Menu

Continental IceContact 3 Test Results

Tire Reviews tests: 1 Tested 2019 to 2025 6 publications

Tested 13 times by independent publications, the Continental IceContact 3 has taken 3 test wins with an average finish of 3rd. Its strongest discipline is Wet Handling, beating 81% of the field across 10 tests; its weakest is Ice Braking, at 42% across 10 tests.

  • 13Independent tests
  • 3Test wins
  • 7Podium finishes
  • 3rdAverage finish
  • 58%Field beaten on average
  • 6Publications
Continental IceContact 3

13 tests, 2019 to 2025

0%50%100%2019202020212022202320242025Average 58%2019 Studded Winter Tire Test (2019): P1 of 8, Beat 100% of the field2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test (2020): P1 of 5 (Studded Winter Tires), Beat 75% of the fieldThe Best Winter Tires for 2020 (2020): P1 of 19, Beat 67% of the field2020 Studded Winter Tire Test (2020): P2 of 8, Beat 71% of the field2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test (2021): P6 of 9 (Studded Winter Tires), Beat 38% of the field2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test (2021): P5 of 8, Beat 43% of the field2022 Studded Winter Tire Test (2022): P5 of 8, Beat 43% of the field2023 Studded Tire Test (2023): P5 of 8, Beat 43% of the fieldThe Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 (2024): P6 of 6 (Studded Winter Tires), Beat 0% of the field2024 Studded Tire Test (2024): P5 of 8, Beat 43% of the fieldThe BEST Studded Tires for 2025 (2025): P3 of 8, Beat 71% of the field2025 Friction and Studded Winter Tire Test (2025): P2 of 7 (Studded Winter Tires), Beat 83% of the field2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tire Test (2025): P3 of 8 (Studded Winter Tires), Beat 71% of the field
Share of the field beaten in each test, oldest to newest. Hover or tap a point for the test.
  • Test win
  • Second
  • Third
  • Average 58%
The latest test

2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tire Test P3 of 8Studded Winter Tires

The Continental IceContact 3 delivers somewhat poorer ice grip than the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic 2 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10, but performs better in all test aspects on bare pavement. The stud grip is good when the car rolls straight, but performance diminishes more than it should when steering input is added. In other respects, this is a well-performing studded tire that even rolls reasonably lightly, contributing to decent fuel efficiency. The comfort is adequate for a studded tire, with noise levels that are almost in the class of the worst Central European friction tires - which means an entirely acceptable noise level. Where Continental succeeds is in providing better bare pavement stability than many studded competitors, making the test vehicle more predictable and easier to control. It represents a sensible middle ground in the studded category, sacrificing some ultimate ice grip for improved everyday usability on cleared roads.

Strong: Subj. Wet Handling, Subj. Snow Handling, Subj. Comfort, Fuel Consumption Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

Record by discipline

Where the Continental IceContact 3 finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tires. Field beaten is the share of the other tires it outranked in that measurement.

Discipline Tests Avg finish Field beaten Firsts
Dry
Dry Braking 10 P3.9 of 7.7 58% 1
Subj. Dry Handling 8 P2.4 of 7.5 80% 5
Wet
Wet Braking 10 P3.2 of 7.7 69% 2
Wet Handling Strong 10 P2.3 of 7.7 81% 3
Subj. Wet Handling 3 P1.7 of 6.7 90% 1
Straight Aqua 7 P4.3 of 8 53% -
Snow
Snow Braking 10 P2.6 of 7.7 78% 4
Snow Traction 10 P2.9 of 7.7 73% 3
Snow Handling 9 P2.4 of 7.8 81% 3
Subj. Snow Handling 2 P1.5 of 6.5 93% 1
Ice
Ice Braking Weak 10 P4.9 of 7.7 42% 1
Ice Traction 10 P4.7 of 7.7 45% 1
Ice Handling 9 P4.8 of 7.8 44% -
Subj. Ice Handling 2 P3.5 of 6.5 48% -
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 2 P1 of 8 100% 2
Subj. Noise 4 P3.8 of 7.3 60% 1
Noise 5 P1.8 of 8 89% 1
Value
Rolling Resistance 1 P5 of 8 43% -
Fuel Consumption 5 P3.4 of 8 66% 2

Head-to-head record

Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Continental IceContact 3. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.

Rival Shared tests Ahead Behind Level Finished ahead
Michelin X Ice North 4 11 shared: 3 ahead, 6 behind Compare with X Ice North 4 11 3 6 2 33%
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 8 shared: 1 ahead, 7 behind Compare with UltraGrip Arctic 2 8 1 7 - 13%
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 7 shared: 0 ahead, 7 behind Compare with Hakkapeliitta 10 7 0 7 - 0%
Hankook Winter i pike RS2 5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind 5 5 0 - 100%
Pirelli Ice Zero 2 5 shared: 3 ahead, 2 behind 5 3 2 - 60%
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 4 shared: 3 ahead, 0 behind 4 3 0 1 100%
Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi32 3 shared: 3 ahead, 0 behind 3 3 0 - 100%
Bridgestone Noranza 001 3 shared: 2 ahead, 1 behind 3 2 1 - 67%
Continental VikingContact 7 3 shared: 2 ahead, 0 behind 3 2 0 1 100%
Michelin X Ice Snow 3 shared: 2 ahead, 0 behind Compare with X Ice Snow 3 2 0 1 100%
Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 3 shared: 1 ahead, 2 behind 3 1 2 - 33%

Against its own line

The same record for the tire it replaced and the tire that replaced it.

Tire Tests Wins Avg finish Field beaten
Continental IceContact 2 Predecessor 2 1 2nd 94%
Continental IceContact 3 This tire 13 3 3rd 58%
Continental IceContact 8 Successor 0 - - -

Performance Analysis

Drawn from 13 tests. Updated October 28, 2026.

The Continental IceContact 3 generally combines good snow and bare-road handling with weaker ice grip against studded rivals. In the 2025 Tekniikan Maailma test it was second of seven in its studded class, leading dry braking, wet handling, snow braking and snow traction, but finishing last for ice braking and traction, over 31% behind the class best in each. Vi Bilagare also put snow braking and traction first of eight in 2025, but ice braking fourth, 38.6% behind the best. Wet handling led its 2023 and 2024 tests. Noise was often low for the type, though Tekniikan Maailma placed it sixth of seven for noise in 2025.

The 2019 Vi Bilagare win, including first for ice braking and traction, is unusually strong beside the later ice record. It also won its five-tire studded class at Test World in 2020, but was last of six in the 2024 Teknikens Varld class, where ice performance disappointed. Economy varies sharply too: highest fuel consumption at Vi Bilagare in 2024 contrasts with lowest consumption in its 2025 test and within the 2025 Teknikens Varld studded class. Testers frequently praise predictable snow and asphalt behavior, but some criticise dry handling or the grip limit. Later results favor mixed snow and bare-road use over maximum ice grip.

Performance Strengths

Performance Weaknesses

Every test, newest first 13

Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.

2025 3 tests
P3 of 8 Studded Winter Tires Beat 71% of the field

2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tire Test

Teknikens Varld 235/45 R18

The Continental IceContact 3 delivers somewhat poorer ice grip than the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic 2 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10, but performs better in all test aspects on bare pavement. The stud grip is good when the car rolls straight, but performance diminishes more than it should when steering input is added. In other respects, this is a well-performing studded tire that even rolls reasonably lightly, contributing to decent fuel efficiency. The comfort is adequate for a studded tire, with noise levels that are almost in the class of the worst Central European friction tires - which means an entirely acceptable noise level. Where Continental succeeds is in providing better bare pavement stability than many studded competitors, making the test vehicle more predictable and easier to control. It represents a sensible middle ground in the studded category, sacrificing some ultimate ice grip for improved everyday usability on cleared roads.

StrongSubj. Wet HandlingSubj. Snow HandlingSubj. ComfortFuel Consumption WinnerGoodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

P2 of 7 Studded Winter Tires Beat 83% of the field

2025 Friction and Studded Winter Tire Test

Tekniikan Maailma 205/55 R16

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.

StrongDry BrakingSubj. Dry HandlingWet BrakingWet HandlingSubj. Wet HandlingSnow BrakingSnow Traction WeakIce BrakingIce TractionSubj. Noise WinnerNokian Hakkapeliitta 10

P3 of 8 Beat 71% of the field

The BEST Studded Tires for 2025

Vi Bilagare 235/60 R18

The Continental IceContact 3 may not lead in pure ice performance, but it compensates with exceptional road manners and predictable behavior that builds driver confidence. This tire excels at communicating grip limits to the driver, providing early warning when approaching the adhesion threshold, combined with calm, controlled behavior under pressure featuring mild understeer that's easy to manage. Continental performs significantly better on snow than ice, and truly shines on asphalt with outstanding straight-line stability and confident handling during emergency maneuvers. The tire also achieves the best rolling resistance in the test, contributing to improved fuel economy, though ice grip remains its relative weakness.

