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Winter tire Winter Touring tires Updated May 2026

Matador MP 59 Nordicca MS review

The Matador MP 59 Nordicca MS is highly regarded as a budget-friendly, high-performance winter tire that excels in snow and ice conditions. While users consistently praise its ability to outperform more expensive vehicles in deep snow, the consensus highlights a notable weakness regarding aquaplaning resistance on wet surfaces.

Relative score
82/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
83/100
12 reviews
Matador MP 59 Nordicca MS
Scores

Two scoring systems, side by side

Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.

By owner reviews

83%
Would buy again 88%
Dry
Overall dry
86%
Corner stability
71%
Dry traction
87%
Steering response
82%
Wet
Overall wet
75%
Wet traction
75%
Snow & ice
Overall snow & ice
80%
Comfort
Overall comfort
85%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
90%
Handling
Overall handling
72%
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 12 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Matador MP 59 Nordicca MS is highly regarded as a budget-friendly, high-performance winter tire that excels in snow and ice conditions. While users consistently praise its ability to outperform more expensive vehicles in deep snow, the consensus highlights a notable weakness regarding aquaplaning resistance on wet surfaces.

Pros

  • Exceptional traction and grip on snow and ice
  • High value for money compared to premium competitors
  • Robust rim protection feature
  • Good dry road handling and comfort

Cons

  • Increased risk of aquaplaning in standing water
  • Initial tread squirm during the break-in period
  • Occasional road noise/drone on specific surfaces

Worth knowing

  • Users noted that the tire's performance in deep snow is significantly bolstered when paired with vehicles possessing higher ground clearance, such as the VW Sharan.
  • Drivers of commercial or cargo-style vehicles reported a noticeable 'squirmy' feeling during the first 100 miles of use before the tires settled.