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Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 Test Results

Tyre Reviews tests: 2 Tested 2022 to 2025 10 publications

Tested 21 times by independent publications, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 has taken 1 test wins with an average finish of 7th. Its strongest discipline is Wet Braking, beating 67% of the field across 19 tests; its weakest is Dry Handling, at 28% across 11 tests.

  • 21Independent tests
  • 1Test wins
  • 2Podium finishes
  • 7thAverage finish
  • 53%Field beaten on average
  • 10Publications
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

21 tests, 2022 to 2025

0%50%100%2022202320242025Average 53%2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test (2022): P7 of 8, Beat 14% of the field2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test (2022): P4 of 9, Beat 63% of the field2022 Winter Tyre Market Overview (2022): P5 of 56, Beat 93% of the field2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test (2022): P1 of 20, Beat 95% of the field2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test (2023): P12 of 15, Beat 21% of the field2023 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test (2023): P6 of 11, Beat 50% of the field2023 Winter Tyre Test 54 Set Braking Test (2023): P9 of 54, Beat 85% of the field2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test (2023): P5 of 20, Beat 79% of the field2023 Sports Cars Winter Tyre Test (2023): P6 of 11, Beat 50% of the field2023 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test (2023): P7 of 9, Beat 25% of the field2024 Winter 55 Tyre Braking Test (2024): P4 of 55, Beat 94% of the field2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test (2024): P11 of 12, Beat 9% of the fieldThe Best Studded / Friction Winter Tyres for 2024 (2024): P3 of 5 (Central European Winter Tyres), Beat 50% of the field2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test (2024): P7 of 16, Beat 60% of the field2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test (2024): P4 of 10, Beat 33% of the field2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test (2024): P13 of 20, Beat 37% of the field2024 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test (2024): P4 of 7, Beat 50% of the field2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tyre Test (2025): P5 of 7, Beat 33% of the field2025 AMS Winter Tyre Test (2025): P7 of 10, Beat 33% of the field2025 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 52 Sets! (2025): P9 of 51, Beat 84% of the field2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test (2025): P10 of 20, Beat 53% of the field
Share of the field beaten in each test, oldest to newest. Hover or tap a point for the test.
  • Test win
  • Second
  • Third
  • Average 53%
The latest test

2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test P10 of 20

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 establishes itself as a wet-weather specialist with exceptional grip talent on damp and rainy roads. It delivers particularly strong performance in wet conditions, providing confident handling and reliable braking when rain falls. However, this wet-focused optimization creates an imbalanced character with notably imprecise and vague handling on dry pavement, which is disappointing for a premium Italian brand typically known for sporty characteristics. The tyre also carries a high price tag at approximately €620 per set, making it one of the most expensive options. An important note is that this tyre has since been succeeded by the Cinturato Winter 3, so availability may be limited. The Pirelli is best suited for drivers in regions with wet but relatively mild winters who rarely encounter snow and prioritize wet-weather safety above all else, though the handling compromises and high price may steer many toward more balanced alternatives.

Strong: Wet Handling, Subj. Comfort Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

Record by discipline

Where the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tyres. Field beaten is the share of the other tyres it outranked in that measurement.

Discipline Tests Avg finish Field beaten Firsts
Dry
Dry Braking 15 P6.7 of 14.1 53% -
Dry Handling Weak 11 P11 of 14.6 28% -
Subj. Dry Handling 5 P3.2 of 9.6 69% 3
Wet
Wet Braking Strong 19 P5.3 of 22.6 67% 2
Wet Braking - Concrete 2 P2 of 14 92% -
Wet Handling 11 P4.9 of 14.5 64% 1
Subj. Wet Handling 5 P4.6 of 9.6 60% 1
Wet Circle 7 P5.3 of 16.9 68% -
Straight Aqua 15 P6.9 of 14.1 52% -
Curved Aquaplaning 13 P9.3 of 14.5 37% -
Snow
Snow Braking 19 P10.2 of 17.8 45% -
Snow Traction 14 P6.2 of 14.4 61% -
Snow Handling 11 P5.9 of 14.1 59% -
Subj. Snow Handling 5 P4 of 9.6 62% 1
Snow Circle 2 P5.5 of 10 50% -
Snow Slalom 6 P6.2 of 18.5 72% 2
Ice
Ice Braking 3 P2.7 of 14.3 87% 1
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 6 P4.5 of 11.3 62% 2
Subj. Noise 1 P7 of 8 14% -
Noise 12 P7.5 of 14.5 51% 1
Value
Wear 7 P9.1 of 17.6 48% -
Value 5 P13.8 of 19 29% -
Rolling Resistance 12 P9.8 of 13.8 33% -
Fuel Consumption 2 P6 of 13.5 58% -
Abrasion 3 P11.3 of 14.3 21% -

Head-to-head record

Overall finishing position against the tyres that have most often shared a test with the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2. Only tyres tested alongside it at least three times are listed.

