Tires BRIDGESTONE or OEM FORD

I have Bridgestone Potenza RE71R's on my Z and the grip is phenominal. Its a summer tire though and they can be slippery in low temps so take that into consideration

Go with the 215 and save some money. You’ll have plenty of grip and be fine. I ran that size Blizzaks on my past WRXs.

When it comes to brands, best ones are Bridgestone, but remain the costliest along with Michelin. MRF, CEAT and Apollo offer similar cost and have average lifecycle and performance.

My AWD Sienna hybrid is great in the Chicago snow on the stock Bridgestone tires. I love it.

I got some cheaper wheels from tire rack that are “winter rated” 18x8.5 +35 squared setup and Blizzaks. It will be worth the investment.

I noticed the wiper issue on mine in February when I first got the truck. It's pretty annoying. You can get around it like others mentioned but I've heard some users report they've chipped the hood paint doing it so I don't' bother.

I'm also in NS by the way as I see you mentioned that in the comments. Those the stock tires you still running? I ordered steelies and Bridgestone Blizzaks for mine a few weeks ago. Just under $1,400 which isn't cheap but they are great tires in the snow and ice. Handled the snow like a champ today. I also have the same vent shades. They are amazing.

Bridgestone last absolutely ages and are brilliant in the wet, it’s what I have on my merc

I've had Hakkas, X-Ice and Blizzaks.

Blizzaks seemed to degrade the worst of the bunch and performance fell off faster than the X-ice and hakkas.

For whatever reason my Bridgestone tires always lasted half of their warranty if that, and generally sucked all around.

I do have the exact same size on my 2019 Ford Taurus Limited. Can't remember exactly when I put them on without looking for the tire receipt, but I don't think they're anything special. They wear fast, & to me they're loud. Actually looking for some new tires too. But I know I won't be getting these again.