2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test

Vi Bilägare has completed their latest winter tire test, evaluating seven dedicated Nordic friction tires and one all-season tire in size 225/45 R17. The reigning champion, Continental VikingContact 7, has been replaced by the VikingContact 8, which is tested against competitors from Goodyear, Michelin, Nokian, and Hankook. The test also included two budget tires, Radar and Greenmax.

Test Publication:

225/45 R17 8 tires 6 categories

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Images courtesy of Vi Bilagare

Test Publication:

https://www.vibilagare.se/test/dacktest

Images courtesy of Vi Bilagare

Test Size: 225/45 R17

Tires Tested: 8 tires

Test Categories:
6 categories (13 tests)

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The inclusion of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 in this winter tire test provides an interesting insight into the capabilities of modern all-season tires in winter conditions. While the tire demonstrated exceptional performance in wet conditions, significantly outperforming all winter tires in wet braking and handling, its winter limitations were clear. On ice, the CrossClimate 2 showed very poor grip levels with braking distances nearly twice that of the best winter tires. Snow performance, while better than ice, still fell well behind dedicated winter options.

The tire's mixed performance led to an interesting result - despite its poor winter characteristics, strong wet and dry performance helped it outperform the budget winter tires overall. However, the test highlights that while all-season tires might work for drivers in milder regions who rarely encounter severe winter conditions, they're not a suitable replacement for Nordic winter tires in areas where ice and snow are common. The CrossClimate 2 also showed the highest noise levels in the test, reflecting its stiffer, more summer-oriented construction.

Even with it's all season design goal, thanks to the huge lead it had in the dry and wet it got enough points to outscore two of the nordic winter tires overall.

Dry

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 dominated this test with a stopping distance of 25.85m, significantly outperforming all winter tires. The Greenmax LL Winter Ice I-15 performed worst, needing an additional 6.87m (26.6% longer) to stop.

The testers didn't provide laptimes for dry handling, instead publishing subjective scores out of five.

Wet

The CrossClimate 2 again led by a substantial margin, stopping in 27.49m. The Radar Dimax Ice performed worst, requiring 42.66m - a concerning 15.17m (55% longer) additional stopping distance.

The CrossClimate 2 continued its wet weather dominance with the fastest lap time of 38.4 seconds. The Greenmax LL Winter Ice I-15 was slowest, taking 44.3 seconds - 5.9 seconds (15.4%) slower.

The CrossClimate 2 showed exceptional aquaplaning resistance, maintaining grip until 86 km/h. The Radar Dimax Ice lost grip earliest at just 58.2 km/h, showing significantly worse water displacement.

Snow

The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 led with 12.43m stopping distance. The CrossClimate 2 struggled, requiring 13.28m - the longest distance of all tested tires.

The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 demonstrated best acceleration with 4.04 seconds. The Radar Dimax Ice was slowest at 4.46 seconds, while the CrossClimate 2 performed mid-pack.

The Goodyear excelled with a lap time of 79.6 seconds. The CrossClimate 2 was significantly slower at 84.7 seconds - the worst performer.

Ice

The Michelin X-Ice Snow led with 10.69m. The CrossClimate 2 performed very poorly, requiring 18.39m - nearly twice the distance.

The Michelin X-Ice Snow was fastest with 7.53 seconds. The CrossClimate 2 tied with Greenmax for worst performance at 13 seconds - 72% slower than the best.

The Continental VikingContact 8 was quickest with 64.6 seconds. The CrossClimate 2 was slowest at 72.8 seconds - 12.7% behind the leader.

Comfort

The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was quietest at 71.5 dB. The CrossClimate 2 was loudest at 72.9 dB, reflecting its stiffer construction.

Value

The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was most efficient at 5.25 L/100km. The Greenmax was worst at 5.6 L/100km, while the CrossClimate 2 tied with the Michelin X-Ice Snow at 5.45 L/100km.

