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2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tire Test

Swedish magazine Teknikens Värld has published its 2026 winter tire test, with 18 tires in size 235/45 R18 covering all three types of winter tire sold in the Nordic countries: seven studded, five Nordic friction (studless) and six Central…

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson
12 min read
Tire shortlist Read the test
Tires tested
18
Tested size
235/45 R18
Test vehicle
Volvo V60 (petrol)
Disciplines
8

At a glance

Tire shortlist

18 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

6 Tires tested
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better
6.00 Points

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Subj. ComfortHigher is better
8.00 Points

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P / Pirelli P Zero Winter 2

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

5 Tires tested
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better
10.00 Points

Continental VikingContact 8

Subj. ComfortHigher is better
10.00 Points

Continental VikingContact 8

Studded Winter Tires

7 Tires tested
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better
10.00 Points

Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 / Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01

Subj. ComfortHigher is better
6.00 Points

Pirelli Ice Zero 2

Compare all measurements Explore the complete results

Central European Winter Tires 6 Tires tested

Joint1st

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

+The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was the fastest tire in the elk test and took full marks in both wet and dry braking and in wet handling. Its stability and comfort were among the best in the test.

−As a Central European tire it has far less grip on ice and snow than the Nordic and studded tires, which is expected of the type. Within its class it trailed the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 in snow handling and was mid-table for fuel use.

33 owner reviews Test Results
Joint1st

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

+The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 had the highest aquaplaning speed of the whole test, full marks in wet braking and wet handling, and was joint second fastest in the elk test. Its snow braking was better than the Continental's.

−Its ice grip was limited, as for all tires of this type, and its stability and comfort were rated below the Continental. Only the Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 used more fuel among the Central European tires.

33 owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

+The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 took full marks in wet handling, was strong in wet and dry braking and in the elk test, and used the least fuel of the Central European tires. It also had the best snow handling in its class.

−Ice grip is its weak point, as it is for every Central European tire, and its ice handling was a step behind the best in its class.

15 owner reviews Test Results
4th

Pirelli P Zero Winter 2

+The Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 was one of the best tires on wet and dry roads, with full marks in wet handling and wet and dry braking, high aquaplaning resistance and a fast elk test. It was also among the most comfortable and stable tires.

−It had the lowest ice handling score of the Central European tires and trailed the best of them on snow. It also used the most fuel in its class.

4 owner reviews Test Results
5th

Bridgestone Blizzak 6

+The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 Enliten was rated the most stable tire in the test and took full marks in wet handling and in wet and dry braking. Its aquaplaning resistance was the second best in the test and its fuel use was low.

−It was among the weakest Central European tires on snow and ice, with joint-lowest snow handling in its class and the lowest snow braking score of the class apart from the Falken.

9 owner reviews Test Results
6th

Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro

+The Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro was good in wet and dry braking and in the elk test, and comfort was acceptable.

−It was the weakest Central European tire, with the lowest snow braking score and joint-lowest snow handling of its class, and the weakest aquaplaning result of the Central European tires. The testers noted less grip, slower responses and poorer balance than its rivals.

4 owner reviews Test Results

Nordic Friction Winter Tires 5 Tires tested

1st

Continental VikingContact 8

+The Continental VikingContact 8 had the best ice handling of all 18 tires, ahead of every studded tire, and took full marks for snow handling and snow braking. It was also rated the most comfortable tire in the test, felt calm and stable on the road and had the second-lowest fuel use.

−Aquaplaning is its weak point: it was the second slowest of the Nordic tires in the straight-line test, a trait of the type.

8 owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

+The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 used the least fuel of any tire in the test. It was strong on snow, with full marks for snow braking, joint second on ice handling, and one of the best rated for stability and comfort. Its aquaplaning resistance was better than most of the Nordic tires.

−Its ice braking was a step behind the best of the Nordic tires, and its wet braking was among the weaker results in the Nordic group.

