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2020 Studded Winter Tyre Test

Jonathan Benson
Data analyzed and reviewed by Jonathan Benson
5 min read Updated
Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Dry
  3. Wet
  4. Snow
  5. Ice
  6. Environment
  7. Results
  8. Michelin X Ice North 4
  9. Continental IceContact 3
  10. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
  11. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
  12. Pirelli Ice Zero 2
  13. Nokian Nordman 7
  14. Toyo Observe Ice Freezer
  15. GT Radial IcePro 3

Test Publication:
Vi Bilagare
205/60 R16 8 tyres 6 categories
Read the original test at Vi Bilagare → Similar Tests
Test Publication:
Vi Bilagare
Read the original test at Vi Bilagare →
Test Size: 205/60 R16
Tyres Tested: 8 tyres
Test Categories:
6 categories (13 tests)
Similar Tests
Vi Bilagare is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, Tyre Reviews. This is independent editorial coverage of their published test.
For the 2020 Vi Bilägare Winter studded tire test, the Swedish magazine has tested 8 of the most extreme studded winter tyres in 205/60 R16.

As this is a studded winter tyre test, the testers placed much more emphasis on snow and ice performance, so if you're in a region that sees a lot of compacted snow and ice on the road during normal winters, this is a very useful test.

Scroll down to see the full results.

 

Dry

The GT Radial IcePro 3 had a significant advantage during dry braking, with the next best Continental IceContact 3 nearly 2 meters behind.

Dry Braking

Spread: 4.42 M (15.3%)|Avg: 31.36 M
Dry braking in meters (80 - 5 km/h) (Lower is better)
Dry Braking: Safety Impact: Best vs Worst Tyre

The magazine didn't give dry handling lap times, instead just awarding the tyres subjective handling scores.

Subj. Dry Handling

Spread: 3.00 Points (60%)|Avg: 3.13 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score (Higher is better)
  1. Michelin X Ice North 4
    5.00 Points
  2. Pirelli Ice Zero 2
    4.00 Points
  3. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    3.00 Points
  4. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    3.00 Points
  5. Continental IceContact 3
    3.00 Points
  6. Toyo Observe Ice Freezer
    3.00 Points
  7. Nokian Nordman 7
    2.00 Points
  8. GT Radial IcePro 3
    2.00 Points

Wet

In the wet the GT Radial held onto its advantage, with the Pirelli Ice Zero 2 a meter behind in second place.

Wet Braking

Spread: 5.04 M (14.9%)|Avg: 36.23 M
Wet braking in meters (80 - 5 km/h) (Lower is better)
Wet Braking: Safety Impact: Best vs Worst Tyre

The GT Radial continued its advantage during a wet handling lap.

Wet Handling

Spread: 2.64 s (6.1%)|Avg: 44.57 s
Wet handling time in seconds (Lower is better)
  1. GT Radial IcePro 3
    43.11 s
  2. Continental IceContact 3
    43.77 s
  3. Pirelli Ice Zero 2
    44.10 s
  4. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    44.12 s
  5. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    44.75 s
  6. Toyo Observe Ice Freezer
    45.17 s
  7. Nokian Nordman 7
    45.75 s
  8. Michelin X Ice North 4
    45.75 s

Pirelli and GT again scored well during straight aquaplaning testing.

Straight Aqua

Spread: 5.20 Km/H (8%)|Avg: 62.61 Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H (Higher is better)
  1. Pirelli Ice Zero 2
    64.60 Km/H
  2. GT Radial IcePro 3
    64.10 Km/H
  3. Continental IceContact 3
    63.70 Km/H
  4. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    62.90 Km/H
  5. Toyo Observe Ice Freezer
    62.40 Km/H
  6. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    62.10 Km/H
  7. Nokian Nordman 7
    61.70 Km/H
  8. Michelin X Ice North 4
    59.40 Km/H

Snow

GT Radial couldn't continue its wins in the braking test, this time finishing last during snow braking. It's not unusual for a tyre that performs well in the dry and wet to lack grip during snow and ice testing, however the Continental IceContact 3 proved to have a rounded ability.

Snow Braking

Spread: 0.23 M (2.2%)|Avg: 10.61 M
Snow braking in meters (35 - 5 km/h) (Lower is better)
Snow Braking: Safety Impact: Best vs Worst Tyre

Snow traction showed a similar story.

