Unveiling the Best Winter Tires of Season 2024-2025: The 205/55 R16 Showdown
Finding the top winter tire for European roads is no easy task, especially when dealing with the highly popular 205/55 R16 size—widely used on compact cars like the Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra, Skoda Octavia, and more. As one of the most common sizes on the market, the options are endless. But when winter hits, and roads turn slick with ice and snow, you need more than just options—you need a tire that delivers.
It’s not enough for a tire to handle snow and ice. It must also perform under everyday conditions, gripping wet roads and maintaining precise braking distances on dry pavement. And it has to do all this while being durable and efficient, keeping fuel consumption in check. To see which tires truly live up to these demands, AUTO BILD ran their highly anticipated winter tire test in 2024, putting 53 models through their paces.
To separate the best from the rest, all 53 winter tires faced a crucial safety test right from the start. Each tire's braking performance on wet surfaces was measured, and 20 models were immediately disqualified due to excessively long stopping distances. The remaining 33 contenders then moved on to be tested for braking on snow. The results from both wet and snowy conditions were combined, and only the top 20 performers advanced to the full test.
The roster for this test included:
- Hankook / Winter i*cept RS3 W462 (91H)
- Uniroyal / WinterExpert (91H)
- BFGoodrich / g-Force Winter 2 (91H)
- Vredestein / Wintrac (91H)
- Apollo / Alnac 4G Winter (91H)
- Pirelli / Cinturato Winter 2 (94H)
- Giti / GitiWinter W2 (91H)
- Goodyear / UltraGrip Performance 3 (91H)
- Kumho / WinterCraft WP52 (91H)
- Dunlop / Winter Sport 5 (91H)
- Bridgestone / Blizzak 6 (94H)
- Continental / WinterContact TS 870 (91 H)
- Barum / Polaris 5 (91H)
- GT Radial / WinterPro2 Evo (91H)
- Kleber / Krisalp HP3 (91H)
- Michelin / Alpin 6 (91H)
- Firestone / Winterhawk 4 (91H)
- Semperit / Speed-Grip 5 (91H)
- Fulda / Kristall Control HP2 (91H)
- Yokohama / BluEarth*Winter V906 (91H)
Inside AUTO BILD’s Rigorous Testing Process: From Snowy Sweden to Germany’s Contidrom
AUTO BILD’s testing process begins with purchasing all current tire models anonymously from regular retail outlets. After eliminating the "low performers" based on their wet braking results during the initial qualification round, the remaining candidates are taken to a specialized winter testing facility in Norrbotten, Sweden’s northernmost province. Here, they face a snow braking test, and more underperformers are cut from the competition. The top 20 tires then head to the ultimate test at the Contidrom, Continental AG's testing track in Germany. For the cost evaluation, wear tests are conducted on calibrated test rigs provided by Bridgestone, ensuring precision in assessing durability.
On Wet Roads: Beyond Snow and Ice
Winter doesn’t always mean snow and ice—wet roads and even mild temperatures are part of the season’s challenge. That’s why a winter tire needs to perform just as well in wet conditions. For comparison, a summer tire was included in all tests. When it came to aquaplaning, both in straight lines and curves, the winter tires outperformed the summer tire, with Hankook’s Winter i*cept RS3 taking the lead, closely followed by the Conti WinterContact TS 870. However, the story changes with a full stop from 100 km/h: here, the summer tire remains unbeatable, showing up to an eight-meter difference in braking distance.
Wet Braking
- Bridgestone
- Kumho
- Firestone
- Pirelli
- GT Radial
- Michelin
- Apollo
- Uniroyal
- Continental
- Yokohama
- Semperit
- Goodyear
- Vredestein
- Kleber
- Dunlop
- Giti
- Hankook
- Barum
- BFGoodrich
- Fulda
Info! Tires rated 3+ or worse are downgraded. The highest score is 1+, indicating the best braking performance.
Wet Handling
- Bridgestone
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Kumho
- Michelin
- Pirelli
- Apollo
- Vredestein
- Yokohama
- Dunlop
- Hankook
- Uniroyal
- Kleber
- Semperit
- BFGoodrich
- Giti
- GT Radial
- Barum
- Firestone
- Fulda
Info! A rating of 3+ or worse results in a downgrade. 1+ is the best, showing superior control and cornering.
