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2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test

If you're planning on undertaking a massive Nordic friction and studded winter tyre test, having the right facilities to conduct the test in is key.

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson
11 min read Updated
Tyre shortlist Read the test
Tyres tested
20
Tested size
205/55 R16
Disciplines
14

At a glance

Tyre shortlist

20 Tyres 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 Tyres

3 Tyres tested
Snow BrakingLower is better
50.90 m

Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2

Wet BrakingLower is better
32.50 m

Sunny SN3860

Dry BrakingLower is better
29.50 m

Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2

Ice BrakingLower is better
39.70 m

Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2

Nordic Friction Winter Tyres

12 Tyres tested
Snow BrakingLower is better
50.20 m

Continental VikingContact 7

Wet BrakingLower is better
29.70 m

Petlas Glacier W661

Dry BrakingLower is better
29.00 m

Petlas Glacier W661

Ice BrakingLower is better
42.50 m

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

Studded Winter Tyres

5 Tyres tested
Snow BrakingLower is better
50.40 m

Continental IceContact 3

Wet BrakingLower is better
33.40 m

Continental IceContact 3

Dry BrakingLower is better
29.30 m

Michelin X Ice North 4

Ice BrakingLower is better
37.80 m

Michelin X Ice North 4 / Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

Compare all measurements Explore the complete results

Central European Winter Tyres 3 Tyres tested

1st

Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2

+Short braking distances on ice, balanced in the snow, short dry braking distances.

−Average ice handling, slow steering response in the dry, high rolling resistance, unbalanced ride quality.

Read full verdict
Read owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Linglong Winter Unicorn

−Slow steering response response on ice and snow, low grip and insufficient handling in the dry and wet, high rolling resistance.

Read full verdict
Read owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Sunny SN3860

+Very short wet braking distances.

−Practically no grip on ice and almost as bad in the snow, erratic handling in the wet.

Read full verdict
6 owner reviews Test Results

Nordic Friction Winter Tyres 12 Tyres tested

1st

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

+No obvious flaws, short braking distances and excellent handling on ice, very good handling and confident behavior on snow, above average performance in the dry and wet, stable during sharp maneuvers, low noise level, low rolling resistance.

Read full verdict
16 owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Continental VikingContact 7

+Short braking distances and excellent handling in the ice, optimum controllability in the snow, good handling in the wet.

−Oversteer balance in the dry.

Read full verdict
25 owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Michelin X Ice Snow

+Short braking on ice (for a studless tyre), good handling and high level of safety in the snow, well balanced in the dry.

−Slight slower steering response on ice, relatively long dry braking.

Read full verdict
19 owner reviews Test Results
Joint4th

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

+Good traction and short braking distances on ice, short braking distances and good handling in the wet, low rolling resistance.

−Relatively low lateral stability on ice, tendency to understeer in the snow, poor steering response in the dry.

Read full verdict
9 owner reviews Test Results
Joint4th

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

+Short dry braking distances.

−Unstable behavior on ice and snow, very long wet braking distances, lack of directional stability.

Read full verdict
4 owner reviews Test Results
6th

Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616

+Logical behaviour without unpleasant surprises in the snow, low rolling resistance, slow to react in the dry.

−Unstable handling in the wet and on ice.

Read full verdict
5 owner reviews Test Results
7th

Sava Eskimo Ice

+Good braking performance on ice, confident and stable dry handling.

−Inaccurate steering in the wet, long dry braking distances.

Read full verdict
Read owner reviews Test Results
8th

Bridgestone Blizzak Ice

+Good handling in the snow, balance handling and short braking distances in the dry.

−Understeer balance in the wet.

Read full verdict
3 owner reviews Test Results
9th

Nankang Ice Activa 2

+Acceptable handling in the snow and on wet roads.

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Read owner reviews Test Results
Joint10th

Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43

−Poor grip on ice and snow, long braking distances and poor controllability in the dry and wet, high rolling resistance.

Read full verdict
1 owner review Test Results
Joint10th

Petlas Glacier W661

+Very good braking and handling in the dry and wet.

−Very weak grip on ice, understeer in the snow.

