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2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test

Jonathan Benson
Data analyzed and reviewed by Jonathan Benson
11 min read Updated
Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Dry
  3. Wet
  4. Snow
  5. Ice
  6. Environment
  7. Results
  8. Michelin X Ice North 4
  9. Continental IceContact 3
  10. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
  11. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
  12. Bridgestone Noranza 001
  13. Continental VikingContact 7
  14. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
  15. Michelin X Ice Snow
  16. Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
  17. Pirelli Ice Zero FR
  18. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
  19. Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
  20. Sava Eskimo Ice
  21. Linglong Winter Unicorn
  22. Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
  23. Nankang Ice Activa 2
  24. Nexen Winguard Ice+ WH43
  25. Petlas Glacier W661
  26. Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
  27. Sunny SN3860

Test Publication:
Test World
205/55 R16 20 tyres 5 categories
Similar Tests
Test Publication:
Test World
Test Size: 205/55 R16
Tyres Tested: 20 tyres
Test Categories:
5 categories (14 tests)
Similar Tests
Test World is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, Tyre Reviews. This is independent editorial coverage of their published test.
If you're planning on undertaking a massive Nordic friction and studded winter tyre test, having the right facilities to conduct the test in is key. Fortunately for Test World, they own one of the best independent arctic testing facilities in the world which is why we're super excited to see this 21 tyre test, covering all the key friction studless and studded winter tyres on the market.

All tyres are in the popular 205/55 R16, and were tested using a VW Golf. There were some interesting new tyres in the test, including the first test of the studless Michelin X-Ice Snow.

Many of the premium brands included have both studless friction and studded winter tyres in the test, which is why you'll see them twice in the data, so as you're going through the results looking at your favourite tyre make sure you're looking at the right version of it.

Overall, the usual contenders in the winter segment came out top. Continental, who dominate the European winter tyre tests, joint won the test alongside Michelin. 

The studded Continental IceContact 3 proved to have an excellent all round ability, with no huge weakness for a studded tyre, and the new studded Michelin X-Ice North 4 dominated on ice, and performed well in nearly all other criteria, showing only a slight weakness during wet handling testing.

Winter specialists Nokian aren't having the best time in the European winter segment at the moment, but they'll be happy with third place for their studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 tyre, and even happier as the winning studless friction tyre on test being awarded to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3. 

One other interesting point for European readers, you'll notice some of the best tyres in the dry and wet are rated as some of the worst tyres overall in this test. This serves as a nice reminder that friction and studded tyres are tyres designed for climates that see extreme winters, which mean snow and ice on the ground for many months constantly. None of these tyres are suitable for a central European winter, where dry and wet is the dominant weather, so don't try fitting them in climates like the UK.

Dry

In the dry the budget Petlas Glacier W661 narrowly beat the Michelin X-Ice North 4. Sadly there was no objective dry handling data, the subjective data can be found in the overall results below.

Dry Braking

Spread: 3.10 M (10.7%)|Avg: 30.34 M
Dry braking in meters (Lower is better)
  1. Petlas Glacier W661
    29.00 M
  2. Michelin X Ice North 4
    29.30 M
  3. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
    29.40 M
  4. Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
    29.50 M
  5. Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
    29.80 M
  6. Continental IceContact 3
    29.90 M
  7. Linglong Winter Unicorn
    29.90 M
  8. Sunny SN3860
    30.00 M
  9. Pirelli Ice Zero FR
    30.00 M
  10. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    30.00 M
  11. Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
    30.20 M
  12. Continental VikingContact 7
    30.30 M
  13. Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
    30.30 M
  14. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    30.60 M
  15. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
    30.70 M
  16. Michelin X Ice Snow
    31.20 M
  17. Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
    31.30 M
  18. Bridgestone Noranza 001
    31.50 M
  19. Nankang Ice Activa 2
    31.70 M
  20. Sava Eskimo Ice
    32.10 M

Wet

The Petlas also proved best during wet testing, winning wet braking and wet handling.

