Nitto Trail Grapplers. Not the worst that I have run in the winter (that honor goes to Hankook Dynapro MT), not too loud, respectable in the mud, decent on rocks, and they seem durable as well. It really comes down to what you are willing to comprimise. As far as keeping your family safe in the winter, with a short wheelbased vehicle and rear-wheel drive, don't be shy about running it in 4x4 in questionable weather, and pick a middle-of the-road tire. The guy with the Sumper Swampers waiting on the other side of the mudhole will be happy to give you a little tug the rest of the way through!