Michelin X-Ice Xi3 Tire Review
Ranked #1 out of 7 winter tires tested.
Winter Tire
The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is a studless ice and snow tire that provides maximum security for both the car and its occupants through a design that greatly improves traction and enhances its durability. Utilizing Michelin’s FleX-Ice silica compound, the tire is firm enough to ensure stable dry and wet road handling at higher temperatures and flexible enough to provide desirable snow and ice traction in lower temperatures.
Ranked #1 out of 7 winter tires tested.
Winter Tire
The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is a studless ice and snow tire that provides maximum security for both the car and its occupants through a design that greatly improves traction and enhances its durability. Utilizing Michelin’s FleX-Ice silica compound, the tire is firm enough to ensure stable dry and wet road handling at higher temperatures and flexible enough to provide desirable snow and ice traction in lower temperatures.
All X-Ice Xi3 sizes and models pass the Michelin Green X Standard. This means the tire offers low-rolling resistance and, consequently, reduces your fuel consumption and CO2 emission. The tire also takes advantage of Michelin’s Optimized Tread Block Technology which includes a directional tread pattern with block edges, micro-pumps, and variable angle, Cross Z sipes (click on image to the left for a detailed view.) These fancy new features help in minimizing the risk of hydroplaning while improving handling, treadwear, and traction in snow and ice.
The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 comes in a variety of sizes. The width ranges from 175-245mm, while its rim diameter ranges from 14”-19”. Based on the available specifications, this tire can accommodate a wide array of cars, from small sports cars to mid-range crossover vehicles and bulky family vans.
Passing the industry’s severe snow requirements with flying colors, this tire is branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol. Its MSRP starts at roughly $135 and varies depending on your chosen size and vendor.
Tire Test Results
The various technologies used to produce the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 have given it features that make it a highly preferred tire for aggressive and rough winter driving. Through our personal test, we tried to discover whether those technologies really do make a difference. Here’s what we found out:
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
We find the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 to be a great all around tire that proves it can handle any type of winter conditions. All its new technologies and features really help make winter driving as secure as possible. The X Ice Xi3 should last many seasons as the treadwear is very slow, and the tire does come with a great warranty for a winter tire as well. Prices range from about $100 on up per tire depending on size, which is a great value for this tire.
The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 comes in a variety of sizes. The width ranges from 175-245mm, while its rim diameter ranges from 14”-19”. Based on the available specifications, this tire can accommodate a wide array of cars, from small sports cars to mid-range crossover vehicles and bulky family vans.
Passing the industry’s severe snow requirements with flying colors, this tire is branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol. Its MSRP starts at roughly $135 and varies depending on your chosen size and vendor.
Tire Test Results
The various technologies used to produce the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 have given it features that make it a highly preferred tire for aggressive and rough winter driving. Through our personal test, we tried to discover whether those technologies really do make a difference. Here’s what we found out:
Pros
- The tire has excellent traction, regardless if it’s used on dry, wet, mush, slush, or icy conditions
- The wear rate is above average and will certainly last for several change of seasons, dependent on how frequent and aggressively you use it.
- It offers strong grip, solid control, smooth cornering, and great handling even when driven aggresively.
- The tire produces minimal noise even when driven on dry roads, which is rare for a winter tire.
Cons
- The tires are rather stiff compared to other snow tires, which gives it better dry road performance but can be a little harsh over bumps and potholes.
The Bottom Line
We find the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 to be a great all around tire that proves it can handle any type of winter conditions. All its new technologies and features really help make winter driving as secure as possible. The X Ice Xi3 should last many seasons as the treadwear is very slow, and the tire does come with a great warranty for a winter tire as well. Prices range from about $100 on up per tire depending on size, which is a great value for this tire.
Video:
The guys at Tire Rack test the Michelin X Ice Xi3 against the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT,
Bridgestone Blizzak WS70, and Continental Extreme Winter Contact:
Warranty
The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 comes with a solid warranty for a winter tire:
- Standard Limited Warranty—this covers defects in workmanship and materials throughout the lifespan of the original tread or for 6 years from when you bought it, whichever comes first.
- 40,000-Mile Manufacturer's Treadwear Limited Warranty—Michelin guarantees that this tire will last for 40,000 miles at the very least before a replacement is required.
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