Michelin

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Michelin X-Ice Snow
  • Michelin X-Ice Snow
  • Michelin X-Ice Snow
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The X-Ice SNOW is Michelin's Studless Ice & Snow winter tire developed for drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans and crossovers looking for confidence in winter's many different road conditions, throughout the life of the tire. Whether it's clear, cold winter roads; deep, heavy snow; or any icy condition in between, the X-Ice SNOW is designed to deliver reassuring wintertime traction and stability.

The FleX-Ice™ 2.0 compound of the X-Ice SNOW utilizes inclusion technology, which generates micro-roughness on the tread surface, helping improve grip both in snow and on ice. The compound also contains a high silica content that ensures the tire maintains its flexibility, even in severe climates. This advanced compound is molded into a continuous V-Shape, directional tread pattern with increased groove widths compared to its predecessor, engineered to improve hydroplaning and slush performance, as well as increase the snow-to-snow traction needed for loose conditions. The X-Ice SNOW's tread elements contain two types of full-depth sipes with complementary traction effects. Notched sipes provide numerous biting edges that help enhance traction in adverse conditions, along with variable thickness sipes that further aid traction while supporting the tread elements to maintain an efficient contact patch for control on packed snow and clear roads.

Michelin X-Ice SNOW callouts
Michelin X-Ice SNOW callouts
Michelin X-Ice SNOW callouts

X-Ice SNOW Studless Ice & Snow tires meet the industry's severe snow service requirements and are branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.

Install Michelin X-Ice SNOW tires in sets of four only.

Due to the traction capabilities of X-Ice SNOW tires, Michelin recommends using them only in sets of four to provide the best handling characteristics and tire performance.

Related Information: What is the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF)?

Tire Rack Test Results Michelin X-Ice Snow

Are EV-Specific Tires Better than Popular Non-EV Tires? – 2025 Test 1 (34:07)

In the first test of 2025, we run it back with EV vs non-EV tires with an eleven-tire, five-category grouping. Using our pair of Teslas, we delve into efficiency, road characteristics, wet and dry handling/braking, and of course, the overall rankings when combined! Including a final chart with tires from 2024 added! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the first test of 2025!

Read the Full Test Report

Ratings Charts & Reviews Michelin X-Ice Snow

Tire Category: Studless Ice & Snow

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Wet
Dry
Winter/Snow
Comfort
Treadwear
Michelin X-Ice Snow
Excellent
100%
3.1M
8.7 - Excellent
8.9 - Excellent
8.8 Hydroplaning Resistance
8.9 Wet Traction
8.8 - Excellent
8.6 Corner Stability
8.9 Dry Traction
8.7 Steering Response
9.0 - Excellent
9.3 Light Snow Traction
9.0 Deep Snow Traction
8.8 Ice Traction
8.8 - Excellent
9.0 Ride Quality
8.6 Noise
8.8 - Excellent

Customers Say

Feedback patterns show the Michelin Defender2 excels in treadwear, with many customers noting long-lasting performance and minimal wear concerns. Ride comfort receives strong praise for smoothness and low noise levels, contributing to a relaxed driving experience. Winter traction is generally reliable in light snow, though a few reports mention reduced confidence on ice. Wet traction stands out with consistent 9-10 scores for grip and hydroplaning resistance. Dry handling is rated highly for stability and responsive steering, aligning well with its all-season touring purpose. Overall, customers highlight balanced performance across key categories, with tread life and comfort as standout features.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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Customers Like:

458 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 440 positive
  • 18 negative

Most customers give the Michelin Defender2 excellent wet traction scores of 9-10, praising its hydroplaning resistance and confident grip in rain. A few 7-8 ratings suggest minor variability, but overall performance excels in all-season conditions.

January 27, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.9 out of 5 Star Rating
4.9 out of 5

...The tires make me feel secure as I ride on wet surfaces...

I already had a set of Michelin Defender on two other vehicles . The tires make me feel secure as I ride on wet surfaces. When I purchased the 24 Civic for my grandson . My wife told me to look up on Tire Rack the price for a set of Michelin Defenders for my grandson’s Civic. Can’t go wrong with Michelin Defender and can’t go wrong buying them from Tire Rack.

