Continental VikingContact 8 vs Michelin X Ice Snow
- TR Score
- 9.2/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 8
- TR Score
- 7.9/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 19
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Continental VikingContact 8 finished ahead 6 times and the X Ice Snow not once. The VikingContact 8 stopped 4.6% shorter in the wet; the X Ice Snow resisted straight aquaplaning at a 6.3% higher speed.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Continental VikingContact 8 if your winter includes lots of wet/cold pavement, frequent transitions between clear and wintry surfaces, or you simply want the most rounded, consistently top-ranked studless winter tyre. Choose the Michelin X-Ice Snow if your highest priority is minimizing stopping distances on ice (and often snow braking) in a winter-dominant region, and you can accept weaker wet/dry road performance and a less forgiving feel near the limit.
Where the VikingContact 8 is stronger
- Stronger dry and wet road performance in most shared tests (e.g., 2026 Tire Rack wet braking 35.91 m vs 39.32 m; dry braking 30.15 m vs 31.39 m)
- More balanced winter capability: frequently top-tier in snow handling/traction and competitive on ice, leading to consistent overall wins (6 shared test sets led)
- Refinement-focused: repeatedly among the quietest/most comfortable options for a studless Nordic tyre (noted as most comfortable in Tire Rack 2026; strong noise results in multiple tests)
Where the X Ice Snow is stronger
- Class-leading ice braking across multiple tests (wins ice braking 4 times in your summary; e.g., 2026 Tire Rack 12.01 m vs 13.20 m; 2024 Nordic 10.69 m vs 11.97 m)
- Often strong in snow braking (wins 3 times in your summary; e.g., 2026 Tire Rack 17.10 m vs 18.08 m)
- Good straight-line stability and predictable behavior noted by several reports, especially on snow/ice at moderate inputs
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
VikingContact 8 vs X Ice Snow at a glance
| Category | VikingContact 8 | Gap | X Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won6 shared tests | 6 | 0 | |
| Dry10 measurements | 8 | The VikingContact 8 stopped 3.5% shorter in the dry (4 tests) | 1 |
| Wet16 measurements | 10 | The VikingContact 8 stopped 4.6% shorter in the wet (4 tests) | 5 |
| Snow14 measurements | 10 | The VikingContact 8 was 3.2% quicker in the snow traction test (3 tests) | 3 |
| Ice12 measurements | 5 | The X Ice Snow stopped 6.9% shorter on ice (4 tests) | 7 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 4 | 2 | |
| Value3 measurements | 2 | The VikingContact 8 used 1.4% less fuel (2 tests) | 0 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.2/10 | The VikingContact 8 by 1.3 | 7.9/10 |
| Owner rating8 and 19 reviews | 83% | The X Ice Snow by 2 points | 85% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 88% | Too close to call | 88% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | +7% | The VikingContact 8 was dearer in 2 of 3 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 123 | 54 sizes made in both | 100 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 6 tests, 2024 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | VikingContact 8 | Field | X Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 5 | P2 of 5 | |
| 2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 7 | P4 of 7 | |
| The Best Snow Tyres for 2025/26 | P1 of 5 | P4 of 5 | |
| 2025 Friction and Studded Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 7 | P6 of 7 | |
| 2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test | P2 of 8 | P4 of 8 | |
| The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tyres for 2024 | P1 of 6 | P5 of 6 |
Performance profile
18 measurements from the 6 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
VikingContact 8
X Ice Snow
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 8 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
VikingContact 8
X Ice Snow
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
VikingContact 8
X Ice Snow
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the VikingContact 8 83% from 8 reviews and the X Ice Snow 85% from 19. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tyres posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | VikingContact 8 | Gap | X Ice Snow | Wins | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34.59 | 3.5% | 35.94 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 58.5 | 0.8% | 59 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 12.2% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 0.81 | 3.8% | 0.78 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 6.7% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 39.48 | 4.6% | 41.43 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 58.21 | 3.3% | 60.5 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 6.6% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 13.44 | 6.1% | 14.32 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 0.63 | 5% | 0.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 57.7 | 6.3% | 61.33 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 1.51 | 11.9% | 1.69 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 24.3 | 1.8% | 24.04 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 4.33 | 3.2% | 4.48 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 71.36 | 1% | 72.12 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 10.1% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 3.39 | 3.7% | 3.27 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 19.89 | 6.9% | 18.82 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 6.63 | 1.9% | 6.47 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 59.8 | 3.8% | 62.2 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 22.2% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.6% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 0.2% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 70.45 | 0.4 dB | 70.85 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 7.29 | 10.4% | 8.14 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 5.51 | 1.4% | 5.59 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tyres shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the VikingContact 8 scores 9.2 and the X Ice Snow 7.9 out of 10.
