Audi Q5/Q7: Winter Tire Reviews
Good tires aren't cheap, and the hassle of having winter weather tires fitted is seldom worth it if you don't live in the frigid north where snow and icy roads are weekly occurrences. But if you do live somewhere with extreme winter weather, you can use the experiences of other Audi owners to guide you in your tire selection.
This article applies to the Audi Q5 and Q7 (2009-present).
Generally speaking, the original equipment tires fitted to your Audi Q5 or Q7 won't deliver the traction you need during long winter months, with thick snow and slick sheets of ice cover the ground, even with Quattro AWD. For the best traction accelerating, turning, and stopping, you need a dedicated set of winter tires, with their specially designed tread, and advanced rubber compounds. Let's go over the brands we think you'll love!
Audi Q5 and Q7 Winter Tire Options
Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow |
Dunlop SP Winter Sport 4D |
Nokian Hakkapeliita R2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Price |
$100+ | $107 to $130 | $100 to $150 |
Size |
15" to 22" |
Various |
Various, including 17", 18" and 19" |
Performance |
SUV Performance Winter | Winter | Winter |
Expected Lifespan |
25,000 to 50,000 miles | Several seasons | 3 to 4 years |
Warranty |
Limited lifetime warranty | Limited lifetime warranty | 5 years from date of purchase |
Best Value: Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow
Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow
Price – $100+
Size – 15" to 22"
Performance – SUV Performance Winter
Lifespan – 25,000 to 50,000 miles
Warranty – Limited lifetime warranty
The Pirelli tires are one of the lowest priced, name brand, winter tires sized to fit the Q5 and Q7, yet they perform only slightly worse than the more expensive brands. Rated for both "light" and "deep" snow traction, as well as ice, these SUV performance winter tires offer excellent ride quality, minimum noise (almost "zero"), and praiseworthy treadwear. The only downside to these affordable winter tires is that some owners have noted less traction when braking and navigating hard corners, during exceptionally bad conditions. Recommended for Audi owners who want a great priced winter tire that makes very little noise on the road.
Dunlop SP Winter Sport 4D
Price – $107 to $130
Size – Various
Performance – Winter
Lifespan – Several seasons
Warranty – Limited lifetime warranty
The Dunlop brand is a leader in the tire industry; the name is synonymous with quality. In recent years, and specifically when it comes to both the Q5 and Q7, the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 4D has received glowing reviews thanks to tread block stiffness that guarantees impressive dry handling, plus all-around excellent snow traction with excellent stopping and cornering grip, as well as high performance on both wet and icy environs. Recommended for someone willing to pay a little extra money for great winter snow traction and a brand name.
Nokian Hakkapeliita R2
Price – $100 to $150
Size – Various , including 17", 18" and 19"
Performance – Winter
Lifespan – 3 to 4 years
Warranty – 5 years from date of purchase
You may not have heard of Nokian, but they are a top tire brand in Finland, and maintain a dedicated winter weather test facility close to the arctic circle. Talk about a set of winter tires that deliver "amazing" traction in the snow, including while slowing and stopping. Many Audi Q5 and Q7 owners received a "smoother ride" and "better handling" when opting for 17-inch tires over their 18-inch counterparts, on dedicated wheels just for their winter tires. But, OEM sizes are available for most Audis. Overall, Nokian tires are an excellent tire choice that rates slightly above Dunlop tires. Recommended for drivers who want the best winter tires, with enough rubber to last for several (long) winter seasons.
Related Discussions
- Pirelli Scorpion Winter Tires - AudiWorld.com
- Additional Photos of Pirelli Scorpion Winter Tires - AudiWorld.com
- Nokian Dunlop Consumer Review - AudiWorld.com