Read full verdict
1 owner review Test Results
Joint10th

Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP

+Stable handling in the snow, short braking distance in the wet, stable and short braking distances in the dry.

−Poor ice performance, high rolling resistance, high noise.

Read full verdict
14 owner reviews Test Results

Studded Winter Tyres 5 Tyres tested

Joint1st

Continental IceContact 3

+Short braking distances and good lateral stability on ice (but with a sharp maneuver there is a risk of skidding), good handling and control on snow, good handling in the dry.

Read full verdict
3 owner reviews Test Results
Joint1st

Michelin X Ice North 4

+Excellent handling on ice - the tires reliably hold grip in any situation, including, for example, when hitting an icy area while cornering, good handling and a high level of safety on snow, good wet grip.

−Tendency to understeer in the dry, high rolling resistance.

Read full verdict
12 owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

+High grip and excellent handling on ice, good handling in the snow, good directional stability.

−Slow steering and poor handling in the dry.

Read full verdict
12 owner reviews Test Results
4th

Bridgestone Noranza 001

+Good overall performance on ice, stable snow performance.

−Long braking distances in the snow, dry and wet, inaccurate steering response and oversteer in the dry.

Read full verdict
Read owner reviews Test Results
5th

Hankook Winter i pike RS2

+Good traction on ice, good handling and grip in the wet.

−Relatively long ice braking with a tendency to oversteer on ice and in the snow, average braking in the dry.

Read full verdict
5 owner reviews Test Results

Tyre shortlist

Compare selected tyres

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test · 205/55 R16

TyreContinental IceContact 3Michelin X Ice North 4Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3Bridgestone Noranza 001Continental VikingContact 7Hankook Winter i pike RS2Michelin X Ice SnowLinglong Green Max Winter Grip 2Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2Pirelli Ice Zero FRHankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616Sava Eskimo IceLinglong Winter UnicornBridgestone Blizzak IceNankang Ice Activa 2Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43Petlas Glacier W661Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HPSunny SN3860
PositionJoint 1stStudded Winter TyresJoint 1stStudded Winter Tyres3rdStudded Winter Tyres1stNordic Friction Winter Tyres4thStudded Winter Tyres2ndNordic Friction Winter Tyres5thStudded Winter Tyres3rdNordic Friction Winter Tyres1stCentral European Winter TyresJoint 4thNordic Friction Winter TyresJoint 4thNordic Friction Winter Tyres6thNordic Friction Winter Tyres7thNordic Friction Winter Tyres2ndCentral European Winter Tyres8thNordic Friction Winter Tyres9thNordic Friction Winter TyresJoint 10thNordic Friction Winter TyresJoint 10thNordic Friction Winter TyresJoint 10thNordic Friction Winter Tyres3rdCentral European Winter Tyres
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Test Results

Explore the complete results →

These results apply to the tyres and size tested here.

The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

If you're planning on undertaking a massive Nordic friction and studded winter tyre test, having the right facilities to conduct the test in is key. Fortunately for Test World, they own one of the best independent arctic testing facilities in the world which is why we're super excited to see this 21 tyre test, covering all the key friction studless and studded winter tyres on the market.

All tyres are in the popular 205/55 R16, and were tested using a VW Golf. There were some interesting new tyres in the test, including the first test of the studless Michelin X-Ice Snow.

Many of the premium brands included have both studless friction and studded winter tyres in the test, which is why you'll see them twice in the data, so as you're going through the results looking at your favourite tyre make sure you're looking at the right version of it.

Overall, the usual contenders in the winter segment came out top. Continental, who dominate the European winter tyre tests, joint won the test alongside Michelin. 

The studded Continental IceContact 3 proved to have an excellent all round ability, with no huge weakness for a studded tyre, and the new studded Michelin X-Ice North 4 dominated on ice, and performed well in nearly all other criteria, showing only a slight weakness during wet handling testing.

Winter specialists Nokian aren't having the best time in the European winter segment at the moment, but they'll be happy with third place for their studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 tyre, and even happier as the winning studless friction tyre on test being awarded to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3. 

