks on when I lived in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

[@andrewshenton6541]

Great test,but sucks,i love the falkens,but next tires have to be different,maybe nokians?appharently the blizzards are good until 50% worn they lose 90%traction

[@Doughnutscream]

Can we PLEASE get ranger raptor snow videos??? Pretty please!!!

[@LafemmebearMusic]

My BMW ain’t no front wheel drive bias system Tommy

[@Jay-me7gw]

4Auto system in half ton trucks are active awd systems. It does not sit in 2wd until it detects slip. My 2014 F150 would send power to the front axle on a dry road going in a straight line. I datalogged it and could watch the clutch duty cycle and it was sending power to the front virtually any time you are accelerating

[@drnick40]

Thanks guys! Great video.

[@J.Young808]

I watched the All Terrain tire test video yesterday (Sat 11/16/24)

[@mrt3206]

I see trucks all the time with studded tires on them, (Montana) it’s not common because most people who live in cold weather states know how to drive and it’s a quick way to know the person isn’t from these parts😅 but they do make big tires that are studdable, most people with an AWD or 4WD vehicle don’t want to waste the time or extra $1000+ on another set of tires if they can buy something like a KO3 that can stay on year round🤷‍♂️

[@Trueno1600]

I think pretty much the best AWD system for snow is the Quadra Drive system like in my Jeep WJ. It's mainly rear wheel drive, if the rear wheels slip, the viscous coupler in the transfer case engages the front wheels, then both front and rear diffs are auto-engaging LSDs. They are called gerotor style, so a clutch pack and integrated hydraulic pump, so if a wheel spins faster that the other, it spins the pump which puts pressure on the clutch pack and locks the wheels. Once both wheels spin at the same speed, the pressure releases and you get an open diff again, pretty cool stuff! Add great winter tires like Toyo Observe GSi-6's and you're ready for everything!!!

[@Jay-me7gw]

I’d rather have a system that it more proactive than reactive. The torsen center diff in the Toyota’s sounds like a better idea to me Even the 4Auto systems in the F150 and Silverado send power proactively to the front.

[@Trueno1600]

@@Jay-me7gw I too would prefer a Torsen, but mainly because it's mechanical and therefore pretty much bulletproof. Whereas viscous couplers are known to fail when the special fluid breaks down over time.... But Torsen equipped transfer cases don't seem like a common sight; before your comment I didn't know Toyota offered these!

[@Jay-me7gw]

@@Trueno1600 yeah I’ve had a GX460 and LX570 that have had it and it’s awesome. Especially because you can go into 4Lo with the torsen unlocked. GX, LX, Land Cruiser, sequoia and some 4Runners have had the torsen over the years

[@egutzait]

I'll be that guy. TECHNICALLY if you can perfectly threshold brake and perfectly hold the limit of traction that's the best you can brake. But since almost nobody can do that effectively, ABS is simpler and it's easier to just tell people to mash the pedal and let the ABS deal with it. It's the most effective probably 99% of the time.

[@andrewsnow7386]

Also, in the real world, the traction is often different and changing rapidly at each wheel. A tire hits a paint stripe, a pothole, a wet or icy spot, a man-hole cover, etc, etc, and the traction changes. There is no way even the very best driver can compensate for ever changing uneven conditions like this using threshold braking, ABS can.

[@Aaron-cc7yq]

I might be moving to Colorado next year. So I'm thinking of selling my Scion FRS and buying a GR Corolla!

[@NoLimitsCommemorativ]

I have the new Nokian Outlander nAT's in SL 285/75R17's rating on my 2-door. The best tires I ever had for everyday use, zero road noise, excellent wet/cold grip, and they weigh less than the aforementioned.

[@bikerevolutiontv]

Chains are not only great, but easy to install. I can get 4 chains on tight in 20 minutes.

[@Jay-me7gw]

My 1995 4Runner on 37’s air’d down to 6 psi was pretty good 😂

[@PrincessTS01]

next time 2 out of 3 for each test

[@rodgood]

You never mentioned the most important safety aspect of winter driving .. long wheel base ...

