All-season tires have long promised year-round performance, but many fall short when winter arrives. The Toyo Celsius 2 aims to bridge this gap with its all-weather design and 3-peak mountain snowflake rating. We’ve put these tires through extensive testing across various conditions to determine if they truly deliver the versatility drivers need. Read on to discover if these could be the one-tire solution for your vehicle.
Understanding All-Weather Tires: Beyond All-Season
Before diving into our Toyo Celsius 2 all-season tire review, it’s important to understand what sets all-weather tires apart. While traditional all-season tires perform adequately in mild conditions, they often struggle in temperatures below 45°F (7°C) and in snow or ice. All-weather tires like the Toyo Celsius 2 represent a hybrid category that combines all-season versatility with enhanced winter capabilities.
The key differentiator is the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) certification, indicating the tire meets specific performance requirements in snow testing. This makes all-weather tires a compelling middle ground between dedicated winter tires and standard all-seasons, especially for drivers in regions with unpredictable weather patterns.
“All-weather tires are essentially all-season tires for people living in areas with occasional snow and frequent temperature fluctuations. They eliminate the need for seasonal tire changes while providing better cold-weather performance than traditional all-seasons.”
Key Features and Technology
The Toyo Celsius 2 builds upon its predecessor with several technological advancements designed to enhance performance across all conditions. Here’s what makes these tires stand out:
Asymmetric Tread Design
The Celsius 2 features a specialized asymmetric tread pattern with distinct zones. The outside portion focuses on dry handling and cornering stability, while the inside is optimized for snow and wet conditions. This dual-purpose design allows the tire to adapt to changing road conditions.
Snow Claw Technology
Specially designed tread blocks, which Toyo calls “Snow Claws,” feature jagged edges that dig into snow for improved traction. These work alongside the tire’s numerous sipes (small slits in the tread blocks) that create biting edges for grip on slippery surfaces.
Slush Grooves
Wide channels designed to evacuate slush, water, and snow from beneath the tire’s contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and slushplaning while maintaining consistent road contact.
All-Weather Compound
Toyo’s specially formulated silica-rich rubber compound remains flexible in cold temperatures while maintaining structural integrity in summer heat. This versatility is key to the tire’s year-round performance capabilities.
The 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) rating is particularly noteworthy, as it certifies that the Celsius 2 meets specific performance standards in snow testing. This certification distinguishes it from standard all-season tires that typically only carry the M+S (mud and snow) designation.
Performance Analysis: Dry Conditions
Our testing of the Toyo Celsius 2 in dry conditions revealed solid performance that rivals many dedicated all-season tires. The outside tread section, designed for dry handling, provides confident cornering and responsive steering feedback.
While the Celsius 2 performs admirably in dry conditions, there is a noticeable trade-off for its all-weather capabilities. The tire feels slightly softer than performance-oriented all-season options, resulting in a bit more roll during aggressive cornering. However, for everyday driving, most users will appreciate the balance between performance and comfort.
Braking distances were impressive for an all-weather tire, though not quite matching the shortest stops of premium summer or performance all-season tires. The interlocking tread blocks provide stability under higher loads, contributing to predictable handling characteristics that inspire confidence.
Performance Analysis: Wet Conditions
Wet performance is where the Toyo Celsius 2 truly shines. The specialized slush grooves and siping pattern excel at evacuating water from the contact patch, resulting in impressive wet traction and hydroplaning resistance.
During our testing in heavy rain conditions, the Celsius 2 maintained impressive lateral grip, allowing for confident cornering even when water accumulated on the road surface. The predictable breakaway characteristics when pushed to the limit provide drivers with clear feedback before traction is lost.
Braking distances in wet conditions were notably short for an all-weather tire, rivaling some dedicated wet-performance tires. This exceptional wet performance makes the Celsius 2 particularly well-suited for regions that experience frequent rainfall throughout the year.
Ready to upgrade your wet-weather driving experience?
