Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV vs Michelin X Ice Snow: the full picture
This comparison is built only from published independent tests — no manufacturer claims and no sponsored reviews. Between them, the Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV and Michelin X Ice Snow appear in 11 tests, though they have not yet met head-to-head in the same test. Head-to-head results carry the most weight here, because surface, weather and test car all change between events and make raw numbers from different tests hard to compare directly.
How the Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV performs. It takes the win in wet, dry, snow, ice, noise / comfort, efficiency. Its overall Tire Lab Score is 90/100, based on 1 test.
How the Michelin X Ice Snow performs. It does not lead any single category outright in this matchup. Its overall Tire Lab Score is 90/100, based on 10 tests.
What this means for you. Category wins matter more than the overall score when your driving is weighted toward one condition — a wet-climate commuter should follow the wet braking column, while a high-mileage driver should follow wear and rolling resistance. Also check that both tires are actually offered in your size and load rating: performance can shift between sizes, and availability differs between the European and North American markets.
Verdict
The Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV is the stronger all-round choice, leading in wet and Tire Lab Score. The Michelin X Ice Snow making it the right pick if that matters most to you.
Which one should you buy?
Choose Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV if
- You prioritise wet
- You prioritise dry
- You prioritise snow
- You prefer the Michelin X Ice Snow's brand, sizing or price
Test profile
| Metric | Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV | Michelin X Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Nordic Winter | Nordic Winter |
| Type | Winter | Winter |
| Tests used | 1 | 10 |
| Best rank | #1 | #1 |
| Avg rank | 4.4 | 5.6 |
| Latest test | 2022 | 2025 |
| Tire Lab Score | 90.1 | 89.5 |
Tire Lab Score
Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV
Michelin X Ice Snow
Performance overview
Category-by-category results
| Category | Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV | Michelin X Ice Snow | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💧Wet | Avg rank 2.5 11 | Avg rank 6.0 152 | Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV |
| ☀️Dry | Avg rank 6.5 | Avg rank 6.7 11 | Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV |
| ❄️Snow | Avg rank 3.3 11 | Avg rank 4.9 229 | Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV |
| 🧊Ice | Avg rank 4.5 1 | Avg rank 4.8 512 | Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV |
| 🔇Noise / Comfort | Avg rank 4.5 | Avg rank 4.9 42 | Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV |
| 🔋Efficiency | Avg rank 4.0 | Avg rank 4.8 2 | Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV |
💧 Wet: Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV vs Michelin X Ice Snow
The Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV wins this category with an average rank of 2.5, compared to 6.0 for the Michelin X Ice Snow.
☀️ Dry: Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV vs Michelin X Ice Snow
The Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV wins this category with an average rank of 6.5, compared to 6.7 for the Michelin X Ice Snow.
❄️ Snow: Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV vs Michelin X Ice Snow
The Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV wins this category with an average rank of 3.3, compared to 4.9 for the Michelin X Ice Snow.
🧊 Ice: Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV vs Michelin X Ice Snow
The Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV wins this category with an average rank of 4.5, compared to 4.8 for the Michelin X Ice Snow.
🔇 Noise / Comfort: Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV vs Michelin X Ice Snow
The Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV wins this category with an average rank of 4.5, compared to 4.9 for the Michelin X Ice Snow.
🔋 Efficiency: Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV vs Michelin X Ice Snow
The Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV wins this category with an average rank of 4.0, compared to 4.8 for the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better in the wet, Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV or Michelin X Ice Snow?
Across independent wet-braking tests, the Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV ranks higher on average than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Which has shorter dry braking distance?
The Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV averages a better dry-braking rank than the Michelin X Ice Snow across the tests where both appeared.
Which tire is quieter and more comfortable?
On combined noise and comfort metrics, the Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV ranks better than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
How many tests were used in this comparison?
Kumho WinterCraft WS51 SUV appears in 1 independent tests, Michelin X Ice Snow in 10.
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Data aggregated from independent testing organizations including ADAC, Auto Bild, TCS, and Auto Motor und Sport. Read our methodology →