One other interesting point for European readers, you'll notice some of the best tyres in the dry and wet are rated as some of the worst tyres overall in this test. This serves as a nice reminder that friction and studded tyres are tyres designed for climates that see extreme winters, which mean snow and ice on the ground for many months constantly. None of these tyres are suitable for a central European winter, where dry and wet is the dominant weather, so don't try fitting them in climates like the UK.

Dry

In the dry the budget Petlas Glacier W661 narrowly beat the Michelin X-Ice North 4. Sadly there was no objective dry handling data, the subjective data can be found in the overall results below.

Dry Braking

Dry braking in meters

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 29.5 m Best
2Linglong Winter Unicorn
 29.9 m +0.40 m
3Sunny SN3860
 30 m +0.50 m

Nordic Friction Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Petlas Glacier W661
 29 m Best
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 29.4 m +0.40 m
3Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 29.8 m +0.80 m
4Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 30 m +1.00 m
5Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 30.2 m +1.20 m
6Continental VikingContact 7
 30.3 m +1.30 m
6Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 30.3 m +1.30 m
8Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 30.7 m +1.70 m
9Michelin X Ice Snow
 31.2 m +2.20 m
10Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 31.3 m +2.30 m
11Nankang Ice Activa 2
 31.7 m +2.70 m
12Sava Eskimo Ice
 32.1 m +3.10 m

Studded Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin X Ice North 4
 29.3 m Best
2Continental IceContact 3
 29.9 m +0.60 m
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 30 m +0.70 m
4Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 30.6 m +1.30 m
5Bridgestone Noranza 001
 31.5 m +2.20 m

The difference between best and worst was 10.7% (3.1 m ≈ 0.7 Car Lengths).

Wet

The Petlas also proved best during wet testing, winning wet braking and wet handling.

Wet Braking

Wet braking in meters

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Sunny SN3860
 32.5 m Best
2Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 37.3 m +4.80 m
3Linglong Winter Unicorn
 40.4 m +7.90 m

Nordic Friction Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Petlas Glacier W661
 29.7 m Best
2Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 36.5 m +6.80 m
3Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 36.6 m +6.90 m
4Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 37.1 m +7.40 m
5Nankang Ice Activa 2
 38.2 m +8.50 m
6Continental VikingContact 7
 38.5 m +8.80 m
6Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 38.5 m +8.80 m
8Michelin X Ice Snow
 38.6 m +8.90 m
8Sava Eskimo Ice
 38.6 m +8.90 m
10Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 38.7 m +9.00 m
11Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 39.1 m +9.40 m
12Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 39.3 m +9.60 m

Studded Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Continental IceContact 3
 33.4 m Best
2Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 34.8 m +1.40 m
3Michelin X Ice North 4
 35.9 m +2.50 m
4Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 36.6 m +3.20 m
5Bridgestone Noranza 001
 37.4 m +4.00 m

The difference between best and worst was 36% (10.7 m ≈ 2.4 Car Lengths).

Wet Handling

Wet handling time in seconds

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 34.9 s Best
2Sunny SN3860
 35.2 s +0.30 s
3Linglong Winter Unicorn
 35.3 s +0.40 s

Nordic Friction Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Petlas Glacier W661
 33.7 s Best
2Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 34.1 s +0.40 s
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 34.5 s +0.80 s
3Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 34.5 s +0.80 s
5Sava Eskimo Ice
 34.6 s +0.90 s
6Continental VikingContact 7
 34.7 s +1.00 s
6Nankang Ice Activa 2
 34.7 s +1.00 s
8Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 34.8 s +1.10 s
8Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 34.8 s +1.10 s
10Michelin X Ice Snow
 35 s +1.30 s
10Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 35 s +1.30 s
12Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 35.2 s +1.50 s

Studded Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 34.8 s Best
2Continental IceContact 3
 34.9 s +0.10 s
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 35.1 s +0.30 s
4Bridgestone Noranza 001
 35.2 s +0.40 s
5Michelin X Ice North 4
 35.4 s +0.60 s

The difference between best and worst was 5% (1.7 s).

Snow

Colder testing reversed the fortunes of the Petlas tyre, finishing at the back of the pack in all the snow and ice testing.

