I Tested the BEST Snow Tires for 2025/26

These are European and North American patterns! I tested five Nordic-style friction winter tires plus two reference sets (a studded tyre and a Central European winter tire) across 21 tests in 6 categories: snow, ice, wet, dry, comfort/noise, and rolling resistance. If you drive in regions with frequent snow and ice, this is the group test you need.

🔗 Full results, tables, and interactive weighting: https://www.tyrereviews.com/Tyre-Tests/The-Best-Snow-Tyres-for-2025.htm

Tyres Tested (205/55 R16):
• Continental VikingContact 8 (VC8) - Test winner
• Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
• Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
• Michelin X-Ice Snow
• Marshal i'Zen KW31
Reference sets: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 (studded), Continental WinterContact TS 870 (Central European winter)

Key Findings
• Overall winner - Continental VikingContact 8: Extremely consistent; strongest overall across snow and ice, quietest on test, and lowest rolling resistance.
• Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3: Excellent snow and ice performance with class-leading aquaplaning resistance and top comfort.
• Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: In a league of its own in the wet (and very strong in the dry), but compromised on smooth-ice traction/braking.
• Michelin X-Ice Snow: Best on smooth ice (braking & traction) and very good in snow, but weakest in wet and dry; moderate RR.
• Marshal iZen KW31: Acceptable in snow, but generally off the pace in wet and ice with high rolling resistance.
• Studded vs friction: The studded Hakkapeliitta 10 dominates on smooth ice (braking/traction), but on rough ice the best friction tyres can be easier to drive.
• Central European winter (TS 870): Mid-pack in snow vs the Nordic tyres, but on another level in wet and dry.

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= Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:43 Snow Tests
4:29 Ice Tests
7:57 Wet Testing
11:36 Dry, Noise, Comfort and Rolling Resistance Data
12:51 Final Results / Conclusion