The BEST Performance Winter Tyres for 2024 / 2025

In this test, we selected 6 of the best ultra-high-performance winter tyres, and compared them against all-season and summer tyres to reveal their true capabilities. We evaluated their performance in dry, wet, snow, and ice conditions, along with comfort, noise, and rolling resistance. The results were remarkably close, and the data from the all season and summer tyres is really interesting.

Dry BrakingHankook Winter i cept evo3: 40.19 MGoodride ZuperSnow Z507: 41.42 M
Dry HandlingPirelli P Zero Winter 2: 87.02 sGoodride ZuperSnow Z507: 90.46 s
Subj. Dry HandlingMichelin Pilot Alpin 5: 10 PointsGoodride ZuperSnow Z507: 4 Points
Wet BrakingGoodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 30.47 MGoodride ZuperSnow Z507: 34.78 M
Wet Braking - CoolGoodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 27.6 MGoodride ZuperSnow Z507: 32.4 M
Wet HandlingPirelli P Zero Winter 2: 107.35 sGoodride ZuperSnow Z507: 117.52 s
Subj. Wet HandlingGoodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 10 PointsGoodride ZuperSnow Z507: 6 Points
Straight AquaHankook Winter i cept evo3: 73 Km/HGoodride ZuperSnow Z507: 68.3 Km/H
Curved AquaplaningPirelli P Zero Winter 2: 2.24 m/sec2Goodride ZuperSnow Z507: 1.75 m/sec2
Snow BrakingPirelli P Zero Winter 2: 17.47 MGoodride ZuperSnow Z507: 18.38 M
Snow TractionPirelli P Zero Winter 2: 5.16 sHankook Winter i cept evo3: 5.63 s
Snow HandlingPirelli P Zero Winter 2: 78.28 sGoodride ZuperSnow Z507: 81.53 s
Subj. Snow HandlingPirelli P Zero Winter 2: 10 PointsContinental WinterContact TS 870 P: 9 Points
Ice BrakingMichelin Pilot Alpin 5: 9.46 MContinental WinterContact TS 870 P: 11.13 M
Ice TractionPirelli P Zero Winter 2: 4.5 sContinental WinterContact TS 870 P: 5.32 s
Subj. ComfortContinental WinterContact TS 870 P: 10 PointsGoodride ZuperSnow Z507: 7 Points
NoisePirelli P Zero Winter 2: 71.4 dBGoodride ZuperSnow Z507: 75 dB
Rolling ResistanceGoodride ZuperSnow Z507: 8.65 kg / tHankook Winter i cept evo3: 8.98 kg / t

Snow

Snow performance is crucial for winter tyres, and this test saw a surprise victor. The Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 outperformed the traditionally dominant Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 across all snow tests, including braking, traction, and handling. Both tyres offered exceptional snow performance, with the Pirelli showing a slight edge in grip and overall handling characteristics.

The Hankook Winter I*Cept Evo3 performed well in snow handling and snow braking, but was a little down in snow traction.

Naturally the summer tyre struggled, and the unusually strong performance of an all season tyre in the snow test is thanks to the Michelin CrossClimate 2 being the best in class.

Ice

On ice, the Michelin, Pirelli, and Hankook demonstrated strong performance in both braking and traction tests. The Goodyear and Continental showed some weakness in these challenging conditions, highlighting the diverse demands placed on winter tyres.

The all season tyre you see topping the results was the budget all season tyre, which almost certainly had a soft winter compound not suitable for all seasons.

Wet

Wet braking tests, conducted at both warm and cool temperatures, saw the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 shine, offering the shortest stopping distances. The Michelin and Pirelli also performed strongly, while the Hankook and Continental lagged slightly behind. The budget tyre significantly underperformed in this crucial safety test.

In wet handling, the Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 narrowly edged out the competition, with the Michelin and Goodyear following closely. All three offered excellent grip and predictability. The Hankook and Continental, while still good, couldn't quite match the top performers' level of sporty dynamics in wet conditions.

Aquaplaning resistance tests revealed the Hankook's strength in straight-line aquaplaning, while the Pirelli showed the best overall performance when combining straight and curved aquaplaning results. This highlights the importance of tread design in managing deep water evacuation.

Dry

In dry braking, all winter tyres performed well, with results within 3% of each other. The Hankook Winter i cept evo3 led the pack, showcasing the impressive capabilities of modern winter tyres in dry conditions. However, it's worth noting that even the best winter tyres struggled to match the average performance of the all-season tyres in this test, and were way behind the summer tyre.

