The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is a premium ultra high performance winter tyre that majors on confidence and safety in real winter conditions. It stands out for dependable snow traction and braking, while also delivering strong wet grip and aquaplaning security in cold temperatures. Drivers generally find it predictable and comfortable for the category, and independent tests back up its consistently high overall results across many sizes.
The quick answer
Owners say83%from 47 owner reviews83% would buy againRead the reviews
Strengths & weaknessesWet, SnowDry, ComfortRelative to its rivals across every test we hold
Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tyre - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated October 2026.
The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 achieves good ratings in both driving safety and environmental performance, resulting in a good overall score. For driving safety, while the tyre could provide slightly better steering feel, responsiveness, and precision on dry roads, it maintains good performance limits allowing stable and safe obstacle avoidance with good braking distances from 100 km/h. On wet surfaces, it earns good ratings for braking performance and handling with good safety reserves and precise control over test courses, though it only achieves satisfactory results in both longitudinal and lateral aquaplaning resistance, albeit narrowly missing better scores. In winter conditions, the Winter Sport 5 receives good ratings with effective braking distances on snow and ice, good traction performance, and just barely achieves a good rating for snow handling by adequately combining longitudinal and lateral forces while providing sufficient reserves for largely precise handling course navigation. Regarding environmental impact, this German-manufactured tyre earns good ratings due to its high predicted mileage and low tyre wear, while also scoring well for efficiency thanks to its low weight and fuel consumption.
Strong: Wet Circle ·Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
Every independent test of the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, newest first
In 205/55 R16, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is projected to cost €11.20 per 1,000 km to buy and run - about €448 over 40,000 km - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test.
Tyre purchase + fittingExtra fuel vs the most efficient tyrecost per 1,000 km
Assumes a typical car using 8 l/100km (with rolling resistance causing 20% of fuel use), fuel at €1.65 per litre and €70 fitting per set of four. Purchase prices are from the time of the 2024 test; financing costs are excluded.
Across the 26 wet-braking tests it has featured in, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stops 2.6% longer than premium rivals, 2.2% shorter than mid-range rivals and 7.2% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tyre Reviews wet score of 85/100, and owners rate it 8.5/10 in the wet from 47 reviews.
How good is the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 in the dry?
Across the 20 dry-braking tests it has featured in, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stops 2% longer than premium rivals, 0.8% longer than mid-range rivals and 4.3% longer than budget rivals. It has a Tyre Reviews dry score of 45/100, and owners rate it 8.3/10 in the dry from 47 reviews.
How good is the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 in the snow?
Across the 26 snow-braking tests it has featured in, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stops 1.4% shorter than premium rivals, 2.5% shorter than mid-range rivals and 18.2% shorter than budget rivals. Across the 15 snow-traction tests, it is 0.7% better than premium rivals, 3.4% better than mid-range rivals and 42% better than budget rivals. It has a Tyre Reviews snow score of 83/100, and owners rate it 9.1/10 in the snow from 47 reviews.
How good is the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 on ice?
Across the 5 ice-braking tests it has featured in, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stops 0.3% shorter than premium rivals, 2.3% shorter than mid-range rivals and 4.4% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tyre Reviews ice score of 48/100, and owners rate it 8.2/10 on ice from 47 reviews.
How fuel efficient is the Dunlop Winter Sport 5?
Across the 15 tests measuring rolling resistance, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5's rolling resistance is 1.7% lower than premium rivals, 5% lower than mid-range rivals and 3.1% lower than budget rivals.
More questions about the Dunlop Winter Sport 5(12)
How many miles does the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 last?
Based on test and owner data, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is expected to last around 28,288 miles (45,525 km).
What do owners say about the Dunlop Winter Sport 5?
Across 47 owner ratings the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 averages 83%. Owners rate Snow Grip highest at 9.1 out of 10 and Handling lowest at 7.9. 14 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles. 82% of owners score it 70% or better.
How much does the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 cost to run?
In 205/55 R16, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is projected to cost €11.20 per 1,000 km to buy and run - about €448 over 40,000 km - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test. Of the tyres compared in that test, that makes it the cheapest to run.
What is the Dunlop Winter Sport 5's EU tyre label rating?
Across its range, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 most commonly carries EU label ratings of C for fuel efficiency, C for wet grip and 72 dB for noise.
How comfortable and quiet are the Dunlop Winter Sport 5?
Owners rate the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 8.4 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 40 reviews.
