Michelin X Ice Snow vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

In this article we will be looking at independent tire test data, and real world driver reviews of the Michelin X Ice Snow and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 to find out which tire is best for your own driving.

The good news is that both the Michelin X Ice Snow and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 are Premium Touring Winter tires designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars, which means comparing the two tires is relatively simple.

Both tires are hugely popular in the market place with drivers, and both have been featured in independent tire tests.

In This Article
Introduction Test Results Driver Reviews Conclusion
X-Ice-Snow VS Hakkapeliitta-R5

Test Results

Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been five tests which compare both tires directly!

Out of these five tests:

  • Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 finished ahead of the Michelin X Ice Snow in four of the tests
  • The Michelin X Ice Snow and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 drew in one of the tests

While it might look like the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 is better than the Michelin X Ice Snow purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.

Dry Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 stopped the vehicle in 1.18% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
35.56M
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
35.14M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:47.88M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 47.45M
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:31.82M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 31.12M
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:30.96M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 30.65M
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:31.57M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 31.35M

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was 0.07% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
73.01s
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
72.96s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:73.01s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 72.96s

Subj. Dry Handling

Michelin X Ice Snow
35.33 Points
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
35.33 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling:

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:98 Points ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 100 Points
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:4 Points Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 3 Points
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:4 Points Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 3 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow stopped the vehicle in 3.41% less distance than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow
38.77M
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
40.14M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Michelin X Ice Snow

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:35.59M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 35.21M
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:41.98M Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 43.16M
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:38.4M Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 40.28M
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:39.1M Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 41.92M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow was 0.46% faster around a wet lap than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow
52.04s
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
52.28s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Michelin X Ice Snow

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:81.55s Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 83.2s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:42.8s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 42.2s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:42.1s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 42s
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:41.7s Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 41.7s

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow scored 5% more points than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow
100 Points
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
95 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Michelin X Ice Snow

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:100 Points Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 95 Points

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow floated at a 8.18% higher speed than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow
69.94Km/H
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
64.22Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin X Ice Snow

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:80.11Km/H Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 71.46Km/H
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:65Km/H Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 61.4Km/H
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:64.7Km/H Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 59.8Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow slipped out at a 12.54% higher speed than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow
63.8m/sec2
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
55.8m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Michelin X Ice Snow

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:63.8m/sec2 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 55.8m/sec2

Snow Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during three snow braking tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 stopped the vehicle in 0.15% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
13.02M
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
13M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:15.81M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 15.51M
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:11.56M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 11.52M
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:12.21M Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 12.52M
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:12.5M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 12.46M

Snow Traction

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during three snow traction tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 accelerated 0.85% faster than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
4.73s
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
4.69s
Snow acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Snow Traction: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:5.66s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 5.55s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:4.47s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 4.45s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:4.57s Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 4.57s
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:4.23s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 4.2s

Snow Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during four snow handling [s] tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was 1.3% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
82.58s
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
81.51s
Snow handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Handling [s]: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:88.56s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 87.8s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:84.04s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 83.04s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:76.7s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 75.5s
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:81s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 79.7s

Subj. Snow Handling

Michelin X Ice Snow
95 Points
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
95 Points
Subjective Snow Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Snow Handling:

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:95 Points Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 95 Points

Snow Circle

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was 0.38% faster around a snow circle than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
29.09S
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
28.98S
Snow Circle Time in Seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Circle: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:29.09S ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 28.98S

Ice Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during three ice braking tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow stopped the vehicle 1.71% shorter than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow
12.06M
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
12.27M
Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Michelin X Ice Snow

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:10.14M Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 10.18M
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:15.3M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 15.02M
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:12.09M Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 12.49M
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:10.69M Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 11.37M

Ice Traction

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two ice traction tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow accelerated 0.99% faster than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow
7s
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
7.07s
Ice acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Ice Traction: Michelin X Ice Snow

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:6.12s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 6.06s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:7.01s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 6.68s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:7.32s Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 7.52s
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:7.53s Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 8.01s

Ice Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during three ice handling [s] tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was 2.48% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
59.76s
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
58.28s
Ice handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Ice Handling [s]: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:52.92s Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 53.5s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:71.21s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 69.9s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:47.1s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 44.7s
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:67.8s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 65s

Subj. Ice Handling

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one subj. ice handling tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow scored 5% more points than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow
100 Points
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
95 Points
Subjective Ice Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Ice Handling: Michelin X Ice Snow

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:100 Points Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 95 Points

Subj. Comfort

Michelin X Ice Snow
95 Points
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
100 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin X Ice Snow

Noise

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during two noise tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 measured 0.27% quieter than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
73.3dB
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
73.1dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:74.5dB ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 74.3dB
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:72.1dB ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 71.9dB

Noise

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during one noise tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 measured 0.32% quieter than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
62.1dB
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
61.9dB
Internal noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:62.1dB ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 61.9dB

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow had a 1.23% lower rolling resistance than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow
7.25kg / t
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
7.34kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin X Ice Snow

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:7.25kg / t Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 7.34kg / t

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during two fuel consumption tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 used 3.77% less fuel than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
5.3l/100km
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
5.1l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:5.15l/100km ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 4.9l/100km
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice Snow:5.45l/100km ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: 5.3l/100km

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Michelin X Ice Snow and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

In total the Michelin X Ice Snow has been reviewed 13 times and drivers have given the tire 83% overall.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 has been reviewed 8 times and drivers have given the tire 90% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Best Review for the Michelin X Ice Snow
Given 93% 225/45 R17 on mostly country roads for 10,000 spirited miles
Previously owned the Michelin alpin 4a on a volkswagen tiguan. Fantastic tires, Decided to choose the new version for my Fiat Panda cross. The x ice snow is an amazing tire. It has been raining and snowing for the last month, i leave for work every morning in -10c and come home at night in -3c. Fresh snow, sludge, rain and ice. The tire is amazing. I feel confident while driving In all conditions. Recently went offroading in a few mountain trails. Parked the car up and iced road, jumped out with the kids, and we could not walk without falling over, Completely iced over. I did not even... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 182 - tire reviewed on December 5, 2020
View all Michelin X Ice Snow driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
Given 93% 205/60 R16 on a combination of roads for 150 average miles
I live in middle-part of Sweden where the weather can be up and down. from practically rainy roads, to dry and out of nowhere snow&ice roads due to weather changes. I went from Studded tires(been using those for 12years now and wanted to switch up and see how it felt to use studless and am I amazed how far the it come? it's just magnificent, less road noise due to not studded but wow the performance is just unpeccable. They saying wet grip is not that good-okey-ish but for me they have been great, snow & ice is just as we all know .."they are hakka" for a reason.
Helpful 82 - tire reviewed on December 30, 2022
View all Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Michelin X Ice Snow performed better in wet braking, wet handling [s], subj. wet handling, straight aqua, curved aquaplaning, ice braking, ice traction, subj. ice handling and rolling resistance, while the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 performed better in dry braking, dry handling [s], snow braking, snow traction, snow handling [s], snow circle, ice handling [s], noise, noise and fuel consumption.

Interestingly, both tires performed equally well in subj. dry handling and subj. snow handling, showing that they are closely matched in these areas.

Which tire is best for you depends a lot on your driving style and situation, plus what you want from the tire. Comparing all the data in the tire reviews database, on balance Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 seems to be the best tire overall.

However, it's important to note that both tires have their strengths.

Remember, the best tire for you might depend on which of these factors are most important for your specific driving needs and conditions.

Overall Winner: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

Overall Winner: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

Footnote

This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.

Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.