Rival Shared tests Ahead Behind Level Finished ahead
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 16 shared: 2 ahead, 14 behind Compare with UltraGrip Performance 3 16 2 14 - 13%
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P 13 shared: 2 ahead, 11 behind Compare with WinterContact TS 870 P 13 2 11 - 15%
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 12 shared: 8 ahead, 4 behind Compare with Wintrac Pro 12 8 4 - 67%
Semperit Speed Grip 5 11 shared: 8 ahead, 3 behind Compare with Speed Grip 5 11 8 3 - 73%
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 11 shared: 3 ahead, 8 behind Compare with Blizzak LM005 11 3 8 - 27%
Kumho Winter Craft WP52 10 shared: 7 ahead, 3 behind Compare with Winter Craft WP52 10 7 3 - 70%
Michelin Alpin 6 10 shared: 3 ahead, 6 behind Compare with Alpin 6 10 3 6 1 33%
Hankook Winter I cept RS3 10 shared: 3 ahead, 7 behind Compare with Winter I cept RS3 10 3 7 - 30%
Giti GitiWinterW2 9 shared: 8 ahead, 1 behind 9 8 1 - 89%
Kleber Krisalp HP3 9 shared: 7 ahead, 2 behind 9 7 2 - 78%
Firestone Winterhawk 4 9 shared: 7 ahead, 2 behind 9 7 2 - 78%
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 9 shared: 5 ahead, 4 behind 9 5 4 - 56%
Fulda Kristall Control HP2 8 shared: 7 ahead, 1 behind 8 7 1 - 88%
BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 8 shared: 5 ahead, 3 behind 8 5 3 - 63%
Uniroyal WinterExpert 8 shared: 5 ahead, 3 behind 8 5 3 - 63%
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 8 shared: 3 ahead, 5 behind 8 3 5 - 38%
Continental WinterContact TS 870 8 shared: 1 ahead, 7 behind Compare with WinterContact TS 870 8 1 7 - 13%
Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro 7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind 7 7 0 - 100%
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 7 shared: 0 ahead, 7 behind 7 0 7 - 0%
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906 6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind 6 6 0 - 100%

Against its own line

The same record for the tyre it replaced and the tyre that replaced it.

Tyre Tests Wins Avg finish Field beaten
Pirelli Cinturato Winter Predecessor 18 0 8th 53%
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 This tyre 21 1 7th 53%
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 Successor 7 3 2nd 87%

Performance Analysis

Drawn from 21 tests. Updated October 28, 2026.

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is most consistently convincing in wet braking and cornering, with dry steering precision and efficiency more frequent reservations. It won the 2022 Auto Bild full test and earned Recommended in the 2022/23 Tyre Reviews test, finishing fourth of nine. Wet braking was first of 16 and first of 12 in the two ADAC 2024 sizes, while Auto Bild 2025 placed it first of 22 in wet handling. ADAC repeatedly criticised dry steering feedback and oversteer. Rolling resistance was 11th of 13 in Tyre Reviews 2023 and 17th of 22 in Auto Bild 2025.

Snow and aquaplaning results vary. Snow handling was third of 13 in Tyre Reviews 2023 but eighth of ten in AMS 2025, an unusually weak showing despite better snow results elsewhere that year. Aquaplaning was strong in Tyre Reviews 2023 but much weaker in Sport Auto 2023 and Die Reifentester 2025. Comfort was often criticised, although joint first in Auto Bild 2025 was an unusually favourable exception. Wear ranged from fifth of 20 in Auto Bild 2022 to 11th of 12 in ADAC 2024. The poor 2022 Auto Zeitung snow result is unusual and accompanied by a note identifying a subsequent compound update from DOT 2622.