On Snowy Roads: A Tight Race for First Place
Three tires claimed the top spot in the snow braking test: the Semperit Speed-Grip 5, Hankook Winter i*cept RS3, and Continental WinterContact TS 870 all came to a stop from 50 km/h in 29.1 meters. In the slalom, which tests lateral grip, Hankook once again led the pack, sharing the top position with Giti and Dunlop.
Giti’s Winter W2 impressed with ample safety reserves, unexpectedly clinching first place in the handling test on snow. Dunlop shined in traction testing, taking the win in that category. No significant underperformers emerged on snow, though Yokohama’s Winter V906 Plus received only a satisfactory rating in this segment.
Snow Traction
- Dunlop
- Continental
- Barum
- Hankook
- BFGoodrich
- Bridgestone
- Goodyear
- Fulda
- Pirelli
- Giti
- GT Radial
- Michelin
- Semperit
- Kleber
- Uniroyal
- Vredestein
- Apollo
- Kumho
- Firestone
- Yokohama
Info! A rating of 3+ or worse leads to downgrades. 1+ shows the best grip and traction on snow-covered roads.
Snow Braking
- Continental
- GT Radial
- Giti
- Kleber
- Dunlop
- BFGoodrich
- Semperit
- Goodyear
- Hankook
- Michelin
- Bridgestone
- Uniroyal
- Fulda
- Vredestein
- Pirelli
- Kumho
- Barum
- Apollo
- Firestone
- Yokohama
Info! Tires rated 3+ or worse are downgraded. The highest score is 1+, indicating the best braking performance.
On Dry Roads: A Quiet Ride with Winter Tires
Dry Braking
- Kumho
- Continental
- Pirellii
- Apollo
- Vredestein
- Uniroyal
- Yokohama
- Michelin
- Bridgestone
- Semperit
- Goodyear
- Kleber
- Hankook
- Giti
- Barum
- GT Radial
- BFGoodrich
- Fulda
- Firestone
- Dunlop
Info! Tires rated 3+ or worse are downgraded. The highest score is 1+, indicating the best braking performance.
Dry Handling
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Semperit
- Bridgestone
- Barum
- Hankook
- Kumho
- Vredestein
- Fulda
- Yokohama
- Michelin
- Kleber
- Apollo
- Dunlop
- Uniroyal
- BFGoodrich
- Pirelli
- Giti
- GT Radial
- Firestone
Info! A rating of 3+ or worse results in a downgrade. 1+ is the best, showing superior control and cornering.
The Costs: Value Beyond the Price Tag
For the budget-conscious, it’s important to note that a high upfront cost for tires can pay off over time. A longer tire lifespan and low rolling resistance, which helps reduce fuel consumption, can make a premium tire a worthwhile investment. Despite being the most expensive tire tested, Michelin still managed to secure fourth place in the cost category. Even better value can be found in the long-lasting Semperit and Dunlop models.
This winter season, the standout "Eco Master of the Year" award goes to the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3. Its impressive mileage, reasonable price, and low rolling resistance make it the clear winner in this category. Tires with shorter lifespans, like those from Kumho, Yokohama, and Firestone, fall behind, as their lower purchase price doesn’t compensate for their faster wear. Barum’s Polaris 5, on the other hand, claimed the title for the lowest rolling resistance in this comparison.
Mileage
- Michelin
- Hankook
- Continental
- Semperit
- Dunlop
- Goodyear
- Bridgestone
- Giti
- Uniroyal
- BFGoodrich
- Kleber
- Fulda
- Vredestein
- Apollo
- Barum
- Pirelli
- GT Radial
- Yokohama
- Kumho
- Firestone
Info! Tires rated 3+ or worse indicate low durability and shorter lifespan. 1+ represents the longest-lasting performance.
Rolling Resistance
- Barum
- Continental
- Semperit
- Firestone
- Hankook
- Dunlop
- Uniroyal
- Vredestein
- Goodyear
- Michelin
- Apollo
- BFGoodrich
- Kleber
- Pirelli
- GT Radial
- Bridgestone
- Fulda
- Kumho
- Giti
- Yokohama
Info! High rolling resistance, rated 3+ or worse, increases fuel consumption, leading to a downgrade. The top rating is 1+, meaning the least resistance and best efficiency.
2024-2025 Winter Tire Picks: Top Safety and Value Uncovered
This year, the premium brands—Continental, Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Michelin—stood out for delivering maximum safety. However, for those seeking reliable performance at a fair price, the Semperit Speed-Grip 5, a second brand from Continental, offers an excellent alternative without any compromises in quality.
