2025 Friction Winter Tyre Test

Swedish automotive magazine Vi Bilägare has conducted a test of eight Nordic friction tyres (studless winter tyres) in dimension 235/60 R18, a popular size for vehicles like the Volvo XC60 which served as the test vehicle. The test comprised 13 separate testing rounds across four different surfaces: ice, snow, wet asphalt, and dry asphalt. 

The test field included four premium manufacturers launching recent products: Continental VikingContact 8, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 (last year's winner), Pirelli Ice Friction (brand new model), and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV (with updated rubber compound). Two mid-range alternatives were also tested: Hankook Winter i*cept IZ3 X (replacing the IZ2) and Nordman North RS3 SUV (Nokian's budget brand, using the previous generation R3 tread pattern). Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV represented an older but still competitive design, while Chinese manufacturer Maxtrek Trek M7 Plus provided the budget segment entry.

Tight Competition at the Top

The 2025 test revealed an unusually competitive field among the four premium tyres, with Continental scoring 91 points, Pirelli 90, Goodyear 87, and Nokian 84 out of a maximum 100 points. This represents one of the closest finishes in recent Vi Bilägare testing history. The testers noted that product development has reached a point where manufacturers have successfully improved their traditional weaknesses without sacrificing existing strengths - the historic trade-off between ice grip and wet performance is narrowing significantly.

Continental's victory came from exceptional consistency, scoring highly across all 13 test categories with no real weaknesses. The VikingContact 8 achieved the best ice grip in the test while simultaneously performing well on wet asphalt - something the testers described as an impressive engineering achievement, particularly in this larger SUV dimension. Pirelli's second-place finish as "Debut of the Year" proved equally impressive, with the Ice Friction showing dramatic improvement over its predecessor by excelling in wet conditions (best aquaplaning resistance and wet braking) while maintaining strong winter performance.

Contrasting Development Philosophies

An interesting aspect of this test was observing how different manufacturers prioritized their development goals. Goodyear maintained its balanced approach from the previous year, focusing heavily on dry asphalt performance and low noise while keeping winter grip competitive. The UltraGrip Ice 3 achieved the lowest noise levels in the test and matched Pirelli for dry handling dynamics, though braking distances were slightly longer than the best competitors.

Nokian's development path proved particularly noteworthy. The testers specifically commented that the R5 SUV arrived with a new rubber compound aimed at addressing previous criticism about weak wet grip. The result was the best wet braking performance in the test by a significant margin. However, this improvement came with a trade-off - the R5 lost some of the sharp, predictable ice handling that previously characterized Nokian products. While still offering good grip levels, the tyre became more prone to sudden grip loss and proved harder to balance at the limit on winter surfaces. The testers appreciated this move toward better balance between wet and winter performance, even if it meant sacrificing some traditional Nokian ice supremacy.

Mid-Range Alternatives and Their Compromises

The mid-range segment revealed interesting insights into how cost reduction affects performance. Nordman's North RS3 SUV, using the previous generation Nokian R3 tread pattern with cheaper rubber compounds, actually outperformed its more expensive Nokian sibling in certain winter conditions. The testers found it easier to control on ice and snow with better balance at the grip limit than the current Nokian R5. However, the cost savings became apparent on asphalt, where the Nordman suffered from non-linear steering feel and particularly poor wet grip - areas where the newer, more expensive Nokian excelled.

The Budget Reality

Maxtrek's Trek M7 Plus provided a good illustration of the performance gap between budget and premium segments. The Chinese tyre placed last or next-to-last in ten of thirteen test categories, often with significant margins to the leaders. The testers noted it could handle basic snow starting and braking adequately - the coarse tread pattern filling with snow and gripping the surface - but struggled with any combined tasks like braking while cornering. On ice, braking distances were dramatically longer (14.70 meters versus Continental's 11.92 meters from 25-5 km/h). The tyre's behavior on dry asphalt was described as "unwilling to take steering input and prefers to roll straight ahead," while wet braking required nearly 15% more distance than the best tyres. The testers emphasized that such performance deficits in critical safety areas make budget tyres a questionable economy, regardless of purchase price.

