Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616 vs Michelin X Ice Snow
- TR Score
- 5.7/10
- Owners say
- 84% · 5
- TR Score
- 7.9/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 19
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin X Ice Snow finished ahead 3 times and the Winter I cept iZ2 W616 not once. The Winter I cept iZ2 W616 stopped 0.6% shorter in the wet; the X Ice Snow stopped 15.9% shorter on ice.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Michelin X-Ice Snow for regions with frequent ice/packed snow or when maximum winter safety is the priority. Choose Hankook Winter i*cept iZ2 W616 if you drive mostly on cold, wet/dry tarmac with occasional snow/ice and want a quieter, more efficient, lower-cost option.
Where the Winter I cept iZ2 W616 is stronger
- Lower price point (~25% cheaper in 2021 test)
- Lower rolling resistance/fuel use (wins RR and fuel in multiple tests)
- Low noise and good straight-line stability on tarmac
Where the X Ice Snow is stronger
- Class-leading ice performance (clean sweeps in braking/traction/handling)
- Consistently strong snow braking/handling and aquaplaning resistance
- Stable winter behavior with good safety margin
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.
Winter I cept iZ2 W616 vs X Ice Snow at a glance
| Category | Winter I cept iZ2 W616 | Gap | X Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 0 | 3 | |
| Dry5 measurements | 2 | 1 | |
| Wet8 measurements | 3 | Level between the two. | 3 |
| Snow10 measurements | 1 | The X Ice Snow stopped 1.1% shorter on snow (3 tests) | 6 |
| Ice10 measurements | 0 | The X Ice Snow stopped 15.9% shorter on ice (3 tests) | 10 |
| Comfort3 measurements | 1 | 0 | |
| Value1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 5.7/10 | The X Ice Snow by 2.2 | 7.9/10 |
| Owner rating5 and 19 reviews | 84% | Too close to call | 85% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 100% | The Winter I cept iZ2 W616 by 12 points | 88% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The X Ice Snow was dearer in 2 of 2 | +29.1% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 50 | 42 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 3 tests, 2020 to 2024
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 | Winter I cept iZ2 W616 | Field | X Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test | P5 of 8 | P4 of 8 | |
| 2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tyre Test | P5 of 6 | P4 of 6 | |
| 2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test | P6 of 12 | P3 of 12 |
Performance profile
11 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winter I cept iZ2 W616
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. 6 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Winter I cept iZ2 W616
X Ice Snow
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
Winter I cept iZ2 W616
X Ice Snow
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Winter I cept iZ2 W616 84% from 5 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 | Winter I cept iZ2 W616 | Gap | X Ice Snow | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31.39 | 0.1% | 31.42 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 6.3% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 37.75 | 0.6% | 37.93 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 37.5 | 0.2% | 37.4 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 62.4 | 3.7% | 64.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 38.74 | 1.1% | 38.4 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.4 | 0.3% | 5.38 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 61.4 | 0.5% | 61.1 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 12.5% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 36.96 | 15.9% | 32.6 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 7.63 | 18.3% | 6.01 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 67.77 | 3% | 65.8 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 16.7% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 71.7 | 0.4 dB | 72.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.4 | 0.9% | 5.45 | 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 Winter I cept iZ2 W616 scores 5.7 and the X Ice Snow 7.9 out of 10.
| Winter I cept iZ2 W616 | Category | X Ice Snow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | Dry | 23 | ||
| 42 | Wet | 28 | ||
| 64 | Comfort | 53 | ||
| 58 | Value | 64 | ||
| 49 | Snow | 61 | ||
| 16 | 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
| Winter I cept iZ2 W616 | Category | X Ice Snow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.8 | Dry Grip | 7.8 | ||
| 7.4 | Wet Grip | 7.9 | ||
| 8.6 | Road Feedback | 7.6 | ||
| 8.2 | Handling | 7.5 | ||
| 7.8 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 9.2 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 9.6 | Snow Grip | 9.4 | ||
| 7.2 | Ice Grip | 8.6 | ||
Owners rate the Winter I cept iZ2 W616 84% from 5 reviews and the X Ice Snow 85% from 19. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
- 84%from 5 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 37,500 milesdriven by reviewers
All 5 Winter I cept iZ2 W616 reviewsThe way it ploughs through the snow is beyond words.