In addition to performance, Auto Bild also evaluated the price-to-performance ratio of each model. Below, you’ll find the detailed results, highlighting which tires delivered the best balance of safety, handling, and value.
Results
1st Place: Continental / WinterContact TS 870
Continental WinterContact TS 870
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 (91 H) was the top performer in Autobild's 2024 winter tire test. This tire offers balanced and high-level performance across various conditions. It received an EU label rating of C/B/B with a noise level of 70 dB, and its price is approximately €460 per set. On snow, it demonstrated excellent traction, braking, and handling, earning near-perfect scores across these categories. In wet conditions, it performed well in hydroplaning resistance and handling, though its braking performance was slightly lower. On dry surfaces, it excelled in handling, while its braking and comfort were satisfactory. When it comes to cost, the tire has strong mileage and low rolling resistance, but the price-to-mileage ratio could be improved. Overall, this tire stands out for its exceptional performance in all weather, with short braking distances and high durability. The only notable downside is its higher price.
2nd Place: Goodyear / UltraGrip Performance 3
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
This tire earned a well-deserved "exemplary" rating, placing second overall. Designed for reliable performance, it has an EU label of C/B/B and a noise level of 70 dB, with a price around €440 per set. On snowy surfaces, it excelled in traction, braking, and handling, offering a confident drive in tough conditions. In wet scenarios, its strong hydroplaning resistance and solid cornering made it stand out, though its braking lagged slightly behind. On dry roads, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 provided smooth handling and comfort, maintaining good balance throughout. Though its price is on the higher side, it justifies the cost with excellent durability and dependable safety.
3rd Place: Semperit / Speed-Grip 5
Semperit Speed-Grip 5
Rated as "exemplary" and taking third place, the Semperit Speed-Grip 5 offers great value. With an EU label of C/B/B and a noise level of 72 dB, it's priced affordably at approximately €320 per set. Despite its budget-friendly nature, this tire delivers solid performance in various conditions. It performed well on snow, particularly in braking, although handling was not as precise as higher-end models. Wet handling and hydroplaning resistance were commendable, though braking could be improved. On dry surfaces, it balanced handling and comfort well, making it a versatile option. With impressive mileage and low rolling resistance, it’s a strong contender for drivers seeking good performance without breaking the bank, though its wet grip is slightly limited.
4th Place: Bridgestone / Blizzak 6
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
This tire secured a "exemplary" rating and finished fourth in the test. It carries an EU label of C/B/B with a noise level of 70 dB and is priced around €500 per set. Known for its sporty character, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 Enliten delivers strong results in all conditions. On snow, it offered excellent grip and braking performance, though handling in the slalom was slightly less agile. In wet conditions, it handled well and showed solid hydroplaning resistance, with braking that could have been sharper. On dry roads, it performed smoothly and offered reasonable comfort. The tire’s standout feature is its short braking distances and high mileage, but its higher price point may be a drawback for some.
5th Place: Michelin / Alpin 6
Michelin Alpin 6
The Michelin Alpin 6 (91 H) secured a "exemplary" rating, finishing in fifth place among the tested winter tires. Known for its premium quality, this tire boasts an EU label of C/B/A and a low noise level of 69 dB. Priced at approximately €520 per set, it offers strong all-weather performance. On snow, it performed consistently, with good traction, braking, and handling, though it didn’t lead the pack. Its wet performance showed reliable hydroplaning resistance and solid handling, though braking could have been sharper. On dry roads, the Alpin 6 was smooth and comfortable. Where it truly shines is in its longevity, offering excellent mileage and a low rolling resistance. Despite its higher cost, it stands out for its comfort and efficiency, making it a premium choice for drivers seeking long-lasting performance.
6th Place: Hankook / Winter i*cept RS3 W462
Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 W462
The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 (91 H), awarded the title of "AUTO BILD-Eco-Meister," secured sixth place in the winter tire test. With an EU label of C/B/B and a noise level of 72 dB, this tire is priced at around €360 per set, offering a balanced combination of affordability and performance. On snow, it performed impressively, delivering strong traction and braking along with stable handling. In wet conditions, it stood out for its excellent hydroplaning resistance, though the braking distances were slightly longer than ideal. On dry roads, the tire provided a smooth and comfortable drive with decent handling. Its true strength lies in its outstanding mileage and low rolling resistance, making it a cost-effective choice. Despite the longer braking distances in the wet, this tire remains a solid option for drivers seeking value without compromising on quality.