Snow Traction

Spread: 0.30 s (8.3%)|Avg: 3.75 s
Snow acceleration time (5 - 35 km/h) (Lower is better)
  1. Pirelli Ice Zero 2
    3.62 s
  2. Michelin X Ice North 4
    3.67 s
  3. Continental IceContact 3
    3.67 s
  4. Nokian Nordman 7
    3.72 s
  5. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    3.75 s
  6. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    3.79 s
  7. GT Radial IcePro 3
    3.83 s
  8. Toyo Observe Ice Freezer
    3.92 s

The winter specialists Nokian took their first win with the Hakkapeliita 9 during the important snow handling test.

Snow Handling

Spread: 4.19 s (5.6%)|Avg: 75.89 s
Snow handling time in seconds (Lower is better)
  1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    74.62 s
  2. Continental IceContact 3
    75.04 s
  3. Nokian Nordman 7
    75.19 s
  4. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    75.19 s
  5. Michelin X Ice North 4
    75.69 s
  6. Pirelli Ice Zero 2
    75.74 s
  7. Toyo Observe Ice Freezer
    76.85 s
  8. GT Radial IcePro 3
    78.81 s

Ice

Ice braking had the Nokian and Michelin leading with a significant advantage.

Ice Braking

Spread: 1.88 M (54.8%)|Avg: 4.33 M
Ice braking in meters (15 - 5 km/h) (Lower is better)
Ice Braking: Safety Impact: Best vs Worst Tyre

Michelin and Nokian continued to lead during the ice traction testing.

Ice Traction

Spread: 1.40 s (74.1%)|Avg: 2.35 s
Ice acceleration time (5 - 15 km/h) (Lower is better)
  1. Michelin X Ice North 4
    1.89 s
  2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    1.94 s
  3. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    2.08 s
  4. Continental IceContact 3
    2.18 s
  5. Nokian Nordman 7
    2.22 s
  6. Pirelli Ice Zero 2
    2.42 s
  7. Toyo Observe Ice Freezer
    2.80 s
  8. GT Radial IcePro 3
    3.29 s

Rounding off their excellent snow performance, Michelin and Nokian also led in ice handling.

Ice Handling

Spread: 10.19 s (19.9%)|Avg: 55.05 s
Ice handling time in seconds (Lower is better)
  1. Michelin X Ice North 4
    51.23 s
  2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    51.40 s
  3. Continental IceContact 3
    52.24 s
  4. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    53.52 s
  5. Nokian Nordman 7
    55.11 s
  6. Pirelli Ice Zero 2
    56.42 s
  7. Toyo Observe Ice Freezer
    59.02 s
  8. GT Radial IcePro 3
    61.42 s

Environment

Michelin proved to have the lowest rolling resistance on test.

Fuel Consumption

Spread: 0.12 l/100km (2.1%)|Avg: 5.72 l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km (90 - 90 km/h) (Lower is better)
  1. Michelin X Ice North 4
    5.66 l/100km
  2. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    5.67 l/100km
  3. Continental IceContact 3
    5.69 l/100km
  4. Pirelli Ice Zero 2
    5.71 l/100km
  5. Nokian Nordman 7
    5.74 l/100km
  6. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    5.76 l/100km
  7. Toyo Observe Ice Freezer
    5.76 l/100km
  8. GT Radial IcePro 3
    5.78 l/100km
19,000 km
£1.45/L
--
Annual Difference
--
Lifetime Savings
--
Extra Fuel/Energy
--
Extra CO2

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 tyre age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

Michelin also had the lowest subjective noise, being the only tyre awarded 5/5.

Subj. Noise

Spread: 3.00 Points (60%)|Avg: 2.88 Points
Subjective in car noise levels (Higher is better)
  1. Michelin X Ice North 4
    5.00 Points
  2. Continental IceContact 3
    4.00 Points
  3. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    3.00 Points
  4. Pirelli Ice Zero 2
    3.00 Points
  5. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    2.00 Points
  6. Nokian Nordman 7
    2.00 Points
  7. Toyo Observe Ice Freezer
    2.00 Points
  8. GT Radial IcePro 3
    2.00 Points