4 owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Pirelli Ice Friction

+The Pirelli Ice Friction took full marks for snow braking, handled well on snow and was the fastest Nordic tire in the elk test. It shared the best aquaplaning resistance of the Nordic tires, its comfort was among the best in the test and its fuel use was low.

−It had a little less grip on ice than the Continental and Goodyear, with ice braking a step behind the Continental, and it was not as stable on the road as the VikingContact 8.

4 owner reviews Test Results
4th

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

+The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was among the best on ice and snow, joint second in ice handling with full marks for snow braking, and it had the third-lowest fuel use in the test.

−It was the slowest of the Nordic tires in the straight-line aquaplaning test, and its stability on the road was rated below the other leading Nordic tires. Ice braking was good rather than class-leading.

17 owner reviews Test Results
5th

Dunlop Winter Snow1

+The Dunlop Winter Snow1 took full marks for snow braking and its ice braking matched the best Nordic tires. Comfort was reasonable.

−It was the weakest of the Nordic friction tires. The testers found the steering slow and imprecise, with heavy understeer and a tendency to slide, and it was sensitive to standing water in corners. Its wet handling score was the lowest of the Nordic tires.

Read owner reviews Test Results

Studded Winter Tires 7 Tires tested

1st

Pirelli Ice Zero 2

+The Pirelli Ice Zero 2 was the best all-round studded tire. On wet and dry roads it was the strongest of the studded tires, joint best among them in wet and dry braking and best in wet handling and the elk test, and it was the most comfortable and stable of the studded group. It also took full marks for snow braking.

−Its ice handling was second weakest of the studded tires, ahead only of the Trazano, and the testers noted that it lacks the ice grip of the best studded designs. Fuel use was average.

3 owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

+The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic 2 was one of the best tires on snow, with full marks for snow handling, and its ice braking was joint second best, behind only the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3. It meets the new stud-wear rules with an A+ rating.

−The testers found its ice grip lower than its predecessor, with a less precise feel and a rear end that could slide out. Its stability on the road was only mid-field among the studded tires, and it used more fuel than most of them.

1 owner review Test Results
3rd

Michelin X Ice North 4

+The Michelin X-Ice North 4 had strong ice braking, joint second best behind the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3, and handled well on ice and snow.

−It had the weakest wet and dry braking of the studded tires, alongside the Trazano. The testers expected more ice grip from a studded tire from this maker.

12 owner reviews Test Results
4th

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01

+The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01 had the best ice handling of the studded tires, took full marks for snow handling and was among the best in ice braking. It is built to the new stud-wear rules.

−The testers found clearly less stud grip than in last year's Hakkapeliitta 10, and the tread showed damage around the studs after only the run-in, winter tests and fuel runs. Comfort and stability were among the lowest of the studded tires, and it used more fuel than most of them.

Read owner reviews Test Results
5th

Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03

+The Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03 took full marks for snow braking and was good in ice braking, and its aquaplaning resistance was among the best of the studded tires.

−It was the slowest tire in the elk test and one of the least comfortable, with poor stability. The testers found its performance on dry roads weak.

Read owner reviews Test Results
6th

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3

+The Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 had the best ice braking of the whole test by a wide margin. Its studs stood out further than allowed even under the older rules, and the magazine kept it in the test to see what long studs deliver. Its aquaplaning resistance was the best of the studded tires.

−The testers found it unpredictable in ice corners, where grip came and went, so its ice handling was only mid-field. It was the least comfortable tire in the test, had the lowest wet handling score and the highest fuel use.

Read owner reviews Test Results
7th

Trazano IceMaster Spike Z 506

+The Trazano IceMaster Spike Z-506 was the cheapest studded tire in the test. Its snow braking was good and its fuel use was the lowest of the studded tires.

−It had the lowest ice handling score of the studded tires, with ice grip the testers described as very poor for a studded tire, and oversteer in the elk test. Its wet and dry braking were joint weakest of the studded tires, alongside the Michelin.

