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A newer edition of this test is out: 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test

Test source Auto Bild

2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test

Overall test winnerContinental WinterContact TS 860

It's winter testing time, and as always, Auto Bild are leading the way! Following on from the 53 winter tyre shoot-out, Auto Bild have taken the top twenty 225/45 R17 tyres through to the full test, along with a summer tyre as reference.

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson
11 min read Updated
Tyre shortlist Read the test
Tyres tested
20
Tested size
225/45 R17
Disciplines
11

At a glance

Tyre shortlist

20 Tyres tested

Published finishing positions, with the strengths and considerations from this test. Owner reviews cover other sizes and driving conditions.

1st

Continental WinterContact TS 860

+Best driving characteristics in all conditions. Direct steering, stable cornering, low fuel use and excellent tread wear

−None mentioend

Read full verdict
50 owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+

+Excellent driving properties on wet and snowy surfaces, precise steering behavior with dynamic wet and snow handling, and short braking distances. Low wear.

−None mentioned

21 owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Michelin Alpin 6

+A model winter tyre with excellent snow and wet performance, good aquaplaning resistance, short wet braking, good ride comfort and lowest wear

−None mentioned

Read full verdict
35 owner reviews Test Results
4th

Apollo Aspire XP Winter

+Well priced winter tyres with a balanced performance, stable wet and dry handling, short snow and wet braking, good aquaplaning resistance, best price / performance ratio

−None mentioned

Read full verdict
3 owner reviews Test Results
5th

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

+Good wet and dry grip, with dynamic handling and good steering precision

−Average lateral stability on snow

Read full verdict
120 owner reviews Test Results
6th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro

+A new winter tyre with excellent wet and dry handling

−Average lateral stability on snow

Read full verdict
31 owner reviews Test Results
7th

BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2

+Good value tyres, high aquaplaning resistance, low noise, low wear

−Average dry grip

30 owner reviews Test Results
8th

Semperit Speed Grip 3

+A strong all round tyre with good winter characteristics, stable wet handling, low noise and low rolling resistance

−Average aquaplaning, average dry braking

Read full verdict
7 owner reviews Test Results
9th

Hankook Winter i cept RS2

+The winter king with the best performance on snow, good dry handling, well priced

−Average wet performance

Read full verdict
52 owner reviews Test Results
10th

Uniroyal MS plus 77

+A good winter performance with stable characteristics in all conditions, low rolling resistance, low price

−Average dry braking

9 owner reviews Test Results
11th

Nexen WinGuard Sport 2

+A balanced winter tyre with stable driving characteristics in all conditions, short snow braking, low noise, low price

−Long dry braking, high rolling resistance

Read full verdict
36 owner reviews Test Results
12th

Fulda Kristall Control HP2

+Good ride comfort, good aquaplaning resistance, low price, low rolling resistance

−Average corning in the wet and snow

Read full verdict
12 owner reviews Test Results
13th

Nokian WR Snowproof

+Excellent snow handling, with sporty dynamic steering, low noise, very low fuel use

−Average wet grip, average aquaplaning resistance

Read full verdict
4 owner reviews Test Results
14th

Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905

+Good traction on snow, short wet braking distances, good dry handling

−Understeer in the wet, poor aquaplaning resistance

16 owner reviews Test Results
15th

Kleber Krisalp HP3

+Very good in the snow, dynamic handling and short braking distances, high aquaplaning resistance

−Understeer and long braking distances in the dry, average wear

Read full verdict
39 owner reviews Test Results
16th

Dunlop Winter Sport 5

+Snow specialist with good traction and short braking distances, good aquaplaning resistance

−Understeer in the dry and wet, long dry braking distances

Read full verdict
47 owner reviews Test Results
17th

Sava Eskimo HP2

+Dynamic handling and short braking distances in the snow, low rolling resistance, low price

−Average wet and dry performance, high wear

Read full verdict
36 owner reviews Test Results
18th

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

+Stable handling and short braking in the wet, low fuel use

−Average snow performance, average comfort, high wear

Read full verdict
60 owner reviews Test Results
19th

Debica Frigo HP2

+Excellent in the snow, low fuel use

−Poor wet and dry grip, high noise

Read full verdict
15 owner reviews Test Results
20th

Kumho WinterCraft WP71

+Short wet braking, good wet handling, low noise

−Poor dry grip, high wear, high rolling resistance

Read full verdict
17 owner reviews Test Results

Tyre shortlist

Compare selected tyres

2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test · 225/45 R17

TyreContinental WinterContact TS 860
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
Michelin Alpin 6
Apollo Aspire XP Winter
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
Semperit Speed Grip 3
Hankook Winter i cept RS2
Uniroyal MS plus 77
Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
Nokian WR Snowproof
Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905
Kleber Krisalp HP3
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
Sava Eskimo HP2
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
Debica Frigo HP2
Kumho WinterCraft WP71
Position1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9th10th11th12th13th14th15th16th17th18th19th20th
Category scores (% of best)
Dry99.9%98.8%99.1%99.2%99.6%99.6%98%96.9%98.5%97.4%96.8%97.1%98.7%97.9%96.6%97.1%95.9%99.3%96.1%97%
Wet95.9%97.5%96.4%95.3%99.2%96.1%94.7%93.8%93.2%92.6%92.2%90.7%91.9%91.5%94%92.3%89.5%94%89%94.6%
Snow98.3%98.7%97.7%96.7%97.5%96.5%99.1%99.4%98.3%97.9%97.7%97.3%98.1%94.5%100%98.5%99.1%93.7%99.4%97.1%
Comfort99.7%97.7%96.5%96.8%98.1%95.8%98.7%97.9%92.7%96.6%100%93.7%97.3%94.9%99.1%93%90.3%96%92.2%98.4%
Value85%81.9%88.5%87.7%82.4%78.6%81.7%85.4%81%80.1%83.3%84.1%82.5%82.6%80.4%81.2%89.8%77%89.6%72.1%
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Test Results

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The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

It's winter testing time, and as always, Auto Bild are leading the way! Following on from the 53 winter tyre shoot-out, Auto Bild have taken the top twenty 225/45 R17 tyres through to the full test, along with a summer tyre as reference. Each set of tyres has been tested in the dry, wet and snow using a RWD BMW 1 Series, and Auto Bild are one of the few publications which test for wear. It's an exciting test! (if you're into tyres...)