Dry

Dry Braking

Subj. Dry Handling

Wet

Wet Braking

Wet Handling

Straight Aqua

Snow

Snow Braking

Snow Traction

Snow Handling

Ice

Ice Braking

Ice Traction

Ice Handling

Comfort

Noise

Value

Fuel Consumption

Results

1^st

Continental VikingContact 8

235/60 R18 107T XL

Vi Bilagare Test Winner Testvinnare

The Continental VikingContact 8 delivers the most consistently high performance across all test conditions, earning it the test victory. On ice, it provides the best grip in the entire test, capable of higher cornering speeds than competitors while remaining safe and predictable at the limit with a slightly understeering balance. The tyre excels at managing two tasks simultaneously on winter surfaces - accelerating or braking while cornering. In this larger SUV dimension, Continental has achieved the impressive feat of being best on slippery ice while still performing well on wet asphalt, with significantly improved aquaplaning resistance compared to previous years. On dry pavement, it offers good straight-line stability and low road noise, though steering response is somewhat more sluggish than the best competitors. The tyre has no real weaknesses, making it a worthy test winner with excellent control even when pushed beyond the grip limit.

Dry95.1%

Wet95.2%

Snow99.6%

Ice99.8%

Comfort99.3%

Fuel Consumption96.2%

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.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	2nd / 8	44.41 m	+0.78 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	3rd / 8	4 Points	-1.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	3rd / 8	50.3 m	+3.81 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	4th / 8	62.9 s	+1.30 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	3rd / 8	67.1 km/h	-3.10 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better	7th / 8	12.17 m	+0.16 m
Snow TractionLower is better	1st / 8	1.92 s	Best in this discipline
Snow HandlingLower is better	1st / 8	69.2 s	Best in this discipline
Ice BrakingLower is better	2nd / 8	11.76 m	+0.06 m
Ice TractionLower is better	2nd / 8	5.24 s	+0.01 s
Ice HandlingLower is better	1st / 8	56.9 s	Best in this discipline
NoiseLower is better	3rd / 8	69.1 dB	+0.50 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better	8th / 8	6.5 l/100km	+0.25 l/100km

Origin

Germany

Weight

14.0 kgs

Tread

8.3 mm

Price

2672.00

2^nd

Pirelli Ice Friction

235/60 R18 107T XL

Vi Bilagare Recommended Rekommenderas

The Pirelli Ice Friction earns the title of "Debut of the Year" with an unusually large improvement over its predecessor, the Asimmetrico. Pirelli has excelled in the wet rounds with flying colors - no other tyre in the test has such good resistance to aquaplaning, and it also receives top marks in both braking and cornering on rain-soaked asphalt. Despite these excellent wet weather characteristics, Pirelli also performs at the top on snow and isn't far behind the leaders on ice, with a slightly oversteering rear that helps with cornering. On dry asphalt, it's the best performer with crisp steering feel and good driving enjoyment. The tyre maintains a high and consistent level across all surfaces, with an emphasis on dry pavement performance, earning it second place overall. The only average aspect is road noise levels.

Dry100%

Wet97.5%

Snow99.8%

Ice97%

Comfort97.6%

Fuel Consumption97.7%

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.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	1st / 8	43.63 m	Best in this discipline
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	1st / 8	5 Points	Best in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better	2nd / 8	48.85 m	+2.36 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	2nd / 8	62 s	+0.40 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	1st / 8	70.2 km/h	Best in this discipline
Snow BrakingLower is better	1st / 8	12.01 m	Best in this discipline
Snow TractionLower is better	1st / 8	1.92 s	Best in this discipline
Snow HandlingLower is better	2nd / 8	69.5 s	+0.30 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	4th / 8	11.87 m	+0.17 m
Ice TractionLower is better	5th / 8	5.44 s	+0.21 s
Ice HandlingLower is better	3rd / 8	59.2 s	+2.30 s
NoiseLower is better	8th / 8	70.3 dB	+1.70 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better	5th / 8	6.4 l/100km	+0.15 l/100km

