Michelin X Ice Snow vs Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3: Get ready for a titanic clash in the snow/nordic/studless tire arena as we pit two of the heavyweights against each other: the Michelin X Ice Snow and the newly launched Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3. The Michelin X Ice Snow, with its stellar reputation, has long been a favorite in the Nordic, snow, and studless tire segment, delivering exceptional performance and reliability on slick, snowy roads. With innovative technology and a unique tread design, it has set a high bar in terms of traction, durability, and overall winter driving safety.
Enter the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3, the latest challenger on the block, launched in 2023 with a mission to redefine winter driving. Goodyear has pulled out all the stops, incorporating cutting-edge technology and advanced materials to create a tire that promises unparalleled grip and stability on icy surfaces. With its fresh design and state-of-the-art features, the UltraGrip Ice 3 is poised to make a strong impact and give the Michelin X Ice Snow a run for its money.
The stage is set for an epic showdown as these two titans of the tire world go head-to-head. Will the Michelin X Ice Snow uphold its legacy and continue to dominate the winter roads? Or will the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 disrupt the status quo and establish a new standard in winter driving excellence? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – this is a battle you won’t want to miss!
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Results: Michelin X Ice Snow vs Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
Results below were taken from 2023 TESTIRENKAAT Snow/Nordic/Studless Tire Test with a total of 8 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin X Ice Snow vs Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 based on the relevant performance category. Being the front runner, Michelin X Ice Snow was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is a 215/65 R17 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Tiguan and Hyundai Grand Starex. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Tiguan.
Ice :
When it comes to winter tires, performance on ice is paramount. Let’s dive into a concise comparison of the Michelin X Ice Snow and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3, focusing on their ice capabilities to help layman readers understand which tire might be the better option for icy conditions.
Ice Braking: This is a critical safety feature, determining how quickly your car can come to a stop on icy roads. The Michelin X Ice Snow takes 15.3 meters to come to a halt, while the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 slightly outperforms it, stopping at 14.75 meters. Though the difference might seem small, every centimeter counts when it comes to safety on icy roads.
Ice Traction: This measures how well the tire can grip and accelerate on ice. Here, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 takes the lead again, with a quicker acceleration time of 6.39 seconds compared to the 7.01 seconds of the Michelin X Ice Snow. Better traction means smoother and safer acceleration in slippery conditions.
Ice Handling: This assesses the tire’s overall stability and control while navigating through icy tracks. The Michelin X Ice Snow completes a lap in 71.21 seconds, while the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 completes the same lap slightly faster at 69.76 seconds, showcasing its superior handling and control on ice.
In summary, while both tires are strong contenders in the winter tire segment, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 definitely have an edge in ice performance, offering better braking, traction, and handling. However, it’s worth considering other factors such as price, durability, and performance in snow and slush before making your final decision.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- +4% in ice braking
- +10% in ice traction
- +2% in ice handling (lap time)
Snow Performance Analysis:
In the winter tire segment, snow performance is crucial, second only to ice capabilities. Let’s break down the performance of the Michelin X Ice Snow and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 in snowy conditions, ensuring that the comparison is easy to grasp for everyone.
Snow Braking: This determines how quickly your vehicle can stop on snow-covered roads. The Michelin X Ice Snow requires 11.56 meters to come to a complete stop, while the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 performs slightly better, stopping at 11.28 meters. Though the difference is minimal, the UltraGrip Ice 3’s shorter stopping distance could make a crucial difference in avoiding a collision.
Snow Traction: This measures the tire’s ability to grip the road during acceleration on snow. Here, the competition is tight, but the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 edges out the competition once again with an acceleration time of 4.39 seconds, compared to the 4.47 seconds of the Michelin X Ice Snow. Better snow traction ensures a smoother start on snowy roads, reducing the risk of getting stuck.
Snow Handling: Evaluating the tire’s control and stability through a snowy course, the Michelin X Ice Snow finishes a lap in 84.04 seconds, while the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 completes it a tad faster at 83.28 seconds. This suggests that the UltraGrip Ice 3 offers slightly better maneuverability and confidence on snow-covered roads.