Read owner reviews Test Results

Tire shortlist

Compare selected tires

2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tire Test · 235/45 R18

TireContinental VikingContact 8Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3Pirelli Ice FrictionNokian Hakkapeliitta R5Pirelli Ice Zero 2Continental WinterContact TS 870 PMichelin Pilot Alpin 5Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3Dunlop Winter Snow1Pirelli P Zero Winter 2Michelin X Ice North 4Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01Bridgestone Blizzak 6Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3Falken EUROWINTER HS02 ProTrazano IceMaster Spike Z 506
Position1stNordic Friction Winter Tires2ndNordic Friction Winter Tires3rdNordic Friction Winter Tires4thNordic Friction Winter Tires1stStudded Winter TiresJoint 1stCentral European Winter TiresJoint 1stCentral European Winter Tires2ndStudded Winter Tires3rdCentral European Winter Tires5thNordic Friction Winter Tires4thCentral European Winter Tires3rdStudded Winter Tires4thStudded Winter Tires5thCentral European Winter Tires5thStudded Winter Tires6thStudded Winter Tires6thCentral European Winter Tires7thStudded Winter Tires
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These results apply to the tires and size tested here.

The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

Swedish magazine Teknikens Värld has published its 2026 winter tire test, with 18 tires in size 235/45 R18 covering all three types of winter tire sold in the Nordic countries: seven studded, five Nordic friction (studless) and six Central European. The tires were tested on a petrol Volvo V60 on ice and snow at Vistheden near Älvsbyn and on a wet track in Gislaved, with dry braking, an elk test, a comfort drive on public roads and a fuel consumption run completing the programme.

The Continental VikingContact 8 won overall for the third year running, and Nordic friction tires took the top four places. The test includes the first two studded tires built fully to the new stud-wear rules that apply to every studded tire sold from 1 January 2027, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic 2 and the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01. The testers found both had less stud grip than the tires they succeed, and the Nokian showed tread damage around its studs early in the test. The Pirelli Ice Zero 2 was the best studded tire and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P the best Central European tire, while the budget Trazano IceMaster Spike Z-506 finished last.

Teknikens Värld awards points in every test, and most results are published only as points. Ice and snow tests are marked out of 20 and wet and dry tests out of 10, so winter grip carries more weight in the final total. We show the handling, comfort and stability scores converted to a scale of 10. Braking was published as points only, so it is covered in the text rather than charted. Aquaplaning, the elk test and fuel consumption are shown as measured. Prices ranged from 1,450 SEK per tire for the Trazano to 2,800 SEK for the Hakkapeliitta 01. This is our summary of the main findings; for every score, the methodology and the testers' full comments, see the original test in Teknikens Värld.

Ice

The Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3, whose studs stood out further than even the old rules allow, was well clear of every other tire in ice braking. It was far less convincing in ice handling, where the testers found its grip in corners came and went. The best ice handling came from a studless tire: the Continental VikingContact 8 scored higher than every studded tire, with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 next. The Central European tires were at the bottom in both ice tests, as expected for tires not designed for ice, and in ice handling the Trazano was down among them.

Subj. Ice Handling

Subjective Ice Handling Score

Higher is better ↑

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 5 Points Best
1Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
 5 Points Best
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 5 Points Best
4Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 4 Points -1.00 Points
4Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 4 Points -1.00 Points
6Pirelli P Zero Winter 2
 3 Points -2.00 Points

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental VikingContact 8
 10 Points Best
2Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
 9 Points -1.00 Points
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
 9 Points -1.00 Points
4Pirelli Ice Friction
 8 Points -2.00 Points
5Dunlop Winter Snow1
 7 Points -3.00 Points

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01
 9 Points Best
2Michelin X Ice North 4
 8 Points -1.00 Points
2Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
 8 Points -1.00 Points
4Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3
 7 Points -2.00 Points
4Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03
 7 Points -2.00 Points
6Pirelli Ice Zero 2
 6 Points -3.00 Points
7Trazano IceMaster Spike Z 506
 4 Points -5.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 70% (7 Points).

