Year in and year out the CR-V is one of the best small SUVs available. From fuel efficiency to safety to comfort it’s good at everything. And if you want to make sure its winter traction is optimized then it’s wise to invest in some proper winter rubber.
Remember, winter tires are not just snow tires. Any certified snow tire will out-perform an all-season not just in snow but even on clear roads below 45 degrees. So even if you live somewhere with only occasional snow, you still might want to invest in proper winter tires
So what is a Snow tire?
There really is no such thing as a snow tire. All snow tires are actually winter tires. And a winter tire can be identified by the three-peak mountain snowflake logo on the sidewall. This means it has met a minimum standard for winter grip, as certified by the U. S. Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC).
Best Winter Tire for Honda CR-V
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
We’re not shy about how much we love this tire. The Blizzak DM-V2 does a lot of things really well, but where it really shines is when the snow starts flying.
The tread compound and design on this tire delivers superior grip on snow covered roads, in terms of acceleration, braking and handling. The extra wide center tread section also gives unrivalled stability, meaning that it just removes all the stress of driving, when driving is at its most stressful.
That center section of tread is made up of different triangles with siping cut into the tread in different directions. This gives the tire grip no matter what you’re doing.
Slush evacuation is decent and grip on ice is quite good – though not this tire’s strongest suit.
If there are any other drawbacks it’s that driving engagement on dry roads isn’t as good as some rivals – like our next choice below.
In addition to all the great reasons to recommend this tire, it’s actually surprisingly well priced too!
Best Winter Tire for Honda CR-V (Alternative)
Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV
A close runner up to the Blizzaks, these might be the right tire for you. It really all depends on what you’re looking for in a tire, and the sort of driving you do.
The original Michelin X-Ice delivered on its primary directive: offering exceptional grip on both ice and icy (ie. cold) roads. When it came to actual grip on snow, however, it needed some work. And when most folks still call these “snow tires” it meant Michelin needed to go back to the drawing board.
And this is what they came up with.
Delivering the same amazing ice grip, but adding much improved snow traction, this directional tire also delivers impressive water and slush evacuation. It’s also less ponderous than most winer tires due to unique sipes that have small bumps in them, meaning the tread bends less when cornering.
It’s perhaps a more well-rounded winter tire than the Blizzaks, but doesn’t quite live up to the Bridgestone’s pure grip in the snow.
Best Studdable Winter Tire for Honda CR-V
General Altimax Arctic 12
You wouldn’t expect to get maximum winter traction at a lower price point. But here it is.
The General Altimax Arctic 12 is a studdable winter tire at the more affordable side of the price scale.
Without the optional TSMI #12 metallic winter studs its still an impressive winter option with above average grip on ice, in the snow and it even does quite well in slush.
Once studded, it’s a true powerhouse, allowing you immense grip on snow packed or ice-packed rural and mountain roads.
Cheapest Winter Tires for Honda CR-V
Pirelli Scorpion Winter
Pirelli is revamping its winter tire lineup, meaning that they are selling-down the old Scorpion Winter. It’s not our first choice for a winter tire. Then again, the cheapest option is never going to be.
Out general motto for winter tires is that any winter tire is better than none at all: so here’s your change to save big on a premium product that’s a bit long in the tooth.
A performance winter tire, handling is prioritized here with more of a focus on dry and cold roads than anything else. Due to the unique tread design with three large tread sections, stability is quite good, both on dry roads and snow covered ones.
Slush evacuation is decent, but not this tire’s high point.