The Best Winter Tires for Nordic Countries in 2023-2024 by TiresVote.com 2024

The Best Winter Tires for Nordic Countries in 2023-2024 by TiresVote.com

Winter in the Nordic countries is a true test for any vehicle. At TiresVote.com, we've meticulously analyzed dozens of global professional tests and user reviews to present the top-performing winter tires for this season.

Our rankings are grounded in our CoreScore, a blend of expert evaluations and real-world user feedback. Each tire on our list not only meets but exceeds the demands of Nordic winters, ensuring safety, durability, and optimal performance.

Whether you're considering a purchase or seeking insights on your current tires, our curated list offers concise, reliable information for confident driving in challenging conditions.

  1. Continental VikingContact 7 - Winner Recommended
    Continental VikingContact 7
    89 56
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Continental VikingContact 7 is a top-tier studless winter tire, renowned for its efficacy on icy and snowy terrains. Boasting predictable handling and strong traction, it provides drivers with confidence in challenging conditions. With low noise emission and rolling resistance, it promises an enhanced driving experience. However, its performance is somewhat inconsistent on wet pavement, particularly in braking and steering.

    • Superior grip and control on icy and snowy surfaces.
    • Quick and reliable handling response.
    • Low noise and rolling resistance ensuring a comfortable ride.
    • Balanced performance in most winter scenarios.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Winner - Tyre Reviews: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2023.
    • Ranked #2nd - Autoreview: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2023.
    • Winner - Tyre Reviews: Best Nordic/Extreme/Studless Winter Tires 2021.
    • Ranked #3rd - Consumer Reports: Winter Tires 2022.
    • Ranked #3rd - TireRack.com: Best in Passenger Studless Ice & Snow 2021.
    Ice Braking   Subj. Snow Handling   Snow Handling   Snow Traction   Ice Handling   Low Noise   Subj. Comfort / Noise   Rolling Resistance   Aquaplaning Resistance   Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Steering Response  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia
  2. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 Recommended
    Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
    86 42
    · Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2, a studless winter tire, stands out as a reliable choice for diverse road conditions, especially in wet and dry terrains. This tire showcases strong ice grip and impressive handling in snowy conditions. Its major strength is its performance on wet pavements, outshining many competitors. Despite its praiseworthy ice traction, there's room for improvement in its lateral stability on icy terrains. On asphalt, the tire guarantees stability, particularly during cornering, and it boasts a low noise emission, contributing to a serene driving experience.

    • Exceptional aquaplaning resistance.
    • Dependable grip on wet and dry pavements.
    • Effective flotation in deep snow and a consistent snow performance.
    • Unwavering handling response.
    • Significant noise reduction, especially with the SoundComfort technology.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Winner - Autoreview: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2023.
    • Ranked #2nd - Vi Bilägare: SUV Studless Winter Tire Test R18 2023.
    • Ranked #3rd - Za Rulem: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2020.
    • Ranked #10th - Test World: Large Winter Tire Test R16 2021.
    • Ranked #3rd - Motor: Winter Studless Tire Test R16 2020.
    Wet Braking   Comfort   Wet Handling   Ice Braking   Dry Handling   Snow Braking   Snow Traction   Outside Noise   Rolling Resistance   Aquaplaning   Ice Lateral Stability   Steering Response   Snow Lateral Stability  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
  3. Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Recommended
    Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
    85 45
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is a studless winter tire that stands out for its exceptional snow traction and ice braking capabilities. Designed to provide a safe and comfortable winter driving experience, the WS90 has been recognized for its performance in various conditions, from dry to icy roads. While it excels in many winter conditions, it has been noted to have fair handling, which is typical for many winter/snow tires. Additionally, its wet braking performance has been identified as an area of improvement.

