Menu

Test source Tire Rack

2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test

Tire Rack has opened its 2026 test programme with a direct answer to one of the most persistent questions in winter tyre buying: how much do you actually give up by running a set of all-weather tyres through the cold months instead of…

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson
10 min read

Test data in partnership withTire Rack

Tyre shortlist Read the test
Tyres tested
10
Tested size
215/55 R17
Test vehicle
2025 Toyota Camry
Disciplines
12

At a glance

Tyre shortlist

10 Tyres tested

Category-by-category snapshot

This test ranks different groups separately. Read the full verdicts for each group; there is no single overall finishing order. The figures below are the best available measurements within each group, not overall category winners. Read the test conditions before comparing groups.

All Season Tyres

2 Tyres tested
Wet BrakingLower is better
30.27 m

Michelin Primacy Tour AS

Dry BrakingLower is better
25.51 m

Michelin Primacy Tour AS

Snow BrakingLower is better
24.72 m

Michelin Primacy Tour AS

Ice BrakingLower is better
16.76 m

Michelin Defender 2

All Weather Tyres

3 Tyres tested
Wet BrakingLower is better
28.35 m

Vredestein Quatrac

Dry BrakingLower is better
25.33 m

Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW

Snow BrakingLower is better
17.87 m

Bridgestone WeatherPeak

Ice BrakingLower is better
15.42 m

Vredestein Quatrac

Winter Tyres

5 Tyres tested
Wet BrakingLower is better
30.54 m

Vredestein Wintrac Pro+

Dry BrakingLower is better
28.07 m

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

Snow BrakingLower is better
17.10 m

Michelin X Ice Snow

Ice BrakingLower is better
11.80 m

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

Compare all measurements Explore the complete results

All Season Tyres 2 Tyres tested

1st

Michelin Defender 2

+The Michelin Defender 2 was the quietest tyre in the test and returned the joint-highest dry cornering grip, with respectable wet braking and cornering to go with it. For a commute on clear roads it is an easy, unobtrusive tyre to live with.

−The Defender 2 was last or close to last in every winter test, with the longest snow braking distance, the slowest snow lap and the lowest subjective snow score in the field. Steering gave almost no feedback in snow, breaking away suddenly and without warning, and the ride is on the firm, transparent side.

Read full verdict
3 owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Michelin Primacy Tour AS

+The Michelin Primacy Tour A/S was one of the best tyres in the test for wet braking and wet cornering and shared the highest dry cornering grip, with light, responsive steering that gives quick turn-in.

−The Primacy Tour A/S was the weakest tyre in the test on ice, recording both the longest ice braking distance and the slowest ice acceleration, and its snow ability is limited. Any combination of throttle and steering angle produces understeer, and the drop-off once grip is exceeded is steep. Road noise has a consistently high floor.

Read full verdict
8 owner reviews Test Results

All Weather Tyres 3 Tyres tested

1st

Bridgestone WeatherPeak

+The Bridgestone WeatherPeak was the standout all-weather tyre in the snow, posting a snow braking distance that beat three of the five dedicated winter tyres in the test. That is not a one-off: it has finished near the top for snow braking in our own all-weather testing and in the previous Tire Rack test, so it is a genuine characteristic of the tyre. It is composed and predictable at the limit in snow.

−The WeatherPeak was the least comfortable tyre in the test, doing little to settle the car after an impact, and a constant low growl was audible on every surface. Its ice performance also falls well behind the winter tyres, and steering is vague at lower speeds.

Read full verdict
16 owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW

+The Michelin CrossClimate2 recorded the shortest dry braking distance in the test and the highest steering and road handling score, and it was among the best for wet braking too. On clear roads it is the most complete tyre in this field, feeling sharp, precise and well connected.

−The CrossClimate2 was the noisiest tyre in the test, with a constant growl that turned to a hiss at speed, and ride quality was among the firmer here. In winter its limits arrive well before the dedicated winter tyres, and once traction is lost the understeer that follows is abrupt.

Read full verdict
11 owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Vredestein Quatrac

+The Vredestein Quatrac had the strongest wet performance of any tyre in the test, taking both the shortest wet braking distance and the highest wet cornering grip, and it was quick in the dry too. On the road it is composed and versatile, with precise, well-weighted steering and unobtrusive noise.