StrongDry BrakingSubj. Dry HandlingSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow HandlingNoiseFuel Consumption WinnerNokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV

2024 2 tests
P5 of 8 Beat 43% of the field

2024 Studded Tire Test

Vi Bilagare 225/45 R17

Continental IceContact 3 showed unusually poor ice performance for a studded tire, with braking distances a full car length longer than the best at just 16 mph. However, it excelled on asphalt with the best dry and wet handling characteristics and low noise levels. Strong on snow with predictable behavior.

StrongSubj. Dry HandlingWet BrakingWet HandlingSnow BrakingSnow HandlingNoise WeakFuel Consumption WinnerNokian Hakkapeliitta 10

P6 of 6 Studded Winter Tires Beat 0% of the field

The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024

Teknikens Varld 225/50 R17

The Continental IceContact 3, a studded tire, showed a decline in performance compared to previous years. Its ice performance was notably worse than expected, and it didn't show significant advantages in other areas to compensate. The tire had the highest rolling resistance in the test, severely impacting fuel efficiency. While it still provided decent winter performance, it fell short of expectations for a premium studded tire.

WinnerPirelli Ice Zero 2

2023 1 test
P5 of 8 Beat 43% of the field

2023 Studded Tire Test

Vi Bilagare 225/45 R17

Continental has failed at the most important aspect for a studded tire: achieving grip on ice. The stopping distance on ice lags far behind other premium brands. Despite having the highest price, the tire's braking performance is on par with Goodride and is only marginally better than a used tire. However, the IceContact 3 communicates well with the driver about where the grip limit is and remains controllable when traction is about to be lost. This safe and easy-to-control behavior is consistent across all surfaces. Continental scores the most points in the asphalt categories with a nice driving feel, good stability during evasive maneuvers, and low noise. But with a high price and poor ice grip, it's difficult to recommend the tire to anyone, regardless of driving type.

StrongSubj. Dry HandlingWet HandlingSnow HandlingSubj. ComfortNoise WeakStraight AquaIce Traction WinnerNokian Hakkapeliitta 10

2022 1 test
P5 of 8 Beat 43% of the field

2022 Studded Winter Tire Test

Vi Bilagare 235/55 R18

Continental has not quite got it right with "IC3". The general level of grip is a bit behind other premium brands in the price class on almost all surfaces. Above all, the IC3 lags behind in the corners, which is a big minus for a studded tire. However, the tire communicates well with the driver about where the grip limit is, which combined with a neutral balance makes the tire safe and predictable in the curves with a slightly understeer character. Highlights are the aquaplaning properties as well as good noise level for being a studded tire. The studs, which are vulcanized into the tire, show minimal movement throughout the test. Here, the studs are securely fastened! Often in the lower half of the semi-rounds gives a fifth place overall.

StrongNoise WeakDry BrakingIce Braking WinnerMichelin X Ice North 4 SUV

2021 2 tests
P5 of 8 Beat 43% of the field

2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test

Moottori 205/55 R16

Overall rating 8.4. Features on ice and snow- Safe driving on snow- Stops effectively on snow- Moderate ice grip. Properties on asphalt- Excellent lateral grip on wet- Weakest dry grip- Weakest extreme behavior

StrongWet HandlingNoise WeakDry BrakingSnow TractionIce Handling WinnerNokian Hakkapeliitta 10

2020 3 tests
P2 of 8 Beat 71% of the field

2020 Studded Winter Tire Test

Vi Bilagare 205/60 R16

StrongDry BrakingWet HandlingSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow HandlingSubj. Noise WinnerMichelin X Ice North 4

P1 of 5 Studded Winter Tires Beat 75% of the field

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test

Test World 205/55 R16

StrongDry BrakingSubj. Dry HandlingWet BrakingWet HandlingSubj. Wet HandlingSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow HandlingSubj. Snow HandlingIce TractionSubj. Noise WeakIce HandlingSubj. Ice Handling

2019 1 test
P1 of 8 Beat 100% of the field

2019 Studded Winter Tire Test

Vi Bilagare 225/50 R17

The new rubberised studs in the IceContact 3 really work. Excellent grip in all conditions.

StrongDry BrakingWet BrakingSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow HandlingIce BrakingIce TractionIce Handling

Back to the Continental IceContact 3 overview

Owner reviews, sizes and EU label data, comparisons and the Tire Reviews score. All Continental tires

Overview

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.