This is a somewhat complex topic. To begin with, most customers who own an SUV, crossover, minivan, or light pickup should normally be using passenger (P) category tires, as covered in the regular tire segment. However, several manufacturers equip pickups and certain sportier or off-road-styled SUVs with more aggressive tires that might seem compatible with winter laws and requirements—but not always!

Some light truck drivers might think that wide tires with big, aggressive tread blocks can perform well in snow or on ice. Not necessarily. In fact, most of our tests show that such tires are not effective on icy roads. There are true winter tires or certified ones that are much more efficient and safe! Don’t forget: we’re not always driving in extreme situations, but most of the time on dry, slightly icy, but especially very cold roads! Then, there’s the question of weight. You have to take into account the vehicle’s load capacity (many customers may say they’ll never fully load their pickup, but such promises have their limits!).

Among the best winter tires for pickups, the most reputable brands remain at the top, including Finnish brand Nokian, which has developed truck versions of its Hakkapeliitta line, such as the LT3 (also available in a studded version). However, the manufacturer emphasizes that its latest product, the Outpost nAT, is ideal for off-road excursions and highway comfort, and that it’s also “certified” for both winter and summer use.

At Michelin, you’ll find not only the X-Ice Snow and North (studded) for pickups, but also the Agilis Cross Climate 2, “certified” for large SUVs, vans, or even pickups. Michelin’s second brand, BFGoodrich, also offers an excellent lineup of winter tires for pickups, the T/A K03, which is also “certified.” Incidentally, for light commercial trucks, BFGoodrich offers the Commercial T/A!

Within the prestigious Goodyear brand, in addition to the WinterCommand line available in LT versions, you’ll also find the renowned Wrangler range. This one includes “certified” versions for demanding tasks. Most of the DuraTrac winter tires are adapted to winter roads. At the same time, Goodyear’s new Cooper division offers interesting and especially more affordable winter tires, including the Discoverer Stronghold AT Road+Trail AT “certified.” We can also mention the very aggressive Snow Claw.

On Bridgestone’s side, there are LT versions of its Blizzak (SUVs and light trucks can be equipped with the appropriate Blizzak WS90). In this Japanese manufacturer’s catalog, you’ll also find the Dueler range for pickups, including the W695 version designed for commercial pickups (if available). Bridgestone also markets other tires under the Firestone Winterforce name, available in LT versions or even studded.

At Italian manufacturer Pirelli, there’s also an interesting range of winter tires for pickups, mainly under the Scorpion name. This includes the Scorpion WeatherActive, an “all-season” tire certified for premium SUVs. For smaller SUVs, you’ll find the ATR and All Terrain Plus.

When it comes to Continental’s winter tires, they can be recommended for most pickups and SUVs on the market. But if your customer shows up with one of those commercial vans (Ford Transit, Ram Promaster, MB Sprinter, or others), you can recommend the Van Contact Winter tires. There’s even a certified Van Contact A/S Ultra version in the catalog. Continental’s subsidiary General Tire offers robust pickup users its Grabber Arctic LT, a mid-range, affordable product.

Otherwise, for most pickups, you can always look at Toyo’s catalogs, which include the Observe GS-i LT. In this line you’ll also find the Toyo Observe GSi-6 in LT versions, or the Open Country, including the WLT or A/T III (certified), as well as the Celsius II. At Yokohama, there’s the Geolandar, with the popular A/T G015 or the brand-new A/T XD G017 (both certified) for more robust pickups, or the AG53 for SUVs. Kumho, another South Korean brand, offers its Road Venture AT52.

Finally, in the more budget-friendly segment, GT Radial lists the Adventurer AT-AW in its catalog (manufactured in various parts of the world, including South Carolina). Some more original customers may prefer the Falken Rubitrek AT4 Wildpeak (certified), the Nitto Grappler, or the Nexen Roadian HTX2.

Otherwise, if it’s more about budget than technology or brand loyalty, we can mention brands like Hercules’ Avalanche (manufactured by Cooper), Sailun’s Rovelo, WestLake Z-401, and Maxxis Victra SUV.

Of course, over time, more brands and models will be added to this list. And that’s where each of you—merchants, resellers, installers, and garage owners—must stay informed by regularly consulting Automobile’s newsletters and articles.