−The Quatrac's snow performance did not live up to its objective numbers. It demanded careful, measured inputs, punished excess entry speed with abrupt understeer and gave little warning before letting go, and it was near the back of the field for snow braking and snow handling.

Read full verdict
30 owner reviews Test Results

Winter Tyres 5 Tyres tested

1st

Continental VikingContact 8

+The Continental VikingContact 8 was the most comfortable tyre in the test and among the quietest, which is rare for a studless winter tyre. Steering response was natural and consistent rather than nervous, and it backed that up with strong snow and ice traction, sitting close to the front of the field for snow handling and for both ice tests.

−The VikingContact 8 gives up a lot on clear roads. It was near the back of the field for wet braking and had one of the lowest wet cornering figures in the test, and dry braking was long. There is also a little more lateral movement through snow corners than the very best winter tyres allow.

Read full verdict
8 owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Michelin X Ice Snow

+The Michelin X-Ice Snow recorded the shortest snow braking distance in the test and was among the very best on ice for both braking and traction. More surprising is how well it steers: it scored second only to the CrossClimate2 for steering and road handling, which is exceptional for a studless ice tyre, and it rides well too.

−The X-Ice Snow was the weakest tyre in the test on clear roads, finishing last for dry braking, wet braking and wet cornering. It also slides more than we would like once its winter limits are reached, and recovery from a slide takes longer than with the best of its rivals.

Read full verdict
19 owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

+The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 was the strongest tyre in the test where grip was scarcest, taking the shortest ice braking distance, the quickest ice acceleration, the fastest snow lap and the highest subjective snow score. Drivers could carry speed, brake later and get back on the power earlier than on anything else here.

−The Blizzak WS90 has the weaker end of the on-road manners in this group. Steering loses sharpness once loaded in a corner and feels slow to respond, and wet cornering grip was among the lowest in the test. Ride is fine but there is some tread noise on smoother surfaces.

Read full verdict
6 owner reviews Test Results
4th

General Altimax Arctic 12

+The General Altimax Arctic 12 was quiet and comfortable on the road and, run here without studs, still delivered solid winter ability, finishing mid-pack among the winter tyres for snow braking and handling and holding a clear margin over the all-season tyres on ice.

−The Altimax Arctic 12 had the weakest steering of any tyre in the test, feeling imprecise returning to centre after a direction change, and it was at the back of the field for both dry and wet braking. It also spins up quickly under power in snow, which makes its limits feel sharper than ideal.

Read full verdict
4 owner reviews Test Results
5th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro+

+The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ had the best wet performance of any winter tyre in the test, leading its winter rivals for both wet braking and wet cornering, and it was one of the softest and most comfortable tyres over rough surfaces. Steering was smooth and intuitive.

−The Wintrac Pro+ sits behind the studless winter tyres where it matters most in this test, particularly on ice, where both braking and traction fell in with the all-weather tyres rather than its winter peers. It also trades a little damping control for its soft ride.

3 owner reviews Test Results

Tyre shortlist

Compare selected tyres

2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17

TyreContinental VikingContact 8Michelin X Ice SnowBridgestone Blizzak WS90General Altimax Arctic 12Vredestein Wintrac Pro+Bridgestone WeatherPeakMichelin CrossClimate 2 AWVredestein QuatracMichelin Defender 2Michelin Primacy Tour AS
Position1stWinter Tyres2ndWinter Tyres3rdWinter Tyres4thWinter Tyres5thWinter Tyres1stAll Weather Tyres2ndAll Weather Tyres3rdAll Weather Tyres1stAll Season Tyres2ndAll Season Tyres
Keep researchingRead owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results

Explore the complete results →

These results apply to the tyres and size tested here.

The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

Tire Rack has opened its 2026 test programme with a direct answer to one of the most persistent questions in winter tyre buying: how much do you actually give up by running a set of all-weather tyres through the cold months instead of fitting dedicated winter tyres? Ten tyres were run in 215/55 R17 on a 2025 Toyota Camry, covering five dedicated winter tyres, three all-weather tyres carrying the three-peak mountain snowflake marking, and two conventional all-season tyres without it.

The answer is unambiguous, and it is largest exactly where it matters most. On ice the best winter tyre stopped in a little under twelve metres while the weakest all-season tyre needed almost eighteen, and the snow braking spread ran from just over seventeen metres to just under twenty-five. Turn to the dry and the order inverts, but by far less: the spread between best and worst dry braking was around six metres, and in the wet about eleven. Credit to Tire Rack for running a structured, repeatable test methodology, and for testing in near-freezing temperatures so that every tyre was measured in the conditions these products are actually driven in.

