ADAC: Winter Tire Test R16 2024

ADAC: Winter Tire Test R16

ADAC's 2023 Winter Tire Test provides an insightful and detailed analysis of 16 winter tire models for small SUVs and lower mid-range cars. This comprehensive review focuses on the 205/60 R16 size tires with H speed class, suitable for both lower and middle class vehicles. Emphasizing driving safety and environmental balance, the test results range from seven tires being highly recommended to two receiving poor ratings due to significant safety deficits. The review highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each model in various conditions - dry, wet, and snowy roads. It offers specific recommendations based on driving needs, such as the best tires for motorway travel or winter road conditions.

  1. Dunlop Winter Sport 5 - Winner Recommended
    Dunlop Winter Sport 5
    82 57
    · Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 emerges as a formidable contender in tire performance, demonstrating exceptional control and safety on dry roads, particularly during critical maneuvers like evasive actions and high-speed braking. Its proficiency extends to wet conditions, where it excels in handling and braking, ensuring precise steering. In snowy and icy conditions, the tire continues to impress with above-average performance in braking, acceleration, and handling. The environmental impact is also a highlight, with the tire scoring well in terms of predicted mileage, low abrasion, and fuel efficiency.

    Wet Handling   Snow Acceleration   Dry Handling   Snow Performance   Durability   Wet Braking   Wet Performance   Snow Braking   Dry Performance   Treadwear   Dry Braking   Snow Handling   Noise  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.2
  2. Michelin Alpin 6 Recommended
    Michelin Alpin 6
    85 53
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Alpin 6, earning a 'Good' rating, exhibits strong performance on dry roads, offering precise steering and ample safety margins at high speeds. Its dry braking is slightly above average. In wet conditions, it excels in braking distance but shows some limitations in lateral aquaplaning, narrowly missing a top rating in handling. Despite this, it maintains overall safety and control. In winter conditions, the tire performs well, with good handling and braking on ice, though its snow braking is slightly below average. The Alpin 6 also stands out in environmental aspects, boasting above-average wear mileage, low abrasion, and efficient fuel consumption due to its lightweight design. Noise levels are average.

    Wet Braking   Fuel Consumption   Ice Braking   Dry Handling   Snow Handling   Treadwear   Dry Braking   Dry Performance   Durability   Noise (Average)   Lateral Aquaplaning  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
    Test Score:
    2.2
  3. Goodyear UltraGrip 9+ Recommended
    Goodyear UltraGrip 9+
    86 51
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear UltraGrip 9+ excels in wet conditions with superior braking and handling, and impressive aquaplaning resistance. On dry roads, it offers good safety during evasive maneuvers despite slight precision issues. In winter scenarios, it boasts exceptional ice braking and above-average snow traction. Environmentally, it stands out for its high predicted mileage and best-in-test efficiency rating.

    Aquaplaning   Efficiency (Best in Test)   Durability   Wet Braking   Wet Performance   Snow Braking   Ice Braking   Treadwear   Dry Performance (Safe Driving Characteristics)   Dry Handling (Slight Weaknesses in Precision)  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.3
  4. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 Recommended
    Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
    87 54
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 stands out for its strong performance in wet conditions, significantly outperforming its competitors, and for its effective braking on dry pavement. In winter conditions, it maintains a commendable performance level. However, the tire shows room for improvement in dry handling, with less precision in steering response. Additionally, it exhibits a longer braking distance on ice, and concerns are noted regarding its tread life and particulate emissions.

    Wet Performance (Top Rating)   Efficiency   Driving Safety (Top Rating)   Dry Performance   Comfort   Treadwear (Below-Average Mileage)  
    Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.4
  5. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Recommended
    Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
    90 55
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P demonstrates solid performance across various conditions, with safe driving characteristics on both dry and wet roads. Despite some precision issues on dry surfaces, it excels in safety during sudden maneuvers and has notably better-than-average dry braking. On wet roads, it impresses with short braking distances, effective aquaplaning resistance, and easy, secure handling. While its performance in winter conditions is average in braking and traction, it offers considerable safety reserves and precise control.

    Aquaplaning   Wet Braking   Treadwear (Good Predicted Mileage)   Dry Braking (Above-Average)   Dry Performance (Safe Properties)   Snow Handling   Wet Performance (Absolutely Safe Properties)   Dry Handling (Slight Weaknesses in Precision)  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.4
  6. Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 W462 Recommended
    Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 W462
    85 38
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 performs commendably across various road conditions, securing a good rating on dry roads due to its safety in sudden maneuvers and strong braking performance, despite some precision limitations. In wet conditions, it excels in braking and lateral aquaplaning, with reliable handling but falls short in lateral aquaplaning. On winter roads, it impresses with second-best test results, showcasing above-average braking and acceleration, and excellent snow handling. However, it falls short in environmental balance due to below-average predicted mileage, despite its good ratings in abrasion and efficiency.

    Snow Performance (Absolutely Safe Properties)   Wet Performance (Safe Properties)   Wet Braking   Efficiency (Low Weight and Low Fuel Consumption)   Snow Braking   Ice Braking   Dry Braking   Dry Performance (Safe Properties)   Snow Handling   Treadwear (Below Average Predicted Mileage)   Dry Handling (Slight Weaknesses in Precision)  
    Europe Europe · China China · South Korea South Korea
    Test Score:
    2.4
  7. Firestone Winterhawk 4 Recommended
    Firestone Winterhawk 4
    69 42
    · Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Firestone Winterhawk 4 demonstrates robust performance in various conditions. It excels in wet performance, especially in resisting lateral aquaplaning, and offers solid braking on dry pavement with minor issues in informativeness. In winter conditions, it maintains good driving performance, although the braking distance on ice is notably longer. The tire is also lightweight and economical. However, its disadvantages include less effective dry handling, reduced tread life, and increased particulate emissions, indicating a lower resistance to wear.

