Hmmm... I can't think of a tire that combines the 3 qualities of good all-season, cool looking and quiet that would work in a VT winter and make you happy.
Well then, with all that driving in VT and not using snow tires you should look at previous brands you've had and liked that worked well on your previous 4WD vehicles.
I suppose you're right... Just looking for some suggestion for my new to me Overland. I don't put on a lot of miles so longevity is not a factor. Just want something cool looking that rides good.
I live near southern VT. Even the UPS trucks are 4WD in VT!
I plan on going with new Nokian WR G3 SUV tires on my next vehicle.... an all-weather tire.
Interesting tread pattern... I wonder if they pull when your in a good rain storm?
It looks like one side of the tire will react one way and the other side another way.
Nitto Crosstek are an all-season -- with beefy-looking sidewall biters. They look like A/Ts from the side, but the tread pattern is mild (all-season). They are exclusive to NTB. You have to get the truck/SUV version. The CUV version looks wimpy.
The WR G3 is so new I have not seen it on a vehicle yet, though I did get to see one in the tire dealer's waiting room. I have the WR G2 on our Subaru and have seen the WR G2 SUV on 2 WK2's. Our WR G2's are not as quiet as the stock tire. My reasons are that it is a more aggressive tread design than OEM tires and the Subaru does not have as much sound proofing as the WK2. The Subaru is my wife's daily driver and she has never commented on noise.
I have the Nitto Terra Grapplers and I like them. I don't notice any additional noise from them and the tread pattern looks great on the Jeep. You say mileage isn't a factor really so these might be good for you. I've only had mine for about 30,000mi so this upcoming winter will be the test for how well they hold up in bad conditions with some wear.