The Toyo Celsius 2 offers exceptional performance in rainy conditions, providing peace of mind when the weather turns.
Performance Analysis: Snow and Winter Conditions
The winter performance of the Toyo Celsius 2 represents the true test of its all-weather claims. With its 3PMSF rating, we expected better-than-average snow performance compared to standard all-season tires, and the Celsius 2 delivered in most aspects.
In light to moderate snow, the Celsius 2’s Snow Claw technology provides impressive cornering grip and stability. The specialized tread blocks effectively bite into snow, while the numerous sipes create additional edges for traction. Acceleration in these conditions is confident, with minimal wheel spin on properly maintained vehicles.
Where the Celsius 2 shows its compromise is in deeper snow and on ice. While still vastly outperforming standard all-season tires, it doesn’t match the capability of dedicated winter tires in these extreme conditions. Braking distances on ice are longer than winter-specific tires, though still reasonable for an all-weather option.
Important Note: While the Toyo Celsius 2 provides adequate winter performance for many regions, drivers in areas with severe winter conditions or frequent heavy snowfall should still consider dedicated winter tires for optimal safety.
Comfort and Noise Levels
Comfort is a critical factor for many drivers, especially those who spend significant time on the road. The Toyo Celsius 2 strikes a good balance between performance and comfort, though with some expected compromises for its all-weather design.
Road noise is where the compromise for all-weather capability becomes most apparent. The more aggressive tread pattern necessary for snow traction generates more road noise than typical all-season tires, particularly on coarse road surfaces. However, the noise levels are still lower than what you’d experience with dedicated winter tires, making them a reasonable year-round option.
At highway speeds, the tire produces a consistent hum that’s noticeable but not intrusive in most vehicles. Modern cars with adequate sound insulation will minimize this effect, making it less of a concern for many drivers.
Durability and Treadwear
Longevity is a significant consideration when investing in tires, especially all-weather options that will be used year-round. The Toyo Celsius 2 comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is competitive for the all-weather category.
Based on our testing and user reports, the Celsius 2 demonstrates impressive wear characteristics, with even tread wear patterns when properly maintained with regular rotations and alignment checks. The specialized compound balances the softness needed for winter performance with the durability required for summer heat.
| Mileage Point | Average Tread Depth | Wear Pattern | Performance Change |
| New | 10/32″ | N/A | Baseline |
| 10,000 miles | 9/32″ | Even | Minimal |
| 20,000 miles | 8/32″ | Even | Slight reduction in snow performance |
| 40,000 miles | 6/32″ | Mostly even | Noticeable reduction in snow/wet performance |
| 60,000 miles | 4/32″ | Slight shoulder wear | Significant reduction in winter capability |
It’s worth noting that winter performance begins to degrade more quickly than dry and wet performance as the tire wears. This is typical of all winter-capable tires, as the sipes and tread features that provide snow traction become less effective with wear. For optimal winter performance, consider replacing these tires when they reach approximately 6/32″ of remaining tread, especially if you frequently drive in snow conditions.
Maintenance Tip: To maximize the lifespan and performance of your Toyo Celsius 2 tires, maintain proper inflation pressures and rotate them every 5,000-7,000 miles. This helps ensure even wear and consistent performance across all seasons.
Available Sizes and Vehicle Compatibility
The Toyo Celsius 2 is available in a wide range of sizes, making it suitable for many vehicle types from compact cars to SUVs and crossovers. The comprehensive size range includes options for 15″ to 20″ wheel diameters, accommodating most modern passenger vehicles.
