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Continental VikingContact 8

Premium Touring Winter Winter rated Tested by Tire Reviews

Replaces the VikingContact 7

A top-tier Nordic friction winter tire that majors on ice-and-snow security while feeling unusually refined and calm on the road. It's quiet, comfortable and efficient for the class, but can be caught out by standing water on milder, wetter winter days.

The quick answer

Owners say 83% from 8 owner reviews 88% would buy again Read the reviews
Tests say 1st average finish across 9 independent tests · 7 wins Latest: P2 of 3 · 2026 See every test
Strengths & weaknesses Comfort, Ice Dry, Wet Relative to its rivals across every test we hold

Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tire - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated October 2026.

  • 8owner reviews
  • 33,500miles driven
  • 9professional tests
  • 159sizes available
Continental VikingContact 8 4 photos

Tire Reviews Score

Continental VikingContact 8

9.2/10

Better than 90% of Nordic winter tires

  • High Confidence
  • 8 tests
  • 8 owner reviews
Scores of the 44 Nordic winter tires we have tested

How this score is built

Better than Weight
Independent tests8 tests · 5 publications · 2024-2026 93% 85%
Owner reviews8 owner reviews · rated 83% 73% 15%
Combined 90% 9.2

A fixed curve turns the combined figure into the 0 to 10 score, so roughly the top 10% of a group score 9 or more.

Category by category

How it compares with other Nordic winter tires in each area, and how much each area counts. 50 is the middle of the group.

Category Better than Weight Tests
SnowBraking, traction and handling on snow 81% 31% 8
IceBraking, traction and handling on ice 91% 30% 8
WetBraking, handling and aquaplaning in the wet 47% 18% 8
DryBraking and handling on dry roads 77% 9% 7
ValueWear, efficiency and cost 85% 7% 5
ComfortNoise and ride comfort 92% 5% 8

Weights are shares of the test result. Owner reviews are blended in afterwards.

By discipline

The same results grouped by what the tire was doing. They are not counted a second time.

HandlingEvery handling test, on any surface 95% 8
TractionEvery traction test, on any surface 85% 6
BrakingEvery braking test, on any surface 69% 6

Confidence

  1. Limited
  2. Medium
  3. High

Its own test results decide 95% of the test figure. The other 5% comes from its predecessor, the Continental VikingContact 7, and it shrinks as more tests arrive.

High needs at least 3 tests, with its own results deciding 90% or more. Medium needs 2 tests and 70%. Anything less is Limited: expect the number to move as tests arrive.

The tests behind it

Only measured results count. A test that published its placings alone is listed, but not scored.

  1. 2026 2026 Tire Rack New Winter Tire Test Tire Rack · 215/55 R17 P2 / 3
  2. 2026 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tire Test Teknikens Varld · 235/45 R18 · Nordic Friction Winter Tires P1 / 5
  3. 2026 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tire Test Tire Rack · 215/55 R17 · Winter P1 / 5
  4. 2025 2025 Friction Winter Tire Test Vi Bilagare · 235/60 R18 P1 / 8
  5. 2025 2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tire Test Teknikens Varld · 235/45 R18 · Nordic Friction Winter Tires P1 / 7
  6. 2025 The Best Snow Tires for 2025/26 Tire Reviews · 205/55 R16 P1 / 5
Show all 9 tests
  1. 2025 2025 Friction and Studded Winter Tire Test Tekniikan Maailma · 205/55 R16 · Nordic Friction Winter Tires P1 / 7
  2. 2024 2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test Vi Bilagare · 225/45 R17 P2 / 8
  3. 2024 The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 Teknikens Varld · 225/50 R17 · Nordic Friction Winter Tires P1 / 6 Placing only
All Tests
View Test Results

Tested 9 times by independent publications, the Continental VikingContact 8 has taken 7 test wins with an average finish of 1st.

