Which All-Season Tire Delivers Sporty Performance Year-Round?
Can all-season tires be a viable option for sporty driving, or should sports car owners stick to swapping between summer and winter tires? AUTO BILD put all-season tires in the 225/40 R18 size to the test.
Sales of all-season tires are soaring with double-digit growth each year. These versatile performers top the popularity charts among drivers, fleet managers, and rental companies alike. The advantages are clear: eliminate seasonal tire changes, save on the cost of a second tire set and storage fees, and perhaps invest those savings in a weekend getaway instead. It's an attractive proposition, especially since various tire tests have confirmed that many all-weather models offer strong safety reserves in everyday driving conditions.
However, for enthusiasts of sporty driving, choosing the right tire demands higher standards. On performance vehicles, driving dynamics and the joy of the drive take precedence. AUTO BILD examined whether all-weather tires—subjected to significantly higher demands than their summer and winter counterparts—can meet these expectations. All-season tires in the sports car dimension 225/40 R18 were tested.
The roster for this test included:
- Bridgestone / Turanza All Season 6
- Continental / AllSeasonContact
- Michelin / CrossClimate 2
- Goodyear / Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
- Pirelli / Cinturato All Season SF 3
- Kleber / Quadraxer 3
- Nexen / N Blue 4Season 2
- Falken / Euroall Season AS220 Pro
- Vredestein / Quatrac Pro
- Toyo / Celsius AS2
- Double Coin DASP-Plus 4-Seasons
Snow Performance Tests
In critical traction and braking evaluations, nearly all contenders excelled—even the budget-friendly Double Coin held its ground. When faced with demanding handling and slalom challenges, Michelin and Kleber stood out with impressive lateral grip and perfect balance. Pirelli and Goodyear also delivered speed and safety on the snow. In stark contrast, the summer tire tested failed miserably.
Snow Braking
- DoubleCoin
- Vredestein
- Kleber
- Goodyear
- Michelin
- Pirelli
- Bridgestone
- Nexen
- Continental
- Falken
- Toyo
Info! Grades range from 1 (very good) to 6 (insufficient). Only grades of 2 or better qualify for an "exemplary" rating.
Snow Handling
- Michelin
- Kleber
- Pirelli
- Goodyear
- Continental
- Vredestein
- Bridgestone
- Nexen
- Falken
- Toyo
- DoubleCoin
Info! Grades range from 1 (very good) to 6 (insufficient). Only grades of 2 or better qualify for an "exemplary" rating.
Wet Performance Tests
None of the eleven all-season tires match the wet grip of a summer tire. Braking and lateral grip measurements on wet tracks reveal some loss in performance. However, this doesn't necessarily diminish driving dynamics, as subjective evaluations indicate. Leading the overall rankings are Michelin's CrossClimate 2 and Goodyear's Vector 4Seasons Gen-3. Pirelli's Cinturato All Season SF 3 and Bridgestone's Turanza All Season 6 also receive commendations for their good balance and agile handling.
In stark contrast, the Subaru BRZ struggled significantly on the budget-friendly Double Coin tires. With braking distances over ten meters longer, poor grip, and unpredictable handling, this Chinese tire is out of the race.
Wet Handling
- Pirelli
- Goodyear
- Michelin
- Bridgestone
- Continental
- Kleber
- Nexen
- Vredestein
- Toyo
- Falken
- DoubleCoin
Info! Grades range from 1 (very good) to 6 (insufficient). Only grades of 2 or better qualify for an "exemplary" rating.
Wet Braking
- Pirelli
- Michelin
- Bridgestone
- Nexen
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Kleber
- Falken
- Vredestein
- Toyo
- DoubleCoin
Info! Grades range from 1 (very good) to 6 (insufficient). Only grades of 2 or better qualify for an "exemplary" rating.
Dry Track Performance
In subjective assessments, Pirelli's Cinturato All Season SF 3, Falken's EuroAll Season AS220 Pro, and Bridgestone's Turanza All Season 6 come close to matching a summer tire's performance. However, when it comes to lateral grip and braking, they fall slightly short due to the numerous sipes in their tread blocks—features necessary for improved snow traction. Despite this, Goodyear, Vredestein, and Michelin still offer sporty and agile cornering.
On the flip side, Continental's AllSeasonContact proves disappointing, producing loud humming noises in curves and lacking rear-axle lateral grip during load changes. With Kleber and Double Coin, driving dynamics and enjoyment are significantly compromised.
Dry Handling
- Pirelli
- Falken
- Goodyear
- Bridgestone
- Michelin
- Vredestein
- Nexen
- Toyo
- Continental
- Kleber
- DoubleCoin
Info! Grades range from 1 (very good) to 6 (insufficient). Only grades of 2 or better qualify for an "exemplary" rating.
Dry Braking
- Pirelli
- Bridgestone
- Nexen
- Michelin
- Kleber
- Goodyear
- Falken
- Toyo
- Vredestein
- Continental
- DoubleCoin
Info! Grades range from 1 (very good) to 6 (insufficient). Only grades of 2 or better qualify for an "exemplary" rating.
