Michelin X Ice North 4 vs Michelin X Ice Snow
- TR Score
- 8.6/10
- Owners say
- 84% · 12
- TR Score
- 7.9/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 19
The Michelin X Ice North 4 and the Michelin X Ice Snow have met in 6 independent tests and the record is level at 1-1. The X Ice North 4 stopped 13.8% shorter on ice; the X Ice Snow lapped the wet handling course 0.6% faster.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Michelin X-Ice North 4 for frequent ice, hilly/untreated roads, and maximum safety margin; choose Michelin X-Ice Snow for urban/suburban winter with plowed roads, low noise and comfort priorities, and better fuel economy.
Where the X Ice North 4 is stronger
- Dominant ice performance: consistent wins in braking, traction, and handling
- Strong snow traction and often superior snow handling
- Shorter dry and wet braking versus the Snow in several tests
Where the X Ice Snow is stronger
- Outstanding comfort and very low noise (10/10 damping in latest test)
- Lower rolling resistance and better fuel consumption
- Stable, predictable behavior on snow and in general driving
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
X Ice North 4 vs X Ice Snow at a glance
| Category | X Ice North 4 | Gap | X Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won6 shared tests | 1 | 1 level | 1 |
| Dry5 measurements | 4 | The X Ice North 4 stopped 2.6% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 0 |
| Wet10 measurements | 4 | Level between the two. | 4 |
| Snow10 measurements | 5 | The X Ice North 4 was 1.7% quicker in the snow traction test (3 tests) | 3 |
| Ice10 measurements | 10 | The X Ice North 4 stopped 13.8% shorter on ice (3 tests) | 0 |
| Comfort4 measurements | 0 | 4 | |
| Value1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.6/10 | The X Ice North 4 by 0.7 | 7.9/10 |
| Owner rating12 and 19 reviews | 84% | Too close to call | 85% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 92% | The X Ice North 4 by 4 points | 88% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | +10.2% | The X Ice North 4 was dearer in 2 of 2 | Cheaper |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 6 tests, 2020 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | X Ice North 4 | Field | X Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tire Test | P5 of 8Studded Winter Tires | P4 of 7Nordic Friction Winter Tires | |
| 2025 Friction and Studded Winter Tire Test | P4 of 7Studded Winter Tires | P6 of 7Nordic Friction Winter Tires | |
| The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 | P3 of 6Studded Winter Tires | P5 of 6Nordic Friction Winter Tires | |
| 2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test | P3 of 9Studded Winter Tires | P4 of 6Nordic Friction Winter Tires | |
| The Best Winter Tires for 2020 | P1 of 19 | P1 of 19 | |
| 2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test | P1 of 5Studded Winter Tires | P3 of 12Nordic Friction Winter Tires |
Performance profile
14 measurements from the 6 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
X Ice North 4
X Ice Snow
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. 3 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
X Ice North 4
X Ice Snow
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
X Ice North 4
X Ice Snow
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the X Ice North 4 84% from 12 reviews and the X Ice Snow 85% from 19. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | X Ice North 4 | Gap | X Ice Snow | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 2.6% | 104 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 7.1% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 121 | 3.9% | 127 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 37.63 | 0.6% | 37.43 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 4.8% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 38.8 | 0.8% | 38.5 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 166 | 0.6% | 167 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.9 | 1.7% | 6 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 50.65 | 0.9% | 51.15 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 6.3% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 125 | 13.8% | 145 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 4.2 | 27.4% | 5.77 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 55.9 | 13.3% | 64.8 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 29.8% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 100% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 34.9% | scored | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 6.01 | 4.8% | 5.73 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the X Ice North 4 scores 8.6 and the X Ice Snow 7.9 out of 10.
| X Ice North 4 | Category | X Ice Snow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | Dry | 23 | ||
| 25 | Wet | 28 | ||
| 57 | Comfort | 53 | ||
| 52 | Value | 64 | ||
| 78 | Snow | 61 | ||
| 86 | Ice | 79 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| X Ice North 4 | Category | X Ice Snow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.7 | Dry Grip | 7.8 | ||
| 7.3 | Wet Grip | 7.9 | ||
| 7.7 | Road Feedback | 7.6 | ||
| 8.2 | Handling | 7.5 | ||
| 8.9 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 8.3 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 9.2 | Snow Grip | 9.4 | ||
| 9.8 | Ice Grip | 8.6 | ||
Owners rate the X Ice North 4 84% from 12 reviews and the X Ice Snow 85% from 19. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Michelin X Ice North 4
- 84%from 12 reviews
- 92%would buy again
- 132,021 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers rate the Michelin X Ice North 4 very highly overall, most often praising outstanding traction and braking on ice and snow along with impressively low road noise for a studded tire. Several reviews also highlight confident handling/feedback and generally strong longevity, with some users reporting long tread life and good stud seating after proper break-in. A smaller minority note trade-offs such as weaker grip on wet/dry pavement and occasional stud loss or faster wear later in the tire's life.
