Michelin X-Ice Xi3 Tire Review & Rating

The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is the company’s 3rd edition of this widely popular winter tire. Built for drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans and crossovers, the Xi3 is designed to provide serious performance on snow and ice that gets you where you want to go and inspires confidence behind the wheel.

A winter tread compound that features Michelin’s exclusive FleX-Ice silica formula, is designed to provide enhanced flexibility and snow and ice performance when temps drop below freezing, while providing the firmness needed for increased handling and stability on wet or dry roads in warmer temps. GreenX technology in the tread makeup also gives this tire a lower rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency.

The tire’s directional tread pattern is designed to better channel away water and slush from under the tread, while also reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Unique Cross Z Sipes enhance stability in the shoulder blocks and provides added lateral traction and grip on dry or wet pavement.

The snow and ice traction is where this tire makes it one of the today’s premier snow tires. Independent and intermediate tread blocks combine with what Michelin calls Micro-Pumps to enhance snow and ice performance. The addition of the Cross Z Sipes add more biting edges in order to grip hard packed snow and ice, which reduces starting and stopping distances. In fact, Michelin claims this tire stops up to 10% shorter on ice than other leading winter tires. They further claim that treadlife lasts up to twice as long.

Inside the tire you will find two steel belts that are nylon wrapped for added reinforcement and durability, while providing increased stability throughout the speed range. A polyester cord body further enhances ride comfort and stability. Michelin offers sizes ranging from 15-18 inches on the Xi3, and includes a 6-year or 40,000 mile tread guarantee, which is one of the best available for a winter tire.

Pros

• Snow and ice traction is among best in class
• Excellent dry and wet handling
• Tires provide a comfortable and exceptionally quiet ride
• Very good treadlife

Cons

• A little bit more ice traction in the corners

Overall Thoughts

The Xi3 has further increased the traction and handling of the older Xi2 by delivering even greater traction and grip on dry and wet surfaces with this model. Snow and ice performance is amazing. The tire doesn’t slide around on you in snow, hard packed snow, slush, freezing rain and ice unless you get ridiculous with it. Instead, it inspires confidence and lets you know you’ll get where you are going without issue.

Ride quality is what you would expect from a Michelin tire…smooth and comfortable. Road noise is nearly non-existent, which cannot be said for many winter tires. The tread lasts very well, making this an excellent value.

Overall, the X-Ice Xi3 makes a case for being the best studless winter tire on the market today. It has improved on the Xi2, which was already one of the best in this class, and fights for the honor of best in class with the new Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 and Nokian WR G3. Simply stated, this is an exceptional winter tire.

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What Vehicles Will The Michelin Xi3 Fit?

Fits these vehicles and many others:

• BMW X5, 335i, 530i, M3, X3, 128i
• Cadillac CTS
• Chevrolet Optra 5, Sonic, Cruze, Cobalt
• Chrysler Town and Country
• Dodge Charger, Neon SXT
• Ford Fusion, Five Hundred, Focus, Taurus, Thunderbird
• Honda Accord, Civic, Insight, Odyssey, Fit
• Kia Soul
• Mazda MPV, Mazda3, Mazda6, RX-8, Protege, Miata
• Mitsubishi Lancer
• Nissan Altima, Versa, Maxima, Rogue, Sentra
• Subaru Legacy, Outback, Forester
• Toyota Prius, RAV4, Corolla, Sienna, Yaris, Matrix, Camry
• Volkswagen Passat, Jetta
• Volvo V70, XC70, C30

Tire Sizes

15″

175/65R15 XL 88T BSW
185/60R15 XL 88H BSW
185/65R15 XL 92T BSW
195/55R15 XL 89H BSW
195/60R15 XL 92H BSW
195/65R15 XL 95T BSW
205/65R15 XL 99T BSW

16″

195/55R16 XL 91H BSW
205/50R16 XL 91H BSW
205/55R16 XL 94H BSW
205/60R16 XL 96H BSW
205/65R16 XL 99T BSW
215/55R16 XL 97H BSW
215/60R16 XL 99H BSW
215/65R16 XL 102T BSW
225/60R16 XL 102H BSW
235/60R16 100T BSW

17″

215/50R17 XL 95H BSW
215/55R17 XL 98H BSW
215/60R17 96T BSW
215/65R17 99T BSW
225/50R17 XL 98H BSW
225/55R17 XL 101H BSW
225/60R17 99H BSW
235/55R17 99H BSW

18″

215/45R18 XL 93H BSW
225/50R18 XL 99H BSW
225/60R18 100H BSW
235/50R18 XL 101H BSW

Price Range

Prices on the X-Ice Xi3 range from approximately $101 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discounts, coupons and special offers on this tire.

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Warranty

Michelin provides a 6-year or 40,000 mile tread warranty on Xi3. This mileage guarantee is reduced by one-half if rear tires are a different size than the front. Tire uniformity is warranted for one-year or the first 2/32 inch of wear.

Materials and workmanship are backed for 6-years and include free replacement during the first year or first 2/32 inch of wear. A prorated amount is given for the remaining time period or down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth.

Michelin also includes a 3-year flat tire changing service on this model, as well as their 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee.