The Finnish publication Tekniikan Maailma has published its 2025 winter tire test, evaluating a total of fourteen tires, tested in conjunction with UTAC. The test was split into two categories, with seven studded winter tires and seven Nordic non-studded (friction) winter tires being compared. All tires were tested in the popular 205/55 R16 size, using a Volkswagen Golf as the test vehicle. The tests covered a wide range of conditions, including performance on ice, snow, wet asphalt, and dry asphalt, as well as subjective handling characteristics and economy.

Test setup & methodology

The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.

Recorded test conditions

Wet Braking: 49.7 → 0.0 mph
Snow Braking: 49.7 → 0.0 mph
Snow Traction: 3.1 → 21.7 mph
Ice Braking: 31.1 → 0.0 mph
Ice Traction: 3.1 → 12.4 mph

The test revealed some notable variations in performance. Certain tires, like the Continental VikingContact 8 and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3, were highlighted for their consistently strong and balanced performance across all tested surfaces. Conversely, several tires demonstrated a clear trade-off between ice grip and asphalt handling. The Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3, for example, delivered the best grip on ice but was found to have imprecise handling and weaker performance on asphalt. A similar inconsistency was noted in the Michelin X-Ice North 4, which provided excellent grip on ice and snow but was compromised by poor grip and sluggish handling on asphalt. The Pirelli Ice Zero 2 steered precisely but was difficult to control on ice due to oversteer, while the Falken Winterpeak F-Snow 1 was strong on ice but felt restless on snow.

Studded Tires VS Friction Tires

A significant finding from the comparison was the continued closing of the performance gap between premium studded and non-studded tires. The testers observed that the difference in overall rating between the best of each category has become negligible, with the top two non-studded tires scoring well enough to tie for second place had they been included in the studded group. The data suggests that for many drivers, a high-quality non-studded tire is a viable choice for winter. However, the test still affirmed the superiority of studded tires in the most treacherous conditions, such as on ice near 0°C. Under these circumstances, the studs provide a greater safety margin and more consistent grip as temperatures fluctuate, whereas the performance of non-studded tires can change more dramatically. The testers concluded that while a modern car in less severe winter conditions can be well served by premium non-studded tires, studded tires remain a justified choice where maximizing safety is the primary concern, especially for older vehicles or less experienced drivers.

Below is the illustration provided by the magazine which shows studded vs friction tires on ice at different temperatures.

Dry

On dry asphalt, where winter tires can often feel less precise than their summer counterparts, a clear performance gap emerged, with some tires providing surprisingly sharp braking while others, notably the Michelin and Radar patterns, struggled to match the group average.

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Dry Braking: Nordic Friction Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5	101 ft	Best
1Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1	101 ft	Best
3Hankook Winter i cept IZ3	103 ft	+2 ft
4Continental VikingContact 8	103 ft	+2 ft
5Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3	103 ft	+2 ft
6Michelin X Ice Snow	106 ft	+5 ft
7Radar Dimax Ice	107 ft	+6 ft

Studded Winter Tires

Dry Braking: Studded Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Continental IceContact 3	103 ft	Best
2Pirelli Ice Zero 2	104 ft	+1 ft
3Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2	105 ft	+2 ft
4Michelin X Ice North 4	105 ft	+2 ft
5Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi32	106 ft	+3 ft
6Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10	106 ft	+3 ft
7Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3	110 ft	+7 ft

The difference between best and worst was 8.4% (9 ft ≈ 0.6 Car Lengths).

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Subj. Dry Handling: Nordic Friction Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5	9 Points	Best
1Continental VikingContact 8	9 Points	Best
3Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3	8 Points	-1.00 Points
3Hankook Winter i cept IZ3	8 Points	-1.00 Points
5Michelin X Ice Snow	7 Points	-2.00 Points
5Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1	7 Points	-2.00 Points
7Radar Dimax Ice	6 Points	-3.00 Points

Studded Winter Tires

Subj. Dry Handling: Studded Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Michelin X Ice North 4	8 Points	Best
1Pirelli Ice Zero 2	8 Points	Best
1Continental IceContact 3	8 Points	Best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10	8 Points	Best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2	8 Points	Best
1Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3	8 Points	Best
7Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi32	7 Points	-1.00 Points

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

Wet

Transitioning to wet conditions, the results shifted, highlighting the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 as the strongest overall performer in the non-studded category. Continuing its poor showing on asphalt, the Michelin X-Ice Snow recorded the longest braking distances, falling a significant margin behind the leaders.

