For 2025 Auto Bild Allrad (the SUV and 4x4 version of the magazine) have tested eleven tyres in the 215/55 R17 size. This dimension is commonly fitted to compact SUVs and crossovers, including models such as the VW T-Roc, Seat Ateca, Skoda Karoq, Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Fiat 500X. The test was conducted on a VW T-Roc and included both summer and winter reference tyres to benchmark the all-season performance.
The Vredestein Quatrac claimed the overall victory with a grade of 1.2, earning the "exemplary" rating. It demonstrated the most balanced performance across all conditions, with particular strength in wet braking where it stopped 20 meters shorter than the worst performer from 100 km/h. The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 secured second place with a grade of 1.3, showing consistent performance across all disciplines and excelling particularly in dry conditions.
The surprise of the test came from Ceat with its 4 SeasonDrive X5, which tied for third place with the Hankook Kinergy 4S² (both scoring 1.4). The Indian manufacturer delivered what Auto Bild described as the best price-performance ratio in the test, offering consistently good results across all categories at approximately €340, making it substantially cheaper than many competitors. The Ceat proved particularly strong in dry handling and showed no significant weaknesses beyond slightly elevated noise levels and minor compromises in curved aquaplaning.
Performance Consistency and Outliers
The Kleber Quadraxer 3 presented an interesting case of specialization versus balance. As a second brand of Michelin, it achieved the best snow performance in the entire test, matching or exceeding the reference winter tyre in handling and slalom tests. However, this winter focus came at the cost of wet performance, where it suffered from early aquaplaning onset and extended braking distances, ultimately limiting its overall grade to 2.4 despite its winter excellence.
The Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen-3, despite being the most expensive tyre in the test at approximately €600, only managed sixth place with a grade of 2.4. Whilst it performed well in snow and showed good wet grip, it disappointed in dry conditions, particularly in braking where only the Arivo and Viking performed worse. This represented a significant weakness for a premium-priced product.
Reference Tyre Insights
Auto Bild included both dedicated summer and winter reference tyres to provide context for the all-season performance. In wet braking from 100 km/h, the summer reference stopped at 55.0 meters, whilst the winter reference required 78.0 meters. The best all-season tyre, the Vredestein, stopped at 58.0 meters, just three meters behind the summer specialist. In dry braking from 100 km/h, the summer tyre achieved 34.9 meters versus the winter tyre's 43.3 meters, with the best all-season (Linglong) stopping at 37.0 meters.
The snow testing revealed that several all-season tyres approached winter tyre performance levels. The Kleber actually exceeded the winter reference in snow handling (104.1 km/h versus 103.0 km/h average speed) and slalom (1.92 m/s² versus 3.69 m/s²). The Vredestein matched the winter tyre's snow braking performance at 22.4 meters from 50 km/h. This demonstrates how far all-season tyre technology has progressed, with premium models now delivering winter specialist levels of grip in snowy conditions.
Underperformers and Safety Concerns
The Arivo Carlorful A/S finished last with a grade of 4.9 and a "not recommended" verdict. Auto Bild highlighted the dangerous wet braking performance, where the tyre required 78.0 meters to stop from 100 km/h - matching the winter reference tyre's distance and representing a full 20 meters (more than four car lengths) behind the Vredestein. The tyre also showed poor wet handling characteristics, scoring a grade of 5 (inadequate), making it unpredictable in wet conditions.
The Linglong Grip Master 4S achieved tenth place with a grade of 3.4. Despite showing the best dry braking performance in the test, it suffered from inconsistent behavior elsewhere, particularly weak snow traction and compromised wet handling. The Viking FourTech Plus scored 3.2, showing acceptable snow performance but weakness in dry conditions with extended braking distances and vague handling that led to a downgrade.
Mid-Pack Performers
The GT Radial ClimateActive and Nexen N'blue 4Season 2 both received "good" ratings with grades of 2.3 and 2.4 respectively. The GT Radial offered strong value at approximately €340, avoiding any serious weaknesses though showing slightly extended wet and dry braking distances. The Nexen demonstrated good all-round capability, but its aquaplaning performance proved to be its limiting factor, with onset occurring at relatively low speeds compared to competitors.
Auto Bild's testing methodology emphasized that achieving "exemplary" status required excellence across all conditions, with grades of 2- or worse in snow performance, and individual grades of 3+ or worse in safety-relevant disciplines preventing the top rating. The test confirmed that modern premium all-season tyres can deliver winter specialist levels of snow performance whilst maintaining reasonable summer capability, though compromises remain inevitable in this technically challenging product category.