Origin

China

Weight

12.8 kgs

Tread

7.8 mm

Price

2408.00

3^rd

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

235/60 R18 107H XL

Vi Bilagare Recommended Rekommenderas

The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3, last year's winner, continues to show excellent performance in this larger tyre size for SUVs. It's primarily in the dry pavement rounds where Goodyear scores points over competitors, with only Pirelli able to match its crisp steering and stable behavior under pressure, though braking distances are slightly longer than the best competitors. Despite clear focus on asphalt performance, Goodyear also maintains high winter grip, particularly impressive in snow cornering, and handles icy curves well. At the grip limit, it becomes somewhat understeering without any tendency to slide. The test's lowest noise level confirms the image of an almost complete winter tyre, earning it third place, not far from victory. The tyre offers high winter grip combined with low noise and excellent cornering grip on dry pavement, though braking performance is generally slightly weaker than the best.

Dry96.2%

Wet96.1%

Snow99.3%

Ice97.8%

Comfort100%

Fuel Consumption98.4%

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.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	6th / 8	45.75 m	+2.12 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	1st / 8	5 Points	Best in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better	4th / 8	50.35 m	+3.86 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	1st / 8	61.6 s	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	2nd / 8	67.5 km/h	-2.70 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better	6th / 8	12.14 m	+0.13 m
Snow TractionLower is better	3rd / 8	1.93 s	+0.01 s
Snow HandlingLower is better	3rd / 8	69.6 s	+0.40 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	6th / 8	11.99 m	+0.29 m
Ice TractionLower is better	4th / 8	5.29 s	+0.06 s
Ice HandlingLower is better	2nd / 8	58.6 s	+1.70 s
NoiseLower is better	1st / 8	68.6 dB	Best in this discipline
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better	3rd / 8	6.35 l/100km	+0.10 l/100km

Origin

Germany

Weight

13.0 kgs

Tread

7.9 mm

Price

2416.00

4^th

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV

235/60 R18 107R XL

Vi Bilagare Recommended Rekommenderas

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV has been criticized in previous tests for weak wet grip, and now comes the R5 with an update and new rubber compound intended to improve wet characteristics - but perhaps Nokian pulled its focus on wet roads a bit too far. The stopping distance on wet asphalt is by far the best in the test with a good margin. However, Nokian has lost some of its sharpness on ice, especially the cornering behavior on winter road surfaces. The grip is still good, but with eager steering responses on snow and ice, the tyre can lose grip more suddenly than before and becomes harder to balance at the grip limit. As a whole, Nokian has improved the balance between wet grip and winter characteristics, which is appreciated. The tyre performs well with decent grip levels on ice and snow and is more agile than the understeering Continental in tight corners, though it has lower ice grip and worse steering feel on asphalt than the best. In the tough competition, it settles for fourth place.

Dry89.6%

Wet98.7%

Snow99.3%

Ice97.7%

Comfort98.6%

Fuel Consumption97.7%

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.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	5th / 8	45.62 m	+1.99 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	5th / 8	3 Points	-2.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	1st / 8	46.49 m	Best in this discipline
Wet HandlingLower is better	3rd / 8	62.6 s	+1.00 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	4th / 8	66.2 km/h	-4.00 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better	2nd / 8	12.04 m	+0.03 m
Snow TractionLower is better	6th / 8	1.94 s	+0.02 s
Snow HandlingLower is better	4th / 8	69.7 s	+0.50 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	5th / 8	11.92 m	+0.22 m
Ice TractionLower is better	1st / 8	5.23 s	Best in this discipline
Ice HandlingLower is better	6th / 8	60 s	+3.10 s
NoiseLower is better	5th / 8	69.6 dB	+1.00 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better	5th / 8	6.4 l/100km	+0.15 l/100km