Wet Braking

Spread: 10.70 M (36%)|Avg: 36.89 M
Wet braking in meters (Lower is better)
  1. Petlas Glacier W661
    29.70 M
  2. Sunny SN3860
    32.50 M
  3. Continental IceContact 3
    33.40 M
  4. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    34.80 M
  5. Michelin X Ice North 4
    35.90 M
  6. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
    36.50 M
  7. Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
    36.60 M
  8. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    36.60 M
  9. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
    37.10 M
  10. Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
    37.30 M
  11. Bridgestone Noranza 001
    37.40 M
  12. Nankang Ice Activa 2
    38.20 M
  13. Continental VikingContact 7
    38.50 M
  14. Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
    38.50 M
  15. Michelin X Ice Snow
    38.60 M
  16. Sava Eskimo Ice
    38.60 M
  17. Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
    38.70 M
  18. Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
    39.10 M
  19. Pirelli Ice Zero FR
    39.30 M
  20. Linglong Winter Unicorn
    40.40 M

Wet Handling

Spread: 1.70 s (5%)|Avg: 34.82 s
Wet handling time in seconds (Lower is better)
  1. Petlas Glacier W661
    33.70 s
  2. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
    34.10 s
  3. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
    34.50 s
  4. Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
    34.50 s
  5. Sava Eskimo Ice
    34.60 s
  6. Continental VikingContact 7
    34.70 s
  7. Nankang Ice Activa 2
    34.70 s
  8. Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
    34.80 s
  9. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    34.80 s
  10. Pirelli Ice Zero FR
    34.80 s
  11. Continental IceContact 3
    34.90 s
  12. Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
    34.90 s
  13. Michelin X Ice Snow
    35.00 s
  14. Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
    35.00 s
  15. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    35.10 s
  16. Sunny SN3860
    35.20 s
  17. Bridgestone Noranza 001
    35.20 s
  18. Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
    35.20 s
  19. Linglong Winter Unicorn
    35.30 s
  20. Michelin X Ice North 4
    35.40 s

Snow

Colder testing reversed the fortunes of the Petlas tyre, finishing at the back of the pack in all the snow and ice testing.

Continental dominated snow braking, taking first place with the studless VikingContact and second place with the studded IceContact 3

Snow Braking

Spread: 3.40 M (6.8%)|Avg: 51.31 M
Snow braking in meters (Lower is better)
  1. Continental VikingContact 7
    50.20 M
  2. Michelin X Ice Snow
    50.40 M
  3. Continental IceContact 3
    50.40 M
  4. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
    50.60 M
  5. Michelin X Ice North 4
    50.60 M
  6. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    50.70 M
  7. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    50.70 M
  8. Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
    50.90 M
  9. Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
    50.90 M
  10. Pirelli Ice Zero FR
    51.00 M
  11. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
    51.20 M
  12. Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
    51.20 M
  13. Linglong Winter Unicorn
    51.40 M
  14. Bridgestone Noranza 001
    51.50 M
  15. Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
    51.80 M
  16. Nankang Ice Activa 2
    51.90 M
  17. Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
    52.00 M
  18. Sava Eskimo Ice
    52.00 M
  19. Petlas Glacier W661
    53.20 M
  20. Sunny SN3860
    53.60 M

Continental again took the top two spots during snow traction testing, this time with the studded tyre ahead of the studless.

Snow Traction

Spread: 0.60 s (10.2%)|Avg: 6.08 s
Snow acceleration time (Lower is better)
  1. Continental VikingContact 7
    5.90 s
  2. Continental IceContact 3
    5.90 s
  3. Bridgestone Noranza 001
    5.90 s
  4. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    6.00 s
  5. Nankang Ice Activa 2
    6.00 s
  6. Pirelli Ice Zero FR
    6.00 s
  7. Michelin X Ice Snow
    6.00 s
  8. Michelin X Ice North 4
    6.00 s
  9. Sava Eskimo Ice
    6.00 s
  10. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    6.10 s
  11. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
    6.10 s
  12. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
    6.10 s
  13. Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
    6.10 s
  14. Linglong Winter Unicorn
    6.10 s
  15. Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
    6.10 s
  16. Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
    6.20 s
  17. Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
    6.20 s
  18. Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
    6.20 s
  19. Petlas Glacier W661
    6.20 s
  20. Sunny SN3860
    6.50 s

Snow handling testing brought a little advantage to the studless tyres, with the VikingContact again proving best, and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 finishing second.

