TyreRanker summary
In its 2026 test, Tehnikamaailm compared 8 studded tyres in size 205/55 R16 (test car: VW Golf). Measured parameters from this test used by TyreRanker: 10.
In the tester's ranking, the best was the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01, followed by Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 and Michelin X-Ice North 4. On measured results alone, the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01 was also the best in this test (95 points).
Braking on ice: best Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 (39.2 m), weakest Continental IceContact 3 (43.5 m) – a difference of 4.3 m, or 11%. Braking on snow: best Continental IceContact 3 (50.1 m), weakest Kumho WinterCraft ice Wi32 (52.3 m) – a difference of 2.2 m, or 4%. Braking in the wet: best Pirelli Ice Zero 2 (34.7 m), weakest Michelin X-Ice North 4 (37.3 m) – a difference of 2.6 m, or 7%.
The Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01 won the most test categories (3: handling on ice, acceleration on snow and handling on snow). The largest percentage gap was in “acceleration on ice” (12%). The Kumho WinterCraft ice Wi32 finished last in the tester's ranking.
The Continental IceContact 3 was No. 2 in the tester's ranking, but only No. 6 in this test by TyreRanker score. In the measurements it was weaker in “braking on ice” and “acceleration on ice”. The tester rated its handling and balance highly, which the measured results do not fully reflect. In the combined ranking of all tests, the IceContact 3 is No. 7 out of 9 tyres – it was weaker in other tests than in this one.
The Pirelli Ice Zero 2 was No. 5 in the tester's ranking, but No. 2 in this test by TyreRanker score. In the measurements it was at or near the top in “braking in the wet”, “braking in the dry” and “handling in the wet”, where TyreRanker's methodology applies a high weighting. The tester's overall rating also gives substantial weight to subjective assessments (driving feel, noise, comfort) that the measured results do not show. In the combined ranking of all tests, the Ice Zero 2 is No. 1 out of 9 tyres – it performed better in other tests than in this one.
The Michelin X-Ice North 4 was No. 2 in the tester's ranking, but only No. 4 in this test by TyreRanker score. In the measurements it was weaker in “braking in the wet”, “braking in the dry” and “handling in the wet”. The tester rated its handling and balance highly, which the measured results do not fully reflect. In the combined ranking of all tests, the X-Ice North 4 is No. 6 out of 9 tyres – it was weaker in other tests than in this one.
The tester's winner, the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01, is No. 3 out of 9 tyres in the combined ranking of all tests.