Snow

On snow the studded and Nordic tires were closely matched. The Hakkapeliitta 01, UltraGrip Ice Arctic 2 and VikingContact 8 took full marks in snow handling, and seven tires scored full marks in snow braking. The Central European tires were a clear step behind, with the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 the best of them in handling. The Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro and Bridgestone Blizzak 6 were joint last in snow handling, and the Falken also had the weakest snow braking. Among the studded tires the Trazano was the outlier, with snow handling at the level of the Central European tires.

Subj. Snow Handling

Subjective Snow Handling Score

Higher is better ↑

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 6 Points Best
2Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 5 Points -1.00 Points
2Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
 5 Points -1.00 Points
4Pirelli P Zero Winter 2
 4 Points -2.00 Points
5Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 3 Points -3.00 Points
5Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 3 Points -3.00 Points

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental VikingContact 8
 10 Points Best
2Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
 9 Points -1.00 Points
2Pirelli Ice Friction
 9 Points -1.00 Points
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
 9 Points -1.00 Points
5Dunlop Winter Snow1
 8 Points -2.00 Points

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01
 10 Points Best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
 10 Points Best
3Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03
 9 Points -1.00 Points
3Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3
 9 Points -1.00 Points
3Pirelli Ice Zero 2
 9 Points -1.00 Points
3Michelin X Ice North 4
 9 Points -1.00 Points
7Trazano IceMaster Spike Z 506
 5 Points -5.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 70% (7 Points).

Wet

On wet asphalt the order reversed. Five of the six Central European tires took full marks in wet handling, and the same group led wet braking, where the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 and Bridgestone Blizzak 6 all scored full marks. The Pirelli Ice Zero 2 was the best studded tire in wet handling. The Blizzak Spike 3 had the lowest wet handling score, and the Dunlop Winter Snow1 was the weakest Nordic tire, with slow, imprecise steering and a sensitivity to standing water in corners.

Subj. Wet Handling

Subjective Wet Handling Score

Higher is better ↑

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 10 Points Best
1Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
 10 Points Best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 10 Points Best
1Pirelli P Zero Winter 2
 10 Points Best
1Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 10 Points Best
6Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 8 Points -2.00 Points

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
 6 Points Best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
 6 Points Best
1Continental VikingContact 8
 6 Points Best
1Pirelli Ice Friction
 6 Points Best
5Dunlop Winter Snow1
 4 Points -2.00 Points

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Pirelli Ice Zero 2
 7 Points Best
2Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03
 5 Points -2.00 Points
2Trazano IceMaster Spike Z 506
 5 Points -2.00 Points
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01
 5 Points -2.00 Points
2Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
 5 Points -2.00 Points
2Michelin X Ice North 4
 5 Points -2.00 Points
7Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3
 3 Points -4.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 70% (7 Points).

Aquaplaning followed the usual pattern. The Central European tires took the top five places, led by the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, and all five Nordic friction tires finished in the bottom eight, with the Hakkapeliitta R5 and VikingContact 8 the two slowest. The Falken was the weakest Central European tire here, more than 4 mph behind the rest of its class.

Straight Aqua

Float Speed in mph

Higher is better ↑

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 47.0 mph Best
2Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 46.7 mph -0.3 mph
3Pirelli P Zero Winter 2
 46.0 mph -1.0 mph
4Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 45.8 mph -1.2 mph
5Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
 45.7 mph -1.3 mph
6Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 41.3 mph -5.7 mph

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
 37.8 mph Best
1Pirelli Ice Friction
 37.8 mph Best
3Dunlop Winter Snow1
 36.7 mph -1.1 mph
4Continental VikingContact 8
 34.1 mph -3.7 mph
5Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
 33.6 mph -4.2 mph

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3
 42.3 mph Best
2Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03
 41.6 mph -0.7 mph
3Pirelli Ice Zero 2
 39.7 mph -2.6 mph
4Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
 39.0 mph -3.3 mph
5Trazano IceMaster Spike Z 506
 37.2 mph -5.1 mph
6Michelin X Ice North 4
 37.0 mph -5.3 mph
7Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01
 36.0 mph -6.3 mph

The difference between best and worst was 28.5% (13.4 mph).