Snow Handling

Spread: 4.90 s (10.1%)|Avg: 49.47 s
Snow handling time in seconds (Lower is better)
  1. Continental VikingContact 7
    48.30 s
  2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
    48.40 s
  3. Linglong Winter Unicorn
    48.70 s
  4. Michelin X Ice Snow
    48.70 s
  5. Nankang Ice Activa 2
    48.80 s
  6. Continental IceContact 3
    48.80 s
  7. Bridgestone Noranza 001
    48.80 s
  8. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    49.00 s
  9. Michelin X Ice North 4
    49.00 s
  10. Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
    49.10 s
  11. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    49.30 s
  12. Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
    49.30 s
  13. Pirelli Ice Zero FR
    49.40 s
  14. Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
    49.50 s
  15. Sava Eskimo Ice
    49.60 s
  16. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
    49.80 s
  17. Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
    50.00 s
  18. Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
    50.80 s
  19. Petlas Glacier W661
    50.90 s
  20. Sunny SN3860
    53.20 s

Ice

Ice testing naturally brings the advantage back to studded tyres, with the Michelin X-Ice North 4 matching the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 as the best during ice braking.

Ice Braking

Spread: 16.80 M (44.4%)|Avg: 43.85 M
Ice braking in meters (Lower is better)
  1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    37.80 M
  2. Michelin X Ice North 4
    37.80 M
  3. Continental IceContact 3
    38.90 M
  4. Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
    39.70 M
  5. Bridgestone Noranza 001
    39.70 M
  6. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    41.70 M
  7. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
    42.50 M
  8. Michelin X Ice Snow
    42.70 M
  9. Continental VikingContact 7
    43.20 M
  10. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
    43.20 M
  11. Sava Eskimo Ice
    43.40 M
  12. Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
    43.50 M
  13. Pirelli Ice Zero FR
    44.00 M
  14. Linglong Winter Unicorn
    45.00 M
  15. Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
    45.90 M
  16. Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
    47.30 M
  17. Nankang Ice Activa 2
    47.50 M
  18. Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
    48.10 M
  19. Petlas Glacier W661
    50.50 M
  20. Sunny SN3860
    54.60 M

Michelin, Continental and Nokian also took the top three sports during ice traction.

Ice Traction

Spread: 3.20 s (86.5%)|Avg: 5.27 s
Ice acceleration time (Lower is better)
  1. Michelin X Ice North 4
    3.70 s
  2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    3.80 s
  3. Continental IceContact 3
    3.80 s
  4. Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
    3.90 s
  5. Bridgestone Noranza 001
    3.90 s
  6. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    4.00 s
  7. Michelin X Ice Snow
    5.30 s
  8. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
    5.40 s
  9. Continental VikingContact 7
    5.50 s
  10. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
    5.50 s
  11. Sunny SN3860
    5.60 s
  12. Pirelli Ice Zero FR
    5.60 s
  13. Sava Eskimo Ice
    5.70 s
  14. Linglong Winter Unicorn
    5.70 s
  15. Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
    5.90 s
  16. Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
    5.90 s
  17. Nankang Ice Activa 2
    6.20 s
  18. Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
    6.50 s
  19. Petlas Glacier W661
    6.60 s
  20. Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
    6.90 s

Michelin rounded out the ice testing with anoher win for the X Ice North 4.

Ice Handling

Spread: 14.70 s (25.7%)|Avg: 62.54 s
Ice handling time in seconds (Lower is better)
  1. Michelin X Ice North 4
    57.30 s
  2. Bridgestone Noranza 001
    58.60 s
  3. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    58.80 s
  4. Continental IceContact 3
    60.20 s
  5. Pirelli Ice Zero FR
    60.70 s
  6. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
    60.80 s
  7. Continental VikingContact 7
    61.00 s
  8. Michelin X Ice Snow
    61.00 s
  9. Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
    61.20 s
  10. Nankang Ice Activa 2
    61.50 s
  11. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    61.60 s
  12. Sava Eskimo Ice
    61.70 s
  13. Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
    61.80 s
  14. Linglong Winter Unicorn
    62.00 s
  15. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
    63.30 s
  16. Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
    64.00 s
  17. Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
    65.10 s
  18. Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
    67.30 s
  19. Petlas Glacier W661
    70.80 s
  20. Sunny SN3860
    72.00 s

Environment

The tyres were rated subjectively for noise, with seven of the tyres on test finishing joint top.

Subj. Noise

Spread: 3.00 Points (33.3%)|Avg: 7.80 Points
Subjective in car noise levels (Higher is better)
  1. Sava Eskimo Ice
    9.00 Points
  2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
    9.00 Points
  3. Continental VikingContact 7
    9.00 Points
  4. Nankang Ice Activa 2
    9.00 Points
  5. Linglong Winter Unicorn
    9.00 Points
  6. Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
    9.00 Points
  7. Pirelli Ice Zero FR
    9.00 Points
  8. Petlas Glacier W661
    8.00 Points
  9. Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
    8.00 Points
  10. Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
    8.00 Points
  11. Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
    8.00 Points
  12. Michelin X Ice Snow
    8.00 Points
  13. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
    8.00 Points
  14. Continental IceContact 3
    7.00 Points
  15. Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
    7.00 Points
  16. Sunny SN3860
    7.00 Points
  17. Hankook Winter i pike RS2
    6.00 Points
  18. Bridgestone Noranza 001
    6.00 Points
  19. Michelin X Ice North 4
    6.00 Points
  20. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
    6.00 Points

Rolling resistance scores were based on the best tyre (Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3) being set at zero, then other the tyres ratings being how much more fuel they would use represented as a percentage.

Results

1st

Michelin X Ice North 4

205/55 R16
Michelin X Ice North 4
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 2nd 29.3 M 29 M +0.3 M 98.98%
Subj. Dry Handling 5th 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 5th 35.9 M 29.7 M +6.2 M 82.73%
Wet Handling 20th 35.4 s 33.7 s +1.7 s 95.2%
Subj. Wet Handling 8th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 4th 50.6 M 50.2 M +0.4 M 99.21%
Snow Traction 4th 6 s 5.9 s +0.1 s 98.33%
Snow Handling 8th 49 s 48.3 s +0.7 s 98.57%
Subj. Snow Handling 1st 9 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 1st 37.8 M 100%
Ice Traction 1st 3.7 s 100%
Ice Handling 1st 57.3 s 100%
Subj. Ice Handling 1st 10 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 17th 6 Points 9 Points -3 Points 66.67%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
1st

Continental IceContact 3

205/55 R16
Continental IceContact 3
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 6th 29.9 M 29 M +0.9 M 96.99%
Subj. Dry Handling 2nd 9 Points 10 Points -1 Points 90%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 3rd 33.4 M 29.7 M +3.7 M 88.92%
Wet Handling 11th 34.9 s 33.7 s +1.2 s 96.56%
Subj. Wet Handling 3rd 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 2nd 50.4 M 50.2 M +0.2 M 99.6%
Snow Traction 1st 5.9 s 100%
Snow Handling 5th 48.8 s 48.3 s +0.5 s 98.98%
Subj. Snow Handling 1st 9 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 3rd 38.9 M 37.8 M +1.1 M 97.17%
Ice Traction 2nd 3.8 s 3.7 s +0.1 s 97.37%
Ice Handling 4th 60.2 s 57.3 s +2.9 s 95.18%
Subj. Ice Handling 4th 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 14th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
3rd

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

205/55 R16
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 8th 30 M 29 M +1 M 96.67%
Subj. Dry Handling 14th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 7th 36.6 M 29.7 M +6.9 M 81.15%
Wet Handling 15th 35.1 s 33.7 s +1.4 s 96.01%
Subj. Wet Handling 8th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 6th 50.7 M 50.2 M +0.5 M 99.01%
Snow Traction 4th 6 s 5.9 s +0.1 s 98.33%
Snow Handling 8th 49 s 48.3 s +0.7 s 98.57%
Subj. Snow Handling 1st 9 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 1st 37.8 M 100%
Ice Traction 2nd 3.8 s 3.7 s +0.1 s 97.37%
Ice Handling 3rd 58.8 s 57.3 s +1.5 s 97.45%
Subj. Ice Handling 2nd 9 Points 10 Points -1 Points 90%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 17th 6 Points 9 Points -3 Points 66.67%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
4th

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

205/55 R16
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 3rd 29.4 M 29 M +0.4 M 98.64%
Subj. Dry Handling 5th 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 9th 37.1 M 29.7 M +7.4 M 80.05%
Wet Handling 3rd 34.5 s 33.7 s +0.8 s 97.68%
Subj. Wet Handling 3rd 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 11th 51.2 M 50.2 M +1 M 98.05%
Snow Traction 10th 6.1 s 5.9 s +0.2 s 96.72%
Snow Handling 2nd 48.4 s 48.3 s +0.1 s 99.79%
Subj. Snow Handling 1st 9 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 7th 42.5 M 37.8 M +4.7 M 88.94%
Ice Traction 8th 5.4 s 3.7 s +1.7 s 68.52%
Ice Handling 6th 60.8 s 57.3 s +3.5 s 94.24%
Subj. Ice Handling 4th 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 1st 9 Points 100%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
5th

Bridgestone Noranza 001

205/55 R16
Bridgestone Noranza 001
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 18th 31.5 M 29 M +2.5 M 92.06%
Subj. Dry Handling 14th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 11th 37.4 M 29.7 M +7.7 M 79.41%
Wet Handling 16th 35.2 s 33.7 s +1.5 s 95.74%
Subj. Wet Handling 17th 6 Points 9 Points -3 Points 66.67%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 14th 51.5 M 50.2 M +1.3 M 97.48%
Snow Traction 1st 5.9 s 100%
Snow Handling 5th 48.8 s 48.3 s +0.5 s 98.98%
Subj. Snow Handling 1st 9 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 4th 39.7 M 37.8 M +1.9 M 95.21%
Ice Traction 4th 3.9 s 3.7 s +0.2 s 94.87%
Ice Handling 2nd 58.6 s 57.3 s +1.3 s 97.78%
Subj. Ice Handling 2nd 9 Points 10 Points -1 Points 90%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 17th 6 Points 9 Points -3 Points 66.67%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
6th

Continental VikingContact 7

205/55 R16
Continental VikingContact 7
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 12th 30.3 M 29 M +1.3 M 95.71%
Subj. Dry Handling 14th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 13th 38.5 M 29.7 M +8.8 M 77.14%
Wet Handling 6th 34.7 s 33.7 s +1 s 97.12%
Subj. Wet Handling 3rd 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 1st 50.2 M 100%
Snow Traction 1st 5.9 s 100%
Snow Handling 1st 48.3 s 100%
Subj. Snow Handling 1st 9 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 9th 43.2 M 37.8 M +5.4 M 87.5%
Ice Traction 9th 5.5 s 3.7 s +1.8 s 67.27%
Ice Handling 7th 61 s 57.3 s +3.7 s 93.93%
Subj. Ice Handling 4th 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 1st 9 Points 100%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
6th

Hankook Winter i pike RS2

205/55 R16
Hankook Winter i pike RS2
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 14th 30.6 M 29 M +1.6 M 94.77%
Subj. Dry Handling 5th 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 4th 34.8 M 29.7 M +5.1 M 85.34%
Wet Handling 8th 34.8 s 33.7 s +1.1 s 96.84%
Subj. Wet Handling 8th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 6th 50.7 M 50.2 M +0.5 M 99.01%
Snow Traction 10th 6.1 s 5.9 s +0.2 s 96.72%
Snow Handling 11th 49.3 s 48.3 s +1 s 97.97%
Subj. Snow Handling 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 6th 41.7 M 37.8 M +3.9 M 90.65%
Ice Traction 6th 4 s 3.7 s +0.3 s 92.5%
Ice Handling 11th 61.6 s 57.3 s +4.3 s 93.02%
Subj. Ice Handling 4th 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 17th 6 Points 9 Points -3 Points 66.67%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
8th

Michelin X Ice Snow

205/55 R16
Michelin X Ice Snow
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 16th 31.2 M 29 M +2.2 M 92.95%
Subj. Dry Handling 5th 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 15th 38.6 M 29.7 M +8.9 M 76.94%
Wet Handling 13th 35 s 33.7 s +1.3 s 96.29%
Subj. Wet Handling 3rd 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 2nd 50.4 M 50.2 M +0.2 M 99.6%
Snow Traction 4th 6 s 5.9 s +0.1 s 98.33%
Snow Handling 3rd 48.7 s 48.3 s +0.4 s 99.18%
Subj. Snow Handling 1st 9 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 8th 42.7 M 37.8 M +4.9 M 88.52%
Ice Traction 7th 5.3 s 3.7 s +1.6 s 69.81%
Ice Handling 7th 61 s 57.3 s +3.7 s 93.93%
Subj. Ice Handling 8th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
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9th

Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2

205/55 R16
Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 4th 29.5 M 29 M +0.5 M 98.31%
Subj. Dry Handling 18th 6 Points 10 Points -4 Points 60%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 10th 37.3 M 29.7 M +7.6 M 79.62%
Wet Handling 11th 34.9 s 33.7 s +1.2 s 96.56%
Subj. Wet Handling 17th 6 Points 9 Points -3 Points 66.67%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 8th 50.9 M 50.2 M +0.7 M 98.62%
Snow Traction 16th 6.2 s 5.9 s +0.3 s 95.16%
Snow Handling 14th 49.5 s 48.3 s +1.2 s 97.58%
Subj. Snow Handling 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 4th 39.7 M 37.8 M +1.9 M 95.21%
Ice Traction 4th 3.9 s 3.7 s +0.2 s 94.87%
Ice Handling 13th 61.8 s 57.3 s +4.5 s 92.72%
Subj. Ice Handling 8th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 14th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
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10th

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

205/55 R16
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 8th 30 M 29 M +1 M 96.67%
Subj. Dry Handling 14th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 19th 39.3 M 29.7 M +9.6 M 75.57%
Wet Handling 8th 34.8 s 33.7 s +1.1 s 96.84%
Subj. Wet Handling 8th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 10th 51 M 50.2 M +0.8 M 98.43%
Snow Traction 4th 6 s 5.9 s +0.1 s 98.33%
Snow Handling 13th 49.4 s 48.3 s +1.1 s 97.77%
Subj. Snow Handling 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 13th 44 M 37.8 M +6.2 M 85.91%
Ice Traction 11th 5.6 s 3.7 s +1.9 s 66.07%
Ice Handling 5th 60.7 s 57.3 s +3.4 s 94.4%
Subj. Ice Handling 8th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 1st 9 Points 100%
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10th

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 15th 30.7 M 29 M +1.7 M 94.46%
Subj. Dry Handling 5th 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 6th 36.5 M 29.7 M +6.8 M 81.37%
Wet Handling 2nd 34.1 s 33.7 s +0.4 s 98.83%
Subj. Wet Handling 1st 9 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 4th 50.6 M 50.2 M +0.4 M 99.21%
Snow Traction 10th 6.1 s 5.9 s +0.2 s 96.72%
Snow Handling 16th 49.8 s 48.3 s +1.5 s 96.99%
Subj. Snow Handling 16th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 9th 43.2 M 37.8 M +5.4 M 87.5%
Ice Traction 9th 5.5 s 3.7 s +1.8 s 67.27%
Ice Handling 15th 63.3 s 57.3 s +6 s 90.52%
Subj. Ice Handling 8th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
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12th

Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616

205/55 R16
Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 12th 30.3 M 29 M +1.3 M 95.71%
Subj. Dry Handling 2nd 9 Points 10 Points -1 Points 90%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 13th 38.5 M 29.7 M +8.8 M 77.14%
Wet Handling 3rd 34.5 s 33.7 s +0.8 s 97.68%
Subj. Wet Handling 3rd 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 11th 51.2 M 50.2 M +1 M 98.05%
Snow Traction 10th 6.1 s 5.9 s +0.2 s 96.72%
Snow Handling 10th 49.1 s 48.3 s +0.8 s 98.37%
Subj. Snow Handling 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 12th 43.5 M 37.8 M +5.7 M 86.9%
Ice Traction 15th 5.9 s 3.7 s +2.2 s 62.71%
Ice Handling 16th 64 s 57.3 s +6.7 s 89.53%
Subj. Ice Handling 15th 6 Points 10 Points -4 Points 60%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
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13th

Sava Eskimo Ice

205/55 R16
Sava Eskimo Ice
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 20th 32.1 M 29 M +3.1 M 90.34%
Subj. Dry Handling 2nd 9 Points 10 Points -1 Points 90%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 15th 38.6 M 29.7 M +8.9 M 76.94%
Wet Handling 5th 34.6 s 33.7 s +0.9 s 97.4%
Subj. Wet Handling 8th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 17th 52 M 50.2 M +1.8 M 96.54%
Snow Traction 4th 6 s 5.9 s +0.1 s 98.33%
Snow Handling 15th 49.6 s 48.3 s +1.3 s 97.38%
Subj. Snow Handling 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 11th 43.4 M 37.8 M +5.6 M 87.1%
Ice Traction 13th 5.7 s 3.7 s +2 s 64.91%
Ice Handling 12th 61.7 s 57.3 s +4.4 s 92.87%
Subj. Ice Handling 15th 6 Points 10 Points -4 Points 60%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 1st 9 Points 100%
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15th

