Auto Bild has published a follow-up test of five premium all-season tyres in size 225/40 R18, run as a supplement to their earlier 30-tyre group test from September 2025. The reason for the retest is the new Goodyear Vector All Season 4, which was not available in time for the original article. Auto Bild has now tested it against the four other premium all-season tyres from the original group on snow, wet and dry surfaces.
Test setup & methodology
The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.
- Test Driver
- Dirk
Recorded test conditions
Recorded test conditions
- Dry Braking
- 100 → 0 km/h
- Wet Braking
- 100 → 0 km/h
- Snow Braking
- 80 → 0 km/h
The new Goodyear is the headline result. It goes straight to the top of the field on snow, winning the slalom, handling and traction tests and only losing the snow braking test to the Michelin by a small margin. On wet roads it wins the circle and handling tests, and on dry roads it finishes second behind the Continental in handling. The testers conclude that the old Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 can now be retired.
The Continental, Michelin and Pirelli all match the Goodyear with an "exemplary" rating, each with a different focus: the Continental is the strongest on dry handling and rolling resistance, the Michelin has the shortest wet and dry braking distances and the lowest noise, and the Pirelli sets the benchmark for aquaplaning resistance. The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 is the only tyre rated only "good", finishing last or near-last in most tests, with weak snow performance and the highest rolling resistance of the group.
Dry
The Pirelli posted the shortest dry braking distance, with the Continental over a metre longer at the back of the field. The gap from best to worst was 1.3 metres.
Dry Braking
Dry braking in meters (100 - 0 km/h)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36.8 m | Best | 0 km/h | |
| 37 m | +0.20 m | 10 km/h | |
| 37.6 m | +0.80 m | 19 km/h | |
| 37.9 m | +1.10 m | 22 km/h | |
| 38.1 m | +1.30 m | 24 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 3.5% (1.3 m). From 130 km/h, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 would still be travelling at 24 km/h when the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
Despite finishing last in dry braking, the Continental led the dry handling test by a clear margin, showing a sportier balance through corners. The Goodyear was the closest follower, with the Bridgestone slowest.
Dry Handling
Dry Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 101.1 km/h | Best | |
| 99.8 km/h | -1.30 km/h | |
| 99.7 km/h | -1.40 km/h | |
| 99.4 km/h | -1.70 km/h | |
| 99.1 km/h | -2.00 km/h |
All the tyres in the Dry Handling test finished less than 3% apart.
Wet
The Michelin had the shortest wet braking distance, with the Goodyear, Continental and Pirelli within 1.7 metres. The Bridgestone was the clear outlier, nearly 3 metres behind the leader.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in meters (100 - 0 km/h)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50.1 m | Best | 0 km/h | |
| 51.1 m | +1.00 m | 18 km/h | |
| 51.3 m | +1.20 m | 20 km/h | |
| 51.8 m | +1.70 m | 24 km/h | |
| 53 m | +2.90 m | 30 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 5.8% (2.9 m ≈ 0.6 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 would still be travelling at 30 km/h when the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
The Goodyear won the wet handling test, with the Continental and Pirelli tied for second. The Michelin and Bridgestone shared last place - a weaker result for the Michelin given its strong wet braking performance.
Wet Handling
Wet Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 74.7 km/h | Best | |
| 74.3 km/h | -0.40 km/h | |
| 74.3 km/h | -0.40 km/h | |
| 73.5 km/h | -1.20 km/h | |
| 73.5 km/h | -1.20 km/h |
All the tyres in the Wet Handling test finished less than 3% apart.
The Goodyear was clearly the fastest on the wet circle, with a lap time over two tenths quicker than the Pirelli in second. The Michelin was the slowest of the five.
Wet Circle
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 19.85 s | Best | |
| 20.07 s | +0.22 s | |
| 20.12 s | +0.27 s | |
| 20.24 s | +0.39 s | |
| 20.64 s | +0.79 s |
The difference between best and worst was 4% (0.79 s).
The Pirelli set the benchmark for straight-line aquaplaning resistance, with a floating speed nearly 4 km/h higher than the next tyre. The Continental was the weakest here, almost 8 km/h behind the Pirelli.
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in Km/H
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 91.7 km/h | Best | |
| 87.9 km/h | -3.80 km/h | |
| 87.8 km/h | -3.90 km/h | |
| 86.9 km/h | -4.80 km/h | |
| 83.8 km/h | -7.90 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 8.6% (7.9 Km/H).
The Pirelli also led the curved aquaplaning test, holding the highest lateral acceleration before losing grip. The Continental was again last, mirroring its straight-line aquaplaning result.