Dry
The Linglong Grip Master 4S delivered the shortest dry braking distance, though it couldn't maintain this performance advantage in other disciplines, while the Viking FourTech Plus required the longest stopping distance among the all-season tyres.
Dry Braking
Dry braking in meters (100 - 0 km/h) (Lower is better)
Reference Summer Ref
34.90 M
Linglong Sport Master 4S
37.00 M
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
37.60 M
Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5
38.20 M
Kleber Quadraxer 3
38.40 M
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
38.50 M
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
39.30 M
GT Radial ClimateActive
40.10 M
Vredestein Quatrac
40.60 M
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
41.20 M
Arivo Carlorful AS
41.50 M
Viking Fourtech Plus
41.60 M
Reference Winter Ref
43.30 M
Hankook Kinergy 4S² dominated dry handling, closely followed by Bridgestone, while the budget Arivo managed the poorest dry handling performance in the test.
Dry Handling
Dry Handling Average Speed (Higher is better)
Reference Summer Ref
96.30 Km/H
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
93.30 Km/H
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
93.10 Km/H
Vredestein Quatrac
92.60 Km/H
Linglong Sport Master 4S
92.40 Km/H
GT Radial ClimateActive
92.20 Km/H
Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5
92.10 Km/H
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
91.90 Km/H
Kleber Quadraxer 3
91.80 Km/H
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
91.70 Km/H
Viking Fourtech Plus
91.60 Km/H
Arivo Carlorful AS
91.10 Km/H
Reference Winter Ref
90.00 Km/H
Wet
Vredestein Quatrac excelled in wet braking, stopping a dangerous distance shorter than the Arivo Carlorful A/S—a difference equivalent to more than four car lengths that highlights the safety risks of budget tyres.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in meters (100 - 0 km/h) (Lower is better)
Reference Summer Ref
55.00 M
Vredestein Quatrac
58.00 M
Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5
60.40 M
Viking Fourtech Plus
61.00 M
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
61.30 M
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
61.30 M
Reference Winter Ref
61.50 M
GT Radial ClimateActive
62.20 M
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
62.40 M
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
62.50 M
Linglong Sport Master 4S
62.80 M
Kleber Quadraxer 3
65.10 M
Arivo Carlorful AS
78.00 M
Vredestein maintained its wet performance advantage in handling, while the Arivo again proved hazardous with the slowest speed, highlighting its fundamentally compromised wet weather capability.
Wet Handling
Wet Handling Average Speed (Higher is better)
Reference Summer Ref
85.00 Km/H
Vredestein Quatrac
83.40 Km/H
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
81.50 Km/H
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
81.40 Km/H
Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5
81.30 Km/H
Reference Winter Ref
80.80 Km/H
Viking Fourtech Plus
80.50 Km/H
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
79.90 Km/H
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
79.90 Km/H
GT Radial ClimateActive
79.80 Km/H
Linglong Sport Master 4S
78.90 Km/H
Kleber Quadraxer 3
77.50 Km/H
Arivo Carlorful AS
72.40 Km/H
Vredestein completed the wet circular track fastest, demonstrating the most consistent overall wet performance of any tyre in the test, whereas Arivo's time confirmed its struggles with lateral grip in wet conditions.
Wet Circle
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds (Lower is better)
Reference Summer Ref
15.27 s
Vredestein Quatrac
16.14 s
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
16.19 s
Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5
16.31 s
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
16.32 s
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
16.34 s
Reference Winter Ref
16.35 s
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
16.35 s
GT Radial ClimateActive
16.36 s
Linglong Sport Master 4S
16.37 s
Viking Fourtech Plus
16.47 s
Kleber Quadraxer 3
16.51 s
Arivo Carlorful AS
16.97 s
Viking FourTech Plus achieved the highest aquaplaning resistance, with Vredestein close behind, while the Arivo's early onset of aquaplaning represented a significant safety concern in heavy rain.
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in Km/H (Higher is better)
Reference Summer Ref
82.60 Km/H
Reference Winter Ref
79.40 Km/H
Vredestein Quatrac
77.50 Km/H
Viking Fourtech Plus
77.10 Km/H
Kleber Quadraxer 3
76.40 Km/H
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
76.30 Km/H
GT Radial ClimateActive
74.60 Km/H
Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5
74.30 Km/H
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
73.50 Km/H
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
73.00 Km/H
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
71.90 Km/H
Linglong Sport Master 4S
71.20 Km/H
Arivo Carlorful AS
70.40 Km/H
Viking again led the curved aquaplaning test, ahead of Vredestein, while Arivo recorded the poorest result—continuing its pattern of dangerous wet weather deficiencies.