Origin

Finland

Weight

14.5 kgs

Tread

8.9 mm

Price

2617.00

5^th

Michelin X Ice Snow SUV

235/60 R18 107H XL

The Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV suddenly stands as the oldest product among the most well-known manufacturers, yet it still holds the flag high in winter rounds with the shortest braking distance on ice in the entire test. However, it lacks some cornering grip on both ice and snow - the tyre doesn't like being stressed and loses grip earlier than competitors with larger steering inputs. In the asphalt rounds, Michelin displays somewhat longer braking distances compared to the very best, and even on dry pavement it suffers from sluggish steering response and a clearly understeering character. Instead, the tyre has good everyday comfort with fine straight-ahead stability on asphalt. The inconsistent performance level compared to the newer premium tyres results in fifth place overall. It offers short braking distances on ice and snow with good steering feel on asphalt, but medium-level performance in wet conditions and somewhat lower cornering grip on all surfaces.

Dry87.2%

Wet92.2%

Snow99.1%

Ice98.4%

Comfort99.9%

Fuel Consumption98.4%

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.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	7th / 8	47.03 m	+3.40 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	5th / 8	3 Points	-2.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	5th / 8	52.76 m	+6.27 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	5th / 8	63.9 s	+2.30 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	8th / 8	64.7 km/h	-5.50 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better	4th / 8	12.1 m	+0.09 m
Snow TractionLower is better	3rd / 8	1.93 s	+0.01 s
Snow HandlingLower is better	5th / 8	70.2 s	+1.00 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	1st / 8	11.7 m	Best in this discipline
Ice TractionLower is better	3rd / 8	5.27 s	+0.04 s
Ice HandlingLower is better	4th / 8	59.3 s	+2.40 s
NoiseLower is better	2nd / 8	68.7 dB	+0.10 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better	3rd / 8	6.35 l/100km	+0.10 l/100km

Origin

Finland

Weight

14.3 kgs

Tread

8.9 mm

Price

2380.00

6^th

Nordman North RS3 SUV

235/60 R18 107R XL

The Nordman North RS3 SUV is traditionally a reincarnation of older tyres from Nokian but with a slightly cheaper rubber compound. The new RS3 has the same tread pattern design as the old Nokian R3 (the predecessor to R5), and the advantages and disadvantages are also recognized. Plus points are awarded for good winter grip, where Nordman can challenge the best in the field and is actually better than Nokian in braking and is easier to balance at the grip limit on ice. However, unlike its more expensive sibling, it falls far behind in the wet rounds with longer braking distances and lower cornering grip. On dry pavement, it also has a clearly non-linear steering feel. Clear emphasis on winter roads with weaker asphalt characteristics gives it sixth place. Despite this being an older generation than current Nokian, it's easier to control on ice and snow with better balance at the limit, though it has generally low wet grip and inconsistent steering feel on asphalt. The fuel consumption is notably good.

Dry87.3%

Wet91.3%

Snow98.6%

Ice97.1%

Comfort98.4%

Fuel Consumption100%

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.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	3rd / 8	44.96 m	+1.33 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	7th / 8	2 Points	-3.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	7th / 8	53.29 m	+6.80 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	7th / 8	64.7 s	+3.10 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	7th / 8	64.8 km/h	-5.40 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better	8th / 8	12.24 m	+0.23 m
Snow TractionLower is better	6th / 8	1.94 s	+0.02 s
Snow HandlingLower is better	5th / 8	70.2 s	+1.00 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	3rd / 8	11.77 m	+0.07 m
Ice TractionLower is better	6th / 8	5.45 s	+0.22 s
Ice HandlingLower is better	5th / 8	59.4 s	+2.50 s
NoiseLower is better	7th / 8	69.7 dB	+1.10 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better	1st / 8	6.25 l/100km	Best in this discipline

