Auto Express: All-Season Tire Test R17 2024

Auto Express: All-Season Tire Test R17

Auto Express, a British trade publication, conducted a test of nine popular all-season tire models in size 225/45R17, responding to the increasing preference for these tires in milder winters. The tests were held at the Pirelli Sottozero proving ground in Sweden for snow performance, and at the TRIWO Research Center in Germany for dry and wet asphalt performance.

The test uniquely included summer and winter tires for comparison, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of all-season tires against seasonal models. Brands like Hankook, Michelin, Goodyear, Vredestein, Pirelli, Uniroyal, and Firestone were tested, including newer models like Michelin's Kleber Quadraxer 3.

Testing involved measuring braking distances and traction on snow, wet, and dry surfaces, assessing handling, aquaplaning resistance, lateral grip, interior noise, and rolling resistance. The final scores were based on a percentage system, prioritizing wet and dry pavement performance, with additional consideration for snow handling, noise, fuel efficiency, and cost.

  1. Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 - Winner Recommended
    Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
    91 59
    · All Season · 2020 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 clinched the top spot in the 2023 All-Season Tire Test, excelling particularly in wet handling and circle tests, essential for the UK climate. Its performance in dry handling was equally commendable, offering exceptional sharpness and maintaining line control through turns. While it didn't lead in snow traction and hydroplaning tests, its overall balanced performance, coupled with competitive fuel consumption, contributed significantly to its first-place finish. The tire's handling characteristics in snowy conditions were among the best, demonstrating a well-balanced and quick slide recovery.

    Rolling Resistance   Cabin Noise   Wet Circle   Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Snow Traction   Dry Braking   Straight Hydroplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · South Africa South Africa
    Test Score:
    100
  2. Vredestein Quatrac Recommended
    Vredestein Quatrac
    90 39
    · All Season · 2020 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Quatrac, ranking an impressive second, demonstrates a robust performance in both snow and wet conditions, particularly excelling in braking tests. In snowy settings, it led in braking but showed slightly less grip in handling. Its performance in the wet was exceptional, achieving top results in braking and handling, and maintaining efficiency in both shallow and deep-water tests. The tire's behavior on wet tracks was characterized by a lively yet stable front-end balance. Although it did not exhibit the sharpest response in dry conditions, the grip levels were high, facilitating ease in long turns. Its rolling resistance and cabin noise levels, while not leading, were competently managed.

    Dry Handling   Cabin Noise   Snow Braking   Wet Braking   Snow Traction   Rolling Resistance   Snow Handling  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    99.9
  3. Michelin CrossClimate 2
    Michelin CrossClimate 2
    86 54
    · All Season · 2020 · Passenger - Performance All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Michelin CrossClimate 2 impressively ranks third, showcasing a significant improvement in snow performance over its predecessor. It excelled in snow traction and handling, with a robust front end aiding in turns. In dry conditions, it topped the braking test and maintained consistent handling, though it lacked some rivals' sharpness. However, its performance dipped in wet conditions, particularly in deeper water, and its wet grip was less competitive. Notably, its rolling resistance and cabin noise levels were commendably managed.

    Dry Braking   Rolling Resistance   Snow Traction   Cabin Noise   Snow Handling   Wet Handling   Wet Circle   Lateral Hydroplaning  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
    Test Score:
    99.3
  4. Firestone MultiSeason Gen 02
    Firestone MultiSeason Gen 02
    73 32
    · All Season · 2019 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Firestone Multiseason GEN 02 stands out for its excellent fuel economy and impressive wet braking, securing it the fourth position overall. It performs admirably in shallow wet conditions and showcases a commendable balance in snow handling. However, its capabilities in deep water and during long dry turns are less impressive, along with a noticeable deficit in noise reduction, making it the noisiest in the test.

    Rolling Resistance   Snow Traction   Wet Braking   Wet Circle   Wet Handling   Dry Braking   Snow Braking   Straight Hydroplaning   Cabin Noise   Dry Handling   Lateral Hydroplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    99.2
  5. Hankook Kinergy 4S 2 H750
    Hankook Kinergy 4S 2 H750
    82 53
    · All Season · 2018 · Passenger - Performance All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 demonstrates notable proficiency in diverse conditions, excelling particularly in wet handling and hydroplaning, where it secured podium finishes. Its snow performance was balanced, offering good traction and handling, although it fell slightly short in snow braking. In dry conditions, the tire showed commendable handling abilities, especially in direction changes. However, areas like rolling resistance and dry braking were not its strongest points, reflecting a need for improvement.

    Straight Hydroplaning   Cabin Noise   Snow Handling   Wet Circle   Lateral Hydroplaning   Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Dry Braking   Snow Braking   Rolling Resistance  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia
    Test Score:
    99
  6. Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 2
    Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 2
    79 50
    · All Season · 2021 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 2 showed a strong comeback in the All-Season Tire Test 2023, particularly excelling in dry conditions and on snow. Its snow performance was notably improved, placing it as a close contender behind the leader in snow braking, traction, and handling. In dry conditions, it secured high scores in braking and handling, though with a slight fade over time. The tire's wet performance was mixed, standing out in straight hydroplaning but falling behind in wet braking. The relatively poor fuel economy of the Cinturato SF 2, however, detracted from its overall ranking.

    Dry Braking   Snow Braking   Straight Hydroplaning   Snow Traction   Cabin Noise   Snow Handling   Wet Circle   Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Rolling Resistance   Wet Braking  
    Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
    Test Score:
    99
  7. Kleber Quadraxer 3
    Kleber Quadraxer 3
    81 17
    · All Season · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Kleber Quadraxer 3, a Michelin sub-brand product, excelled in snow conditions, topping the snow handling test and scoring high in snow braking and traction. Its dry performance was also commendable, with notable dry braking and rolling resistance scores. However, the tire struggled significantly in wet conditions, ranking last in wet braking and near the bottom in other wet categories. Despite its impressive snow and dry attributes, the Kleber's wet performance limitations are a key consideration for climates with frequent wet conditions.

    Dry Braking   Snow Braking   Rolling Resistance   Straight Hydroplaning   Snow Traction   Snow Handling   Wet Braking   Wet Circle   Lateral Hydroplaning   Dry Handling   Wet Handling  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    98.2
  8. Uniroyal AllSeasonExpert 2
    Uniroyal AllSeasonExpert 2
    75 27
    · All Season · 2018 · Passenger - Performance All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Uniroyal AllSeasonExpert 2, part of the Continental brand, demonstrated mixed performance in various tests. Its prowess in curved hydroplaning and cabin noise was remarkable, achieving first place in both categories. However, it lagged in dry braking and handling, ranking eighth, and its wet handling was notably underwhelming. Despite these limitations, the tire maintained a safe and stable balance, especially in wet conditions, ensuring a secure driving experience.

    Stable Balance   Snow Braking   Straight Hydroplaning   Wet Braking   Safe Wet Handling   Cabin Noise   Lateral Hydroplaning   Dry Braking   Snow Traction   Snow Handling   Wet Circle   Dry Handling   Wet Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    97.3
Year
2024
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
100
Tire Size
225/45R17
Season
All-Season
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Jan 19, 2024
Date updated
Jan 22, 2024
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