Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 - Test Results

Test Statistics

30

Tests Completed

7^th

Average Position

1^st

Best Result

20^th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 - Official Image

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 delivers a mixed but clearly UHP-leaning profile: repeatedly strong in dry braking/handling and consistently efficient in rolling resistance, yet often let down by snow performance, aquaplaning limits, wear and value. Early tests (2013-2015) include multiple wins and podiums, but later large-comparison tests (2017-2021) show mid-to-lower placements driven by weak snow grip and durability. Wet braking/handling ranges from very good to mid-pack, indicating size/test variability.
Overall, it suits performance-oriented drivers prioritizing dry road precision and fuel efficiency over deep-winter snow capability and longevity. Awards and top-3 category results show it can shine in select metrics, but aggregate rankings (avg. 7.4/field) reflect notable trade-offs in snow, aquaplaning, and wear/value.

Performance Strengths

Dry Performance Strong Details
• 1st overall 2014 AutoBild 235/35 R19 test with strong dry results
• 2nd place dry braking 2018 AutoBild UHP (41.4 m); 2nd place dry braking 2017 Auto Bild (43.7 m)
• Top-3 dry handling 2018 AutoBild UHP (3/11); multiple mid-high dry handling finishes (e.g., 2017 Sport Auto 7/10 within +1.2%)
Rolling Resistance / Efficiency Strong Details
• 1st rolling resistance 2018 AutoBild UHP (8.05 kg/t)
• 1st rolling resistance 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter (6.95 kg/t) with article mention "lowest impact on fuel use"
• Generally competitive RR across tests (e.g., 2019 Auto Bild 8/21 within +8.2%)
Wet Braking/Handling (select tests) Moderate Details
• 2nd wet braking and 2nd wet handling 2017 Auto Bild (225/50 R17)
• 6th/44 wet braking in 2019 AB market overview (+7.2%)
• 3rd wet braking 2017 Auto Bild SUV (53.7 m, +0.6% from best)
Overall Results / Awards (early lifecycle) Moderate Details
• Test wins: 2014 Auto Bild 50-tyre braking overview (1/48), 2014 AutoBild 235/35 R19 (1/6), 2013 Auto Bild Sports (1/9)
• Multiple podiums: 2015 AMS UHP (2/10), 2013 AMS (2/8), 2016 ADAC (2/13), 2015 Auto Bild Performance (3/8)

Performance Weaknesses

Snow Performance Strong Details
• 2017 Auto Bild: 20/21 snow braking (+15.1%), 18/20 snow handling (+4.6%)
• 2019 Auto Bild 17-inch: 20/21 snow braking (+10%), 19/20 snow handling (+4%)
• 2020 Auto Bild Performance: 18/21 snow braking (+6.2%), 18/21 traction (+8.8%)
Aquaplaning / Wet Stability (consistency) Moderate Details
• 2019 Auto Bild 17-inch: straight aquaplaning 16/20 (+12.7%)
• 2020 Auto Bild Performance: straight aquaplaning 16/21 (+8.2%); wet handling 18/21 (+5.2%)
• 2018 AutoBild UHP wet braking 9/11 (+12.6%) and wet handling 9/11 (+3.7%)
Wear and Value Strong Details
• 2017 Auto Bild: wear 19/20 (+38.8%), value 20/20 (+123.6%)
• 2019 Auto Bild 17-inch: wear 19/20 (+29.6%), value 19/20 (+52.8%)
• 2020 Auto Bild Performance: wear 13/20 (+17.1%), value 20/20 (+55.8%)
Noise/Comfort (select tests) Minor Details
• 2019 AMS SUV: noise 11/11 (+2.6%)
• 2017 Auto Bild SUV: noise 10/11 (+2.5%)
Overall Placement in Recent Large Tests Moderate Details
• 2021 ADAC 225/50 R17: 12/18
• 2020 ADAC 235/55 R17: 9/13
• 2020 Auto Bild Performance: 19/21

Performance Over Time

Test History

of 18

2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tyre Test

2021
Winner: Dunlop Winter Sport 5

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