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2022 ViBilagare Nordic SUV Winter Tyre Test

Overall test winnerNokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV

We're going to let the test 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 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V3 using a…

Tyres tested
8
Tested size
235/55 R18
Disciplines
13

At a glance

Tyre shortlist

8 Tyres tested

Published finishing positions, with the strengths and considerations from this test. Owner reviews cover other sizes and driving conditions.

1st

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV

+Best grip on ice, driving characteristics on all surfaces, rolling resistance.

−Braking distance wet road, aquaplaning.

Read full verdict
2nd

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

+Best nordic friction tires on asphalt. Low road noise.

−Slightly lower cornering grip on snow/ice.

Read full verdict
3rd

Continental VikingContact 7

+Good grip and good driving characteristics on all surfaces.

−Slightly higher noise level than the best tires.

Read full verdict
4th

Michelin X Ice Snow SUV

+Braking distances on snow/ice. Stability and steering feel asphalt.

−Grip on wet roads, aquaplaning.

Read full verdict
5th

Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1

+Grip and safe driving characteristics on snow/ice. Low noise level.

−Stability and steering feel on asphalt, rolling resistance.

Read full verdict
6th

Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3

+Braking distance dry road, cornering grip on snow, road noise.

−Cornering grip wet road, hydroplaning, rolling resistance.

Read full verdict
7th

Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV

+Hydroplaning, braking distance on wet roads, steering feel on asphalt.

−Ice grip, loose rear end and difficult to control all surfaces

Read full verdict
8th

Mazzini Snowleopard LX

+Good snow grip, braking on wet roads, hydroplaning.

−Good snow grip, braking on wet roads, hydroplaning.

Read full verdict

Tyre shortlist

Compare selected tyres

2022 ViBilagare Nordic SUV Winter Tyre Test · 235/55 R18

TyreNokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUVGoodyear UltraGrip Ice 2Continental VikingContact 7Michelin X Ice Snow SUVFalken Winterpeak F Snow 1Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUVMazzini Snowleopard LX
Position1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th
Category scores (% of best)
Dry93.1%98.6%94.4%93.8%89.1%93.2%92.3%83.6%
Wet94.6%99.9%96.5%93.3%95.6%94.6%96.7%97.9%
Snow99.6%97.3%96.4%98.6%98.3%97%93.2%96.3%
Ice100%94.4%95.1%96.8%95.2%90.4%87.9%82.8%
Comfort97.4%100%97.2%98.1%97.9%97.6%97.5%97.4%
Rolling Resistance100%97.7%97.7%96.4%90.2%89.7%96%95.4%
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The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

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!

Test setup & methodology

The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.

Recorded test conditions

Recorded test conditions

Dry Braking
80 → 5 km/h
Wet Braking
80 → 5 km/h
Snow Braking
35 → 5 km/h
Snow Traction
5 → 25 km/h
Ice Braking
25 → 5 km/h
Ice Traction
5 → 15 km/h

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.

Ice Braking

Ice braking in meters (25 - 5 km/h)

Lower is better ↓
Ice Braking
Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
12.89 m Best 0 km/h
13.37 m +0.48 m 25 km/h
13.66 m +0.77 m 31 km/h
13.69 m +0.80 m 31 km/h
13.79 m +0.90 m 33 km/h
14.55 m +1.66 m 44 km/h
15.61 m +2.72 m 54 km/h
16.72 m +3.83 m 62 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 29.7% (3.83 m ≈ 0.9 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Mazzini Snowleopard LX would still be travelling at 62 km/h when the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Ice Traction

Ice acceleration time (5 - 15 km/h)

Lower is better ↓
Ice Traction
Position / TyreResultGap to best
2.94 s Best
3.05 s +0.11 s
3.11 s +0.17 s
3.15 s +0.21 s
3.16 s +0.22 s
3.35 s +0.41 s
3.37 s +0.43 s
3.73 s +0.79 s

The difference between best and worst was 26.9% (0.79 s).

Ice Handling

Ice handling time in seconds

Lower is better ↓
Ice Handling
Position / TyreResultGap to best
39.97 s Best
40.85 s +0.88 s
40.89 s +0.92 s
40.95 s +0.98 s
41.68 s +1.71 s
41.83 s +1.86 s
42.77 s +2.80 s
43.14 s +3.17 s

The difference between best and worst was 7.9% (3.17 s).

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.

