Michelin X Ice North 4 SUV Test Results

The Michelin X-Ice North 4 SUV has long been a favorite for combining strong ice and snow braking performance with refined on-road characteristics, maintaining its reputation in this larger SUV dimension. While braking capabilities on winter surfaces remain impressive, the tire shows some limitations during more aggressive cornering, particularly struggling with larger steering inputs. On asphalt, the tire exhibits pronounced understeer under pressure, which contributes to a calm and safe character in emergency situations without risk of sudden breakaway. The major weakness lies in wet weather performance, where grip is notably compromised with poor cornering ability and the longest stopping distances in the test, though it compensates with low road noise and good rolling resistance.

The X-Ice North 4 has long been among the very best in car sizes, and it is in SUV sizes too. It will be a shared test victory with the Nokian. Many small steel studs (280!) contribute to good winter grip. The grip is most impressive in the longitudinal direction. In the curves, the French tire has a tangible understeer character that requires patience in case of larger steering deflections. That behavior repeats itself on both winter surfaces and asphalt. The tire's disadvantages are the wet grip and low resistance to aquaplaning. Michelin suits you who are looking for good ice and snow grip combined with good comfort. In addition to low road noise, there is a linear steering response and comfortable straight-ahead stability. This tire also has the lowest rolling resistance.