Origin

Poland

Weight

14.3 kgs

Tread

7.9 mm

Price

2467.00

7^th

Hankook Winter i cept IZ3 X

235/60 R18 107T XL

The Hankook Winter i*cept IZ3 X is a newcomer that replaces the outgoing IZ2, with the X in the name being the manufacturer's designation for SUV tyres. The predecessor was criticized for ice grip being far behind the best, and with the IZ3, it's precisely the ice grip that has been sharpened. Although the tyre finishes behind the more expensive competitors, it has come much closer in braking grip. However, it loses grip at the rear first and can break out into a slide under pressure on winter road surfaces. On asphalt, the tyre has maintained a natural steering feel and handles the emergency maneuver test well, though road noise has increased compared to its predecessor. In terms of points, Hankook ends up a bit behind the best but clearly ahead of the budget alternative. It offers reasonable braking distances on all surfaces with good steering feel on asphalt, but suffers from high road noise and limited cornering grip on ice and snow.

Dry93.8%

Wet92.1%

Snow98.8%

Ice91.3%

Comfort98.6%

Fuel Consumption99.2%

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.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	4th / 8	45.13 m	+1.50 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	3rd / 8	4 Points	-1.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	6th / 8	52.81 m	+6.32 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	6th / 8	64.2 s	+2.60 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	6th / 8	65.8 km/h	-4.40 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better	5th / 8	12.11 m	+0.10 m
Snow TractionLower is better	3rd / 8	1.93 s	+0.01 s
Snow HandlingLower is better	7th / 8	70.7 s	+1.50 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	7th / 8	12.85 m	+1.15 m
Ice TractionLower is better	7th / 8	5.7 s	+0.47 s
Ice HandlingLower is better	7th / 8	62.4 s	+5.50 s
NoiseLower is better	5th / 8	69.6 dB	+1.00 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better	2nd / 8	6.3 l/100km	+0.05 l/100km

Origin

Sydkorea

Weight

14.7 kgs

Tread

8.2 mm

Price

1921.00

8^th

Maxtrek Trek M7+

235/60 R18 107S XL

The Maxtrek Trek M7 Plus represents the budget segment in this test, and against the well-known competitors, the tyre consistently shows poor results. In ten of 13 categories, it places last or next to last, often with a significant margin up to the best tyres. The only bright spot is starting and braking grip on snow, where the coarse tread pattern helps to grab hold of the snow. However, the grip level fails when the road curves - on both snow and ice, it struggles to do two things simultaneously, like accelerating or braking in a curve. It's also difficult to regain control, though the tyre is never prone to sliding but always releases at the front wheels first. On dry pavement, it's unwilling to take steering input and prefers to roll straight ahead. Last place is a given. The only positive is starting and braking on snow, while it suffers from generally weak cornering grip and poor braking on ice and asphalt.

Dry79.9%

Wet90.8%

Snow98.5%

Ice80.9%

Comfort99.3%

Fuel Consumption97.7%

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.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	8th / 8	47.36 m	+3.73 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	8th / 8	1 Points	-4.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	8th / 8	53.78 m	+7.29 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	8th / 8	65.2 s	+3.60 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	4th / 8	66.2 km/h	-4.00 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better	2nd / 8	12.04 m	+0.03 m
Snow TractionLower is better	6th / 8	1.94 s	+0.02 s
Snow HandlingLower is better	8th / 8	71.3 s	+2.10 s
Ice BrakingLower is better	8th / 8	14.7 m	+3.00 m
Ice TractionLower is better	8th / 8	7.14 s	+1.91 s
Ice HandlingLower is better	8th / 8	63.2 s	+6.30 s
NoiseLower is better	3rd / 8	69.1 dB	+0.50 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better	5th / 8	6.4 l/100km	+0.15 l/100km

Origin

Kina

Weight

13.7 kgs

Tread

7.9 mm

Price

1145.00