Michelin X Ice Snow vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
- TR Score
- 7.9/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 19
- TR Score
- 8.7/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 17
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tires, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 finished ahead 6 times and the X Ice Snow not once, with 2 level. The X Ice Snow resisted straight aquaplaning at a 7.1% higher speed; the Hakkapeliitta R5 stopped 2.7% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Michelin X-Ice Snow for maximum ice-stopping security, top aquaplaning safety, and a very quiet, comfortable ride. Choose Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 for the best overall balance in real-world winter tarmac (dry/wet/slush) and stronger snow handling/traction with lower rolling resistance.
Where the X Ice Snow is stronger
- Excellent ice braking and often best ice traction performance
- Class-leading straight/curved aquaplaning resistance
- High comfort and low cabin noise
Where the Hakkapeliitta R5 is stronger
- Consistently shorter dry and wet braking with sharper handling
- Strong snow handling and traction; engaging winter drivability
- Low rolling resistance and generally good efficiency
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 Snow vs Hakkapeliitta R5 at a glance
| Category | X Ice Snow | Gap | Hakkapeliitta R5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won8 shared tests | 0 | 2 level | 6 |
| Dry13 measurements | 2 | The Hakkapeliitta R5 stopped 2.7% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 11 |
| Wet24 measurements | 11 | Level between the two. | 11 |
| Snow22 measurements | 3 | The Hakkapeliitta R5 was 0.7% quicker in the snow traction test (6 tests) | 16 |
| Ice20 measurements | 10 | Level between the two. | 10 |
| Comfort8 measurements | 2 | 5 | |
| Value5 measurements | 2 | The Hakkapeliitta R5 used 2% less fuel (3 tests) | 3 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 7.9/10 | The Hakkapeliitta R5 by 0.8 | 8.7/10 |
| Owner rating19 and 17 reviews | 85% | Too close to call | 86% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 88% | Too close to call | 88% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Hakkapeliitta R5 was dearer in 2 of 3 | +2.1% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 100 | 52 sizes made in both | 60 |
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 8 tests, 2022 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 Snow | Field | Hakkapeliitta R5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tire Test | P4 of 7 | P4 of 7 | |
| The Best Snow Tires for 2025/26 | P4 of 5 | P3 of 5 | |
| 2025 Friction and Studded Winter Tire Test | P6 of 7 | P2 of 7 | |
| 2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test | P4 of 8 | P3 of 8 | |
| The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 | P5 of 6 | P4 of 6 | |
| 2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test | P4 of 8 | P3 of 8 | |
| 2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test | P3 of 8 | P2 of 8 | |
| 2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test | P1 of 7 | P1 of 7 |
Performance profile
20 measurements from the 8 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
X Ice Snow
Hakkapeliitta R5
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. 4 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
X Ice Snow
Hakkapeliitta R5
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 Snow
Hakkapeliitta R5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the X Ice Snow 85% from 19 reviews and the Hakkapeliitta R5 86% from 17. 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 Snow | Gap | Hakkapeliitta R5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 122 | 2.7% | 118 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 66.01 | 0.8% | 65.53 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.6% | scored | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 133 | 2.2% | 129 | 3-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 57.99 | 1.7% | 56.72 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5% | scored | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 14.32 | 9.1% | 13.02 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 40.9 | 7.1% | 38.1 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 107.4 | 9% | 94.2 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 65 | 0.1% | 65 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 4.69 | 0.7% | 4.65 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 82.27 | 1.1% | 81.34 | 0-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 10.1% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 29.09 | 0.4% | 28.98 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.7 | 0.6% | 10.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 55 | 4.9% | 58 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.87 | 2.6% | 7.09 | 3-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 59.12 | 2.6% | 57.57 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 7.5% | scored | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 19.6% | scored | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.58 | 0.3 dB | 69.9 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.7 | 3.4% | 7.41 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.44 | 2% | 5.34 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Snow scores 7.9 and the Hakkapeliitta R5 8.7 out of 10.
| X Ice Snow | Category | Hakkapeliitta R5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | Dry | 56 | ||
| 28 | Wet | 33 | ||
| 53 | Comfort | 28 | ||
| 64 | Value | 88 | ||
| 61 | Snow | 88 | ||
| 79 | Ice | 81 | ||
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 Snow | Category | Hakkapeliitta R5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.8 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 7.9 | Wet Grip | 7.7 | ||
| 7.6 | Road Feedback | 8.7 | ||
| 7.5 | Handling | 8.6 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 8.3 | ||
| 8.8 | Comfort | 8.9 | ||
| 9.4 | Snow Grip | 9 | ||
| 8.6 | Ice Grip | 8.5 | ||
Owners rate the X Ice Snow 85% from 19 reviews and the Hakkapeliitta R5 86% from 17. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
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.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
- 86%from 17 reviews
- 88%would buy again
- 117,745 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers largely praise the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 for exceptional winter capability, with standout grip and braking on snow and strong confidence on ice, plus a very quiet and comfortable ride. A minority report weaknesses in wet conditions and aquaplaning resistance, and some note slush performance can be shaky around 0°C. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most users finding it a top-tier studless winter tire for harsh climates.
- outstanding snow traction and handling
- strong ice grip and braking for a studless winter tire
- very quiet and comfortable ride
- confidence-inspiring winter performance
- wet grip and aquaplaning resistance
- slush performance around 0°C
Summarised by AI from 13 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 17 Hakkapeliitta R5 reviewsGood Tires in almost all conditions. Feels better in try and wet than previous version r2 or r3. Good on wear. Could be better on ice and snow braking. Continental vikingcontact 7 feels better on ice and snow braking.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 100 sizes of the X Ice Snow and 60 of the Hakkapeliitta R5, 52 of them made in both.
| Category | X Ice Snow | Hakkapeliitta R5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 100 sizes, 13 to 21 inch | 60 sizes, 14 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 52 sizes 175/65 R14175/65 R15185/60 R15185/65 R15195/60 R15195/65 R15205/65 R15195/55 R16195/60 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16205/65 R16and 40 more | |
| EU label wet grip | E100% | D100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C73%B16%D12% | B76%C17%D5%A3% |
| EU label noise | 67-71 dB A72%B28% | 67-71 dB B71%A29% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 102 of 102 | 66 of 66 |
| On the market since | 2020 | 2021 |
| Replaced | Michelin X Ice Xi3 (2011) | Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (2018) |
| Replaced by | Michelin X Ice Snow+ | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Hakkapeliitta R5 was the dearer tire in 2 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 2.1% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
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 two Nordic friction heavy-hitters against each other: Michelin X-Ice Snow and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, both premium touring winter tires aimed at passenger cars. Across eight shared tests from 2022-2025, the R5 takes more overall wins, while the X-Ice Snow shows flashes of excellence in aquaplaning resistance, noise comfort, and especially ice braking.
Expect a nuanced split: Nokian generally dominates dynamic handling and braking on dry, wet, and snowy tarmac, with low rolling resistance and high subjective confidence in winter driving. Michelin counters with class-leading hydroplaning safety and consistently short stopping on ice, paired with notably refined ride and low noise. The choice comes down to your winter mix-slick ice safety and comfort versus broader all-round tarmac performance in cold, slushy conditions.
Conclusion
Across the test set, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 is the more rounded performer and the safer bet for mixed Nordic use: it wins most categories that matter day-to-day (dry/wet braking and handling, snow handling/traction) and usually feels more agile and confidence-inspiring at the limit. Its weaknesses are known-subpar aquaplaning margins and, in some tests, reduced grip on smooth ice-but the overall package earned more test victories and higher recommendations.
Michelin X-Ice Snow is the specialist: it repeatedly delivers best-in-group ice braking and strong aquaplaning resistance, with standout refinement and low noise. However, it trails the R5 in most dry/wet metrics and often in snow handling, and several recent tests describe slower steering and weaker lateral grip. If your priority is maximum stopping security on ice and quiet comfort, Michelin is compelling; if you drive more wet, slushy, and variable winter tarmac with frequent cornering and emergency maneuvers, the Nokian is the safer all-round choice.
X Ice Snow vs Hakkapeliitta R5: your questions
Is the Michelin X Ice Snow or the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 the better tire?
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tires, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 finished ahead 6 times and the X Ice Snow not once, with 2 level. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the X Ice Snow scores 7.9 and the Hakkapeliitta R5 8.7 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the X Ice Snow or the Hakkapeliitta R5?
Across the shared tests the wet measurements are split 11-11 between the X Ice Snow and the Hakkapeliitta R5.
Which is better in the dry?
The Hakkapeliitta R5 led 11 of the 13 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.7% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Hakkapeliitta R5 led 16 of the 22 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it was 0.7% quicker in the snow traction test across 6 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Hakkapeliitta R5 used 2% less fuel (3 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the X Ice Snow and 8.3/10 for the Hakkapeliitta R5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.8/10 for the X Ice Snow and 8.9/10 for the Hakkapeliitta R5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the X Ice Snow 85% from 19 reviews and the Hakkapeliitta R5 86% from 17. 88% of X Ice Snow owners would buy it again, against 88% for the Hakkapeliitta R5.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the Hakkapeliitta R5 was the dearer tire in 2 of them, by 2.1% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The X Ice Snow is made in 100 sizes (13 to 21 inch) and the Hakkapeliitta R5 in 60 (14 to 20 inch). 52 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the X Ice Snow is graded E for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Hakkapeliitta R5 D and B.
Which is the newer tire?
The Hakkapeliitta R5 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the X Ice Snow in 2020. The X Ice Snow replaced the Michelin X Ice Xi3. The Hakkapeliitta R5 replaced the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3.
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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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