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Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Kleber Krisalp HP3

Winter Passenger Car 23 shared tests
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
TR Score
8.9/10
Owners say
83% · 47
Head to head 15-7 wins in 23 shared tests, 1 level 2017-2025 · 3 publications
Kleber Krisalp HP3
TR Score
8.1/10
Owners say
83% · 37

In the 23 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 finished ahead 15 times and the Krisalp HP3 7 times, with one level. The Winter Sport 5 lasted 8.8% longer in the wear tests; the Krisalp HP3 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 4% higher speed.

Data updated

Which should you buy?

Mixed winter with lots of wet roads, long mileage, and fuel sensitivity: choose Dunlop Winter Sport 5. Predominantly snowy routes, frequent standing water, and priority on comfort/price: choose Kleber Krisalp HP3.

Where the Winter Sport 5 is stronger

  • Consistently stronger wet grip and handling (e.g., ADAC 2025 wet braking 34.4 m vs 35.0 m; multiple wet circle wins)
  • High mileage and lower rolling resistance (often ~10-17% wear advantage; repeated RR wins)
  • Balanced winter performance with solid ice braking (ADAC 2023: 10% shorter than Kleber)
Everything on the Winter Sport 5

Where the Krisalp HP3 is stronger

  • Very strong in snow categories (frequent wins in snow braking/handling; dynamic feel on snow)
  • Excellent straight-line aquaplaning resistance across sizes
  • Low external noise and good ride comfort
Everything on the Krisalp HP3

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.

Winter Sport 5 vs Krisalp HP3 at a glance

Category Winter Sport 5 Gap Krisalp HP3
Shared tests won23 shared tests 15 1 level 7
Dry20 measurements 9 The Krisalp HP3 stopped 1% shorter in the dry (11 tests) 11
Wet49 measurements 27 The Winter Sport 5 stopped 1.4% shorter in the wet (17 tests) 21
Snow36 measurements 13 The Krisalp HP3 stopped 1.3% shorter on snow (17 tests) 23
Ice2 measurements 1 The Winter Sport 5 stopped 5% shorter on ice (2 tests) 0
Comfort11 measurements 0 The Krisalp HP3 was 2.2 dB quieter (11 tests) 11
Value23 measurements 15 The Winter Sport 5 lasted 8.8% longer in the wear tests (10 tests) 6
Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold 8.9/10 The Winter Sport 5 by 0.8 8.1/10
Owner rating47 and 37 reviews 83% Too close to call 83%
Would buy againshare of owners 83% The Winter Sport 5 by 12 points 71%
Pricein the 8 tests that listed prices +19.1% The Winter Sport 5 was dearer in 8 of 8 Cheaper
Sizes madeEU label registrations 49 41 sizes made in both 75

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 23 tests, 2017 to 2025

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 Winter Sport 5 Field Krisalp HP3
2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test ADAC · 2025 · 225/40 R18 P4 of 31 P7 of 31
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild · 2024 · 205/55 R16 P7 of 20 P8 of 20
2024 Winter 55 Tyre Braking Test Auto Bild · 2024 · 205/55 R16 P11 of 55 P16 of 55
2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild · 2023 · 225/45 R18 P7 of 20 P11 of 20
2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test ADAC · 2023 · 205/60 R16 P1 of 16 P10 of 16
2023 Winter Tyre Test 54 Set Braking Test Auto Bild · 2023 · 225/45 R18 P15 of 54 P4 of 54
2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild · 2022 · 215/55 R17 P4 of 20 P11 of 20
2022 Winter Tyre Market Overview Auto Bild · 2022 · 215/55 R17 P8 of 56 P16 of 56
2022 ADAC SUV Winter Tyre Test - 215/60 R16 ADAC · 2022 · 215/60 R16 P1 of 17 P6 of 17
2021 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild · 2021 · 205/55 R16 P8 of 20 P3 of 20
2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tyre Test ADAC · 2021 · 225/50 R17 P1 of 18 P4 of 18
2021 Winter Tyre Market Overview Auto Bild · 2021 · 205/55 R16 P2 of 50 P11 of 50
The Best Winter Tyres for 2020 Tyre Reviews · 2020 · 205/55 R16 Tyre Reviews test P4 of 19 P4 of 19
2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild · 2020 · 245/45 R18 P8 of 20 P4 of 20
2020 Winter Tyre Market Overview - 52 Tyre Braking Test Auto Bild · 2020 · 245/45 R18 P13 of 51 P8 of 51
2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test Auto Bild · 2019 · 225/45 R17 P16 of 20 P15 of 20
2019 Winter Tyre Test Market Overview Auto Bild · 2019 · 225/45 R17 P13 of 53 P8 of 53
2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild · 2018 · 245/45 R18 P4 of 10 P3 of 10
2018 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild · 2018 · 195/65 R15 P1 of 20 P3 of 20
2018 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 205/55 R16 ADAC · 2018 · 205/55 R16 P3 of 16 P4 of 16
2018 51 Winter Tyre Shootout Auto Bild · 2018 · 195/65 R15 P5 of 52 P6 of 52
2017 50 Winter Tyre Shoot Out Auto Bild · 2017 · 225/50 R17 P5 of 50 P10 of 50
2017 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild · 2017 · 225/50 R17 P3 of 20 P9 of 20

Performance profile

18 measurements from the 23 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.

Dry BrakingDry HandlingWet BrakingWet Braking - ConcreteWet HandlingWet Circle (s)Straight AquaCurved AquaplaningSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow HandlingSnow SlalomIce BrakingNoiseWearRolling ResistanceFuel ConsumptionAbrasion

Where each is furthest ahead

Winter Sport 5

Krisalp HP3

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. 1 measurement recorded in only one shared test is left off; every measurement is in the table further down.

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 Winter Sport 5 Gap Krisalp HP3 Wins
45.29 1% 44.82 2-9
107.5 0.6% 107 7-2
42.04 1.4% 42.64 10-7
39.15 3.6% 40.6 2-0
73.68 1.2% 72.79 7-2
3 15.4% 2.6 1-0
12.54 1.7% 12.76 4-0
80.73 4% 83.92 1-9
3.03 0.1% 3.01 2-3
25.05 1.3% 24.73 5-12
2,024 4% 1,926 4-3
60.02 0.5% 60.32 2-7
3.42 1.5% 3.46 2-1
18.2 5% 19.3 1-0
72.68 2.2 dB 70.44 0-11
43,440 8.8% 39,680 7-3
8.05 6.7% 8.64 8-1
5.7 = 5.7 0-0
68 11.7% 60 0-2

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 Winter Sport 5 scores 8.9 and the Krisalp HP3 8.1 out of 10.

Tyre Reviews Score by category
Winter Sport 5 Category Krisalp HP3
45Dry 34
85Wet 72
18Comfort 55
66Value 51
83Snow 90
48Ice 20

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

What owners rate
Winter Sport 5 Category Krisalp HP3
8.3Dry Grip 8.5
8.5Wet Grip 8.5
7.9Road Feedback 8.2
7.9Handling 8.1
8.7Wear 8.5
8.4Comfort 8.8
9.1Snow Grip 8.9
8.2Ice Grip 8.1

Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the Krisalp HP3 83% from 37. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.

Dunlop Winter Sport 5

  • 83%from 47 reviews
  • 83%would buy again
  • 485,102 milesdriven by reviewers

Drivers largely praise the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 for outstanding snow and ice traction, strong wet grip in cold conditions, predictable handling, good comfort/low noise (for a winter tyre), and excellent tread life. A minority report softer sidewalls and reduced dry performance or understeer as temperatures rise, with a few notes on noise increase over time and isolated quality/balance issues. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most buyers willing to repurchase.

  • snow and ice grip
  • wet grip in cold
  • predictable handling
  • ride comfort
  • weaker dry grip/softer feel in warmer temps
  • increased noise with age
  • occasional balance/quality issues

Summarised by AI from 39 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.

You must know, in 225/50/17 it is the best what you can buy in eurowinter tyres
+ perfect rim protector
+ dry and wet grip at different temperatures including +17 Celsius
+ snow grip? Easy
+ treadwear 12000 km/per 1 mm (on my new set 8 mm, now 7,0-6,8 after 2 seasons and 14400 km)
91% Audi A6 Avant C5 Quattro V6 2.5TDI 225/50 R17 9,000 miles October 26, 2025
All 47 Winter Sport 5 reviews

Kleber Krisalp HP3

  • 83%from 37 reviews
  • 71%would buy again
  • 479,168 milesdriven by reviewers

Most drivers rate the Kleber Krisalp HP3 highly, praising its strong snow and wet performance, low noise/comfort for a winter tyre, and decent wear/value. Dry grip and handling precision are adequate for normal driving but can feel soft with noticeable understeer if pushed; several users report a 'jelly/boat-like' feel. A minority mention noise at certain speeds, vibration/manufacturing issues in specific batches, and weaker performance on ice or slush at higher speeds. Overall sentiment is positive with safety and winter capability as standout strengths.

  • snow traction and braking
  • wet grip and aquaplaning resistance
  • low noise/comfort for a winter tyre
  • good wear and value
  • soft sidewalls/boat-like feel; weak handling precision when pushed
  • dry grip/cornering weaker vs summer tyres
  • ice/slush performance can be limited at higher speeds

Summarised by AI from 26 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.

Great snow and ice grip, much better than any winter tire i had before.
Good durability as well. Dry grip is fine, wet grip not as much and must be kept in mind. Not very noisy for a winter tire either. Would buy again if they are on discount.

82% Volkswagen Golf 205/55 R16 20,000 miles October 29, 2026
All 37 Krisalp HP3 reviews

Sizes, EU label and lineage

From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 49 sizes of the Winter Sport 5 and 75 of the Krisalp HP3, 41 of them made in both.

Category Winter Sport 5 Krisalp HP3
Season Winter Winter
Sizes made 49 sizes, 15 to 21 inch 75 sizes, 14 to 20 inch
Made in both 41 sizes 195/55 R15195/65 R15205/65 R15195/45 R16195/55 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16225/55 R16205/50 R17and 29 more
EU label wet grip B52%C48% B90%C10%
EU label rolling resistance C75%D24%B1% D50%C48%B2%
EU label noise 70-74 dB B100% 68-71 dB A81%B19%
Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes 79 of 79 112 of 112
On the market since 2021 2016
Replaced Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D (2021) Kleber Krisalp HP2 (2013)
Price in the shared tests The Winter Sport 5 was the dearer tyre in 8 of the 8 tests that listed prices, by 19.1% 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.

This head-to-head sets an ultra-high-performance winter tyre, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, against a value-focused touring option, the Kleber Krisalp HP3. Across 23 shared professional tests from 2017-2025, both have proven strong winter credentials but with distinct personalities: Dunlop consistently chases balanced grip and efficiency, while Kleber leans into comfort, quietness, and snow confidence at a lower price point.

Recent results sharpen the contrast. In ADAC 2025 (225/40 R18), Dunlop ranked 4th and Kleber 7th, with Dunlop notably stronger in wet grip and mileage, and Kleber quieter with better straight-line aquaplaning. Auto Bild 2024 (205/55 R16) put them back-to-back (7th vs 8th): Dunlop edged wet, snow traction, wear, and rolling resistance; Kleber countered with shorter dry stops and superior straight aquaplaning. Buyers are essentially choosing between Dunlop's all-round security and economy versus Kleber's comfort and snow-biased, aquaplaning-resistant package.

Conclusion

Pattern over time is clear: Dunlop Winter Sport 5 delivers the more complete winter performance, especially in wet grip (frequent wins in wet braking/handling and wet circle), ice braking (notably ADAC 2023), rolling resistance, and predicted mileage. That translates to shorter wet stops, more composed emergency maneuvers, lower fuel use, and longer life-key safety and cost advantages in mixed winter climates.

Kleber Krisalp HP3 earns its place with competitive or better results on snow (regular wins in snow braking/handling), very strong straight-line aquaplaning resistance, low noise, and a consistently lower purchase price. Its main weakness is wet-road precision and braking, where it often understeers sooner and stops longer. If your winters skew toward frequent snow with slush/deep-water episodes and you value quiet comfort and upfront savings, Kleber fits well. For broad, variable winter use-including lots of wet, cold asphalt-and for total cost over the tyre's life, Dunlop is the safer, more economical bet.

Takeaway: Wet-road security and longevity-choose Dunlop. Snow-comfort and price-choose Kleber.

Winter Sport 5 vs Krisalp HP3: your questions

Is the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 or the Kleber Krisalp HP3 the better tyre?

In the 23 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 finished ahead 15 times and the Krisalp HP3 7 times, with one level. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter Sport 5 scores 8.9 and the Krisalp HP3 8.1 out of 10.

Which is better in the wet, the Winter Sport 5 or the Krisalp HP3?

The Winter Sport 5 led 27 of the 49 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.4% shorter in the wet across 17 tests.

Which is better in the dry?

The Krisalp HP3 led 11 of the 20 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1% shorter in the dry across 11 tests.

Which is better in snow?

The Krisalp HP3 led 23 of the 36 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.3% shorter on snow across 17 tests.

Which lasts longer and costs less to run?

The Winter Sport 5 lasted 8.8% longer in the wear tests (10 tests) and had 6.7% lower rolling resistance (9 tests); the Krisalp HP3 shed 11.7% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the Winter Sport 5 and 8.5/10 for the Krisalp HP3.

Which is quieter and more comfortable?

The Krisalp HP3 was 2.2 dB quieter (11 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.4/10 for the Winter Sport 5 and 8.8/10 for the Krisalp HP3.

What do owners say?

Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the Krisalp HP3 83% from 37. 83% of Winter Sport 5 owners would buy it again, against 71% for the Krisalp HP3.

Which is more expensive?

In the 8 tests that listed prices, the Winter Sport 5 was the dearer tyre in 8 of them, by 19.1% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.

Are they available in the same sizes?

The Winter Sport 5 is made in 49 sizes (15 to 21 inch) and the Krisalp HP3 in 75 (14 to 20 inch). 41 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winter Sport 5 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Krisalp HP3 B and D.

Which is the newer tyre?

The Winter Sport 5 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the Krisalp HP3 in 2016. The Winter Sport 5 replaced the Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D. The Krisalp HP3 replaced the Kleber Krisalp HP2.

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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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