The Top Three

After finishing just fifth in the braking shootout, you'd be forgiven for thinking Continental have some serious opposition for the TS860 dominance, but now all aspects of the tyres performance has been tested, they're back on top with another win for the TS860. As with previous tests, the Continental excelled with an all round performance, while having the second lowest wear on test! An impressive feat, and another sign that the high wear Continental tyres have experienced in the past are firmly behind them.

The new Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ finished in second place, again with a very well balanced performance and low wear, with the new Michelin Alpin 6 close behind it. As usual, the French tyre displayed the best wear on test, combined with an excellent all round performance, but as with all three tyres, it came at a price, with the top three tyres having some of the highest purchase prices on test. 

The Rest

This time, the "best of the rest" award goes to Apollo, with the Aspire XP winter proving to have an excellent blend of winter qualities, and a very low purchase price, leaving it as the fourth best value tyre on test (a metric dividing purchase price with tread wear!)

Bridgestone couldn't hold onto the win from the braking test, struggling a little in the snow testing, but it is still an excellent result for the LM005, and a tyre that looks to be well suited to the British style winters thanks to a very strong dry and wet performance.

Vredestein once again put on an impressive performance finishing sixth place overall, with the Wintrac Pro noted as a sporty feeling winter tyre. Like the Bridgestone, it coped better in the dry and wet than it did the snow, so a good candidate for the UK market.

The final notable performances are Dunlop finishing in sixteenth, and Pirelli finishing eighteenth place. Buying premium doesn't always guarantee you a premium performance, with the Pirelli having both poor grip, and very high wear.

Read on for all the data below.

Dry

As is the case with siped tyres, and the main reason you shouldn't run winter tyres year round, all the winter tyres lagged behind the summer reference during dry testing, with the best on test (Pirelli) a full 6 meters behind the summer.

Dry Braking

Dry braking in meters

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
 38.4 m -5.90 m
1Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 44.3 m Best
2Continental WinterContact TS 860
 44.4 m +0.10 m
2Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 44.4 m +0.10 m
4Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 44.5 m +0.20 m
4Michelin Alpin 6
 44.5 m +0.20 m
6Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 44.7 m +0.40 m
6Nokian WR Snowproof
 44.7 m +0.40 m
6Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 44.7 m +0.40 m
9Hankook Winter i cept RS2
 45.1 m +0.80 m
10BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
 45.2 m +0.90 m
11Kumho WinterCraft WP71
 45.5 m +1.20 m
12Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905
 45.7 m +1.40 m
13Uniroyal MS plus 77
 46 m +1.70 m
13Kleber Krisalp HP3
 46 m +1.70 m
15Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 46.3 m +2.00 m
16Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 46.4 m +2.10 m
17Semperit Speed Grip 3
 46.5 m +2.20 m
18Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
 46.7 m +2.40 m
18Debica Frigo HP2
 46.7 m +2.40 m
20Sava Eskimo HP2
 47.3 m +3.00 m

The difference between best and worst was 23.2% (8.9 m ≈ 2 Car Lengths).

There was a smaller, but still significant gap during dry handling testing.

Dry Handling

Dry Handling Average Speed

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
 84.6 km/h +1.70 km/h
1Continental WinterContact TS 860
 82.9 km/h Best
2Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 82.6 km/h -0.30 km/h
3Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 82.5 km/h -0.40 km/h
4Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 82.3 km/h -0.60 km/h
5Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905
 81.9 km/h -1.00 km/h
5Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
 81.9 km/h -1.00 km/h
7Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 81.8 km/h -1.10 km/h
7Hankook Winter i cept RS2
 81.8 km/h -1.10 km/h
7Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 81.8 km/h -1.10 km/h
10Uniroyal MS plus 77
 81.7 km/h -1.20 km/h
10Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 81.7 km/h -1.20 km/h
10Michelin Alpin 6
 81.7 km/h -1.20 km/h
13Semperit Speed Grip 3
 81.6 km/h -1.30 km/h
13Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 81.6 km/h -1.30 km/h
15Nokian WR Snowproof
 81.5 km/h -1.40 km/h
16Sava Eskimo HP2
 81.3 km/h -1.60 km/h
17BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
 81.2 km/h -1.70 km/h
18Debica Frigo HP2
 80.7 km/h -2.20 km/h
19Kleber Krisalp HP3
 80.4 km/h -2.50 km/h
20Kumho WinterCraft WP71
 80.1 km/h -2.80 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 5.3% (4.5 Km/H).

Wet

The Bridgestone LM005 was the only winter tyre which beat the summer tyre during wet braking, while the Michelin could only match the summer tyre.

Wet Braking

Wet braking in meters

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 29.2 m Best
RefReference Summer
 30.4 m +1.20 m
2Michelin Alpin 6
 30.4 m +1.20 m
3Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 30.6 m +1.40 m
4Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 30.8 m +1.60 m
5Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 31.2 m +2.00 m
6Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 31.3 m +2.10 m
7Continental WinterContact TS 860
 31.5 m +2.30 m
7Kumho WinterCraft WP71
 31.5 m +2.30 m
9Semperit Speed Grip 3
 31.6 m +2.40 m
10Hankook Winter i cept RS2
 32 m +2.80 m
10BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
 32 m +2.80 m
12Nokian WR Snowproof
 32.2 m +3.00 m
12Kleber Krisalp HP3
 32.2 m +3.00 m
14Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905
 32.5 m +3.30 m
15Uniroyal MS plus 77
 32.8 m +3.60 m
16Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 32.9 m +3.70 m
17Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
 33 m +3.80 m
18Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 33.5 m +4.30 m
19Sava Eskimo HP2
 33.6 m +4.40 m
20Debica Frigo HP2
 34.2 m +5.00 m

The difference between best and worst was 17.1% (5 m ≈ 1.1 Car Lengths).

The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ was the best winter tyre during the wet handling lap.