Test setup & methodology

The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.

Recorded test conditions

Recorded test conditions

Dry Braking
80 → 0 km/h
Wet Braking
80 → 0 km/h
Snow Braking
40 → 0 km/h
Ice Braking
19 → 0 km/h

One note on the numbers before the results. Tire Rack publishes in imperial and brakes from different speeds on each surface: 50 mph on dry and wet tarmac, 25 mph on snow and 12 mph on ice. We have converted every distance to metres and every speed to km/h, so the braking charts below are labelled 80 to 0 km/h for dry and wet, 40 to 0 km/h for snow and 19 to 0 km/h for ice. Because the surfaces differ, distances should only be compared within a chart, never across them.

Dry

The all-season and all-weather tyres owned the dry braking chart. The Michelin CrossClimate2 stopped shortest, with the Primacy Tour A/S, the Vredestein Quatrac and the Michelin Defender 2 filling out the top four, while three of the winter tyres took the last three places and the Michelin X-Ice Snow needed around six metres more than the CrossClimate2 to stop.

Dry Braking

Dry braking in meters (80 - 0 km/h)

Lower is better ↓

All Season Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Michelin Primacy Tour AS
 25.51 m Best 0 km/h
2Michelin Defender 2
 26.27 m +0.76 m 22 km/h

All Weather Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
 25.33 m Best 0 km/h
2Vredestein Quatrac
 25.79 m +0.46 m 17 km/h
3Bridgestone WeatherPeak
 29.44 m +4.11 m 49 km/h

Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
 28.07 m Best 0 km/h
2Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
 28.19 m +0.12 m 8 km/h
3Continental VikingContact 8
 30.15 m +2.08 m 34 km/h
4General Altimax Arctic 12
 31.3 m +3.23 m 42 km/h
5Michelin X Ice Snow
 31.39 m +3.32 m 42 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 23.9% (6.06 m ≈ 1.3 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Michelin X Ice Snow would still be travelling at 57 km/h when the Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Test data in partnership with

Peak dry cornering grip followed the same pattern, with the Primacy Tour A/S and Defender 2 tied at the top and the Blizzak WS90, Altimax Arctic 12 and X-Ice Snow tied at the bottom, though the spread here is narrower than the braking chart suggests.

Dry Circle

Average cornering G force in the dry

Higher is better ↓

All Season Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin Primacy Tour AS
 0.86 g Best
1Michelin Defender 2
 0.86 g Best

All Weather Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Vredestein Quatrac
 0.85 g Best
2Bridgestone WeatherPeak
 0.84 g -0.01 g
3Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
 0.83 g -0.02 g

Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
 0.83 g Best
2Continental VikingContact 8
 0.81 g -0.02 g
3General Altimax Arctic 12
 0.78 g -0.05 g
3Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
 0.78 g -0.05 g
3Michelin X Ice Snow
 0.78 g -0.05 g

The difference between best and worst was 9.3% (0.08 g).

Test data in partnership with

The subjective steering and road handling scores are more interesting than the outright grip. The CrossClimate2 was rated best in the test, which is no surprise, but the X-Ice Snow finished second, ahead of every non-winter tyre bar the CrossClimate2. That is unusual for a studless ice tyre and worth knowing if vague steering is what has put you off winter tyres in the past. The Altimax Arctic 12 was the weakest here, criticised for a poor sense of returning to centre.

Subj. Road Score

Subjective Real World Driving Score

Higher is better ↑

All Season Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin Primacy Tour AS
 7 Points Best
1Michelin Defender 2
 7 Points Best

All Weather Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
 8.25 Points Best
2Vredestein Quatrac
 7.5 Points -0.75 Points
3Bridgestone WeatherPeak
 7 Points -1.25 Points

Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin X Ice Snow
 8 Points Best
2Continental VikingContact 8
 7.5 Points -0.50 Points
3Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
 7 Points -1.00 Points
4Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
 6.5 Points -1.50 Points
5General Altimax Arctic 12
 6.25 Points -1.75 Points

The difference between best and worst was 24.2% (2 Points).

