Comparing Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 vs Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV
Michelin’s X-Ice Snow SUV and Bridgestone’s Blizzak DM-V2 are two of the best winter tires on the market, especially if you own an SUV. Both brake, turn, and accelerate reliably, resist aquaplaning quite well, and can safely carry you from A to B in harsh winters.
But differences exist. For example, the X-Ice Snow SUV carries a 40,000-mile treadwear warranty, raising hopes of an extended tread life. In contrast, the Blizzak DM-V2 has no mileage guarantee, inviting questions about how many winters it would last.
They also differ in terms of options. In an effort to attract a large number of potential buyers, Michelin offers its flagship SUV snow tire in studded and studless versions. That isn’t the case with the Blizzak DM-V2, which doesn’t let you add spikes in its rubber.
The dissimilarities extend into other areas, including wet performance, tread wear rate, and road manners. All of which we’re going to discuss in detail in the upcoming paragraphs. Keep reading if you’re struggling to decide between the two winter tires.
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Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
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The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is engineered for SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks. Think of Kia Telluride, Chevy Silverado 1500, and the Jeep Wagoneer.
To meet the unique demands winters (and the above vehicles) place on tires, Bridgestone has equipped this tire with a special rubber compound. One that remains soft and flexible as temperatures fall below zero. This is crucial for keeping the tire’s road grip intact.
Another thing I like about the Blizzak DM-V2 is that it has specific design elements to improve braking performance on snow and ice.
On icy surfaces, its tread blocks’ multi-cell structure (which mimics the surface of a sponge) shortens braking distances. How so? By removing the thin layer of ice between the tire and the road. This, in turn, helps lower the risk of hydroplaning.
Thousands of tiny cuts, or slits, on the tread blocks perform the same job on snow.
But their mode of action is different. These biting edges (as slits are called in everyday language) trap snow between the tread blocks. The result is snow-on-snow contact for excellent traction. Because of this, the DM-V2 can safely carry you through (and out of) deep snow.
Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV
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There are several reasons why the X-Ice Snow is our favorite winter tire for trucks.
The first of which is that they last longer than just about any winter tire out there (including the Blizzak DM-V2). If you don’t drive around like you’re possessed and take proper care of them when the winter is over, they can be good for up to 5 seasons.
Secondly, their performance levels stay intact no matter how long you use them. You get the same impressive traction and grip on snow and ice on the first day of use as on the 1000th. Any drop in performance would be so small as to be insignificant.
Thirdly, these tires are not just for harsh wintry conditions. You’d find them equally reliable as temperatures rise and snow vanishes from the roads. That is something I cannot say about nine out of ten winter tires out there, including the Blizzak DM-V2.
The Main Differences
Now that you have seen what both these tires can do, it’s time we put them in a head-to-head matchup. So that you know whether the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 or the Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV should go on your vehicle.
Comparing Off-Road Performance
- Winner: It’s a tie
Neither of these tires is suitable for off-roading.
Their tread compounds are too soft to withstand the rigors of gravel, dirt, and rocky paths. It is highly susceptible to cuts, tears, and punctures when used off the highway.
Also, their tread design features tightly packed tread blocks with sipes, making them unsuitable for off-roading, where you’d need a more aggressive tread pattern with deeper grooves and larger blocks.
If you’re still inclined to use these tires for off-roading, a mere glance at their thin sidewalls should be enough to dissuade you. These sidewalls are highly likely to suffer irreparable damage if/when subjected to the rigors of off-roading.
Comparing On-Road Performance
How Do They Perform on Dry Roads?
- Winner: Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV
Although most people don’t consider dry performance when buying winter tires, there might be times when snowfall takes a break and roads become relatively less slippery. In such conditions, the X-Ice Snow SUV might prove to be a better option.
That is because its rubber compound is firmer than the Blizzak DM-V2s. This, in turn, helps it maintain more solid contact with the pavement, helping the X-Ice Snow SUV maintain better stability and grip on dry roads with a lower risk of deformation.
Another reason it is my pick for dry roads is that its ride is much more refined. Unlike the Blizzak DM-V2, the X-Ice Snow SUV doesn’t get noisy in the sun.
Lastly, the same slits that boost its grip on icy surfaces also help improve traction on dry roads. They do so by making the tread blocks more flexible, helping this tire conform better to the road surface.