How well do the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 8.7 out of 10 for wear across 40 reviews. 14 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles, and the typical review covers 5,000 miles.
Would owners buy the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 again?
83% of owners say they would buy the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 again, based on the 46 owner reviews that answered the question. 39% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
What do owners say about the Dunlop Winter Sport 5's snow traction?
Of the 39 owner reviews analysed for the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, 22 mention snow traction: 22 praise it (strong snow traction) and 0 criticise it (weak snow traction). One owner wrote: "In winter conditions, especially around 0°C and below, the grip was exceptional". Read those reviews
What do owners say about the Dunlop Winter Sport 5's wet grip?
Of the 39 owner reviews analysed for the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, 17 mention wet grip: 13 praise it (confident wet grip) and 4 criticise it (weak wet grip). One owner wrote: "super super performance on wet roads". Read those reviews
What do owners say about the Dunlop Winter Sport 5's dry grip?
Of the 39 owner reviews analysed for the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, 15 mention dry grip: 13 praise it (strong dry grip) and 2 criticise it (limited dry grip). One owner wrote: "I have lots of grip in any condition - Dry, Wet, Snow, even on ice they stopped the car in 2-3 TIMES shorter distance comparing the Lassa Snoways Era". Read those reviews
Questions and Answers for the Dunlop Winter Sport 5
Does xl (extra load) tend to be more noisey and more fuel consumption.
Car : Mercedes w205 C220 d bluetec.
Tyres : Dunlop Winter Sport 5 225/50 R17 98H XL
November 14, 2023
Potentially yes, but the differences should be small.
Show all questions(3)
How to fit correctly the tyres on the wheel -where should be the yellow mark lines placed? outside or inside?
November 17, 2016
The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is a directional winter tyre, and as such has no inside or outside. The sidewall will have an arrow indicating forward rotation, you should go by this indication.
What is the comfort temperature (max/min) for this tyre?
October 7, 2016
The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 can be used in any temperatures, however it is recommended you fit and use winter tyres only when the temperatures are consistently under 7c.
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.
What owners mention most counted across 39 reviews
Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.
Owner ratings averaged from 47 ratings
Owner score83%
Snow Grip91%
Wear87%
Wet Grip85%
Comfort84%
Dry Grip83%
Ice Grip82%
Road Feedback79%
Handling79%
Featured reviews
Most helpful 90%
“I purchased my set of Dunlop WinterSport 5 tires back in 2016, and after 9 years of use and approximately 40,000 kilometers, I can confidently say I was thoroughly satisfied with their performance. Even after all these...”
“Overall not as good as a tyre as I expected it to be. It's kind of sad to know that I've spent quite a high price for the set, thinking it will be a good tyre, as Dunlop has been previously for me, only to find out that...”
“It’s a very comfortable and reliable tire especially in the snow, slippery and cold conditions, which we get quite a lot here in Poland. When temperatures rise above 5-6 degrees Celsius the compound proves to be really...”
I drove the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 for two winters\. From the very beginning, it felt rather vague and indirect in dry conditions\. In fast corners on the motorway, the car felt quite squirmy\. In the wet, the vehicle tended to spin its wheels\. On the other hand, it performed very well in snow and still had 8 mm of tread after two winters, which indicates very good wear resistance\.
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)
Check out how the BEST all seasons tyres perform against premium summer and winter tyres!
I purchased my set of Dunlop WinterSport 5 tires back in 2016, and after 9 years of use and approximately 40,000 kilometers, I can confidently say I was thoroughly satisfied with their performance.
Even after all these years, tread wear was minimal, which speaks volumes about the durability of the compound. The tires only started to show signs of aging recently, with visible cracking due to age, which is to be expected after nearly a decade.
In winter conditions, especially around 0°C and below, the grip was exceptional. The tire offered great braking performance, predictable handling, and a very reliable, confidence-inspiring feel. Whether it was wet slush or compact snow, the tire performed consistently well.
In warmer temperatures, the tire did begin to lose grip more easily, especially during sudden cornering, with a noticeable tendency for understeer. However, the handling always remained controllable, and I never felt unsafe or out of control.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend the Dunlop WinterSport 5 to anyone looking for a trustworthy winter tire. It delivered great value, excellent winter safety, and durability well beyond expectations. I would buy it again without hesitation.