Test data in partnership with

Wet

The Vredestein Quatrac was the wet-weather standout, taking both the shortest wet braking distance and the highest wet cornering grip in the test. The winter tyres struggled, with the X-Ice Snow stopping around eleven metres longer than the Quatrac, although the Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ was a clear exception and braked better in the wet than two of the non-winter tyres.

Wet Braking

Wet braking in meters (80 - 0 km/h)

Lower is better ↓

All Season Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Michelin Primacy Tour AS
 30.27 m Best 0 km/h
2Michelin Defender 2
 33.62 m +3.35 m 41 km/h

All Weather Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Vredestein Quatrac
 28.35 m Best 0 km/h
2Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
 30.36 m +2.01 m 33 km/h
3Bridgestone WeatherPeak
 33.74 m +5.39 m 52 km/h

Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
 30.54 m Best 0 km/h
2Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
 35.84 m +5.30 m 50 km/h
3Continental VikingContact 8
 35.91 m +5.37 m 50 km/h
4General Altimax Arctic 12
 37.31 m +6.77 m 55 km/h
5Michelin X Ice Snow
 39.32 m +8.78 m 61 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 38.7% (10.97 m ≈ 2.4 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Michelin X Ice Snow would still be travelling at 69 km/h when the Vredestein Quatrac had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Test data in partnership with

Wet cornering told the same story, with the Quatrac and Primacy Tour A/S at the top and the two studless ice tyres, the Blizzak WS90 and X-Ice Snow, tied at the bottom.

Wet Circle

Average cornering G force in the wet

Higher is better ↑

All Season Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin Primacy Tour AS
 0.72 g Best
2Michelin Defender 2
 0.7 g -0.02 g

All Weather Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Vredestein Quatrac
 0.74 g Best
2Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
 0.69 g -0.05 g
3Bridgestone WeatherPeak
 0.67 g -0.07 g

Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
 0.71 g Best
2General Altimax Arctic 12
 0.65 g -0.06 g
3Continental VikingContact 8
 0.63 g -0.08 g
4Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
 0.6 g -0.11 g
4Michelin X Ice Snow
 0.6 g -0.11 g

The difference between best and worst was 18.9% (0.14 g).

Test data in partnership with

Snow

Snow braking is where the categories separate, but not quite as cleanly as expected. Five of the top six places went to dedicated winter tyres, yet the Bridgestone WeatherPeak split them, stopping third and beating three winter tyres including the Continental VikingContact 8 and the Vredestein Wintrac Pro+. Below that group the drop is sharp: the next tyre, the CrossClimate2, needed nearly three metres more than the last of that leading group, and the two tyres without the snowflake marking propped up the chart.

Snow Braking

Snow braking in meters (40 - 0 km/h)

Lower is better ↓

All Season Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Michelin Primacy Tour AS
 24.72 m Best 0 km/h
2Michelin Defender 2
 24.95 m +0.23 m 12 km/h

All Weather Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Bridgestone WeatherPeak
 17.87 m Best 0 km/h
2Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
 22.06 m +4.19 m 57 km/h
3Vredestein Quatrac
 22.24 m +4.37 m 58 km/h

Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Michelin X Ice Snow
 17.1 m Best 0 km/h
2Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
 17.47 m +0.37 m 19 km/h
3Continental VikingContact 8
 18.08 m +0.98 m 30 km/h
4General Altimax Arctic 12
 18.62 m +1.52 m 37 km/h
5Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
 19.23 m +2.13 m 43 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 45.9% (7.85 m ≈ 1.7 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Michelin Defender 2 would still be travelling at 73 km/h when the Michelin X Ice Snow had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Test data in partnership with

Around the snow handling course the winter tyres reasserted themselves. The Blizzak WS90 set the fastest lap, over nine seconds clear of the slowest tyre in the test, and the five winter tyres locked out the top five places, with the WeatherPeak dropping to seventh.

Snow Handling

Snow handling time in seconds

Lower is better ↓

All Season Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin Primacy Tour AS
 61.17 s Best
2Michelin Defender 2
 62.84 s +1.67 s

All Weather Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
 57.95 s Best
2Bridgestone WeatherPeak
 58.04 s +0.09 s
3Vredestein Quatrac
 58.37 s +0.42 s

Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
 53.66 s Best
2Continental VikingContact 8
 54.19 s +0.53 s
3Michelin X Ice Snow
 54.31 s +0.65 s
4General Altimax Arctic 12
 56.31 s +2.65 s
5Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
 57.07 s +3.41 s

The difference between best and worst was 17.1% (9.18 s).

