2022 ViBilagare Nordic SUV Winter Tyre Test

We're going to let the test data do the talking for this one. The excellent Swedish testers at ViBilagare have tested eight SUV studless friction winter tyres, included the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and new Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V3 using a Volvo V40 wearing 235/55 R18 tires. Fortunately, where the tyre patterns match those in the Tyre Reviews Nordic Winter Tyre Test, the results are very similar!

Which winter tyre is best? Check out the magazines excellent data and final results below!

Dry BrakingBridgestone Blizzak DM V3: 33.29 MKumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV: 35.12 M
Subj. Dry HandlingGoodyear UltraGrip Ice 2: 5 PointsMazzini Snowleopard LX: 1 Points
Wet BrakingGoodyear UltraGrip Ice 2: 36.42 MMichelin X Ice Snow SUV: 40.76 M
Wet HandlingGoodyear UltraGrip Ice 2: 41.88 sBridgestone Blizzak DM V3: 43.06 s
Straight AquaKumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV: 70.6 Km/HNokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV: 60.3 Km/H
Snow BrakingNokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV: 10.94 MContinental VikingContact 7: 11.6 M
Snow TractionMichelin X Ice Snow SUV: 2.74 sKumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV: 3.03 s
Snow HandlingNokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV: 72.84 sMazzini Snowleopard LX: 77.29 s
Ice BrakingNokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV: 12.89 MMazzini Snowleopard LX: 16.72 M
Ice TractionNokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV: 2.94 sMazzini Snowleopard LX: 3.73 s
Ice HandlingNokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV: 39.97 sMazzini Snowleopard LX: 43.14 s
NoiseGoodyear UltraGrip Ice 2: 73.5 dBContinental VikingContact 7: 75.6 dB
PriceMazzini Snowleopard LX: 1684 Michelin X Ice Snow SUV: 2740
Rolling ResistanceNokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV: 5.58 kg / tBridgestone Blizzak DM V3: 6.22 kg / t

Ice

On ice the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV offered the best braking, traction and handling, with the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV being the best of the rest.

Snow

Snow once again showed the Nokians winter credentials, with the R5 SUV leading in snow braking and snow handling, and second place in snow traction.

Wet

The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 was the best tyre in the wet grip tests, leading wet braking and wet handling. Nokian and Michelin, which did so well on ice and snow, struggled more in the wet showing creating a tyre which does everything well isn't yet possible.

The deep water test of aquaplaning was led by the Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV.

Dry

The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V3 offered the shortest dr braking, followed by the Falken Winterpeak F-Snow.

While the magazine didn't publish dry handling times, they did rate the tyres on how easy they were to drive in the dry with the Goodyear and Nokian leading the way.

Environment

The Goodyear had the lowest internal noise measured of all the tyres.

Naturally the budget Mazzini was the cheapest SUV winter tyre of the group, with the Michelin the most expensive.

The new Nokian offered the lowest fuel use.

Results

1st: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV
  • 235/55 R18
  • 3PMSF: yes
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking7th34.77 M33.29 M+1.48 M95.74%
Subj. Dry Handling2nd4 Points5 Points-1 Points80%
Wet Braking7th39.51 M36.42 M+3.09 M92.18%
Wet Handling3rd42.11 s41.88 s+0.23 s99.45%
Straight Aqua8th60.3 Km/H70.6 Km/H-10.3 Km/H85.41%
Snow Braking1st10.94 M100%
Snow Traction2nd2.77 s2.74 s+0.03 s98.92%
Snow Handling1st72.84 s100%
Ice Braking1st12.89 M100%
Ice Traction1st2.94 s100%
Ice Handling1st39.97 s100%
Noise6th75.5 dB73.5 dB+2 dB97.35%
Price7th2574 1684 +890 65.42%
Rolling Resistance1st5.58 kg / t100%
Best grip on ice, driving characteristics on all surfaces, rolling resistance.
Braking distance wet road, aquaplaning.
This year's big news in the segment is the Hakkapeliitta R5, which replaces the R3. Then newcomer immediately becomes the new yardstick for winter grip. The Nokian takes home all the available points in both snow and ice conditions. The cornering grip is most impressive on ice and the Nokian is the only friction tire that maintains good controllability on the wrong side of the grip limit.
The biggest improvement over the predecessor is on dry roads, mainly the noise level which is no longer affected by troublesome frequencies. The steering is slightly sharper and in the evasive maneuver tests the R5 reacts quickly with maintained stability. The rolling resistance is the lowest of the bunch. One the minus side we find braking on wet roads and low aquaplaning characteristics.
In total, the tests best winter grip gives the Nokian a clear victory.