Soft, comfortable, with good feedback.
On the downside, if you live in a region where snowfall is low, you won't appreciate the driving pleasure. They wear out quickly in dry weather.
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: 50 sizes of the Winter I cept iZ2 W616 and 100 of the X Ice Snow, 42 of them made in both.
| Category | Winter I cept iZ2 W616 | X Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 50 sizes, 13 to 19 inch | 100 sizes, 13 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 42 sizes 155/65 R14175/65 R14175/70 R14185/65 R14185/70 R14175/65 R15185/60 R15185/65 R15195/60 R15195/65 R15205/65 R15195/55 R16and 30 more | |
| EU label wet grip | E100% | E100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C74%D26% | C73%B16%D12% |
| EU label noise | 71-73 dB B100% | 67-71 dB A72%B28% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 50 of 50 | 102 of 102 |
| On the market since | 2021 | 2020 |
| Replaced | - | Michelin X Ice Xi3 (2011) |
| Replaced by | - | Michelin X Ice Snow+ |
| Price in the shared tests | The X Ice Snow was the dearer tyre in 2 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 29.1% 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.
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.
This head-to-head pits two Nordic friction winter staples against each other: the veteran Hankook Winter i*cept iZ2 W616 and the newer Michelin X-Ice Snow. Both target safe, comfortable winter driving for passenger cars, but they take different approaches-Hankook leaning on efficiency and value, Michelin prioritizing ultimate ice and snow security.
Across three shared professional tests (2020-2024), Michelin consistently finishes ahead overall, largely on the strength of its ice performance. Hankook counters with lower noise, better rolling resistance/fuel use, and a friendlier price. The question is whether Hankook's value and on-road manners can offset Michelin's winter-surface advantage for your use case.
Conclusion
Michelin X-Ice Snow is the more accomplished winter specialist, repeatedly dominating on ice (clean sweeps in braking, traction, and handling across all tests) and edging Hankook in most snow metrics and aquaplaning. If your winters bring frequent ice, polished intersections, or packed snow, Michelin's shorter stops and stronger traction are meaningfully safer.
Hankook iZ2 W616 remains competitive in the wet and occasionally in the dry, while being quieter, more fuel-efficient, and notably cheaper. For milder Nordic conditions with more tarmac and wet days than deep winter extremes, the Hankook's value, refinement, and efficiency are compelling. Bottom line: choose Michelin for maximum winter grip and security; pick Hankook for balanced daily driving at a lower total cost.
Winter I cept iZ2 W616 vs X Ice Snow: your questions
Is the Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616 or the Michelin X Ice Snow the better tyre?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin X Ice Snow finished ahead 3 times and the Winter I cept iZ2 W616 not once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter I cept iZ2 W616 scores 5.7 and the X Ice Snow 7.9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winter I cept iZ2 W616 or the X Ice Snow?
Across the shared tests the wet measurements are split 3-3 between the Winter I cept iZ2 W616 and the X Ice Snow.
Which is better in the dry?
The Winter I cept iZ2 W616 led 2 of the 5 dry measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in snow?
The X Ice Snow led 6 of the 10 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.1% shorter on snow across 3 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 9.2/10 for the Winter I cept iZ2 W616 and 8.8/10 for the X Ice Snow.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winter I cept iZ2 W616 84% from 5 reviews and the X Ice Snow 85% from 19. 100% of Winter I cept iZ2 W616 owners would buy it again, against 88% for the X Ice Snow.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the X Ice Snow was the dearer tyre in 2 of them, by 29.1% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Winter I cept iZ2 W616 is made in 50 sizes (13 to 19 inch) and the X Ice Snow in 100 (13 to 21 inch). 42 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winter I cept iZ2 W616 is graded E for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the X Ice Snow E and C.
Which is the newer tyre?
The Winter I cept iZ2 W616 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the X Ice Snow in 2020. The X Ice Snow replaced the Michelin X Ice Xi3.
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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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