When it comes to top-performing snow-rated rubber, Bridgestone Blizzak tires are almost always in the conversation, often making the ‘best of’ lists in various comparisons. And for good reason: it’s a premium winter tire designed to deliver optimal snow and ice performance; available in various models, including the Blizzak LM-32 for luxury vehicles, the workhorse LM001 series for unrelenting winters, and LM005 for the best in winter performance designed for sports cars.
Quick Specs:
- Tire Type: Winter tire
- Vehicles: SUV, crossover, light truck
- Speed Rating: Varies by tire size (typically H or T)
- Tread Depth: Varies by tire size (typically deeper for improved snow and ice traction)
- Load Index: Varies by tire size
- Warranty: Bridgestone’s limited warranty
But the Blizzak DM-V2 is arguably the most popular, replacing the outgoing DM-V1. The newer version’s block edges increase by 15 percent while incorporating updated technology (Multicell Compound with Hydrophilic Coating, to be exact) for better traction on snow and ice and improved ground contact for better grip in on the icy roads.
This all sounds great, but how do the DM-V2s perform? Here’s a closer look.
What’s new to the Blizzak DM-V2 winter tire?
It should first be noted that these tires are optimized for use on SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks. They have, however, been used on some muscle models like the Ford Mustang with great success, too. They include several innovative features that help to set them apart from competition, including:
- A next-gen “Multicell Compound”
- Increased block edges
- Enhanced ground contact
The tire’s so-called “Multicell Compound” features a special hydrophilic coating that absorbs and then removes every bit of moisture from the tire’s surface, which means, in theory, that you get better traction on ice and snow.
The block edges on the DM-V2 have been increased by 15 percent, once again giving you more traction and control, especially on uncertain snowy ground. Finally, ground contact is improved by designing the tire to allow more surface area to contact the road, which is your ideal scenario in winter.
How well do these Bridgestone Blizzak tires perform?
These aren’t just winter tires in the sense of being thicker and with a more intricate and deep-cut tread pattern. These are tires that are engineered for the snow. When testing them on different types and thicknesses of snow and ice, we found no discernible loss in consistency of traction and stability on our 2021 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Black Line Edition test SUV.
One additional benefit of the DM-V2 tire is that it could remove any need you have to attach additional equipment like chains, which is suitable for the roads and more convenient for you. As you drive on them, that more giant block-edged and increased surface area makes their presence known because you just feel glued to the road.
What we also liked about these tires that don’t get enough attention, in our view, is how they still manage to maintain a quiet and comfortable ride in the cabin. Heavy-duty winter tires are normally the harbinger of greater noise and rougher riding on cold, wintry drives. Still, these Blizzaks add minimal noise, keeping the cabin quiet and comfy.
Heavy-duty winter tires are normally the harbinger of greater noise and rougher riding on cold wintry drives, but these Blizzaks add minimal additional noise, keeping the cabin quiet and comfy.
They do impact fuel consumption, namely to increase it, but that is normal for winter tires. Compared to other winter tires on the market, like the Continental IceContact XTRM and Pirelli Scorpions, the Blizzak DM-V2 will not add any serious increase to consumption and are very economical by winter tire standards.
Takeaway: a Bridgestone SUV winter tire that’s reliable, quiet, comfortable, and economical
To conclude, we have to rate these tires very highly in all meaningful metrics. Individual drivers may find issues with some aspects like fuel consumption, but no one can deny the impressive snow and ice performance of these tires. The traction is frankly unbeatable.
Currently, pricing for the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 starts at around $150 per tire in the US for the 235/75R15 size; in Canada, Bridgestone’s site has the 215/65R16 size listed at $273.99.