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2nd: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
  • 235/55 R18
  • 3PMSF: yes
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking3rd33.85 M33.29 M+0.56 M98.35%
Subj. Dry Handling1st5 Points100%
Wet Braking1st36.42 M100%
Wet Handling1st41.88 s100%
Straight Aqua2nd70.2 Km/H70.6 Km/H-0.4 Km/H99.43%
Snow Braking6th11.5 M10.94 M+0.56 M95.13%
Snow Traction4th2.82 s2.74 s+0.08 s97.16%
Snow Handling4th73.45 s72.84 s+0.61 s99.17%
Ice Braking3rd13.66 M12.89 M+0.77 M94.36%
Ice Traction5th3.16 s2.94 s+0.22 s93.04%
Ice Handling5th41.68 s39.97 s+1.71 s95.9%
Noise1st73.5 dB100%
Price4th2416 1684 +732 69.7%
Rolling Resistance2nd5.71 kg / t5.58 kg / t+0.13 kg / t97.72%
Best nordic friction tires on asphalt. Low road noise.
Slightly lower cornering grip on snow/ice.
UltraGrip Ice 2 is the best choice for those who drive mostly on asphalt ground in milder winter conditions. It is superior on wet asphalt, that is otherwise a problem for Nordic friction tires. Goodyear handles aquaplaning well and also has good cornering grip and shortest braking distance on wet roads. You will also find the best stability and steering response on dry roads. In addition, the interior noise level is the lowest.
Despite the good asphalt properties, Goodyear performs well in the winter rounds. The braking distances are right up there with the best. The disadvantage is slightly worse cornering grip on snow and ice, where the grip disappears relatively suddenly and without warning.
In terms of points, it will be second overall, but Goodyear is the clear winner in wetter climates.

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3rd: Continental VikingContact 7

Continental VikingContact 7
  • 235/55 R18
  • 3PMSF: yes
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking4th34.2 M33.29 M+0.91 M97.34%
Subj. Dry Handling2nd4 Points5 Points-1 Points80%
Wet Braking6th38.98 M36.42 M+2.56 M93.43%
Wet Handling2nd42.05 s41.88 s+0.17 s99.6%
Straight Aqua4th68 Km/H70.6 Km/H-2.6 Km/H96.32%
Snow Braking8th11.6 M10.94 M+0.66 M94.31%
Snow Traction6th2.85 s2.74 s+0.11 s96.14%
Snow Handling6th74.02 s72.84 s+1.18 s98.41%
Ice Braking4th13.69 M12.89 M+0.8 M94.16%
Ice Traction4th3.15 s2.94 s+0.21 s93.33%
Ice Handling2nd40.85 s39.97 s+0.88 s97.85%
Noise8th75.6 dB73.5 dB+2.1 dB97.22%
Price5th2442 1684 +758 68.96%
Rolling Resistance2nd5.71 kg / t5.58 kg / t+0.13 kg / t97.72%
Good grip and good driving characteristics on all surfaces.
Slightly higher noise level than the best tires.
VikingContact7 has several victories from our tests of traditional passenger car tires in the bag. Now it collects a bronze medal.
To adapt to the higher weight of the SUVs, Continental has made a stiffer tire with a harder rubber compound. It provides slightly less convincing driver properties on ice and snow, with longer sliding phases than we previously experienced from VC7. However, the level of grip is still good compared to the competition.
The upside is that the tire in this larger dimension, with a more open pattern, handles aquaplaning really well. It also has fine stability on asphalt with maintained steering precision in the evasive maneuver tests.
Never the best but often at the top, regardless of the surface, results a well-deserved podium.

