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

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 four tests which compare both tires directly!

Out of these four tests:

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 finished ahead of the Michelin X Ice Snow in three 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 three tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 stopped the vehicle in 1.3% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

36.89M

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

36.41M

Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>

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

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

See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>

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

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow scored 0.97% more points than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow

51 Points

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

51.5 Points

Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>

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

Wet Braking

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two wet braking tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow stopped the vehicle in 2.25% less distance than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow

38.66M

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

39.55M

Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>

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

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow was 0.57% faster around a wet lap than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow

55.48s

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

55.8s

Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

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

See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>

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

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

See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>

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 two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow floated at a 8.45% higher speed than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow

72.56Km/H

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

66.43Km/H

Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>

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

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

See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>

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 three tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during two snow braking tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 stopped the vehicle in 0.08% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

13.19M

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

13.18M

Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>

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

Snow Traction

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during two snow traction tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 accelerated 0.82% faster than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

4.9s

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

4.86s

Snow acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Snow Traction: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>

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

Snow Handling [s]

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during three snow handling [s] tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was 1.19% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

83.1s

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

82.11s

Snow handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Handling [s]: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>

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

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:

See how the Subj. Snow Handling winner was calculated >>

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

See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>

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 three tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two ice braking tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow stopped the vehicle 0.4% shorter than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.

Michelin X Ice Snow

12.51M

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

12.56M

Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Michelin X Ice Snow

See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>

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

Ice Traction

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during two ice traction tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 accelerated 1.03% faster than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

6.82s

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

6.75s

Ice acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Ice Traction: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

See how the Ice Traction winner was calculated >>

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

Ice Handling [s]

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was better during two ice handling [s] tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was 1.84% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow

57.08s

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

56.03s

Ice handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Ice Handling [s]: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

See how the Ice Handling winner was calculated >>

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

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

See how the Subj. Ice Handling winner was calculated >>

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 12 times and drivers have given the tire 82% 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 178 - 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 77 - 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, subj. ice handling and rolling resistance, while the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 performed better in dry braking, dry handling [s], subj. dry handling, snow braking, snow traction, snow handling [s], snow circle, ice traction, ice handling [s], noise, noise and fuel consumption.

Interestingly, both tires performed equally well in 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

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.

Michelin X Ice Snow vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

Test Results

Dry Braking

Dry Handling [s]

Subj. Dry Handling

Wet Braking

Wet Handling [s]

Subj. Wet Handling

Straight Aqua

Curved Aquaplaning

Snow Braking

Snow Traction

Snow Handling [s]

Subj. Snow Handling

Snow Circle

Ice Braking

Ice Traction

Ice Handling [s]

Subj. Ice Handling

Subj. Comfort

Noise

Noise

Rolling Resistance

Fuel Consumption

Real World Driver Reviews

Conclusion

Footnote

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