- Excellent grip and braking on ice and snow
- Low noise levels for a studded winter tire
- Confident handling/control and good road feedback in low-friction conditions
- Generally good durability/longevity for winter use (tread and/or studs)
- Wet/dry grip is not as strong as its winter (ice/snow) performance
- Some users report stud loss over time or after multiple seasons
Summarised by AI from 9 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 12 X Ice North 4 reviewsVery good on ice - probably one of the very best. But I wouldn't buy them if most of the driving is on wet or dry roads. The amount of studs in them contributes to a great amount of noise, but in return you'll get very good grip on ice. I have used them mostly on ice tracks with 3 different cars and the speed and grip you can get with these is on another level. Probably only comparable to Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3, but these have longer studs and lose studs easily. Compared to the Blizzaks, straight line grip is not as good, but generally they perform exceptionally well. Have no comparison to newer tires.
Snow grip is also really good. On dry and wet, feels a little spongy as you would expect from a winter tire. Haven't really driven them much on the road.
My experience is purely based on RWD cars: 1990 BMW 318i; 1995 BMW 328i; 2004 Smart Roadster. Used the same size with all of them.
Michelin X Ice Snow
- 85%from 19 reviews
- 88%would buy again
- 250,466 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers describe the Michelin X-Ice Snow as a confidence-inspiring winter tire with standout traction in snow and strong overall control in mixed winter conditions (slush, packed snow, and typical ice), often noting predictable handling and good braking. Many also report good comfort and low wear over multiple winters, making it a popular choice for harsh climates and long winter commutes. A smaller subset mentions that road noise can be higher than expected (or increases with wear) and that grip on smooth/glare/black ice can feel weaker than studded options or some prior winter tires.
- Excellent traction and mobility in deep snow
- Strong winter grip and confidence in mixed conditions (slush/packed snow)
- Predictable handling with good lateral stability
- Good comfort and generally quiet ride for a winter tire
- Road noise can be higher than expected or increase as the tire wears
- Ice grip on smooth/glare/black ice can feel weaker than studded tires or some competing/prior winter tires
- Dry/wet road performance is only average compared with non-winter tires
Summarised by AI from 16 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 19 X Ice Snow reviewsHad these on our Corolla for the last 5 winters and they have performed great. Wear is minimal, although we only have 15,000mi on them. We get surprisingly good gas mileage (37-40mpg). Snow performance is amazing. Even in the wet, sloppy snow/slush, they performed great. Changing lanes in these conditions and not getting pulled around is very confidence-inspiring. Ice performance is very good as well. Had one small slip on some black ice in a corner on an on-ramp, but other than that they have been great in the winter.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
| Category | X Ice North 4 | X Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| On the market since | - | 2020 |
| Replaced | - | Michelin X Ice Xi3 (2011) |
| Replaced by | - | Michelin X Ice Snow+ |
| Price in the shared tests | The X Ice North 4 was the dearer tire in 2 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 10.2% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits Michelin's studded Nordic specialist, X-Ice North 4, against the brand's flagship Nordic friction tire, X-Ice Snow. Both target severe-winter markets but take different routes: studs for ultimate ice authority versus a studless compound and siping focus for quieter, more efficient everyday winter use.
Across six shared tests from 2020-2025, a clear pattern emerges. The North 4 repeatedly dominates objective ice and often snow traction metrics, while the X-Ice Snow counters with class-leading comfort, lower rolling resistance/fuel use, and better manners on bare roads. Recent tests also highlight some steering imprecision for both on asphalt, with the Snow trending more refined and the North 4 more capable when conditions turn truly icy.
Conclusion
If you routinely face glassy intersections, packed ice, or steep icy climbs, the X-Ice North 4 is the safer bet. It wins every shared ice metric (braking, traction, handling) by meaningful margins-often 10-25%-and typically edges snow traction. The trade-offs are louder operation, higher fuel use/rolling resistance, and less composure on wet/dry asphalt with slower steering response.
For drivers who prioritize quiet, comfort, and efficiency on mixed winter roads with only occasional ice, the X-Ice Snow fits better. It delivers standout refinement, lower consumption, and stable, predictable behavior, with acceptable snow grip. However, its ice braking and lateral grip lag the best in class, limiting suitability for the iciest Nordic conditions. In short: North 4 for maximum ice confidence; X-Ice Snow for everyday winter comfort and efficiency.
X Ice North 4 vs X Ice Snow: your questions
Is the Michelin X Ice North 4 or the Michelin X Ice Snow the better tire?
The Michelin X Ice North 4 and the Michelin X Ice Snow have met in 6 independent tests and the record is level at 1-1. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the X Ice North 4 scores 8.6 and the X Ice Snow 7.9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the X Ice North 4 or the X Ice Snow?
Across the shared tests the wet measurements are split 4-4 between the X Ice North 4 and the X Ice Snow.
Which is better in the dry?
The X Ice North 4 led 4 of the 5 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.6% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The X Ice North 4 led 5 of the 10 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it was 1.7% quicker in the snow traction test across 3 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.3/10 for the X Ice North 4 and 8.8/10 for the X Ice Snow.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the X Ice North 4 84% from 12 reviews and the X Ice Snow 85% from 19. 92% of X Ice North 4 owners would buy it again, against 88% for the X Ice Snow.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the X Ice North 4 was the dearer tire in 2 of them, by 10.2% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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