Snow tires or 3 Peak A/T tires?

I hate to sound argumentative, but in my experience (I've unfortunately stacked up more than one car in my time), the number one culprit of loss of traction is not tires, but velocity. Whether the roads are dry or icy, if you are carrying too much speed into a turn, or trying to decelerate/ accelerate too quickly, the composition and tread design of your tires will mean little. A 4WD system and great winter tires can't compensate for inertia.

I now drive slowly and living in Colorado (and driving through a bunch of snow both on and off-road in Utah the last couple weeks as well), I get by just fine with my BFG KM3 mud terrains. I was able to maintain traction in snow and ice right up until it got deep enough to exceed my 9.6" of ground clearance. For the OP, living in the City, I could never justify winter tires just for weekend Tahoe trips, no matter how many weekends I spent up there. Then again, I've crossed Donner Pass in 3" of packed snow on my R1200GS, so take that for what it's worth.

 

I'm relatively relaxed of deep snow vs light wet snow or ice on pavement is the biggest challenge I see. When there is Ice I keep a huge gap when I'm waiting at the traffic light as some people have no f* clue that they cannot stop, so I have enough room to pull forward getting rear ended.

 

Yes, obviously people should adjust their driving to the conditions. But, all other things being equal, winter tires will outperform other tires in winter conditions. I've had a full time 4WD 4Runner on 3PMSF AT tires and a FWD TC with snow tires, and I'd feel safer in the TC in anything but deep snow.

Mud tires will perform well in deep snow, but they are generally garbage on packed snow and ice. They just don't have enough biting edges, and the rubber is generally too hard. I'd recommend finding a shop that will sipe your tires if you're going to use MT's in winter.

 

Very good observations and point, I agree. Except when looking at all tires/cars. On my old Mazda I put a set of Michelin PSS super sports which dramatically increased wet traction, and to the point I could literally drive and take turns 30% faster. Amazing, but i would never put them on a 4Runner. lol I also had a set of Vredestein snow trac tires which were also awesome and truly impressive in the snow, but as you said its a balance of traction and Velocity even with a good snow tire.

My Duratracs have been great in the snow, no need for dedicated snow tires. Just cant justify dedicated tires on a 4R with all its traction capabilities.

 

Good points and I don’t think anyone disagrees. If you’re seeing cars in the ditch you should assume conditions are treacherous and slow the F down, even if you’re on good winter tires. They’re not magic.

My reply to the OP was just a reminder that your 4WD system won’t save you from slippery conditions when you’re already well underway. As on a highway. In that situation your tires matter much, much more. I thought it was worth pointing this out because the OP’s post seemed to reflect a belief that the 4Runner’s 4WD system would make a big difference in that situation.