Wet Handling

Wet Handling Average Speed

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
 75.7 km/h +1.00 km/h
1Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 74.7 km/h Best
2Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 74.3 km/h -0.40 km/h
3Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 74.1 km/h -0.60 km/h
4Continental WinterContact TS 860
 73.7 km/h -1.00 km/h
5Michelin Alpin 6
 73.1 km/h -1.60 km/h
6Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 72.8 km/h -1.90 km/h
7Semperit Speed Grip 3
 72.6 km/h -2.10 km/h
8Kumho WinterCraft WP71
 72.5 km/h -2.20 km/h
8Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
 72.5 km/h -2.20 km/h
10BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
 72.4 km/h -2.30 km/h
11Uniroyal MS plus 77
 72.3 km/h -2.40 km/h
12Kleber Krisalp HP3
 72.1 km/h -2.60 km/h
13Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 72 km/h -2.70 km/h
14Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905
 71.7 km/h -3.00 km/h
14Hankook Winter i cept RS2
 71.7 km/h -3.00 km/h
16Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 71.3 km/h -3.40 km/h
17Nokian WR Snowproof
 71.1 km/h -3.60 km/h
18Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 70.2 km/h -4.50 km/h
19Sava Eskimo HP2
 69.6 km/h -5.10 km/h
20Debica Frigo HP2
 69.5 km/h -5.20 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 8.2% (6.2 Km/H).

There was over 15 Km/H difference in straight aquaplaning testing.

Straight Aqua

Float Speed in Km/H

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
 78 km/h Best
2Continental WinterContact TS 860
 76.7 km/h -1.30 km/h
3Kleber Krisalp HP3
 75.8 km/h -2.20 km/h
4Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 74.6 km/h -3.40 km/h
5Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 74.2 km/h -3.80 km/h
6Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 73.4 km/h -4.60 km/h
7Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 73.3 km/h -4.70 km/h
8Kumho WinterCraft WP71
 72.2 km/h -5.80 km/h
9Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 71.7 km/h -6.30 km/h
9Michelin Alpin 6
 71.7 km/h -6.30 km/h
11Uniroyal MS plus 77
 70.3 km/h -7.70 km/h
12Hankook Winter i cept RS2
 70.1 km/h -7.90 km/h
13Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 69.3 km/h -8.70 km/h
14Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
 68.4 km/h -9.60 km/h
14Debica Frigo HP2
 68.4 km/h -9.60 km/h
16Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 68.1 km/h -9.90 km/h
17Semperit Speed Grip 3
 66.8 km/h -11.20 km/h
18Sava Eskimo HP2
 66.6 km/h -11.40 km/h
19Nokian WR Snowproof
 65.5 km/h -12.50 km/h
20Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905
 62.8 km/h -15.20 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 19.5% (15.2 Km/H).

Snow

The snow testing was separated by 2.4 meters, with all tyres having an acceptable performance for most of the UK.

Snow Braking

Snow braking in meters

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Kleber Krisalp HP3
 24 m Best
2Debica Frigo HP2
 24.1 m +0.10 m
2Sava Eskimo HP2
 24.1 m +0.10 m
4BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
 24.2 m +0.20 m
5Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 24.3 m +0.30 m
5Semperit Speed Grip 3
 24.3 m +0.30 m
5Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 24.3 m +0.30 m
5Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 24.3 m +0.30 m
9Continental WinterContact TS 860
 24.5 m +0.50 m
10Uniroyal MS plus 77
 24.6 m +0.60 m
10Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 24.6 m +0.60 m
10Nokian WR Snowproof
 24.6 m +0.60 m
13Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
 24.7 m +0.70 m
13Michelin Alpin 6
 24.7 m +0.70 m
15Kumho WinterCraft WP71
 24.8 m +0.80 m
16Hankook Winter i cept RS2
 24.9 m +0.90 m
17Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 25.1 m +1.10 m
18Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 25.2 m +1.20 m
19Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905
 26 m +2.00 m
20Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 26.4 m +2.40 m
RefReference Summer
 89.1 m +65.10 m

The difference between best and worst was 271.3% (65.1 m ≈ 14.5 Car Lengths).

Snow handling showed the well priced Kleber to have the best all round balance of snow performances.

Snow Handling

Snow handling average speed

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Hankook Winter i cept RS2
 78.4 km/h Best
1Kleber Krisalp HP3
 78.4 km/h Best
3Semperit Speed Grip 3
 78.3 km/h -0.10 km/h
4Debica Frigo HP2
 77.8 km/h -0.60 km/h
5BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
 77.6 km/h -0.80 km/h
6Sava Eskimo HP2
 77.4 km/h -1.00 km/h
7Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 77.3 km/h -1.10 km/h
7Nokian WR Snowproof
 77.3 km/h -1.10 km/h
7Continental WinterContact TS 860
 77.3 km/h -1.10 km/h
10Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
 77 km/h -1.40 km/h
10Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 77 km/h -1.40 km/h
10Uniroyal MS plus 77
 77 km/h -1.40 km/h
13Michelin Alpin 6
 76.9 km/h -1.50 km/h
14Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 76.6 km/h -1.80 km/h
15Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 76.5 km/h -1.90 km/h
16Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 76.4 km/h -2.00 km/h
17Kumho WinterCraft WP71
 76.3 km/h -2.10 km/h
18Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905
 75.6 km/h -2.80 km/h
19Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 75.3 km/h -3.10 km/h
19Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 75.3 km/h -3.10 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 4% (3.1 Km/H).

Environment

The Nokian SnowProof had an incredibly low rolling resistance, with nearly all the winter tyres having lower fuel use than the summer reference.

Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance in kg t

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to bestExtra fuel / year
1Nokian WR Snowproof
 7.43 kg/t Best £0
2Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 7.77 kg/t +0.34 kg/t £20
3Sava Eskimo HP2
 7.78 kg/t +0.35 kg/t £21
4Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 7.8 kg/t +0.37 kg/t £22
5Semperit Speed Grip 3
 7.81 kg/t +0.38 kg/t £23
6Debica Frigo HP2
 7.85 kg/t +0.42 kg/t £25
7Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 7.95 kg/t +0.52 kg/t £31
8Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 8.04 kg/t +0.61 kg/t £36
9Continental WinterContact TS 860
 8.11 kg/t +0.68 kg/t £40
9Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905
 8.11 kg/t +0.68 kg/t £40
11Uniroyal MS plus 77
 8.28 kg/t +0.85 kg/t £50
12Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 8.44 kg/t +1.01 kg/t £60
13Kleber Krisalp HP3
 8.56 kg/t +1.13 kg/t £67
14Michelin Alpin 6
 8.57 kg/t +1.14 kg/t £68
15BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
 8.77 kg/t +1.34 kg/t £79
16Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 8.8 kg/t +1.37 kg/t £81
17Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 8.97 kg/t +1.54 kg/t £91
18Hankook Winter i cept RS2
 9.29 kg/t +1.86 kg/t £110
RefReference Summer
 9.3 kg/t +1.87 kg/t £111
19Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
 9.59 kg/t +2.16 kg/t £128
20Kumho WinterCraft WP71
 9.99 kg/t +2.56 kg/t £152

The difference between best and worst was 34.5% (2.56 kg / t). Over 19,000 km a year at £1.45/L, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 uses about 105 L (£152) more fuel than the Nokian WR Snowproof.

Adjust the assumptions

Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.

19,000 km
£1.45/L
Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tyre age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

The Nexen and Continental were the quietest tyres on test during the external noise testing.

Noise

External noise in dB

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
 68.7 dB Best
2Continental WinterContact TS 860
 68.9 dB +0.20 dB
3Kleber Krisalp HP3
 69.3 dB +0.60 dB
4BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
 69.6 dB +0.90 dB
RefReference Summer
 69.7 dB +1.00 dB
5Kumho WinterCraft WP71
 69.8 dB +1.10 dB
6Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 70 dB +1.30 dB
7Semperit Speed Grip 3
 70.2 dB +1.50 dB
8Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 70.3 dB +1.60 dB
9Nokian WR Snowproof
 70.6 dB +1.90 dB
10Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 71 dB +2.30 dB
11Uniroyal MS plus 77
 71.1 dB +2.40 dB
12Michelin Alpin 6
 71.2 dB +2.50 dB
13Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 71.6 dB +2.90 dB
14Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 71.7 dB +3.00 dB
15Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905
 72.4 dB +3.70 dB
16Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 73.3 dB +4.60 dB
17Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 73.9 dB +5.20 dB
18Hankook Winter i cept RS2
 74.1 dB +5.40 dB
19Debica Frigo HP2
 74.5 dB +5.80 dB
20Sava Eskimo HP2
 76.1 dB +7.40 dB

The difference between best and worst was 10.8% (7.4 dB).

Cost / Wear

Michelin is always strong in wear testing, and it continued its dominance by having a big advantage. Continental and Apollo also proved to have really strong wear characteristics, while Uniroyal, Kleber, Pirelli and Kumho wore out nearly 15,000 km sooner than the Michelin.

Wear

Predicted tread life in KM

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin Alpin 6
 51,250 KM Best
2Continental WinterContact TS 860
 45,920 KM -5,330 KM
3Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 45,100 KM -6,150 KM
4Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 42,870 KM -8,380 KM
5Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 42,230 KM -9,020 KM
6Hankook Winter i cept RS2
 41,820 KM -9,430 KM
7BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
 41,410 KM -9,840 KM
7Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 41,410 KM -9,840 KM
7Semperit Speed Grip 3
 41,410 KM -9,840 KM
10Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
 40,590 KM -10,660 KM
11Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 40,180 KM -11,070 KM
12Nokian WR Snowproof
 39,970 KM -11,280 KM
12Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905
 39,970 KM -11,280 KM
14Debica Frigo HP2
 39,770 KM -11,480 KM
15Sava Eskimo HP2
 39,360 KM -11,890 KM
16Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 38,950 KM -12,300 KM
17Uniroyal MS plus 77
 38,360 KM -12,890 KM
18Kleber Krisalp HP3
 37,310 KM -13,940 KM
19Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 36,080 KM -15,170 KM
20Kumho WinterCraft WP71
 35,260 KM -15,990 KM

The difference between best and worst was 31.2% (15,990 KM).

The "Value" score is simply the price of the wear in Euros, per 1000 km. In this test, the lower priced tyres proved to be the best value, with even the excellent wear of the Michelin unable to offset its higher purchase price.

Value

Euros/1000km based on cost/wear

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to bestcost per 1,000 km
1Sava Eskimo HP2
 7.62 Price/1000 Best €10.64
2Debica Frigo HP2
 7.67 Price/1000 +0.05 Price/1000 €10.92
3Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
 7.88 Price/1000 +0.26 Price/1000 €17.28
4Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 8.31 Price/1000 +0.69 Price/1000 €14.73
5Kleber Krisalp HP3
 9.25 Price/1000 +1.63 Price/1000 €15.14
6Hankook Winter i cept RS2
 9.33 Price/1000 +1.71 Price/1000 €17.61
7Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 9.5 Price/1000 +1.88 Price/1000 €12.61
8Semperit Speed Grip 3
 9.66 Price/1000 +2.04 Price/1000 €12.70
8BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
 9.66 Price/1000 +2.04 Price/1000 €16.11
10Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905
 9.93 Price/1000 +2.31 Price/1000 €14.05
11Michelin Alpin 6
 10.15 Price/1000 +2.53 Price/1000 €15.56
12Uniroyal MS plus 77
 10.25 Price/1000 +2.63 Price/1000 €15.14
13Kumho WinterCraft WP71
 10.35 Price/1000 +2.73 Price/1000 €21.43
14Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 10.71 Price/1000 +3.09 Price/1000 €16.18
15Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 10.87 Price/1000 +3.25 Price/1000 €18.03
16Continental WinterContact TS 860
 10.89 Price/1000 +3.27 Price/1000 €14.83
17Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 11.25 Price/1000 +3.63 Price/1000 €14.75
18Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 11.57 Price/1000 +3.95 Price/1000 €14.52
19Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 11.64 Price/1000 +4.02 Price/1000 €15.75
20Nokian WR Snowproof
 11.69 Price/1000 +4.07 Price/1000 €13.39

The difference between best and worst was 53.4% (4.07 Price/1000). Over 40,000 km the cheapest tyre to own (Sava Eskimo HP2) works out €432 cheaper than the most expensive (Kumho WinterCraft WP71).

