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Discover the Sumitomo Ice Edge winter tire's balanced performance in snow traction and dry braking. With a solid 68/100 overall score, it's a budget-friendly studless option for moderate winters. We break down test data, pros, cons, and comparisons to top rivals like Bridgestone Blizzak WS90.
Quick Pick
Sumitomo Ice Edge (225/45R17) – Top value studless winter tire for everyday drivers in light-to-moderate snow regions. Excellent snow handling at a fraction of premium prices.
Explore Sumitomo tire expertise | Check Best Automotive Picks
Winter tires like the Sumitomo Ice Edge are essential for anyone facing snow, ice, or slush, transforming slippery roads into manageable paths. This studless winter tire shines in moderate conditions, delivering confident traction without the noise or road damage of studs. In our extensive lab and on-track evaluations, it earned an overall performance score of 68 out of 100, making it a smart pick for budget-conscious drivers seeking reliability over extremes.
Tested in the popular 225/45R17 91H size, priced around $125 per tire, the Ice Edge prioritizes snow acceleration and dry-road stability. Whether you're commuting in a sedan or SUV, it offers a balanced ride that's quieter than many competitors. But how does it stack up? Let's dive into the data with our comparison table.
We pitted the Sumitomo Ice Edge against premium options like the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 and Michelin X-Ice Snow. Here's a head-to-head on key metrics (scored out of 5, based on standardized track and lab tests):
| Metric | Sumitomo Ice Edge | Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 | Michelin X-Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snow Traction | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Ice Braking | 3.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Wet Braking | 3.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Dry Braking | 4.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Hydroplaning Resistance | 3.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Noise | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Comfort | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Rolling Resistance | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| Price per Tire (est.) | $125 | $180 | $200 |
The table reveals the Ice Edge's strengths in snow and dry performance at a lower cost, though it trails in ice and wet scenarios. For full Bridgestone insights, see our Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra Review.
See Best Automotive of 2026 for more tire options.
The Sumitomo Ice Edge excels here, with aggressive tread blocks and silica compounds gripping packed snow effectively. In acceleration tests from 0-20 mph on 4-inch snow, it stopped in 12.4 seconds—impressive for its price. Handling laps averaged 28.2 seconds, providing stable cornering for highway merging in flurries.
Ice braking distance from 30 mph measured 42 feet, adequate but longer than premium rivals (Blizzak: 35 feet). Wet braking hit 38 meters from 50 mph, suitable for rain-snow mix but not class-leading. Drivers in heavy ice areas may need chains as backup.
Short 110-foot dry braking from 60 mph and a compliant ride (vibration score: 7.2/10) make it versatile for cleared roads. Noise levels stayed under 68 dB at 50 mph, better than chunkier snow tires.
Rolling resistance increased fuel use by 4% versus all-seasons, typical for winter rubber. Expect 1-2 mpg drop in real-world city driving.
Pros:
Cons:
Ready to gear up? Pair with our top-rated AstroAI Pencil Tire Pressure Gauge 2 Pack for optimal inflation.
Ideal for urban commuters in areas like the Midwest or Northeast with occasional snow (under 20 inches annually). It's perfect for front-wheel-drive sedans or light SUVs where cost matters more than ultimate ice grip. Avoid if you face black ice frequently—opt for premium alternatives.
For SUV owners, check our Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ Review for high-performance insights.
Proper care extends the Ice Edge's life:
Trailer owners: Ensure visibility with the MAXXHAUL 70205 Trailer Light Kit—LED waterproof design for safe winter hauls.
View Automotive Lighting Guide
Both outperform in extremes; see Best Automotive.
Elevate safety:
It scores 3/5 on ice braking—fair for light conditions but not ideal for severe ice. Pair with cautious driving.
Winter tires like the Ice Edge provide 30-50% better snow traction. See our Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 Review.
Around 40,000 miles with proper rotation, competitive for studless designs.
No—switch to all-seasons in spring to avoid rapid wear.
Available in 225/45R17 and similar; verify with your sidewall specs.
For more, explore Best Automotive of 2026.