Results

1^st

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

225/45 R17 94T

• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 9.5 kgs
• Tread: 7.5 mm
• Price: 2183.00

The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 claimed victory with impressive overall performance. It showed class-leading wet road handling and aquaplaning resistance while maintaining high levels of snow grip. Despite prioritizing tarmac performance, it still delivered strong winter capabilities, though its ice performance fell slightly behind the best. Combined with low rolling resistance and good noise levels, it proved to be the best choice for drivers who spend more time on clear roads but still need reliable winter performance.

Dry

90.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	5th	32.1 M	25.85 M	+6.25 M	80.53%
Subj. Dry Handling	1st	5 Points			100%

Wet

82.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	2nd	37.55 M	27.49 M	+10.06 M	73.21%
Wet Handling	2nd	40.6 s	38.4 s	+2.2 s	94.58%
Straight Aqua	2nd	68.5 Km/H	86 Km/H	-17.5 Km/H	79.65%

Snow

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	1st	12.43 M			100%
Snow Traction	1st	4.04 s			100%
Snow Handling	1st	79.6 s			100%

Ice

88.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	4th	12.75 M	10.69 M	+2.06 M	83.84%
Ice Traction	4th	8.99 s	7.53 s	+1.46 s	83.76%
Ice Handling	3rd	66.4 s	64.6 s	+1.8 s	97.29%

Comfort

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	1st	71.5 dB			100%

Value

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	1st	5.25 l/100km			100%

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2^nd

Continental VikingContact 8

225/45 R17 94T

• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 9.9 kgs
• Tread: 7.9 mm
• Price: 2549.00

The Continental VikingContact 8, newly released with EV certification, secured second place. This updated model improved upon its predecessor's already strong reputation with better stability on tarmac, likely designed with heavier electric vehicles in mind. While ice grip remained good, particularly in terms of handling at the limit, it wasn't quite class-leading. Its main weakness was poor resistance to aquaplaning, but strong performance across other areas and excellent noise levels kept it near the top.

Dry

81.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	2nd	31.2 M	25.85 M	+5.35 M	82.85%
Subj. Dry Handling	3rd	4 Points	5 Points	-1 Points	80%

Wet

77.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	4th	40.1 M	27.49 M	+12.61 M	68.55%
Wet Handling	3rd	41.2 s	38.4 s	+2.8 s	93.2%
Straight Aqua	6th	59.8 Km/H	86 Km/H	-26.2 Km/H	69.53%

Snow

98%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	4th	12.72 M	12.43 M	+0.29 M	97.72%
Snow Traction	2nd	4.19 s	4.04 s	+0.15 s	96.42%
Snow Handling	2nd	79.7 s	79.6 s	+0.1 s	99.87%

Ice

92.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	3rd	11.97 M	10.69 M	+1.28 M	89.31%
Ice Traction	3rd	8.44 s	7.53 s	+0.91 s	89.22%
Ice Handling	1st	64.6 s			100%

Comfort

99.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	4th	71.8 dB	71.5 dB	+0.3 dB	99.58%

Value

99.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	2nd	5.3 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.05 l/100km	99.06%

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3^rd

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

225/45 R17 94T

• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 9.6 kgs
• Tread: 8.2 mm
• Price: 2332.00

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 took third place, dominating the winter conditions alongside Continental. It excelled in both ice and snow performance, offering the best cornering grip and proving particularly enjoyable to drive in winter conditions. However, its clear focus on winter performance led to compromises elsewhere - it struggled with aquaplaning resistance and showed only average performance on dry and wet tarmac, with slightly inconsistent steering feel.

Dry

71.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	3rd	31.35 M	25.85 M	+5.5 M	82.46%
Subj. Dry Handling	6th	3 Points	5 Points	-2 Points	60%

Wet

75.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	6th	41.92 M	27.49 M	+14.43 M	65.58%
Wet Handling	4th	41.7 s	38.4 s	+3.3 s	92.09%
Straight Aqua	6th	59.8 Km/H	86 Km/H	-26.2 Km/H	69.53%

Snow

98.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	2nd	12.46 M	12.43 M	+0.03 M	99.76%
Snow Traction	3rd	4.2 s	4.04 s	+0.16 s	96.19%
Snow Handling	2nd	79.7 s	79.6 s	+0.1 s	99.87%

