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Michelin X-Ice Snow
  • Michelin X-Ice Snow
  • Michelin X-Ice Snow
Tire Rack Test

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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
Treadwear
Michelin X-Ice Snow
Excellent
100%
3M
8.7 - Excellent
8.9 - Excellent
8.8 Hydroplaning Resistance
8.9 Wet Traction
8.8 - Excellent
8.7 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

Ratings highlight excellence in winter traction, with snow and ice performance scoring 9-10 consistently, delivering confidence in harsh conditions. Wet traction earns strong 8-10 scores, handling rain and slush effectively. Dry traction is reliable (7-10), though less critical for winter-focused use. Comfort receives praise for smooth ride quality (7-10), while noise levels are generally acceptable. Treadwear shows mostly 7-10 ratings, with a few noting rapid wear in severe conditions. Feedback aligns with its winter focus, emphasizing standout snow/ice grip and dependable wet performance, making it a top choice for drivers prioritizing safety in cold climates.

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Customers Like:

334 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 323 positive
  • 11 negative

Customers praise the Michelin X-Ice Snow's excellent wet traction, with most scoring 9s and 10s. Winter drivers report confident grip on wet roads, even with some 7s noted in heavy rain conditions.

October 29, 2016 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...has great dry, wet, and ice and snow traction

This is a great tire. smooth and quit ride. has great dry, wet, and ice and snow traction

Vehicle: 2013 Dodge Avenger R/T
Miles Driven on Tires: 15,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
Driving Style: Average
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323 customers mention "Winter Traction"

  • 313 positive
  • 10 negative

Customers overwhelmingly rate the Michelin X-Ice Snow's winter traction as excellent, with most scoring 9s and 10s for snow, ice, and deep snow grip. A few scores between 7-8 highlight minor variability, but the tire consistently delivers confident handling and reliable traction in harsh winter conditions.

July 15, 2015

2.9 out of 5 Star Rating
2.9 out of 5

I must warn anybody who is looking at these who may encounter snow before switching these for their winter pair, you will want these off before a New England October, they may as well be summer tires, they even have reoccuring slow air leaks in sub-zero climate...

I bought my car with these tires on it already, with moderate wear but still fully functional, and I now that I am replacing them after running through fresh accident debris and flattening them on the highway, I cannot say I am not a little relived. (Though they were surprisingly effective without any tire pressure in that instance)
I was waiting for a good excuse to get new tires because though I don't know my BMW with any other, I am positive they are holding it back because few cars preform this poorly in snow and while cornering above 40mph. I must warn anybody who is looking at these who may encounter snow before switching these for their winter pair, you will want these off before a New England October, they may as well be summer tires, they even have reoccuring slow air leaks in sub-zero climate. However, they seem to like the rain? They truly work best when the road is wet, don't know why.
Nearing the end of their lives, they got really bad, and they wore much faster than expected by any all-season tire. On the highway I started experiencing excessive road noise, tire hop with moderate fish tailing that would scare new passengers, and was just feeling the first signs of vibration. That being said, I drove these tires into the ground, so they held up pretty well for the state they were in.
Overall, these tires do not last, but will offer mediocre preformance rather consistantly, unless there is any snow on the ground whatsoever.

Vehicle: 1997 BMW 328ic
Miles Driven on Tires: 40,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: SADDLE BROOK, NJ
Driving Style: Spirited
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354 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 334 positive
  • 20 negative

Most customers rate dry traction highly, with scores mostly 8-10. As a winter tire, the X-Ice Snow delivers reliable grip and responsive handling in dry conditions, meeting driver expectations.

August 28, 2017

4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...These H rated Nexen seem quite up to snuff in dry conditions... These 671s are quiet, smooth, and unremarkable--no glaring weaknesses--and that's what I ask of my tires. They don't squeal in fast corners, they respond quickly...

Typically I replace stock tires because most are fair to poor. These H rated Nexen seem quite up to snuff in dry conditions. These are the stock tires on my 2017 KIA Soul 1.6 auto.
Compared to the Pirelli P7s I had on my 2015 Soul 2.0, these seem at least as good in takeoff traction, cornering traction and characteristics, braking stability, quietness and smoothness on various pavements.
The P7s were easy to chirp off the line. They had a terrible wet rating, but I never had issues.
I know I lured a V8 Mustang into a drag race--well, more like he took off down Oakwood Boulevard at about 90 and eventually a Corvette found him and they did their thing. But a tire chirp for some guys means Let's Go!
These I don't get rubber on takeoff, but this car has the 1.6 with less torque than my '15, though the mill feels just as strong. I'll find out when I switch to Bridgestone Blizzak WS80s because my 2.0 Soul also got an easy chirp out of those from a standing start. That will determine if the Nexens are Traction Monsters or just that the 2.0 has more dig out of the hole than the 1.6.
When I replaced the stock Nexen 662s with Michelin Defenders on my 2013 Soul 1.6, the difference was obvious as night and day. The Defenders were much quieter, smoother, rode better, gripped better. They were a clear upgrade and to me were well worth the $$.
Nexen seems to have come a long way in four years. These 671s are quiet, smooth, and unremarkable--no glaring weaknesses--and that's what I ask of my tires. They don't squeal in fast corners, they respond quickly. They do their job.
They feel good on max braking. These seem pretty decent all-around tires. Odd that there are NO reviews
I haven't had them in the wet yet, it hasn't snowed yet.
But for everyday zipping around, these seem fine. Would I buy them as replacements? That would depend on price and test results, except nobody's posted tests of them.

Vehicle: 2017 Kia Soul Base
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,100
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: SYLVANIA, OH
Driving Style: Spirited
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March 20, 2019

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...They aren't the best but darn near close. They are a perfect match for this car. A good combination of dry & wet performance and relatively quite...

These are the original tires on my Kia Soul + with EcoDynamics. I'd have to say these are probably the best OE tires I've ever had. They aren't the best but darn near close. They are a perfect match for this car. A good combination of dry & wet performance and relatively quite. If you don't drive like an animal, these tires will serve you well. The same could be said for pretty much any tire though probably.

Vehicle: 2016 Kia Soul +
Miles Driven on Tires: 51,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: CLARKSBURG, MD
Driving Style: Average
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April 21, 2018

3.8 out of 5 Star Rating
3.8 out of 5

...The wet and dry traction is second to none...

These tires came on my Kia Forte EX when I bought it new. I now have 30,000 miles on my car and though the tires have worn ok.l incredibly well evenly throughout the tire, the treadwear longevity doesn't meet my expectations. They only have about 5,000 to 10,000 miles left on the treadlife which is below my expectations for a tire. Another good thing about the tires besides the great evenly wearing thread is that I've had my car for almost 2 years and I rotate the tires every other oil change, but I've never had to balance these tires yet, and they continue to ride smoothly even at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Which I find amazing about them, but wish the snow traction was better to. The wet and dry traction in my opinion is second to none. I'm won't buy these tires again cause they don't last more than 35,000 to 40,000 miles tops, as and that's with religious rotation intervals, proper pressure kept, and no burnouts or foul play.

Vehicle: 2016 Kia Forte Sedan EX
Miles Driven on Tires: 30,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: TOPEKA, KS
Driving Style: Average
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359 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 349 positive
  • 10 negative

Most customers rate the Michelin X-Ice Snow's comfort as excellent, with scores of 9-10 for smooth ride and low noise. High marks highlight its ability to maintain a quiet, comfortable experience in winter conditions.

April 24, 2018 (Verified Purchase)

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

These are very capable, comfortable tires.

These came on my 2016 KIA OPTIMA EX and I've been very happy!
Ratings aren't very high and I don't understand that, these are very capable, comfortable tires.

Vehicle: 2016 Kia Optima EX
Miles Driven on Tires: 25,000
Driving Conditions: All City
Location: JACKSONVILLE, FL
Driving Style: Spirited
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November 15, 2015 (Verified Purchase)

4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

...I am extremely impressed with the comfort and performance of this tire... Some reviews on the Internet are not flattering for some early NEXEN tire models, but this specific tire is extremely quiet as well as extremely smooth. These tires are as smooth as any set of tires I've owned on some 20 vehicles...

I've been tires for my vehicles for over 50 years and have pretty much come to the conclusion that MICHELIN is the best tire I've owned........
However, having said that, I purchased a new KIA OPTIMA that has this NEXEN tire from the factory.
I am extremely impressed with the comfort and performance of this tire. Michelin is well know for they're quiet, quality tires, but these NEXEN's have really impressed me. Some reviews on the Internet are not flattering for some early NEXEN tire models, but this specific tire is extremely quiet as well as extremely smooth. These tires are as smooth as any set of tires I've owned on some 20 vehicles.
If you want a great, comfortable tire, this is IT!

Vehicle: 2015 Kia Optima EX
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,200
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: JACKSONVILLE, FL
Driving Style: Spirited
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October 01, 2016

4 out of 5 Star Rating
4 out of 5

These tires have been quiet, comfortable and high performing over a variety of road surfaces and conditions...

These were stock tires on my Kia when I purchased it new.
These tires have been quiet, comfortable and high performing over a variety of road surfaces and conditions. I have been average well over 30 mpg over two years with this set. They wear well and just now am I getting a little slippage when cornering. I cannot think of a better tire value for general driving.

Vehicle: 2014 Kia Soul Base
Miles Driven on Tires: 45,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: BEL AIR, MD
Driving Style: Easy Going
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236 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 220 positive
  • 16 negative

Customers report excellent tread life, with most scoring 9s and 10s. The X-Ice Snow maintains reliable winter traction, showing minimal wear even in harsh conditions. Some 7-8 scores still reflect solid seasonal durability.

February 28, 2017 (Verified Purchase)

3.5 out of 5 Star Rating
3.5 out of 5

...i barely got 20k on them and have to replace them. the tread wears super fast and the sidewalls do not weather well either...

these tires handle well, but wear cray fast, i barely got 20k on them and have to replace them. the tread wears super fast and the sidewalls do not weather well either. replaced with some yokohamas... we'll see how those are.

Vehicle: 2015 Chrysler 200S V6 FWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 20,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: SHEBOYGAN, WI
Driving Style: Spirited
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February 27, 2016

2.5 out of 5 Star Rating
2.5 out of 5

This tire is worst for tire wear. I have driven several 2-3 year old cars (with Nexen tires) for the dealer that I work for and each vehicle had NO tread left after 23/24000 miles, most were completely bald...

This tire is the worst for tire wear. I have driven several 2-3 year old cars (with Nexen tires) for the dealer that I work for and each vehicle had NO tread left after 23/24000 miles, most were completely bald. The dealer line is that they don't usually put good tires on news cars any longer.
Well I think most of know that this is not true. My other car has Kuhmo tires with 56,000 miles on them and there is still plenty of tread life left. If you read the description it will tell you that there is no treadlife warranty. Sorry Nexen, I will not consider you for replacement.

Vehicle: 2013 Kia Optima EX
Miles Driven on Tires: 20,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: SCHENECTADY, NY
Driving Style: Average
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September 19, 2014

4.1 out of 5 Star Rating
4.1 out of 5

Slightly disappointed in the wearing of these tires, I did not do 1st rotation until 8K and the front tires were significaneat tire...

Slightly disappointed in the wearing of these tires, I did not do 1st rotation until 8K and the front tires were significantly worn...very evenly though....beyond that, happy with them.

Vehicle: 2012 Kia Optima
Miles Driven on Tires: 13,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: LAKE RONKONKOMA, 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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