Auto Express: Winter Tire Test R16 2023

In 2022, the British magazine Auto Express chose for its next tire test the popular size of 205/55 R16. The last time the experts tested tires of this size was during the 2020 pandemic, and the test was won by the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005; another tire that showed excellent results was the Continental TS 870, but it was decided to remove it from the final ranking because the manufacturer rescheduled the market release of this model for the next year. This year, the Continental model also took part in the test; other tires that the test involved were the Michelin Alpin 6, and three newcomers — Hankook Winter i*cept RS3, Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, and Vredestein Wintrac. This time around, the test missed a few other brands that regularly take part in the AE tests, which had to do with the logistics issues or with the fact that the companies were preparing to launch new models on the market. One of the contestants was to be the new Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, but, again, the company put off its market release.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 - Winner Recommended

90 60

· Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
An excellent tire with a very well balanced performance. No obvious issues found.
Dry Braking Dry Handling Lateral Hydroplaning Straight Hydroplaning Wet Handling Rolling Resistance Snow Braking Wet Lateral Stability Snow Lateral Stability Cabin Noise Wet Braking Snow Traction Snow Handling

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

100
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

88 56

· Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
A very good tire that performs equally well in any weather conditions (in regions with mild winters), and ensures excellent handling and braking performance on wet pavement.
Dry Handling Lateral Hydroplaning Wet Handling Wet Lateral Stability Snow Lateral Stability Wet Braking Dry Braking

Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

99.7
Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 W462

87 33

· Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The tire ensures excellent handling response on snow but the longitudinal traction could be better. In addition, the RS3 has issues with hydroplaning resistance, wet braking, rolling resistance, and generally you could say that, although in recent years Hankook has been doing a lot to improve the performance of its tires, there is obviously still a long way to go.
Wet Handling Snow Handling Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Snow Braking Snow Lateral Stability Wet Braking

Europe · South Korea

Test Score:

98.9
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

86 45

· Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Pirelli performs well on snow and ensures good acoustic comfort, but on dry pavement the tire lacks the accuracy of steering precision, and it also has increased rolling resistance.
Cabin Noise Snow Traction Snow Handling Straight Hydroplaning Dry Handling Rolling Resistance Wet Lateral Stability

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

98.6
Vredestein Wintrac

82 40

· Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
This tire is suitable for drivers who rarely drive on snow-covered roads in winter, but more versatile options can be found on the market.
Wet Braking Rolling Resistance Dry Braking Snow Traction Lateral Hydroplaning Straight Hydroplaning Wet Handling Snow Braking Snow Handling Snow Lateral Stability

USA+ · Canada · Europe

Test Score:

98.6
Michelin Alpin 6

85 55

· Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
This Michelin tire is totally great for snow-covered roads, but is much less effective on tarmac — wet, and, particularly, dry.
Snow Traction Snow Braking Dry Braking Dry Handling Lateral Hydroplaning Straight Hydroplaning Wet Lateral Stability Cabin Noise

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · Japan

Test Score:

98.5