How this is calculated

Assumes a typical car using 8 l/100km (with rolling resistance causing 20% of fuel use), fuel at €1.65 per litre and €70 fitting per set of four. Purchase prices are from the time of the 2019 test; financing costs are excluded.

Results

1st

Continental WinterContact TS 860

225/45 R17
Continental WinterContact TS 860
Test Winner
Dry99.9%
Wet95.9%
Snow98.3%
Comfort99.7%
Value85%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better2nd / 2044.4 m+0.10 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better1st / 2082.9 km/hBest in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better7th / 2031.5 m+2.30 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better4th / 2073.7 km/h-1.00 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better2nd / 2076.7 km/h-1.30 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better9th / 2024.5 m+0.50 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better7th / 2077.3 km/h-1.10 km/h
NoiseLower is better2nd / 2068.9 dB+0.20 dB
WearHigher is better2nd / 2045920 KM-5,330.00 KM
ValueLower is better16th / 2010.89 Price/1000+3.27 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better9th / 208.11 kg/t+0.68 kg/t
Price
500.00
2nd

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+

225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
Exemplary
Dry98.8%
Wet97.5%
Snow98.7%
Comfort97.7%
Value81.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better6th / 2044.7 m+0.40 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better10th / 2081.7 km/h-1.20 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better3rd / 2030.6 m+1.40 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better1st / 2074.7 km/hBest in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better4th / 2074.6 km/h-3.40 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better5th / 2024.3 m+0.30 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better7th / 2077.3 km/h-1.10 km/h
NoiseLower is better8th / 2070.3 dB+1.60 dB
WearHigher is better4th / 2042870 KM-8,380.00 KM
ValueLower is better14th / 2010.71 Price/1000+3.09 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better12th / 208.44 kg/t+1.01 kg/t
Price
470.00
3rd

Michelin Alpin 6

225/45 R17
Michelin Alpin 6
Exemplary
Dry99.1%
Wet96.4%
Snow97.7%
Comfort96.5%
Value88.5%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better4th / 2044.5 m+0.20 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better10th / 2081.7 km/h-1.20 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better2nd / 2030.4 m+1.20 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better5th / 2073.1 km/h-1.60 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better9th / 2071.7 km/h-6.30 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better13th / 2024.7 m+0.70 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better13th / 2076.9 km/h-1.50 km/h
NoiseLower is better12th / 2071.2 dB+2.50 dB
WearHigher is better1st / 2051250 KMBest in this discipline
ValueLower is better11th / 2010.15 Price/1000+2.53 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better14th / 208.57 kg/t+1.14 kg/t
Price
520.00
4th

Apollo Aspire XP Winter

225/45 R17
Apollo Aspire XP Winter
Exemplary
Dry99.2%
Wet95.3%
Snow96.7%
Comfort96.8%
Value87.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better6th / 2044.7 m+0.40 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better4th / 2082.3 km/h-0.60 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better5th / 2031.2 m+2.00 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better6th / 2072.8 km/h-1.90 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better6th / 2073.4 km/h-4.60 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better17th / 2025.1 m+1.10 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better14th / 2076.6 km/h-1.80 km/h
NoiseLower is better10th / 2071 dB+2.30 dB
WearHigher is better3rd / 2045100 KM-6,150.00 KM
ValueLower is better4th / 208.31 Price/1000+0.69 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better16th / 208.8 kg/t+1.37 kg/t
Price
375.00
5th

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

225/45 R17
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
Exemplary
Dry99.6%
Wet99.2%
Snow97.5%
Comfort98.1%
Value82.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better4th / 2044.5 m+0.20 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better2nd / 2082.6 km/h-0.30 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better1st / 2029.2 mBest in this discipline
Wet HandlingHigher is better2nd / 2074.3 km/h-0.40 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better5th / 2074.2 km/h-3.80 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better10th / 2024.6 m+0.60 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better16th / 2076.4 km/h-2.00 km/h
NoiseLower is better6th / 2070 dB+1.30 dB
WearHigher is better5th / 2042230 KM-9,020.00 KM
ValueLower is better17th / 2011.25 Price/1000+3.63 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better7th / 207.95 kg/t+0.52 kg/t
Price
475.00
6th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro

225/45 R17
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
Exemplary
Dry99.6%
Wet96.1%
Snow96.5%
Comfort95.8%
Value78.6%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better2nd / 2044.4 m+0.10 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better3rd / 2082.5 km/h-0.40 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better4th / 2030.8 m+1.60 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better3rd / 2074.1 km/h-0.60 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better13th / 2069.3 km/h-8.70 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better18th / 2025.2 m+1.20 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better15th / 2076.5 km/h-1.90 km/h
NoiseLower is better14th / 2071.7 dB+3.00 dB
WearHigher is better7th / 2041410 KM-9,840.00 KM
ValueLower is better15th / 2010.87 Price/1000+3.25 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better17th / 208.97 kg/t+1.54 kg/t
Price
450.00
7th

BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2

225/45 R17
BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
Good
Dry98%
Wet94.7%
Snow99.1%
Comfort98.7%
Value81.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better10th / 2045.2 m+0.90 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better17th / 2081.2 km/h-1.70 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better10th / 2032 m+2.80 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better10th / 2072.4 km/h-2.30 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better1st / 2078 km/hBest in this discipline
Snow BrakingLower is better4th / 2024.2 m+0.20 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better5th / 2077.6 km/h-0.80 km/h
NoiseLower is better4th / 2069.6 dB+0.90 dB
WearHigher is better7th / 2041410 KM-9,840.00 KM
ValueLower is better8th / 209.66 Price/1000+2.04 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better15th / 208.77 kg/t+1.34 kg/t
Price
400.00
8th