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Excellent winter tyre. Snow grip superb, ultimate confidence driving a rwd in snow, handled slushy roads with ease and commutes with icy roads were a less worrisome. Excellent in heavy rain but noise level did increase, did lose traction under heavy breaking in the dry but on that one occasion where it did, my fault for carrying too much speed (normal driving probably wouldn’t have caused an issue). Comfort levels were amazing. Ran Dunlop sport maxx rt2’s in the summer but these winter tyres were much more quiet and comfortable. Only used them for two winters before changing cars, but wear was negligible, saying that, I only average approx 5-6 thousand miles a year.
I have these tyres on an Alfa Romeo Giulietta. I'm a really passionate driver an I always try to find the best tyres for my car. I think these tyres are excellent during winter season because:
- Good on snow, especially for traction and braking, not excellent in lateral grip. Also in snowy slope I have never had to put tyre chains on (for the moment at least).
- Very good on asphalt, the car has always a balanced and neutral behavior. You could feel when the car is slipping. Quite fast and precise on steering. (Obviously we are talking about a winter tyre, not a summer one!)
My suggestion is, when is very cold (
78%
Member
BMW
205/60 R16
35,000 miles
A Combination of Roads
Average
Very good tire on snow and ice, both handling and braking, also good on dry surfaces.
A bit too noisy for my taste but it's a winter tire so I guess is ok.
A very snow- and ice-focused tyre. Struggled a bit too much with wet and dry conditions, but overall not the all-conquering test winner which seemingly everyone said it is. (might be related to my specific size used)
After 4 seasons they got annoyingly noisy, but until then, they were quite comfortable.
It’s a very comfortable and reliable tire especially in the snow, slippery and cold conditions, which we get quite a lot here in Poland. When temperatures rise above 5-6 degrees Celsius the compound proves to be really soft and hence dry breaking isn’t great. It’s time to replace them after 6 seasons and 60K Kms and although it isn’t sporty at all, due to low rolling resistance and comfortable ride, it suits me for long (800 km) trips visiting family in Hungary. I would repurchase it for next winter.
I have for the last dozen years driven MPV's as a second family car due to their practicality. Every one of my MPV's has had winter tyres for 5 months of the year. These Dunlops were on my most recent 8 seat Citroen Spacetourer, which is about to be replaced by an identical new car, so these wheels & tyres will be carried over and fitted again in the next 6 weeks. I have been very impressed with the Wintersport 5's in the two years and 16k miles that I used them and have been fortunate to drive them in about 10 days of decent snow and many frosty mornings in that time. I would rate them as one of the best Winter tyres that I have used. They brake very well in snow and wet and also have great traction when accelerating, even when slightly icy slush is about. My previous 5 sets of winter tyres were Goodyear and Conti and they were also good, so I know what I like. I found that with the Wintersports I could just about get up a 1 in 5 snow covered 1st gear sharp corner in the north Pennines (UK), which I initially thought would be too much for them in a heavy car with only 2wd. What I really like about them is the plush ride, despite being 101 load rated, which in some brands can mean thick sidewalls, but not these. On cold wet Winter days where temperatures are just above freezing, I have found them to have good traction and pulling away from a wet junction can easily be accomplished without wheelspin even with a heavy load in the rear. They are commendably quiet on all surfaces, but then in my experience most winter tyres are quieter than the summer equivalent. I never got to test them on stretches of sheet ice so can't comment on their performance for that. Wear has been brilliant compared to the poor summer Michelin Primacy 3 that the car also uses which only lasted 18,000 miles. I predict that the Wintersport 5 will reach about 30,000 miles if I rotate them around the car each winter. I would buy again, but I suspect that a new Dunlop will be along in 2022 or 23 so I will need to look at Tyre Reviews and make a fresh decision from their test results database for the next set of boots. Dunlop Wintersport 5 are highly recommended by me with no caveats.
Overall not as good as a tyre as I expected it to be.
It's kind of sad to know that I've spent quite a high price for the set, thinking it will be a good tyre, as Dunlop has been previously for me, only to find out that I'm almost disappointed in the qualities of it, especially in dry handling.
It may have something to do with the fact, that I have fitted KW coilovers.
The Winter Sport 5 give the car a little too much of understeer but still acceptable, a little more disturbing is they feel a little lazy on the breakes but still ok for a winter tyre. I drove only 2-3 hours in real winter conditions here in hamburg so do not expect too much from my opinion - they did their job which is fine for this small and wide format. Noise, comfort and fuel consumption are very ok. The sidewalls were surprisingly full of dents after the first winter, and look not much better than the moon after 3 Winters - but where it counts they still look like one more winter, now the score is 40000 miles.