All-Season Tire Test Conclusion
For everyday driving and vehicles up to the mid-size class, high-quality all-season tires are a highly recommended option. They provide solid safety in all weather conditions, and skipping the need for a second set of tires saves a significant amount of money.
However, in the sports car segment, specific rules apply due to driving dynamics. AUTO BILD's test results show that only four out of eleven candidates delivered exemplary performance. With minimal compromises in dynamics and reliable performance in winter conditions, only these options guarantee driving enjoyment in any weather.
Results
1st Place: Pirelli / Cinturato All Season SF 3 — Rating: Exemplary.
Quick Take
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3
Pirelli's Cinturato All Season SF 3 secured the top position in AUTO BILD's 2024 all-season tire test for the 225/40 R18 size, earning an exemplary rating with an overall score of 1.3. This tire impresses with outstanding driving performance in all weather conditions and dynamic handling qualities. The steering response is direct and precise, and it demonstrates exceptional resistance to aquaplaning. As a new all-season model, it offers convincing performance regardless of the weather, dynamic handling, immediate steering feedback, and exemplary aquaplaning capabilities.
2nd Place: Michelin / CrossClimate 2 — Rating: Exemplary.
Quick Take
Michelin CrossClimate 2
Securing second place with an exemplary overall score of 1.4, the Michelin Cross Climate 2 establishes itself as an outstanding winter specialist. It delivers top-notch performance on snow and ice, offers good aquaplaning reserves, and ensures safe handling in both wet and dry conditions. Thanks to its low rolling resistance and comfortable design, it provides a pleasantly quiet ride.
3rd Place: Goodyear / Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 — Rating: Exemplary.
Quick Take
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
Achieving an exemplary rating with an overall score of 1.5, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 secured third place in the test results. This tire stands out as a versatile all-rounder with a well-balanced high-performance potential. It delivers excellent traction on snow and offers dynamic driving qualities in all weather conditions. The precise steering response enhances its appeal, and its moderate price point makes it an attractive option.
4th Place: Bridgestone / Turanza All Season 6 — Rating: Exemplary.
Quick Take
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
Securing fourth place with an overall score of 1.7 and earning an exemplary rating, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 is a new all-season tire that delivers excellent driving behavior in all weather conditions. It offers dynamic handling on both wet and dry surfaces and presents a good price-performance ratio. However, it exhibits moderate aquaplaning resistance when cornering.
5th Place: Kleber / Quadraxer 3 — Rating: Good.
Quick Take
Kleber Quadraxer 3
With a "good" rating and an overall score of 2.6, the Kleber Quadraxer 3 takes fifth place. This versatile tire offers convincing performance on snow and ice, delivers short braking distances on dry roads, and provides good comfort—all at an affordable price. However, it tends to understeer on dry tracks.
6th Place: Nexen / N Blue 4Season 2 — Rating: Good.
Quick Take
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
Ranked sixth with a "good" rating and a score of 2.7, the Nexen N'blue 4Season2 delivers solid traction and short braking distances on snow. It ensures stable and secure handling in all weather conditions and comes at an attractive price. On the downside, its aquaplaning performance is only satisfactory.
7th Place: Continental / AllSeasonContact — Rating: Satisfactory.
Quick Take
Continental AllSeasonContact
In seventh place with a "satisfactory" rating and an overall score of 3.5, the Continental AllSeasonContact delivers good winter performance, stable handling in wet conditions, short wet braking distances, and low rolling resistance. However, its dry-road capabilities are only satisfactory, and it exhibits moderate aquaplaning resistance.
8th Place: Falken / Euroall Season AS220 Pro — Rating: Conditionally recommended.
Quick Take
Falken Euroall Season AS220 Pro
Ranking eighth with a score of 3.6 and a rating of "conditionally recommended," the Falken EuroAll Season AS220 Pro offers good traction and short braking distances on snow, along with dynamic handling on dry roads. However, it tends to understeer on snowy and wet surfaces and has only moderate aquaplaning reserves.
9th Place: Vredestein / Quatrac Pro — Rating: Conditionally recommended.
Quick Take
Vredestein Quatrac Pro
With an overall score of 3.7 and a ninth-place ranking, the Vredestein Quatrac Pro is conditionally recommended. It performs well in winter conditions, offering stable handling on snowy and dry roads. However, it falls short with only satisfactory wet grip, extended braking distances on both wet and dry surfaces, and limited aquaplaning reserves.
10th Place: Toyo / Celsius AS2 — Rating: Conditionally recommended.
Quick Take
Toyo Celsius AS2
The Toyo Celsius AS2 offers stable handling on dry roads and short braking distances in snowy conditions, thanks to its low rolling resistance. However, its overall winter performance is only satisfactory. The tire exhibits understeering tendencies on snow and wet surfaces and has extended braking distances in wet conditions. As a result, it is conditionally recommended, securing the 10th place with an overall score of 3.8.
11th Place: Double Coin DASP-Plus 4-Seasons — Rating: Not recommended.
In last place with an overall score of 4.7, the Double Coin DASP-Plus 4-Seasons is not recommended. This budget-friendly Asian tire exhibits dangerously long braking distances on wet roads. It suffers from unbalanced understeering behavior on both wet and dry surfaces, offers minimal aquaplaning reserves, and provides vague steering feedback.