    • Outstanding snow traction, ensuring a secure grip on snowy terrains.
    • Impressive ice braking capabilities, enhancing safety during winter months.
    • Good ride comfort, providing a smooth driving experience.
    • Effective aquaplaning resistance, ensuring stability on wet roads.
    • Reliable dry braking performance.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Winner - Consumer Reports: Winter Tires 2022.
    • Ranked #6th - Tyre Reviews: Best Nordic / Extreme / Studless Winter Tires 2021.
    • Winner - TireRack.com: Best in Passenger Studless Ice & Snow 2021.
    Ice Braking   Dry Traction   Snow Traction   Dry Braking   Ice Traction   Wet Traction   Ride Quality   Aquaplaning   Wet Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · South Korea South Korea
  4. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 Recommended
    Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
    85 56
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 is a studless winter tire known for its exceptional grip on icy and snowy terrains. Part of the esteemed Hakkapeliitta family, it offers a crisp steering response and predictable traction. While it excels on winter roads, it has shown some challenges on wet pavement, especially in aquaplaning resistance. However, its low rolling resistance and quiet performance make it a notable choice.

    • Superior grip on winter roads, especially on ice and snow.
    • Crisp steering response with predictable traction.
    • Low rolling resistance and quiet performance.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Ranked #8th - Consumer Reports: Winter Tires 2022.
    • Ranked #3rd - Tyre Reviews: Best Nordic / Extreme / Studless Winter Tires 2021.
    • Ranked #2nd - Za Rulem: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2020.
    • Ranked #2nd - Vi Bilagare: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2020.
    • Ranked #2nd - The Best Scandinavian Tires by the Results of Independent Tests 2019.
    Rolling Resistance   Wet Handling   Snow Handling   Dry Handling   Noise   Ice Handling   Ride Quality   Wet Braking   Aquaplaning  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
  5. Pirelli Ice Zero FR Recommended
    Pirelli Ice Zero FR
    85 40
    · Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Ice Zero FR is a studless winter tire that has undergone significant upgrades in recent years, particularly in its performance on icy terrains. It is known for its balanced performance across various weather conditions, with a particular emphasis on its handling response. The tire offers a neutral balance, allowing for high lateral grip, making it adept at navigating sharp turns on both winter surfaces and bare asphalt. While it excels in many areas, it has been noted to have certain challenges, especially in terms of snow braking distance, aquaplaning resistance, and rolling resistance.

    • Upgraded performance on ice, resulting in improved grip and precise steering.
    • Excellent handling response across various road conditions, including dry and wet pavements.
    • Notable lateral grip, allowing the tire to handle sharp turns with ease.
    • Short braking distance on dry pavement.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Ranked #4th - Tyre Reviews: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2023.
    • Ranked #4th - Tyre Reviews: Best Nordic / Extreme / Studless Winter Tires 2021.
    • Ranked #3rd - Vi Bilägare: Winter Studless Tire Test R16 2021.
    • Ranked #4th - Vi Bilagare: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2020.
    • Ranked #4th - Motor: Winter Studless Tire Test R16 2020.
    Noise   Wet Handling   Dry Handling   Ride Quality   Ice Handling   Dry Braking   Snow Handling   Rolling Resistance   Outside Noise   Aquaplaning   Snow Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · China China
  6. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 Recommended
    Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
    84 43
    · Winter · 2022 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 is a studless winter tire that stands out for its strong traction and excellent handling response on icy and snowy terrains. It offers a dependable performance on dry pavement and is characterized by its quietness and low rolling resistance. However, while it excels in many winter conditions, it has shown some challenges, particularly in aquaplaning resistance and wet grip.