7th Place: Dunlop / Winter Sport 5
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 (91 H) earned a "good" rating and placed seventh in the winter tire test. With an EU label of C/B/B and a noise level of 71 dB, it is priced around €380 per set. This tire delivered excellent performance on snow and ice, showing strong traction, braking, and handling capabilities. However, in wet conditions, its grip was somewhat limited, especially in braking, though hydroplaning resistance and handling remained solid. On dry roads, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 offered a balanced drive, with good comfort and noise levels. Its standout features include impressive durability and low rolling resistance, making it an economical choice for long-term use. The slightly reduced wet grip is its main drawback, but overall, it's a dependable tire for winter driving.
8th Place: Kleber / Krisalp HP3
Kleber Krisalp HP3
The Kleber Krisalp HP3 (91 H) received a "good" rating and ranked eighth in the test. With an EU label of D/B/A and a noise level of 69 dB, this tire is priced at approximately €360 per set. On snowy surfaces, it performed admirably, delivering solid traction, braking, and handling. Its hydroplaning resistance in wet conditions was particularly impressive, though the grip on wet roads was somewhat limited, especially in handling. On dry roads, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 offered a decent balance of comfort and control, with slightly better-than-average performance. Its strengths include a low rolling resistance and good durability, making it an efficient choice for winter driving. However, the reduced wet grip is its main weakness, though it remains a reliable option for snowy and icy conditions.
9th Place: Uniroyal / WinterExpert
Uniroyal WinterExpert
The Uniroyal Winter Expert (91 H) earned a "good" rating and finished in ninth place in the test. It carries an EU label of C/B/B with a noise level of 71 dB and is priced at around €340 per set. This tire stands out for its balanced and safe performance in wet conditions, offering reliable handling and hydroplaning resistance. On snow and ice, however, its side grip was somewhat limited, impacting its overall handling in these conditions. On dry roads, the Uniroyal Winter Expert provided a solid driving experience with good comfort and control. Its key strengths lie in its durability and low rolling resistance, making it a practical choice for wet climates. However, its performance on snowy surfaces could be stronger, especially when it comes to cornering.
10th Place: BFGoodrich / g-Force Winter 2
BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
The BF Goodrich g-Force Winter 2 (91 H) achieved a "good" rating and shared ninth place in the test. It has an EU label of D/B/A with a noise level of 69 dB and is priced around €380 per set. This tire excels on snow and ice, offering top-tier traction and braking performance, making it a reliable option in harsh winter conditions. It also provides solid hydroplaning resistance and a quiet ride, adding to its appeal for drivers seeking comfort. However, its braking performance on wet roads is slightly longer than ideal, which is its main drawback. Overall, the BF Goodrich g-Force Winter 2 is a strong contender for winter driving, particularly for those prioritizing snow and ice performance.
11th Place: Vredestein / Wintrac
Vredestein Wintrac
The Vredestein Wintrac (91 H) earned a "good" rating and placed 11th in the test. It comes with an EU label of C/B/B and a noise level of 70 dB, priced around €380 per set. This tire delivers a well-balanced driving experience across various weather conditions, providing solid performance in traction, braking, and handling. Its hydroplaning resistance is commendable, making it a reliable choice in wet conditions, though the braking distances on wet surfaces were slightly longer than expected. On snow and dry roads, the Vredestein Wintrac maintained good control and comfort, with a low rolling resistance adding to its efficiency. While its wet braking could be sharper, this tire offers dependable all-around performance for a variety of winter driving conditions.
12th Place: Apollo / Alnac 4G Winter
Apollo Alnac 4G Winter
The Apollo Alnac 4G Winter (91 H) received a "good" rating, finishing in 12th place. With an EU label of C/C/B and a noise level of 71 dB, it is priced at approximately €320 per set. This tire offers balanced and safe handling in all weather conditions, with particularly short braking distances and low road noise contributing to a comfortable ride. However, its performance on snow and ice is somewhat limited, especially in terms of side grip, which affects its overall stability in winter conditions. Despite this, the Apollo Alnac 4G Winter remains a solid choice for drivers looking for an affordable tire with decent all-around performance, particularly in wet and dry conditions.
13th Place: Pirelli / Cinturato Winter 2
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 (94 H) earned a "satisfactory" rating and placed 13th in the test. With an EU label of C/B/A and a noise level of 69 dB, it is priced around €420 per set. This tire delivers strong driving dynamics, particularly excelling in short braking distances on both snow and wet roads, while also offering a quiet ride. However, its main drawback is the moderate mileage performance, making it less durable compared to other options in the test. Despite this limitation, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 remains a capable performer for those prioritizing safety and comfort on snowy and wet surfaces.