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4th: Michelin X Ice Snow SUV

Michelin X Ice Snow SUV
  • 235/55 R18
  • 3PMSF: yes
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th34.46 M33.29 M+1.17 M96.6%
Subj. Dry Handling2nd4 Points5 Points-1 Points80%
Wet Braking8th40.76 M36.42 M+4.34 M89.35%
Wet Handling4th42.4 s41.88 s+0.52 s98.77%
Straight Aqua6th61.9 Km/H70.6 Km/H-8.7 Km/H87.68%
Snow Braking3rd11.25 M10.94 M+0.31 M97.24%
Snow Traction1st2.74 s100%
Snow Handling5th74.01 s72.84 s+1.17 s98.42%
Ice Braking2nd13.37 M12.89 M+0.48 M96.41%
Ice Traction2nd3.05 s2.94 s+0.11 s96.39%
Ice Handling4th40.95 s39.97 s+0.98 s97.61%
Noise2nd74.9 dB73.5 dB+1.4 dB98.13%
Price8th2740 1684 +1056 61.46%
Rolling Resistance4th5.79 kg / t5.58 kg / t+0.21 kg / t96.37%
Braking distances on snow/ice. Stability and steering feel asphalt.
Grip on wet roads, aquaplaning.
One of the tires that benefited most from the switch to SUV size is Michelin. X-Ice Snow has previously been one of the stiffer tires that gave good stability on asphalt but was not as compliant on winter surfaces.
This time Michelin is one of the very best on ice. The slightly more open pattern also provides good grip on snow. However, Michelin has prioritized longitudinal grip - start and brake - and does not have quite as good lateral grip as the best in the winter rounds.
The X-Ice Snow behaves all the better in the curves in the asphalt tests where it can handle high lateral forces and has good steering response.
The minus item is the wet grip, which is the poorest in the test This means that Michelin ends up just outside the podium.

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5th: Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1

Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1
  • 235/55 R18
  • 3PMSF: yes
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd33.59 M33.29 M+0.3 M99.11%
Subj. Dry Handling7th2 Points5 Points-3 Points40%
Wet Braking4th38.38 M36.42 M+1.96 M94.89%
Wet Handling5th42.63 s41.88 s+0.75 s98.24%
Straight Aqua5th62.1 Km/H70.6 Km/H-8.5 Km/H87.96%
Snow Braking4th11.35 M10.94 M+0.41 M96.39%
Snow Traction2nd2.77 s2.74 s+0.03 s98.92%
Snow Handling2nd73.26 s72.84 s+0.42 s99.43%
Ice Braking5th13.79 M12.89 M+0.9 M93.47%
Ice Traction3rd3.11 s2.94 s+0.17 s94.53%
Ice Handling3rd40.89 s39.97 s+0.92 s97.75%
Noise3rd75.1 dB73.5 dB+1.6 dB97.87%
Price3rd2239 1684 +555 75.21%
Rolling Resistance7th6.19 kg / t5.58 kg / t+0.61 kg / t90.15%
Grip and safe driving characteristics on snow/ice. Low noise level.
Stability and steering feel on asphalt, rolling resistance.
Another novelty among the friction tires is the F-Snow 1, which is part of Falken's new Winterpeak family. Just like the studded sibling F-Ice 1, the friction tire has a very soft rubber compound that provides good grip on snow and ice. The tyre construction is also on the softer side, which contributes to compliant behavior on winter roads with a steady rear end without any skidding tendencies under pressure.
The soft rubber also provides short braking distances on dry roads. The disadvantage is slow steering reactions and strong understeer in evasive maneuver tests on dry roads and in curves on wet roads. A bit numb steering feel also reduces the impression on bare ground.
Overall, the Falken is an affordable option for those who prioritize high winter grip.

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6th: Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3

Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3
  • 235/55 R18
  • 3PMSF: yes
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking1st33.29 M100%
Subj. Dry Handling6th3 Points5 Points-2 Points60%
Wet Braking5th38.86 M36.42 M+2.44 M93.72%
Wet Handling8th43.06 s41.88 s+1.18 s97.26%
Straight Aqua6th61.9 Km/H70.6 Km/H-8.7 Km/H87.68%
Snow Braking5th11.4 M10.94 M+0.46 M95.96%
Snow Traction7th2.86 s2.74 s+0.12 s95.8%
Snow Handling3rd73.41 s72.84 s+0.57 s99.22%
Ice Braking6th14.55 M12.89 M+1.66 M88.59%
Ice Traction7th3.37 s2.94 s+0.43 s87.24%
Ice Handling6th41.83 s39.97 s+1.86 s95.55%
Noise4th75.3 dB73.5 dB+1.8 dB97.61%
Price6th2545 1684 +861 66.17%
Rolling Resistance8th6.22 kg / t5.58 kg / t+0.64 kg / t89.71%
Braking distance dry road, cornering grip on snow, road noise.
Cornering grip wet road, hydroplaning, rolling resistance.
DM-V3 is the name of the SUV version of Bridgestone's classic friction tire Blizzak. In terms of results, the tire ends up in something of a no-man's land. It achieves few top results in the test rounds, but it does not fall through negatively in any round.
Its advantages are good sound comfort, short braking distance on dry roads and well-balanced driving characteristics with good cornering grip on snow.
Unfortunately, for a Nordic winter tyre, it has some grip problems on the ice where it falls behind the other well-known premium names.
Despite four longitudinal drainage channels, the aquaplaning ability does not impress either.
Without any real top scoring results, it’s a modest point harvest and a sixth place overall.