In summary, both tires deliver commendable performance on snow, but the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 has a slight advantage in all three categories. That said, it’s important to consider all aspects of the tires, including their performance on ice, to make an informed decision that suits your specific driving needs and conditions.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- +2% in snow braking
- +2% in snow traction
- +1% in snow handling (lap time)
Wet Face-off :
In the realm of winter tires, striking the right balance between ice, snow, and wet performance is a complex challenge. Let’s look at how the Michelin X Ice Snow and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 fare when it comes to wet conditions, while keeping it simple for all readers.
Wet Braking: This is all about stopping power on wet roads. The Michelin X Ice Snow requires 41.98 meters to come to a stop, whereas the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 showcases its proficiency with a shorter stopping distance of 38.49 meters. The UltraGrip Ice 3’s superior wet braking could be the difference that keeps you safe in sudden stop scenarios on wet roads.
Wet Handling: This assesses how well the tire can maintain grip and stability while navigating through wet tracks. The Michelin X Ice Snow completes a wet lap in 42.8 seconds, while the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3, once again, outperforms, finishing the lap in a faster 40.4 seconds. This demonstrates that the UltraGrip Ice 3 maintains consistent grip and control, even in wet conditions.
The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 proves that it shows no weakness when it comes to the wet vs ice target conflict, delivering strong performance across both conditions. While both tires are formidable options for winter driving, the UltraGrip Ice 3 stands out with its impressive wet performance, ensuring safety and stability, regardless of whether the roads are icy, snowy, or wet.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- +9% in wet braking
- +6% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry Performance Duel:
In the quest for the perfect winter tire, dry performance cannot be overlooked. Here’s a straightforward comparison of the Michelin X Ice Snow and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 in terms of their dry braking capabilities.
Dry Braking: This evaluates how efficiently a tire can bring your vehicle to a stop on dry pavement. The Michelin X Ice Snow requires a distance of 31.82 meters to come to a complete halt, while the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 shows a slight advantage, stopping at 31.25 meters. Although the difference might seem small, in emergency braking situations, every bit of stopping power counts.
In essence, while both tires offer reliable performance, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 takes the lead in dry braking, ensuring that you have that extra bit of stopping power when you need it most.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- +2% in dry braking
Price
In comparing the prices of the Michelin X Ice Snow and the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 in the size 205/55 R16, there’s a noticeable difference that potential buyers should take into account. The X Ice Snow is priced at €143, making it a more budget-friendly option, whereas the UltraGrip Ice 3 comes with a heftier price tag of €197.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- UltraGrip Ice 3 : € 197
Difference: +27% more expensive for UltraGrip Ice 3
The UltraGrip Ice 3 is approximately 27% more expensive than the X Ice Snow. This significant price difference means that while the UltraGrip Ice 3 may offer superior performance across various conditions, customers will need to weigh the benefits of this enhanced performance against the additional cost. It ultimately depends on the individual’s driving needs and budget constraints when deciding which tire offers the best value for money.
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
With years of experience in the tire industry and countless models and brands analyzed, it’s not every day that I come across a tire that truly stands out across all tested conditions. However, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 has managed to do just that, setting a new benchmark in the winter tire segment.
In my thorough evaluation, the UltraGrip Ice 3 has demonstrated exceptional performance on ice, snow, wet, and dry surfaces. It’s a rare feat to find a tire that doesn’t just excel in one specific area, but shows consistent dominance across various terrains and conditions. From its impressive ice handling to its remarkable grip on snowy roads, and its superior wet and dry braking capabilities, the UltraGrip Ice 3 leaves little room for its competitors to catch up.
It is important to note that in this assessment, factors such as noise, vibration, harshness (NVH), and tire wear have not been included in the evaluation. These factors are crucial for a comprehensive tire review and should be considered when making a final purchasing decision.
Nevertheless, based on the key performance indicators in ice, snow, wet, and dry conditions, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 stands out as the clear winner in this head-to-head battle against the Michelin X Ice Snow. It has redefined the expectations for winter tires, and it’s a choice that any discerning driver looking for top-notch performance in winter conditions should seriously consider.
Dr Edwin Pang