Continental dominated snow braking, taking first place with the studless VikingContact and second place with the studded IceContact 3

Snow Braking

Snow braking in meters

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 50.9 m Best
2Linglong Winter Unicorn
 51.4 m +0.50 m
3Sunny SN3860
 53.6 m +2.70 m

Nordic Friction Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Continental VikingContact 7
 50.2 m Best
2Michelin X Ice Snow
 50.4 m +0.20 m
3Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 50.6 m +0.40 m
4Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 50.9 m +0.70 m
5Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 51 m +0.80 m
6Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 51.2 m +1.00 m
6Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 51.2 m +1.00 m
8Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 51.8 m +1.60 m
9Nankang Ice Activa 2
 51.9 m +1.70 m
10Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 52 m +1.80 m
10Sava Eskimo Ice
 52 m +1.80 m
12Petlas Glacier W661
 53.2 m +3.00 m

Studded Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Continental IceContact 3
 50.4 m Best
2Michelin X Ice North 4
 50.6 m +0.20 m
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 50.7 m +0.30 m
3Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 50.7 m +0.30 m
5Bridgestone Noranza 001
 51.5 m +1.10 m

The difference between best and worst was 6.8% (3.4 m ≈ 0.8 Car Lengths).

Continental again took the top two spots during snow traction testing, this time with the studded tyre ahead of the studless.

Snow Traction

Snow acceleration time

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Linglong Winter Unicorn
 6.1 s Best
2Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 6.2 s +0.10 s
3Sunny SN3860
 6.5 s +0.40 s

Nordic Friction Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Continental VikingContact 7
 5.9 s Best
2Nankang Ice Activa 2
 6 s +0.10 s
2Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 6 s +0.10 s
2Michelin X Ice Snow
 6 s +0.10 s
2Sava Eskimo Ice
 6 s +0.10 s
6Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 6.1 s +0.20 s
6Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 6.1 s +0.20 s
6Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 6.1 s +0.20 s
6Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 6.1 s +0.20 s
10Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 6.2 s +0.30 s
10Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 6.2 s +0.30 s
10Petlas Glacier W661
 6.2 s +0.30 s

Studded Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Continental IceContact 3
 5.9 s Best
1Bridgestone Noranza 001
 5.9 s Best
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 6 s +0.10 s
3Michelin X Ice North 4
 6 s +0.10 s
5Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 6.1 s +0.20 s

The difference between best and worst was 10.2% (0.6 s).

Snow handling testing brought a little advantage to the studless tyres, with the VikingContact again proving best, and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 finishing second.

Snow Handling

Snow handling time in seconds

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Linglong Winter Unicorn
 48.7 s Best
2Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 49.5 s +0.80 s
3Sunny SN3860
 53.2 s +4.50 s

Nordic Friction Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Continental VikingContact 7
 48.3 s Best
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 48.4 s +0.10 s
3Michelin X Ice Snow
 48.7 s +0.40 s
4Nankang Ice Activa 2
 48.8 s +0.50 s
5Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 49.1 s +0.80 s
6Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 49.3 s +1.00 s
7Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 49.4 s +1.10 s
8Sava Eskimo Ice
 49.6 s +1.30 s
9Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 49.8 s +1.50 s
10Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 50 s +1.70 s
11Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 50.8 s +2.50 s
12Petlas Glacier W661
 50.9 s +2.60 s

Studded Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Continental IceContact 3
 48.8 s Best
1Bridgestone Noranza 001
 48.8 s Best
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 49 s +0.20 s
3Michelin X Ice North 4
 49 s +0.20 s
5Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 49.3 s +0.50 s

The difference between best and worst was 10.1% (4.9 s).

Ice

Ice testing naturally brings the advantage back to studded tyres, with the Michelin X-Ice North 4 matching the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 as the best during ice braking.

Ice Braking

Ice braking in meters

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 39.7 m Best
2Linglong Winter Unicorn
 45 m +5.30 m
3Sunny SN3860
 54.6 m +14.90 m

Nordic Friction Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 42.5 m Best
2Michelin X Ice Snow
 42.7 m +0.20 m
3Continental VikingContact 7
 43.2 m +0.70 m
3Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 43.2 m +0.70 m
5Sava Eskimo Ice
 43.4 m +0.90 m
6Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 43.5 m +1.00 m
7Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 44 m +1.50 m
8Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 45.9 m +3.40 m
9Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 47.3 m +4.80 m
10Nankang Ice Activa 2
 47.5 m +5.00 m
11Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 48.1 m +5.60 m
12Petlas Glacier W661
 50.5 m +8.00 m

Studded Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 37.8 m Best
1Michelin X Ice North 4
 37.8 m Best
3Continental IceContact 3
 38.9 m +1.10 m
4Bridgestone Noranza 001
 39.7 m +1.90 m
5Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 41.7 m +3.90 m

The difference between best and worst was 44.4% (16.8 m ≈ 3.7 Car Lengths).

Michelin, Continental and Nokian also took the top three sports during ice traction.

Ice Traction

Ice acceleration time

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 3.9 s Best
2Sunny SN3860
 5.6 s +1.70 s
3Linglong Winter Unicorn
 5.7 s +1.80 s

Nordic Friction Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin X Ice Snow
 5.3 s Best
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 5.4 s +0.10 s
3Continental VikingContact 7
 5.5 s +0.20 s
3Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 5.5 s +0.20 s
5Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 5.6 s +0.30 s
6Sava Eskimo Ice
 5.7 s +0.40 s
7Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 5.9 s +0.60 s
7Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 5.9 s +0.60 s
9Nankang Ice Activa 2
 6.2 s +0.90 s
10Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 6.5 s +1.20 s
11Petlas Glacier W661
 6.6 s +1.30 s
12Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 6.9 s +1.60 s

Studded Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin X Ice North 4
 3.7 s Best
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 3.8 s +0.10 s
2Continental IceContact 3
 3.8 s +0.10 s
4Bridgestone Noranza 001
 3.9 s +0.20 s
5Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 4 s +0.30 s

The difference between best and worst was 86.5% (3.2 s).

Michelin rounded out the ice testing with anoher win for the X Ice North 4.

Ice Handling

Ice handling time in seconds

Lower is better ↓

Central European Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 61.8 s Best
2Linglong Winter Unicorn
 62 s +0.20 s
3Sunny SN3860
 72 s +10.20 s

Nordic Friction Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 60.7 s Best
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 60.8 s +0.10 s
3Continental VikingContact 7
 61 s +0.30 s
3Michelin X Ice Snow
 61 s +0.30 s
5Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 61.2 s +0.50 s
6Nankang Ice Activa 2
 61.5 s +0.80 s
7Sava Eskimo Ice
 61.7 s +1.00 s
8Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 63.3 s +2.60 s
9Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 64 s +3.30 s
10Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 65.1 s +4.40 s
11Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 67.3 s +6.60 s
12Petlas Glacier W661
 70.8 s +10.10 s

Studded Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin X Ice North 4
 57.3 s Best
2Bridgestone Noranza 001
 58.6 s +1.30 s
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 58.8 s +1.50 s
4Continental IceContact 3
 60.2 s +2.90 s
5Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 61.6 s +4.30 s

The difference between best and worst was 25.7% (14.7 s).

Environment

The tyres were rated subjectively for noise, with seven of the tyres on test finishing joint top.

Subj. Noise

Subjective in car noise levels

Higher is better ↑

Central European Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Linglong Winter Unicorn
 9 Points Best
2Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
 7 Points -2.00 Points
2Sunny SN3860
 7 Points -2.00 Points

Nordic Friction Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Sava Eskimo Ice
 9 Points Best
1Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
 9 Points Best
1Continental VikingContact 7
 9 Points Best
1Nankang Ice Activa 2
 9 Points Best
1Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
 9 Points Best
1Pirelli Ice Zero FR
 9 Points Best
7Petlas Glacier W661
 8 Points -1.00 Points
7Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
 8 Points -1.00 Points
7Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
 8 Points -1.00 Points
7Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
 8 Points -1.00 Points
7Michelin X Ice Snow
 8 Points -1.00 Points
7Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
 8 Points -1.00 Points

Studded Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Continental IceContact 3
 7 Points Best
2Hankook Winter i pike RS2
 6 Points -1.00 Points
2Bridgestone Noranza 001
 6 Points -1.00 Points
2Michelin X Ice North 4
 6 Points -1.00 Points
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
 6 Points -1.00 Points

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

Rolling resistance scores were based on the best tyre (Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3) being set at zero, then other the tyres ratings being how much more fuel they would use represented as a percentage.