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7th: Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV

Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV
  • 235/55 R18
  • 3PMSF: yes
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking8th35.12 M33.29 M+1.83 M94.79%
Subj. Dry Handling2nd4 Points5 Points-1 Points80%
Wet Braking3rd38.29 M36.42 M+1.87 M95.12%
Wet Handling7th42.97 s41.88 s+1.09 s97.46%
Straight Aqua1st70.6 Km/H100%
Snow Braking7th11.56 M10.94 M+0.62 M94.64%
Snow Traction8th3.03 s2.74 s+0.29 s90.43%
Snow Handling7th76.8 s72.84 s+3.96 s94.84%
Ice Braking7th15.61 M12.89 M+2.72 M82.58%
Ice Traction6th3.35 s2.94 s+0.41 s87.76%
Ice Handling7th42.77 s39.97 s+2.8 s93.45%
Noise5th75.4 dB73.5 dB+1.9 dB97.48%
Price2nd1898 1684 +214 88.72%
Rolling Resistance5th5.81 kg / t5.58 kg / t+0.23 kg / t96.04%
Hydroplaning, braking distance on wet roads, steering feel on asphalt.
Ice grip, loose rear end and difficult to control all surfaces
WS51 is the SUV version of Kumho's latest friction tire Wi51. It's the stiffest tire here, with high priority on asphalt rounds, not winter grip. On ice it performs far from the best. The WS51 is difficult to master under pressure on both snow and ice, where all grip suddenly disappears at once and without warning.
It does a lot better against aquaplaning where Kumho is the best of the bunch. The braking distance on wet asphalt is also good, and the steering feel for small steering movements as well.
Unfortunately, the WS51 has problems with a loose rear-end both wet and dry roads with a skidding behavior in the evasive maneuvers and especially in wet corners. Nor is the noise level impressive. Difficult to control on the limit and poor winter grip result in a low score.

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8th: Mazzini Snowleopard LX

Mazzini Snowleopard LX
  • 235/55 R18
  • 3PMSF: yes
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th34.46 M33.29 M+1.17 M96.6%
Subj. Dry Handling8th1 Points5 Points-4 Points20%
Wet Braking2nd37.3 M36.42 M+0.88 M97.64%
Wet Handling6th42.67 s41.88 s+0.79 s98.15%
Straight Aqua3rd69 Km/H70.6 Km/H-1.6 Km/H97.73%
Snow Braking2nd11.16 M10.94 M+0.22 M98.03%
Snow Traction5th2.83 s2.74 s+0.09 s96.82%
Snow Handling8th77.29 s72.84 s+4.45 s94.24%
Ice Braking8th16.72 M12.89 M+3.83 M77.09%
Ice Traction8th3.73 s2.94 s+0.79 s78.82%
Ice Handling8th43.14 s39.97 s+3.17 s92.65%
Noise6th75.5 dB73.5 dB+2 dB97.35%
Price1st1684 100%
Rolling Resistance6th5.85 kg / t5.58 kg / t+0.27 kg / t95.38%
Good snow grip, braking on wet roads, hydroplaning.
Good snow grip, braking on wet roads, hydroplaning.
One of the cheapest tires on the market is the Snowleopard LX from Chinese Mazzini. It is notable by an unusually rough pattern. In addition to good aquaplaning properties, it provides good grip in the snow - in any case, starting grip and braking distance. The cornering grip, on the other hand, is far from the best, but the tire is honest and warn early on about the poor grip. On ice the grip is close to non-existing. The braking distance is long and it looses the grip early already at very low cornering speeds.
In the dry, the steering feel is better than feared the open pattern considered, although in a crisis situation the tire can only turn in one direction. When you have to steer back, the pattern has folded and gives strong understeering.
Loud road noise that grows to high pattern singing with light steering, cementing an already clear last place.

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