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Discover our in-depth road test of the General Grabber Arctic studless winter tire in 225/55R18. Scoring 68/100 overall, it shines in snow traction but struggles on ice. See detailed scores, pros/cons, and comparisons to help you decide if it's right for your winter drives. Budget-friendly at ~$160 per tire.
Quick Pick
Our top pick for budget winter tires with strong snow performance: General Altimax Arctic 12 – Excellent value for everyday snow and ice commuters.
Winter driving demands tires that can handle snow, ice, and slush without compromising safety or control. The General Grabber Arctic, a studless ice and snow tire from General Tire, aims to deliver just that on a budget. We put it through rigorous real-world road tests in the 225/55R18 size, common for mid-size SUVs and crossovers like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.
Our overall score: 68 out of 100. This tire excels in snow traction, making it a solid choice for drivers in regions with frequent snowfall but milder ice conditions. However, it falls short in severe ice scenarios. Priced around $160 per tire, it's an affordable option compared to premium winter rubber costing $200+.
In this review, we'll break down our testing methodology, performance metrics, pros and cons, and comparisons to help you make an informed buy. Whether you're upgrading from all-seasons or seeking value, read on for data-driven insights.
Check out our Best Tires 2024 guide for more top-rated options.
We compared the Grabber Arctic to other popular winter and all-season tires based on key safety metrics. Scores are out of 5, derived from controlled tests on groomed snow, glare ice, wet pavement, and dry roads. (Note: Competitor data from independent benchmarks; Grabber from our tests.)
| Tire Model | Snow Traction | Ice Braking | Ice Cornering | Wet Braking | Dry Braking | Price (ea.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Grabber Arctic | 4.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | ~$160 | Budget snow commuters |
| General Altimax Arctic 12 | 4.2 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | ~$140 | Budget winter value |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 4.0 | 4.2 | ~$150 | All-season versatility |
| Cooper Arctic Claw WXI | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 3.8 | ~$180 | Severe snow regions |
| Advanta HPZ-02 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | ~$120 | Ultra-budget all-season |
This table highlights the Grabber Arctic's strength in snow while showing room for improvement on ice. For full breakdowns, see our Grand Touring All-Season Tires guide.
To ensure reliable results, we mounted four Grabber Arctic tires on a 2023 Subaru Outback (all-wheel drive test vehicle) and ran over 500 miles of mixed winter conditions. Tests included:
Conditions mirrored real U.S. winters: Midwest snowstorms and Northeast black ice. Tires were rotated every 100 miles for even wear.
The Grabber Arctic's directional tread pattern with deep sipes and biting edges provided confident grip. In our 0-30 mph acceleration test on packed snow, it averaged 8.2 seconds – quicker than many budget tires. Hill climbs at 15% grades were effortless, with minimal wheel spin. Ideal for plowed roads and light powder.
Ice is where it lags. Braking from 20 mph took 42 feet, adequate but not class-leading. Cornering grip faded early, requiring cautious inputs – we slid at 12 mph in figure-8s. For icy rural roads, consider studded alternatives or tires like the Cooper Arctic Claw WXI.
Wet braking from 40 mph stopped in 128 feet, average for studless designs. Handling in slush was predictable, but hydroplaning set in at 55 mph in 1/2-inch standing water. Paired with good wiper fluid like our recommended windshield washer tablets, visibility stays clear.
Surprisingly capable on clears: 110 feet braking from 50 mph. Handling felt planted at highway speeds, though steering response was softer than summer tires.
Firm ride absorbed potholes decently (subjective 6.8/10). Noise peaked at 68 dB at 65 mph – noticeable but not intrusive. Rolling resistance added ~2 mpg penalty vs all-seasons; treadwear unrated but expected 25,000 miles.
Pros:
Cons:
This tire suits budget-conscious drivers in snowy but not extreme-ice areas, like the Great Lakes or Rockies foothills. Mount on AWD SUVs for commutes under 20,000 miles/year. Avoid if you face frequent black ice or need premium refinement – opt for our Best Tires 2024 picks instead.
Actionable Advice: Rotate every 5,000 miles, inflate to 35 PSI cold, and swap to all-seasons by late March. For all-season alternatives, check the General G-MAX RS.
Explore more in our Best Automotive of 2026.
Enhance safety with essentials like windshield washer tablets for de-icing – one pack makes 105 gallons of fluid.
No, its ice cornering (2/5) makes it better for moderate snow than extreme ice. Choose higher-rated options for blizzards.
We tested 225/55R18, but available in 15-20 inch diameters. Verify fitment for your vehicle.
Studless like the Grabber offer quieter rides and better dry/wet performance; studs excel on pure ice but wear faster.
Far superior in snow (4/5 vs. 2.5/5), but swap back for dry summers to save tread.
Around 25,000-30,000 miles with proper care; treadwear not officially rated.
Prices fluctuate – compare across retailers and check our tires buying guide.
Stay safe this winter – tires matter!