Test data in partnership with

The subjective snow scores match the stopwatch. The Blizzak WS90 was rated highest, with testers noting they could brake later and accelerate earlier than on anything else, while the Defender 2 and Primacy Tour A/S shared the lowest score, both marked down for giving almost no warning before letting go.

Subj. Snow Handling

Subjective Snow Handling Score

Higher is better ↑

All Season Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin Primacy Tour AS
 4.5 Points Best
1Michelin Defender 2
 4.5 Points Best

All Weather Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Bridgestone WeatherPeak
 6.5 Points Best
2Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
 6.25 Points -0.25 Points
3Vredestein Quatrac
 5.25 Points -1.25 Points

Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
 8.25 Points Best
2Michelin X Ice Snow
 8 Points -0.25 Points
2Continental VikingContact 8
 8 Points -0.25 Points
4General Altimax Arctic 12
 7.75 Points -0.50 Points
5Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
 7 Points -1.25 Points

The difference between best and worst was 45.5% (3.75 Points).

Test data in partnership with

Ice

Ice produced the widest margins in the test. The Blizzak WS90 stopped shortest, with the X-Ice Snow close behind, and four of the winter tyres took the top four places. The Primacy Tour A/S needed roughly half as far again as the Blizzak to stop from the same speed.

Ice Braking

Ice braking in meters (19 - 0 km/h)

Lower is better ↓

All Season Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Michelin Defender 2
 16.76 m Best 0 km/h
2Michelin Primacy Tour AS
 17.59 m +0.83 m 28 km/h

All Weather Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Vredestein Quatrac
 15.42 m Best 0 km/h
2Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
 16.15 m +0.73 m 28 km/h
3Bridgestone WeatherPeak
 16.49 m +1.07 m 33 km/h

Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
 11.8 m Best 0 km/h
2Michelin X Ice Snow
 12.01 m +0.21 m 17 km/h
3Continental VikingContact 8
 13.2 m +1.40 m 42 km/h
4General Altimax Arctic 12
 13.99 m +2.19 m 51 km/h
5Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
 16.22 m +4.42 m 68 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 49.1% (5.79 m ≈ 1.3 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Michelin Primacy Tour AS would still be travelling at 75 km/h when the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Test data in partnership with

There is one genuine upset here. The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+, a dedicated performance winter tyre, was beaten on ice braking by the Vredestein Quatrac, an all-weather tyre from the same manufacturer, and finished behind it for ice acceleration too. That is not the usual order of things and is a reminder that the performance winter category trades some outright cold-weather traction for speed rating and dry ability.

Ice Traction

Ice acceleration time

Lower is better ↓

All Season Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin Defender 2
 6.17 s Best
2Michelin Primacy Tour AS
 6.24 s +0.07 s

All Weather Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Vredestein Quatrac
 5.8 s Best
2Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
 6.09 s +0.29 s
3Bridgestone WeatherPeak
 6.17 s +0.37 s

Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
 5.02 s Best
2Michelin X Ice Snow
 5.09 s +0.07 s
3Continental VikingContact 8
 5.3 s +0.28 s
4General Altimax Arctic 12
 5.51 s +0.49 s
5Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
 6.02 s +1.00 s

The difference between best and worst was 24.3% (1.22 s).

Test data in partnership with

Comfort

The Continental VikingContact 8 was rated the most comfortable tyre in the test, which is a strong result for a studless winter tyre, while the WeatherPeak was the firmest. On noise the Defender 2 was clearly the quietest, and the CrossClimate2 shared the lowest score with four others after testers noted a constant growl that turned to a hiss at speed.

Subj. Comfort

Subjective Comfort Score

Higher is better ↑

All Season Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin Primacy Tour AS
 7.5 Points Best
1Michelin Defender 2
 7.5 Points Best

All Weather Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Vredestein Quatrac
 7.5 Points Best
2Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
 7.25 Points -0.25 Points
3Bridgestone WeatherPeak
 7 Points -0.50 Points

Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Continental VikingContact 8
 8 Points Best
2Michelin X Ice Snow
 7.75 Points -0.25 Points
2Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
 7.75 Points -0.25 Points
4General Altimax Arctic 12
 7.5 Points -0.50 Points
4Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
 7.5 Points -0.50 Points

The difference between best and worst was 12.5% (1 Points).