Results

1st

Michelin X Ice North 4

205/60 R16 96T
Michelin X Ice North 4
  • Origin: Russia
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 7th 32.31 M 28.88 M +3.43 M 89.38%
Subj. Dry Handling 1st 5 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 3rd 35.06 M 33.87 M +1.19 M 96.61%
Wet Handling 7th 45.75 s 43.11 s +2.64 s 94.23%
Straight Aqua 8th 59.4 Km/H 64.6 Km/H -5.2 Km/H 91.95%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 1st 10.5 M 100%
Snow Traction 2nd 3.67 s 3.62 s +0.05 s 98.64%
Snow Handling 5th 75.69 s 74.62 s +1.07 s 98.59%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 2nd 3.47 M 3.43 M +0.04 M 98.85%
Ice Traction 1st 1.89 s 100%
Ice Handling 1st 51.23 s 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 1st 5 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Fuel Consumption 1st 5.66 l/100km 100%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
2nd

Continental IceContact 3

205/60 R16 96T
Continental IceContact 3
  • Origin: Germany
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 2nd 30.75 M 28.88 M +1.87 M 93.92%
Subj. Dry Handling 3rd 3 Points 5 Points -2 Points 60%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 5th 36.92 M 33.87 M +3.05 M 91.74%
Wet Handling 2nd 43.77 s 43.11 s +0.66 s 98.49%
Straight Aqua 3rd 63.7 Km/H 64.6 Km/H -0.9 Km/H 98.61%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 1st 10.5 M 100%
Snow Traction 2nd 3.67 s 3.62 s +0.05 s 98.64%
Snow Handling 2nd 75.04 s 74.62 s +0.42 s 99.44%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 4th 4.2 M 3.43 M +0.77 M 81.67%
Ice Traction 4th 2.18 s 1.89 s +0.29 s 86.7%
Ice Handling 3rd 52.24 s 51.23 s +1.01 s 98.07%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 2nd 4 Points 5 Points -1 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Fuel Consumption 3rd 5.69 l/100km 5.66 l/100km +0.03 l/100km 99.47%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
2nd

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

205/60 R16 96T
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
  • Origin: Finland
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 6th 31.94 M 28.88 M +3.06 M 90.42%
Subj. Dry Handling 3rd 3 Points 5 Points -2 Points 60%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 5th 36.92 M 33.87 M +3.05 M 91.74%
Wet Handling 4th 44.12 s 43.11 s +1.01 s 97.71%
Straight Aqua 6th 62.1 Km/H 64.6 Km/H -2.5 Km/H 96.13%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 4th 10.58 M 10.5 M +0.08 M 99.24%
Snow Traction 5th 3.75 s 3.62 s +0.13 s 96.53%
Snow Handling 1st 74.62 s 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 1st 3.43 M 100%
Ice Traction 2nd 1.94 s 1.89 s +0.05 s 97.42%
Ice Handling 2nd 51.4 s 51.23 s +0.17 s 99.67%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 5th 2 Points 5 Points -3 Points 40%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Fuel Consumption 6th 5.76 l/100km 5.66 l/100km +0.1 l/100km 98.26%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
4th

Hankook Winter i pike RS2

205/60 R16 96T
Hankook Winter i pike RS2
  • Origin: South Korea
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 4th 31.11 M 28.88 M +2.23 M 92.83%
Subj. Dry Handling 3rd 3 Points 5 Points -2 Points 60%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 4th 36.15 M 33.87 M +2.28 M 93.69%
Wet Handling 5th 44.75 s 43.11 s +1.64 s 96.34%
Straight Aqua 4th 62.9 Km/H 64.6 Km/H -1.7 Km/H 97.37%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 5th 10.6 M 10.5 M +0.1 M 99.06%
Snow Traction 6th 3.79 s 3.62 s +0.17 s 95.51%
Snow Handling 3rd 75.19 s 74.62 s +0.57 s 99.24%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 6th 4.68 M 3.43 M +1.25 M 73.29%
Ice Traction 3rd 2.08 s 1.89 s +0.19 s 90.87%
Ice Handling 4th 53.52 s 51.23 s +2.29 s 95.72%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 3rd 3 Points 5 Points -2 Points 60%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Fuel Consumption 2nd 5.67 l/100km 5.66 l/100km +0.01 l/100km 99.82%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
5th

