Winter tires - Michelin X-Ice SNOW vs Nokian Hakka R5?

[92redragtop]

Current Michelin X-Ice i3 tires on the not-so-daily AWD driver are shot so will be shopping for new winter tires next week (I see winter tires are in short supply in general).

It appears the X-Ice i3 tire have previously been replaced by the X-Ice SNOW tire so not sure what the performance differences are as yet.

Looks like the Nokian Hakkapelitta R5 tire is an option for my car as well based on size/load factor (newer replacement for the R3). 235/45/17 97H (or Y).

Was also looking at the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 but it appears the winter performance drops off faster on the Blizzaks after the first couple seasons versis the X-Ice or Hakka (R3).

Anyone have any experience/knowledge on these two tire options (Michelin X-Ice SNOW or Nokian Hakka R3/R5)?

[Stephen06GT]

Both are quality tires and I doubt the average driver could tell the difference between the two. As you mentioned, winter tires are in short supply, so shopping by price and availability will probably be your deciding factor.

[FABMAN]

I have had x-ice in the past and felt they were ok. Recently had to buy a new winter setup for my wife’s Acura RDX and went with the Nokian R5. Tires are comfortable and relatively quiet for a snow.

They are an all new design, they have received good reviews on all the research I did. Remember Nokian were the inventors of winter tires, so they always seem to be one of the best choices in that category.

[ChickenLips]

I had Nokians on my 88 Fox for 2-3 winters. Turned it into the best winter car I've ever had.

[RedSN]

Another vote for the Hakkas if you can get them. Although as said, seems like a draw between the two.
Had Hakkas on my 2WD B3000 (Mazda Ranger), 5-speed, nothing in the box. Worked great for GTA.

[fast Ed]

Main difference with the X-Ice Snow compared to the previous gen is improved snow performance, which was the one downside of the old version. Great in other winter conditions, not so good in deeper snow. The Michelins are very smooth and quiet on dry pavement, and are the only winter tires I'm aware of that have a manufacturer mileage rating. Nokian has always had impressive winter products but I'm not familiar with their current offerings. I believe the brand is still exclusive in Ontario to Kal Tire stores.


On a related note, here is a comparison on between Michelin summer, all-season, all-weather, and winter tires in various conditions.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=421HkK4Nqss

[ZR]

I'm gonna be odd man out on this one. Personally find many of the raved about offerings out there to be mid level when it comes to real world winter driving. Think way too much of the focus has become on driving, feeling and as quiet as a summer / all season vs winter performance.
Just my 02.

[fast Ed]

Good point, depends on what you need and where you're driving. If it's mostly in the GTA where the roads will be in decent shape most of the time vs. wanting to make it to the sled trails for example and having to get through some actual accumulation of snow to make it there.

[ZR]

I call most of em, city snow tires.

[Mustang4]

I like the Blizzaks over the Michelin X-Ice

[CON VERT]

I've got Ice X , nice and quiet, great on my 4 X 4, but honestly like Rick said , city winter tire ! don't wanna be in deep snow with them that's for sure.

[92redragtop]

Thanks for the input everyone - wanted to try the Nokians but in the end I'm going with the new X-Ice model mostly because I think they are easier to find if I need an outright replacement quickly if one gets damaged during the winter season since they are so many retailers for Michelin. Tires are in now so have an appointment to install in the morning.

As noted, the Nokian R5 look like they have a slight edge in heavier snow but the Michelins have a slightly shorter braking distance overall. AWD and other idiot driver features should handle the rest.

[92redragtop]

I like the Blizzaks over the Michelin X-Ice

Agreed for first couple years but I find after that Michelins retain winter performance longer through life cycle. Had them on our Lincoln LS and they were great first two seasons but struggled after the soft/sponge layers wore off.

[92redragtop]

I had Nokians on my 88 Fox for 2-3 winters. Turned it into the best winter car I've ever had.

Yeah, would love to try the R5 but they are harder to find than the equivalent Michelins so if I need to find one or two replacements quickly that could be a problem if I'm driving on a donut spare.