Vehicle: 2024 Honda Civic Sedan LX
Miles Driven on Tires: 500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: EL PASO, TX
Driving Style: Average
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January 13, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...The wet weather grip is much improved from stock tires...

Its a very quiet tire, and has changed the feel of the van. The wet weather grip is much improved from stock tires. Dry weather grip is good and cornering feels better on off ramps etc.

Vehicle: 2016 Toyota Sienna FWD XLE
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: AUSTIN, TX
Driving Style: Average
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194 customers mention "Winter Traction"

  • 178 positive
  • 16 negative

Most customers rate snow and deep snow traction as excellent with 9s and 10s. Ice traction shows strong performance with scores between 7-10, though some variability exists. Winter capabilities align well with all-season expectations.

December 21, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.9 out of 5 Star Rating
4.9 out of 5

...It rides very nice and I feel confident when it is snowing out...

My sister recommended this purchase and I am so happy she did. I trust this brand and this particular tire. It rides very nice and I feel confident when it is snowing out. It wears very well.

Vehicle: 2015 Chrysler Town and Country Touring
Miles Driven on Tires: 8,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: HOLT, MI
Driving Style: Average
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November 04, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...They're very quiet on the highway and extremely short footed in ice and snow.

These are a great all season option. They’re very quiet on the highway and extremely short footed and ice and snow.

Vehicle: 2021 Nissan Murano AWD Platinum
Miles Driven on Tires: 6,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: LAKEVILLE, MN
Driving Style: Average
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March 31, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...Great handling, stopping, grip and responsiveness in rain, sleet, snow, and icy conditions...

This set replaced the OEM tires on my car after 30k miles. They have only been on my car for a little over a 1 month, but thanks to our midwestern "false spring" and "second winter" weather, I've gotten to experience them in several different conditions. Immediately noticed a significant improvement in both road noise and general handling. Great handling, stopping, grip and responsiveness in rain, sleet, snow, and icy conditions.
I've put 2 sets of Michelin Defenders on my previous vehicle, putting over 200k on that vehicle, which is still going strong with those tires still in place. I was consistently very happy with the tread life and overall handling of those tires, and so far having a similar experience with these Defender 2s.

Vehicle: 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback EX
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: ROSSFORD, OH
Driving Style: Spirited
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508 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 498 positive
  • 10 negative

Customers overwhelmingly rate the Michelin Defender2's dry traction between 9-10, praising responsive handling and reliable grip. High scores highlight excellent performance in dry conditions, with consistent feedback emphasizing confident control and stability for all-season touring use.

April 01, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...stopping ability is great

great tire very smooth on the highway, very quit, stopping ability is great

Vehicle: 2018 Cadillac XT5 AWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 8,085
Driving Conditions: Mostly City
Location: HYDE PARK, MA
Driving Style: Easy Going
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July 17, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...For comfort, quietness, an added sense of security and low maintenance, these are the best set of tires I have owned, which include Michelin Pilots AS and Pirelli Zeros and Cinturatos on previous Audis...

More than suitable for heavy EVs so don't fall for the "designed for EVs" marketing slogans. These Defender 2s are significantly better than the stock Goodyear Eagles, which only lasted 18,000 miles. For comfort, quietness, an added sense of security and low maintenance, these are the best set of tires I have owned, which include Michelin Pilots AS and Pirelli Zeros and Cinturatos on previous Audis. I have owned the Defender 2s for about 8 months and have had ZERO low tire pressure warning lights flashing on. The wear on the tires is also minimal so I expect these to last for years of trouble-free driving. Great tires and great, glitchless purchase from Tire Rack.

Vehicle: 2019 Audi e-tron 55 quattro
Miles Driven on Tires: 9,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: WAYLAND, MA
Driving Style: Average
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506 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 485 positive
  • 21 negative

Most customers rate comfort as excellent, with scores of 9-10 highlighting a smooth, quiet ride. High marks in noise reduction and vibration absorption reinforce its touring-focused refinement.

