Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 vs Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 87% · 33
- TR Score
- 8.4/10
- Owners say
- 87% · 3
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished ahead 6 times and the Wintrac Pro+ not once. The Pilot Alpin 5 lasted 32.4% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 if you want the safest, most rounded UHP winter tyre with consistently shorter braking in wet/dry, strong snow competence, lower noise and better wear/efficiency. Consider the Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ mainly for milder-but-very-wet winters where aquaplaning resistance and wet handling feel are priorities, and you're willing to accept longer braking distances and higher rolling resistance.
Where the Pilot Alpin 5 is stronger
- Stronger braking safety margins in wet and dry across all shared tests (typically ~5-9% shorter stopping distances)
- More consistently capable on snow for braking and handling (wins snow braking in all shared results)
- Lower noise/refinement advantage in multiple tests (e.g., 71.8 dB vs 75.5 dB in 275/35 R19; 65.0 vs 66.9 dB in 225/40 R18)
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Pilot Alpin 5 vs Wintrac Pro+ at a glance
| Category | Pilot Alpin 5 | Gap | Wintrac Pro+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won6 shared tests | 6 | 0 | |
| Dry9 measurements | 9 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 6.2% shorter in the dry (4 tests) | 0 |
| Wet22 measurements | 15 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 6% shorter in the wet (6 tests) | 6 |
| Snow19 measurements | 15 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 1.3% shorter on snow (6 tests) | 4 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 5 | The Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.9 dB quieter (4 tests) | 1 |
| Value8 measurements | 8 | The Pilot Alpin 5 lasted 32.4% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 0 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.5/10 | The Pilot Alpin 5 by 1.1 | 8.4/10 |
| Owner rating33 and 3 reviews | 87% | Too close to call | 87% |
| Pricein the 5 tests that listed prices | +27.9% | The Pilot Alpin 5 was dearer in 5 of 5 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 81 | 54 sizes made in both | 124 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 6 tests, 2025 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Pilot Alpin 5 | Field | Wintrac Pro+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 50 Sets | P3 of 50 | P6 of 50 | |
| 2025 High Performance Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 6 | P6 of 6 | |
| 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tyre Test | P2 of 10 | P6 of 10 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 20 | P13 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P2 of 51 | P17 of 51 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 6 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Pilot Alpin 5
Wintrac Pro+
Not ahead on any measurement here
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 94%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 9 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Pilot Alpin 5
Wintrac Pro+
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Pilot Alpin 5
Wintrac Pro+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33 reviews and the Wintrac Pro+ 87% from 3. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tyres posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Pilot Alpin 5 | Gap | Wintrac Pro+ | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42.15 | 6.2% | 44.95 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 75.9 | 1% | 76.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 116.4 | 1.3% | 114.8 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 33.3% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 43.32 | 6% | 46.08 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 86.4 | 0.1% | 86.5 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 79.83 | 0.4% | 79.47 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 6.1% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.25 | 0.2% | 8.27 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.38 | 0.9% | 12.49 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 86.55 | 0.2% | 86.6 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2.15 | 0.8% | 2.12 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 27.65 | 1.3% | 28.02 | 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2,850 | 1.6% | 2,710 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 68 | 4.4% | 71.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 64.2 | 1.6% | 63.2 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 31.6% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3.76 | 9.6% | 3.43 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3.44 | 3.9% | 3.31 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.3% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.93 | 1.9 dB | 71.85 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50,140 | 32.4% | 38,377 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.16 | 10.7% | 9.15 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 0.12 | 38.3% | 0.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tyres shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Pilot Alpin 5 scores 9.5 and the Wintrac Pro+ 8.4 out of 10.
| Pilot Alpin 5 | Category | Wintrac Pro+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 | Dry | 52 | ||
| 90 | Wet | 87 | ||
| 89 | Comfort | 45 | ||
| 59 | Value | 13 | ||
| 92 | Snow | 56 | ||
| 80 | Ice | 44 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Pilot Alpin 5 | Category | Wintrac Pro+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 8.8 | Road Feedback | 8.7 | ||
| 8.9 | Handling | 9 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 8 | ||
| 8.3 | Comfort | 8.7 | ||
| 9 | Snow Grip | 9.5 | ||
| 8 | Ice Grip | 10 | ||
Owners rate the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33 reviews and the Wintrac Pro+ 87% from 3. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
- 87%from 33 reviews
- 84%would buy again
- 357,850 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 highly overall (average 82.7%), with the clearest consensus around strong snow traction and unusually capable dry-road performance for a winter tyre. Wet grip also earns plenty of praise, and a smaller group highlights sharp steering feel and secure snow handling. Complaints are more mixed, but around a quarter of owners mention either firmer-than-expected ride comfort or disappointing ice performance, and a smaller minority report noticeable road noise and weak slush behaviour.
