2024 AS SUV Winter Tyre Test

German auto magazine AUTO Straßenverkehr has conducted an SUV winter tyre test, evaluating ten models in the 235/55 R18 size. The test, carried out under various weather conditions including snow, wet, and dry surfaces, aims to provide consumers with valuable insights into tyre performance for the upcoming winter season.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV emerged as the top performer, achieving the highest score of 8.9 and a "very good" rating. It excelled particularly in snow performance and dry handling. Close behind was the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, securing second place with a "very good" 8.6, showing balanced performance across all conditions.

Bridgestone's Blizzak 6 and Pirelli's Scorpion Winter 2 tied for third place, both earning a "very good" 8.5. The Bridgestone demonstrated excellent wet performance but was slightly weaker in dry conditions, while the Pirelli showed strong overall performance but had slightly higher rolling resistance.

The Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 x earned a "very good" 8.3, with notable aquaplaning resistance. Goodyear's UltraGrip Performance + SUV received a "very good" 8.0, showing good all-round capabilities.

GT Radial's WinterPro2 Sport and Falken's Eurowinter HS 02 Pro both scored a "good" 7.8. The GT Radial offered competitive performance at a lower price point, while the Falken showed balanced performance across categories.

Surprisingly, the Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV, despite coming from a Nordic brand known for winter expertise, underperformed in snow tests and was rated "good" at 7.5. Rounding out the test was the Vredestein Wintrac Pro with a "good" 7.4, showing room for improvement across several categories.

Dry

On dry surfaces, Michelin achieves the shortest braking distance of 42.9 meters from 100-0 km/h, while Bridgestone requires 44.6 meters. In dry handling, Continental leads with a speed of 115.5 km/h, compared to Pirelli's 113.6 km/h. Michelin also excels in lateral grip, achieving 4.14 m/s² in the slalom test, while GT Radial manages only 3.58 m/s².

Continental demonstrates the best dry handling performance, achieving an average speed of 115.5 km/h on the test track, Pirelli shows the lowest average speed at 113.6 km/h. 

Wet

Bridgestone stops in the shortest distance on wet roads, needing only 34.7 meters from 80 km/h. Nokian requires the longest distance at 38.6 meters, a significant difference in wet safety performance.

Continental and Bridgestone lead the in wet handling with an average speed of 65.5 km/h, while Vredestein trails at 63.9 km/h. This indicates better overall control in wet conditions.

Hankook resists aquaplaning up to 75.0 km/h, while Falken starts to aquaplane at just 66.5 km/h. This substantial difference could be crucial for safety in very wet conditions.

Snow

Bridgestone shows the shortest braking distance on snow, stopping from 50 km/h in just 24.3 meters. Nokian requires the longest distance at 27.7 meters, a difference that could be crucial in emergency situations.

Michelin demonstrates the best acceleration on snow with 1.48 m/s², while GT Radial struggles with 1.28 m/s². This difference could significantly affect a vehicle's ability to move in snowy conditions.

Michelin again tops the chart with an average speed of 48.8 km/h on the snowy track, while GT Radial lags behind at 45.0 km/h. This indicates Michelin's better overall control and speed in winter conditions.

Comfort

Michelin produces the least noise at 71.4 dB(A), while Hankook is the loudest at 74.2 dB(A). This difference could significantly impact cabin comfort.

Value

Continental shows the lowest rolling resistance at 7.3 kg/t, potentially offering better fuel efficiency. Pirelli has the highest at 8.7 kg/t, which could lead to increased fuel consumption.

Results

1^st

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

235/55 R18 104H

• EU Label: C/C/71
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 13.03 kgs
• Tread: 8.5 mm

Outstanding performance on snow, very dynamic handling with safe and wide reserve offer, safe, balanced handling characteristics also on wet and dry roads. Very quiet rolling noise.

Low aquaplaning safety in wet corners, somewhat louder rolling noise in the interior. Increased rolling resistance.

Very good.

Dry

99.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	1st	42.9 M			100%
Dry Handling	5th	114.5 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-1 Km/H	99.13%

Wet

93.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	3rd	35.9 M	34.7 M	+1.2 M	96.66%
Wet Handling	3rd	65.4 Km/H	65.5 Km/H	-0.1 Km/H	99.85%
Wet Circle	6th	7.27 m/s	7.43 m/s	-0.16 m/s	97.85%
Straight Aqua	7th	72.4 Km/H	75 Km/H	-2.6 Km/H	96.53%
Curved Aquaplaning	8th	2.77 m/sec2	3.55 m/sec2	-0.78 m/sec2	78.03%

Snow

99.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	3rd	24.5 M	24.3 M	+0.2 M	99.18%
Snow Traction	1st	1.48 N			100%
Snow Handling	1st	48.8 Km/H			100%

Comfort

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	1st	71.4 dB			100%

Value

86.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	8th	8.4 kg / t	7.3 kg / t	+1.1 kg / t	86.9%

Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts

2^nd

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

235/55 R18 104V

• EU Label: C/B/71
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 10.68 kgs
• Tread: 8.7 mm

Easy to control, very balanced tyre with decent performance and safe reserves on snow. Safe, tends to understeer slightly in handling, safe aquaplaning protection on wet surfaces. Dynamic and stable in corners on dry roads. Lowest rolling resistance.