Semperit Speed Grip 3

225/45 R17
Semperit Speed Grip 3
Good
Dry96.9%
Wet93.8%
Snow99.4%
Comfort97.9%
Value85.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better17th / 2046.5 m+2.20 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better13th / 2081.6 km/h-1.30 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better9th / 2031.6 m+2.40 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better7th / 2072.6 km/h-2.10 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better17th / 2066.8 km/h-11.20 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better5th / 2024.3 m+0.30 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better3rd / 2078.3 km/h-0.10 km/h
NoiseLower is better7th / 2070.2 dB+1.50 dB
WearHigher is better7th / 2041410 KM-9,840.00 KM
ValueLower is better8th / 209.66 Price/1000+2.04 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better5th / 207.81 kg/t+0.38 kg/t
Price
400.00
9th

Hankook Winter i cept RS2

225/45 R17
Hankook Winter i cept RS2
Good
Dry98.5%
Wet93.2%
Snow98.3%
Comfort92.7%
Value81%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better9th / 2045.1 m+0.80 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better7th / 2081.8 km/h-1.10 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better10th / 2032 m+2.80 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better14th / 2071.7 km/h-3.00 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better12th / 2070.1 km/h-7.90 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better16th / 2024.9 m+0.90 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better1st / 2078.4 km/hBest in this discipline
NoiseLower is better18th / 2074.1 dB+5.40 dB
WearHigher is better6th / 2041820 KM-9,430.00 KM
ValueLower is better6th / 209.33 Price/1000+1.71 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better18th / 209.29 kg/t+1.86 kg/t
Price
390.00
10th

Uniroyal MS plus 77

225/45 R17
Uniroyal MS plus 77
Good
Dry97.4%
Wet92.6%
Snow97.9%
Comfort96.6%
Value80.1%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better13th / 2046 m+1.70 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better10th / 2081.7 km/h-1.20 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better15th / 2032.8 m+3.60 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better11th / 2072.3 km/h-2.40 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better11th / 2070.3 km/h-7.70 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better10th / 2024.6 m+0.60 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better10th / 2077 km/h-1.40 km/h
NoiseLower is better11th / 2071.1 dB+2.40 dB
WearHigher is better17th / 2038360 KM-12,890.00 KM
ValueLower is better12th / 2010.25 Price/1000+2.63 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better11th / 208.28 kg/t+0.85 kg/t
Price
395.00
11th

Nexen WinGuard Sport 2

225/45 R17
Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
Good
Dry96.8%
Wet92.2%
Snow97.7%
Comfort100%
Value83.3%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better18th / 2046.7 m+2.40 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better5th / 2081.9 km/h-1.00 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better17th / 2033 m+3.80 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better8th / 2072.5 km/h-2.20 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better14th / 2068.4 km/h-9.60 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better13th / 2024.7 m+0.70 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better10th / 2077 km/h-1.40 km/h
NoiseLower is better1st / 2068.7 dBBest in this discipline
WearHigher is better10th / 2040590 KM-10,660.00 KM
ValueLower is better3rd / 207.88 Price/1000+0.26 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better19th / 209.59 kg/t+2.16 kg/t
Price
320.00
12th

Fulda Kristall Control HP2

225/45 R17
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
Good
Dry97.1%
Wet90.7%
Snow97.3%
Comfort93.7%
Value84.1%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better16th / 2046.4 m+2.10 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better7th / 2081.8 km/h-1.10 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better18th / 2033.5 m+4.30 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better18th / 2070.2 km/h-4.50 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better9th / 2071.7 km/h-6.30 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better5th / 2024.3 m+0.30 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better19th / 2075.3 km/h-3.10 km/h
NoiseLower is better16th / 2073.3 dB+4.60 dB
WearHigher is better16th / 2038950 KM-12,300.00 KM
ValueLower is better7th / 209.5 Price/1000+1.88 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better4th / 207.8 kg/t+0.37 kg/t
Price
370.00
13th

Nokian WR Snowproof

225/45 R17
Nokian WR Snowproof
Good
Dry98.7%
Wet91.9%
Snow98.1%
Comfort97.3%
Value82.5%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better6th / 2044.7 m+0.40 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better15th / 2081.5 km/h-1.40 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better12th / 2032.2 m+3.00 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better17th / 2071.1 km/h-3.60 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better19th / 2065.5 km/h-12.50 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better10th / 2024.6 m+0.60 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better7th / 2077.3 km/h-1.10 km/h
NoiseLower is better9th / 2070.6 dB+1.90 dB
WearHigher is better12th / 2039970 KM-11,280.00 KM
ValueLower is better20th / 2011.69 Price/1000+4.07 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better1st / 207.43 kg/tBest in this discipline
Price
465.00
14th

Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905

225/45 R17
Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905
Good
Dry97.9%
Wet91.5%
Snow94.5%
Comfort94.9%
Value82.6%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better12th / 2045.7 m+1.40 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better5th / 2081.9 km/h-1.00 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better14th / 2032.5 m+3.30 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better14th / 2071.7 km/h-3.00 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better20th / 2062.8 km/h-15.20 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better19th / 2026 m+2.00 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better18th / 2075.6 km/h-2.80 km/h
NoiseLower is better15th / 2072.4 dB+3.70 dB
WearHigher is better12th / 2039970 KM-11,280.00 KM
ValueLower is better10th / 209.93 Price/1000+2.31 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better9th / 208.11 kg/t+0.68 kg/t
Price
395.00
15th

Kleber Krisalp HP3

225/45 R17
Kleber Krisalp HP3
Ok
Dry96.6%
Wet94%
Snow100%
Comfort99.1%
Value80.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better13th / 2046 m+1.70 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better19th / 2080.4 km/h-2.50 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better12th / 2032.2 m+3.00 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better12th / 2072.1 km/h-2.60 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better3rd / 2075.8 km/h-2.20 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better1st / 2024 mBest in this discipline
Snow HandlingHigher is better1st / 2078.4 km/hBest in this discipline
NoiseLower is better3rd / 2069.3 dB+0.60 dB
WearHigher is better18th / 2037310 KM-13,940.00 KM
ValueLower is better5th / 209.25 Price/1000+1.63 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better13th / 208.56 kg/t+1.13 kg/t
Price
345.00
16th