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Wet Braking: Nordic Friction Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1	123 ft	Best	0 mph
1Hankook Winter i cept IZ3	123 ft	Best	0 mph
3Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3	124 ft	+1 ft	6 mph
4Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5	124 ft	+1 ft	8 mph
5Radar Dimax Ice	129 ft	+6 ft	18 mph
6Continental VikingContact 8	130 ft	+7 ft	18 mph
7Michelin X Ice Snow	135 ft	+12 ft	24 mph

Studded Winter Tires

Wet Braking: Studded Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Pirelli Ice Zero 2	113 ft	Best	0 mph
2Continental IceContact 3	116 ft	+3 ft	15 mph
3Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2	118 ft	+5 ft	17 mph
4Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3	119 ft	+6 ft	19 mph
5Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10	122 ft	+9 ft	23 mph
6Michelin X Ice North 4	124 ft	+11 ft	24 mph
7Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi32	134 ft	+21 ft	32 mph

The difference between best and worst was 19.8% (22 ft ≈ 1.5 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Michelin X Ice Snow would still be travelling at 33 mph when the Pirelli Ice Zero 2 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Wet Handling: Nordic Friction Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3	39.9 s	Best
2Hankook Winter i cept IZ3	40 s	+0.10 s
3Continental VikingContact 8	40.3 s	+0.40 s
4Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5	40.6 s	+0.70 s
5Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1	41.4 s	+1.50 s
6Michelin X Ice Snow	41.8 s	+1.90 s
6Radar Dimax Ice	41.8 s	+1.90 s

Studded Winter Tires

Wet Handling: Studded Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Continental IceContact 3	40.1 s	Best
2Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2	40.6 s	+0.50 s
3Pirelli Ice Zero 2	41 s	+0.90 s
4Michelin X Ice North 4	41.3 s	+1.20 s
5Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10	41.5 s	+1.40 s
5Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3	41.5 s	+1.40 s
7Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi32	42.1 s	+2.00 s

The difference between best and worst was 5.5% (2.2 s).

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Subj. Wet Handling: Nordic Friction Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3	9 Points	Best
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5	8 Points	-1.00 Points
2Continental VikingContact 8	8 Points	-1.00 Points
2Hankook Winter i cept IZ3	8 Points	-1.00 Points
5Michelin X Ice Snow	7 Points	-2.00 Points
5Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1	7 Points	-2.00 Points
5Radar Dimax Ice	7 Points	-2.00 Points

Studded Winter Tires

Subj. Wet Handling: Studded Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2	9 Points	Best
2Pirelli Ice Zero 2	8 Points	-1.00 Points
2Continental IceContact 3	8 Points	-1.00 Points
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10	8 Points	-1.00 Points
5Michelin X Ice North 4	7 Points	-2.00 Points
5Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3	7 Points	-2.00 Points
7Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi32	6 Points	-3.00 Points

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

Snow

In snowy conditions, a key strength for any winter tire, the Continental VikingContact 8 was best, offering calm handling across all snow disciplines, setting a benchmark that proved difficult for others to match.

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Snow Braking: Nordic Friction Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5	162 ft	Best	0 mph
2Continental VikingContact 8	163 ft	+1 ft	4 mph
3Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3	163 ft	+1 ft	6 mph
4Michelin X Ice Snow	164 ft	+2 ft	7 mph
5Radar Dimax Ice	165 ft	+3 ft	9 mph
6Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1	165 ft	+3 ft	10 mph
7Hankook Winter i cept IZ3	165 ft	+3 ft	11 mph

Studded Winter Tires

Snow Braking: Studded Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Continental IceContact 3	163 ft	Best	0 mph
2Pirelli Ice Zero 2	164 ft	+1 ft	4 mph
3Michelin X Ice North 4	164 ft	+1 ft	6 mph
3Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2	164 ft	+1 ft	6 mph
5Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10	165 ft	+2 ft	8 mph
6Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3	166 ft	+3 ft	10 mph
7Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi32	167 ft	+4 ft	12 mph