If dry performance matters to you, the X-Ice Snow SUV should be your pick.
How Do They Perform on Wet Roads?
- Winner: Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV
If you’re expecting wet roads, go for the X-Ice Snow SUV.
On slippery surfaces, these tires outperform the Blizzak DM-V2s on every count. You get much shorter braking distances, higher levels of grip, and much-improved acceleration and cornering performance. Their aquaplaning resistance is also much higher.
Also, just as they are on dry roads, the X-Ice Snow are much quieter than the Blizzaks on wet pavement. Paired with the plush suspension and the quiet cabin most SUVs are equipped with these days, these tires won’t let as much as a peep inside your ride.
All of the above isn’t to say that driving with the Blizzaks in the rain would be dangerous. It’s just that their wet performance is noticeably worse than the X-Ice Snow SUVs.
Comparing on Snow Performance
- Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
If winters in your area bring heavy snowfall, opt for the Blizzak DM-V2.
These tires are much better than the X-Ice Snow SUVs in deep snow, whether you’re driving down a straight highway or conquering steep driveways and hills.
Additionally, while a few users report that their performance degrades over time (to the point that they resemble all-season tires). We’re yet to verify this claim.
Does that mean the X-Ice Snow SUV perform poorly on snow?
We didn’t say that. In fact, per our independent tests, these tires perform as well as the Blizzaks on ice and compacted snow (which is packed down by heavy traffic). It’s just on fresh or deep snow where they aren’t as capable as the Blizzaks, but not by much.
The burden of decision thus falls on you. If you value snow performance, the Blizzaks should be your top pick. However, if it’s better all-round performance you’re after, go for the X-Ice Snow.
Comparing on Treadwear and Durability
- Winner: Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV
User reviews as well as our internal tests indicate that the X-Ice Snow SUV have a longer tread life.
This explains why their treadwear warranty (40,000 miles) almost rivals that of mid-range all-season tires. Such an extended guarantee means that with some luck and lots of careful driving, you can probably get as many as 6 winters out of these tires.
Another exciting thing to note about these tires is that they retain their excellent wintry traction throughout their life. How so? Their sipes are designed to retain their shape (and, by extension, the tire’s superb traction) even when worn down to 4/32-inch.
On the other hand, some reports have surfaced regarding the Blizzaks losing winter traction when the tread wears down to less than 40%.
Although we haven’t personally tested the Blizzaks to confirm this claim, the significant number of reviews mentioning this issue makes it impossible to overlook.
Comparing on Comfort
- Winner: Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV
If ride comfort is something you prioritize, go for the X-Ice Snow SUV.
These tires offer a more refined ride in the sort of road conditions commonly seen in brutal winters than the Blizzaks. Additionally, per my experience, they also seem quieter than the Blizzaks on dry pavement, regardless of your driving speed.
In contrast, the Blizzaks start making a slight bit of noise the moment you go above 60 MPH. They also give off a not-so-insignificant squirm feel as you take tight turns.
Comparing on Price
- Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
On a tight budget? Save a few bucks by going for the Blizzak DM-V2.
Just be aware of the tradeoffs before you make the purchase.
While these tires perform better than the X-Ice Snow SUV on thick and deep snow. On every other count, be it wet performance, road manners, or dry handling, their competitor wins.
Pros and Cons
There are a lot of similarities between these two tires, but also a good bit of differences too.
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent performance in deep snow, making it a reliable choice for heavy snowfall regions
- More affordable compared to Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV
- Superb grip on icy roads
Cons
- Lacks a mileage guarantee
- Doesn’t offer options for studded versions
Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV
Pros
- Longer tread life with a 40,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Consistent performance levels throughout its lifespan
- Quieter operation on dry and wet roads
Cons
- Higher price point compared to Blizzak DM-V2
- Inferior performance in deep snow vis-à-vis Blizzak DM-V2
Which Tire Should You Choose?
Drivers who should choose Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2:
- Those who are looking for a winter tire that offers excellent performance in deep snow without breaking the bank
- Individuals who live in areas with frequent heavy snowfall, where reliable traction in deep snow is crucial for safe driving
- Those who do not require studded versions
Drivers who should choose Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV:
- Individuals who prioritize longer tread life and overall durability
- People who appreciate consistently excellent performance throughout a tire’s life
- Anyone who values a refined ride
