Michelin X Ice North 4 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

This head-to-head pits two Nordic studded heavyweights against each other: Michelin's X Ice North 4 and Nokian's Hakkapeliitta 10. Both target premium winter touring buyers who need confident ice and snow performance without sacrificing everyday usability.

Across five shared professional tests, the Nokian consistently edged the Michelin for overall wins, driven by class-leading ice grip and incisive handling on winter surfaces. The Michelin counters with more predictable, stable manners, stronger aquaplaning resistance, lower noise and slightly better fuel use in several tests-attributes that matter on mixed winter commutes.
In This Article
Test Results Driver Reviews Conclusion Similar Comparisons
X-Ice-North-4 VS Hakkapeliitta-10

Test Results

Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been five tests which compare both tires directly!

Summary of five total tests comparing both tires directly
TireTest WinsPerformance
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10five
five wins

While it might look like the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 is better than the Michelin X Ice North 4 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.

Key Strengths

Michelin X Ice North 4
Michelin X Ice North 4
  • Predictable, stable handling with understeer-led balance
  • Strong aquaplaning resistance and decent wet braking in some tests
  • Lower noise and slightly better fuel use in multiple results
  • Competitive snow traction and good value/pricing in tested sizes
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
  • Best-in-test ice braking and handling across all shared tests
  • Confident cornering on snow and ice with quick steering response
  • High stability in extreme maneuvers and strong moose-test results
  • Improved wet performance vs predecessors (though still a relative weakness)

Dry Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin X Ice North 4 was better during two dry braking tests. On average the Michelin X Ice North 4 stopped the vehicle in 0.25% less distance than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10.

Michelin X Ice North 4
32.38M
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
32.46M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Michelin X Ice North 4

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:31.1M Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 31.4M
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:32.79M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 32.57M
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:32.37M Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 32.74M
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:33.26M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 33.14M

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice North 4 was better during two subj. dry handling tests. On average the Michelin X Ice North 4 scored 40% more points than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10.

Michelin X Ice North 4
5 Points
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
3 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Michelin X Ice North 4

2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:5 Points Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 3 Points
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:5 Points Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 3 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 stopped the vehicle in 1.17% less distance than the Michelin X Ice North 4.

Michelin X Ice North 4
37.67M
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
37.23M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:37.3M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 35.9M
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:38.54M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 37.21M
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:37.56M Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 38.58M
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:37.27M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 37.22M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 was better during four wet handling [s] tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 was 1.25% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin X Ice North 4.

Michelin X Ice North 4
40.8s
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
40.29s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:36.2s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 35.3s
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:43.11s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 42.57s
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:41.8s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 41.4s
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:42.1s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 41.9s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice North 4 was better during two straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin X Ice North 4 floated at a 5.6% higher speed than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10.

Michelin X Ice North 4
62.55Km/H
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
59.05Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin X Ice North 4

2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:55.9Km/H Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 55.1Km/H
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:69.2Km/H Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 63Km/H

Snow Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin X Ice North 4 was better during two snow braking tests. On average the Michelin X Ice North 4 stopped the vehicle in 0.39% less distance than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10.

Michelin X Ice North 4
22.94M
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
23.03M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Michelin X Ice North 4

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:51M Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 51.5M
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:15.11M Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 15.26M
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:13.24M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 12.96M
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:12.42M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 12.41M

Snow Traction

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin X Ice North 4 was better during three snow traction tests. On average the Michelin X Ice North 4 accelerated 0.61% faster than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10.

Michelin X Ice North 4
4.9s
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
4.93s
Snow acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Snow Traction: Michelin X Ice North 4

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:5.8s Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 5.9s
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:4.77s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 4.65s
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:4.83s Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 4.85s
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:4.21s Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 4.32s

Snow Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 was better during three snow handling [s] tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 was 0.28% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice North 4.

Michelin X Ice North 4
72.18s
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
71.98s
Snow handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Handling [s]: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:52.3s Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 53.3s
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:84.73s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 84.6s
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:75.5s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 74.8s
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:76.2s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 75.2s

Ice Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 was better during four ice braking tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 stopped the vehicle 5.8% shorter than the Michelin X Ice North 4.

Michelin X Ice North 4
19.48M
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
18.35M
Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:38.8M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 36.4M
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:12.82M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 12.51M
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:12.93M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 12.77M
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:13.38M ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 11.73M

Ice Traction

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 was better during three ice traction tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 accelerated 2.68% faster than the Michelin X Ice North 4.

Michelin X Ice North 4
4.85s
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
4.72s
Ice acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Ice Traction: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:3.8s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 3.6s
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:4.39s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 4.17s
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:5.55s Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 5.74s
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:5.66s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 5.38s

Ice Handling [s]

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 was better during four ice handling [s] tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 was 1.09% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice North 4.

Michelin X Ice North 4
51.25s
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
50.69s
Ice handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Ice Handling [s]: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:54.5s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 54.1s
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:62.7s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 61.54s
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:39.6s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 39.3s
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:48.2s ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 47.8s

Subj. Comfort

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin X Ice North 4 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 performed equally well in subj. comfort tests.

