It’s still 2020; and as we’ve learned, everything is different in 2020. So, we decided to add something unique to our long-term test fleet. A set of winter tires. 

You’ve heard us say before that, while all-wheel-drive is nice; often a good set of winter tires is all you need to get through winter. Goodyear decided to help us out with that claim, and sent us a set of their latest winter tire, the WinterCommand Ultra. A tire designed to be extra pliable in extreme cold, with V-Tread technology for maximum snow and slush evacuation.

They are now installed on our Assistant Producer Rachel’s Hyundai Accent. Stay tuned for updates. 

This is our first long term update on these Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra winter tires, now installed on a front-drive Hyundai Accent. So, let’s go for a first impression; just how do they feel compared to the all-season tires they replace?

Rachel Ederer: "I have never had a daily driver with all-wheel drive. I’ve always had small sedans like my Accent, or larger minivans with front drive only. So when I got picked to test GoodYear’s new winter tires I was really excited. Right out of the gate I could feel that they were squishier than my regular tires but felt sturdier and more grounded. However, they don’t allow my car to accelerate as fast, which is a good thing for winter driving, but the braking is a little bit more aggressive."

As for what makes a winter tire? Generally, their construction stays more pliable in colder temperatures.  For this tire, Goodyear uses a unique Cryo-Adaptive rubber compound. 

Tread patterns are also distinctive, designed to cut through slush and snow, with additional Sipes to keep those elements from building up or packing into the tread blocks.