Linglong Winter Unicorn

205/55 R16
Linglong Winter Unicorn
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 6th 29.9 M 29 M +0.9 M 96.99%
Subj. Dry Handling 18th 6 Points 10 Points -4 Points 60%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 20th 40.4 M 29.7 M +10.7 M 73.51%
Wet Handling 19th 35.3 s 33.7 s +1.6 s 95.47%
Subj. Wet Handling 8th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 13th 51.4 M 50.2 M +1.2 M 97.67%
Snow Traction 10th 6.1 s 5.9 s +0.2 s 96.72%
Snow Handling 3rd 48.7 s 48.3 s +0.4 s 99.18%
Subj. Snow Handling 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 14th 45 M 37.8 M +7.2 M 84%
Ice Traction 13th 5.7 s 3.7 s +2 s 64.91%
Ice Handling 14th 62 s 57.3 s +4.7 s 92.42%
Subj. Ice Handling 8th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 1st 9 Points 100%
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16th

Bridgestone Blizzak Ice

205/55 R16
Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 11th 30.2 M 29 M +1.2 M 96.03%
Subj. Dry Handling 5th 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 17th 38.7 M 29.7 M +9 M 76.74%
Wet Handling 13th 35 s 33.7 s +1.3 s 96.29%
Subj. Wet Handling 17th 6 Points 9 Points -3 Points 66.67%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 17th 52 M 50.2 M +1.8 M 96.54%
Snow Traction 16th 6.2 s 5.9 s +0.3 s 95.16%
Snow Handling 18th 50.8 s 48.3 s +2.5 s 95.08%
Subj. Snow Handling 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 15th 45.9 M 37.8 M +8.1 M 82.35%
Ice Traction 15th 5.9 s 3.7 s +2.2 s 62.71%
Ice Handling 9th 61.2 s 57.3 s +3.9 s 93.63%
Subj. Ice Handling 8th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 1st 9 Points 100%
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17th

Nankang Ice Activa 2

205/55 R16
Nankang Ice Activa 2
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 19th 31.7 M 29 M +2.7 M 91.48%
Subj. Dry Handling 18th 6 Points 10 Points -4 Points 60%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 12th 38.2 M 29.7 M +8.5 M 77.75%
Wet Handling 6th 34.7 s 33.7 s +1 s 97.12%
Subj. Wet Handling 8th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 16th 51.9 M 50.2 M +1.7 M 96.72%
Snow Traction 4th 6 s 5.9 s +0.1 s 98.33%
Snow Handling 5th 48.8 s 48.3 s +0.5 s 98.98%
Subj. Snow Handling 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 17th 47.5 M 37.8 M +9.7 M 79.58%
Ice Traction 17th 6.2 s 3.7 s +2.5 s 59.68%
Ice Handling 10th 61.5 s 57.3 s +4.2 s 93.17%
Subj. Ice Handling 8th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 1st 9 Points 100%
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18th

Nexen Winguard Ice+ WH43

205/55 R16
Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 17th 31.3 M 29 M +2.3 M 92.65%
Subj. Dry Handling 5th 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 18th 39.1 M 29.7 M +9.4 M 75.96%
Wet Handling 16th 35.2 s 33.7 s +1.5 s 95.74%
Subj. Wet Handling 17th 6 Points 9 Points -3 Points 66.67%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 15th 51.8 M 50.2 M +1.6 M 96.91%
Snow Traction 10th 6.1 s 5.9 s +0.2 s 96.72%
Snow Handling 17th 50 s 48.3 s +1.7 s 96.6%
Subj. Snow Handling 16th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 16th 47.3 M 37.8 M +9.5 M 79.92%
Ice Traction 20th 6.9 s 3.7 s +3.2 s 53.62%
Ice Handling 17th 65.1 s 57.3 s +7.8 s 88.02%
Subj. Ice Handling 15th 6 Points 10 Points -4 Points 60%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
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18th

