Michelin X-Ice Xi2 Tire Review & Rating

Edit: Michelin is retiring the Xi2 and has replaced it with the new Xi3. Click Here to read our review on the new Xi3.

Designed for drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans and crossovers, the X-Ice Xi2 is Michelin’s best performing winter tire. Developed to get you through the toughest of winter weather and road conditions, this Michelin tire features impressive new tire technology.

A unique silica tread compound remains flexible in temperatures below zero in order to provide traction on ice and snow. The directional tread pattern and wide contact patch enhance dry pavement cornering performance, as well as acceleration and braking. Although not designed to be driven like a summer tire, the level of grip and traction on dry pavement is exhilarating with this tire, and something that many other drivers have mentioned as well.

Of course, the traction and handling on ice, snow, slush and other winter elementsis equally as impressive. Michelin utilizes advanced tread block technology that features deep Cross-Z sipes and a step groove design that pushes the tire through deep snow and ice with confidence. These sipes and tread blocks also increase hydroplane resistance when driving on slush, freezing rain or rain.

Michelin has designed the Xi2 with a treadlife that they claim is up to 75% longer than other competitor snow tires, which provides you with years of winter driving performance. Based on reviews from other drivers, treadlife is a strong point with this model.

Inside the tire you will find two steel belts that are spirally wrapped with nylon for added reinforcement and durability. They also aid in enhanced stability at higher speeds. Michelin warrants the X-Ice for 40,000 miles, which is rare for any brand of winter tire. For the best tire performance, Michelin recommends installing the X-Ice Xi2 in sets of four.

Pros

• Uncompromising traction on ice, snow, slush and freezing rain
• Dry traction performance is among best of any winter tire
• Braking is excellent
• Tire rides comfortably and quiet for a winter tire
• Better than average treadlife

Cons

• Would like to see just a little more dry cornering grip

Overall Thoughts

The X-Ice stands toe-to-toe with Bridgestone’s Blizzak WS70 in every performance category. Any differences are very minor at best. It is difficult to find any faults with this Michelin snow tire. About the only one we could find is dry traction cornering, but that is minimal. Traction and grip on dry pavement is impressive to say the least, but it stands out when conditions turn rough. The tire simply plows through anything that Mother Nature throws down.

The ride is smooth and comfortable and comes without most of the outside road noise you find with a winter tire. Treadlife is long, as evidenced by reviews from other drivers. Overall, you can’t go wrong with either one of these tires, but we give the edge to Michelin based on a little more ride comfort over the Bridgestone.

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What Vehicles Will The Michelin X-Ice Xi2 Fit?

Fits these vehicles and many others:

• Audi A4
• BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, M3
• Chevrolet Optra, Sonic, Impala, Malibu, Cruze
• Chrysler Town and Country, 300
• Dodge Caravan, Charger, Avenger
• Ford Fusion
• Honda Accord, Civic, Insight, Odyssey
• Mazda 3, 6, RX-8, Protege 5
• Mitsubishi Lancer
• Nissan Versa, Maxima, Altima
• Suzuki Aerio
• Toyota Prius, Sienna, RAV4, Carolla, Camry, Yaris
• Volkswagen Passat, Golf

Tire Sizes

14″

175/65R-14 82T BSW
175/70R-14 84T BSW

15″

185/60R-15 84T BSW
185/65R-15 88T BSW
195/60R-15 88T BSW
195/65R-15 91T BSW
205/60R-15 91T BSW
205/65R-15 94T BSW
215/65R-15 96T BSW
215/70R-15 98T BSW

16″

205/65R-16 95T BSW
225/60R-16 98T BSW
235/60R-16 100T BSW

17″

215/45R-17 87T BSW
215/50R17XL 95T BSW
215/60R-17 96T BSW
215/65R-17 99T BSW
235/55R17XL 103T BSW

18″

225/60R-18 100T BSW

Price Range

Prices on the X-Ice Xi2 range from approximately $94 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discounts, coupons and special offers on this tire.

Click Here To Find The Current Prices On All Michelin X-Ice Xi2 Sizes

Warranty

The X-Ice 2 carries a 6-year or 40,000 mile tread warranty which is among the best for any make or model of winter tires. There is also a one-year or first 2/32 inch of wear guaranteed on the tire’s uniformity.

Materials and workmanship are covered for 6-years and include free tire replacement during the first year or first 2/32 inch of wear. Michelin prorates the amount for the remaining time period or down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth.

A 3-year flat tire changing service comes with this model, as well as Michelin’s 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee.