Moottori: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2025

Moottori: Studless Winter Tire Test R16

Finland, known as the birthplace of studded tires, is seeing these tires gradually give way to studless options. Milder winters in the Helsinki region and the noise generated by studs—especially problematic for electric vehicles—are key reasons behind this shift. With these changes in mind, the editorial team at Finnish magazine Moottori set out to find the best studless tires for the 2024-2025 winter, focusing on the popular 205/55 R16 size.

In Finland’s northern regions, where studded tires still dominate, Pasi Piironen of Moottori noted that cheaper studded tires can be less safe on ice than high-quality studless ones, a conclusion drawn from head-to-head comparisons on ice.

Studded tires can underperform against studless ones for several reasons: sparse studding, improper stud installation, or a suboptimal rubber compound. These issues can limit stud effectiveness. The rubber compound is even more critical for studless tires. Softer compounds generally grip cold roads better, while harder ones can lose traction in the cold. Interestingly, the three worst-performing studless tires in Moottori’s 205/55 R16 test had the highest Shore hardness values.

  1. Continental VikingContact 8 - Winner Recommended
    Continental VikingContact 8
    97 46
    · Winter · 2024 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Continental VikingContact 8 stands out as the best friction tire in the 205/55 R16 category for winter 2024. It claims 1st place in nearly every ice and snow test, excelling in both braking and acceleration. On ice, it ranks 1st for braking and acceleration, while also delivering top-notch handling. On snow, it again takes 1st place for braking and acceleration, showing its superiority in harsh conditions.

    Even on wet asphalt, where many winter tires falter, the VikingContact 8 secures a strong 2nd place in braking and maintains good control. On dry asphalt, it holds a solid 3rd place for braking, with excellent subjective handling feedback. This all-rounder combines top performance on ice, snow, and wet roads, making it the clear winner among friction tires for 2024.

    Ice Handling   Snow Braking   Dry Handling   Comfort   Wet Braking   Subj. Ice Handling   Dry Braking   Rolling Resistance   Wet Handling   Noise   Snow Handling   Ice Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Japan Japan
  2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
    Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
    83 49
    · Winter · 2022 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 finishes strong in second place for the 205/55 R16 winter tire category of 2024. It ranks highly across the board, excelling in both snow and ice performance. On snow, it takes 1st place for acceleration and 3rd place for braking, showing excellent balance in tough winter conditions. The handling on snow is also impressive, with a 2nd place finish in subjective handling tests.

    On ice, the Nokian holds up well, ranking 4th in braking and 3rd in acceleration. Its handling on ice is solid, securing 2nd place overall, showing the tire's versatility on different winter surfaces.

    However, on wet roads, the Hakkapeliitta R5 faces some competition, taking 5th place for braking and 3rd place for handling. On dry asphalt, it ranks 5th in braking but still provides good comfort and low noise levels, making it a well-rounded tire for a wide range of conditions.

    Ice Handling   Snow Braking   Dry Handling   Comfort   Wet Braking   Dry Braking   Subj. Snow Handling   Rolling Resistance   Wet Handling   Noise   Subj. Wet Handling   Snow Handling  
    North America North America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
  3. Michelin X-Ice Snow
    Michelin X-Ice Snow
    82 57
    · Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Michelin X-Ice Snow secures third place in the 205/55 R16 winter tire test of 2024, offering strong and reliable performance on winter roads. On ice, it ranks 2nd in both braking and acceleration, demonstrating its capability in challenging conditions. Its subjective handling on ice also received high praise, coming in 3rd place, making it a trusted option for icy surfaces.

    On snow, the tire ranks 5th in braking but stands out in handling, where it takes 1st place for time around the track. Despite slightly lower performance on wet and dry asphalt, particularly ranking 6th in both braking and handling on wet roads and 8th in braking on dry roads, the X-Ice Snow remains a solid winter tire choice with excellent winter grip and commendable comfort levels.

    Comfort   Snow Handling   Subj. Snow Handling   Dry Handling   Snow Braking   Rolling Resistance   Ice Braking   Ice Handling   Subj. Ice Handling   Wet Handling   Dry Braking   Wet Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · China China
  4. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
    Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
    87 43
    · Winter · 2023 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 narrowly missed the top three, mainly due to its weaker performance in braking on snow and dry asphalt, where it ranked near the bottom. However, it shines on wet asphalt, achieving a 2nd place for lap time, 3rd place for braking, and receiving the highest score for subjective driving impressions. Despite the setbacks, this tire proves to be a reliable contender on wet surfaces, offering confidence and control.

    Snow Handling   Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Noise   Subj. Wet Handling   Snow Braking   Ice Braking   Snow Acceleration   Dry Braking  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
  5. Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
    Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
    69 50
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    Surprisingly, the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice recorded the shortest braking distance on wet asphalt, despite having a lower Euro label rating for wet performance ("E" vs. "D" for some competitors). Unfortunately, its performance on snow and ice leaves much to be desired, and it also suffers from being the loudest tire in the test. Nevertheless, its standout wet braking ability is a key strength.

    Ice Braking   Subj. Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Wet Braking   Snow Braking   Ice Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · South Korea South Korea
  6. Hankook Winter i*cept iZ 2 W616
    Hankook Winter i*cept iZ 2 W616
    78 30
    · Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    While the Hankook Winter i*cept iZ2 excels in wet conditions, offering near-perfect grip, it struggles to keep up with the competition on icy and snowy roads. Its performance on these winter surfaces falls short, leaving it behind in critical winter tests.

    Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Handling   Dry Braking   Wet Braking   Ice Acceleration   Ice Braking   Snow Acceleration  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
  7. Pirelli Ice Zero Asimmetrico
    Pirelli Ice Zero Asimmetrico
    N/A 37
    · Winter · 2022 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Ice Zero Asimmetrico struggled in several key areas, finishing at the bottom of the test ranking. It placed mid-range in ice performance, with average braking and acceleration results, but failed to impress in snow tests, where it posted some of the slowest lap times. On wet asphalt, its braking was the weakest of the group, which, combined with mediocre handling, sealed its fate. Despite its strong comfort and low noise levels, these positives weren't enough to elevate its overall standing, leaving it firmly in last place.

    Dry Handling   Comfort   Dry Braking   Snow Braking   Snow Handling   Ice Handling   Wet Braking  
    Canada Canada · Japan Japan · China China
  8. Vredestein Nord-Trac 2
    Vredestein Nord-Trac 2
    N/A 11
    · Winter · 2012 · Light Truck / SUV - Light Truck/SUV Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Nord-Trac 2 couldn't escape the bottom of the ranking, despite showing some strengths. It managed a solid second place in snow braking, but its overall performance on ice was lacking, with last-place results in acceleration, braking, and lap times. Wet road performance was another weak spot, where it consistently finished last. However, it did offer good ride comfort and noise levels, which may appeal to drivers prioritizing comfort over outright winter performance. Unfortunately, its limitations on ice and wet surfaces overshadowed these positives, securing it the final spot in the test.

    Snow Braking   Dry Braking   Ice Acceleration   Snow Handling   Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Ice Braking   Ice Handling  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
Youtube Video
Moottori 2024: Which is the best friction tire today?
October 23, 2024
Year
2025
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Tire Size
205/55R16
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Oct 01, 2024
Date updated
Oct 23, 2024

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