Results

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

Central European Winter Tyres

1st

Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2

205/55 R16
Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better29.5 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better37.3 m
Wet HandlingLower is better34.9 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better50.9 m
Snow TractionLower is better6.2 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.5 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better39.7 m
Ice TractionLower is better3.9 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61.8 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7 Points
2nd

Linglong Winter Unicorn

205/55 R16
Linglong Winter Unicorn
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better29.9 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better40.4 m
Wet HandlingLower is better35.3 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better51.4 m
Snow TractionLower is better6.1 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.7 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better45 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.7 s
Ice HandlingLower is better62 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
3rd

Sunny SN3860

205/55 R16
Sunny SN3860
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better30 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better32.5 m
Wet HandlingLower is better35.2 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better53.6 m
Snow TractionLower is better6.5 s
Snow HandlingLower is better53.2 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better54.6 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.6 s
Ice HandlingLower is better72 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7 Points

Nordic Friction Winter Tyres

1st

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

205/55 R16
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better29.4 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better37.1 m
Wet HandlingLower is better34.5 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better51.2 m
Snow TractionLower is better6.1 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.4 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better42.5 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.4 s
Ice HandlingLower is better60.8 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
2nd

Continental VikingContact 7

205/55 R16
Continental VikingContact 7
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better30.3 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better38.5 m
Wet HandlingLower is better34.7 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better50.2 m
Snow TractionLower is better5.9 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.3 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better43.2 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.5 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
3rd

Michelin X Ice Snow

205/55 R16
Michelin X Ice Snow
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better31.2 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better38.6 m
Wet HandlingLower is better35 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better50.4 m
Snow TractionLower is better6 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.7 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better42.7 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.3 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8 Points
Joint 4th

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

205/55 R16
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better30 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better39.3 m
Wet HandlingLower is better34.8 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better51 m
Snow TractionLower is better6 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.4 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better44 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.6 s
Ice HandlingLower is better60.7 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
Joint 4th

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better30.7 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better36.5 m
Wet HandlingLower is better34.1 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better50.6 m
Snow TractionLower is better6.1 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.8 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better43.2 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.5 s
Ice HandlingLower is better63.3 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8 Points
6th

Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616

205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better30.3 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better38.5 m
Wet HandlingLower is better34.5 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better51.2 m
Snow TractionLower is better6.1 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.1 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better43.5 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.9 s
Ice HandlingLower is better64 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8 Points
7th

Sava Eskimo Ice

205/55 R16
Sava Eskimo Ice
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better32.1 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better38.6 m
Wet HandlingLower is better34.6 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better52 m
Snow TractionLower is better6 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.6 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better43.4 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.7 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61.7 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
8th

Bridgestone Blizzak Ice

205/55 R16
Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better30.2 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better38.7 m
Wet HandlingLower is better35 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better52 m
Snow TractionLower is better6.2 s
Snow HandlingLower is better50.8 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better45.9 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.9 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61.2 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
9th

Nankang Ice Activa 2

205/55 R16
Nankang Ice Activa 2
Low traction and braking on ice, poor grip and imprecise steering in the dry.
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better31.7 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better38.2 m
Wet HandlingLower is better34.7 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better51.9 m
Snow TractionLower is better6 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.8 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better47.5 m
Ice TractionLower is better6.2 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61.5 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better9 Points
Joint 10th

Nexen Winguard Ice+ WH43

205/55 R16
Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better31.3 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better39.1 m
Wet HandlingLower is better35.2 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better51.8 m
Snow TractionLower is better6.1 s
Snow HandlingLower is better50 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better47.3 m
Ice TractionLower is better6.9 s
Ice HandlingLower is better65.1 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8 Points
Joint 10th

