Continental VikingContact 7 Review

290 User Reviews

Leave review

1 Out Of 5

in Studless ice & snow tires

1463744

Miles Reported

290

User Reviews

Review summary

Our extensive research tells us that the Continental VikingContact 7 is one of the best winter tires you can buy. It handles rough, icy conditions like a pro, all while giving you a quiet, smooth, and comfortable ride. Not to mention, it has an impressive braking performance that provides the driver with more confidence in winter weather conditions.

Pros

  • Short braking on snow, slush, and ice
  • Quiet
  • Good for daily driving
  • Run Flat available

Cons

  • Longer braking on wet and dry roads than competitors
  • Not for SUVs or trucks

Survey stats

DRY TRACTION
86.01%
WET TRACTION
87.13%
Noise
87.99%
COMFORT
89.11%
TREAD LIFE
86.14%

290

reviews

1463744

Miles Reported

Test Results

1st of 19 tiresThe Best Winter Tires for 2020

Full review →

3rd of 8 tires2022 ViBilagare Nordic SUV Winter Tire Test

Full review →

Ice Performance

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Ice Handling 40.85 s +0.88 (2.2%)
Ice Braking 13.69 M +0.8 (6.21%)
Ice Traction 3.15 s +0.21 (7.14%)

Performance Metrics

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Dry Braking 34.2 M -0.57 (-1.64%)
Wet Handling 42.05 s -0.06 (-0.14%)
Wet Braking 38.98 M -0.53 (-1.34%)
Snow Handling 74.02 s +1.18 (1.62%)
Snow Braking 11.6 M +0.66 (6.03%)

Subjective Ratings

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Subj. Dry Handling 4 Points 0 (0%)

Extra Metrics

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Rolling Resistance 5.71 kg / t +0.13 (2.33%)
Noise 75.6 dB +0.1 (0.13%)

Special Conditions

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Snow Traction 2.85 s +0.08 (2.89%)
Straight Aqua 68 Km/H +7.7 (12.77%)

1st of 16 tires2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test

Full review →

Ice Performance

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Ice Handling 65 s +10.9 (20.15%)
Ice Braking 46 M +9.6 (26.37%)
Ice Traction 5.1 s +1.5 (41.67%)

Performance Metrics

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Dry Braking 31.8 M +0.4 (1.27%)
Wet Handling 35.6 s +0.3 (0.85%)
Wet Braking 33.8 M -2.1 (-5.85%)
Snow Handling 52.7 s -0.6 (-1.13%)
Snow Braking 51.1 M -0.4 (-0.78%)

Subjective Ratings

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Subj. Noise 10 Points +3 (42.86%)

Special Conditions

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Snow Traction 5.8 s -0.1 (-1.69%)

1st of 8 tires2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test

Full review →

Ice Performance

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Ice Handling 48.82 s 0 (0%)
Ice Braking 3.06 M 0 (0%)

Performance Metrics

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Dry Braking 29.64 M 0 (0%)
Wet Handling 44.99 s 0 (0%)
Wet Braking 38.39 M 0 (0%)
Snow Handling 72.25 s 0 (0%)
Snow Braking 11.46 M 0 (0%)

Subjective Ratings

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Subj. Dry Handling 4 Points 0 (0%)
Subj. Noise 5 Points 0 (0%)

Extra Metrics

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Rolling Resistance 6.05 kg / t 0 (0%)

Special Conditions

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Straight Aqua 64.1 Km/H 0 (0%)

6th of 20 tires2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test

Full review →

Ice Performance

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Ice Handling 61 s +0.8 (1.33%)
Ice Braking 43.2 M +4.3 (11.05%)
Ice Traction 5.5 s +1.7 (44.74%)

Performance Metrics

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Dry Braking 30.3 M +0.4 (1.34%)
Wet Handling 34.7 s -0.2 (-0.57%)
Wet Braking 38.5 M +5.1 (15.27%)
Snow Handling 48.3 s -0.5 (-1.02%)
Snow Braking 50.2 M -0.2 (-0.4%)

Subjective Ratings

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Subj. Dry Handling 7 Points -2 (-22.22%)
Subj. Wet Handling 8 Points 0 (0%)
Subj. Snow Handling 9 Points 0 (0%)
Subj. Ice Handling 8 Points 0 (0%)
Subj. Noise 9 Points +2 (28.57%)

Extra Metrics

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Rolling Resistance 2.1 kg / t -0.9 (-30%)

Special Conditions

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Snow Traction 5.9 s 0 (0%)

3rd of 8 tires2019 Studded Winter Tire Test

Full review →

Ice Performance

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Ice Handling 51.35 s -1.29 (-2.45%)
Ice Braking 10.64 M +1.97 (22.72%)
Ice Traction 5.16 s +1.02 (24.64%)

Performance Metrics

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Dry Braking 43 M -1.9 (-4.23%)
Wet Handling 45.65 s +1.53 (3.47%)
Wet Braking 31 M +2.2 (7.64%)
Snow Handling 85.59 s +1.84 (2.2%)
Snow Braking 16.7 M -0.2 (-1.18%)