Test data in partnership with

Subj. Noise

Subjective in car noise levels

Higher is better ↑

All Season Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin Defender 2
 8 Points Best
2Michelin Primacy Tour AS
 7 Points -1.00 Points

All Weather Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Bridgestone WeatherPeak
 7.5 Points Best
2Vredestein Quatrac
 7 Points -0.50 Points
2Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
 7 Points -0.50 Points

Winter Tyres

Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Continental VikingContact 8
 7.75 Points Best
2General Altimax Arctic 12
 7.5 Points -0.25 Points
3Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
 7.25 Points -0.50 Points
4Michelin X Ice Snow
 7 Points -0.75 Points
4Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
 7 Points -0.75 Points

The difference between best and worst was 12.5% (1 Points).

Test data in partnership with

How this compares with our own testing

The WeatherPeak result is worth checking against other data, because an all-weather tyre out-braking three winter tyres in snow invites scepticism. It holds up. The WeatherPeak finished second of eight for snow braking in our own all-weather tyre test, and second of eleven in Tire Rack's 2025 test. Strong snow braking is a consistent characteristic of this tyre rather than a one-off result.

Results

Tire Rack does not declare an overall winner in this test, and publishes separate road and snow ratings instead. The order below combines those two ratings evenly, which puts the five dedicated winter tyres ahead of the three all-weather tyres, and the two all-season tyres without the snowflake marking last. Read it as a summary of this particular test rather than a buying order, because the right tyre here depends entirely on how much of your year is actually spent on snow and ice. Tire Rack publish the full driver scorecards, their own written conclusions and several measurements we have not reproduced here, all of which is well worth reading in the original test report.

This test compares tyres from different seasonal categories. Each category is ranked separately.

All Season Tyres

1st

Michelin Defender 2

215/55 R17 98H XL
Michelin Defender 2
The Defender 2 shows what a standard touring all-season tyre offers when it is asked to work in winter. It is good in the dry, sound in the wet and quiet with it, but on snow and ice it is plainly out of its element and needs to be driven with real caution.
All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better26.274 m
Dry CircleHigher is better0.86 g
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better33.619 m
Wet CircleHigher is better0.7 g
Snow BrakingLower is better24.951 m
Snow HandlingLower is better62.84 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better4.5 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better16.764 m
Ice TractionLower is better6.17 s
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7.5 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8 Points
2nd

Michelin Primacy Tour AS

215/55 R17 94V
Michelin Primacy Tour AS
The Primacy Tour A/S is a capable warm-weather all-season tyre and one of the better performers here in the dry and the wet. It is one of only two tyres in this test without the three-peak mountain snowflake marking, and the winter results show why that marking matters: once temperatures drop it has little to offer.
All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better25.512 m
Dry CircleHigher is better0.86 g
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better30.267 m
Wet CircleHigher is better0.72 g
Snow BrakingLower is better24.719 m
Snow HandlingLower is better61.17 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better4.5 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better17.587 m
Ice TractionLower is better6.24 s
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7.5 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7 Points

All Weather Tyres

1st

Bridgestone WeatherPeak

215/55 R17 94V
Bridgestone WeatherPeak
The WeatherPeak is the most winter-capable all-weather tyre in this test, and its snow braking in particular is close enough to dedicated winter rubber to matter. Ice is where the gap reopens, and the ride is the weakest here, so it is a strong year-round option for snow country rather than a true winter replacement.
All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better29.444 m
Dry CircleHigher is better0.84 g
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better33.741 m
Wet CircleHigher is better0.67 g
Snow BrakingLower is better17.87 m
Snow HandlingLower is better58.04 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better6.5 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better16.49 m
Ice TractionLower is better6.17 s
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7.5 Points
2nd

Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW

215/55 R17 94V
Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
The CrossClimate2 is the best road tyre in this group and a capable performer when the weather turns, which is exactly the reputation it carries. What this test makes plain is the size of the remaining gap: against a proper winter tyre it gives up a great deal of snow and ice traction. Excellent for drivers who see occasional winter weather, not a substitute where winter is a season.
All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better25.329 m
Dry CircleHigher is better0.83 g
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better8.25 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better30.358 m
Wet CircleHigher is better0.69 g
Snow BrakingLower is better22.061 m
Snow HandlingLower is better57.95 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better6.25 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better16.154 m
Ice TractionLower is better6.09 s
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7.25 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7 Points
3rd

