Menu

Test source Test World

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test

If you're planning on undertaking a massive Nordic friction and studded winter tire test, having the right facilities to conduct the test in is key.

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson
11 min read Updated
Tire shortlist Read the test
Tires tested
20
Tested size
205/55 R16
Disciplines
14

At a glance

Tire shortlist

20 Tires tested

Category-by-category snapshot

This test ranks different groups separately. Read the full verdicts for each group; there is no single overall finishing order. The figures below are the best available measurements within each group, not overall category winners. Read the test conditions before comparing groups.

Central European Winter Tires

3 Tires tested
Snow BrakingLower is better
167 ft

Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2

Wet BrakingLower is better
107 ft

Sunny SN3860

Dry BrakingLower is better
97 ft

Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2

Ice BrakingLower is better
130 ft

Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

12 Tires tested
Snow BrakingLower is better
165 ft

Continental VikingContact 7

Wet BrakingLower is better
97 ft

Petlas Glacier W661

Dry BrakingLower is better
95 ft

Petlas Glacier W661

Ice BrakingLower is better
139 ft

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

Studded Winter Tires

5 Tires tested
Snow BrakingLower is better
165 ft

Continental IceContact 3

Wet BrakingLower is better
110 ft

Continental IceContact 3

Dry BrakingLower is better
96 ft

Michelin X Ice North 4

Ice BrakingLower is better
124 ft

Michelin X Ice North 4 / Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

Compare all measurements Explore the complete results

Central European Winter Tires 3 Tires tested

1st

Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2

+Short braking distances on ice, balanced in the snow, short dry braking distances.

−Average ice handling, slow steering response in the dry, high rolling resistance, unbalanced ride quality.

Read owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Linglong Winter Unicorn

−Slow steering response response on ice and snow, low grip and insufficient handling in the dry and wet, high rolling resistance.

Read owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Sunny SN3860

+Very short wet braking distances.

−Practically no grip on ice and almost as bad in the snow, erratic handling in the wet.

6 owner reviews Test Results

Nordic Friction Winter Tires 12 Tires tested

1st

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

+No obvious flaws, short braking distances and excellent handling on ice, very good handling and confident behavior on snow, above average performance in the dry and wet, stable during sharp maneuvers, low noise level, low rolling resistance.

15 owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Continental VikingContact 7

+Short braking distances and excellent handling in the ice, optimum controllability in the snow, good handling in the wet.

−Oversteer balance in the dry.

25 owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Michelin X Ice Snow

+Short braking on ice (for a studless tire), good handling and high level of safety in the snow, well balanced in the dry.

−Slight slower steering response on ice, relatively long dry braking.

19 owner reviews Test Results
Joint4th

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

+Good traction and short braking distances on ice, short braking distances and good handling in the wet, low rolling resistance.

−Relatively low lateral stability on ice, tendency to understeer in the snow, poor steering response in the dry.

9 owner reviews Test Results
Joint4th

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

+Short dry braking distances.

−Unstable behavior on ice and snow, very long wet braking distances, lack of directional stability.

4 owner reviews Test Results
6th

Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616

+Logical behavior without unpleasant surprises in the snow, low rolling resistance, slow to react in the dry.

−Unstable handling in the wet and on ice.

5 owner reviews Test Results
7th

Sava Eskimo Ice

+Good braking performance on ice, confident and stable dry handling.

−Inaccurate steering in the wet, long dry braking distances.

Read owner reviews Test Results
8th

Bridgestone Blizzak Ice

+Good handling in the snow, balance handling and short braking distances in the dry.

−Understeer balance in the wet.

3 owner reviews Test Results
9th

Nankang Ice Activa 2

+Acceptable handling in the snow and on wet roads.

Read owner reviews Test Results
Joint10th

Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43

−Poor grip on ice and snow, long braking distances and poor controllability in the dry and wet, high rolling resistance.

1 owner review Test Results
Joint10th

Petlas Glacier W661

+Very good braking and handling in the dry and wet.

−Very weak grip on ice, understeer in the snow.

1 owner review Test Results
Joint10th

Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP

+Stable handling in the snow, short braking distance in the wet, stable and short braking distances in the dry.

−Poor ice performance, high rolling resistance, high noise.

14 owner reviews Test Results

Studded Winter Tires 5 Tires tested

Joint1st

Continental IceContact 3

+Short braking distances and good lateral stability on ice (but with a sharp maneuver there is a risk of skidding), good handling and control on snow, good handling in the dry.

3 owner reviews Test Results
Joint1st

Michelin X Ice North 4

+Excellent handling on ice - the tires reliably hold grip in any situation, including, for example, when hitting an icy area while cornering, good handling and a high level of safety on snow, good wet grip.

−Tendency to understeer in the dry, high rolling resistance.

12 owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

+High grip and excellent handling on ice, good handling in the snow, good directional stability.

−Slow steering and poor handling in the dry.

11 owner reviews Test Results
4th

Bridgestone Noranza 001

+Good overall performance on ice, stable snow performance.

−Long braking distances in the snow, dry and wet, inaccurate steering response and oversteer in the dry.

Read owner reviews Test Results
5th

Hankook Winter i pike RS2

+Good traction on ice, good handling and grip in the wet.

−Relatively long ice braking with a tendency to oversteer on ice and in the snow, average braking in the dry.

5 owner reviews Test Results

Tire shortlist

Compare selected tires

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test · 205/55 R16

TireContinental IceContact 3Michelin X Ice North 4Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3Bridgestone Noranza 001Continental VikingContact 7Hankook Winter i pike RS2Michelin X Ice SnowLinglong Green Max Winter Grip 2Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2Pirelli Ice Zero FRHankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616Sava Eskimo IceLinglong Winter UnicornBridgestone Blizzak IceNankang Ice Activa 2Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43Petlas Glacier W661Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HPSunny SN3860
PositionJoint 1stStudded Winter TiresJoint 1stStudded Winter Tires3rdStudded Winter Tires1stNordic Friction Winter Tires4thStudded Winter Tires2ndNordic Friction Winter Tires5thStudded Winter Tires3rdNordic Friction Winter Tires1stCentral European Winter TiresJoint 4thNordic Friction Winter TiresJoint 4thNordic Friction Winter Tires6thNordic Friction Winter Tires7thNordic Friction Winter Tires2ndCentral European Winter Tires8thNordic Friction Winter Tires9thNordic Friction Winter TiresJoint 10thNordic Friction Winter TiresJoint 10thNordic Friction Winter TiresJoint 10thNordic Friction Winter Tires3rdCentral European Winter Tires
Keep researchingRead owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results

Explore the complete results →

These results apply to the tires and size tested here.

The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

If you're planning on undertaking a massive Nordic friction and studded winter tire test, having the right facilities to conduct the test in is key. Fortunately for Test World, they own one of the best independent arctic testing facilities in the world which is why we're super excited to see this 21 tire test, covering all the key friction studless and studded winter tires on the market.

All tires are in the popular 205/55 R16, and were tested using a VW Golf. There were some interesting new tires in the test, including the first test of the studless Michelin X-Ice Snow.

Many of the premium brands included have both studless friction and studded winter tires in the test, which is why you'll see them twice in the data, so as you're going through the results looking at your favorite tire make sure you're looking at the right version of it.

Overall, the usual contenders in the winter segment came out top. Continental, who dominate the European winter tire tests, joint won the test alongside Michelin. 

The studded Continental IceContact 3 proved to have an excellent all round ability, with no huge weakness for a studded tire, and the new studded Michelin X-Ice North 4 dominated on ice, and performed well in nearly all other criteria, showing only a slight weakness during wet handling testing.

Winter specialists Nokian aren't having the best time in the European winter segment at the moment, but they'll be happy with third place for their studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 tire, and even happier as the winning studless friction tire on test being awarded to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3. 

One other interesting point for European readers, you'll notice some of the best tires in the dry and wet are rated as some of the worst tires overall in this test. This serves as a nice reminder that friction and studded tires are tires designed for climates that see extreme winters, which mean snow and ice on the ground for many months constantly. None of these tires are suitable for a central European winter, where dry and wet is the dominant weather, so don't try fitting them in climates like the UK.

Dry

In the dry the budget Petlas Glacier W661 narrowly beat the Michelin X-Ice North 4. Sadly there was no objective dry handling data, the subjective data can be found in the overall results below.

