Topic: Winter tires for Nissan X-Trail

[ld500]

I've been reading reviews on Winter tires and it seems like the Dunlop M3, Goodyear Ultra Grip 3, and Bridgestone LM-22 are the top rated.

However, those tests all involved cars.

Our Nissan X-trail uses 215/65/16 tires.
Is the choice for a winter tire for a compact SUV different than that of the tire tests I've read.

We live in Vancouver but still want good winter tires for the 'just in case' factor.

What winter tires would you recommend.  Most of our driving is in the city.  Top choice right now is the M3 or maybe Michelin X-Ice.

[brian]

Yes, testing is applicable to SUVs too.  Grip is grip.

X-Ice and M3 are in slightly different categories because of their speed ratings.  Since most driving is in the city, the M3 might be better in this case.

[ericthejet]

Good little truck and I agree that grip is grip.  I think a mild winter tire more suited to your typical conditions will work well.  The extra traction that the X has will more than get you to your destination even with a mild winter on all 4 corners.  I like Michelin product, solid build and fair price point.

[morty]

With the X-Trail I would definitely go with an H-rated to help carry the weight and offer stability due to the higher centre of gravity. There are a couple of SUV oriented winter tires and the one we have had great success with is the Pirelli Scorpion Ice. Availability has been slim, but it is a very good option.




TireTrends - Get ready for winter!

[asc]

You might want to consider the Nokian WR suv. I live in Vancouver and own an X-Trail as well. I just put them on yesterday.  I have the WRs on my other vehicle and they were great in the snow. (We do a lot of trips over the passes).
I was able to trade in the stock Bridgestones.

[ld500]

We ended up buying a set of Nokain RSi snow tires.  This came after seeing a recent foreign magazine review rate the Nokian RSi very highly.

The tread compound seems quite soft so they might not last as long as some others.
The Michelin X-Ice was rated almost as highly
and I would choose it if treadwear was a more important factor.

Maybe the Nokian RSi was a bit of overkill.
However, I didn't want to feel like I compromised on the snow & ice traction if/when we ever needed it.

[FunCanuck]

I also bought an X-trail this year and have found the front end very light and spinning out easily in wet conditions.  I live on Southern Van Island and only need WT's for 1-2 months per year.  Have narrowed my choices to:  Continental Viking Snow Techs ($124/tire); Goodyear Magna Grips from Wal-Mart ($73/tire), and GT Radial Champiros WT Winter Tread ($97/tire). 

My local dealer said the Champiros were invented by the same guy who designed Nokias and then started his own company.  Also, that they were originally marketted as all seasons w/ 80K warranty so that they're long lasting (which is important to me).  Have read good reviews of them so I think they'll be good.

Wal-Mart has aftermarket rims for $65 but I think I'll order take offs from ICBC for $78/rim as they're made for X-trails.  I also determined that I can't go down to 15's to save a little money.

[Craig]

I have the GTs on my EL.  There's nothing wrong with them, but they are noisy.

We have Gislaved NordFrost 3's on the wife's X-Trail.  Q-rated and awesome in snow, which was our priority.

[johnas]

I also determined that I can't go down to 15's to save a little money.

You can run 215/70/R15s on the Xtrail no problem.

[Craig]

I managed to snag OEM 16" steelies from a local Nissan dealer who had pimped an X-Trail XE for the showroom, for $300 cash (shhh...).  Look around and you may find a similar deal.

[sanj101ca]

Hi Everyone,

I have 2005 X-trail SE this will be my first winter with this SUV....I just called Nissan they are quoting around $900 for the 4 tires/steelis

They are recommending the Dunlop Graspic tires....

I'm on a budget cause I have to do two sets are vehicles this year...the xtrail and nissan altima....

We're in Brampton, Ont if anyone can recommend decent winter tires for city and highway driving and what kind of pricing.

Thanks,
S.

[Trainman]

I managed to snag OEM 16" steelies from a local Nissan dealer who had pimped an X-Trail XE for the showroom, for $300 cash (shhh...).  Look around and you may find a similar deal.

Ah, my local Nissan dealer offered me OEM 16" wheels for the Pathy at $65 each.  Why would the Xtrails be that much more?  (Ended up with Tacoma wheels for $60 each   )

[johnas]

if anyone can recommend decent winter tires for city and highway driving and what kind of pricing.

I bought a set of tires and rims at Costco for my new Xtrail in October- These numbers are from memory so they may be off a few dollars:

-15inch rims (47$ each)
 215-70-R15 Micheline XIce Tires (119$ each with 60$ discount). 

I saved around 300$ in comparison to going with the 16inch size.

[sanj101ca]

Are there any compromises going down to a 15" wheel? How much did Costco charge to do the installation? Was that $60 rebate for each tire or total for 4 tires? What steel rims did you end up going with?

Thanks,
S.

[johnas]

Are there any compromises going down to a 15" wheel?

Overall size of the tire is essentially the same - circumfrance is 84.4, compared to 84.8 for the 16". The walls of the 15" tires are larger that the 16" so there will be some compromise of performance- I think it will be minimal.
 

How much did Costco charge to do the installation? Was that $60 rebate for each tire or total for 4 tires?

60$ rebate for four tires, applied after tax. I haven't had the tires installed yet - I bought the tires and had them mounted on the rims. I will be taking the XTrail in after the tire sale is over to have them installed. I will report back here after they are installed if you want.

 

What steel rims did you end up going with?

The rims are from Costco, I guess they are designed for Nissans, not the universal fit rims. Other than that I don't know anything about them.

[sanj101ca]

what performance comprimises do you anticipate going to a 15? Also the on your bill what is the description for the steel wheels...does it have any reference to Nissan?

[johnas]

what performance comprimises do you anticipate going to a 15?

The tires are softer due to the larger sidewalls, maybe some of the other more experienced folks here can give you more specific information. Sorry, I don't have any information on the rims other than they are not crappy universal fit and they fit Nissan cars.

[johnas]

what performance comprimises do you anticipate going to a 15?

The tires are softer due to the larger sidewalls, slightly less precise - maybe some of the other more experienced folks here can give you more specific information. Sorry, I don't have any information on the rims other than they are not crappy universal fit and they fit Nissan cars.