Vredestein Quatrac

215/55 R17 98H XL
Vredestein Quatrac
The Quatrac is the wet-weather standout of this test and a genuinely pleasant road tyre, which makes it a strong all-weather choice for regions that see far more rain than snow. In the snow it is merely competent, and on the slipperiest patches it is not confidence inspiring.
All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better25.786 m
Dry CircleHigher is better0.85 g
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better7.5 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better28.346 m
Wet CircleHigher is better0.74 g
Snow BrakingLower is better22.244 m
Snow HandlingLower is better58.37 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better5.25 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better15.423 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.8 s
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7.5 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7 Points

Winter Tyres

1st

Continental VikingContact 8

215/55 R17 98H XL
Continental VikingContact 8
The VikingContact 8 is the most complete winter tyre here. It pairs front-running snow and ice ability with the best on-road refinement in the group, and that combination is what carries it to the top of our combined order. The trade is weak wet grip, so it suits a driver who wants genuine winter capability without a harsh daily drive.
All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better30.145 m
Dry CircleHigher is better0.81 g
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better7.5 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better35.905 m
Wet CircleHigher is better0.63 g
Snow BrakingLower is better18.075 m
Snow HandlingLower is better54.19 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better13.198 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.3 s
Subj. ComfortHigher is better8 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7.75 Points
2nd

Michelin X Ice Snow

215/55 R17 98H XL
Michelin X Ice Snow
The X-Ice Snow is the winter specialist of this group. On snow and ice it is at or near the front in every test, and it drives with a precision most winter tyres cannot match, but it pays for that with the poorest warm and wet road performance in the field. A strong choice where winter dominates the year, a poor one where it does not.
All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better31.394 m
Dry CircleHigher is better0.78 g
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better8 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better39.319 m
Wet CircleHigher is better0.6 g
Snow BrakingLower is better17.099 m
Snow HandlingLower is better54.31 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better12.009 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.09 s
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7.75 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7 Points
3rd

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

215/55 R17 94H
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
The Blizzak WS90 remains the winter benchmark of this group. Nothing else in the test matched it for ice traction or for snow handling, and it stays forgiving and controllable when its limits are finally passed. The cost is vague steering and modest wet grip, which is the familiar bargain a dedicated winter tyre asks you to make.
All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better28.072 m
Dry CircleHigher is better0.78 g
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better6.5 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better35.844 m
Wet CircleHigher is better0.6 g
Snow BrakingLower is better17.474 m
Snow HandlingLower is better53.66 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better8.25 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better11.796 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.02 s
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7.5 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7.25 Points
4th

General Altimax Arctic 12

215/55 R17 98T XL
General Altimax Arctic 12
The Altimax Arctic 12 is the value winter choice here. Even unstudded it is comfortably better in snow and on ice than any all-season tyre in the test, and it is easy to live with day to day, but its road manners and steering precision are the price of that. Predictable and forgiving rather than sharp.
All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better31.303 m
Dry CircleHigher is better0.78 g
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better6.25 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better37.308 m
Wet CircleHigher is better0.65 g
Snow BrakingLower is better18.617 m
Snow HandlingLower is better56.31 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better7.75 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better13.99 m
Ice TractionLower is better5.51 s
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7.5 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7.5 Points
5th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro+

215/55 R17 98H XL
Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
The Wintrac Pro+ is the compromise in the middle of this field. Its road behaviour and wet grip are closer to a good all-weather tyre than to a winter specialist, and its snow ability is clearly stronger than any all-season tyre here, but it does not reach the winter traction of the studless tyres. A sensible fit for milder winters and faster roads.
All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better28.194 m
Dry CircleHigher is better0.83 g
Subj. Road ScoreHigher is better7 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better30.541 m
Wet CircleHigher is better0.71 g
Snow BrakingLower is better19.227 m
Snow HandlingLower is better57.07 s
Subj. Snow HandlingHigher is better7 Points
Ice BrakingLower is better16.215 m
Ice TractionLower is better6.02 s
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7.75 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better7 Points

Discussion

  1. No comments yet — be the first.
Rate your tyres

My tyres

Saved in this browser on this site. No account needed. Clearing browser data removes your choices.

Vehicle and size

Check the size, load and speed ratings on your vehicle. Saving a size does not confirm fitment.

Saved tyres

Save tyres from a tyre page, test or comparison to keep them here.

Select 2–8 saved tyres. Ranked comparisons require at least two shared tests.