Auto Express: Winter Tire Test R17 2020

For the ultimate in driving safety, you need tyres to suit the season. Auto Express test reveals the best for the British winter.

For the ultimate safety in extreme conditions, you need to change tyres for the seasons, and now is the time to consider fitting a winter option. While all-season tyres are gaining in popularity, a dedicated winter design is the no-compromise choice.

Auto Express tested the world’s biggest-selling size – 205/55R16 – and asked tyre makers to nominate a pattern, which we bought in the wholesale market. Nokian and Hankook supplied tyres that we compared to samples we later bought to check they were the same. Continental sent its latest TS 870, but won’t repeat its win from our last test of this size, because the new tyre’s launch has been postponed to next year due to the pandemic.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 - Winner Recommended

90 57

· Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
A debut success for the Blizzak LM005 and a first win for Japanese giant Bridgestone in Auto Express tyre tests. Thanks to standard-setting wet performance, the Blizzak is an ideal tyre for British winters, which see far more rain than snow on the road.
Straight Aquaplaning Lateral Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance Noise Dry Braking Wet Circle Wet Braking Wet Handling Snow Braking Snow Handling

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

100
Hankook Winter i*cept RS2 W452

82 38

· Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The Hankook i'cept RS2 puts in a strong performance - a great all-rounder, although slightly noisy. Return to form for the Winter i'cept RS2, although this time that’s more due to its performance in the wet rather than on snow.
Straight Aquaplaning Lateral Aquaplaning Wet Circle Wet Braking Wet Handling Snow Handling Rolling Resistance Noise

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

99.3
Michelin Alpin 6

87 57

· Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Yet another good result for the Alpin 6, which is well suited to UK winters thanks to its good performance in the wet.
Rolling Resistance Snow Braking Wet Circle Wet Braking Wet Handling Noise

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · Japan

Test Score:

98.4
Pirelli Cinturato Winter

77 53

· Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter tyre is the most capable on the snow and has closed the gap on top spot. Good snow performance is offset by mid-pack wet-test results. Fuel economy needs addressing if it is to challenge the best.
Straight Aquaplaning Noise Snow Traction Snow Braking Snow Handling Rolling Resistance Wet Circle

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

98.2
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+

88 57

· Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Great on the snow, but the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance + can't compete with rivals in the wet and dry conditions.
Snow Traction Snow Braking Lateral Aquaplaning Noise Dry Braking Wet Circle

Europe · Russia+ · China

Test Score:

98.1
Falken Eurowinter HS01

75 41

· Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
This is third time they’ve tested the Eurowinter HS01, and each time it gets a little closer to the leaders. This tyre’s steady improvement continues, although its grip on snow and in the wet still needs further development.
Dry Braking Noise Snow Traction Snow Handling Wet Braking

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

98
Dunlop Winter Sport 5

82 59

· Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
A reasonable performance, but the Dunlop range is beginning to show its age. Good on snow, but braking a concern elsewhere. Fuel economy and comfort impress but we hope a Winter Sport 6 is in the pipeline.
Rolling Resistance Snow Handling Snow Braking Noise Dry Braking Wet Braking Straight Aquaplaning

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

97.4
Nokian WR Snowproof

68 46

· Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Although helping to provide improved fuel economy, the Nokian WR Snowproof isn't the best choice for a capable winter tyre. Remarkable fuel economy deserves credit, but is this what drivers want when buying a winter tyre primarily for superior performance in poor conditions?
Dry Braking Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Straight Aquaplaning Lateral Aquaplaning Noise Snow Braking Wet Handling

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

97.2