Michelin X Ice North 4
3 Points
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
3 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Both tires performed equally well

2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:3 Points Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 3 Points

Subj. Noise

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin X Ice North 4 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 performed equally well in subj. noise tests.

Michelin X Ice North 4
7 Points
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
7 Points
Subjective in car noise levels, higher is better

Best In Subj. Noise: Both tires performed equally well

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:7 Points Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 7 Points

Noise

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin X Ice North 4 was better during one noise tests. On average the Michelin X Ice North 4 measured 0.22% quieter than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10.

Michelin X Ice North 4
73.57dB
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
73.73dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Michelin X Ice North 4

2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:70.3dB ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 70.1dB
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:75.8dB ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 75.6dB
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:74.6dB Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 75.5dB

Price

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice North 4 was better during one price tests. On average the Michelin X Ice North 4 cost 2.47% less than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10.

Michelin X Ice North 4
1542.5
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
1581.5
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Michelin X Ice North 4

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Michelin X Ice North 4:650 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 650
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:2435 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 2513

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 was better during one rolling resistance tests. On average the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 had a 2.73% lower rolling resistance than the Michelin X Ice North 4.

Michelin X Ice North 4
5.5kg / t
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
5.35kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Michelin X Ice North 4:5.5kg / t ✓ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 5.35kg / t

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin X Ice North 4 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Michelin X Ice North 4 used 0.9% less fuel than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10.

Michelin X Ice North 4
5.5l/100km
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
5.55l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Michelin X Ice North 4

2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Michelin X Ice North 4:5.5l/100km Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10: 5.55l/100km

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Michelin X Ice North 4 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10.

In total the Michelin X Ice North 4 has been reviewed 9 times and drivers have given the tire 84% overall.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 has been reviewed 6 times and drivers have given the tire 81% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Michelin X Ice North 4.

Best Review for the Michelin X Ice North 4
Given 91% 205/55 R16 T on a combination of roads for 0 spirited miles
Uncompromising grip on all types of winter surfaces. Out of competition on the ice tracks. Very low noise level, audible only at low speeds when driving on a clean road. With these tires, it is very difficult to achieve ABS actuation. Perfectly copes with leaving the track. After running-in in compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations, the studs took their position and after 15,000 km remain in place. I recommend to buy, the best studded tire.
Helpful 513 - tire reviewed on February 10, 2021
View all Michelin X Ice North 4 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
Given 76% /65 R15 on mostly country roads for 2,000 easy going miles
Here in the states, outlets like Consumer Reports would have us believe that premium studless winter tires have reached parity with studded Nordic winters. At least in the case of the Hakkapeliitta 10, this is absolutely not true. I've have the chance to directly compare these tires to lightly worn sets of the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 and the Continental Vikingcontact 7. In deep snow the difference is significant. But on hard packed snow and ice the Hakkas are massively better. I can't speak to the dry/wet traction or handling as my tires will spend 90% of their life on dirt roads and... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 547 - tire reviewed on January 11, 2022
View all Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

If outright winter grip is the priority-especially on ice-the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 is the safer bet. It dominated ice braking and handling in every shared test and typically felt more agile on snow and asphalt courses, albeit with a livelier rear that won't suit drivers who want locked-down stability.

The Michelin X Ice North 4 remains a superbly rounded option. It's calmer and more predictable, often quieter, with stronger straight-line aquaplaning resistance and marginally better efficiency and pricing in the data provided. Its main compromise is weaker wet grip versus the best. For drivers facing frequent wet roads and slush with occasional severe ice, Michelin's balance and refinement may be the better everyday match, while Nokian is the pick for maximum winter bite and dynamic feel.

Bottom line: choose Nokian for peak ice authority and engaging winter handling; choose Michelin for stable, user-friendly behavior and better comfort/value in mixed conditions.
Key Differences
  • Overall wins: Nokian 5/5 vs Michelin 0/5, driven by ice dominance
  • Ice performance: Nokian leads every ice braking/handling test; Michelin only occasional traction edge
  • Handling character: Nokian agile with active rear; Michelin calmer, more understeer-biased
  • Wet performance: Nokian usually quicker in wet handling; Michelin sometimes shorter wet braking but weaker in some tests
  • Aquaplaning: Michelin notably stronger in straight aquaplaning (e.g., +9.8% in 2024)
  • Noise/efficiency/value: Michelin typically a touch quieter, slightly lower fuel use, and lower price in compared sizes; both suffer high rolling resistance, with Nokian marginally better in one RR metric
Michelin X Ice North 4

Overall Winner: Michelin X Ice North 4

Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin X Ice North 4 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.

Similar Comparisons

Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:

Michelin X Ice North 4 Top Comparisons

Michelin X Ice North 4 vs Michelin X Ice Snow
Michelin X Ice North 4 VS Michelin X Ice Snow
Hankook Winter i pike RS2 vs Michelin X Ice North 4
Hankook Winter i pike RS2 VS Michelin X Ice North 4
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 vs Michelin X Ice North 4
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 VS Michelin X Ice North 4
View All Michelin X Ice North 4 Comparisons

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 Top Comparisons

Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 VS Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
Continental IceContact 3 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
Continental IceContact 3 VS Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
View All Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 Comparisons

Footnote

This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.

Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.