Subjective Ratings

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Subj. Dry Handling 2 Points 0 (0%)

Special Conditions

LabelValueDifference to Test Winner
Snow Traction 4.05 s -0.01 (-0.25%)
Straight Aqua 57 Km/H -3.3 (-5.47%)

Alternatives

 

Continental VikingContact 7

Michelin X-Ice Snow

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

Yokohama IceGuard iG52c

Cooper Discoverer True North

Overall Rating
Dry Traction 8.58.78.77.80.0
Wet Traction 8.68.99.07.90.0
Noise 8.78.58.17.60.0
comfort 8.88.78.58.10.0
Tread Life 8.58.98.48.40.0
Braking 0.00.00.00.00.0
Sharpness 0.00.00.00.00.0
Durability 0.00.00.00.00.0
Feel 0.00.00.00.00.0
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User Reviews

Anthony

Yes I would purchase this tire again.

02/09/2020

At the start of winter, I purchased these and they have made a huge difference compared to the all-season tires they replaced. They have greatly improved the traction on snow and ice during many snow storms. I have used Michelin and Blizzak tires on my other cars and these have performed just as well. Overall, a great value for the quality received.

Overall Rating
4.6
Driving Style
N/A
Miles Driven On Tire
9000

5

Ride Comfort

4

Ride Noise

5

Tread Life

5

Wet traction

4

Dry Traction

Anthony

Yes I would purchase this tire again.

10/11/2020

These tires are awesome and definitely worth the price.

Overall Rating
4.6
Driving Style
N/A
Miles Driven On Tire
18000

5

Ride Comfort

4

Ride Noise

5

Tread Life

5

Wet traction

4

Dry Traction

Mitchell

Yes I would purchase this tire again.

05/01/2021

This tire is perfect for the winter season.

Overall Rating
5
Driving Style
N/A
Miles Driven On Tire
19000

5

Ride Comfort

5

Ride Noise

5

Tread Life

5

Wet traction

5

Dry Traction

Mitchell

Yes I would purchase this tire again.

05/01/2021

This tire is perfect for the winter season.

Driving Condition
N/A
Driving Style
N/A
Miles Driven On Tire
19000

5

Ride Comfort

5

Ride Noise

5

Tread Life

5

Dry Traction

Anthony

Yes I would purchase this tire again.

10/11/2020

These tires are awesome and definitely worth the price.

Driving Condition
N/A
Driving Style
N/A
Miles Driven On Tire
18000

5

Ride Comfort

4

Ride Noise

5

Tread Life

4

Dry Traction

Anthony

Yes I would purchase this tire again.

02/09/2020

At the start of winter, I purchased these and they have made a huge difference compared to the all-season tires they replaced. They have greatly improved the traction on snow and ice during many snow storms. I have used Michelin and Blizzak tires on my other cars and these have performed just as well. Overall, a great value for the quality received.

Driving Condition
N/A
Driving Style
N/A
Miles Driven On Tire
9000

5

Ride Comfort

4

Ride Noise

5

Tread Life

4

Dry Traction

Continental VikingContact 7

1 Out Of 5

in Studless ice & snow tires

1463744

Miles Reported

290

User Reviews

Full review

We’ve taken the time to review and research manufacturer stats and user reviews to bring you the best, most comprehensive review of the Continental VikingContact 7. In this article, you’ll learn about some of this robust winter tire’s best features, its performance, and why it would be a solid choice for your vehicle.

Don’t have time to read everything? Here’s a quick summary of our review as well as pros & cons listed.

We analyzed key features of the tire, including its capabilities in the snow, on ice, and in everyday driving conditions. In particular, we focused on what makes this tire one of the safest options available for winter travel.

Read on to learn more about the Continental VikingContact 7 and what makes it great for winter driving.

Continental VikingContact 7 – Overview

Designed for life on wintry roads, the Continental VikingContact 7 is a studless winter tire developed for drivers who want more confidence on winter roads. Specifically, Continental designed this tire with cars and minivans in mind. However,, it’s not a good option for larger SUVs or trucks.

The VikingContact 7 gets its name from the Nordic compound that helps the tire stay flexible while in frigid conditions. Canola oil and silica help keep the tire from slipping on slushy roads. In addition, a specialized groove pattern puts more rubber to the road than standard tires, giving you more control on high-speed roads.

Currently, the VikingContact 7 sits in the 99th percentile of all other studless ice and snow tires on the market. It performs excellently on dry and wet roads and offers drivers comfort while navigating tricky terrain.

The Continental VikingContact 7 replaced the VikingContact 6 in 2018, bringing with it numerous improvements in terms of handling, control, and safety. In particular, the manufacturer focused on improved stability in wet and snowy conditions.