Comparatively slow steering response, increased rolling noise.

Very good.

Dry

98.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	6th	44.2 M	42.9 M	+1.3 M	97.06%
Dry Handling	1st	115.5 Km/H			100%

Wet

97.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	4th	36.2 M	34.7 M	+1.5 M	95.86%
Wet Handling	1st	65.5 Km/H			100%
Wet Circle	8th	7.21 m/s	7.43 m/s	-0.22 m/s	97.04%
Straight Aqua	2nd	74.2 Km/H	75 Km/H	-0.8 Km/H	98.93%
Curved Aquaplaning	2nd	3.39 m/sec2	3.55 m/sec2	-0.16 m/sec2	95.49%

Snow

96.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	4th	25.4 M	24.3 M	+1.1 M	95.67%
Snow Traction	4th	1.4 N	1.48 N	-0.08 N	94.59%
Snow Handling	4th	47.9 Km/H	48.8 Km/H	-0.9 Km/H	98.16%

Comfort

98.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	5th	72.5 dB	71.4 dB	+1.1 dB	98.48%

Value

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	1st	7.3 kg / t			100%

Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts

3^rd

Bridgestone Blizzak 6

235/55 R18 104V

• EU Label: C/B/70
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 11.5 kgs
• Tread: 8 mm

Very short braking distances and safe, dynamic handling in the wet and on snow.

Comparatively long braking distances in the dry. Also sensitive to load changes in dry corners. Additionally limited rear axle stability during fast lane changes. Slow steering response.

Very good.

Dry

97.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	10th	44.6 M	42.9 M	+1.7 M	96.19%
Dry Handling	5th	114.5 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-1 Km/H	99.13%

Wet

98%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	1st	34.7 M			100%
Wet Handling	1st	65.5 Km/H			100%
Wet Circle	3rd	7.4 m/s	7.43 m/s	-0.03 m/s	99.6%
Straight Aqua	4th	73.9 Km/H	75 Km/H	-1.1 Km/H	98.53%
Curved Aquaplaning	3rd	3.27 m/sec2	3.55 m/sec2	-0.28 m/sec2	92.11%

Snow

97.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	1st	24.3 M			100%
Snow Traction	4th	1.4 N	1.48 N	-0.08 N	94.59%
Snow Handling	6th	47.8 Km/H	48.8 Km/H	-1 Km/H	97.95%

Comfort

97.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	8th	72.9 dB	71.4 dB	+1.5 dB	97.94%

Value

92.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	3rd	7.9 kg / t	7.3 kg / t	+0.6 kg / t	92.41%

Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts

4^th

Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2

235/55 R18 104H

• EU Label: C/A/71
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 12.35 kgs
• Tread: 8.2 mm

Good starting traction and good cornering grip on snow. Very balanced wet characteristics, with short braking distances, comfortable rolling. High steering reserves in dry corners.

Slight oversteering tendency during load changes in fast driven dry corners. Increased rolling resistance.

Very good.

Dry

98.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	2nd	43.5 M	42.9 M	+0.6 M	98.62%
Dry Handling	10th	113.6 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-1.9 Km/H	98.35%

Wet

96.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	2nd	35.3 M	34.7 M	+0.6 M	98.3%
Wet Handling	5th	64.9 Km/H	65.5 Km/H	-0.6 Km/H	99.08%
Wet Circle	6th	7.27 m/s	7.43 m/s	-0.16 m/s	97.85%
Straight Aqua	2nd	74.2 Km/H	75 Km/H	-0.8 Km/H	98.93%
Curved Aquaplaning	6th	3.17 m/sec2	3.55 m/sec2	-0.38 m/sec2	89.3%

Snow

96.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	6th	26.1 M	24.3 M	+1.8 M	93.1%
Snow Traction	2nd	1.45 N	1.48 N	-0.03 N	97.97%
Snow Handling	3rd	48.1 Km/H	48.8 Km/H	-0.7 Km/H	98.57%

Comfort

98.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	3rd	72.2 dB	71.4 dB	+0.8 dB	98.89%

Value

83.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	10th	8.7 kg / t	7.3 kg / t	+1.4 kg / t	83.91%

Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts

5^th

Hankook Winter i cept evo 3 X

235/55 R18 100H

• EU Label: C/B/72
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 12.42 kgs
• Tread: 8.3 mm

Very good performance on snow, dynamic and easy to control. On reduced grip level, stable wet handling. Outstanding aquaplaning prevention. Balanced, almost sporty dynamics on dry roads. Good price-performance ratio.

