Lexus: Winter Tire Reviews

A good set of winter tires could make a tremendous difference while driving. Here is a review of four popular brands of winter tires.

By Piyush Kayastha - November 12, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus IS, RX, GS, LS, and ES (2005-2013).

Tires serve as an integral part of a car's performance, handling, and safety in rough terrain and "less than ideal" weather conditions. Winter is one of those seasons that brings on a varied and often harsh combination of these factors. A proper winter tire can spell the difference between disaster and safe travels.

In the table below, we are comparing the prices for 225/45/17 size tires. Prices will vary depending upon your tire size.

Bridgestone Blizzak
Dunlop Winter Sport
Michelin X-Ice
Continental Extreme Winter Contact
Price $148 $159 $171 $126
Size

225/45/17

225/45/17

225/45/17

225/45/17

Performance Wet, Snow, Ice Dry, Wet, Snow Dry, Cold, Wet, Ice Dry, Snow
Tread Life 5 years 6 years 6 years 6 years
Warranty First 1/32" of wear

1 Year / First 2/32" of wear

6 years/ 40,000 mile

Manufacturer's Treadwear Limited Warranty

1 Year / First 2/32" of wear

Best Quality: Michelin X-Ice

Best Value: Dunlop Winter Sport

Bridgestone Blizzak

Price: $148

Size: 225/45/17

Performance - Wet, snow, and ice

Tread Life - 5 years

Warranty - First 1/32" of wear: Details

Known as the most popular winter tire, the Bridgestone Blizzak is a choice you can't go wrong with. Best for conditions containing harsh glare ice and packed snow, these tires will stand up to the test of weather in any condition. Recommended if you are looking for harsh weather condition tires.

Dunlop Winter Sport

Price: $159

Size: 225/45/17

Performance: Dry, wet, and snow

Tread Life: 6 years

Warranty: 1 year / first 2/32" of wear: Details

A quality tire with good value, the Dunlop Winter Sport is the best of both worlds. It's fairly priced and provides all the features of many of the comparable Winter tires available. Recommended if you are looking for quality tires for less money.

Michelin X-Ice

Price: $171

Size: 225/45/17

Performance: Cold, dry, ice, and wet

Tread Life: 6 years

Warranty: 6 years / 40,000 miles (when worn to 2/32" depth)

Michelin X-Ice is a well balanced tire that is capable of handling snow and ice in the harshest conditions. With one of the best warranty plans available, it's a good tire but slightly more expensive than comparable brands and styles of winter tires. Recommended if you are looking for great tires and don't mind spending the money.

Continental Extreme Winter Contact

Price: $126

Looks: 225/45/17

Performance: Dry and snow

Tread Life - 6 years

Warranty - 1 year / first 2/32" of wear: Details

A light tire with a light price tag. It offers many of the same features of some of the comparable winter tires available. Overall, a good bang for your buck. Recommended if you are looking for a great, reputable tire with a good price tag.

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