Ice

95.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	2nd	11.37 M	10.69 M	+0.68 M	94.02%
Ice Traction	2nd	8.01 s	7.53 s	+0.48 s	94.01%
Ice Handling	2nd	65 s	64.6 s	+0.4 s	99.38%

Comfort

99.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	5th	71.9 dB	71.5 dB	+0.4 dB	99.44%

Value

99.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	2nd	5.3 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.05 l/100km	99.06%

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4^th

Michelin X Ice Snow

225/45 R17 94H

• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 10 kgs
• Tread: 8 mm
• Price: 2573.00

The Michelin X-Ice Snow finished fourth, standing out with excellent braking performance across all conditions despite being one of the harder tires in the test and the only Nordic winter tire rated above 200 km/h. However, it showed lower cornering grip than its competitors in both winter and summer conditions, with a tendency to break away more suddenly in corners. It offered good straight-line stability and linear steering feel on tarmac but responded more sluggishly under pressure.

Dry

80.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	4th	31.57 M	25.85 M	+5.72 M	81.88%
Subj. Dry Handling	3rd	4 Points	5 Points	-1 Points	80%

Wet

79.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	3rd	39.1 M	27.49 M	+11.61 M	70.31%
Wet Handling	4th	41.7 s	38.4 s	+3.3 s	92.09%
Straight Aqua	3rd	64.7 Km/H	86 Km/H	-21.3 Km/H	75.23%

Snow

97.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	3rd	12.5 M	12.43 M	+0.07 M	99.44%
Snow Traction	6th	4.23 s	4.04 s	+0.19 s	95.51%
Snow Handling	4th	81 s	79.6 s	+1.4 s	98.27%

Ice

98.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	1st	10.69 M			100%
Ice Traction	1st	7.53 s			100%
Ice Handling	5th	67.8 s	64.6 s	+3.2 s	95.28%

Comfort

99.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	7th	72.1 dB	71.5 dB	+0.6 dB	99.17%

Value

96.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	5th	5.45 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.2 l/100km	96.33%

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5^th

Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616

225/45 R17 94T

• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 9.6 kgs
• Tread: 8.3 mm
• Price: 1717.00

The Hankook Winter i*cept IZ2 W616, launched in 2016, showed its age with a fifth-place finish. While offering good straight-line stability on tarmac and low noise levels, it struggled to balance winter and tarmac performance. Ice grip was notably behind premium competitors in both braking and cornering, and while dry road steering feel was good, overall grip levels couldn't match the best performers.

Dry

79.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	6th	32.37 M	25.85 M	+6.52 M	79.86%
Subj. Dry Handling	3rd	4 Points	5 Points	-1 Points	80%

Wet

77%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	5th	40.36 M	27.49 M	+12.87 M	68.11%
Wet Handling	6th	42.5 s	38.4 s	+4.1 s	90.35%
Straight Aqua	5th	62.4 Km/H	86 Km/H	-23.6 Km/H	72.56%

Snow

97.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	5th	12.73 M	12.43 M	+0.3 M	97.64%
Snow Traction	3rd	4.2 s	4.04 s	+0.16 s	96.19%
Snow Handling	5th	81.5 s	79.6 s	+1.9 s	97.67%

Ice

76.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	6th	15.68 M	10.69 M	+4.99 M	68.18%
Ice Traction	5th	11 s	7.53 s	+3.47 s	68.45%
Ice Handling	6th	69.3 s	64.6 s	+4.7 s	93.22%

Comfort

99.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	2nd	71.7 dB	71.5 dB	+0.2 dB	99.72%

Value

97.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	4th	5.4 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.15 l/100km	97.22%

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6^th

Michelin CrossClimate 2

225/45 R17 94V

• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 8.9 kgs
• Tread: 6.3 mm
• Price: 1567.00

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 all-season tire demonstrated its split personality in the test. It dominated wet road performance and showed excellent dry road behavior, but struggled severely on ice and showed compromised snow performance. While it outperformed budget winter tires overall, its winter limitations make it suitable only for drivers who can avoid driving in icy conditions.