Somewhat longer braking distances in the wet, somewhat weaker grip in wet corners, somewhat louder.

Very good.

Dry

98.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	8th	44.4 M	42.9 M	+1.5 M	96.62%
Dry Handling	3rd	115 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-0.5 Km/H	99.57%

Wet

97.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	8th	37.5 M	34.7 M	+2.8 M	92.53%
Wet Handling	6th	64.7 Km/H	65.5 Km/H	-0.8 Km/H	98.78%
Wet Circle	10th	7.18 m/s	7.43 m/s	-0.25 m/s	96.64%
Straight Aqua	1st	75 Km/H			100%
Curved Aquaplaning	1st	3.55 m/sec2			100%

Snow

97.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	2nd	24.4 M	24.3 M	+0.1 M	99.59%
Snow Traction	8th	1.38 N	1.48 N	-0.1 N	93.24%
Snow Handling	2nd	48.5 Km/H	48.8 Km/H	-0.3 Km/H	99.39%

Comfort

96.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	10th	74.2 dB	71.4 dB	+2.8 dB	96.23%

Value

92.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	3rd	7.9 kg / t	7.3 kg / t	+0.6 kg / t	92.41%

Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts

6^th

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ SUV

235/55 R18 104H

• EU Label: C/B/70
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 13.24 kgs
• Tread: 8.2 mm

Not outstanding on snow, but balanced handling and controllable via load changes. With the exception of the somewhat longer braking distances, still decent wet characteristics. Easy to handle, safe behavior on dry roads.

Somewhat longer braking distances on wet asphalt, slight grip limitations in very fast driven, dry corners. Increased rolling noise.

Very good.

Dry

98.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	4th	43.9 M	42.9 M	+1 M	97.72%
Dry Handling	8th	114.2 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-1.3 Km/H	98.87%

Wet

95.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	7th	37.4 M	34.7 M	+2.7 M	92.78%
Wet Handling	6th	64.7 Km/H	65.5 Km/H	-0.8 Km/H	98.78%
Wet Circle	1st	7.43 m/s			100%
Straight Aqua	5th	73.2 Km/H	75 Km/H	-1.8 Km/H	97.6%
Curved Aquaplaning	7th	3.1 m/sec2	3.55 m/sec2	-0.45 m/sec2	87.32%

Snow

96.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	4th	25.4 M	24.3 M	+1.1 M	95.67%
Snow Traction	4th	1.4 N	1.48 N	-0.08 N	94.59%
Snow Handling	4th	47.9 Km/H	48.8 Km/H	-0.9 Km/H	98.16%

Comfort

98.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	4th	72.3 dB	71.4 dB	+0.9 dB	98.76%

Value

88%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	7th	8.3 kg / t	7.3 kg / t	+1 kg / t	87.95%

Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts

7^th

GT Radial WinterPro2 Sport

235/55 R18 104H

• EU Label: C/B/71
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 12.28 kgs
• Tread: 8.6 mm

Decent performance in braking as well as in cornering grip on wet surfaces. In dry corners at reduced grip level, easy to control. Rolling resistance and rolling noise are low.

Weak performance with significant oversteering tendency on snow, somewhat indifferent handling on wet surfaces, weak aquaplaning protection.

Good.

Dry

98.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	7th	44.3 M	42.9 M	+1.4 M	96.84%
Dry Handling	4th	114.8 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-0.7 Km/H	99.39%

Wet

92.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	5th	36.3 M	34.7 M	+1.6 M	95.59%
Wet Handling	4th	65.1 Km/H	65.5 Km/H	-0.4 Km/H	99.39%
Wet Circle	2nd	7.42 m/s	7.43 m/s	-0.01 m/s	99.87%
Straight Aqua	9th	68.7 Km/H	75 Km/H	-6.3 Km/H	91.6%
Curved Aquaplaning	10th	2.63 m/sec2	3.55 m/sec2	-0.92 m/sec2	74.08%

Snow

88.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	9th	27.7 M	24.3 M	+3.4 M	87.73%
Snow Traction	10th	1.28 N	1.48 N	-0.2 N	86.49%
Snow Handling	10th	45 Km/H	48.8 Km/H	-3.8 Km/H	92.21%

Comfort

99.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	2nd	71.8 dB	71.4 dB	+0.4 dB	99.44%

Value

96.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	2nd	7.6 kg / t	7.3 kg / t	+0.3 kg / t	96.05%

Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts

8^th

Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro

235/55 R18 104V

• EU Label: C/B/70
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 12.19 kgs
• Tread: 8.4 mm

Decent braking and cornering grip on wet and dry roads, good rolling comfort.

