Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 Winter Tire Review: Still the Standard
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Ride Comfort | Higher Price Tag |
Lack of Road Noise | Not Available in Some Larger Wheel Fitments |
Ice and Snow Performance |
If you’re reading this review, you probably live in an area that receives four full seasons of weather every year. Places where a winter tire either makes a lot of sense or is absolutely mandatory. The tire industry isn’t short of available options, with hundreds of choices, bought in the millions each year across North America.
Not all tires are built equal though. Prices, quality, and applications varies vastly across the industry. If it’s the ultimate in cold-weather tire technology one is after, it’s probably best to shop amongst what’s referred to as the tier 1 tire manufacturers. Companies like Bridgestone.
Not a Newcomer
Bridgestone has been in the cold weather game a long time. The brand’s Blizzak lineup of winter tires have been around for over 35 years, first launched in Japan in 1988 and in North America in 1992. During that time, there have been many different iterations of Blizzak tires, for cars, SUVs, and/or trucks.
One line that has been around for a while now is the DM-V2. First launched in 2015, this winter tire is specially created for crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks. It features what Bridgestone refers to as a Next-Generation Multicell Compound. This compound has a hydrophilic coating designed to remove water and moisture away from the surface of the tire. This allows the compound of the tire to have better contact with snow and ice to provide better traction.
Other key highlights to the Blizzak DM-V2 includes large tread block edges to give the tire more bite on snowy surfaces, thus providing more control. It's also designed for more of the tire surface to stay in contact with the road during wintery conditions.
Dry and Wet Performance: Test and Wait
We wanted to see if the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is still a segment leader after all these years. We reached out to the brand and Bridgestone provided us with a set of 225/60R17 tires for free to test over the winter. We promptly installed them on a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and waited for winter’s fury.
During the months before winter’s proper arrival, we had plenty of time to test the tires on dry and wet roads, with ambient temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 to 10 Celsius). It’s remarkable how unremarkable these tires are in conditions like these, and we mean that in the upmost positive way.
The usual drawbacks that historically plague winter tires are absent with the Blizzak DM-V2. There is no increased vibrations felt through the steering wheel or pedals, nor is there an increase in tire hum (road noise). If we didn’t know these tires were installed, we’d have just assumed the Crosstrek was still wearing its OEM all-season tires.
The performance on dry and wet surfaces also mimics that of all-season tires, providing, ample, predictable grip.
Snow and Ice Performance: Unleash the Blizzard
Just when we thought we were never going to get a proper snow fall this winter, a foot of fresh power fell overnight, blanketing our city. While most neighbors hid inside or dug out their driveways, we promptly jumped behind the wheel of the Crosstrek and headed out for extensive testing.
In the deep, powdery snow, the Blizzak DM-V2 tires provide seamless traction. If care is taken during acceleration, braking or cornering maneuvers, grip is predictable and constant: even when the snow is higher than the Crosstrek’s front bumper.
On well-traveled roads, with packed snow, things do get a bit slipperier, but that’s the case with most tires. We’re now dealing with a mix of snow, ice and slush. Again, if driven sensibly within the condition’s limits, the Blizzak DM-V2 tires never lose full traction or bite.
On freshly plowed roads where a thin layer of ice now resides, the DM-V2 tires performed up there with the best winter tires from competitors we’ve recently tested. The theme of predictable grip is persistent in all conditions.
The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 tires don’t have a sudden drop off in grip under certain conditions. If traction is lost while cornering or braking, there is plenty of warning before the tires hit their limits. There’s no irregular behaviour that has drivers guessing if the tires will or won’t grip at any moment.
The Verdict: Still on Top of Its Game
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
Even after all of these years, the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 tires are still excellent. Many other tires may have caught up and equalled the DM-V2 in terms of snow and ice performance, but what sets these Bridgestones apart is how they behave when winter isn't trying to ruin your travel plans. On normal winter days, they drive and ride like a regular all-season tire, giving owners the best of both worlds.
Currently, the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is available in 58 sizes for wheels ranging from 15-inch to 22-inch, and available either online or at several retailers across North America.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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I'm sticking, and I mean getting great traction, with my Michelin X-ice radials. Excellent in deep snow but best on ice. My experience is that deep snow occasions are far less common than icy, snow packed roads. Thus, even though Blizzaks ar great in snow I choose the tire that's better on ice! But it is great that the tire manufacturers have provided such awesome choices.
I've used Blizzaks on Explorers and Mustangs. Always been pleased with the performance.