Dry handling revealed some interesting insights. While the budget tyre surprisingly performed better than expected, the premium tyres showed their worth. The Pirelli P Zero Winter 2, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, and Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 were virtually indistinguishable in terms of lap times and offered excellent driving dynamics. However, all winter tyres were outperformed by the summer tyre reference, which was about 6 seconds faster per lap and sigifincatly more sporty subjectively.

Comfort

Comfort and noise tests revealed minor differences among the premium tyres, with the Continental offering a slight edge in comfort. The Pirelli produced the lowest external noise, closely followed by the Michelin and Continental. It's worth noting that as ultra high performance winter tyres in 19-inch sizes, comfort differences were minimal among the premium options.

Value

Rolling resistance results were remarkably close, with all six tyres spread across just a 3.8% range. While the budget tyre showed the lowest rolling resistance, its poor performance in other crucial areas makes it difficult to recommend based on this factor alone.

Results

1st: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
  • 235/35 R19 91W
  • EU Label: D/B/70
  • Tread: 7.2mm
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 245.74
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking3rd40.35 M38.87 M+1.48 M96.33%
Dry Handling3rd87.31 s86.76 s+0.55 s99.37%
Subj. Dry Handling1st10 Points100%
Wet Braking3rd30.62 M28.14 M+2.48 M91.9%
Wet Braking - Cool2nd27.88 M27.6 M+0.28 M99%
Wet Handling3rd108.88 s107.35 s+1.53 s98.59%
Subj. Wet Handling3rd9.5 Points10 Points-0.5 Points95%
Straight Aqua6th71.6 Km/H75.95 Km/H-4.35 Km/H94.27%
Curved Aquaplaning4th2.12 m/sec22.33 m/sec2-0.21 m/sec290.99%
Snow Braking2nd17.61 M17.47 M+0.14 M99.2%
Snow Traction2nd5.18 s5.16 s+0.02 s99.61%
Snow Handling3rd79.28 s78.28 s+1 s98.74%
Subj. Snow Handling1st10 Points100%
Ice Braking1st9.46 M100%
Ice Traction1st4.5 s100%
Subj. Comfort2nd9.5 Points10 Points-0.5 Points95%
Noise2nd71.6 dB71.4 dB+0.2 dB99.72%
Rolling Resistance5th8.71 kg / t8.55 kg / t+0.16 kg / t98.16%
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 demonstrated excellent all-round performance, with particularly strong dry handling and comfort.
Despite its strong overall performance, it was slightly outperformed by the Pirelli in snow tests.
Despite being one of the oldest tyre in the test, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 demonstrated why it has long been considered the benchmark in this category. It offered excellent all-round performance, with particularly strong showings in dry handling and comfort. The tyre provided a well-balanced and predictable driving experience across all conditions. While it was slightly outperformed by the Pirelli in snow tests, the differences were minimal. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 remains a top choice for drivers wanting a proven, well-rounded winter tyre.
.

Read Reviews

1st: Pirelli P Zero Winter 2

Pirelli P Zero Winter 2
  • 235/35 R19 91V
  • EU Label: C/A/70
  • Tread: 7.5mm
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 208.12
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking4th40.4 M38.87 M+1.53 M96.21%
Dry Handling2nd87.02 s86.76 s+0.26 s99.7%
Subj. Dry Handling2nd9.5 Points10 Points-0.5 Points95%
Wet Braking4th30.8 M28.14 M+2.66 M91.36%
Wet Braking - Cool3rd27.93 M27.6 M+0.33 M98.82%
Wet Handling1st107.35 s100%
Subj. Wet Handling1st10 Points100%
Straight Aqua4th72 Km/H75.95 Km/H-3.95 Km/H94.8%
Curved Aquaplaning2nd2.24 m/sec22.33 m/sec2-0.09 m/sec296.14%
Snow Braking1st17.47 M100%
Snow Traction1st5.16 s100%
Snow Handling1st78.28 s100%
Subj. Snow Handling1st10 Points100%
Ice Braking2nd9.51 M9.46 M+0.05 M99.47%
Ice Traction1st4.5 s100%
Subj. Comfort3rd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Noise1st71.4 dB100%
Rolling Resistance6th8.95 kg / t8.55 kg / t+0.4 kg / t95.53%
The Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 excelled in snow performance, winning all snow tests and offering excellent wet and dry handling.
It had a slightly higher rolling resistance compared to the Michelin, finishing behind by 1.8%, which is a minor drawback.
The Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 emerged as a top performer, tying for first place with the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5. It excelled in snow performance, winning all snow tests, and showed strong results in wet and dry handling. The tyre offered excellent grip and predictability across various conditions. Its only minor drawback was a slightly higher rolling resistance compared to some competitors. Overall, the Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 proves to be an excellent choice for drivers seeking top-tier performance in winter conditions.
.

Read Reviews

3rd: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
  • 235/35 R19 91W
  • EU Label: C/B/72
  • Tread: 7.6mm
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 227.39
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th40.87 M38.87 M+2 M95.11%
Dry Handling4th87.79 s86.76 s+1.03 s98.83%
Subj. Dry Handling3rd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Wet Braking2nd30.47 M28.14 M+2.33 M92.35%
Wet Braking - Cool1st27.6 M100%
Wet Handling2nd107.94 s107.35 s+0.59 s99.45%
Subj. Wet Handling1st10 Points100%
Straight Aqua4th72 Km/H75.95 Km/H-3.95 Km/H94.8%
Curved Aquaplaning6th2.06 m/sec22.33 m/sec2-0.27 m/sec288.41%
Snow Braking5th18.32 M17.47 M+0.85 M95.36%
Snow Traction3rd5.37 s5.16 s+0.21 s96.09%
Snow Handling5th80.25 s78.28 s+1.97 s97.55%
Subj. Snow Handling3rd9.5 Points10 Points-0.5 Points95%
Ice Braking6th11.08 M9.46 M+1.62 M85.38%
Ice Traction6th5.14 s4.5 s+0.64 s87.55%
Subj. Comfort3rd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Noise4th72.5 dB71.4 dB+1.1 dB98.48%
Rolling Resistance3rd8.67 kg / t8.55 kg / t+0.12 kg / t98.62%
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was the wet grip specialist, offering the best braking performance in wet conditions.
It struggled somewhat on ice compared to some competitors.
Securing a solid third place, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 distinguished itself as the wet grip specialist. It offered the best braking performance in wet conditions at both tested temperatures and excelled in wet handling. The tyre also demonstrated good dry performance and had low rolling resistance. Its main weakness was slightly reduced performance on ice compared to the top two contenders. The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is an excellent choice for regions with predominantly wet winter conditions.
.

Read Reviews

4th: Hankook Winter i cept evo3

Hankook Winter i cept evo3
  • 235/35 R19 81W
  • EU Label: D/B/72
  • Tread: 8.2mm
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 153.17
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd40.19 M38.87 M+1.32 M96.72%
Dry Handling6th88.64 s86.76 s+1.88 s97.88%
Subj. Dry Handling4th8.5 Points10 Points-1.5 Points85%
Wet Braking6th31.25 M28.14 M+3.11 M90.05%
Wet Braking - Cool6th28.9 M27.6 M+1.3 M95.5%
Wet Handling5th110.83 s107.35 s+3.48 s96.86%
Subj. Wet Handling5th8.5 Points10 Points-1.5 Points85%
Straight Aqua2nd73 Km/H75.95 Km/H-2.95 Km/H96.12%
Curved Aquaplaning3rd2.16 m/sec22.33 m/sec2-0.17 m/sec292.7%
Snow Braking3rd18.24 M17.47 M+0.77 M95.78%
Snow Traction7th5.63 s5.16 s+0.47 s91.65%
Snow Handling2nd79.07 s78.28 s+0.79 s99%
Subj. Snow Handling3rd9.5 Points10 Points-0.5 Points95%
Ice Braking3rd9.57 M9.46 M+0.11 M98.85%
Ice Traction3rd4.63 s4.5 s+0.13 s97.19%
Subj. Comfort3rd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Noise6th73.5 dB71.4 dB+2.1 dB97.14%
Rolling Resistance7th8.98 kg / t8.55 kg / t+0.43 kg / t95.21%
The Hankook Winter i cept evo3 performed best in dry braking and showed strong performance in deep water aquaplaning.
It struggled in snow traction, finishing last among the premium tyres.
The Hankook Winter i cept evo3 showed some strong points, particularly in dry braking where it led the pack, and in aquaplaning resistance. It also performed well on ice. However, it struggled in snow traction, finishing last among the premium tyres in this crucial winter performance aspect. Subjectively, it received positive feedback for its predictable and linear steering feel. While not matching the top performers' overall balance, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 still offers good performance in many areas.
.