Pirelli Ice Zero 2

205/60 R16 96T
Pirelli Ice Zero 2
  • Origin: Russia
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 3rd 31.02 M 28.88 M +2.14 M 93.1%
Subj. Dry Handling 2nd 4 Points 5 Points -1 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 2nd 34.8 M 33.87 M +0.93 M 97.33%
Wet Handling 3rd 44.1 s 43.11 s +0.99 s 97.76%
Straight Aqua 1st 64.6 Km/H 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 6th 10.71 M 10.5 M +0.21 M 98.04%
Snow Traction 1st 3.62 s 100%
Snow Handling 6th 75.74 s 74.62 s +1.12 s 98.52%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 7th 5.2 M 3.43 M +1.77 M 65.96%
Ice Traction 6th 2.42 s 1.89 s +0.53 s 78.1%
Ice Handling 6th 56.42 s 51.23 s +5.19 s 90.8%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 3rd 3 Points 5 Points -2 Points 60%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Fuel Consumption 4th 5.71 l/100km 5.66 l/100km +0.05 l/100km 99.12%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
6th

Nokian Nordman 7

205/60 R16 96T
Nokian Nordman 7
  • Origin: Russia
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 8th 33.3 M 28.88 M +4.42 M 86.73%
Subj. Dry Handling 7th 2 Points 5 Points -3 Points 40%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 8th 38.91 M 33.87 M +5.04 M 87.05%
Wet Handling 7th 45.75 s 43.11 s +2.64 s 94.23%
Straight Aqua 7th 61.7 Km/H 64.6 Km/H -2.9 Km/H 95.51%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 3rd 10.51 M 10.5 M +0.01 M 99.9%
Snow Traction 4th 3.72 s 3.62 s +0.1 s 97.31%
Snow Handling 3rd 75.19 s 74.62 s +0.57 s 99.24%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 5th 4.31 M 3.43 M +0.88 M 79.58%
Ice Traction 5th 2.22 s 1.89 s +0.33 s 85.14%
Ice Handling 5th 55.11 s 51.23 s +3.88 s 92.96%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 5th 2 Points 5 Points -3 Points 40%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Fuel Consumption 5th 5.74 l/100km 5.66 l/100km +0.08 l/100km 98.61%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
7th

Toyo Observe Ice Freezer

205/60 R16 96T
Toyo Observe Ice Freezer
  • Origin: Malaysia
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 5th 31.6 M 28.88 M +2.72 M 91.39%
Subj. Dry Handling 3rd 3 Points 5 Points -2 Points 60%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 7th 37.18 M 33.87 M +3.31 M 91.1%
Wet Handling 6th 45.17 s 43.11 s +2.06 s 95.44%
Straight Aqua 5th 62.4 Km/H 64.6 Km/H -2.2 Km/H 96.59%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 6th 10.71 M 10.5 M +0.21 M 98.04%
Snow Traction 8th 3.92 s 3.62 s +0.3 s 92.35%
Snow Handling 7th 76.85 s 74.62 s +2.23 s 97.1%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 3rd 4.07 M 3.43 M +0.64 M 84.28%
Ice Traction 7th 2.8 s 1.89 s +0.91 s 67.5%
Ice Handling 7th 59.02 s 51.23 s +7.79 s 86.8%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 5th 2 Points 5 Points -3 Points 40%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Fuel Consumption 6th 5.76 l/100km 5.66 l/100km +0.1 l/100km 98.26%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
8th

GT Radial IcePro 3

205/60 R16 96T
GT Radial IcePro 3
  • Origin: China
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 1st 28.88 M 100%
Subj. Dry Handling 7th 2 Points 5 Points -3 Points 40%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 1st 33.87 M 100%
Wet Handling 1st 43.11 s 100%
Straight Aqua 2nd 64.1 Km/H 64.6 Km/H -0.5 Km/H 99.23%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 8th 10.73 M 10.5 M +0.23 M 97.86%
Snow Traction 7th 3.83 s 3.62 s +0.21 s 94.52%
Snow Handling 8th 78.81 s 74.62 s +4.19 s 94.68%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 8th 5.31 M 3.43 M +1.88 M 64.6%
Ice Traction 8th 3.29 s 1.89 s +1.4 s 57.45%
Ice Handling 8th 61.42 s 51.23 s +10.19 s 83.41%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 5th 2 Points 5 Points -3 Points 40%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Fuel Consumption 8th 5.78 l/100km 5.66 l/100km +0.12 l/100km 97.92%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts

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