Tires MICHELIN or Kumho

Highly rate Kumhos and have happily put them on anything from my daily to my high performance 4wd fun car.

I typically buy Cooper tires, good quality without the cost of Michelins.

For me it’s Michelin only; it’s the only tire where I can tell a difference between other tires

I always do Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.

My previous set were the Bridgestone Blizzaks. Now, I'm using a set of Michelin X-Ice. I've driven around the city and as far as Whistler/Big White (I used to go Cypress 3-4 times a week too during the winter). Blizzaks were a beast in heavy snow. But I think for what you're looking for, I would just go with the X-Ice. They're really quiet and the ride is really comfortable.

I got a set of Kumho WINTERCRAFT ICE Wi31 from Quattro Tires which have been great for me. Quiet and good traction in snow.

Among the low-cost good ones; Vredestein. Now I stick to Michelin (bought various X-Ice2/3/PA3) as I like that they won't feel like winter tires.

I have Michelin Ice-Xes on my GTI and they do a great job.

I'm currently running Michelin Premieres on my Jetta. They are great tires, especially in the wet, but don't get near the longevity that they claim. I've put TrueContacts on our old Forester, and was very happy with them. I've also had General Altimax HP's on the Jetta (same category tire), and was happy with those as well. Generals are a great budget tire. They were very quiet, and I'll echo the comment that they feel squirmy at first until all the casing oil gets out of them.

My newish Michelin Defenders did that.