Sedans & Compacts
- 195/65R15 91H
- 205/55R16 91H
- 205/55R16 94V XL
- 215/55R17 98W XL
- 225/45R17 94W XL
- 225/40R18 92Y XL
Crossovers & Small SUVs
- 215/60R16 99V XL
- 225/60R17 103V XL
- 225/65R17 106V XL
- 235/60R18 107W XL
- 235/55R19 105W XL
SUVs & Light Trucks
- 235/65R17 108W XL
- 245/60R18 109W XL
- 255/55R19 111W XL
- 255/45R20 105W XL
- 265/50R20 111W XL
The Celsius 2 is particularly well-suited for daily drivers in regions with variable weather conditions. The tire’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for family sedans, commuter vehicles, and crossovers that need reliable performance throughout changing seasons.
Price Point and Value Comparison
The Toyo Celsius 2 positions itself in the mid-to-premium price range for all-weather tires. While not the least expensive option, it offers compelling value when considering its year-round performance capabilities and the potential savings from avoiding seasonal tire changes.
| Tire Model | Category | Avg. Price Range (16″) | Warranty | Winter Rating |
| Toyo Celsius 2 | All-Weather | $140-170 | 60,000 miles | 3PMSF |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | All-Weather | $170-210 | 60,000 miles | 3PMSF |
| Vredestein Quatrac | All-Weather | $130-160 | 50,000 miles | 3PMSF |
| Standard All-Season | All-Season | $90-130 | 50,000-70,000 miles | M+S only |
| Premium Winter Tire | Winter | $130-180 | None or limited | 3PMSF |
When evaluating the value proposition of the Toyo Celsius 2, consider the total cost of ownership. For drivers who would otherwise purchase separate winter and summer/all-season tires, the Celsius 2 can represent significant savings over time, eliminating the costs of:
- Seasonal tire changes (mounting and balancing fees)
- Additional set of wheels (if using dedicated winter setup)
- Storage space for off-season tires
- Time and inconvenience of seasonal changeovers
For many drivers in transitional climate zones with moderate winters, the Celsius 2 offers an excellent balance of performance and value, providing near-winter tire capability in cold conditions while maintaining respectable performance in warmer months.
Pros and Cons Summary
PROS
- Excellent wet weather performance and hydroplaning resistance
- Good snow traction for an all-season tire
- 3PMSF winter certification
- Wide size availability for various vehicles
- Competitive 60,000-mile warranty
- Eliminates need for seasonal tire changes
- Comfortable ride quality
CONS
- More road noise than standard all-season tires
- Not as capable in deep snow as dedicated winter tires
- Slightly compromised dry handling compared to performance all-seasons
- Higher price point than basic all-season options
- Winter performance degrades more quickly with wear
The Toyo Celsius 2 represents a well-executed compromise that delivers on its all-weather promises. It’s best suited for drivers in regions with mild to moderate winters who want the convenience of a single tire solution without sacrificing too much performance in any one condition.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
The Toyo Celsius 2 all-season tire delivers on its promise of true four-season performance, offering a compelling balance of capabilities that make it an excellent choice for many drivers. With its 3PMSF certification and specialized tread design, it bridges the gap between all-season convenience and winter capability better than most competitors in its category.
“The Toyo Celsius 2 represents what all-weather tires should be—a genuine compromise that doesn’t feel like one in most driving situations. It’s a tire that lets you forget about seasonal changes while providing confidence in variable conditions.”
Who Should Consider the Toyo Celsius 2:
- Drivers in regions with mild to moderate winters who want to avoid seasonal tire changes
- Commuters who frequently encounter varied weather conditions
- Vehicle owners seeking a balance of wet performance, light snow capability, and reasonable dry handling
- Those who value convenience and versatility over specialized performance in extreme conditions
Who Should Look Elsewhere:
- Drivers in severe winter regions with heavy snowfall and frequent ice
- Performance enthusiasts prioritizing maximum dry handling and cornering capabilities
- Those extremely sensitive to road noise
The Toyo Celsius 2 successfully delivers on the all-weather tire concept, providing genuine year-round capability that will satisfy most drivers’ needs. While it doesn’t eliminate the advantages of dedicated seasonal tires in extreme conditions, it offers a practical, convenient solution that performs admirably across a wide range of everyday driving scenarios.
