Michelin X Ice North 4 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
- TR Score
- 8.6/10
- Owners say
- 84% · 12
- TR Score
- 8.8/10
- Owners say
- 75% · 10
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 finished ahead 7 times and the X Ice North 4 not once. The X Ice North 4 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 6.6% higher speed; the Hakkapeliitta 10 stopped 6.5% shorter on ice.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
For maximum safety on ice-dominant routes and rural winter roads, pick Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10. For mixed Nordic use with frequent wet/slush and more asphalt time, choose Michelin X Ice North 4 for its aquaplaning security and calmer, predictable road manners.
Where the X Ice North 4 is stronger
- Best-in-test straight-line aquaplaning in multiple sizes (+9-10% vs Nokian in key tests)
- Often shorter dry braking and competitive wet braking/handling
- Stable, predictable understeer with easy control at the limit
Where the Hakkapeliitta 10 is stronger
- Class-leading ice performance (repeated wins in ice braking/traction/handling)
- Excellent snow cornering grip and traction; precise steering on winter surfaces
- High stability and controllability in extreme winter scenarios
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.
X Ice North 4 vs Hakkapeliitta 10 at a glance
| Category | X Ice North 4 | Gap | Hakkapeliitta 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 0 | 7 | |
| Dry8 measurements | 5 | 2 | |
| Wet15 measurements | 6 | The Hakkapeliitta 10 stopped 1.2% shorter in the wet (5 tests) | 9 |
| Snow15 measurements | 8 | The X Ice North 4 was 0.8% quicker in the snow traction test (5 tests) | 7 |
| Ice15 measurements | 1 | The Hakkapeliitta 10 stopped 6.5% shorter on ice (5 tests) | 14 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 1 | 2 | |
| Value3 measurements | 1 | 2 | |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.6/10 | The Hakkapeliitta 10 by 0.2 | 8.8/10 |
| Owner rating12 and 10 reviews | 84% | The X Ice North 4 by 9 points | 75% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 92% | The X Ice North 4 by 22 points | 70% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +1.9% | The X Ice North 4 was dearer in 1 of 4 | Cheaper |
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 7 tests, 2021 to 2025
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 | X Ice North 4 | Field | Hakkapeliitta 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tyre Test | P5 of 8 | P2 of 8 | |
| 2025 Friction and Studded Winter Tyre Test | P4 of 7 | P1 of 7 | |
| 2024 Studded Tyre Test | P3 of 8 | P1 of 8 | |
| The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tyres for 2024 | P3 of 6 | P2 of 6 | |
| 2023 Studded Tyre Test | P2 of 8 | P1 of 8 | |
| 2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tyre Test | P2 of 8 | P1 of 8 | |
| 2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tyre Test | P3 of 9 | P1 of 9 |
Performance profile
16 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
X Ice North 4
Hakkapeliitta 10
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. 3 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
X Ice North 4
Hakkapeliitta 10
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
X Ice North 4
Hakkapeliitta 10
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the X Ice North 4 84% from 12 reviews and the Hakkapeliitta 10 75% from 10. 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 | X Ice North 4 | Gap | Hakkapeliitta 10 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32.32 | 0.4% | 32.45 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 44.4% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 37.69 | 1.2% | 37.24 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 40.9 | 0.9% | 40.53 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.9% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 62.53 | 6.6% | 58.57 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 28.37 | = | 28.49 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.1 | 0.8% | 5.14 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.18 | 0.1% | 71.98 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 11.1% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 23.13 | 6.5% | 21.46 | 0-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 4.9 | 3.6% | 4.74 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51.25 | 1% | 50.69 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 42.9% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.57 | 0.2 dB | 73.73 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.5 | 2.7% | 5.35 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.76 | 0.1% | 5.75 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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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 X Ice North 4 scores 8.6 and the Hakkapeliitta 10 8.8 out of 10.
| X Ice North 4 | Category | Hakkapeliitta 10 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | Dry | 36 | ||
| 25 | Wet | 22 | ||
| 57 | Comfort | 47 | ||
| 52 | Value | 61 | ||
| 78 | Snow | 86 | ||
| 86 | Ice | 89 | ||
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
| X Ice North 4 | Category | Hakkapeliitta 10 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.7 | Dry Grip | 7.3 | ||
| 7.3 | Wet Grip | 7.1 | ||
| 7.7 | Road Feedback | 6.5 | ||
| 8.2 | Handling | 7.8 | ||
| 8.9 | Wear | 7.4 | ||
| 8.3 | Comfort | 6.3 | ||
| 9.2 | Snow Grip | 9.2 | ||
| 9.8 | Ice Grip | 8.8 | ||
Owners rate the X Ice North 4 84% from 12 reviews and the Hakkapeliitta 10 75% from 10. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Michelin X Ice North 4
- 84%from 12 reviews
- 92%would buy again
- 132,021 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers rate the Michelin X Ice North 4 very highly overall, most often praising outstanding traction and braking on ice and snow along with impressively low road noise for a studded tyre. Several reviews also highlight confident handling/feedback and generally strong longevity, with some users reporting long tread life and good stud seating after proper break-in. A smaller minority note trade-offs such as weaker grip on wet/dry pavement and occasional stud loss or faster wear later in the tyre's life.