    Economy (Efficiency)   Snow Performance   Wet Performance   Weight   Lateral Aquaplaning   Dry Braking   Treadwear   Dry Handling   Particulate Emissions  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.5
  8. Fulda Kristall Control HP2
    Fulda Kristall Control HP2
    69 37
    · Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Fulda Kristall Control HP2 tires excel in performance on dry pavement, showcasing strong braking capabilities on both snow and ice. They are also noted for their durability, with a very high treadlife, and are lightweight and economical, reducing fuel consumption. In terms of environmental impact, they have low particulate emissions. However, these tires underperform in wet conditions, characterized by long braking distances, poor handling, and reduced grip. Similarly, while they exhibit effective snow braking, their overall handling in snowy conditions is not as impressive.

    Ice Braking   Wet Performance   Economy   Snow Braking   Weight   Treadwear   Dry Performance   Particulate Emissions   Snow Handling   Wet Braking   Wet Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.6
  9. BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
    BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
    79 39
    · Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 tires excel in braking performance on dry pavement and stand out for their long tread life and low particulate emissions, highlighting their durability and environmental friendliness. These tires are also economical, making them a cost-effective choice. However, they fall short in dry handling due to less informative feedback. In wet conditions, they are susceptible to understeer and oversteer, affecting their overall wet handling performance. Despite these drawbacks, they provide good handling in snowy conditions.

    Treadwear   Dry Braking   Particulate Emissions   Economy   Dry Handling   Wet Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.6
  10. Kleber Krisalp HP3
    Kleber Krisalp HP3
    80 52
    · Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Kleber Krisalp HP3 showcases strong braking performance on both dry and wet pavement and exhibits commendable resistance to straight aquaplaning. These tires are also economical and perform effectively in winter conditions. However, they display shortcomings in handling on both dry and wet surfaces, lacking balance. Additionally, their resistance to lateral aquaplaning, especially in cornering scenarios, is limited. While they are efficient in winter settings, their braking distance on ice is notably longer.

    Snow Performance   Economy   Straight Aquaplaning   Wet Braking   Dry Braking   Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Lateral Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.8
  11. Falken Eurowinter HS02
    Falken Eurowinter HS02
    N/A 28
    · Winter · 2022 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Falken Eurowinter HS02 tires excel in dry performance, offering high braking efficiency on wet pavement and effective resistance to straight aquaplaning. They are also noted for their long tread life and economical value. However, their handling on wet surfaces is not as proficient, despite the strong braking performance. These tires struggle with lateral aquaplaning and exhibit suboptimal handling in winter conditions, although they do benefit from a relatively short braking distance on ice.

    Economy   Straight Aquaplaning   Wet Braking   Dry Performance   Treadwear   Snow Handling   Wet Handling   Lateral Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    3
  12. Barum Polaris 5
    Barum Polaris 5
    65 37
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Barum Polaris 5 tires offer significant benefits in terms of resource efficiency, low particulate emissions, lightweight design, and overall economy, including very low rolling resistance that positively impacts fuel consumption. However, their performance on dry pavement is compromised, with inadequate handling and only average braking, leading to a tendency for the vehicle to deviate from its intended path. In wet conditions, both handling and braking performances are subpar, and while they show good resistance to straight aquaplaning, their performance in cornering aquaplaning is lacking. Additionally, in winter conditions, these tires exhibit relatively weak grip.

    Treadwear   Particulate Emissions   Weight   Rolling Resistance   Wet Performance   Dry Handling   Snow Performance   Lateral Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    3.1
  13. Vredestein Wintrac
    Vredestein Wintrac
    82 40
    · Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Wintrac tires excel in winter conditions, providing excellent performance on snow and ice with good handling and short braking distances, although traction on snow is slightly reduced. On wet pavement, they demonstrate strong braking capabilities but have shortcomings in handling. In dry conditions, their grip is less effective, impacting overall tire behavior. These tires also stand out for their resistance to straight aquaplaning, long life, low particulate emissions, lightweight design, and economical value. However, they struggle with lateral aquaplaning resistance.

    Snow Performance   Wet Braking   Straight Aquaplaning   Economy   Weight   Treadwear   Particulate Emissions   Dry Performance   Wet Handling   Lateral Aquaplaning  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    3.1
  14. Uniroyal WinterExpert
    Uniroyal WinterExpert
    59 32
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Uniroyal WinterExpert tires show commendable performance in winter conditions, effectively handling snow and ice. They are also notable for their lightweight design and economical aspects. However, their performance on dry pavement is less than ideal, with grip and handling needing improvement. Similarly, in wet conditions, these tires also fall short in terms of grip and handling, indicating a need for enhancements in these areas.

    Economy   Snow Performance   Weight   Wet Performance   Dry Performance  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    3.2
  15. Lassa Snoways 4
    Lassa Snoways 4
    N/A 23
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Lassa Snoways 4 tires excel in dry performance, offering commendable handling and braking qualities on dry asphalt. They also perform well in wet conditions in terms of braking, but their handling on wet surfaces is suboptimal. Despite their strengths, these tires show significant weaknesses in winter conditions, with a tendency to lose traction and experience deteriorated controllability on snow and ice. Additionally, they have a good life, low particulate emissions, and are economical. However, their weight is a notable disadvantage.

    Particulate Emissions   Economy   Wet Braking   Dry Performance   Treadwear   Wet Handling   Snow Performance   Weight  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    5.2
Year
2024
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
1
Tire Size
205/60R16
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Nov 10, 2023
Date updated
Mar 26, 2024

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