All the tires in the Snow Braking test finished less than 3% apart. From 80 mph, the Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi32 would still be travelling at 14 mph when the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Snow Traction: Nordic Friction Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Continental VikingContact 8	5.8 s	Best
2Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1	5.9 s	+0.10 s
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5	6 s	+0.20 s
3Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3	6 s	+0.20 s
3Radar Dimax Ice	6 s	+0.20 s
3Hankook Winter i cept IZ3	6 s	+0.20 s
7Michelin X Ice Snow	6.1 s	+0.30 s

Studded Winter Tires

Snow Traction: Studded Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Michelin X Ice North 4	5.9 s	Best
1Pirelli Ice Zero 2	5.9 s	Best
1Continental IceContact 3	5.9 s	Best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2	5.9 s	Best
5Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10	6 s	+0.10 s
5Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi32	6 s	+0.10 s
5Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3	6 s	+0.10 s

The difference between best and worst was 5.2% (0.3 s).

Ice

On the critical ice surface, which carries the most weight in the final scoring, the studded Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 delivered a strong performance with the best objective grip, while the Radar Dimax Ice consistently lagged behind.

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Ice Braking: Nordic Friction Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Michelin X Ice Snow	150 ft	Best	0 mph
2Continental VikingContact 8	155 ft	+5 ft	14 mph
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5	157 ft	+7 ft	18 mph
3Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1	157 ft	+7 ft	18 mph
5Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3	165 ft	+15 ft	24 mph
6Radar Dimax Ice	175 ft	+25 ft	30 mph
7Hankook Winter i cept IZ3	176 ft	+26 ft	31 mph

Studded Winter Tires

Ice Braking: Studded Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3	106 ft	Best	0 mph
2Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi32	109 ft	+3 ft	12 mph
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10	111 ft	+5 ft	17 mph
4Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2	121 ft	+15 ft	28 mph
5Michelin X Ice North 4	124 ft	+18 ft	30 mph
6Pirelli Ice Zero 2	136 ft	+30 ft	38 mph
7Continental IceContact 3	139 ft	+33 ft	39 mph

The difference between best and worst was 65.6% (70 ft ≈ 4.7 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Hankook Winter i cept IZ3 would still be travelling at 50 mph when the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Ice Traction: Nordic Friction Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Continental VikingContact 8	6.3 s	Best
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5	6.7 s	+0.40 s
3Michelin X Ice Snow	6.8 s	+0.50 s
4Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1	7.2 s	+0.90 s
4Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3	7.2 s	+0.90 s
6Hankook Winter i cept IZ3	7.6 s	+1.30 s
7Radar Dimax Ice	8.2 s	+1.90 s

Studded Winter Tires

Ice Traction: Studded Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3	4.6 s	Best
2Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi32	4.7 s	+0.10 s
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10	4.8 s	+0.20 s
4Michelin X Ice North 4	5.1 s	+0.50 s
5Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2	5.7 s	+1.10 s
6Pirelli Ice Zero 2	5.8 s	+1.20 s
7Continental IceContact 3	6.1 s	+1.50 s

The difference between best and worst was 78.3% (3.6 s).

Comfort

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Subj. Noise: Nordic Friction Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Michelin X Ice Snow	10 Points	Best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5	10 Points	Best
3Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1	9 Points	-1.00 Points
3Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3	9 Points	-1.00 Points
3Continental VikingContact 8	9 Points	-1.00 Points
3Radar Dimax Ice	9 Points	-1.00 Points
3Hankook Winter i cept IZ3	9 Points	-1.00 Points

Studded Winter Tires

Subj. Noise: Studded Winter Tires
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Michelin X Ice North 4	7 Points	Best
1Pirelli Ice Zero 2	7 Points	Best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10	7 Points	Best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2	7 Points	Best
1Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi32	7 Points	Best
6Continental IceContact 3	6 Points	-1.00 Points
6Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3	6 Points	-1.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 40% (4 Points).

