Michelin X Ice Snow vs Pirelli Ice Zero FR

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 Pirelli Ice Zero FR to find out which tire is best for your own driving.

The good news is that both the Michelin X Ice Snow and Pirelli Ice Zero FR 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 Ice-Zero-FR

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:

  • Michelin X Ice Snow finished ahead of the Pirelli Ice Zero FR in three of the tests
  • Pirelli Ice Zero FR finished ahead of the Michelin X Ice Snow in one of the tests

While it might look like the Michelin X Ice Snow is better than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR 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 Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR stopped the vehicle in 3.34% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
35.6M
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
34.41M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:31.2M ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 30M
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:31.49M ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 30.3M
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:47.88M ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 46.66M
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:31.82M ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 30.67M

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was 0.18% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
73.01s
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
72.88s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:73.01s ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 72.88s

Subj. Dry Handling

Michelin X Ice Snow
36.67 Points
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
36.67 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling:

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:8 Points Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 7 Points
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:4 Points ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 5 Points
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:98 Points Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 98 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during two wet braking tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR stopped the vehicle in 1.43% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
39.1M
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
38.54M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:38.6M Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 39.3M
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:40.23M ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 37.84M
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:35.59M Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 35.94M
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:41.98M ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 41.06M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was 0.53% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
51.02s
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
50.75s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:35s ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 34.8s
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:44.71s ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 44.13s
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:81.55s Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 82.65s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:42.8s ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 41.4s

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two subj. wet handling tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow scored 8.33% more points than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
54 Points
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
49.5 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:8 Points Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 7 Points
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:100 Points Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 92 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 4.4% higher speed than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
72.71Km/H
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
69.51Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:65.3Km/H Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 63.3Km/H
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:80.11Km/H Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 75.71Km/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 7.99% higher speed than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
63.8m/sec2
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
58.7m/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 Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 58.7m/sec2

Snow Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during three snow braking tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow stopped the vehicle in 0.67% less distance than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
22.35M
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
22.5M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:50.4M Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 51M
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:11.61M ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 11.54M
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:15.81M Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 15.9M
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:11.56M Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 11.57M

Snow Traction

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during two snow traction tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR accelerated 1.12% faster than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
5.38s
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
5.32s
Snow acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Snow Traction: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:6s Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 6s
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:5.66s ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 5.63s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:4.47s ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 4.34s

Snow Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two snow handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow was 0.31% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
73.69s
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
73.92s
Snow handling time in seconds, lower is better

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

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:48.7s Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 49.4s
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:73.44s ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 73.09s
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:88.56s ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 88s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:84.04s Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 85.19s

Subj. Snow Handling

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one subj. snow handling tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow scored 3.7% more points than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
52 Points
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
54 Points
Subjective Snow Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:9 Points Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 8 Points
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:95 Points ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 100 Points

Snow Circle

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow was 0.41% faster around a snow circle than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
29.09S
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
29.21S
Snow Circle Time in Seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Circle: Michelin X Ice Snow

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:29.09S Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 29.21S

Ice Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during four ice braking tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow stopped the vehicle 3.4% shorter than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
17.88M
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
18.51M
Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:42.7M Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 44M
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:3.39M Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 3.43M
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:10.14M Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 10.68M
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:15.3M Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 15.92M

Ice Traction

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two ice traction tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow accelerated 3.31% faster than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
6.14s
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
6.35s
Ice acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Ice Traction: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:5.3s Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 5.6s
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:6.12s Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 6.51s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:7.01s ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 6.93s

Ice Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two ice handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow was 1.54% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
59.42s
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
60.35s
Ice handling time in seconds, lower is better

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

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:61s ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 60.7s
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:52.54s ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 49.43s
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:52.92s Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 54.18s
2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:71.21s Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 77.09s

Subj. Ice Handling

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one subj. ice handling tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow scored 9.35% more points than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
53.5 Points
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
48.5 Points
Subjective Ice Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Ice Handling: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:7 Points Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 7 Points
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:100 Points Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 90 Points

Subj. Comfort

Michelin X Ice Snow
95 Points
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
95 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin X Ice Snow

Subj. Noise

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during zero subj. noise tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow scored 15.38% more points than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
5.5 Points
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
6.5 Points
Subjective in car noise levels, higher is better

Best In Subj. Noise: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:8 Points ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 9 Points
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:3 Points ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 4 Points

Noise

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one noise tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow measured 0.96% quieter than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
62.1dB
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
62.7dB
Internal noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Michelin X Ice Snow

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:62.1dB Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 62.7dB

Price

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR was better during one price tests. On average the Pirelli Ice Zero FR cost 14.92% less than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Michelin X Ice Snow
1542
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
1312
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Michelin X Ice Snow:1542 ✓ Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 1312

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow had a 12.63% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

Michelin X Ice Snow
4.98kg / t
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
5.7kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:1.8kg / t Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 2.6kg / t
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:5.89kg / t Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 6.11kg / t
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow:7.25kg / t Pirelli Ice Zero FR: 8.38kg / t

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Michelin X Ice Snow and Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

In total the Michelin X Ice Snow has been reviewed 12 times and drivers have given the tire 82% overall.

The Pirelli Ice Zero FR has been reviewed 3 times and drivers have given the tire 93% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Pirelli Ice Zero FR.

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 Pirelli Ice Zero FR
Given 95% 205/60 R16 on mostly town for 7,000 average miles
Been using Ice Zero FR for about 5000kms in ever changing winter weather in the Baltic states. Driving mostly within city with frequent longer rides on motorways to rural areas with poorly maintained roads. The weather during this winter has been as unstable as it could be. We've had slush with rain and ice underneath it, we've had thick (up to 30-50cm) powder snow, we've had dense compressed and heavy snow as well as thick layer of clear ice on the roads. Zero FR's are behaving excellent in all these conditions, they give me high comfort and great confidence in driving. Grip and handling on... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 54 - tire reviewed on February 18, 2022
View all Pirelli Ice Zero FR driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Michelin X Ice Snow performed better in subj. wet handling, straight aqua, curved aquaplaning, snow braking, snow handling [s], snow circle, ice braking, ice traction, ice handling [s], subj. ice handling, noise and rolling resistance, while the Pirelli Ice Zero FR performed better in dry braking, dry handling [s], wet braking, wet handling [s], snow traction, subj. snow handling, subj. noise and price.

Interestingly, both tires performed equally well in subj. dry 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 Michelin X Ice Snow 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: Michelin X Ice Snow

Overall Winner: Michelin X Ice Snow

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.