Nokian WR G3. It is a all-weather tire (all-season with the mountain-snowflake for severe winter conditions). They are available in 225/45r18 It's not going to have the dry road grip of the DWS06 or A/S3+, but will easily outperform them in the winter, that we are suppose to have.
Owner reviews for tires
I got new Kumho Ecsta PA31 in 195-50-15:
I chose these tires because I put them on my 2016 Tucson last year and they are phenomenal.
So, this year, I banked big and bought the test-winning studded tires from Nokian (Hakapeliita 8). And let me tell you, I don't think I'm going back to studless tires ever, unless studded tires suddenly become illegal here.
- The grip and handling-ability on ice is unmatched. Everyone who sais that studless tires have come such a long way that there almost isn't a difference anymore has never tried a studded tire and should shut up. Especially the difference in brake-ability on ice is huge. Studded tires outperform studless in any icy-condition, that is for sure and any other claim is wrong. these tires really have given me confidence that no other studless tire has before.
General Altimax Artic and Gislaved Nordfrost 100. Both are well rounded winter tires (dry cold, wet, ice, snow). They are from a reputable brand (Continental) and reasonably priced.
Nokian's I've just put on the Hakk R2s for this winter. I was running WRG2s which I was thoroughly impressed with.
I bought a set of Kuhmo all-seasons for my Jetta. Was extremely pleased with them after not liking the Continentals they replaced (two punctures and two sidewall dimples; one was replaced by Continental).
I've had nothing but General tires on my car for the last 8 years. With my Matrix XR AWD it was General Altimax HP when the OEM Goodyear Eagles were done. I went through two sets of the Generals and loved them. With the GLI, I had OEM Dunlop SP Sport that sucked. I replaced them with a set of General G Max AS-03's and again have loved their return for wear, performance, and noise. They handle just as good in the wet as they do the dry.
I had Kumho and Hankooks. The Kumho, while being the superior dry tire (grip, feel), was terrifying in the rain. The really good think about Hankooks is that they grip well, are predictable, and ride really, really well (had 'em on 245/35/19s and rode way better than my winter set (235/50/17s). But as OP and many others have said, the sidewalls are waaaay too soft. Yeah, you can pump up the pressure by a couple PSI, but by doing that you're reducing the longevity of the tire (wears out center way more quickly).
I did go with the Conti DWS initially. Hated the noise they made (see my post earlier). I like the P-Zero much better.
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