Results

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

The Continental VikingContact 8 is a logical and easy-to-control tire on ice, thanks to its good grip and precise steering feel. It was rated the best tire in the comparison on snow, offering excellent grip with safe and calm handling. While it steers a bit imprecisely on wet asphalt, it never loses control unexpectedly. On dry roads, it is easy to drive and handles evasive maneuvers well, despite a slow reaction to steering inputs.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	103 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	9 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	130 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	40.3 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	163 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	5.8 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	155 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	6.3 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	9 Points

3PMSF: Yes

The Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta R5 is easy to control on ice, offering consistent grip and remaining manageable even when pushed beyond its limits. It also performs well on snow, with excellent lateral grip in extreme situations. On wet asphalt, the steering is imprecise, but its overall behavior remains logical with good rear-end stability. The tire works well on dry asphalt, where its handling is certain, albeit with slightly slow steering.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	101 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	9 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	124 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	40.6 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	162 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	6 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	157 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	6.7 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	10 Points

3PMSF: Yes

The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 provides good grip on ice and behaves calmly and predictably, with a precise steering feel. It also steers precisely on snow, though the front tires can lose grip at large steering angles. The tire was the best friction tire on wet asphalt, where its control remains easy in extreme situations. On dry asphalt, it steers logically and handles evasions smoothly despite a slightly imprecise reaction to inputs.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	103 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	124 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	39.9 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	9 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	163 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	6 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	165 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	7.2 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	9 Points

3PMSF: Yes

The Hankook Winter I*Cept IZ3 works reliably on snow and ice, though its ultimate grip is not quite at the level of the best competitors. Its handling is characterized by logical understeer, but the rear tires can lose grip on ice in extreme situations, while on snow it feels confident. On wet asphalt, the steering is precise, but becomes less so on dry surfaces, where its behavior nevertheless remains calm and predictable.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	103 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	123 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	40 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	165 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	6 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	176 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	7.6 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	9 Points

3PMSF: Yes

The Falken Winterpeak F-Snow 1 grips well on ice, exhibiting predictable understeer in extreme situations without any sudden loss of rear grip. However, its behavior on snowy roads is more restless, where both the front and rear tires can begin to skid sharply. On asphalt, the tire steers slowly and imprecisely during evasive maneuvers, and the front tires may lose grip in the most difficult situations.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	101 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	123 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	41.4 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	165 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	5.9 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	157 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	7.2 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	9 Points

3PMSF: Yes

The Michelin X-Ice Snow offers top-notch braking grip on ice, but its drivability is hindered by weaker lateral grip, causing the front tires to lose traction quickly during fast maneuvers. It reacts slowly to steering inputs but behaves logically and predictably on snowy surfaces. On both wet and dry asphalt, its grip is weak and handling feels sluggish, making it difficult to navigate evasive maneuvers, although the rear tires always maintain stability.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	106 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	135 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	41.8 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	164 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	6.1 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	150 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	6.8 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	10 Points

3PMSF: Yes

The Radar Dimax Ice has lower ice grip than the other friction tires in the test, but it is quiet and maintains good rear-end stability even when steering slowly in extreme situations. The tire's behavior on snow is logical, though the front tires tend to lose grip easily at the limit. On asphalt, its grip level is insufficient for both wet and dry conditions, resulting in long braking distances and difficulty with evasive maneuvers due to the front tires losing grip, though the rear remains stable.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	107 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	6 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	129 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	41.8 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	165 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	6 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	175 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	8.2 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	9 Points

3PMSF: Yes

Studded Winter Tires

The Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 10 performs excellently on icy roads, where its behavior remains predictable in all situations and the steering feel is precise without being overly sharp. On asphalt, however, its performance is not on the same level, feeling imprecise and slow to react in situations requiring quick steering, though it remains controllable without surprises.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	106 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	122 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	41.5 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	165 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	6 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	111 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	4.8 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	7 Points

3PMSF: Yes

The Continental IceContact 3 offers responsive and easy-to-control handling, behaving in a stable and unsurprising manner on snow. While its ice grip isn't at the very top of the test group, its performance on wet and dry asphalt is solid and logical. The steering feel is precise, making the tire easy to control, with sure steering and good rear grip during evasive maneuvers.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	103 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	116 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	40.1 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	163 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	5.9 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	139 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	6.1 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	6 Points

