Review: Michelin X-Ice Snow+ proves its mettle in extreme winter testing

Winter tires live or die by how they perform when conditions are at their worst. At a recent Michelin X-Ice Snow+ test drive event held at Circuit Mécaglisse, Quebec, those limits were pushed hard.

The goal was simple: Put the Michelin X-Ice Snow+ head-to-head against top competitor brands in real winter conditions — deep snow, deeper snow, and sheer ice — and see which tire delivered the most confidence behind the wheel.

Deep-snow testing: Michelin vs. Bridgestone

The first test took place in approximately six inches of snow using front-wheel-drive Toyota Corollas. Traction control was turned off to ensure the tires alone determined performance, and all tires were shaved down to 4/32 (430 seconds) to create a level playing field. Michelin X-Ice Snow+ was tested directly against the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90.

From the first acceleration, the Michelin X-Ice Snow+ stood out. Traction was strong and consistent, allowing the car to move forward without hesitation. Steering response was immediate and predictable, with the tire gripping confidently through turns. One standout design element was the tire’s nearly 90-degree tread edge, which noticeably helped the tire bite into the snow during cornering.

The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 struggled by comparison. In multiple instances, the vehicle became stuck and required backing up to regain momentum. Steering response was slower and less precise, with noticeably reduced grip.

After the test, the difference was visible: The Michelin tire retained deeper, more robust tread compared to the Bridgestone, reinforcing what was already felt from the driver’s seat.

Over 10 Inches of snow: Michelin vs. Continental

The testing went to snow depths above 10 inches, this time using Toyota RAV4 SUVs equipped with brand-new tires. Michelin X-Ice Snow+ went up against a comparable Continental winter tire.

In these conditions, the Continental performed respectably, offering decent grip in deep snow. It, however, lacked precision. The vehicle required longer steering input before responding, making turns feel delayed and less controlled.

The Michelin X-Ice Snow+ once again delivered a clear advantage. It gripped firmly in the deep snow and responded quickly to steering inputs. The vehicle tracked cleanly and predictably, inspiring confidence even in the most challenging conditions. Where the Continental struggled, the Michelin reacted immediately.

Ice track performance

The final test was conducted on a dedicated ice track using Chevy Equinox EVs, an especially demanding environment due to the instant torque of electric vehicles. Michelin X-Ice Snow+ was tested against Nokian and Continental winter tires.

On ice, the Michelin X-Ice Snow+ was the top performer. Acceleration was quicker and more controlled, with less wheel slip off the line. Through corners, the tire exhibited minimal sliding compared to competitors, maintaining composure and grip. Most impressively, stopping distances were noticeably shorter, providing a critical safety advantage in icy conditions.

Final verdict

Across every test—moderate snow, deep snow, and pure ice—the Michelin X-Ice Snow+ consistently delivered superior performance. It offered stronger traction, sharper steering response, better tracking, and more confidence-inspiring control than its competitors.

In the harshest winter driving conditions, where precision and reliability matter most, the Michelin X-Ice Snow+ proved itself as the best-performing winter tire in the test. For drivers who demand confidence when winter is at its worst, this tire clearly stands at the top of the field.

About the X‑Ice Snow+ tire

Michelin has announced the X‑Ice Snow+ tire, designed to deliver a quieter and more comfortable winter driving experience. The new tire incorporates piano acoustic tuning technology, a proprietary system developed to reduce road noise and enhance cabin comfort during winter conditions. By controlling sound frequencies generated at the tire‑road interface, the technology helps create a more peaceful drive without compromising winter traction or control.

The X‑Ice Snow+ will be available for dealer ordering ahead of the 2026 winter selling season, beginning in May 2026. It is engineered for a wide range of vehicles, including CUVs, SUVs, pickups, sedans, hybrid models and electric vehicles. Michelin plans to offer the tire in sizes ranging from 15 to 23 inches to meet the diverse needs of drivers across vehicle segments.

With demand growing for winter tires that combine safety, performance, and comfort, the X‑Ice Snow+ adds a new option to Michelin’s winter portfolio. Its launch reflects the company’s continued focus on innovation in acoustic comfort and electrification‑ready tire design.