Dry

The elk test, an evasive maneuver on dry asphalt taken at the highest speed each tire allows, again favored the Central European tires, which took the top six places. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was fastest. The Pirelli Ice Friction was the best Nordic tire and the Pirelli Ice Zero 2 the best studded tire. The Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03 was slowest, with the Trazano next, and the testers noted oversteer from the Trazano. In dry braking the TS 870 P, P Zero Winter 2 and Blizzak 6 scored full marks, and the Michelin X-Ice North 4 and Trazano scored lowest.

Dry Lane Change

Maximum lane change speed in the dry

Higher is better ↑

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
 46.6 mph Best
2Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 46.0 mph -0.6 mph
2Pirelli P Zero Winter 2
 46.0 mph -0.6 mph
4Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 45.4 mph -1.2 mph
4Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 45.4 mph -1.2 mph
4Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 45.4 mph -1.2 mph

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Pirelli Ice Friction
 44.1 mph Best
2Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
 43.5 mph -0.6 mph
2Continental VikingContact 8
 43.5 mph -0.6 mph
4Dunlop Winter Snow1
 42.9 mph -1.2 mph
4Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
 42.9 mph -1.2 mph

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Pirelli Ice Zero 2
 43.5 mph Best
2Michelin X Ice North 4
 42.9 mph -0.6 mph
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01
 42.9 mph -0.6 mph
2Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3
 42.9 mph -0.6 mph
2Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
 42.9 mph -0.6 mph
6Trazano IceMaster Spike Z 506
 42.3 mph -1.2 mph
7Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03
 41.6 mph -1.9 mph

The difference between best and worst was 10.7% (5 mph).

Comfort

Comfort and stability were rated by the testers on normal roads at 44 mph to 68 mph. Nordic and Central European tires filled the upper half of the comfort scores, with the VikingContact 8 rated the most comfortable of all. The studded tires were rated lower, and the Blizzak Spike 3 was the least comfortable tire in the test, with the Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03 and Hakkapeliitta 01 next. The Pirelli Ice Zero 2 was the most comfortable studded tire.

Subj. Comfort

Subjective Comfort Score

Higher is better ↑

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
 8 Points Best
1Pirelli P Zero Winter 2
 8 Points Best
3Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 7 Points -1.00 Points
3Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 7 Points -1.00 Points
3Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 7 Points -1.00 Points
3Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 7 Points -1.00 Points

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental VikingContact 8
 10 Points Best
2Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
 8 Points -2.00 Points
2Pirelli Ice Friction
 8 Points -2.00 Points
4Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
 7 Points -3.00 Points
4Dunlop Winter Snow1
 7 Points -3.00 Points

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Pirelli Ice Zero 2
 6 Points Best
2Michelin X Ice North 4
 5 Points -1.00 Points
2Trazano IceMaster Spike Z 506
 5 Points -1.00 Points
2Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
 5 Points -1.00 Points
5Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01
 4 Points -2.00 Points
6Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03
 2 Points -4.00 Points
7Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3
 1 Points -5.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 90% (9 Points).

Stability, judged on how calmly and predictably each tire held its line and responded to the steering, was led by the Bridgestone Blizzak 6. The Blizzak Spike 3, Hakkapeliitta 01 and SP Winter Ice 03 were rated lowest.