Dry Braking

Dry braking in feet

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 97 ft Best
2Linglong Winter Unicorn
 98 ft +1 ft
3Sunny SN3860
 98 ft +1 ft

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Petlas Glacier W661
 95 ft Best
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 96 ft +1 ft
3Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 98 ft +3 ft
4Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 98 ft +3 ft
5Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 99 ft +4 ft
6Continental VikingContact 7
 99 ft +4 ft
6Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 99 ft +4 ft
8Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 101 ft +6 ft
9Michelin X Ice Snow
 102 ft +7 ft
10Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 103 ft +8 ft
11Nankang Ice Activa 2
 104 ft +9 ft
12Sava Eskimo Ice
 105 ft +10 ft

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Michelin X Ice North 4
 96 ft Best
2Continental IceContact 3
 98 ft +2 ft
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 98 ft +2 ft
4Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 100 ft +4 ft
5Bridgestone Noranza 001
 103 ft +7 ft

The difference between best and worst was 10.7% (10 ft ≈ 0.7 Car Lengths).

Wet

The Petlas also proved best during wet testing, winning wet braking and wet handling.

Wet Braking

Wet braking in feet

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Sunny SN3860
 107 ft Best
2Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 122 ft +15 ft
3Linglong Winter Unicorn
 133 ft +26 ft

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Petlas Glacier W661
 97 ft Best
2Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 120 ft +23 ft
3Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 120 ft +23 ft
4Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 122 ft +25 ft
5Nankang Ice Activa 2
 125 ft +28 ft
6Continental VikingContact 7
 126 ft +29 ft
6Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 126 ft +29 ft
8Michelin X Ice Snow
 127 ft +30 ft
8Sava Eskimo Ice
 127 ft +30 ft
10Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 127 ft +30 ft
11Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 128 ft +31 ft
12Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 129 ft +32 ft

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental IceContact 3
 110 ft Best
2Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 114 ft +4 ft
3Michelin X Ice North 4
 118 ft +8 ft
4Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 120 ft +10 ft
5Bridgestone Noranza 001
 123 ft +13 ft

The difference between best and worst was 36% (36 ft ≈ 2.4 Car Lengths).

Wet Handling

Wet handling time in seconds

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 34.9 s Best
2Sunny SN3860
 35.2 s +0.30 s
3Linglong Winter Unicorn
 35.3 s +0.40 s

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Petlas Glacier W661
 33.7 s Best
2Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 34.1 s +0.40 s
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 34.5 s +0.80 s
3Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 34.5 s +0.80 s
5Sava Eskimo Ice
 34.6 s +0.90 s
6Continental VikingContact 7
 34.7 s +1.00 s
6Nankang Ice Activa 2
 34.7 s +1.00 s
8Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 34.8 s +1.10 s
8Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 34.8 s +1.10 s
10Michelin X Ice Snow
 35 s +1.30 s
10Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 35 s +1.30 s
12Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 35.2 s +1.50 s

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 34.8 s Best
2Continental IceContact 3
 34.9 s +0.10 s
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 35.1 s +0.30 s
4Bridgestone Noranza 001
 35.2 s +0.40 s
5Michelin X Ice North 4
 35.4 s +0.60 s

The difference between best and worst was 5% (1.7 s).

Snow

Colder testing reversed the fortunes of the Petlas tire, finishing at the back of the pack in all the snow and ice testing.

Continental dominated snow braking, taking first place with the studless VikingContact and second place with the studded IceContact 3

Snow Braking

Snow braking in feet

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 167 ft Best
2Linglong Winter Unicorn
 169 ft +2 ft
3Sunny SN3860
 176 ft +9 ft

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental VikingContact 7
 165 ft Best
2Michelin X Ice Snow
 165 ft 0 ft
3Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 166 ft +1 ft
4Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 167 ft +2 ft
5Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 167 ft +2 ft
6Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 168 ft +3 ft
6Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 168 ft +3 ft
8Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 170 ft +5 ft
9Nankang Ice Activa 2
 170 ft +5 ft
10Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 171 ft +6 ft
10Sava Eskimo Ice
 171 ft +6 ft
12Petlas Glacier W661
 175 ft +10 ft

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental IceContact 3
 165 ft Best
2Michelin X Ice North 4
 166 ft +1 ft
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 166 ft +1 ft
3Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 166 ft +1 ft
5Bridgestone Noranza 001
 169 ft +4 ft

The difference between best and worst was 6.8% (11 ft ≈ 0.8 Car Lengths).

Continental again took the top two spots during snow traction testing, this time with the studded tire ahead of the studless.