3PMSF: Yes

The Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 is a consistently high-quality tire that performs well in all winter conditions, feeling particularly safe and stable on snow. Although its lateral grip on ice is not at the highest level, its fundamental behavior remains calm. On asphalt, its properties are also balanced, steering confidently in extreme situations with good grip in both wet and dry conditions.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	105 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	118 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	40.6 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	9 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	164 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	5.9 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	121 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	5.7 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	7 Points

3PMSF: Yes

The Michelin X-Ice North 4 provides strong grip in icy conditions, but this is paired with an unnecessarily imprecise steering feel, though controllability is maintained in extreme situations. The steering is also slow on snowy roads, but the rear maintains its grip. On asphalt, its performance is weaker, with significant understeer during evasive maneuvers making it difficult to pass obstacles, though the rear of the car remains stable.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	105 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	124 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	41.3 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	164 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	5.9 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	124 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	5.1 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	7 Points

3PMSF: Yes

The Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 delivered the best grip on ice in the test, both for braking and cornering. However, in tight driving situations, it can steer imprecisely, and the rear tires sometimes skid easily. On snow, the ride is calm despite not having the highest grip levels. Its asphalt performance is a weakness, as it steers slowly, and it is difficult to feel the grip limit, with the rear tires being prone to losing grip during evasive maneuvers in the wet.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	110 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	119 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	41.5 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	166 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	6 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	106 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	4.6 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	6 Points

3PMSF: Yes

The Pirelli Ice Zero 2 steers precisely, but its handling on ice is marked by oversteer, which can make control difficult. The steering feel on snow is good, but the rear tires may lose their grip in evasive situations. On wet asphalt, the handling becomes restless during fast maneuvers due to a low level of lateral grip, while on dry surfaces it steers slowly but consistently.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	104 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	113 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	41 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	164 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	5.9 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	136 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	5.8 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	7 Points

3PMSF: Yes

The Kumho WinterCraft ice Wi32 has excellent grip for braking and accelerating on ice, though its cornering grip is weaker. It tends to understeer in fast situations but remains easy to control, and its behavior on snow is calm despite an imprecise steering feel. On asphalt, its characteristics are mediocre, and control becomes difficult during evasive maneuvers as the front tires are prone to losing grip easily in both wet and dry conditions.

All discipline results (10)

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

Test	Result
Dry BrakingLower is better	106 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	134 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	42.1 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	6 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better	167 ft
Snow TractionLower is better	6 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	109 ft
Ice TractionLower is better	4.7 s
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	7 Points

3PMSF: Yes

Tire	Continental VikingContact 8	Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10	Continental IceContact 3	Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5	Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2	Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3	Hankook Winter i cept IZ3	Michelin X Ice North 4	Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3	Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1	Michelin X Ice Snow	Pirelli Ice Zero 2	Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi32	Radar Dimax Ice
Position	1^stNordic Friction Winter Tires	1^stStudded Winter Tires	2^ndStudded Winter Tires	2^ndNordic Friction Winter Tires	3^rdStudded Winter Tires	3^rdNordic Friction Winter Tires	4^thNordic Friction Winter Tires	4^thStudded Winter Tires	5^thStudded Winter Tires	5^thNordic Friction Winter Tires	6^thNordic Friction Winter Tires	6^thStudded Winter Tires	7^thStudded Winter Tires	7^thNordic Friction Winter Tires
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Nordic Friction Winter Tires 7 Tires tested

Studded Winter Tires 7 Tires tested

The evidence behind the verdict

Test setup & methodology

Recorded test conditions

Studded Tires VS Friction Tires

Dry

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Studded Winter Tires

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Studded Winter Tires

Wet

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Studded Winter Tires

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Studded Winter Tires

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Studded Winter Tires

Snow

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Studded Winter Tires

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Studded Winter Tires

Ice

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Studded Winter Tires

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Studded Winter Tires

Comfort

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Studded Winter Tires

Results

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Studded Winter Tires