Subj. Road Score

Subjective Real World Driving Score

Higher is better ↑

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 10 Points Best
2Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
 9 Points -1.00 Points
2Pirelli P Zero Winter 2
 9 Points -1.00 Points
4Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 7 Points -3.00 Points
5Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 6 Points -4.00 Points
5Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 6 Points -4.00 Points

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
 9 Points Best
2Continental VikingContact 8
 8 Points -1.00 Points
3Pirelli Ice Friction
 6 Points -3.00 Points
4Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
 5 Points -4.00 Points
4Dunlop Winter Snow1
 5 Points -4.00 Points

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to best
1Pirelli Ice Zero 2
 7 Points Best
2Michelin X Ice North 4
 6 Points -1.00 Points
2Trazano IceMaster Spike Z 506
 6 Points -1.00 Points
4Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
 5 Points -2.00 Points
5Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3
 3 Points -4.00 Points
5Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01
 3 Points -4.00 Points
5Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03
 3 Points -4.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 70% (7 Points).

Fuel Consumption

Fuel use was measured at a steady 44 mph on dry asphalt, with the studded tires run with their studs in place. Nordic friction tires were the most efficient: the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 used the least fuel, followed by the VikingContact 8 and Hakkapeliitta R5. The Blizzak Spike 3 used the most, around ten percent more than the Goodyear, with the P Zero Winter 2 and Hakkapeliitta 01 also near the bottom. The Trazano was the most efficient studded tire.

Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption in Liters per 100 km

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to bestExtra fuel / year
1Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 5.99 l/100km Best $40
2Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 6.01 l/100km +0.02 l/100km $44
3Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 6.14 l/100km +0.15 l/100km $68
4Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
 6.15 l/100km +0.16 l/100km $70
5Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 6.2 l/100km +0.21 l/100km $79
6Pirelli P Zero Winter 2
 6.29 l/100km +0.30 l/100km $96

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to bestExtra fuel / year
1Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
 5.77 l/100km Best $0
2Continental VikingContact 8
 5.84 l/100km +0.07 l/100km $13
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
 5.86 l/100km +0.09 l/100km $17
4Pirelli Ice Friction
 6.01 l/100km +0.24 l/100km $44
5Dunlop Winter Snow1
 6.12 l/100km +0.35 l/100km $64

Studded Winter Tires

Position / TireResultGap to bestExtra fuel / year
1Trazano IceMaster Spike Z 506
 6.11 l/100km Best $62
2Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03
 6.15 l/100km +0.04 l/100km $70
3Pirelli Ice Zero 2
 6.18 l/100km +0.07 l/100km $75
3Michelin X Ice North 4
 6.18 l/100km +0.07 l/100km $75
5Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
 6.26 l/100km +0.15 l/100km $90
6Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01
 6.28 l/100km +0.17 l/100km $94
7Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3
 6.38 l/100km +0.27 l/100km $112

The difference between best and worst was 10.6% (0.61 l/100km). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 uses about 31 gal ($112) more fuel than the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3.

Adjust the assumptions

Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.

12,000 mi
$3.60/gal
Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tire age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

Results

The Continental VikingContact 8 is the winner again, and Teknikens Värld rates it the best all-round winter tire, with strong ice and snow grip, the best comfort and low fuel use. Nordic friction tires filled the top four places, with the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3, Pirelli Ice Friction and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 behind it. The Pirelli Ice Zero 2 in fifth was the best studded tire, and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P shared sixth place with the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, taking the best Central European title. The two studded tires built to the new rules finished eighth and thirteenth, and the testers conclude that studded tires no longer grip on ice the way they used to. The Falken and Trazano finished well behind the rest of the field.

The studded order is unusual next to Vi Bilägare's 2026 studded tire test, where the Hakkapeliitta 01 won and the Ice Zero 2 finished fourth, behind the Nokian, Goodyear and Michelin. On ice the two tests largely agree: in both, the Nokian was among the best studded tires and the Pirelli among the weaker ones. The difference comes from Teknikens Värld's scoring, which gives more weight to comfort, stability and behavior on wet and dry roads, where the Pirelli was the strongest studded tire and the Nokian among the weakest.