Dry

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	1st	25.85 M			100%
Subj. Dry Handling	1st	5 Points			100%

Wet

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	1st	27.49 M			100%
Wet Handling	1st	38.4 s			100%
Straight Aqua	1st	86 Km/H			100%

Snow

94.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	8th	13.28 M	12.43 M	+0.85 M	93.6%
Snow Traction	5th	4.21 s	4.04 s	+0.17 s	95.96%
Snow Handling	8th	84.7 s	79.6 s	+5.1 s	93.98%

Ice

68.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	8th	18.39 M	10.69 M	+7.7 M	58.13%
Ice Traction	7th	13 s	7.53 s	+5.47 s	57.92%
Ice Handling	8th	72.8 s	64.6 s	+8.2 s	88.74%

Comfort

98.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	8th	72.9 dB	71.5 dB	+1.4 dB	98.08%

Value

96.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	5th	5.45 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.2 l/100km	96.33%

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7^th

Radar Dimax Ice

225/45 R17 94T

• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 9.9 kgs
• Tread: 8 mm
• Price: 1129.00

The Radar Dimax Ice performed poorly overall, though showed reasonable ice grip thanks to its soft compound. However, it failed in most other areas with extended braking distances on both wet and dry surfaces, early aquaplaning, high noise levels, and unpredictable handling under pressure. Despite its low price point, its limited capabilities make it poor value.

Dry

49.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	7th	32.61 M	25.85 M	+6.76 M	79.27%
Subj. Dry Handling	7th	1 Points	5 Points	-4 Points	20%

Wet

73.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	8th	42.66 M	27.49 M	+15.17 M	64.44%
Wet Handling	7th	43.9 s	38.4 s	+5.5 s	87.47%
Straight Aqua	8th	58.2 Km/H	86 Km/H	-27.8 Km/H	67.67%

Snow

95%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	6th	12.8 M	12.43 M	+0.37 M	97.11%
Snow Traction	8th	4.46 s	4.04 s	+0.42 s	90.58%
Snow Handling	6th	81.8 s	79.6 s	+2.2 s	97.31%

Ice

77.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	5th	15.56 M	10.69 M	+4.87 M	68.7%
Ice Traction	5th	11 s	7.53 s	+3.47 s	68.45%
Ice Handling	4th	67 s	64.6 s	+2.4 s	96.42%

Comfort

99.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	6th	72 dB	71.5 dB	+0.5 dB	99.31%

Value

94.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	7th	5.55 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.3 l/100km	94.59%

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8^th

Greenmax LL Winter Ice I 15

225/45 R17 94T

• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 9.8 kgs
• Tread: 8.9 mm
• Price: 1047.00

The Greenmax Winter Ice I-15 finished last, showing almost no redeeming qualities beyond low noise levels and decent aquaplaning resistance. Its relatively hard compound delivered ice grip barely better than the all-season tire, and it showed dangerous handling characteristics with sudden breakaway on both snow and ice. Extended braking distances, poor handling on dry roads, and high rolling resistance confirmed its position at the bottom of the test.

Dry

49.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	8th	32.72 M	25.85 M	+6.87 M	79%
Subj. Dry Handling	7th	1 Points	5 Points	-4 Points	20%

Wet

75%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	7th	42.48 M	27.49 M	+14.99 M	64.71%
Wet Handling	8th	44.3 s	38.4 s	+5.9 s	86.68%
Straight Aqua	4th	63.3 Km/H	86 Km/H	-22.7 Km/H	73.6%

Snow

95.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	7th	12.98 M	12.43 M	+0.55 M	95.76%
Snow Traction	7th	4.3 s	4.04 s	+0.26 s	93.95%
Snow Handling	7th	83 s	79.6 s	+3.4 s	95.9%

Ice

69.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	7th	18.38 M	10.69 M	+7.69 M	58.16%
Ice Traction	7th	13 s	7.53 s	+5.47 s	57.92%
Ice Handling	7th	69.7 s	64.6 s	+5.1 s	92.68%

Comfort

99.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	2nd	71.7 dB	71.5 dB	+0.2 dB	99.72%

Value

93.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	8th	5.6 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.35 l/100km	93.75%

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