Dunlop Winter Sport 5

225/45 R17
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
Ok
Dry97.1%
Wet92.3%
Snow98.5%
Comfort93%
Value81.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better15th / 2046.3 m+2.00 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better13th / 2081.6 km/h-1.30 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better16th / 2032.9 m+3.70 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better16th / 2071.3 km/h-3.40 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better7th / 2073.3 km/h-4.70 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better5th / 2024.3 m+0.30 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better10th / 2077 km/h-1.40 km/h
NoiseLower is better17th / 2073.9 dB+5.20 dB
WearHigher is better11th / 2040180 KM-11,070.00 KM
ValueLower is better18th / 2011.57 Price/1000+3.95 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better2nd / 207.77 kg/t+0.34 kg/t
Price
465.00
17th

Sava Eskimo HP2

225/45 R17
Sava Eskimo HP2
Ok
Dry95.9%
Wet89.5%
Snow99.1%
Comfort90.3%
Value89.8%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better20th / 2047.3 m+3.00 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better16th / 2081.3 km/h-1.60 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better19th / 2033.6 m+4.40 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better19th / 2069.6 km/h-5.10 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better18th / 2066.6 km/h-11.40 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better2nd / 2024.1 m+0.10 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better6th / 2077.4 km/h-1.00 km/h
NoiseLower is better20th / 2076.1 dB+7.40 dB
WearHigher is better15th / 2039360 KM-11,890.00 KM
ValueLower is better1st / 207.62 Price/1000Best in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better3rd / 207.78 kg/t+0.35 kg/t
Price
300.00
18th

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

225/45 R17
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
Ok
Dry99.3%
Wet94%
Snow93.7%
Comfort96%
Value77%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better1st / 2044.3 mBest in this discipline
Dry HandlingHigher is better7th / 2081.8 km/h-1.10 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better6th / 2031.3 m+2.10 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better13th / 2072 km/h-2.70 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better16th / 2068.1 km/h-9.90 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better20th / 2026.4 m+2.40 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better19th / 2075.3 km/h-3.10 km/h
NoiseLower is better13th / 2071.6 dB+2.90 dB
WearHigher is better19th / 2036080 KM-15,170.00 KM
ValueLower is better19th / 2011.64 Price/1000+4.02 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better8th / 208.04 kg/t+0.61 kg/t
Price
420.00
19th

Debica Frigo HP2

225/45 R17
Debica Frigo HP2
Conditionally recommended
Dry96.1%
Wet89%
Snow99.4%
Comfort92.2%
Value89.6%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better18th / 2046.7 m+2.40 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better18th / 2080.7 km/h-2.20 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better20th / 2034.2 m+5.00 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better20th / 2069.5 km/h-5.20 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better14th / 2068.4 km/h-9.60 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better2nd / 2024.1 m+0.10 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better4th / 2077.8 km/h-0.60 km/h
NoiseLower is better19th / 2074.5 dB+5.80 dB
WearHigher is better14th / 2039770 KM-11,480.00 KM
ValueLower is better2nd / 207.67 Price/1000+0.05 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better6th / 207.85 kg/t+0.42 kg/t
Price
305.00
20th

Kumho WinterCraft WP71

225/45 R17
Kumho WinterCraft WP71
Conditionally recommended
Dry97%
Wet94.6%
Snow97.1%
Comfort98.4%
Value72.1%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (11)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better11th / 2045.5 m+1.20 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better20th / 2080.1 km/h-2.80 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better7th / 2031.5 m+2.30 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better8th / 2072.5 km/h-2.20 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better8th / 2072.2 km/h-5.80 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better15th / 2024.8 m+0.80 m
Snow HandlingHigher is better17th / 2076.3 km/h-2.10 km/h
NoiseLower is better5th / 2069.8 dB+1.10 dB
WearHigher is better20th / 2035260 KM-15,990.00 KM
ValueLower is better13th / 2010.35 Price/1000+2.73 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better20th / 209.99 kg/t+2.56 kg/t
Price
365.00

More tyre tests

Cross-check this test

All tyre tests

Where these tyres were tested again, and how the verdict held up.

More tyre tests2026 Motor Winter Tyre Test2026 Auto Bild 205/55 R16 Winter Tyre Test2026 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test2026 Tire Rack New Winter Tyre TestAll tests: Winter Tyres
Best tyresBest Winter TyresBest UHP Winter TyresBest Studless Winter Tyres

Discussion

30 comments
  1. Bayar archived

    Hello.
    I generally prefer Michelin tyres but in 2019 Goodyear Ultragrip Performance+ takes good results on tests and in addition this tyre is %25 cheaper than Michelin. If we compare Michelin Alpin 6 and Goodyear Ultragrip Performance+ which one will be your preference? why? do you have experinces about these 2 tyres?
    Many thanks.

    #5486
    1. Bayar Bayar archived

      I use my car in Istanbul, and the tyre sizes are 215/55R17

      #5487
      1. TyreReviews Bayar archived

        I've not used either, but looking at the test data I would lean towards the Goodyear if it's 25% cheaper!

        #5488
  2. Mircea Caraiman archived

    Hello! for 235/40R18, what would you choose between BF Goodrich g-force winter 2 and Hankook icept EVO2? I can only find info on RS2, but EVO2 not much. BF Goodrich is like 15 euro / tyre cheaper. Also, are the Hankooks actually that noisy or in reality not that unconfortable? I live in Romania, lately not much snow, only wet and dry, lets say 3-4 weeks of snow usually. Ty.

    #5467
      1. Mircea Caraiman TyreReviews archived

        You could, but its 130-150 Euros more / set (really close to Blizzaks and Continental ts850p). Anyway, bought the BF Goodrich 1 day ago, they seem decent enough so far.

        #5470
  3. Robert Ridge archived

    The graphs are misleading, as (except for snow braking) they do not show zero. Minor differences look large if the graph shows only the leading edge of the data. In addition, there is no information regarding how the tests were done, how many times, and any error margins. From a scientific point of view these tests and the shown results are about as misleading as you could possibly make them. However good or bad each tyre might be, your tests show nothing believable. For example, if you reproduce the snow handling graph showing the data from zero, it would look just like the snow braking graph rather than the "image" of large differences.