Unbalanced handling dynamics with slow steering response, load change sensitivity and oversteering tendency on snow as well as on wet surfaces.

Good.

Dry

98.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	5th	44.1 M	42.9 M	+1.2 M	97.28%
Dry Handling	2nd	115.1 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-0.4 Km/H	99.65%

Wet

91.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	6th	36.7 M	34.7 M	+2 M	94.55%
Wet Handling	9th	64.5 Km/H	65.5 Km/H	-1 Km/H	98.47%
Wet Circle	4th	7.36 m/s	7.43 m/s	-0.07 m/s	99.06%
Straight Aqua	10th	66.5 Km/H	75 Km/H	-8.5 Km/H	88.67%
Curved Aquaplaning	9th	2.65 m/sec2	3.55 m/sec2	-0.9 m/sec2	74.65%

Snow

93.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	8th	27 M	24.3 M	+2.7 M	90%
Snow Traction	3rd	1.41 N	1.48 N	-0.07 N	95.27%
Snow Handling	9th	46.7 Km/H	48.8 Km/H	-2.1 Km/H	95.7%

Comfort

98.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	7th	72.8 dB	71.4 dB	+1.4 dB	98.08%

Value

90.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	5th	8.1 kg / t	7.3 kg / t	+0.8 kg / t	90.12%

Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts

9^th

Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV

235/55 R18 104H

• EU Label: C/B/70
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 12.66 kgs
• Tread: 8.5 mm

With the exception of the longer braking distances, good results on wet surfaces with decent aquaplaning prevention. Less agile, but stable handling on dry asphalt at a slightly reduced grip level.

For a Nokian, too weak and unbalanced snow performance. Extended braking distances on wet roads.

Good.

Dry

97.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	8th	44.4 M	42.9 M	+1.5 M	96.62%
Dry Handling	7th	114.4 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-1.1 Km/H	99.05%

Wet

95%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	10th	38.6 M	34.7 M	+3.9 M	89.9%
Wet Handling	8th	64.6 Km/H	65.5 Km/H	-0.9 Km/H	98.63%
Wet Circle	5th	7.34 m/s	7.43 m/s	-0.09 m/s	98.79%
Straight Aqua	7th	72.4 Km/H	75 Km/H	-2.6 Km/H	96.53%
Curved Aquaplaning	4th	3.23 m/sec2	3.55 m/sec2	-0.32 m/sec2	90.99%

Snow

90.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	9th	27.7 M	24.3 M	+3.4 M	87.73%
Snow Traction	9th	1.31 N	1.48 N	-0.17 N	88.51%
Snow Handling	8th	46.9 Km/H	48.8 Km/H	-1.9 Km/H	96.11%

Comfort

98.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	6th	72.6 dB	71.4 dB	+1.2 dB	98.35%

Value

90.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	5th	8.1 kg / t	7.3 kg / t	+0.8 kg / t	90.12%

Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts

10^th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro

235/55 R18 104H

• EU Label: C/B/72
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 12.52 kgs
• Tread: 8.5 mm

With the exception of the somewhat longer braking distances, balanced snow performance. Good aquaplaning protection, short braking distances on dry surfaces.

Somewhat longer braking distances on snow as well as on wet roads, less clear handling characteristics. Increased rolling resistance.

Good.

Dry

98.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	3rd	43.8 M	42.9 M	+0.9 M	97.95%
Dry Handling	9th	114 Km/H	115.5 Km/H	-1.5 Km/H	98.7%

Wet

94.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	9th	38.1 M	34.7 M	+3.4 M	91.08%
Wet Handling	10th	63.9 Km/H	65.5 Km/H	-1.6 Km/H	97.56%
Wet Circle	8th	7.21 m/s	7.43 m/s	-0.22 m/s	97.04%
Straight Aqua	6th	72.7 Km/H	75 Km/H	-2.3 Km/H	96.93%
Curved Aquaplaning	5th	3.22 m/sec2	3.55 m/sec2	-0.33 m/sec2	90.7%

Snow

94.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	7th	26.4 M	24.3 M	+2.1 M	92.05%
Snow Traction	7th	1.39 N	1.48 N	-0.09 N	93.92%
Snow Handling	7th	47.7 Km/H	48.8 Km/H	-1.1 Km/H	97.75%

Comfort

97.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	8th	72.9 dB	71.4 dB	+1.5 dB	97.94%

Value

86.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	8th	8.4 kg / t	7.3 kg / t	+1.1 kg / t	86.9%

Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts