New Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak: the next-generation winter tire for ice, snow, and wet roads

Summary

The Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak is a new studless winter tire positioned as Bridgestone’s winter flagship for everyday, all-around winter driving. It’s designed to deliver strong performance on ice, snow, and cold wet pavement, while also emphasizing tread life and optimized rolling resistance thanks to ENLITEN™. It also stands out by carrying both the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) and Ice Grip markings.

Blizzak IcePeak launch: availability in Canada

Bridgestone is targeting availability starting May 2026 (when retailers typically begin ordering for the following winter season).

Why this new Blizzak matters

The Blizzak IcePeak is meant to simplify Bridgestone’s winter lineup by gradually replacing two well-known models:

  • Blizzak WS90 (cars/CUVs)

  • Blizzak DM-V2 (SUVs/light trucks)

Bridgestone positions the IcePeak as a “go-to” winter tire for daily driving, with claimed improvements in winter capability and longevity.

Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak highlights

  • Dual winter markings: 3PMSF + Ice Grip (a first for Bridgestone)

  • Designed to feel predictable and confidence-inspiring under braking on icy surfaces (early media impressions)

  • Ice-focused tread details such as protrusions and micro-grooves to help manage the thin water film that can form on ice

  • ENLITEN™ design approach targeting a balance of winter performance, tread life, and efficiency (rolling resistance)

  • Very broad fitment: 107 sizes from 14" to 22", with coverage claimed around 97% of passenger-vehicle applications

3PMSF and Ice Grip: what these symbols mean

The Blizzak IcePeak carries two complementary winter markings:

  • 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake): a recognized benchmark for snow traction performance

  • Ice Grip: a newer certification focused specifically on ice braking performance (not just snow)

This matters most in regions where freeze-thaw cycles, black ice, and polished intersections are part of the daily commute.

ENLITEN™ technology: a deeper look (and why it matters in winter)

ENLITEN™ isn’t a single ingredient—it’s Bridgestone’s broader design approach aimed at combining performance with sustainability and efficiency through material and construction optimization.

Bridgestone describes ENLITEN as helping to:

  • reduce rolling resistance (supporting better energy efficiency—fuel economy or EV range),

  • improve tread life,

  • and contribute to a lower environmental impact through smarter resource use and design choices.

For winter tires, that efficiency angle is especially relevant: cold temperatures already reduce efficiency (and EV range). A winter tire designed to manage rolling resistance can help preserve range or fuel economy—without compromising the traction and control you need.

Tread design: a focus on ice + cold wet pavement

Bridgestone highlights several design choices aimed at traction on ice and control on cold wet roads:

  • Protrusions (small leading-edge features on certain tread blocks) to help limit water intrusion and support grip on ice

  • Micro-grooves to help move water away from the contact patch

  • An updated tread and compound strategy intended to improve durability while building on elements proven in the WS90 and DM-V2

Early driving impressions: what the media noticed

At Bridgestone’s Winter Driving School (Colorado), early impressions point to a tire that feels progressive and predictable, with stable handling and confidence under braking on icy surfaces.

Some reporting also notes Bridgestone’s stated improvement claims—such as better ice acceleration versus the tire it replaces and a potential increase in tread life (often described as “up to an extra season,” depending on use).

Comparison table: Blizzak IcePeak vs WS90 vs DM-V2

Criteria Blizzak WS90 Blizzak DM-V2 Blizzak IcePeak
Positioning Studless winter tire for cars/CUVs Studless winter tire for SUVs/light trucks New all-around winter “flagship”
Status in lineup Current model Current model Intended to gradually replace WS90 + DM-V2
Winter markings 3PMSF (varies by size/market) 3PMSF (varies by size/market) 3PMSF + Ice Grip
Ice focus Classic Blizzak ice emphasis Ice focus for heavier vehicles Ice-focused design (micro-grooves + protrusions) + Ice Grip
Snow Proven winter traction Proven winter traction/control Claimed gains + progressive, predictable feel (early media impressions)
Tread life Varies by use/size Varies by use/size Updated compound/design aimed at improved tread life
Efficiency (rolling resistance) Not the historic focus Not the historic focus ENLITEN™ + rolling-resistance emphasis
Sizes / coverage Separate passenger lineup SUV/light-truck lineup 107 sizes (14–22"), ~97% coverage claim

Vehicles and sizes

The Blizzak IcePeak is expected in 107 sizes, ranging from 14" to 22", covering most cars, SUVs, and light trucks.

Who is the Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak for?

The Blizzak IcePeak makes a lot of sense if:

  • you often drive in icy conditions (freeze-thaw cycles, black ice, polished intersections),

  • you want a versatile winter tire for snow + slush + cold wet pavement,

  • you value long-term value (tread life + efficiency), including for hybrids and EVs.

Why buy winter tires from Blackcircles.ca?

Blackcircles.ca makes it easy to buy winter tires online in Canada with:

  • a wide selection of brands and sizes you can compare quickly,

  • competitive pricing,

  • delivery,

  • and installation through a partner shop near you.

Key takeaways

The Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak is arriving for the 2026 winter season with a clear direction: strong winter confidence—especially on ice (Ice Grip)—plus snow capability (3PMSF), and an ENLITEN™ approach aimed at improved tread life and efficiency.

👉 Keep an eye on Blackcircles.ca for availability closer to launch.

« Back to News Homepage