Curved Aquaplaning
Remaining lateral acceleration (Higher is better)
Reference Summer Ref
3.30 m/sec2
Reference Winter Ref
3.24 m/sec2
Viking Fourtech Plus
3.17 m/sec2
Vredestein Quatrac
2.78 m/sec2
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
2.68 m/sec2
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
2.63 m/sec2
GT Radial ClimateActive
2.59 m/sec2
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
2.57 m/sec2
Kleber Quadraxer 3
2.45 m/sec2
Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5
2.40 m/sec2
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
2.38 m/sec2
Linglong Sport Master 4S
2.34 m/sec2
Arivo Carlorful AS
2.26 m/sec2
Snow
Vredestein and Kleber Quadraxer 3 both delivered the shortest snow braking distances, nearly matching the reference winter tyre's performance, while Linglong required the longest distance among all-season competitors.
Snow Braking
Snow braking in meters (50 - 0 km/h) (Lower is better)
Reference Winter Ref
22.10 M
Kleber Quadraxer 3
22.40 M
Vredestein Quatrac
22.40 M
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
22.80 M
Viking Fourtech Plus
23.00 M
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
23.00 M
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
23.20 M
GT Radial ClimateActive
23.60 M
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
23.80 M
Arivo Carlorful AS
24.10 M
Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5
25.00 M
Linglong Sport Master 4S
26.00 M
Reference Summer Ref
47.00 M
Vredestein recorded the highest average traction force on snow, with Kleber and Goodyear closely matched behind it, while Linglong's result represented significantly compromised traction for single-axle drive vehicles.
Snow Traction
Pulling Force in Newtons (Higher is better)
Reference Winter Ref
3584.00 N
Vredestein Quatrac
3511.00 N
Kleber Quadraxer 3
3511.00 N
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
3504.00 N
Viking Fourtech Plus
3457.00 N
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
3442.00 N
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
3367.00 N
GT Radial ClimateActive
3338.00 N
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
3324.00 N
Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5
3317.00 N
Arivo Carlorful AS
3302.00 N
Linglong Sport Master 4S
3168.00 N
Reference Summer Ref
1584.00 N
Kleber Quadraxer 3 achieved the highest average speed in snow handling, actually surpassing the reference winter tyre, whereas Arivo managed the slowest speed—though its snow performance was notably better than its wet weather showings.
Snow Handling
Snow handling average speed (Higher is better)
Kleber Quadraxer 3
104.10 Km/H
Reference Winter Ref
103.00 Km/H
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
102.70 Km/H
Vredestein Quatrac
102.70 Km/H
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
101.80 Km/H
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
100.50 Km/H
Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5
100.00 Km/H
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
100.00 Km/H
Viking Fourtech Plus
98.60 Km/H
GT Radial ClimateActive
98.50 Km/H
Linglong Sport Master 4S
97.00 Km/H
Arivo Carlorful AS
96.00 Km/H
Reference Summer Ref
64.70 Km/H
Kleber demonstrated exceptional agility in the snow slalom, outperforming even the reference winter tyre, though Linglong's result indicated overly stiff behavior that compromised snow grip.
Snow Slalom
Lateral acceleration (Higher is better)
Reference Summer Ref
4.23 m/sec2
Linglong Sport Master 4S
4.09 m/sec2
Arivo Carlorful AS
4.06 m/sec2
GT Radial ClimateActive
4.05 m/sec2
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
4.05 m/sec2
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
3.94 m/sec2
Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5
3.89 m/sec2
Viking Fourtech Plus
3.86 m/sec2
Vredestein Quatrac
3.81 m/sec2
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
3.80 m/sec2
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
3.76 m/sec2
Kleber Quadraxer 3
3.69 m/sec2
Reference Winter Ref
1.92 m/sec2
Comfort
Most tyres performed similarly in the comfort category, with scores ranging from 2 to 2-, indicating generally good ride comfort across the board. The Arivo was the only tyre to receive a notably worse rating of 3+, suggesting a harsher ride quality that complemented its other performance deficiencies, while the remaining tyres all delivered comparable comfort levels with no clear standout performer.
Subj. Comfort
Subjective Comfort Score (Higher is better)
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
8.00 Points
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
7.30 Points
Linglong Sport Master 4S
7.30 Points
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
7.30 Points
Vredestein Quatrac
7.30 Points
Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5
7.30 Points
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
7.00 Points
Kleber Quadraxer 3
7.00 Points
GT Radial ClimateActive
7.00 Points
Viking Fourtech Plus
7.00 Points
Arivo Carlorful AS
5.30 Points
Vredestein produced the quietest pass-by noise, shared with Viking, while Ceat generated the highest noise level—though this remained within acceptable limits and didn't significantly impact its overall strong performance.
Noise
External noise in dB (Lower is better)
Vredestein Quatrac
70.40 dB
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
70.50 dB
Arivo Carlorful AS
71.10 dB
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
71.60 dB
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
71.80 dB
GT Radial ClimateActive
72.20 dB
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
72.20 dB
Viking Fourtech Plus
72.40 dB
Kleber Quadraxer 3
72.60 dB
Linglong Sport Master 4S
72.80 dB
Reference Winter Ref
73.10 dB
Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5
73.70 dB
Reference Summer Ref
73.90 dB
Value
Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen-3 achieved the lowest rolling resistance, indicating superior fuel efficiency, while Linglong's result represented the highest resistance and potentially increased fuel consumption over the tyre's lifetime.
The Vredestein Quatrac emerges as the test winner and a true all-rounder that delivers balanced and safe performance across every surface condition. This tyre excels particularly in wet conditions, offering the shortest braking distances and excellent aquaplaning resistance, making it exceptionally trustworthy when rain arrives. On snow, it performs admirably with strong traction and handling characteristics that inspire confidence in winter conditions. While it shows slightly longer braking distances on dry roads compared to some competitors, the Quatrac maintains composed handling and provides good ride comfort throughout. The tyre's ability to find the perfect balance between summer and winter capabilities without significant compromises makes it an exemplary choice for drivers seeking year-round security and versatility.
The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 secures second place by consistently finding the golden middle ground across all disciplines, making it particularly reliable on dry roads. This tyre demonstrates its engineering prowess through balanced performance that never strays too far from optimal in any condition. On dry surfaces, it delivers excellent braking performance and precise handling that will satisfy drivers who enjoy spirited driving. In wet conditions, the Bridgestone maintains strong grip and predictable behavior, though it requires slightly more caution than the very best in heavy rain. Snow performance is solid and reassuring, providing good traction and stable handling. The main trade-offs come in the form of slightly reduced comfort levels and somewhat higher noise levels compared to competitors, though these remain within acceptable ranges for most drivers.
The Hankook Kinergy 4S² stands out as a dry-road dynamicist that also cuts an extremely confident figure across snow-covered surfaces. This tyre particularly impresses with its sharp, responsive handling on dry pavement, delivering the kind of precision that makes everyday driving engaging and predictable. The Korean manufacturer has clearly prioritized driver involvement, as the tyre communicates road conditions effectively and responds eagerly to steering inputs. On snow, the Hankook maintains this composed character with reassuring traction and stable handling. However, the compromise for these strengths appears in slightly weaker wet performance, where braking distances extend a bit and handling becomes less precise than the category leaders. Ride comfort is good, making it a well-rounded choice for drivers who prioritize dry and winter performance over ultimate wet-weather capability.
The Ceat 4 SeasonDrive X5 emerges as the surprise candidate of the test, offering the best price-to-performance ratio while delivering consistently good results across all conditions. This Indian manufacturer has clearly done its homework, producing a tyre that challenges established brands while costing significantly less. The Ceat performs admirably on dry roads with confident handling and reasonable braking, while wet performance remains reassuringly predictable even if not class-leading. Snow capability is solid, providing the security needed for winter driving without drama. The tyre offers good ride comfort, making it pleasant for daily use. Minor weaknesses appear in curve aquaplaning performance and slightly elevated noise levels, but these are small prices to pay for such impressive overall competence at this price point. For budget-conscious drivers unwilling to sacrifice safety, the Ceat represents exceptional value.
The Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen-3 positions itself as a snow specialist that also delivers high performance levels in wet conditions. This tyre particularly excels in winter scenarios, offering outstanding traction, confident handling, and short braking distances on snow-covered roads that approach dedicated winter tyre capabilities. In wet conditions, the Goodyear maintains strong performance with predictable handling and good aquaplaning resistance. However, this winter-focused optimization comes at a cost on dry roads, where extended braking distances prevent the tyre from achieving a better overall result. The handling on dry pavement remains acceptable but lacks the sharpness of more summer-biased competitors. For drivers in regions with harsh winters who still need occasional dry-road capability, the Goodyear makes a compelling case, though those in milder climates might find better-balanced alternatives.
