Taking first place in the 2024 test, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 delivers rock-solid traction on both snow and ice, making it a reliable choice for severe winter conditions. While it shows a slightly delayed steering response on asphalt, it still performs competently across various surfaces. With moderate wet grip and a manageable noise level, the Hakkapeliitta 10 also stands out as the most fuel-efficient tire in the lineup, making it an ideal pick for drivers who prioritize both winter performance and cost savings.

Following closely, the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 delivers exceptional safety in winter conditions, particularly excelling on snow with impressively short braking distances. While its lateral grip on ice may drop suddenly during high-speed emergency maneuvers, it remains steady and dependable on snowy surfaces. On asphalt, the UltraGrip Arctic 2 shows strong braking performance, although its rolling resistance is on the higher side. With moderate noise levels, this tire offers a balanced winter experience for drivers who need top-notch performance in snow and reliable handling across other conditions.

Tying with Goodyear, the Michelin X-Ice North 4 offers dependable grip and stability across icy and snowy surfaces. While steering response on ice can feel slightly vague, its overall grip—especially lateral—is strong, providing steady traction. On snow, it maintains control smoothly, avoiding sudden slides, and on asphalt, its resistance to lateral drift allows for confident handling in challenging situations. With moderate noise and fuel efficiency, the X-Ice North 4 stands out for its excellent directional stability, making it a solid choice for consistent winter control.

Narrowly trailing the leaders, the Kumho WinterCraft ice Wi32 has earned a commendable spot, even surpassing competitors like Continental, Pirelli, and Bridgestone. This tire excels on ice, providing reliable traction during braking and maneuvering, with a stable, predictable response in various conditions. On snow, while the steering sensitivity isn’t remarkable, it performs consistently without unpleasant surprises. However, on asphalt, grip can be limited, with a tendency for the front wheels to slide during sudden maneuvers. Audible stud noise and less-than-ideal directional stability round out its performance, making it a strong contender for icy roads despite some trade-offs.

Securing fifth place, the Continental IceContact 3 offers a mix of strengths and limitations. On ice, it provides sharp steering response, but grip on the rear axle can be lost during critical maneuvers. Snow performance is steady and dependable, while on asphalt, the IceContact 3 truly shines, earning recognition as the best in its class. Additionally, it boasts strong directional stability, though it has the highest rolling resistance among the tested tires. For drivers who need reliable performance across mixed winter conditions, the IceContact 3 delivers a balanced experience with standout asphalt handling.

Ranking just below Continental, the Hankook Winter iPike RS2 offers solid overall performance with a few areas to watch. On ice, it delivers decent longitudinal grip but can unexpectedly slip in challenging situations. However, on snow, it maintains control smoothly, allowing for quick stops and easy handling. Asphalt stability is also dependable, with a slight delay in steering response. With moderate noise and average rolling resistance, the iPike RS2 is a well-rounded choice for those needing a reliable tire across varied winter surfaces.

Sharing sixth place with Hankook, the Pirelli Ice Zero 2 demonstrates strong, balanced performance across winter conditions. On icy surfaces, it provides generally reliable traction, though it exhibits a tendency for sudden oversteer during emergency maneuvers. Snow handling is smooth and controlled, while on asphalt, it mirrors its ice performance with stable yet occasionally abrupt responses. With moderate noise levels and fuel efficiency, the Ice Zero 2 is a dependable option for winter driving, particularly for those who prioritize stability on snow over extreme ice handling.

The Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 delivers impressive longitudinal grip on ice, though its lateral stability is less robust. On snow, it provides predictable handling, albeit with slightly lower traction compared to top competitors. Asphalt performance reveals some limitations, with less precise steering response, noticeable road noise, and reduced fuel efficiency. For drivers prioritizing straight-line grip on ice, the Blizzak Spike 3 is a solid choice, but it comes with a few trade-offs in comfort and economy.

The Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 may trail the leaders slightly in ice grip, but its well-balanced handling provides steady control, especially in emergency situations. On wet and dry asphalt, it performs well, offering dependable traction and stability. While rolling resistance is moderate, the tire emits noticeable road noise and is somewhat sensitive to ruts. For drivers seeking a balanced winter tire with reliable asphalt performance, the Winterpeak F-Ice 1 is a solid choice, especially for those prioritizing control over absolute ice grip.

Ranking tenth, the Linglong Green-Max Winter Grip 2, the most affordable tire in the test, impressed with quick braking on ice thanks to its 251 studs. However, lateral grip leaves much to be desired, making the tire prone to oversteer in critical moments. Snow performance follows a similar pattern, with sudden grip loss possible when stability is needed most. On wet asphalt, the tire struggles, but it surprisingly excels on dry surfaces, offering one of the best performances in that category. With high noise levels and rolling resistance, the Green-Max Winter Grip 2 is a budget option suited for less demanding winter conditions.

At the bottom of the rankings, the Triangle IcelynX TI501 struggles with ice traction, leading to extended braking distances, reduced control, and a higher risk of both understeer and oversteer. However, on asphalt, the tire performs significantly better, providing a quieter ride, though it remains sensitive to ruts and has high rolling resistance. For those prioritizing affordability and mild winter performance on clear roads, the IcelynX TI501 is a manageable choice, but caution is advised on icy surfaces.