Curved Aquaplaning
Remaining lateral acceleration
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 2.38 m/sec2 | Best | |
| 2.11 m/sec2 | -0.27 m/sec2 | |
| 2.08 m/sec2 | -0.30 m/sec2 | |
| 2.04 m/sec2 | -0.34 m/sec2 | |
| 1.97 m/sec2 | -0.41 m/sec2 |
The difference between best and worst was 17.2% (0.41 m/sec2).
Snow
The Michelin had the shortest snow braking distance, with the Goodyear only 20 cm behind. The Bridgestone needed 1.3 metres more than the Michelin to stop.
Snow Braking
Snow braking in meters (80 - 0 km/h)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29.1 m | Best | 0 km/h | |
| 29.3 m | +0.20 m | 11 km/h | |
| 29.6 m | +0.50 m | 17 km/h | |
| 29.9 m | +0.80 m | 21 km/h | |
| 30.4 m | +1.30 m | 27 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 4.5% (1.3 m). From 130 km/h, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 would still be travelling at 27 km/h when the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
The Goodyear produced the highest tractive force on snow, with the Michelin and Pirelli following. The Continental was last, despite being competitive in snow handling.
Snow Traction
Pulling Force in Newtons
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 2310 N | Best | |
| 2272 N | -38.00 N | |
| 2242 N | -68.00 N | |
| 2147 N | -163.00 N | |
| 2142 N | -168.00 N |
The difference between best and worst was 7.3% (168 N).
The Goodyear was also the fastest on the snow handling course, with the Continental and Michelin tied for second. The Bridgestone was the slowest by over a km/h.
Snow Handling
Snow handling average speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 54.3 km/h | Best | |
| 54 km/h | -0.30 km/h | |
| 54 km/h | -0.30 km/h | |
| 53.7 km/h | -0.60 km/h | |
| 53 km/h | -1.30 km/h |
All the tyres in the Snow Handling test finished less than 3% apart.
The Goodyear completed a clean sweep of the snow tests apart from braking, posting the highest lateral acceleration in the snow slalom. The remaining four tyres were tightly grouped within 0.17 m/s² of each other.
Snow Slalom
Lateral acceleration
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 4.16 m/sec2 | Best | |
| 4.02 m/sec2 | -0.14 m/sec2 | |
| 4.02 m/sec2 | -0.14 m/sec2 | |
| 4.01 m/sec2 | -0.15 m/sec2 | |
| 3.99 m/sec2 | -0.17 m/sec2 |
The difference between best and worst was 4.1% (0.17 m/sec2).
Comfort
The Michelin was the quietest tyre at both 80 and 50 km/h, with the Bridgestone the loudest at both speeds. The middle three were closely matched.
Noise
External noise in dB
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 63.7 dB | Best | |
| 64 dB | +0.30 dB | |
| 64.2 dB | +0.50 dB | |
| 64.6 dB | +0.90 dB | |
| 65.6 dB | +1.90 dB |
All the tyres in the Noise test finished less than 3% apart.
Value
The Michelin had the lowest rolling resistance, with the Goodyear close behind. The Bridgestone and Continental were the two highest, with a 1.35 kg/t gap from best to worst.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance in kg t
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Extra fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.53 kg/t | Best | £0 | |
| 7.61 kg/t | +0.08 kg/t | £5 | |
| 7.98 kg/t | +0.45 kg/t | £26 | |
| 8.49 kg/t | +0.96 kg/t | £56 | |
| 8.88 kg/t | +1.35 kg/t | £79 |
The difference between best and worst was 17.9% (1.35 kg / t). Over 19,000 km a year at £1.45/L, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 uses about 55 L (£79) more fuel than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Adjust the assumptions
Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.
Results
The Goodyear Vector All Season 4 takes the top spot in this comparison, with the Continental, Michelin and Pirelli all rated "exemplary" alongside it. The Bridgestone is the only tyre rated only "good", lagging in most tests.