The GT Radial ClimateActive presents itself as a budget-friendly option that avoids any serious weaknesses across the performance spectrum. This tyre demonstrates that affordable doesn't necessarily mean compromised, delivering competent performance in all conditions without standing out in any particular discipline. Dry road manners are predictable with acceptable handling and braking, while wet performance remains reassuringly stable if not exceptional. Snow capability provides adequate security for winter driving needs. The GT Radial maintains reasonable comfort levels and acceptable noise characteristics. While it shows slightly extended braking distances on wet roads and somewhat less precise handling on dry surfaces compared to premium options, the tyre never feels dangerous or unpredictable. For practical-minded drivers seeking dependable all-season performance without premium pricing, the ClimateActive delivers honest capability.
The Nexen N'blue 4Season 2 establishes itself as a versatile performer with good capabilities in both snow and dry conditions. This Korean tyre demonstrates solid engineering with predictable handling characteristics that inspire confidence across varied conditions. On snow, it provides reassuring traction and stable behavior, while dry road performance remains competent with acceptable braking and composed handling. The tyre offers good ride comfort, making it pleasant for daily driving duties. However, weaknesses emerge in wet conditions, where aquaplaning resistance begins at relatively low speeds, requiring extra caution during heavy rain. The handling in the wet also lacks the precision and confidence of better-performing competitors. For drivers who primarily face dry and winter conditions with only occasional wet weather, the Nexen represents a reasonable compromise, though those in frequently rainy climates should consider alternatives.
The Kleber Quadraxer 3, a second brand from Michelin, reigns as the undisputed snow king with outstanding performance on winter tyre levels, while also maintaining competent dry road manners. This tyre delivers exceptional snow traction, handling, and braking that rivals dedicated winter tyres, making it ideal for drivers facing serious winter conditions. The handling on snow is particularly impressive, offering confidence-inspiring precision and stability. Dry performance remains good with acceptable braking and handling characteristics. However, this winter optimization creates significant compromises in wet conditions, where the Kleber shows weaknesses that lead to its downgrade in overall scoring. Braking distances on wet roads extend notably, and handling becomes less predictable when water is present. For drivers in alpine regions or areas with guaranteed heavy snowfall who rarely encounter rain, the Kleber's winter excellence might outweigh its wet-weather limitations.
The Viking FourTech Plus positions itself as an affordable snow specialist delivering good wet road performance as well. This Continental second brand demonstrates solid winter capabilities with reassuring traction and stable handling on snow-covered surfaces. Wet performance is notably competent, providing predictable behavior and reasonable braking distances. The tyre offers acceptable ride comfort for everyday use. However, significant weaknesses appear on dry roads, where extended braking distances and somewhat vague handling lead to its overall downgrade. The tyre feels less precise and communicative on dry pavement compared to competitors, requiring drivers to adjust their expectations. For budget-conscious drivers in regions with mild winters and frequent rain who rarely push hard on dry roads, the Viking offers acceptable performance, though the slightly higher-priced Ceat provides better overall balance.
The Linglong Grip Master 4S presents itself as an affordable option with appealing dry road capabilities and good wet performance. On dry surfaces, the Chinese tyre surprisingly delivers excellent braking performance, standing out with impressively short stopping distances. It also demonstrates competent wet road behavior with reasonable handling and braking. The tyre provides acceptable ride comfort for daily driving. However, this dry-road excellence cannot be replicated in other disciplines, revealing significant compromises. The handling on dry roads, despite good braking, feels somewhat disconnected and vague. More critically, the Linglong struggles noticeably on snow with extended braking distances and uncertain handling that undermines confidence in winter conditions. The relatively high rolling resistance also impacts fuel efficiency. For drivers in mild climates with minimal winter weather who prioritize dry braking performance, the Linglong offers niche appeal at a budget price.
The Arivo Carlorful A/S represents the cheapest candidate in the test, managing acceptable snow performance but failing dramatically in critical safety areas. While the tyre delivers budget-friendly pricing and performs reasonably well on snow-covered roads, these minor positives cannot overcome its serious deficiencies. The most alarming weakness appears in wet braking, where the Arivo stops a dangerous 20 meters longer than the test winner from 100 km/h—that's more than four car lengths of additional stopping distance that could mean the difference between a near-miss and a serious accident. The wet handling is equally concerning, feeling unpredictable and untrustworthy when roads are damp. Dry handling also disappoints with vague feedback and imprecise responses. The relatively high rolling resistance further diminishes its value proposition. Bargain hunters who choose this tyre to save money are gambling with their safety and that of others—a risk no responsible driver should take when better budget options like the Ceat and GT Radial exist.