    • Strong traction and excellent handling on snow and ice.
    • Dependable performance on dry pavement.
    • Quiet with a very low rolling resistance.
    • Short braking distance on dry pavement.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Ranked #10th - UTAC: Large Winter Tire Test R16 2023.
    • Ranked #3rd - Tyre Reviews: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2023.
    • Ranked #3rd - Autoreview: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2023.
    • Winner - Moottori: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2023.
    Noise   Ride Quality   Rolling Resistance   Ice Handling   Dry Braking   Snow Handling   Wet Braking   Wet Handling   Aquaplaning  
    North America North America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
  7. Michelin X-Ice Snow Recommended
    Michelin X-Ice Snow
    82 57
    · Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Michelin X-Ice Snow is a studless winter tire known for its commendable performance on icy and snowy terrains. It offers a reliable grip, especially in longitudinal traction during acceleration and braking. While it excels in snow traction and ice grip, it has shown some challenges, particularly in wet braking and lateral stability on icy terrains. However, its low rolling resistance, quietness, and overall stability make it a solid choice for winter driving.

    • Reliable grip on snow and ice with short braking distances.
    • Good stability on dry pavement.
    • Low rolling resistance and quiet performance.
    • High safety level and good handling response on various terrains.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Ranked #9th - UTAC: Large Winter Tire Test R16 2023.
    • Ranked #2nd - Tyre Reviews: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2023.
    • Ranked #4th - Autoreview: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2023.
    • Ranked #2nd - Moottori: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2023.
    • Ranked #2nd - Consumer Reports: Winter Tires 2022.
    • Ranked #5th - Vi Bilägare: Winter Studless Tire Test R16 2021.
    Rolling Resistance   Snow Handling   Dry Handling   Noise   Ice Handling   Ride Quality   Wet Braking   Wet Handling  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · China China
  8. Nokian Nordman RS2 Recommended
    Nokian Nordman RS2
    81 17
    · Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Nokian Nordman RS2, inheriting its pattern from the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R, is a studless winter tire that has consistently demonstrated commendable results in various tire tests. Known for its excellent longitudinal performance on snow and great handling on icy terrains, it remains a reliable choice for winter conditions. However, while it excels on winter roads, it has shown some challenges, particularly when driving on asphalt, with longer braking distances in dry conditions and tendencies to understeer.

    • Best longitudinal performance on snow.
    • Good traction and handling response on snow and ice.
    • Consistent performance in various tire tests over the years.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Ranked #6th - Za Rulem: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2020.
    • Ranked #6th - The Best Scandinavian Tires by the Results of Independent Tests 2019.
    • Ranked #4th - Vi Bilägare: Winter Studless Tire Test R17 2019.
    Snow Handling   Snow Performance   Ice Handling   Dry Braking   Dry Handling   Ride Quality  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
  9. Hankook Winter i*cept iZ 2 W616 Recommended
    Hankook Winter i*cept iZ 2 W616
    80 30
    · Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Winter i*cept iZ 2 W616 is a studless winter tire that offers a balanced performance across various terrains. While it showcases commendable road holding ability on snow and asphalt, it has been observed to have a longer snow braking distance and some challenges in wet conditions. The tire is characterized by its low rolling resistance, making it energy efficient, and it provides a reasonably smooth ride. Despite some shortcomings, the tire remains a reliable choice for winter driving, especially on snow-covered roads.

    • Good snow performance with decent road holding ability.
    • Low rolling resistance, contributing to energy efficiency.
    • Rapid steering response, especially at high speeds.
    • Reliable grip on dry pavement.

    Results of Professional Tests and Custom Top-Charts:

    • Ranked #13th - UTAC: Large Winter Tire Test R16 2023.
    • Ranked #4th - Consumer Reports: Winter Tires 2022.
    • Ranked #3rd - Za Rulem: Winter Tire Test R16 2021.
    • Ranked #5th - Za Rulem: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2020.
    • Ranked #5th - Autofil: Studless Winter Tire Test R16 2018.
    Snow Performance   Rolling Resistance   Snow Handling   Dry Braking   Ride Quality   Ice Acceleration   Snow Braking   Wet Braking   Wet Handling  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
Year
2024
Max Score, points
100
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Top Chart
Region
USA+, Canada, Europe, Russia+
Date added
Sep 27, 2023
Date updated
Mar 30, 2024

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