Snow Braking

Snow braking in meters (35 - 5 km/h)

Lower is better ↓
Snow Braking
Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
10.94 m Best 0 km/h
11.16 m +0.22 m 18 km/h
11.25 m +0.31 m 22 km/h
11.35 m +0.41 m 25 km/h
11.4 m +0.46 m 26 km/h
11.5 m +0.56 m 29 km/h
11.56 m +0.62 m 30 km/h
11.6 m +0.66 m 31 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 6% (0.66 m). From 130 km/h, the Continental VikingContact 7 would still be travelling at 31 km/h when the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Snow Traction

Snow acceleration time (5 - 25 km/h)

Lower is better ↓
Snow Traction
Position / TyreResultGap to best
2.74 s Best
2.77 s +0.03 s
2.77 s +0.03 s
2.82 s +0.08 s
2.83 s +0.09 s
2.85 s +0.11 s
2.86 s +0.12 s
3.03 s +0.29 s

The difference between best and worst was 10.6% (0.29 s).

Snow Handling

Snow handling time in seconds

Lower is better ↓
Snow Handling
Position / TyreResultGap to best
72.84 s Best
73.26 s +0.42 s
73.41 s +0.57 s
73.45 s +0.61 s
74.01 s +1.17 s
74.02 s +1.18 s
76.8 s +3.96 s
77.29 s +4.45 s

The difference between best and worst was 6.1% (4.45 s).

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.

Wet Braking

Wet braking in meters (80 - 5 km/h)

Lower is better ↓
Wet Braking
Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
36.42 m Best 0 km/h
37.3 m +0.88 m 20 km/h
38.29 m +1.87 m 29 km/h
38.38 m +1.96 m 29 km/h
38.86 m +2.44 m 33 km/h
38.98 m +2.56 m 33 km/h
39.51 m +3.09 m 36 km/h
40.76 m +4.34 m 42 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 11.9% (4.34 m ≈ 1 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV would still be travelling at 42 km/h when the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Wet Handling

Wet handling time in seconds

Lower is better ↓
Wet Handling
Position / TyreResultGap to best
41.88 s Best
42.05 s +0.17 s
42.11 s +0.23 s
42.4 s +0.52 s
42.63 s +0.75 s
42.67 s +0.79 s
42.97 s +1.09 s
43.06 s +1.18 s

All the tyres in the Wet Handling test finished less than 3% apart.

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

Straight Aqua

Float Speed in Km/H

Higher is better ↑
Straight Aqua
Position / TyreResultGap to best
70.6 km/h Best
70.2 km/h -0.40 km/h
69 km/h -1.60 km/h
68 km/h -2.60 km/h
62.1 km/h -8.50 km/h
61.9 km/h -8.70 km/h
61.9 km/h -8.70 km/h
60.3 km/h -10.30 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 14.6% (10.3 Km/H).

Dry

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

Dry Braking

Dry braking in meters (80 - 5 km/h)

Lower is better ↓
Dry Braking
Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
33.29 m Best 0 km/h
33.59 m +0.30 m 12 km/h
33.85 m +0.56 m 17 km/h
34.2 m +0.91 m 21 km/h
34.46 m +1.17 m 24 km/h
34.46 m +1.17 m 24 km/h
34.77 m +1.48 m 27 km/h
35.12 m +1.83 m 30 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 5.5% (1.83 m ≈ 0.4 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV would still be travelling at 30 km/h when the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

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.

Subj. Dry Handling

Subjective Dry Handling Score

Higher is better ↑
Subj. Dry Handling
Position / TyreResultGap to best
5 Points Best
4 Points -1.00 Points
4 Points -1.00 Points
4 Points -1.00 Points
4 Points -1.00 Points
3 Points -2.00 Points
2 Points -3.00 Points
1 Points -4.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 80% (4 Points).

Environment

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

Noise

Internal noise in dB

Lower is better ↓
Noise
Position / TyreResultGap to best
73.5 dB Best
74.9 dB +1.40 dB
75.1 dB +1.60 dB
75.3 dB +1.80 dB
75.4 dB +1.90 dB
75.5 dB +2.00 dB
75.5 dB +2.00 dB
75.6 dB +2.10 dB

All the tyres in the Noise test finished less than 3% apart.

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.

Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance in kg t

Lower is better ↓
Rolling Resistance
Position / TyreResultGap to bestExtra fuel / year
5.58 kg/t Best £0
5.71 kg/t +0.13 kg/t £10
5.71 kg/t +0.13 kg/t £10
5.79 kg/t +0.21 kg/t £17
5.81 kg/t +0.23 kg/t £18
5.85 kg/t +0.27 kg/t £21
6.19 kg/t +0.61 kg/t £48
6.22 kg/t +0.64 kg/t £51

The difference between best and worst was 11.5% (0.64 kg / t). Over 19,000 km a year at £1.45/L, the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 uses about 35 L (£51) more fuel than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV.

Adjust the assumptions

Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.

19,000 km
£1.45/L
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.

Results

1st

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV

235/55 R18
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV
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.
Dry93.1%
Wet94.6%
Snow99.6%
Ice100%
Comfort97.4%
Rolling Resistance100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better7th / 834.77 m+1.48 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better2nd / 84 Points-1.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better7th / 839.51 m+3.09 m
Wet HandlingLower is better3rd / 842.11 s+0.23 s
Straight AquaHigher is better8th / 860.3 km/h-10.30 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better1st / 810.94 mBest in this discipline
Snow TractionLower is better2nd / 82.77 s+0.03 s
Snow HandlingLower is better1st / 872.84 sBest in this discipline
Ice BrakingLower is better1st / 812.89 mBest in this discipline
Ice TractionLower is better1st / 82.94 sBest in this discipline
Ice HandlingLower is better1st / 839.97 sBest in this discipline
NoiseLower is better6th / 875.5 dB+2.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better1st / 85.58 kg/tBest in this discipline
3PMSF
Yes
Price
2574.00
2nd

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

235/55 R18
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
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.
Dry98.6%
Wet99.9%
Snow97.3%
Ice94.4%
Comfort100%
Rolling Resistance97.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better3rd / 833.85 m+0.56 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better1st / 85 PointsBest in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better1st / 836.42 mBest in this discipline
Wet HandlingLower is better1st / 841.88 sBest in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better2nd / 870.2 km/h-0.40 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better6th / 811.5 m+0.56 m
Snow TractionLower is better4th / 82.82 s+0.08 s
Snow HandlingLower is better4th / 873.45 s+0.61 s
Ice BrakingLower is better3rd / 813.66 m+0.77 m
Ice TractionLower is better5th / 83.16 s+0.22 s
Ice HandlingLower is better5th / 841.68 s+1.71 s
NoiseLower is better1st / 873.5 dBBest in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better2nd / 85.71 kg/t+0.13 kg/t
3PMSF
Yes
Price
2416.00
3rd

Continental VikingContact 7

235/55 R18
Continental VikingContact 7
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.
Dry94.4%
Wet96.5%
Snow96.4%
Ice95.1%
Comfort97.2%
Rolling Resistance97.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better4th / 834.2 m+0.91 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better2nd / 84 Points-1.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better6th / 838.98 m+2.56 m
Wet HandlingLower is better2nd / 842.05 s+0.17 s
Straight AquaHigher is better4th / 868 km/h-2.60 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better8th / 811.6 m+0.66 m
Snow TractionLower is better6th / 82.85 s+0.11 s
Snow HandlingLower is better6th / 874.02 s+1.18 s
Ice BrakingLower is better4th / 813.69 m+0.80 m
Ice TractionLower is better4th / 83.15 s+0.21 s
Ice HandlingLower is better2nd / 840.85 s+0.88 s
NoiseLower is better8th / 875.6 dB+2.10 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better2nd / 85.71 kg/t+0.13 kg/t
3PMSF
Yes
Price
2442.00
4th

Michelin X Ice Snow SUV

235/55 R18
Michelin X Ice Snow SUV
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.
Dry93.8%
Wet93.3%
Snow98.6%
Ice96.8%
Comfort98.1%
Rolling Resistance96.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better5th / 834.46 m+1.17 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better2nd / 84 Points-1.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better8th / 840.76 m+4.34 m
Wet HandlingLower is better4th / 842.4 s+0.52 s
Straight AquaHigher is better6th / 861.9 km/h-8.70 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better3rd / 811.25 m+0.31 m
Snow TractionLower is better1st / 82.74 sBest in this discipline
Snow HandlingLower is better5th / 874.01 s+1.17 s
Ice BrakingLower is better2nd / 813.37 m+0.48 m
Ice TractionLower is better2nd / 83.05 s+0.11 s
Ice HandlingLower is better4th / 840.95 s+0.98 s
NoiseLower is better2nd / 874.9 dB+1.40 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better4th / 85.79 kg/t+0.21 kg/t
3PMSF
Yes
Price
2740.00
5th

Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1

235/55 R18
Falken Winterpeak F Snow 1
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.
Dry89.1%
Wet95.6%
Snow98.3%
Ice95.2%
Comfort97.9%
Rolling Resistance90.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better2nd / 833.59 m+0.30 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better7th / 82 Points-3.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better4th / 838.38 m+1.96 m
Wet HandlingLower is better5th / 842.63 s+0.75 s
Straight AquaHigher is better5th / 862.1 km/h-8.50 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better4th / 811.35 m+0.41 m
Snow TractionLower is better2nd / 82.77 s+0.03 s
Snow HandlingLower is better2nd / 873.26 s+0.42 s
Ice BrakingLower is better5th / 813.79 m+0.90 m
Ice TractionLower is better3rd / 83.11 s+0.17 s
Ice HandlingLower is better3rd / 840.89 s+0.92 s
NoiseLower is better3rd / 875.1 dB+1.60 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better7th / 86.19 kg/t+0.61 kg/t
3PMSF
Yes
Price
2239.00
6th

Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3

235/55 R18
Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3
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.
Dry93.2%
Wet94.6%
Snow97%
Ice90.4%
Comfort97.6%
Rolling Resistance89.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better1st / 833.29 mBest in this discipline
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better6th / 83 Points-2.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better5th / 838.86 m+2.44 m
Wet HandlingLower is better8th / 843.06 s+1.18 s
Straight AquaHigher is better6th / 861.9 km/h-8.70 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better5th / 811.4 m+0.46 m
Snow TractionLower is better7th / 82.86 s+0.12 s
Snow HandlingLower is better3rd / 873.41 s+0.57 s
Ice BrakingLower is better6th / 814.55 m+1.66 m
Ice TractionLower is better7th / 83.37 s+0.43 s
Ice HandlingLower is better6th / 841.83 s+1.86 s
NoiseLower is better4th / 875.3 dB+1.80 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better8th / 86.22 kg/t+0.64 kg/t
3PMSF
Yes
Price
2545.00
7th

Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV

235/55 R18
Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV
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.
Dry92.3%
Wet96.7%
Snow93.2%
Ice87.9%
Comfort97.5%
Rolling Resistance96%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better8th / 835.12 m+1.83 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better2nd / 84 Points-1.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better3rd / 838.29 m+1.87 m
Wet HandlingLower is better7th / 842.97 s+1.09 s
Straight AquaHigher is better1st / 870.6 km/hBest in this discipline
Snow BrakingLower is better7th / 811.56 m+0.62 m
Snow TractionLower is better8th / 83.03 s+0.29 s
Snow HandlingLower is better7th / 876.8 s+3.96 s
Ice BrakingLower is better7th / 815.61 m+2.72 m
Ice TractionLower is better6th / 83.35 s+0.41 s
Ice HandlingLower is better7th / 842.77 s+2.80 s
NoiseLower is better5th / 875.4 dB+1.90 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better5th / 85.81 kg/t+0.23 kg/t
3PMSF
Yes
Price
1898.00
8th

Mazzini Snowleopard LX

235/55 R18
Mazzini Snowleopard LX
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.
Dry83.6%
Wet97.9%
Snow96.3%
Ice82.8%
Comfort97.4%
Rolling Resistance95.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better5th / 834.46 m+1.17 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better8th / 81 Points-4.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better2nd / 837.3 m+0.88 m
Wet HandlingLower is better6th / 842.67 s+0.79 s
Straight AquaHigher is better3rd / 869 km/h-1.60 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better2nd / 811.16 m+0.22 m
Snow TractionLower is better5th / 82.83 s+0.09 s
Snow HandlingLower is better8th / 877.29 s+4.45 s
Ice BrakingLower is better8th / 816.72 m+3.83 m
Ice TractionLower is better8th / 83.73 s+0.79 s
Ice HandlingLower is better8th / 843.14 s+3.17 s
NoiseLower is better6th / 875.5 dB+2.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better6th / 85.85 kg/t+0.27 kg/t
3PMSF
Yes
Price
1684.00

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Where these tyres were tested again, and how the verdict held up.

Discussion

2 comments
  1. JH archived

    A minor thing, but they were testing with a Volvo XC40, not a V40.

    #8556
    1. TyreReviews JH archived

      Shoot, thank you!

      #8558
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