- Excellent grip and braking on ice and snow
- Low noise levels for a studded winter tyre
- Confident handling/control and good road feedback in low-friction conditions
- Generally good durability/longevity for winter use (tread and/or studs)
- Wet/dry grip is not as strong as its winter (ice/snow) performance
- Some users report stud loss over time or after multiple seasons
Summarised by AI from 9 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 12 X Ice North 4 reviewsVery good on ice - probably one of the very best. But I wouldn't buy them if most of the driving is on wet or dry roads. The amount of studs in them contributes to a great amount of noise, but in return you'll get very good grip on ice. I have used them mostly on ice tracks with 3 different cars and the speed and grip you can get with these is on another level. Probably only comparable to Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3, but these have longer studs and lose studs easily. Compared to the Blizzaks, straight line grip is not as good, but generally they perform exceptionally well. Have no comparison to newer tyres.
Snow grip is also really good. On dry and wet, feels a little spongy as you would expect from a winter tyre. Haven't really driven them much on the road.
My experience is purely based on RWD cars: 1990 BMW 318i; 1995 BMW 328i; 2004 Smart Roadster. Used the same size with all of them.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
- 75%from 10 reviews
- 70%would buy again
- 83,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally describe the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 as a top-tier studded winter tyre, delivering outstanding traction and confidence on hard-packed snow and ice, with several owners calling it “bulletproof” in harsh conditions. The most consistent drawback is noticeable road noise on dry pavement, and multiple users also report weaker dry/wet handling feel or wet braking compared with premium studless alternatives. A smaller subset report that winter performance can drop off markedly after 2-3 seasons/around 20k miles despite remaining tread, which hurts perceived value for some.
- Exceptional snow and ice traction (braking, acceleration, cornering)
- High confidence and stability in severe winter conditions
- Strong performance in deep snow vs studless competitors
- Good tread life/low wear reported by several owners
- Noticeable road noise/“racket” on dry pavement (typical of studded tyres)
- Dry/wet handling feel and wet braking not as strong as some premium alternatives (less feedback, can feel wobbly)
Summarised by AI from 9 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 10 Hakkapeliitta 10 reviewsBought these for northeast winter and 2025/26 was a bear (2023 CX-5). I travel over High Point mountain NJ up and down and Wurtsboro mountain NY up in morn down at end of day daily over 40 miles one way (look them up, not fun). NJ does a great job clearing the roads NY O boy not so much. These were bullet proof unplowed NY roads no problem up the mountains and down I drank my coffee calmly. Held the track on one lane each way country road unplowed while crazy trailer driver flying in from the other way (had me checking my life ins. in my head) but no problem the Hakka's and CX-5 just did their thing despite his stupidity. Never a slip never a slit slide never a wheel spin. My buddies and I refer to them as the beasts, loud in the dry yea couples miles less MPH (2) yup , who cares!
Bought a set of sharp alloy rims for them to boot no tire changes, bad for your tires.My one friend going to take them for 400 USD (a gift after one season) and I am going for the Hakka 01 with new retractable stud tech, we shall see........yes I am a rubber head I have tire problem!
Sizes, EU label and lineage
| Category | X Ice North 4 | Hakkapeliitta 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Replaced | - | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 |
| Replaced by | - | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01 |
| Price in the shared tests | The X Ice North 4 was the dearer tyre in 1 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 1.9% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
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 flagship Nordic studded winters-the Michelin X Ice North 4 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10-aimed at drivers who prioritize safety and control in severe ice and snow. Across seven shared professional tests from 2021-2025, the Nokian is the serial winner, but the Michelin counters with specific strengths in aquaplaning resistance, predictable balance, and often shorter dry stops.
The pattern is clear: Nokian sets the benchmark for outright winter grip-especially on ice-while Michelin offers a calmer, more understeer-biased demeanor and better water evacuation. If your winter alternates between polished ice and slushy wet, the choice hinges on how much you value ultimate ice grip versus consistent, confidence-building behavior in mixed Nordic conditions.
Conclusion
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 dominates pure winter performance, sweeping all seven overall test wins and repeatedly topping ice braking, traction, and handling. It feels precise and confidence-inspiring on ice and snow and can rotate willingly in corners-great for control at the limit-but it compromises with earlier aquaplaning, average wet grip, higher noise, and middling comfort.
Michelin X Ice North 4 trails overall yet remains impressively rounded for an older design. It frequently wins straight-line aquaplaning, posts competitive dry and wet stopping, and delivers stable, predictable understeer that many drivers find reassuring. Its weaknesses show most on polished ice versus the Nokian's class-leading studs, and rolling resistance can be a negative depending on test and size.
Bottom line: choose Nokian if your winters are dominated by ice and packed snow and you want maximum grip and sharp responses. Choose Michelin if you face frequent wet/slush, value aquaplaning security and calmer manners on asphalt, and prefer a more forgiving, stability-first balance.
X Ice North 4 vs Hakkapeliitta 10: your questions
Is the Michelin X Ice North 4 or the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 the better tyre?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 finished ahead 7 times and the X Ice North 4 not once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the X Ice North 4 scores 8.6 and the Hakkapeliitta 10 8.8 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the X Ice North 4 or the Hakkapeliitta 10?
The Hakkapeliitta 10 led 9 of the 15 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.2% shorter in the wet across 5 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The X Ice North 4 led 5 of the 8 dry measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in snow?
The X Ice North 4 led 8 of the 15 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it was 0.8% quicker in the snow traction test across 5 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.3/10 for the X Ice North 4 and 6.3/10 for the Hakkapeliitta 10.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the X Ice North 4 84% from 12 reviews and the Hakkapeliitta 10 75% from 10. 92% of X Ice North 4 owners would buy it again, against 70% for the Hakkapeliitta 10.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the X Ice North 4 was the dearer tyre in 1 of them, by 1.9% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
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Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
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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