Petlas Glacier W661

205/55 R16
Petlas Glacier W661
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better29 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better10 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better29.7 m
Wet HandlingLower is better33.7 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better53.2 m
Snow TractionLower is better6.2 s
Snow HandlingLower is better50.9 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better50.5 m
Ice TractionLower is better6.6 s
Ice HandlingLower is better70.8 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better4 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8 Points
Joint 10th

Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP

205/55 R16
Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better29.8 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better36.6 m
Wet HandlingLower is better34.8 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better50.9 m
Snow TractionLower is better6.2 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.3 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better48.1 m
Ice TractionLower is better6.5 s
Ice HandlingLower is better67.3 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better5 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8 Points

Studded Winter Tyres

Joint 1st

Michelin X Ice North 4

205/55 R16
Michelin X Ice North 4
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better29.3 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better35.9 m
Wet HandlingLower is better35.4 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better50.6 m
Snow TractionLower is better6 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better37.8 m
Ice TractionLower is better3.7 s
Ice HandlingLower is better57.3 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better10 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better6 Points
Joint 1st

Continental IceContact 3

205/55 R16
Continental IceContact 3
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better29.9 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better33.4 m
Wet HandlingLower is better34.9 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better50.4 m
Snow TractionLower is better5.9 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.8 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better38.9 m
Ice TractionLower is better3.8 s
Ice HandlingLower is better60.2 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7 Points
3rd

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

205/55 R16
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better30 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better36.6 m
Wet HandlingLower is better35.1 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better50.7 m
Snow TractionLower is better6 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better37.8 m
Ice TractionLower is better3.8 s
Ice HandlingLower is better58.8 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better6 Points
4th

Bridgestone Noranza 001

205/55 R16
Bridgestone Noranza 001
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better31.5 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better37.4 m
Wet HandlingLower is better35.2 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better6 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better51.5 m
Snow TractionLower is better5.9 s
Snow HandlingLower is better48.8 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better39.7 m
Ice TractionLower is better3.9 s
Ice HandlingLower is better58.6 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better9 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better6 Points
5th

Hankook Winter i pike RS2

205/55 R16
Hankook Winter i pike RS2
All discipline results (14)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better30.6 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better34.8 m
Wet HandlingLower is better34.8 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Snow BrakingLower is better50.7 m
Snow TractionLower is better6.1 s
Snow HandlingLower is better49.3 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better41.7 m
Ice TractionLower is better4 s
Ice HandlingLower is better61.6 s
Subj. Ice HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better6 Points

Discussion

6 comments
  1. Glisse archived

    Thank you for adding this to your impressive data library. But there is no mention, or link, as to who commissioned this test, only that it was conducted at the Test World facility in Finland?

    #6307
    1. TyreReviews Glisse archived

      I believe it was a test run by test world themselves

      #6308
  2. Pedro Neves archived

    Would love to see the Michelin CrossClimate Plus and the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 tested on ice against these since, year round, ice always comes first, during and after the snow. I consider that ice performance on an All Season or Winter tyre is the most important safety item because, unlike the snow, you can't really see the ice most of the times, either day or night. You can only feel it, which can be, sometimes, too late, depending on the tyres you have...

    #6222
    1. TyreReviews Pedro Neves archived

      All season tyres don't usually get put through extreme winter testing, as the climates they're suitable for don't really see that kind of weather. When you get to lots of ice on the road, it's a winter market.

      That said, Auto Bild sometimes include ice testing in their tests which an be found here

      #6223
      1. Pedro Neves TyreReviews archived

        So far, I noticed that ADAC is the only tester that tests ice performance on All Season tyres. On Winter tyres, and on the past 3 years, I just found ice testing at ADAC (studless tyres), Auto Center (2017 and 2019 - studded tyres), Vi Bilagare (2018 and 2019 - studded tyres), Auto Centrum - AC (2017 - studless), and you (Tyre Reviews in 2019 - with a fantastic cross range of tyres and videos - congratulations!). We could extrapolate the results for the Crossclimate Plus and the Bridgestone WC A005 but it would be better to have them both properly ice tested against winter and studded tyres just to have an idea of how much can they replace a winter tyre in a not so harsh winter climate.

        #6227
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