Performance Strengths

Performance Weaknesses

Every test, newest first 21

Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.

2025 4 tests
P10 of 20 Beat 53% of the field

2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test

Auto Bild 225/40 R18 gut (Good)

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 establishes itself as a wet-weather specialist with exceptional grip talent on damp and rainy roads. It delivers particularly strong performance in wet conditions, providing confident handling and reliable braking when rain falls. However, this wet-focused optimization creates an imbalanced character with notably imprecise and vague handling on dry pavement, which is disappointing for a premium Italian brand typically known for sporty characteristics. The tyre also carries a high price tag at approximately €620 per set, making it one of the most expensive options. An important note is that this tyre has since been succeeded by the Cinturato Winter 3, so availability may be limited. The Pirelli is best suited for drivers in regions with wet but relatively mild winters who rarely encounter snow and prioritize wet-weather safety above all else, though the handling compromises and high price may steer many toward more balanced alternatives.

StrongWet HandlingSubj. Comfort WinnerMichelin Pilot Alpin 5

P7 of 10 Beat 33% of the field

2025 AMS Winter Tyre Test

Auto Motor Und Sport 215/55 R17

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is generally reliable but struggles somewhat on snow-covered roads. It provides strong grip in wet corners and good braking with safe aquaplaning behavior. In dry conditions, it offers secure braking and easily controllable handling with pronounced reserves, though it can be somewhat unbalanced with less stable wet handling. On snow, the tyre has particular difficulty across all disciplines with comparatively low grip levels and limited reserves. Testers noted rough rolling characteristics and profile noise during cornering. The tyre's wet performance is solid, but the noticeable weakness in snow capability means it's better suited for regions with milder winters and primarily wet, cold conditions rather than heavy snowfall.

StrongSubj. Dry Handling WeakSnow CircleNoise WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 870 P

P5 of 7 Beat 33% of the field

2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tyre Test

Die Reifentester 215/55 R17

Pirelli’s Winter 2 behaves very similarly to Nokian’s Snowproof 2. It offers no world‑class performances in wet or dry conditions but scores well in the snow disciplines of handling, braking and traction. Overall it sits between the extremes of snow specialist and wet/dry expert, earning a good rating.

StrongSnow BrakingSubj. Snow Handling WeakCurved AquaplaningSubj. ComfortSubj. Noise WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 870 P

2024 7 tests
P4 of 7 Beat 50% of the field

2024 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test

Auto Express 205/55 R16

The Pirelli finished fourth overall, matching its 2022 position, with strong handling results in both wet and dry conditions where it placed second fastest. Snow handling was competitive, finishing fourth but less than half a second off the lead time. Snow braking and traction results were mid-pack, though the tyre showed good balance and predictable responses. Wet braking saw it take third, within a metre of the best time. The tyre performed well in curved aquaplaning but was average in straight-line deep water tests. The Pirelli matched its fourth place dry braking with confident handling, showing good grip levels and stability. While recording the third-lowest cabin noise, its rolling resistance was second-highest in the test.

WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 870

P13 of 20 Beat 37% of the field

2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test

Auto Bild 205/55 R16

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 demonstrates good performance in winter conditions, particularly excelling in braking on snow and wet roads. It also offers a quiet ride, enhancing driving comfort. However, its moderate mileage might be a concern for those looking for long-term value. This tyre seems well-suited for drivers who prioritize performance and comfort in winter conditions but may not be the best choice for high-mileage drivers.

WeakValue WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 870

P4 of 10 Beat 33% of the field

2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test

Auto Zeitung 215/55 R17

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 displays lively handling and responsive feedback in dry conditions, but it's not as balanced as on wet surfaces. It has commendably low noise levels inside the cabin. In wet conditions, it has longer braking distances but exhibits a balanced and responsive handling in corners. On snow, it leads the winter tyre rankings, providing excellent grip and clear feedback. The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is a good choice for snowy conditions, but its long wet braking distances and average dry performance hinder a higher overall ranking.

StrongSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow HandlingSnow Circle WeakDry Handling WinnerBridgestone Blizzak LM005

P7 of 16 Beat 60% of the field

2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test

ADAC 215/55 R17

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 achieves a satisfactory rating for driving safety, with good performance on wet and wintery roads but exhibiting some weaknesses on dry surfaces. It lacks precision and feedback on dry roads, requiring steering corrections and displaying a tendency to oversteer. However, it performs well on wet surfaces with good braking and excellent handling, though its lateral aquaplaning performance is only average. On snow, it offers good braking, traction, and handling. Its environmental performance is good, with a long lifespan, low abrasion, and good fuel efficiency.

StrongWet BrakingWet Braking - ConcreteSnow TractionIce Braking WinnerGoodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

P3 of 5 Central European Winter Tyres Beat 50% of the field

The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tyres for 2024

Teknikens Varld 225/50 R17

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, a Central European non-studded tyre, performed similarly to the Michelin Alpin 6. It showed good wet and dry performance, including strong results in the moose test and aquaplaning resistance. As expected for its category, it struggled more on ice and snow compared to Nordic tyres. The tyre offered a good balance of comfort and stability but had higher rolling resistance compared to some competitors.

WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 870

P11 of 12 Beat 9% of the field

2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test

ADAC 205/55 R16

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 tyre receives mixed ratings for driving safety. It performs adequately on dry roads, earning only a satisfactory rating due to insufficient steering precision and a tendency to oversteer during dynamic maneuvers. However, it achieves good ratings on both wet and winter roads. On wet surfaces, it excels in braking and longitudinal aquaplaning resistance, narrowly missing good ratings in lateral aquaplaning and handling. The tyre performs well on winter roads, with good braking on snow and ice, excellent snow traction, and very good handling characteristics. Its environmental assessment falls short of a good rating, with satisfactory wear resistance and only average predicted lifespan. However, the tyre scores well in efficiency, particularly due to its low weight.

StrongWet BrakingWet Braking - ConcreteIce BrakingNoise WeakWearAbrasion WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 870

2023 6 tests
P7 of 9 Beat 25% of the field

2023 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test

Sport Auto 225/40 R18

Safe snow handling, prone to aquaplaning, sluggish in dry conditions.

StrongSnow Slalom WeakDry HandlingWet HandlingWet CircleSnow Braking WinnerBridgestone Blizzak LM005

P6 of 11 Beat 50% of the field

2023 Sports Cars Winter Tyre Test

Auto Bild Sportscars 225/40 R18

Good.

StrongSnow Traction WinnerGoodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

P6 of 11 Beat 50% of the field

2023 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test

Tyre Reviews 225/45 R18 Tested by Tyre Reviews

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was another fun tyre to drive, with the best aquaplaning resistance on test, but sadly like the Giti its rolling resistance was amongst the highest of the group. It did however have more grip in the snow and wet than the Giti, hence finishing a spot higher.

StrongSubj. Dry HandlingStraight AquaSubj. Snow Handling WinnerMichelin Pilot Alpin 5

P12 of 15 Beat 21% of the field

2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test

ADAC 225/45 R17

The PIRELLI CINTURATO WINTER 2 tyre exhibits clear weaknesses on dry roads, particularly in steering response and driving safety, with tendencies to oversteer and delayed stabilization. However, its braking distance is good. On wet roads, the tyre performs well in braking and aquaplaning but lacks precision in handling. Its performance on winter roads is good, particularly in braking on snow and ice, and it offers good controllability in handling. It narrowly misses a good rating in snow traction. Environmentally, the tyre scores well in predicted mileage, wear, and efficiency, with both its weight and fuel consumption at good levels.

StrongWet Braking WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 870

2022 4 tests
P4 of 9 Beat 63% of the field

2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test

Tyre Reviews 225/45 R17 Tested by Tyre Reviews Recommended

The new Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was the most fun tyre to drive in all conditions. It was the winter tyre of the group that seemed to focus more on lateral grip than longitudinal grip, and while it wasn't the best in snow braking or the aquaplaning tests, it was great in snow handling, wet handling and dry handling and a very likable tyre. A deserved fourth overall and a tyre I recommend

StrongSubj. Dry HandlingSubj. Wet HandlingSubj. Snow HandlingSubj. ComfortNoise WinnerBridgestone Blizzak LM005

P7 of 8 Beat 14% of the field

2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test

Auto Zeitung 225/45 R17

The compound has had an update since DOT 2622 which vastly improves the performance of the Cinturato Winter 2, see other tests.

StrongSubj. Comfort WeakSubj. Dry HandlingCurved AquaplaningSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow HandlingSubj. Snow Handling WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 870

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