Read Reviews

4th: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
  • 235/35 R19 91W
  • EU Label: C/B/71
  • Tread: 8.2mm
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 230.05
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking6th41.16 M38.87 M+2.29 M94.44%
Dry Handling5th88.19 s86.76 s+1.43 s98.38%
Subj. Dry Handling5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Braking5th31.02 M28.14 M+2.88 M90.72%
Wet Braking - Cool5th28.74 M27.6 M+1.14 M96.03%
Wet Handling4th109.92 s107.35 s+2.57 s97.66%
Subj. Wet Handling4th9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Straight Aqua3rd72.8 Km/H75.95 Km/H-3.15 Km/H95.85%
Curved Aquaplaning5th2.1 m/sec22.33 m/sec2-0.23 m/sec290.13%
Snow Braking4th18.25 M17.47 M+0.78 M95.73%
Snow Traction5th5.53 s5.16 s+0.37 s93.31%
Snow Handling4th80.05 s78.28 s+1.77 s97.79%
Subj. Snow Handling5th9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Ice Braking7th11.13 M9.46 M+1.67 M85%
Ice Traction7th5.32 s4.5 s+0.82 s84.59%
Subj. Comfort1st10 Points100%
Noise3rd72.3 dB71.4 dB+0.9 dB98.76%
Rolling Resistance4th8.69 kg / t8.55 kg / t+0.14 kg / t98.39%
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P offered consistent performance across most tests and had the best comfort rating.
It showed weakness on ice and often finished in fourth place across various tests.
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stood out for its consistency across most tests, often finishing in fourth place. It offered the best comfort among all tested tyres and performed well in deep water aquaplaning tests. The tyre also boasted low rolling resistance. However, it showed some weakness on ice and couldn't quite match the top performers in most categories. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is a solid, comfortable choice that performs consistently across a range of conditions.
.

Read Reviews    Buy from £250.27

6th: Goodride ZuperSnow Z507

Goodride ZuperSnow Z507
  • 235/35 R19 91V
  • EU Label: C/C/72
  • Tread: 7.5mm
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 62.85
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking7th41.42 M38.87 M+2.55 M93.84%
Dry Handling7th90.46 s86.76 s+3.7 s95.91%
Subj. Dry Handling6th4 Points10 Points-6 Points40%
Wet Braking7th34.78 M28.14 M+6.64 M80.91%
Wet Braking - Cool7th32.4 M27.6 M+4.8 M85.19%
Wet Handling7th117.52 s107.35 s+10.17 s91.35%
Subj. Wet Handling6th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Straight Aqua7th68.3 Km/H75.95 Km/H-7.65 Km/H89.93%
Curved Aquaplaning7th1.75 m/sec22.33 m/sec2-0.58 m/sec275.11%
Snow Braking6th18.38 M17.47 M+0.91 M95.05%
Snow Traction4th5.42 s5.16 s+0.26 s95.2%
Snow Handling6th81.53 s78.28 s+3.25 s96.01%
Subj. Snow Handling5th9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Ice Braking4th9.9 M9.46 M+0.44 M95.56%
Ice Traction4th4.82 s4.5 s+0.32 s93.36%
Subj. Comfort6th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Noise7th75 dB71.4 dB+3.6 dB95.2%
Rolling Resistance2nd8.65 kg / t8.55 kg / t+0.1 kg / t98.84%
The Goodride ZuperSnow Z507 had the best rolling resistance among all tested tyres.
It significantly underperformed in most tests, especially in wet braking and aquaplaning, and offered a less pleasant driving experience overall.
As the budget option in the test, the Goodride ZuperSnow Z507 predictably lagged behind the premium offerings in most tests. It significantly underperformed in crucial areas such as wet braking and aquaplaning resistance. However, it wasn't without merits - it offered the best rolling resistance among all tested tyres and performed better than expected in dry conditions. Despite these positives, its overall performance and less refined subjective feel make it difficult to recommend over the premium options for those prioritising safety and performance in winter conditions.

Read Reviews


Discussion:

comments powered by Disqus