9 Tests
7 Test Wins
1st Average
1st Best
2nd Worst
Finishing position in each test1stLast20242026

Finishing position in each test

The latest test

2026 Tire Rack New Winter Tire Test P2 of 3

The VikingContact 8 finishes second and is the best all-rounder here, picked out for its balance. It gives up some snow and ice braking to the other two but is the nicest of the three to live with on cleared roads, which suits drivers whose winters mix dry commutes with the occasional storm.

Strong: Dry Braking, Dry Circle, Subj. Road Score, Wet Braking, Wet Circle, Snow Handling, Subj. Snow Handling, Subj. Comfort, Subj. Noise Weak: Snow Braking, Ice Braking, Ice Traction Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak

YearTestResultAward
20262026 Tire Rack New Winter Tire TestTire Rack · 215/55 R17P2 / 3Best All-Around Balance
20262026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tire TestTeknikens Varld · 235/45 R18P1 / 5Nordic Friction Winter TiresÅrets vinnare / Bäst i test, nordiska dubbfria (Test Winner / Best in Test, Nordic Friction)
20262026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tire TestTire Rack · 215/55 R17P1 / 5Winter
20252025 Friction Winter Tire TestVi Bilagare · 235/60 R18P1 / 8Testvinnare (Test Winner)
20252025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tire TestTeknikens Varld · 235/45 R18P1 / 7Nordic Friction Winter TiresÅrets vinnare / Bäst i test, nordiska dubbfria (Test Winner / Best in Test, Nordic Friction)
2025The Best Snow Tires for 2025/26Tire Reviews · 205/55 R16P1 / 5Tested by Tire Reviews Winner
20252025 Friction and Studded Winter Tire TestTekniikan Maailma · 205/55 R16P1 / 7Nordic Friction Winter Tires
20242024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire TestVi Bilagare · 225/45 R17P2 / 8
2024The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024Teknikens Varld · 225/50 R17P1 / 6Nordic Friction Winter Tires

On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict

Videos

I Tested the BEST Snow Tires for 2025/26

I Tested the BEST Snow Tires for 2025/26

Awards
Test Winner
The Best Snow Tires for 2025/26
2025 · 205/55 R16
Rated by other publications Test Winner 3 Highly Recommended 1
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Dimensions & Label Scores
View All

Size Range145 sizes available

155-315Width35-70Profile15-22Rim85-117 Q-HLoad/Speed Index

EU LabelAcross 145 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.

Noise

68-72dB

3PMSF on every size

Ice grip

US ratingsUTQG grade and the maker's mileage warranty

Not gradedUTQG gradeNoneMileage warranty

Popular sizes235/50 R18225/60 R17225/45 R18195/65 R15235/60 R17245/40 R19
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the Continental VikingContact 8 in the wet?
Across the 6 wet-braking tests it has featured in, the Continental VikingContact 8 stops 4.1% longer than premium rivals, 6.2% longer than mid-range rivals and 4% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews wet score of 47/100, and owners rate it 8.5/10 in the wet from 8 reviews.
How good is the Continental VikingContact 8 in the dry?
Across the 6 dry-braking tests it has featured in, the Continental VikingContact 8 stops 1.1% longer than premium rivals, 0.6% longer than mid-range rivals and 4.1% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews dry score of 77/100, and owners rate it 7.7/10 in the dry from 8 reviews.
How good is the Continental VikingContact 8 in the snow?
Across the 6 snow-braking tests it has featured in, the Continental VikingContact 8 stops 1.1% shorter than premium rivals, 1.3% shorter than mid-range rivals and 1% shorter than budget rivals. Across the 4 snow-traction tests, it is 1.8% better than premium rivals, 0.7% better than mid-range rivals and 3.6% better than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews snow score of 81/100, and owners rate it 8.6/10 in the snow from 8 reviews.
How good is the Continental VikingContact 8 on ice?
Across the 6 ice-braking tests it has featured in, the Continental VikingContact 8 stops 4% shorter than premium rivals, 1.4% longer than mid-range rivals and 16.8% shorter than budget rivals. Across the 6 ice-traction tests, it is 5.8% better than premium rivals, 2.5% worse than mid-range rivals and 22.6% better than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews ice score of 91/100, and owners rate it 9/10 on ice from 8 reviews.
How fuel efficient is the Continental VikingContact 8?
Across the 1 test measuring rolling resistance, the Continental VikingContact 8's rolling resistance is 9% lower than premium rivals, 2.5% lower than mid-range rivals and 23.7% lower than budget rivals.
More questions about the Continental VikingContact 8 (7)
What do owners say about the Continental VikingContact 8?
Across 8 owner ratings the Continental VikingContact 8 averages 83%. Owners rate Comfort highest at 9.1 out of 10 and Road Feedback lowest at 7.4. 2 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles. 88% of owners score it 70% or better.
What is the Continental VikingContact 8's EU tire label rating?
Across its range, the Continental VikingContact 8 most commonly carries EU label ratings of B for fuel efficiency, D for wet grip and 69 dB for noise.
How comfortable and quiet are the Continental VikingContact 8?
Owners rate the Continental VikingContact 8 9.1 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 8 reviews.
How well do the Continental VikingContact 8 wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the Continental VikingContact 8 7.8 out of 10 for wear across 8 reviews. 2 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles, and the typical review covers 3,000 miles.
Would owners buy the Continental VikingContact 8 again?
88% of owners say they would buy the Continental VikingContact 8 again, based on the 8 owner reviews that answered the question. 75% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
What does the Continental VikingContact 8 replace?
The Continental VikingContact 8 is the successor to the Continental VikingContact 7 in Continental's range.
What sizes does the Continental VikingContact 8 come in?
The Continental VikingContact 8 is available in 159 sizes, ranging from 155-315/35-70 R15-22.
Owner Questions
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Continental VikingContact 8 Owner Reviews

Review this tire

What owners say summarised from 6 reviews

Drivers overwhelmingly rate the Continental VikingContact 8 as an excellent Nordic-style winter tire, praising exceptional grip and confidence on ice and snow along with strong handling and braking in harsh conditions. Multiple reviews also highlight a quiet, comfortable ride with little to no tramlining. A minority view reports underwhelming stability/traction, suggesting performance may vary by vehicle or conditions.

What owners mention most counted across 8 reviews

Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.

Owner ratings averaged from 8 ratings

  • Owner score 83%
  • Comfort 91%
  • Ice Grip 90%
  • Snow Grip 86%
  • Wet Grip 85%
  • Wear 78%
  • Dry Grip 77%
  • Handling 75%
  • Road Feedback 74%

Featured reviews

Most helpful 82%

“I only have around 1,000 miles on these tires, but I was able to drive them in some heavy snow and ice conditions, so I can attest to their incredible performance in inclement weather. The ice grip is where I have been...”

  • BMW 320D xDrive Gran Turismo
  • 1,000 miles
Read full review → 497 found this helpful
Most critical 51%

“I've had these tires on my 2026 Tiguan and the first impressions are very underwhelming. At very low speeds (residential roads), the car is constantly losing the back end in slow speed corners. I would not feel...”

  • Volkswagen Tiuan R Line
  • 500 miles
Read full review → 193 found this helpful
Longest term 90%

“I bought these in the end of spring to use only in winter. Generally they are very good. Having driven only studded winter tires, I find them much better in the wet and dry. On snow they are exceptional and on ice...”

  • BMW M550d xDrive
  • 10,000 miles
Read full review → 10 found this helpful

All 8 Continental VikingContact 8 reviews

Score spread across 8 written reviews
81%
Member
Initial Impressions

Very good grip in the snow and ice though cornering they did feel rather soft but that is expected of winter tires. I have no complaints as they handled the conditions I threw at them flawlessly. Drove through snow and ice covered roads in a snow storm with zero signs of losing grip during acceleration or through corners. They also handled slush covered roads excellently.

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 7
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 1
90%
Kristjan J
Initial Impressions

I bought these in the end of spring to use only in winter. Generally they are very good. Having driven only studded winter tires, I find them much better in the wet and dry. On snow they are exceptional and on ice surprisingly good - given my previous experience with mid to top tier studded alternatives, these frictions truly stand up on ice. They lack a little bit of feel on straights, giving a noticeable gap in steering response, but I'd say this is common on most winter tires. Handling is good and they are quite predictable even on ice. After the first winter of 16000 km, they seem to hold up fine and I can probably get at least 2 more winters out of them. In my opinion cabin noise is very low and they are truly comfortable as well.
I always hesitated on buying non-studded winter tires, reason being occasional extreme road conditions, but these exceeded my expectations and I'm happy with them.

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 9
Helpful 10
87%
Member
Initial Impressions
Still the best winter tire I have used... very quiet:)
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 8
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 160

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739 reviews submitted this month Earn your Contributor badge No account needed
94%
Member
Initial Impressions
Just a note that this is my initial thoughts, after less than 2.000 km driven in the Nordic countries, in winter, under extreme snow and ice. I have driven multiple vehicles with studded tires, in the arctic circle, under extreme snow and ice conditions. The vikingcontact 8 matches the performance of the studded tires i have used on the past, with superior handling in harsh winter conditions. I used them on a trip in Swedish lapland, in -25C and with severe ice on the road, and could go over 80 km/h with safety. They offer superior handling, makes you feel safe where most tires would struggle. I did the same trip with normal mid-european tires, and the difference in traction and handling is night and day. Great grip, amazing handling, good braking. Overall an amazing winter tire for the nordic area. Not tested in dry, as it's impossible to find a dry road in the arctic circle during winter time. I highly recommend them.
This owner's scores
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 9
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 171
51%
Member
Initial Impressions
I've had these tires on my 2026 Tiguan and the first impressions are very underwhelming. At very low speeds (residential roads), the car is constantly losing the back end in slow speed corners. I would not feel confident that in the event of a highway speed situation, that I would lose the car completely. My previous Hakkapeliitta SUV (non-studded winter) were lightyears ahead of these tires.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 3
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 1
  • Snow Grip 4
  • Ice Grip 4
Helpful 193
79%
Anonymous
These tires are incredibly balanced, comfortable, and confidence inspiring in snow and icy conditions. I live in West Michigan, and we have been hammered with snow for the last couple months, so I’ve been able to test these tires in all types of weather. They are incredibly comfortable, soaking up all sorts of potholes, and chopped up icy roads. I have not noticed any noise/tones from them, and they don’t have any issues with tram-lining on crosscut concrete. They are very grippy on smooth ice, and pull through slushy snow well, but if they have a weakness it is in deeper slush. Sometimes they struggle to gain traction when accelerating through deep slushy snow, or when trying to turn and accelerate through corners. I haven’t noticed any uneven wear, but it’s still early. I’ll update my review once the winter season is over and I put my summer wheels and tires on.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 8
  • Snow Grip 8
  • Ice Grip 9
Helpful 279
99%
Member
Slips around a bit when roads are really dry, but exceptional grip on ice and snow.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 10
  • Road Feedback 10
  • Handling 10
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 329
82%
Anonymous
I only have around 1,000 miles on these tires, but I was able to drive them in some heavy snow and ice conditions, so I can attest to their incredible performance in inclement weather. The ice grip is where I have been most impressed. The lateral traction I have felt in icy conditions make these feel incredibly capable and safe. I was able to drive on the freeway at a normal pace, while most of the other cars on the road slowed to a crawl. Snow grip has been very good too. Even when I put my F34 BMW into "Sport+" I have to try hard to get it sideways. These tires are also incredibly comfortable. On smooth roads they are very quiet, and on rougher pavement the noise is not loud or annoying. Very easy to drive tire, and I have not encountered any "tramlining". I noticed a small decrease in fuel efficiency compared to the Bridgestone Driveguard runflats that were on, but this could be due to other factors that come with winter driving. I will update this review after this winter season, but so far I am thoroughly impressed with the performance of the new VikingContact 8's
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 6
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 9
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 497
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