I've owned and tested many different "studless" winter tires. The X-Ice Snow is far better in the snow vs. the old X-Ice Xi2 and old X-Ice Xi3 (those older variants were already good on ice). And they last much longer (and work much better when worn) vs. the Blizzak variants. A brand-new (read: for a short period) Blizzak might have a very slight edge in snow/ice but the Michelin is for sure better long term. Plus, the Michelin performs better in the dry and wet (long a weak point of the Blizzak studless variants). The Nokian Hakka R5 is an another good option and a tire I've owned. On the new Land Cruiser 250 Series, Michelin is the only option for an OE size 18" winter tire (265/70R-18) that isn't an LT (high-load) tire. I run the X-Ice Snow on our family's two (2) other cars and they work great. I'm very happy and excited that Michelin is offering the excellent winter tire for the Land Cruiser 18" size.