Goodyear Vector All Season 4
225/40 R18
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (13)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 4th / 5 | 37.9 m | +1.10 m |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 5 | 99.8 km/h | -1.30 km/h |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 5 | 51.1 m | +1.00 m |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 5 | 74.7 km/h | Best in this discipline |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 1st / 5 | 19.85 s | Best in this discipline |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 3rd / 5 | 87.8 km/h | -3.90 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 2nd / 5 | 2.11 m/sec2 | -0.27 m/sec2 |
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 5 | 29.3 m | +0.20 m |
| Snow TractionHigher is better | 1st / 5 | 2310 N | Best in this discipline |
| Snow HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 5 | 54.3 km/h | Best in this discipline |
| Snow SlalomHigher is better | 1st / 5 | 4.16 m/sec2 | Best in this discipline |
| NoiseLower is better | 4th / 5 | 64.6 dB | +0.90 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 2nd / 5 | 7.61 kg/t | +0.08 kg/t |
Continental AllSeasonContact 2
225/40 R18
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (13)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 5th / 5 | 38.1 m | +1.30 m |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 5 | 101.1 km/h | Best in this discipline |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 5 | 51.3 m | +1.20 m |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 5 | 74.3 km/h | -0.40 km/h |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 4th / 5 | 20.24 s | +0.39 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 5th / 5 | 83.8 km/h | -7.90 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 5th / 5 | 1.97 m/sec2 | -0.41 m/sec2 |
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 5 | 29.6 m | +0.50 m |
| Snow TractionHigher is better | 5th / 5 | 2142 N | -168.00 N |
| Snow HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 5 | 54 km/h | -0.30 km/h |
| Snow SlalomHigher is better | 4th / 5 | 4.01 m/sec2 | -0.15 m/sec2 |
| NoiseLower is better | 2nd / 5 | 64 dB | +0.30 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 4th / 5 | 8.49 kg/t | +0.96 kg/t |
Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
225/40 R18
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (13)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 5 | 37 m | +0.20 m |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 5 | 99.4 km/h | -1.70 km/h |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 1st / 5 | 50.1 m | Best in this discipline |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 5 | 73.5 km/h | -1.20 km/h |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 5th / 5 | 20.64 s | +0.79 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 4th / 5 | 86.9 km/h | -4.80 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 4th / 5 | 2.04 m/sec2 | -0.34 m/sec2 |
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 1st / 5 | 29.1 m | Best in this discipline |
| Snow TractionHigher is better | 2nd / 5 | 2272 N | -38.00 N |
| Snow HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 5 | 54 km/h | -0.30 km/h |
| Snow SlalomHigher is better | 2nd / 5 | 4.02 m/sec2 | -0.14 m/sec2 |
| NoiseLower is better | 1st / 5 | 63.7 dB | Best in this discipline |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 1st / 5 | 7.53 kg/t | Best in this discipline |
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
225/40 R18
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (13)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 1st / 5 | 36.8 m | Best in this discipline |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 5 | 99.7 km/h | -1.40 km/h |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 4th / 5 | 51.8 m | +1.70 m |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 5 | 74.3 km/h | -0.40 km/h |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 2nd / 5 | 20.07 s | +0.22 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 1st / 5 | 91.7 km/h | Best in this discipline |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 1st / 5 | 2.38 m/sec2 | Best in this discipline |
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 4th / 5 | 29.9 m | +0.80 m |
| Snow TractionHigher is better | 3rd / 5 | 2242 N | -68.00 N |
| Snow HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 5 | 53.7 km/h | -0.60 km/h |
| Snow SlalomHigher is better | 2nd / 5 | 4.02 m/sec2 | -0.14 m/sec2 |
| NoiseLower is better | 3rd / 5 | 64.2 dB | +0.50 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 3rd / 5 | 7.98 kg/t | +0.45 kg/t |
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
225/40 R18
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (13)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 5 | 37.6 m | +0.80 m |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 5 | 99.1 km/h | -2.00 km/h |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 5th / 5 | 53 m | +2.90 m |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 5 | 73.5 km/h | -1.20 km/h |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 3rd / 5 | 20.12 s | +0.27 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 2nd / 5 | 87.9 km/h | -3.80 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 3rd / 5 | 2.08 m/sec2 | -0.30 m/sec2 |
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 5th / 5 | 30.4 m | +1.30 m |
| Snow TractionHigher is better | 4th / 5 | 2147 N | -163.00 N |
| Snow HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 5 | 53 km/h | -1.30 km/h |
| Snow SlalomHigher is better | 5th / 5 | 3.99 m/sec2 | -0.17 m/sec2 |
| NoiseLower is better | 5th / 5 | 65.6 dB | +1.90 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 5th / 5 | 8.88 kg/t | +1.35 kg/t |
The same for Pirelli, it scores higher in almost every catgeory in comparison to Conti, but it is in the 4th place.
But the result conclusion for conti says: "The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 is the strongest performer on dry roads in this test, taking the top spot in dry handling with a sporty character. It also has the second-lowest rolling resistance, which helps fuel consumption."
Separately, is there any news of the CC3 Sport in 215/50R18 or 215/55R17, Michelin initially said 60 sizes but they've only released 33 in the UK so far?
I don't have any info for new sizes of CC3S, sorry.