Snow Traction

Snow acceleration time

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Linglong Winter Unicorn
 6.1 s Best
2Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 6.2 s +0.10 s
3Sunny SN3860
 6.5 s +0.40 s

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental VikingContact 7
 5.9 s Best
2Nankang Ice Activa 2
 6 s +0.10 s
2Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 6 s +0.10 s
2Michelin X Ice Snow
 6 s +0.10 s
2Sava Eskimo Ice
 6 s +0.10 s
6Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 6.1 s +0.20 s
6Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 6.1 s +0.20 s
6Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 6.1 s +0.20 s
6Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 6.1 s +0.20 s
10Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 6.2 s +0.30 s
10Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 6.2 s +0.30 s
10Petlas Glacier W661
 6.2 s +0.30 s

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental IceContact 3
 5.9 s Best
1Bridgestone Noranza 001
 5.9 s Best
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 6 s +0.10 s
3Michelin X Ice North 4
 6 s +0.10 s
5Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 6.1 s +0.20 s

The difference between best and worst was 10.2% (0.6 s).

Snow handling testing brought a little advantage to the studless tires, with the VikingContact again proving best, and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 finishing second.

Snow Handling

Snow handling time in seconds

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Linglong Winter Unicorn
 48.7 s Best
2Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 49.5 s +0.80 s
3Sunny SN3860
 53.2 s +4.50 s

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental VikingContact 7
 48.3 s Best
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 48.4 s +0.10 s
3Michelin X Ice Snow
 48.7 s +0.40 s
4Nankang Ice Activa 2
 48.8 s +0.50 s
5Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 49.1 s +0.80 s
6Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 49.3 s +1.00 s
7Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 49.4 s +1.10 s
8Sava Eskimo Ice
 49.6 s +1.30 s
9Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 49.8 s +1.50 s
10Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 50 s +1.70 s
11Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 50.8 s +2.50 s
12Petlas Glacier W661
 50.9 s +2.60 s

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental IceContact 3
 48.8 s Best
1Bridgestone Noranza 001
 48.8 s Best
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 49 s +0.20 s
3Michelin X Ice North 4
 49 s +0.20 s
5Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 49.3 s +0.50 s

The difference between best and worst was 10.1% (4.9 s).

Ice

Ice testing naturally brings the advantage back to studded tires, with the Michelin X-Ice North 4 matching the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 as the best during ice braking.

Ice Braking

Ice braking in feet

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 130 ft Best
2Linglong Winter Unicorn
 148 ft +18 ft
3Sunny SN3860
 179 ft +49 ft

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 139 ft Best
2Michelin X Ice Snow
 140 ft +1 ft
3Continental VikingContact 7
 142 ft +3 ft
3Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 142 ft +3 ft
5Sava Eskimo Ice
 142 ft +3 ft
6Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 143 ft +4 ft
7Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 144 ft +5 ft
8Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 151 ft +12 ft
9Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 155 ft +16 ft
10Nankang Ice Activa 2
 156 ft +17 ft
11Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 158 ft +19 ft
12Petlas Glacier W661
 166 ft +27 ft

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 124 ft Best
1Michelin X Ice North 4
 124 ft Best
3Continental IceContact 3
 128 ft +4 ft
4Bridgestone Noranza 001
 130 ft +6 ft
5Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 137 ft +13 ft

The difference between best and worst was 44.4% (55 ft ≈ 3.7 Car Lengths).

Michelin, Continental and Nokian also took the top three sports during ice traction.

Ice Traction

Ice acceleration time

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 3.9 s Best
2Sunny SN3860
 5.6 s +1.70 s
3Linglong Winter Unicorn
 5.7 s +1.80 s

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Michelin X Ice Snow
 5.3 s Best
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 5.4 s +0.10 s
3Continental VikingContact 7
 5.5 s +0.20 s
3Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 5.5 s +0.20 s
5Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 5.6 s +0.30 s
6Sava Eskimo Ice
 5.7 s +0.40 s
7Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 5.9 s +0.60 s
7Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 5.9 s +0.60 s
9Nankang Ice Activa 2
 6.2 s +0.90 s
10Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 6.5 s +1.20 s
11Petlas Glacier W661
 6.6 s +1.30 s
12Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 6.9 s +1.60 s

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Michelin X Ice North 4
 3.7 s Best
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 3.8 s +0.10 s
2Continental IceContact 3
 3.8 s +0.10 s
4Bridgestone Noranza 001
 3.9 s +0.20 s
5Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 4 s +0.30 s

The difference between best and worst was 86.5% (3.2 s).

Michelin rounded out the ice testing with anoher win for the X Ice North 4.

Ice Handling

Ice handling time in seconds

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 61.8 s Best
2Linglong Winter Unicorn
 62 s +0.20 s
3Sunny SN3860
 72 s +10.20 s

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 60.7 s Best
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 60.8 s +0.10 s
3Continental VikingContact 7
 61 s +0.30 s
3Michelin X Ice Snow
 61 s +0.30 s
5Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 61.2 s +0.50 s
6Nankang Ice Activa 2
 61.5 s +0.80 s
7Sava Eskimo Ice
 61.7 s +1.00 s
8Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 63.3 s +2.60 s
9Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 64 s +3.30 s
10Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 65.1 s +4.40 s
11Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 67.3 s +6.60 s
12Petlas Glacier W661
 70.8 s +10.10 s

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Michelin X Ice North 4
 57.3 s Best
2Bridgestone Noranza 001
 58.6 s +1.30 s
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 58.8 s +1.50 s
4Continental IceContact 3
 60.2 s +2.90 s
5Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 61.6 s +4.30 s

The difference between best and worst was 25.7% (14.7 s).

Environment

The tires were rated subjectively for noise, with seven of the tires on test finishing joint top.

Subj. Noise

Subjective in car noise levels

Higher is better ↑

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Linglong Winter Unicorn
 9 Points Best
2Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 7 Points -2.00 Points
2Sunny SN3860
 7 Points -2.00 Points

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Sava Eskimo Ice
 9 Points Best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 9 Points Best
1Continental VikingContact 7
 9 Points Best
1Nankang Ice Activa 2
 9 Points Best
1Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 9 Points Best
1Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 9 Points Best
7Petlas Glacier W661
 8 Points -1.00 Points
7Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 8 Points -1.00 Points
7Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 8 Points -1.00 Points
7Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 8 Points -1.00 Points
7Michelin X Ice Snow
 8 Points -1.00 Points
7Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 8 Points -1.00 Points

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental IceContact 3
 7 Points Best
2Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 6 Points -1.00 Points
2Bridgestone Noranza 001
 6 Points -1.00 Points
2Michelin X Ice North 4
 6 Points -1.00 Points
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 6 Points -1.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 33.3% (3 Points).

Rolling resistance scores were based on the best tire (Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3) being set at zero, then other the tires ratings being how much more fuel they would use represented as a percentage.

Results

This test compares winter tires from different sub-categories (Central European, Nordic friction, and studded). Each category is ranked separately.

Central European Winter Tires

1st

Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2

205/55 R16
Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better97 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better122 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better34.9 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better167 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6.2 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.5 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better130 ft
Ice TractionLower is better3.9 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61.8 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7 Points
2nd

Linglong Winter Unicorn

205/55 R16
Linglong Winter Unicorn
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better98 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better133 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better35.3 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better169 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6.1 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.7 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better148 ft
Ice TractionLower is better5.7 s
Ice HandlingLower is better62 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
3rd

Sunny SN3860

205/55 R16
Sunny SN3860
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better98 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better107 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better35.2 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better176 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6.5 s
Snow HandlingLower is better53.2 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better179 ft
Ice TractionLower is better5.6 s
Ice HandlingLower is better72 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7 Points

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

1st

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

205/55 R16
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better96 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better122 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better34.5 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better168 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6.1 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.4 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better139 ft
Ice TractionLower is better5.4 s
Ice HandlingLower is better60.8 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
2nd

Continental VikingContact 7

205/55 R16
Continental VikingContact 7
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better99 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better126 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better34.7 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better165 ft
Snow TractionLower is better5.9 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.3 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better142 ft
Ice TractionLower is better5.5 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
3rd

Michelin X Ice Snow

205/55 R16
Michelin X Ice Snow
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better102 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better127 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better35 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better165 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.7 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better140 ft
Ice TractionLower is better5.3 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8 Points
Joint 4th

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

205/55 R16
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better98 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better129 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better34.8 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better167 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.4 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better144 ft
Ice TractionLower is better5.6 s
Ice HandlingLower is better60.7 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
Joint 4th

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better101 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better120 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better34.1 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better166 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6.1 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.8 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better142 ft
Ice TractionLower is better5.5 s
Ice HandlingLower is better63.3 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8 Points
6th

Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616

205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better99 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better126 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better34.5 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better168 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6.1 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.1 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better143 ft
Ice TractionLower is better5.9 s
Ice HandlingLower is better64 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8 Points
7th

Sava Eskimo Ice

205/55 R16
Sava Eskimo Ice
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better105 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better127 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better34.6 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better171 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.6 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better142 ft
Ice TractionLower is better5.7 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61.7 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
8th

Bridgestone Blizzak Ice

205/55 R16
Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better99 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better127 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better35 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better171 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6.2 s
Snow HandlingLower is better50.8 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better151 ft
Ice TractionLower is better5.9 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61.2 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
9th

