Bridgestone Blizzak vs. Michelin X-Ice: Which Brand Has the Best Winter Tires?

To handle the harsh conditions of snow and ice in Canada, your vehicle requires a dependable set of snow tires. They can improve your vehicle’s traction and grip on the road, preventing hydroplaning and skidding.

Bridgestone and Michelin, two of Canada’s most popular and best-selling winter tire brands, have figured out how to design reliable winter tires with their Blizzak and X-Ice models, respectively.

These tires offer durability and comfort while also having optimized grip patterns for wet and icy conditions. Both brands manufacture winter tires in a wide range of sizes to fit most vehicles, including compact cars, SUVs, sedans, light trucks, and commercial vehicles, so you can be confident that you will find the right size tire for your vehicle.

This article reviewed Bridgestone and Michelin tire lines to help you understand how they react to different winter elements and which one best meets your driving needs. 

Bridgestone Blizzak vs. Michelin X-Ice

These two tire brands have been on the market for a long time and have been constantly improved through research and development. Below, we outline the features of their winter tires.  

Features of Blizzak Tires

The Blizzak tires are one of the most popular winter tires, providing excellent grip, performance, and durability in subzero temperatures.

Bridgestone employs key technologies that make these winter tire models among the best on the market.

Next-generation Multicell Compound

This new tire technology has a new and improved design to help drivers maintain a better grip on wet and dry roads. The compound allows the tire to perform better in wet, snow, and dry conditions. You can expect unrivalled traction, noise reduction, and comfort levels.

Increased block edges

Blizzak tires have thicker block edges, improving traction while increasing stability and braking. 

These tires are also better suited to handling higher speeds on the road. They achieve this by expanding on their block edges. 

High sipe density pattern

The high sipe density pattern creates a more aggressive contact patch when driving on snow or ice. This reduces hydroplaning, which is critical in ensuring safe winter driving.  

It also improves handling because the tires have a rougher profile than most other winter tires, which aids in steering control in both wet and dry conditions.

Features of X-Ice Tires

Michelin X-Ice tires provide improved traction in snowy and icy conditions and are extremely dependable in cold weather.

They come with a set of unique features that make them reliable for use in icy and snowy conditions.

GreenX technology

The GreenX technology consists of a nanocomposite material that reduces the rolling resistance of X-Ice tires. This improves fuel efficiency and overall tire performance.

Overall, X-Ice tires are more environmentally friendly than standard tires because they provide the same contact patch as the latter but with lower rolling resistance.

FleX-Ice tread compound

The Michelin X-Ice tires are made to withstand harsh winter conditions. The FleX-Ice tread compound makes this possible, which improves ice and snow traction.

The compound is made from a combination of two rubber compounds, one with high traction and one non-slip, resulting in a better-wet grip on roads.

Additionally, the compound contains a high silica concentration, which improves performance and makes winter driving easier.

Cross Z sipes

Michelin X-Ice tires are engineered to outperform standard tires at high speeds, such as on highways, long trips, and off-road driving. They use cross Z sipes to help reduce rolling resistance and cornering forces while also providing better traction on wet surfaces.

The sipes also improve shoulder block stability and provide more lateral traction making it easier to handle difficult road conditions like snow or ice with precision.

Blizzak vs. X-Ice: Comparison

When comparing snow tires, it is best to consider several aspects of performance, such as how they respond in snow and ice, their longevity, the level of ride comfort, and how the tire responds to wet and dry road conditions.

Both the Blizzak and X-Ice winter tire sets performed admirably in winter driving conditions. Their differences can be seen in minor details such as stopping distances on ice, cornering in heavy snow, and tread wear.

Noise and comfort

Michelin X-Ice tires are quieter, have a soft steering feel, and provide good handling, whereas Blizzak tires are slightly noisier.

This is because Blizzak grooves are deeper, resulting in more noise and sensitivity to road impacts.

Rolling resistance 

The new Flex-Ice 2.0 compound and tread design reduce the rolling resistance of Michelin X-Ice tires by 9%.

On the other hand, Bridgestone Blizzak tires consume more fuel than Michelin to roll over because they have a larger contact patch to support.

Ice and Snow Traction and Handling

Michelin X-Ice tires have a one-of-a-kind design that includes two layers of rubber-shielded tread separated by an air layer. They can easily grip the road through water, slush, snow, and ice. They are most effective for short-distance braking on wet roads and glare ice.

Meanwhile, Bridgestone Blizzak offers excellent handling and traction in deep snow conditions, thanks to its deeper tread grooves. 

Durability and tread wear 

Blizzak tires wear out faster than Michelin tires, which EverGrip Technology and MaxTouch Construction protect. They have a strong tire sidewall that resists punctures while remaining flexible in cold weather.

Warranty 

A standard mileage warranty does not typically cover winter tires, but Michelin is changing the narrative. The X-Ice Snow, their most recent winter creation, comes with a 6-year or 40,000-mile treadwear warranty.

On the other hand, Bridgestone does not offer mileage coverage but a basic uniformity policy and a 5-year materials and workmanship warranty.

Overall, Michelin offers a much better warranty policy to keep you safe for multiple winter seasons. If this is important to you, X-Ice tires may be the best option.

Price

These two brands are considered premium tire brands and are priced similarly. For example, the Bridgestone WS90 and Michelin X-Ice Snow have a $5-30 price difference in most tire stores and online.

Number of Models

Bridgestone has 7 Blizzak models, whereas Michelin has 3 X-Ice models.

Blizzak vs X-Ice: Pros 

Based on the comparison above, both brands have tires that provide exceptional ice and snow traction. Each line’s advantages are areas where the other brand could improve.

Michelin X-Ice Pros 

• More fuel efficient due to lower rolling resistance
• Reduced noise level
• More comfortable
• Longer tread life

Bridgestone Blizzak Pros

• Superior wet and dry braking
• Better ice and snow performance

Blizzak vs. X-Ice: Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes Blizzak Tires? 

Tokyo-based tire maker Bridgestone Corporation manufactures Blizzak tires. 

How long does Bridgestone Blizzak last?

Bridgestone Blizzak tires are dependable for three to four winter driving seasons. You can expect 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

Who makes X-Ice tires?

Michelin manufactures X-Ice snow tires for the North American market in Nova Scotia, Canada.

How long do Michelin X-Ice tires last? 

The X-Ice tires can last up to six winter driving seasons. The mileage you can expect is 20,000-40,000.

Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re looking for the best winter tires for your vehicle, you should consider the kind of conditions you regularly encounter on your roads, how frequently you drive in these conditions, and, of course, your budget.

The advantage of choosing between these two tire brands is that you can’t go wrong because they both rank highly in the winter tire category. 

Ultimately, the Blizzak lineup is best for those who frequently drive through thicker snow. In contrast, Michelin X-Ice is better suited for those looking for a solid warranty and improved braking performance.

Looking to purchase a set of Bridgestone or Michelin tires? Consider stopping by your local Trial Tire Auto Center, or shop online today!