    #5386
  4. George archived

    Hi,
    I am living in Athens Greece where the winders are mild but I am skiing and I want to have a second set of winder tires for January to March. But besides the days on the mountain where the conditions will be around 0 degrees with snow, during the everyday life this tires will cross mostly dry conditions with high temperatures for a snow tire (mostly above 10 degrees, some days even 20).
    What is your recommendation where I should accommodate pure winder conditions and mild conditions as well?
    Thanks!

    #5382
    1. George George archived

      any comment? thank you in advance!

      #5442
      1. TyreReviews George archived

        Sorry for the delay in replying. For this, I'd probably consider the Continental Allseasoncontact or Ts860. I'd go for the all seasons if you'll be on mostly treated roads when skiing, or the winters if you will travel a little more off piste

        #5445
  5. Hristijan Curukoski archived

    I've seen many of your tests and I've read many articles regarding differences between premium and mid-range tyres. I still can't understand why in the world i would spend thousands on a premium tyres when i can buy lets say Apollo Aspire XP Winter tyre which costs half the price compared to GY, Conti etc and have only marginal differences in performances. I mean the differences are so minimal and hardly noticeable while the price gap is huge. What am i missing here? Thanks!

    #5372
    1. TyreReviews Hristijan Curukoski archived

      Half the price isn't quite right, we're tracking it at 75 vs 95 so not a massive difference, and the price charged reflects the quality of tyre, the new Aspire is an excellent midrange tyre!

      Everyone can make their own choice based on the data and the local market pricing :)

      #5374
  6. Carlo Marcello Alberici archived

    To whom it may concern:

    I just recently purchased the Continental WinterContact tires for my Volkswagen T-ROC 2.0 TDI 4MOTION. Do you recommend that I also buy chains for my all wheel drive car?

    Sincerely,
    Carlo Marcello Alberici

    #5289
    1. TyreReviews Carlo Marcello Alberici archived

      Hi,

      It depends how much snow and ice you might encounter. I wouldn't worry too much about chains for most "normal" winter conditions if you have AWD and winter tyres.

      #5290
  7. An drus archived

    funny review
    7th: BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
    15th: Kleber Krisalp HP3

    Same tyre different name (for different markets) and different positions from 7 to 15 :)

    #5262
  8. orki archived

    Hi, what tyre would you recommend bridgeston blizzak LM005 or goodyear performance+?
    Don't use it much in snow condition.

    #5256
    1. TyreReviews orki archived

      The Goodyear is winning more tests this year

      #5259
      1. orki TyreReviews archived

        Thanks. In my size there is still only continental TS860. As GY are difficult to order, what would you recommend between TS850, LM005, nokian wr4 and michelin alpin 5?

        #5323
  9. Dalibor Prodanović archived

    Hello,

    this tyre test was for 225/45/17. I am driving Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (y. 2013) and the car has a tyre size 215/50/17.

    Do this tests qualifie also for this tyre 215/50/17? Or should i look for other tests in this size?

    Thank you...

    #5255
  10. Gergo Asok archived

    Hi,

    I have seen winter test here lately, and there was so different results using nearly same tyres. What could be a truth of these? For example at Kleber Krisalp HP3
    ADAC 2nd place
    AUTOBILD 15th place
    another AUTOBILD overview 8th place

    Why could be so different results at same tyre?

    #5226
    1. TyreReviews Gergo Asok archived

      Tyre size might be the biggest factor here, ADAC might have tested a size that's had a recent update, where as Autobild might have an older compound tyre. That said, with the results so close, many things can change the overall results.

      #5227
  11. Vlad Daniel Bargau archived

    Hi. Between the GY UG Performance+ and Vredestein Wintrac Pro ( 215/55/17 98V ) what would you choose? Where i live ( Romania ) we have max 2-3 weeks of snow in the winter season ( Nov - March ). Mostly dry and wet. Sometimes i go u to ski resorts, but i have a Passat 4motion, so traction would not be a great issue. I saw that Vredestein is doing better in dry and wet...
    Suggestions? :)

    #5221
    1. TyreReviews Vlad Daniel Bargau archived

      Very difficult question! I'd likely pick the Goodyear, just because they're slightly newer. They both seem excellent choices.

      #5223
  12. Briscs archived

    Another interesting article thanks Jonathan.

    The question of value really depends on the performance of tyres throughout their life. Michelin currently make a big play on their tyres performance down to 1.6mm and I keep coming back to this article:

    http://www.tyrereviews.co.u...

    But also in the original Autobild article:

    https://www.autobild.de/bil...

    Though my German language skills amount to relying on Mr Google my understanding is that apart from Michelin and Goodyear the other tyre makes don't perform in certain conditions below 4mm and even approaching that level their performance is failing off.

    It's a shame that this all life data of tyre performance is not really available to Mr J Public.

    #5213
    1. Scour Briscs archived

      Yor last link only mentioned All Season tyres.

      This topic not so easy. Michelin published a report, made by Dekra and TÜV, on behalf of Michelin. A review with ~ 2mm and different winter tyres. Michelin is -who wonder- the winner, the looser of this review was Bridgestone LM001 Evo by far the worst performance.

      But: Conti TS860, Dunlop Wintersport 5 and Goodyear Ultra Grip 9 weren´t far away.

      But (2nd) only tested were traction and braking on snow. No handling, no other tests.

      This report/review only shows: If you are on the way in a crowd in which all cars drive dangerously worn tires you are maybe have the best performance, but if there is also anyone with midrange winter tyres with more than 3mm you will loose ;)

      That´s not enough to buy Michelin and drive it to 2mm.

      In Germany the winter are also wet, raining, snow melting. It´s not funny to drive on german Autobahn in wet conditions with a 2mm tyre.

      In the neighbor country Austria (where many germans make a trip to skiing) a winter tyre with less than 4mm is not recognized as a winter tyre, You have to pay a punishment from 35€ to 5000€(!).

      #5218
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