Specifically, the VikingContact 7 includes the following upgrades from the VikingContact 6:

  • 7% improved hydroplaning resistance
  • 6% reduction in wet braking distance
  • 4% increase in control on slush and ice
  • 2% increase in handling on snowy roads
  • 2% increase in handling on dry roads
  • 3% reduction in rolling distance

The improvements listed here offer a tire that’s better-suited for all types of driving conditions, which means a more comfortable and confident ride for you and increased safety for you and those around you.

The Continental VikingContact 7 – Test results & user feedback

The VikingContact 7 outstrips many of its peers in road tests for winter conditions. Not only do tests show it performs well on snow, slush, and ice, but it’s also proven to have decent performance on wet and dry roads, too.

According to TireRack’s testing, the VikingContact 7 scored 99% versus the best in its category. With a fairly low price point compared to its competitors, that score makes the VikingContact 7 a high-quality tire at an affordable price.

Performance 

The VikingContact 7 went through a lot of rigorous testing to determine how well it handled wet, dry, snowy, and icy conditions.

Wet

Although this tire is meant for the snow, the VikingContact 7 showed impressive hydroplaning resistance and traction on wet roads. However, it scored a bit lower than other tires for braking distance.

Dry

The VikingContact 7 tire performed well on dry roads, both in terms of handling and for driving under normal daily conditions. In addition, there’s not much road noise, so you won’t have to worry about that snow-tire rumble you get with other brands.

Snow

Tests and user reviews both demonstrate the VikingContact 7 has excellent snow-handling capabilities. There’s little to no spin, and they’re great at handling deeper snow. Compared to other all-season tires, the VikingContact 7’s are a great choice.

Braking Distance

On wet roads, the VikingContact 7 struggles a bit when it comes to braking. A 2020 Test World test reports a 38.5-meter braking distance, putting it squarely in the middle of its 12 competitors.

Similarly, it required 30.3 meters of braking distance on dry roads, putting it in 8th place out of 13.

However, the VikingContact 7 shines on winter roads. It scored 4th out of 13 on Test World’s test for braking on icy roads, with a distance of 43.2 meters. And on snow-covered roads, it topped the charts in 1st place, with a braking distance of 50.2 meters.

Handling

The VikingContact 7 offers smooth handling in all conditions. Its sharp treads allow it to navigate snow and slush without issue, and various studies report superior handling on ice.

Noise and Comfort

Overall, this is a comfortable set of tires that offers a smooth ride. They run comfortably on dry roads and aren’t terribly noisy, so you won’t have a problem enjoying your ride once you put them on. Based on comparison testing, the VikingContact 7 is quieter than some of its competitors, including the Goodyear Ultragrip.

Durability

The VikingContact 7 is reinforced with canola oil, which adds bounce to the tire that lets it flex and resist freezing. Combined with low treadwear, that resistance allows the tires to stand up to multiple winter seasons.

According to our studies, these tires will last through 2-3 seasons before they need to be replaced. In addition, Continental’s warranty will cover them for damage up to 60,000 miles as long as you’ve maintained a strict rotation schedule of 6,000-8,000 miles.

Price

The VikingContact 7 falls at the low end of its category’s price range. However, for the quality and durability of this tire, the price is pretty spot-on.

Recommendations & Conclusions

Based on our research, user reviews, and testing, the VikingContact 7 is a worthwhile tire for winter driving. Users recommend it in nearly every review, and TireRack’s testing gave it some of the highest marks in its category.

However, for wet and dry handling, it came in just below the Bridgestone Blizzak. The VikingContact also fell a few points shy of the Blizzak for snow handling but came out on top for comfort and treadwear.

That said, the 2020 Test Worldstudy placed it above the Blizzak for multiple categories of handling and traction. The Blizzak’s are also slightly more expensive than the VikingContact 7s.

Conclusions

Based on our research, we’ve concluded that the Continental VikingContact 7 is an excellent option for a winter tire for a sedan, crossover, or minivan. Designed for Norwegian winters, this tire holds up well to snow, ice, and frigid temperatures.

References

Nine Things About The Continental Viking Contact 7

Mitchell

Yes I would purchase this tire again.

05/01/2021

This tire is perfect for the winter season.

Overall Rating
5
Driving Style
N/A
Miles Driven On Tire
19000

5

Ride Comfort

5

Ride Noise

5

Tread Life

5

Dry Traction

Anthony

Yes I would purchase this tire again.

10/11/2020

These tires are awesome and definitely worth the price.

Overall Rating
4.6
Driving Style
N/A
Miles Driven On Tire
18000

5

Ride Comfort

4

Ride Noise

5

Tread Life

4

Dry Traction

Anthony

Yes I would purchase this tire again.

02/09/2020

At the start of winter, I purchased these and they have made a huge difference compared to the all-season tires they replaced. They have greatly improved the traction on snow and ice during many snow storms. I have used Michelin and Blizzak tires on my other cars and these have performed just as well. Overall, a great value for the quality received.

Overall Rating
4.6
Driving Style
N/A
Miles Driven On Tire
9000

5

Ride Comfort

4

Ride Noise

5

Tread Life

4

Dry Traction

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