Michelin X-Ice North 4 vs Michelin X-Ice Snow+: This is a fascinating winter tyre battle from within the Michelin family itself. On one side is the X-Ice North 4, Michelin’s proven studded winter tyre. On the other is the new X-Ice Snow+, representing Michelin’s latest generation of studless winter technology.
It is a classic studded vs studless showdown — two very different approaches to tackling ice, snow and harsh winter roads. So which one makes more sense, and just how close can the new X-Ice Snow+ get to its studded sibling?
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Results : Michelin X-Ice North 4 vs Michelin X-Ice Snow+
Results below were taken from 2026 Aftonbladet Winter Tire Test with a total of 12 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin X-Ice North 4 vs Michelin X-Ice Snow+ based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin X-Ice North 4 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for subjective ratings, 1 point is equivalent to 10%. So if tire A has a 4 point rating & tire B has a 3 point rating, tire A is better than tire B by 10%. The tire size of interest is a 205/55 R16 which is a common tire size for Toyota Corolla. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Ice
The X-Ice North 4 is clearly stronger on ice. In ice braking, the X-Ice Snow+ needs 11.0 metres more to stop, putting it 21% behind the North 4. In acceleration, it takes 2.3 seconds longer, a significant 26% disadvantage.
Around the ice handling track, the Snow+ is 1.8 seconds slower, or 3% behind. Subjectively, it scores 7 points versus 9, a 2-point difference, equivalent to 10% behind. Overall, this is where the studded X-Ice North 4 really pulls away, with its biggest advantages coming in ice braking and acceleration.
X-Ice Snow+ :
- –21% in ice braking
- -26% in ice acceleration
- -3% in ice handling (lap time)
- -10% in ice handling (subj)
Snow
In snow braking, the X-Ice Snow+ needs just 0.5 metres more to stop, putting it only 1% behind the X-Ice North 4. Snow acceleration is exactly equal at 6.6 seconds, so there is no difference between the two.
Around the snow handling track, the Snow+ is 0.8 seconds slower, or 2% behind. Subjectively, it scores 8 points versus 9, a 1-point difference, equivalent to 5% behind. Overall, the gap on snow is much smaller than on ice. The X-Ice North 4 still holds a slight edge, but the new X-Ice Snow+ stays very close across all four snow tests.
X-Ice Snow+ :
- -1% in snow braking
- 0% in snow acceleration
- -2% in snow handling (lap time)
- -5% in snow handling (subj)
Wet
In wet braking, the X-Ice Snow+ stops 5.7 metres shorter than the X-Ice North 4, giving it an 18% advantage. Around the wet handling track, it is also 2.0 seconds faster, putting it 5% ahead.
Subjectively, the Snow+ scores 9 points versus 8, a 1-point advantage, equivalent to 5% better. Overall, the wet result flips the story completely. The new X-Ice Snow+ is clearly stronger in the wet, with meaningful gains in both braking and handling.
X-Ice Snow+ :
- +18% in wet braking
- +5% in wet handling (lap time)
- +5% in wet handling (subj)
Dry
In dry braking, the X-Ice Snow+ stops 1.0 metre shorter than the X-Ice North 4, giving it a 3% advantage. Subjectively, it scores 9 points versus 8, a 1-point difference, equivalent to 5% better.
Overall, the X-Ice Snow+ has a small but clear advantage in the dry, with better braking and stronger subjective handling.
X-Ice Snow+ :
- +3% in dry braking
- +5% in subjective dry handling
Fuel Consumption
For fuel efficiency, the X-Ice Snow+ increases fuel consumption by 1.2%, compared with 3.2% for the X-Ice North 4. That is a 2.0 percentage-point improvement, giving the Snow+ a 2% advantage in fuel efficiency.
X-Ice Snow+ :
- +2% in fuel consumption
Subjective Noise
For noise, the X-Ice Snow+ scores 9 points versus 6 for the X-Ice North 4. That is a 3-point advantage, equivalent to 15% better. Overall, this is one of the clearest benefits of going studless. The X-Ice Snow+ is noticeably quieter and more refined.
X-Ice Snow+ :
- +15% in subj noise
Price
For 205/55 R16, the X-Ice North 4 costs €219, while the X-Ice Snow+ costs €184. That makes the X-Ice Snow+ €35 cheaper, or around 16% less expensive than the North 4.
Tire size: 205/55R16
- X Ice North 4 : € 219
- X-Ice Snow+ : € 184
Difference: X-Ice Snow+ is 16% cheaper.
Conclusion
For me, the trade-off is very clear. The X-Ice North 4 is the choice for maximum ice performance, with its biggest advantages coming in braking and acceleration where the studs really make a difference. The X-Ice Snow+ gives up some of that pure ice capability, but in return it is much stronger in the wet, slightly better in the dry, quieter, more fuel efficient and also 16% cheaper.
So if your winter means frequent hard-packed ice, choose the North 4. If you want a more balanced tyre for mixed winter roads and everyday driving, the new X-Ice Snow+ is the more versatile package.
Dr Edwin Pang