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

Central European Winter Tires

Joint 1st

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

235/45 R18 94V
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Teknikens Varld Best in Test, Central European Bäst i test, mellaneuropeiska dubbfria
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished level on points with the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 at the top of the Central European class and was named the best Central European winter tire. It is an excellent choice for wet and dry winter roads, but like every tire of its type it is not built for ice.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better9 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better10 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better45.7 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better46.6 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better8 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.147 l/100km
Origin
Portugal
Weight
10.2 kgs
Tread
8.7 mm
Price
2300.00
Joint 1st

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

235/45 R18 98V XL
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished level on points with the Continental at the top of the Central European class, just missing the class title. It is a strong wet-road tire that suits drivers who rarely see ice.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better6 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better10 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better47.0 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better46.0 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.201 l/100km
Origin
Spain
Weight
10.6 kgs
Tread
8.7 mm
Price
2600.00
3rd

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

235/45 R18 98V XL
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished third of the six Central European tires. It is a well-balanced tire with the best snow ability and the lowest rolling resistance in its class, but like the rest of its class it is not suited to icy roads.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better7 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better10 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better45.8 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better4 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better45.4 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better5.988 l/100km
Origin
Germany
Weight
10.0 kgs
Tread
8.0 mm
Price
2000.00
4th

Pirelli P Zero Winter 2

235/45 R18 98V XL
Pirelli P Zero Winter 2
The Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 finished fourth of the six Central European tires. It is a very capable wet and dry winter tire, but its ice and snow grip and its rolling resistance left it behind the class leaders.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better9 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better10 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better46.0 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better4 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better3 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better46.0 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better8 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.291 l/100km
Origin
Germany
Weight
10.8 kgs
Tread
8.0 mm
Price
2500.00
5th

Bridgestone Blizzak 6

235/45 R18 98V XL
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 Enliten finished fifth of the six Central European tires. It is a very good wet-road tire with excellent stability, but it needs more snow ability to challenge the best in its class.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better10 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better10 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better46.7 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better3 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better4 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better45.4 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.011 l/100km
Origin
Hungary
Weight
9.9 kgs
Tread
8.7 mm
Price
2200.00
6th

Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro

235/45 R18 98V XL
Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
The Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro finished last of the six Central European tires. It falls short of the others in its class, especially on snow.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better6 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better41.3 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better3 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better45.4 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.135 l/100km
Origin
Turkey
Weight
11.0 kgs
Tread
8.5 mm
Price
1600.00

Nordic Friction Winter Tires

1st

Continental VikingContact 8

235/45 R18 98T XL
Continental VikingContact 8
Teknikens Varld Test Winner / Best in Test, Nordic Friction Årets vinnare / Bäst i test, nordiska dubbfria
The Continental VikingContact 8 won the test outright for the third year in a row and was best in the Nordic friction class. It combines top-level ice and snow grip with class-leading comfort and low rolling resistance, which makes it the most complete winter tire here.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better8 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better34.1 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better10 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better10 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better43.5 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better10 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better5.843 l/100km
Origin
Germany
Weight
10.9 kgs
Tread
8.2 mm
Price
2400.00
2nd

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

235/45 R18 98T XL
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 finished second of the five Nordic friction tires, behind the VikingContact 8. It is a well-rounded friction tire that pairs good ice and snow grip with the lowest rolling resistance in the test.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better9 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better37.8 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better43.5 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better8 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better5.77 l/100km
Origin
Poland
Weight
10.6 kgs
Tread
8.2 mm
Price
2400.00
3rd

Pirelli Ice Friction

235/45 R18 98H XL
Pirelli Ice Friction
The Pirelli Ice Friction finished third of the five Nordic friction tires. It is a capable winter tire with good snow manners and low rolling resistance, held back slightly by its ice grip and stability.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better6 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better37.8 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better44.1 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better8 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.013 l/100km
Origin
China
Weight
11.3 kgs
Tread
7.9 mm
Price
2300.00
4th