Petlas Glacier W661

205/55 R16
Petlas Glacier W661
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 1st 29 M 100%
Subj. Dry Handling 1st 10 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 1st 29.7 M 100%
Wet Handling 1st 33.7 s 100%
Subj. Wet Handling 1st 9 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 19th 53.2 M 50.2 M +3 M 94.36%
Snow Traction 16th 6.2 s 5.9 s +0.3 s 95.16%
Snow Handling 19th 50.9 s 48.3 s +2.6 s 94.89%
Subj. Snow Handling 19th 6 Points 9 Points -3 Points 66.67%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 19th 50.5 M 37.8 M +12.7 M 74.85%
Ice Traction 19th 6.6 s 3.7 s +2.9 s 56.06%
Ice Handling 19th 70.8 s 57.3 s +13.5 s 80.93%
Subj. Ice Handling 20th 4 Points 10 Points -6 Points 40%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
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18th

Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP

205/55 R16
Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 5th 29.8 M 29 M +0.8 M 97.32%
Subj. Dry Handling 5th 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 7th 36.6 M 29.7 M +6.9 M 81.15%
Wet Handling 8th 34.8 s 33.7 s +1.1 s 96.84%
Subj. Wet Handling 8th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 8th 50.9 M 50.2 M +0.7 M 98.62%
Snow Traction 16th 6.2 s 5.9 s +0.3 s 95.16%
Snow Handling 11th 49.3 s 48.3 s +1 s 97.97%
Subj. Snow Handling 16th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 18th 48.1 M 37.8 M +10.3 M 78.59%
Ice Traction 18th 6.5 s 3.7 s +2.8 s 56.92%
Ice Handling 18th 67.3 s 57.3 s +10 s 85.14%
Subj. Ice Handling 18th 5 Points 10 Points -5 Points 50%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 8th 8 Points 9 Points -1 Points 88.89%
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21st

Sunny SN3860

205/55 R16
Sunny SN3860
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 8th 30 M 29 M +1 M 96.67%
Subj. Dry Handling 5th 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 2nd 32.5 M 29.7 M +2.8 M 91.38%
Wet Handling 16th 35.2 s 33.7 s +1.5 s 95.74%
Subj. Wet Handling 8th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Snow Braking 20th 53.6 M 50.2 M +3.4 M 93.66%
Snow Traction 20th 6.5 s 5.9 s +0.6 s 90.77%
Snow Handling 20th 53.2 s 48.3 s +4.9 s 90.79%
Subj. Snow Handling 20th 5 Points 9 Points -4 Points 55.56%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Ice Braking 20th 54.6 M 37.8 M +16.8 M 69.23%
Ice Traction 11th 5.6 s 3.7 s +1.9 s 66.07%
Ice Handling 20th 72 s 57.3 s +14.7 s 79.58%
Subj. Ice Handling 18th 5 Points 10 Points -5 Points 50%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Noise 14th 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts

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Discussion

6 comments
  1. Glisse archived

    Thank you for adding this to your impressive data library. But there is no mention, or link, as to who commissioned this test, only that it was conducted at the Test World facility in Finland?

    #6307
    1. TyreReviews Glisse archived

      I believe it was a test run by test world themselves

      #6308
  2. Pedro Neves archived

    Would love to see the Michelin CrossClimate Plus and the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 tested on ice against these since, year round, ice always comes first, during and after the snow. I consider that ice performance on an All Season or Winter tyre is the most important safety item because, unlike the snow, you can't really see the ice most of the times, either day or night. You can only feel it, which can be, sometimes, too late, depending on the tyres you have...

    #6222
    1. TyreReviews Pedro Neves archived

      All season tyres don't usually get put through extreme winter testing, as the climates they're suitable for don't really see that kind of weather. When you get to lots of ice on the road, it's a winter market.

      That said, Auto Bild sometimes include ice testing in their tests which an be found here

      #6223
      1. Pedro Neves TyreReviews archived

        So far, I noticed that ADAC is the only tester that tests ice performance on All Season tyres. On Winter tyres, and on the past 3 years, I just found ice testing at ADAC (studless tyres), Auto Center (2017 and 2019 - studded tyres), Vi Bilagare (2018 and 2019 - studded tyres), Auto Centrum - AC (2017 - studless), and you (Tyre Reviews in 2019 - with a fantastic cross range of tyres and videos - congratulations!). We could extrapolate the results for the Crossclimate Plus and the Bridgestone WC A005 but it would be better to have them both properly ice tested against winter and studded tyres just to have an idea of how much can they replace a winter tyre in a not so harsh winter climate.

        #6227