With winter just around the corner, you will be hearing both of these tire manufacturer’s names everywhere, in newspapers, the internet, on television and even in conversations. Which tires are best suited to your car between Nokian vs Michelin winter tires? Since it can become difficult to make a final decision, this blog will take a closer look at each manufacturer’s history and the specific features their winter tires offer.
How do Nokian vs Michelin winter tires compare?
Since 1889, Michelin has been contributing to road safety, by innovating and perfecting technologies related to tire manufacturing. Michelin is an undisputed international leader when it comes to manufacturing tires as well.
Founded in 1988, the Nokian Tyres Company’s roots actually date back further, from the Suomen Gummitehdas Oy, which in English translates to “Finnish Rubber Factory”. Thanks to a stellar and enviable reputation when it comes to the manufacturing of winter tires, the Finnish manufacturer has definitely earned its place among the best, thanks to the great care with which all of its products are made, having become a reference in the industry today.
Launched in 1934 by Suomen Gummitehdas, the “Kelirengas” became the very first winter tire. First designed for trucks, this tire was invented to adapt to narrow and snow covered streets like those so often found in northern areas. The Kelirengas (which means “weather tire”) had a rough tread that was made for greater grip levels on snow.
This invention ensured Nokian’s outstanding reputation and the brand has since kept perfecting its winter tire models. In March 2013, the Finnish manufacturer established a worldwide –and unique- record: a speed record on ice of 335 km/hr!
With time, Nokian has also brought forth many innovations like the tread depth indicator for winter tires, where the snowflake symbol becomes invisible once the tire reaches a level of wear that should not be exceeded.
An important historic detail: Michelin is the inventor of the radial tire. Introduced in 1948, the radial tire completely revolutionized the world of automobiles and tires. This innovative technology equips the tire with a radial construction that includes steel belts that are placed perpendicular to the direction of travel, thus ensuring a unique capacity for durability and structural support.
The result? Reduced costs, prolonged durability, increased comfort, improved performance and better fuel efficiency, thanks to a lower rolling resistance.
Nowadays, almost all tires made for vehicles are equipped with a radial structure, which has become the norm. Michelin also quickly became popular in the winter tire segment: the X M+S model was developed in 1968 and is the first winter tire to be exported to dozens of countries.
In Michelin’s more recent history, there are also several cutting-edge innovations like the StabiliGrip technology, which relies on 3D auto-locking sipes. The manufacturer also began integrating sunflower oil to its tires back in 2007 in order to improve flexibility, followed by the addition of functional elastomers in 2014.
Given that they are both major manufacturers, Michelin and Nokian offer a wide variety of winter tire models for different driver preferences, for all types of vehicles and budgets. Some of these models can also be equipped with studs. Among the models offered by Michelin, let’s mention:
- The X-Ice Snow tire
- The X-Ice North 4 tire
- The Agilis Alpin tire
- The Pilot Alpin tire
- The Latitude Alpin tire
You should also take note that Michelin offers an excellent model in the all-season winter certified tire category: the CrossClimate 2. Fun fact: the CrossClimate was the very first in this category in 2015!
With Michelin, there are mainly winter tire models without studs, but those who are looking for added traction can also opt for the X-Ice North 4, a high-performance studded tire.
With Nokian, there are several different models as well:
- The Hakkapeliitta R3 tire
- The Hakkapeliitta R5, R5 SUV and R5 EV tires
- The Hakkapeliitta 9 tire
- The Hakkapeliitta 10, 10 SUV and 10 EV tires
- The Nordman 7 tire
Take note that the R5 represents the most recent generation of the R3, and the Hakkapeliitta 10 is the evolution of the Hakkapeliitta. These are two very popular models, the first in the studless tire category and the second in the studded tire category.
Nokian: Specs
Considered by many to be one of the best winter tires ever made, the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10 (the tenth generation, as its name indicates) not only stands out for the remarkable performance it offers on snow and ice, but also for the quiet and comfortable driving experience it offers.
In fact, the Double Stud technology combines grip and comfort thanks to a strategic design. Moreover, Nokian has developed the Eco Stud 10 concept, which dampens the impact of the studs on the road on top of improving the tires’ lifespan.
A global reference in the world of automobiles, the renowned Car and Driver magazine recently established its list for top 10 best winter tires. Among these handpicked tire models, the magazine named both the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and the Michelin X-Ice Snow.
With a very aggressive tread and a silica compound that improves grip levels in deep snow and on ice, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 offers superior performance compared to other competing tires. This tire is slightly more expensive than others, however, the positive customer reviews are practically unanimous.
While Michelin has innovated with the use of sunflower oil, Nokian integrates materials like pine resin and canola oil. These don’t only have a positive impact over flexibility, they also allow the tire to reduce its rolling resistance as well.
Michelin Specs
Michelin winter tires include innovative technologies, like the Michelin Piano Acoustic Tuning Technology. This technology is also found on all-season tires like the Defender 2 tire.
The tire design integrates a polyurethane foam that is specifically made to reduce resonance, noise and vibrations that are produced by the tire’s contact with the road.
The Michelin X-Ice Snow stands out with a low rolling resistance, exceptional performance during braking tests, great resistance to aquaplaning and performance on humid roads. Moreover, Michelin attests that the X-Ice Snow will last one winter more than tires from competing brands. This high-end Michelin tire will also provide you with a very comfortable driving experience on dry roads.
No matter if you turn to the X-Ice North 4 studded tire, the Latitude Alpin or the Pilot Alpin, you can expect advanced technologies like:
- Auto-locking sipes that maximise traction;
- A functional polymer compound;
- The 3-D StabiliGrip technology;
- The Comfort Control technology;
- The MaxTouch Construction technology for a wider contact surface;
- And much more!
Choosing between Nokian and Michelin
In October 2023, the Journal de Montréal established a top five list for the best winter tires. With the special mention “most affordable”, the Michelin X-Ice winter tire won over journalists for the comfortable and safe driving experience it offered on top of its price. Durable and comfortable, this is a very popular –and loved- tire model.
In a similar category, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 winter tire offers qualities like comfort, road handling and superior performance in winter conditions. It is important to mention that the Hakkapeliitta R3 also boasts a special rubber tread that increases grip in colder temperatures, on top of a V- shaped motif that is ideal for traction on snow. The newest generation, the R5 brings with it improvements that make it even more efficient and helps reduce its rolling resistance.
Incidentally, the world record mentioned above simply helps confirm the boldness and dedication you can expect from the Finnish manufacturer when it comes to innovations. No matter if it is for a higher-end tire model or a more affordable model, Nokian Tyres offer products of a similar or superior quality to those offered by Michelin.
When it comes to studded tires, the Hakkapeliitta 10 and the Michelin X-Ice North 4 are also tires that offer ultimate winter performance, equipped with a directional tread and cutting-edge technologies. Both optimize the stud distribution in order to help reduce noise. Nokian innovates with the Eco Stud concept, while Michelin relies on an energy efficient compound.
It is difficult to make a wrong decision when it comes to two brands with important innovations in the world of tires: Michelin, with the invention of the radial tire, and Nokian, with the invention of the winter tire.
If you are hesitating between your next set of tires, your blackcircles Canada retailer can help you choose the tire that will be perfectly suited to your needs. One thing is for sure: no matter if you opt for Michelin or Nokian Tyres winter tires, peace of mind is assured. One click on blackcircles.ca will allow you to save money on your next set of winter tires today!
