I have a 2016 Tucson Sport AWD with the factory 19" wheels. I often drive to Utah, Tahoe and Mammoth to ski during the winter. The stock Kumho tires suck in any kind of snow or slippery conditions. I've thought about buying a set of 17" takeoffs from the Tucson SE and putting some Conti or Yokohama A/T tires on it. (The 17" x 7.0 wheels are the only ones with a high enough profile to allow a full A/T tire.) But I could be convinced to simply replace the tires on the 19" wheels with something that will work in snow IF anyone has any experience with that. Thoughts?

 

I don't have experience with a Tuscon. However, we have experience with a Sonata, a Pontic Vibe and a Ford Focus. For all of them we have a set of winter wheels with dedicated winter tires. They make a world of a difference compared even to excellent all season tires. The Sonata rolls on Michelin X ice, The Vibe runs on General Altimax Arctic and the Focus on Cooper Weathermaster.

I would get a set of the smallest possible (used) rims with new or near new winter tires.

I recommend using the reviews of this website to choose: https://tirereviewsandmore.com/

 

Well the 17" Tucson SE wheels are readily available for about $350/set but I can't put dedicated winter tires on since most of my driving TO the ski areas covers long highway miles (like 400 miles to Mammoth, 600 to Tahoe, 1100 to Salt Lake). Which is why I think A/T tires may be a better option.

 

I have done long distance travel with winter tires. The main disadvantage is road noise. The Nitto NT-SN2 may be right for you.
https://tirereviewsandmore.com/nitto...inter-reviews/

If not you may look for an all season touring tire with better winter qualities. However they will be hard pressed to match a silica infused compound that makes winter tires so good.