[@rogerbull4607]

Hi Guys, I enjoyed the chat. Keep up the good work. You raised some interesting questions, some of which that I have been trying to get answers to. I have a Land Crusier 150 which is currently on Michelin Cross Climate 2 tires. How do they compare with All Terrains in the snow? Every one tests All Terrain against All Terrains, or All Weather against All weather. I would like to see tests where a mix of types are tested in the snow and other conditions, to see if the Cross Climate 2 is any good in mild off roading. It is M+S rated! Jonathan in his youtube channel "Tyre Reviews" often includes a reference winter tyre, or summer tyre to help, but that could be expanded more, as Roman is correct when he says the 3 peakes mountain snow flake symbol doesn't actually mean much. It is suprising how different the best and worst snow tyres are. Here in Europe, we have All season (same as your "all weather") then winter tyres, and then Nordic Winter Tyres and that category is split into stud and studless! Also my wifes Subaru XV, (which is on the new Pirrelli Cinturatoes All Season SF3), has a set of Michelin Easy Grip chains, which combine the ease of use of the snow socks with the effectiveness of metal snow chains. I note that the Subaru has good clearance around the wheels, which help with fitting them, and also had quite good ground clearance for a car. I have seen very few tests of Easy Grips. And have you seen the Thule snow chains? Easier and quicker to put on than a snow sock, but quite pricey. My final comment is that the hand book for the Land Cruiser says to only put snow chains on the rear wheels! I queried that with Toyota, and they came back with a smaller size of chain that could be fitted to the front wheels. Naturally thats what I have bought for the front, with normal chains for the rears.

[@SunnynPhilly]

Lexus GX460 or a 4th gen 4WD 4Runner with the 4L V6. If ya live somewhere that salts the roads in the winter it’s worth flying to a sunbelt city to pick one up used.

[@robervin9107]

Subaru Outback 😂. Especially if you in Tommy’s state

[@AH-bm4ts]

Why don't you TFL use Sam's and Costco for your tires?

[@zachsummers3321]

I rank my subaru impreza up there.

[@holnugget]

When you have 4hi engaged, is it better to lock your center differential for better traction in snow?

[@chrisherman7531]

Speaking of Falkan tires. Sumitomo just shut down their only tire plant in the U.S. 1500 jobs were lost. They produced the Dunlop tires Harley Davidson uses as well. Just FYI. 1500 American jobs lost without the required 90 day notice. Just shut the doors.

[@tomlivesay8407]

Lexus IS-350 F-Sport AWD? I’m thinking about buying one.

[@GaryRichards-cb1fc]

Note* My 2004 Volkswagen Passat had all wheel drive with 60% rear and 40% front, all the time, as stated in all VW manuals/literature concerning VW Passat AWD. 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@steveadp]

Do you have a recommendation for GX460 265/55/19 sport design for all around tires? Moving to Co and wondering if Michelin LTX3 could be the one tire for all year. Will be skiing, and light off roading during summer.. like Switzerland trail and Webster pass type. thanks

[@Jay-me7gw]

Why not get some snow tires on a cheap set of 4Runner wheels? Or better yet get some nice looking wheels for the summer and run snow tires on your stock GX wheels. I ran KO2’s in the summer on 17” wheels and Blizzak DM-V2’s in the winter on the stock wheels on my GX460 I do the same thing on my Chevy Bolt. Bought a set of steel wheels for $50 a piece and a set of lightly used Michelin X-ICE for $200.

[@THX5000]

We salt the roads and destroy everyone's cars, because some people don't want to buy decent winter tires.

[@sapalobo9723]

Did Falken build a tire good at the test and not in the real world?

[@coltonwood9846]

You can definitely stop faster if you threshold brake, even with the best abs. Also, 4WD when engaged (but not AWD because center diff) will stop faster than 2WD on slippery surfaces because the front axle is forced to spin at the same speed as the rear. Therefore you won't have the front axle lose traction before the rear when braking, which is what usually happens in 2WD because of front brake bias.

[@bikerevolutiontv]

Truckers on 70 would put those socks on and later down the road the socks would be on the road fallen off

[@danthompson1467]

Factory wheels on anything thing is the only way to go they are the strongest and safest way to go . Aftermarket stuff never holds up in the long run so save your money 👍👍

[@51Downer]

Dont interrupt Tommy or he will take his ball and go home

[@joeblack1052]

It’s always the same stupid comment “ I will take a FWD car with winter tires over a 4WD with all season tires” How about I will take a 4WD and put winter tires on it😅

[@Jay-me7gw]

The thing about running dedicated snow tires is that it’s not really an added cost other than the wheels. When you are running your snow tires, you are not running your summer tires and they are not being worn. If you don’t care, get cheap wheels. I’m running $50 steel wheels in my Chevy Bolt.

[@ldmtag]

Tommy is like: "MY WIFE would love that feature..." We got it, you have a wife, no need to brag, leave us single people alone (pun was originally not intended, but now is)