- Strong snow traction and confidence in winter conditions
- Outstanding dry grip for a winter tyre
- Very good wet grip
- Secure, sporty handling on dry roads
- Ice grip can be poor and unpredictable for some
- Firm or bumpy ride comfort for a winter tyre
- Noticeable road noise at speed
Summarised by AI from 27 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 33 Pilot Alpin 5 reviewsGreat tyre, i replaced my GY Ultragrip performance 3 with this and i can say they are even better on snow than GY. Where Michelin lacks to GY is on wet. I find goodyear a bit better on wet surfaces but both tyres are excepional.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
- 87%from 3 reviews
- 37,500 milesdriven by reviewers
All 3 Wintrac Pro+ reviewsTyres has been perfect on my electric car which is very very (2,5 tonnes). quiet, stabile and long lasting.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 81 sizes of the Pilot Alpin 5 and 124 of the Wintrac Pro+, 54 of them made in both.
| Category | Pilot Alpin 5 | Wintrac Pro+ |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 81 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 124 sizes, 17 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 54 sizes 225/50 R17235/45 R17235/55 R17245/45 R17205/40 R18215/40 R18215/50 R18215/55 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18225/50 R18225/55 R18and 42 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B58%C40%D2% | B68%C32% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C60%D30%B9% | C55%D40%B3%E2% |
| EU label noise | 68-75 dB B70%A30% | 70-74 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 96 of 96 | 137 of 137 |
| On the market since | 2017 | 2024 |
| Replaced | Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 (2012) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Pilot Alpin 5 was the dearer tyre in 5 of the 5 tests that listed prices, by 27.9% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
Michelin's Pilot Alpin 5 and Vredestein's Wintrac Pro+ target the same buyer on paper: an ultra-high-performance winter tyre for modern passenger cars, often in larger wheel sizes where drivers still want sharp road manners in cold conditions. The question is whether the Vredestein's “revised” Pro+ can genuinely run with the established premium benchmark from Michelin.
Across four shared 2025 tests (including large-group tests up to 52 tyres), the pattern is consistent: the Pilot Alpin 5 is the more complete, safer all-round winter performance tyre, while the Wintrac Pro+ flashes some strengths in wet handling/aquaplaning resistance but gives back too much in the disciplines that most directly affect stopping distances and everyday confidence-especially wet braking, dry braking and overall efficiency/longevity.
Conclusion
If you want the most dependable UHP winter tyre across the widest range of conditions, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is the clear pick. It beat the Vredestein in every shared overall ranking (including 1/22 and 1/7 wins) and repeatedly delivered shorter braking distances: for example wet braking advantages of ~4-8% (32.2 m vs 33.6 m; 51.9 m vs 56.3 m; 33.2 m vs 36.0 m) and meaningful dry braking gains (42.6 m vs 46.9 m). On snow it's also consistently stronger in braking/handling, and it adds the “daily driver” benefits-lower noise and notably better rolling resistance.
The Wintrac Pro+ is not without merit: in the 275/35 R19 test it showed slightly better wet handling metrics and strong aquaplaning margins (e.g., 93.9 km/h vs 92.0 straight-aqua; 1.83 vs 1.75 curved). However, these wins are small, while its deficits are more consequential: longer wet and dry braking, weaker snow cornering/handling in several reports, and clearly poorer efficiency (rolling resistance as high as 9.8 kg/t vs Michelin's 7.9 kg/t). Add in durability results where available (Michelin ~46-47k km vs Vredestein ~31-38k km), and the Michelin's “premium price” is easier to justify as a cost-per-kilometre and safety proposition.
Practical takeaway: the Pilot Alpin 5 is the tyre you buy when you want a winter setup that feels calm, quiet and secure in the real world-especially when you mix wet motorways, cold dry days, and occasional snow. The Wintrac Pro+ is best seen as a situational alternative for milder, very wet winters where aquaplaning resistance and subjective wet feel matter most, but you must accept longer braking distances and higher running costs.
Pilot Alpin 5 vs Wintrac Pro+: your questions
Is the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 or the Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ the better tyre?
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished ahead 6 times and the Wintrac Pro+ not once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Pilot Alpin 5 scores 9.5 and the Wintrac Pro+ 8.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Pilot Alpin 5 or the Wintrac Pro+?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 15 of the 22 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 6% shorter in the wet across 6 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 9 of the 9 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 6.2% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 15 of the 19 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.3% shorter on snow across 6 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Pilot Alpin 5 lasted 32.4% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) and had 10.7% lower rolling resistance (4 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the Pilot Alpin 5 and 8/10 for the Wintrac Pro+.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.9 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.3/10 for the Pilot Alpin 5 and 8.7/10 for the Wintrac Pro+.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33 reviews and the Wintrac Pro+ 87% from 3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 5 tests that listed prices, the Pilot Alpin 5 was the dearer tyre in 5 of them, by 27.9% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Pilot Alpin 5 is made in 81 sizes (16 to 23 inch) and the Wintrac Pro+ in 124 (17 to 22 inch). 54 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Pilot Alpin 5 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Wintrac Pro+ B and C.
Which is the newer tyre?
The Wintrac Pro+ is the newer design: it reached the market in 2024, the Pilot Alpin 5 in 2017. The Pilot Alpin 5 replaced the Michelin Pilot Alpin 4.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tyres ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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