14th Place: Giti / GitiWinter W2
Giti GitiWinter W2
The Giti GitiWinter W2 (91 H) received a "satisfactory" rating, ranking 14th in the test. With an EU label of D/B/A and a noise level of 68 dB, this tire is priced at approximately €420 per set. It performed well on snow, showcasing reliable traction and handling with solid hydroplaning resistance. Additionally, its mileage performance is commendable, making it a durable option for winter driving. However, the tire struggles with longer braking distances on wet surfaces and has a delayed steering response, particularly in challenging conditions. Despite these weaknesses, the Giti GitiWinter W2 remains a dependable choice for snow-covered roads, offering good overall value for its durability and winter performance.
15th Place: Kumho / WinterCraft WP52
Kumho WinterCraft WP52
The Kumho Wintercraft WP52 (91 H) earned a "satisfactory" rating, placing 15th in the test. With an EU label of C/B/B and a noise level of 72 dB, it is priced around €320 per set. This tire offers balanced and sporty driving dynamics, with short braking distances across various weather conditions. However, it has notable weaknesses, particularly its limited hydroplaning resistance and lower mileage, making it less durable in the long run. Despite these drawbacks, the Kumho Wintercraft WP52 remains a decent option for those looking for solid winter performance at a reasonable price, though its longevity may be a concern for some drivers.
16th Place: Barum / Polaris 5
Barum Polaris 5
The Barum Polaris 5 (91 H) received a "satisfactory" rating, finishing 16th in the test. It has an EU label of C/C/B with a noise level of 72 dB and is priced at approximately €320 per set. This tire performs well in winter conditions, demonstrating solid winter readiness and safe handling on dry roads. It also offers a low rolling resistance, contributing to its efficiency. However, its performance is hindered by limited grip on wet surfaces and reduced safety margins when it comes to hydroplaning . Despite these shortcomings, the Barum Polaris 5 remains a reliable and economical choice for dry winter roads, though drivers should be cautious in wet conditions.
17th Place: GT Radial / WinterPro2 Evo
GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
The GT Radial Winterpro 2 evo (91 H) earned a "satisfactory" rating, sharing 16th place in the test. With an EU label of D/B/B and a noise level of 70 dB, it is one of the more affordable options, priced around €280 per set. This tire shows strong winter capabilities, providing reliable performance on snow and ice, along with good ride comfort and a quiet driving experience. It also stands out for its fair price, making it a budget-friendly choice. However, it falls short in wet conditions, where its grip is moderate, and it offers limited safety reserves during hydroplaning . Overall, the GT Radial Winterpro 2 evo is a solid choice for those prioritizing winter performance at an economical price, though wet weather performance could be improved.
18th Place: Firestone / Winterhawk 4
Firestone Winterhawk 4
The Firestone Winterhawk 4 (91 H) received a "satisfactory" rating and ranked 18th in the test. It has an EU label of C/B/B with a noise level of 71 dB, priced at approximately €320 per set. This tire performs well in winter conditions, delivering solid handling on snow and offering reliable traction on wet roads. However, its steering response is delayed, and its mileage is somewhat limited compared to other models in the test. Despite these weaknesses, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 provides dependable winter performance, particularly in wet conditions, making it a reasonable option for drivers focused on safety in winter weather.
19th Place: Fulda / Kristall Control HP2
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
The Fulda Kristall Control HP 2 (91 H) earned a "satisfactory" rating and shared 18th place in the test. With an EU label of C/C/B and a noise level of 72 dB, this tire is priced around €360 per set. It offers good winter performance, with secure handling on dry roads and solid performance on snow. However, its grip on wet surfaces is limited, and its braking distances in wet conditions are longer than some of its competitors. While the tire provides dependable performance in dry and snowy conditions, its weaknesses on wet roads may be a concern for some drivers.
20th Place: Yokohama / BluEarth*Winter V906
Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V906
The Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906+ (91 H) received a "satisfactory" rating, finishing 20th in the test. With an EU label of D/B/B and a noise level of 71 dB, it is priced around €380 per set. This tire offers solid performance on wet and dry roads, providing good and safe handling in these conditions. However, its winter capabilities are limited, with reduced performance on snow and ice. Additionally, it has a shorter lifespan compared to other tires, along with a higher rolling resistance. While the Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906+ excels in wet and dry conditions, its drawbacks in winter performance and mileage make it a less versatile option for harsh winter environments.