Topic: Blizzak DM-V2 versus Michelin Latitude XIce Xi2

[AP]

[deleted at request of poster]

[ChaosphereIX]

See both of these every day in multiple applications. Out of all the choices to us working in parts, the Bridgestones are on our 4x2 work truck. Today in the snow, they were epic.

[tortoise]

The Blizzaks are incredible in the snow, but their handling is pretty mushy.  So if you're doing a lot of highway, go with the Michelin.  If you prioritize snow/ice traction, Blizzak all the way.

[dirtyjeffer]

what's the tire size??

our Sorento AWD has X-Ice3 winter tires and it's an absolute beast in the snow.

[ktm525]

Any truck/SUV/CUV = Blizzak  ANy vehicle with actual handling = Michelin

[tortoise]

I don't think it's about extreme traction.  In the case of my Highlander the Blizzaks respond slower to steering inputs and seem to require more steering correction when going down the highway.  Not a deal breaker, but definitely noticeable.

[HeliDriver]

It doesn't take much to "test the limits" of winter rubber on dry roads. I can feel the lack of lateral stability with my WS-90s just doing a normal lane change on the highway at 120 km/h. Nothing concerning, but it's noticeable. Even worse with a good crosswind.

I guess the question is how much (if any) better the X-Ices would be in the same situation.

[dkaz]

I haven’t tried the Latitude Xi2 yet think X-Ice is better on ice. I haven’t really been impressed with any of the sets of Blizzaks yet including the DM-V2 on my old Sequoia. But then everyone told me that I was expecting too much expecting a big SUV to stop and turn as well as a compact sedan, so I sold the Sequoia.

Yesterday, I sold the Blizzak WS80s my Matrix came with and got a set of X-Ice Xi3.

[dirtyjeffer]

i was happy with my Blizzaks (WS60s) on my Rio5, and am so far pleased with the XI3s on there now (although, i haven't yet really tested out their snow/ice performance as it's still too early for that)...honestly, they're both so good, there's likely no bad choice here.

[tortoise]

Yesterday, I sold the Blizzak WS80s my Matrix came with and got a set of X-Ice Xi3.

What didn't you like about the WS-80's?

[johngenx]

My Highlander is an unstoppable winter beast on its Blizzaks. The difference between them and the Generals was shocking to me.

Yes, dry pavement handing on the V2s is not great. But otherwise, holy hell, they’re fantastic. I almost never see the traction control light anymore.

They’re wearing well too. Put a lot of kms on them last winter and they’re only down 1/32 or so.

I was very hesitant because I’d never used the light truck Blizzak before and didn’t know much about them. Not a moment of regret. Even on last winters horrendous freezing road coated roads the suv felt in total control. My main worry was people running into me, as I still had actual stopping ability.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

My Highlander is an unstoppable winter beast on its Blizzaks. The difference between them and the Generals was shocking to me.

Yes, dry pavement handing on the V2s is not great. But otherwise, holy hell, they’re fantastic. I almost never see the traction control light anymore.

They’re wearing well too. Put a lot of kms on them last winter and they’re only down 1/32 or so.

I was very hesitant because I’d never used the light truck Blizzak before and didn’t know much about them. Not a moment of regret. Even on last winters horrendous freezing road coated roads the suv felt in total control. My main worry was people running into me, as I still had actual stopping ability.

Your Highlander must not make much power, because I can easily get the DM-V2's to break loose, even in four-wheel-drive. 

[tortoise]

Not having an empty bed probably helps.  I agree, I have to drive like a lunatic to get the traction light on.

[ktm525]

My Highlander is an unstoppable winter beast on its Blizzaks. The difference between them and the Generals was shocking to me.

Yes, dry pavement handing on the V2s is not great. But otherwise, holy hell, they’re fantastic. I almost never see the traction control light anymore.

They’re wearing well too. Put a lot of kms on them last winter and they’re only down 1/32 or so.

I was very hesitant because I’d never used the light truck Blizzak before and didn’t know much about them. Not a moment of regret. Even on last winters horrendous freezing road coated roads the suv felt in total control. My main worry was people running into me, as I still had actual stopping ability.

Your Highlander must not make much power, because I can easily get the DM-V2's to break loose, even in four-wheel-drive.

Hmm the LR4 had DM-V2s and 375HP/375tq and it takes a lot to get the tires to break loose. It is full time AWD with  locking center and rear diff though. The Ridgeline only has 270HP? and again I really have to hoon it to get the tires to break loose. It has an open front and an e locking rear. I think both systems are probably superior to a standard part time 4WD system though..

Having just swapped DMV1s for 2's. Snow ability feels about the same but I think the 2s are a little better tracking in the dry.

[EV Dan]

The size is 235/65/17.  I don't think the Xi3 is available in that size.

My reasoning is this:  I get winter tires primarily for the really bad days.  Giving up some bare road performance is, in my case, a price I am willing to pay for strong snow and ice performance.  The Blizzak DM-V1s have worked well in that regard previously.  But I am open to the Michelin Latitude Xi2's as well.  I suspect the difference is ultimately that the Xi2's perform better in non-extreme conditions.

It doesn't look like Xi3 come in this size.
FWIW Xi3s in my RWD application have been excellent and I've been through the worst of winter storms. Never got stuck anywhere. On an SUV, unless you drive through corn fields I can't imagine you can get stuck. X-Ice are well known for good road manners and low rolling resistance, which with current gas prices is a big deal for me.

[sailor723]

I can't speak to the Michelins but I had the DM-V1's on the ML followed by a set of the V2's. The X5 is now entering it's third winter with DM-V2's. I'm a big fan of their performance in snow and frankly,  I don't find the bare highway performance at 120+ particularly bad either.

[tortoise]

The HL having 225/70 R16 is helping nothing

[bridgecity]

I’ve had the Latitudes, DMV1s, and GSi5’s on trucks/SUVs.   For pure ice and snow performance the GSi’s win.  For ice and handling I would pick the Latitudes. DMV’s are somewhere in the middle I guess. I’ve never really thought they were great, maybe the DMV2s are better.

Of course this all means nothing as all these tires were on different vehicles. 

[sailor723]

I’ve had the Latitudes, DMV1s, and GSi5’s on trucks/SUVs.   For pure ice and snow performance the GSi’s win.  For ice and handling I would pick the Latitudes. DMV’s are somewhere in the middle I guess. I’ve never really thought they were great, maybe the DMV2s are better.

Of course this all means nothing as all these tires were on different vehicles. 

Excuse my ignorance....what is  a GSi5?

[bridgecity]

Sorry, Toyo Observe GSi5. I think the GSi6 is out this year.

Edit: the GSi6 is a performance version.