Michelin X-Ice Snow vs Continental UltimateContact Winter: The Michelin X-Ice Snow, launched in 2020, faces off against the Continental UltimateContact Winter, introduced in 2024 and exclusively available through Canadian Tire. This battle pits Michelin’s proven winter champion against Continental’s latest contender, designed to shake up the studless segment. With both tires aiming for dominance in ice and snow, it’s a showdown to see which truly owns the winter roads!
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Results: Michelin X-Ice Snow vs Continental UltimateContact Winter
Results below were taken from Canadian Tire’s Road Rated test with a total of 10 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin X-Ice Snow vs Continental UltimateContact Winter based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin X-Ice Snow was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Canadian Tire’s road-rated test consolidates all performance aspects—wet, dry, comfort, fuel economy, ice, and snow—into a single score for each category. While this approach provides a solid overall assessment, it does not isolate specific metrics like braking distance. However, the combined score still offers a reliable approximation of a tire’s performance across various conditions.
Ice
The Michelin X-Ice Snow outperforms the Continental UltimateContact Winter in ice braking, stopping 6% shorter. This translates to a noticeable difference in grip and safety when braking on icy surfaces, giving the X-Ice Snow a clear advantage in slippery winter conditions.
UltimateContact Winter :
- -6% in ice
Snow
The Michelin X-Ice Snow slightly edges out the Continental UltimateContact Winter in snow performance, with just 1% better traction, braking, and handling on snow-packed surfaces. While the difference is minimal, the X-Ice Snow provides a slight advantage in maintaining control and grip during snowy conditions.
UltimateContact Winter :
- -1% in snow braking
Wet
The Continental UltimateContact Winter outperforms the Michelin X-Ice Snow in wet conditions by 7%, providing better resistance to hydroplaning, stronger braking, and improved grip on wet asphalt. This gives the UltimateContact Winter a noticeable advantage in maintaining control and safety during rainy or wet driving.
UltimateContact Winter :
- +7% in wet braking
Dry
The Continental UltimateContact Winter performs 4% better than the Michelin X-Ice Snow on dry asphalt, offering shorter braking distances, sharper cornering, and more precise handling. This slight advantage gives the UltimateContact Winter better overall control and responsiveness in dry conditions.
UltimateContact Winter :
- +4% in dry braking
Comfort
The Michelin X-Ice Snow provides 6% better comfort than the Continental UltimateContact Winter, delivering a quieter ride and smoother handling over various surfaces. This makes the X-Ice Snow the more comfortable option for long drives and uneven roads.
UltimateContact Winter :
- -6% in comfort
Rolling Resistance
The Continental UltimateContact Winter has 2% lower rolling resistance than the Michelin X-Ice Snow, making it slightly more fuel-efficient and better at preserving the range of electric vehicles. This small edge can contribute to improved overall energy efficiency during winter driving.
UltimateContact Winter :
- +2% in fuel economy
Price
The Michelin X-Ice Snow and Continental UltimateContact Winter are priced almost identically at $231 and $230, respectively, for size 235/55 R17. With less than a 1% difference, their pricing is effectively the same, making performance the key factor in choosing between the two.
Tire size: 235/55 R17
- X-Ice Snow : $ 231
- UltimateContact Winter : $ 230
Difference: ~0% more or less the same
Conclusion
From my experience as a tire expert, the Continental UltimateContact Winter stands out in wet and dry performance, offering better handling and fuel efficiency. However, the Michelin X-Ice Snow excels where it matters most for a studless winter tire – on ice and snow. Its superior grip and braking in harsh winter conditions give it the edge. In this case, the X-Ice Snow takes the win as the stronger ice and snow performer, which is exactly what you need from a studless tire.
Dr Edwin Pang