| VikingContact 8 | Category | X Ice Snow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | Dry | 23 | ||
| 47 | Wet | 28 | ||
| 92 | Comfort | 53 | ||
| 85 | Value | 64 | ||
| 81 | Snow | 61 | ||
| 91 | Ice | 79 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| VikingContact 8 | Category | X Ice Snow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.7 | Dry Grip | 7.8 | ||
| 8.5 | Wet Grip | 7.9 | ||
| 7.4 | Road Feedback | 7.6 | ||
| 7.5 | Handling | 7.5 | ||
| 7.8 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 9.1 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 8.6 | Snow Grip | 9.4 | ||
| 9 | Ice Grip | 8.6 | ||
Owners rate the VikingContact 8 83% from 8 reviews and the X Ice Snow 85% from 19. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental VikingContact 8
- 83%from 8 reviews
- 88%would buy again
- 33,500 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers overwhelmingly rate the Continental VikingContact 8 as an excellent Nordic-style winter tyre, 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.
- Exceptional ice and snow grip
- Confidence-inspiring handling and stability in winter conditions
- Quiet ride
- High comfort/impact absorption
Summarised by AI from 6 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 8 VikingContact 8 reviewsVery 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.
Michelin X Ice Snow
- 85%from 19 reviews
- 88%would buy again
- 250,466 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers describe the Michelin X-Ice Snow as a confidence-inspiring winter tyre with standout traction in snow and strong overall control in mixed winter conditions (slush, packed snow, and typical ice), often noting predictable handling and good braking. Many also report good comfort and low wear over multiple winters, making it a popular choice for harsh climates and long winter commutes. A smaller subset mentions that road noise can be higher than expected (or increases with wear) and that grip on smooth/glare/black ice can feel weaker than studded options or some prior winter tyres.
- Excellent traction and mobility in deep snow
- Strong winter grip and confidence in mixed conditions (slush/packed snow)
- Predictable handling with good lateral stability
- Good comfort and generally quiet ride for a winter tyre
- Road noise can be higher than expected or increase as the tyre wears
- Ice grip on smooth/glare/black ice can feel weaker than studded tyres or some competing/prior winter tyres
- Dry/wet road performance is only average compared with non-winter tyres
Summarised by AI from 16 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 19 X Ice Snow reviewsHad these on our Corolla for the last 5 winters and they have performed great. Wear is minimal, although we only have 15,000mi on them. We get surprisingly good gas mileage (37-40mpg). Snow performance is amazing. Even in the wet, sloppy snow/slush, they performed great. Changing lanes in these conditions and not getting pulled around is very confidence-inspiring. Ice performance is very good as well. Had one small slip on some black ice in a corner on an on-ramp, but other than that they have been great in the winter.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 123 sizes of the VikingContact 8 and 100 of the X Ice Snow, 54 of them made in both.