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

235/45 R18 98T XL
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 finished fourth of the five Nordic friction tires. It is a pleasant, grippy Nordic friction tire for ice and snow, let down mainly by its aquaplaning resistance.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better5 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better33.6 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better42.9 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better5.856 l/100km
Origin
Finland
Weight
11.6 kgs
Tread
8.2 mm
Price
2400.00
5th

Dunlop Winter Snow1

235/45 R18 98T XL
Dunlop Winter Snow1
The Dunlop Winter Snow1 finished last of the five Nordic friction tires. It works within its limits on ice and snow, but its vague handling on wet roads holds it back.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better5 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better4 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better36.7 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better42.9 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.118 l/100km
Origin
Turkey
Weight
11.6 kgs
Tread
8.2 mm
Price
2200.00

Studded Winter Tires

1st

Pirelli Ice Zero 2

235/45 R18 98H XL
Pirelli Ice Zero 2
Teknikens Varld Best in Test, Studded Bäst i test, dubbat
The Pirelli Ice Zero 2 finished top of the seven studded tires and was named the best studded tire. It earns that by being the most balanced studded tire on bare roads rather than the grippiest on ice.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better7 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better39.7 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better43.5 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better6 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.181 l/100km
Origin
Romania
Weight
11.1 kgs
Tread
9.0 mm
Price
2600.00
2nd

Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

235/45 R18 98T XL
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic 2 finished second of the seven studded tires. It is still a good studded tire on snow, but the reduced stud grip under the new rules shows on ice.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better5 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better39.0 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better10 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better42.9 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better5 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.255 l/100km
Origin
Poland
Weight
11.8 kgs
Tread
8.2 mm
Price
2600.00
3rd

Michelin X Ice North 4

235/45 R18 98T XL
Michelin X Ice North 4
The Michelin X-Ice North 4 finished third of the seven studded tires. It is a consistent studded tire on ice and snow, but its bare-road braking is well short of the best.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better6 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better37.0 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better42.9 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better5 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.181 l/100km
Origin
Hungary
Weight
11.3 kgs
Tread
8.3 mm
Price
2600.00
4th

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01

235/45 R18 98T XL
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01 finished fourth of the seven studded tires. It is still good on ice and snow, but it does not match the tire it replaces, and the early tread damage is a concern.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better3 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better36.0 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better10 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better42.9 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better4 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.283 l/100km
Origin
Finland
Weight
13.1 kgs
Tread
9.0 mm
Price
2800.00
5th

Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03

235/45 R18 98T XL
Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03
The Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03 finished fifth of the seven studded tires. Built to the older stud rules, it grips reasonably on ice and snow, but it is uncomfortable and weak on bare roads.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better3 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better41.6 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better41.6 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better2 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.149 l/100km
Origin
Turkey
Weight
12.0 kgs
Tread
9.2 mm
Price
2400.00
6th

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3

235/45 R18 98T XL
Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3
The Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 finished sixth of the seven studded tires. Long studs gave it outstanding straight-line ice braking, but little else, and the testers were critical of its comfort and handling.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better3 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better3 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better42.3 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better42.9 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better1 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.383 l/100km
Origin
Hungary
Weight
11.7 kgs
Tread
9.6 mm
Price
2200.00
7th

Trazano IceMaster Spike Z 506

235/45 R18 98T XL
Trazano IceMaster Spike Z 506
The Trazano IceMaster Spike Z-506 finished last of the seven studded tires. It offers little of the benefit expected from a studded tire.
All discipline results (8)

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

TestResult
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better6 Points
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better37.2 mph
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better4 Points
Dry Lane ChangeHigher is better42.3 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better5 Points
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6.111 l/100km
Origin
China
Weight
12.4 kgs
Tread
9.8 mm
Price
1450.00

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