Nankang Ice Activa 2

205/55 R16
Nankang Ice Activa 2
Low traction and braking on ice, poor grip and imprecise steering in the dry.
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better104 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better125 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better34.7 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better170 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.8 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better156 ft
Ice TractionLower is better6.2 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61.5 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
Joint 10th

Nexen Winguard Ice+ WH43

205/55 R16
Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better103 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better128 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better35.2 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better170 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6.1 s
Snow HandlingLower is better50 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better155 ft
Ice TractionLower is better6.9 s
Ice HandlingLower is better65.1 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8 Points
Joint 10th

Petlas Glacier W661

205/55 R16
Petlas Glacier W661
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better95 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better10 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better97 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better33.7 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better175 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6.2 s
Snow HandlingLower is better50.9 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better166 ft
Ice TractionLower is better6.6 s
Ice HandlingLower is better70.8 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better4 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8 Points
Joint 10th

Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP

205/55 R16
Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better98 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better120 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better34.8 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better167 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6.2 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.3 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better158 ft
Ice TractionLower is better6.5 s
Ice HandlingLower is better67.3 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8 Points

Studded Winter Tires

Joint 1st

Michelin X Ice North 4

205/55 R16
Michelin X Ice North 4
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better96 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better118 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better35.4 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better166 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better124 ft
Ice TractionLower is better3.7 s
Ice HandlingLower is better57.3 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better10 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better6 Points
Joint 1st

Continental IceContact 3

205/55 R16
Continental IceContact 3
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better98 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better110 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better34.9 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better165 ft
Snow TractionLower is better5.9 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.8 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better128 ft
Ice TractionLower is better3.8 s
Ice HandlingLower is better60.2 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7 Points
3rd

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

205/55 R16
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better98 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better120 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better35.1 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better166 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better124 ft
Ice TractionLower is better3.8 s
Ice HandlingLower is better58.8 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better6 Points
4th

Bridgestone Noranza 001

205/55 R16
Bridgestone Noranza 001
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better103 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better123 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better35.2 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better169 ft
Snow TractionLower is better5.9 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.8 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better130 ft
Ice TractionLower is better3.9 s
Ice HandlingLower is better58.6 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better6 Points
5th

Hankook Winter i pike RS2

205/55 R16
Hankook Winter i pike RS2
All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better100 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better114 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better34.8 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better166 ft
Snow TractionLower is better6.1 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.3 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better137 ft
Ice TractionLower is better4 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61.6 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better6 Points

Discussion

6 comments
  1. Glisse archived

    Thank you for adding this to your impressive data library. But there is no mention, or link, as to who commissioned this test, only that it was conducted at the Test World facility in Finland?

    #6307
    1. TireReviews Glisse archived

      I believe it was a test run by test world themselves

      #6308
  2. Pedro Neves archived

    Would love to see the Michelin CrossClimate Plus and the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 tested on ice against these since, year round, ice always comes first, during and after the snow. I consider that ice performance on an All Season or Winter tire is the most important safety item because, unlike the snow, you can't really see the ice most of the times, either day or night. You can only feel it, which can be, sometimes, too late, depending on the tires you have...

    #6222
    1. TireReviews Pedro Neves archived

      All season tires don't usually get put through extreme winter testing, as the climates they're suitable for don't really see that kind of weather. When you get to lots of ice on the road, it's a winter market.

      That said, Auto Bild sometimes include ice testing in their tests which an be found here

      #6223
      1. Pedro Neves TireReviews archived

        So far, I noticed that ADAC is the only tester that tests ice performance on All Season tires. On Winter tires, and on the past 3 years, I just found ice testing at ADAC (studless tires), Auto Center (2017 and 2019 - studded tires), Vi Bilagare (2018 and 2019 - studded tires), Auto Centrum - AC (2017 - studless), and you (Tire Reviews in 2019 - with a fantastic cross range of tires and videos - congratulations!). We could extrapolate the results for the Crossclimate Plus and the Bridgestone WC A005 but it would be better to have them both properly ice tested against winter and studded tires just to have an idea of how much can they replace a winter tire in a not so harsh winter climate.

        #6227
Rate your tires

My tires

Saved in this browser on this site. No account needed. Clearing browser data removes your choices.

Vehicle and size

Check the size, load and speed ratings on your vehicle. Saving a size does not confirm fitment.

Saved tires

Save tires from a tire page, test or comparison to keep them here.

Select 2–8 saved tires. Ranked comparisons require at least two shared tests.