| Category | VikingContact 8 | X Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 123 sizes, 15 to 22 inch | 100 sizes, 13 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 54 sizes 185/65 R15195/65 R15195/55 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16205/50 R17205/55 R17215/45 R17215/50 R17and 42 more | |
| EU label wet grip | D100% | E100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | B65%A21%C14% | C73%B16%D12% |
| EU label noise | 68-72 dB A99%B1% | 67-71 dB A72%B28% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 159 of 159 | 102 of 102 |
| On the market since | - | 2020 |
| Replaced | Continental VikingContact 7 (2018) | Michelin X Ice Xi3 (2011) |
| Replaced by | - | Michelin X Ice Snow+ |
| Price in the shared tests | The VikingContact 8 was the dearer tyre in 2 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 7% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Previous generation: Continental VikingContact 7 vs Michelin X Ice Snow (7 shared tests)
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
Continental's VikingContact 8 and Michelin's X-Ice Snow sit in the same premium touring, studless “Nordic” winter space, but they chase that goal with noticeably different priorities. Across six shared professional tests in multiple sizes (205/55 R16 through 235/45 R18), the VikingContact 8 repeatedly lands at or near the top of overall rankings, while the X-Ice Snow tends to place mid-pack-despite showing flashes of excellence in core winter metrics.
The pattern that emerges is clear: VikingContact 8 is the more complete all-round winter tyre, especially when your winter includes a lot of wet/dry pavement between cold snaps. X-Ice Snow, meanwhile, keeps a specialist edge where pure stopping power on ice (and often snow braking) is the deciding factor, but it more frequently gives away measurable performance on cleared roads and in standing water/slush conditions.
Conclusion
Looking across the shared results, the Continental VikingContact 8 is the consistent “do-everything” winner: it leads the overall order in every shared test set you provided (including 1st/10 in Tire Rack 2026 and 1st/20 in the 2025 Nordic-style comparison), and it repeatedly outperforms Michelin on dry and wet asphalt. The margins are often meaningful in real driving-e.g., in the 2026 Tire Rack test, Continental shortened wet braking by 3.41 m (35.91 m vs 39.32 m) and improved wet cornering grip (0.63g vs 0.60g). Similar trends appear in the 205/55 R16 winter test set, where Continental also leads dry and wet braking/handling metrics.
Michelin's X-Ice Snow earns its keep when conditions are truly wintry-especially for ice braking, where it wins repeatedly (for example, 13.20 m vs 12.01 m in the 2026 Tire Rack test, and 11.97 m vs 10.69 m in the 2024 Nordic test). It also often nips ahead in snow braking. The trade-off is that multiple reports describe weaker lateral grip/limit behavior and notably poorer clear-road and wet performance versus the best rivals, which can matter as much as winter traction if your driving is a mix of plowed highways, wet slush, and occasional deep-cold mornings.
Practical takeaway: if you want the safest, most confidence-inspiring “one winter tyre for everything” (including lots of wet, cleared pavement), VikingContact 8 is the stronger and more repeatable choice. If your priority is maximizing ice-stop performance in a winter-dominant climate and you can accept more compromise on wet/dry roads, X-Ice Snow still has a compelling specialist advantage.
VikingContact 8 vs X Ice Snow: your questions
Is the Continental VikingContact 8 or the Michelin X Ice Snow the better tyre?
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Continental VikingContact 8 finished ahead 6 times and the X Ice Snow not once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the VikingContact 8 scores 9.2 and the X Ice Snow 7.9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the VikingContact 8 or the X Ice Snow?
The VikingContact 8 led 10 of the 16 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.6% shorter in the wet across 4 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The VikingContact 8 led 8 of the 10 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.5% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The VikingContact 8 led 10 of the 14 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it was 3.2% quicker in the snow traction test across 3 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The VikingContact 8 used 1.4% less fuel (2 tests). Owners rate wear 7.8/10 for the VikingContact 8 and 9/10 for the X Ice Snow.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 9.1/10 for the VikingContact 8 and 8.8/10 for the X Ice Snow.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the VikingContact 8 83% from 8 reviews and the X Ice Snow 85% from 19. 88% of VikingContact 8 owners would buy it again, against 88% for the X Ice Snow.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the VikingContact 8 was the dearer tyre in 2 of them, by 7% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The VikingContact 8 is made in 123 sizes (15 to 22 inch) and the X Ice Snow in 100 (13 to 21 inch). 54 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the VikingContact 8 is graded D for wet grip and B for rolling resistance in most sizes; the X Ice Snow E and C.
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Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tyres ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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