February 08, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

Good price and smooth comfortable and very quiet tire...

Good price and smooth comfortable and very quiet tire. Handles very well in wet conditions and has good traction.

Vehicle: 2019 Toyota Camry V6 XSE
Miles Driven on Tires: 15,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: FORT PIERCE, FL
Driving Style: Average
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April 10, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

These are smooth-riding, quiet tires. There is nothing worse than to have my drive ruined by an irregularity in the ride of my tires, and these tires are just a joy.

These are really smooth-riding, quiet tires. There is nothing worse than to have my drive ruined by an irregularity in the ride of my tires, and these tires are just a joy.

Vehicle: 2015 Honda Accord Sedan Sport
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: GENEVA, NY
Driving Style: Average
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January 08, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

3.7 out of 5 Star Rating
3.7 out of 5

...Comfortable tire with promise of long treadlife and decent performance.

Solid tire for basic (i.e. non-sporty) crossover driving. Wet traction slightly worse than OEM primacy but not offensive. Comfortable tire with promise of long treadlife and decent performance.

Vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid AWD SEL Convenience
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: APEX, NC
Driving Style: Average
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326 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 317 positive
  • 9 negative

Customers overwhelmingly rate the Defender2's treadwear as excellent, with most scores at 9s and 10s. High marks highlight impressive longevity and consistent performance in all-season touring use, with minimal reports of wear concerns.

July 02, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...The original tires were Bridgestones and didn't wear well only 32,000

Had them on my MDX and my wife needed tires on her Lexus RX 350 so we tried them they are great!!! The original tires were Bridgestones and didn’t wear well only 32,000

Vehicle: 2021 Lexus RX 350 AWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 5,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: SEWELL, NJ
Driving Style: Spirited
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March 23, 2025

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...Good tread wear and comfort

Great tires ! Good tread wear and comfort

Vehicle: 2016 Toyota Highlander AWD XLE
Miles Driven on Tires: 43,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: PITTSBURGH, PA
Driving Style: Average
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August 21, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

I have 10k miles on these tires and they still look brand new. I rotate them every 5k miles and they are wearing perfectly even.

Outstanding

Vehicle: 2013 Honda Pilot Touring
Miles Driven on Tires: 15,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: STATEN ISLAND, NY
Driving Style: Average
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Consumer Reviews

Media Gallery

Are EV-Specific Tires Better than Popular Non-EV Tires? – 2025 Test 1 (34:07)

In the first test of 2025, we run it back with EV vs non-EV tires with an eleven-tire, five-category grouping. Using our pair of Teslas, we delve into efficiency, road characteristics, wet and dry handling/braking, and of course, the overall rankings when combined! Including a final chart with tires from 2024 added! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the first test of 2025!

Read the Full Test Report

Experience the Michelin X-Ice Snow (00:57)

The Michelin X-Ice SNOW is a Studless Ice & Snow winter tire for the drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans, and crossovers. A frequent top performer in our winter testing, it has also enjoyed long-standing Tire Rack Consumer Recommended status.

Testing Performance Winter / Snow Tires 2021: Michelin X-Ice Snow (01:57)

The X-Ice Snow delivers category-leading traction in severe winter weather. We compared it to two Performance Winter / Snow options to see how it stacks up across categories.

Read the Full Test Report

View All Winter Test Results

Testing Studless Ice & Snow Tires 2020: Michelin X-Ice SNOW (1:58)

The X-Ice SNOW hopes to continue Michelin’s tradition of providing a balanced clear-road Studless Ice & Snow tire while utilizing cutting edge technology for increased winter traction.

Read the Full Test Report

TJ & Michelin Talk X-Ice SNOW/SNOW SUV (10:53)

“TJ Talking” covers the Michelin X-Ice SNOW/SNOW SUV in this episode. Alongside TJ Campbell, our Tire Information and Testing Manager, is Michelin’s Farell Scott, their Product Category Manager. These two tire experts have a lot to discuss about Michelin’s newest winter / snow tire for passenger cars, vans, pickups and SUVs.

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