ADAC: Winter Tire Test R17 2025
The 2024-2025 ADAC winter tire test took 16 contenders and threw them onto icy roads in Finland, but only a few made the cut. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 clinched the top spot, showing off its versatility across snow, wet, and dry conditions. Dunlop Winter Sport 5 followed closely, proving it can handle whatever winter throws at it. But not every tire was a hero—Kenda Wintergen 2 seemed promising on snow but fell apart on wet roads, turning every curve into a gamble. Triangle and Davanti were no better, leaving drivers skating on thin ice. Can these tires really keep compact SUVs like the VW T-Roc safe, or are they just rolling hazards? Some surprising names made the ‘avoid’ list—check before you choose.
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Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 - Winner Recommended89 46Verdict:Snow Handling Wet Handling Subj. Snow Handling Dry Handling Rolling Resistance Subj. Dry Handling Treadwear Subj. Wet Handling Driving Safety
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 delivered exceptional results across all tested surfaces, securing top marks in safety. On dry roads, it provided confident steering feedback and maintained stability during sudden maneuvers. Its braking distance was consistently short, adding an extra layer of security. In wet conditions, the tire excelled with strong grip and minimal hydroplaning, allowing precise handling even in challenging scenarios. When faced with snow and ice, it continued to impress, offering reliable traction and manageable braking distances. Its standout feature? A highly efficient design with low fuel consumption and impressive tread longevity. A well-balanced tire with no evident drawbacks, perfect for diverse winter driving needs.
EuropeTest Score:2 -
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 Recommended82 57Verdict:Wet Handling Snow Handling Subj. Snow Handling Dry Handling Rolling Resistance Subj. Dry Handling Treadwear Subj. Wet Handling Driving Safety
The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 showcased solid performance across various surfaces, securing a strong safety rating. On dry roads, it provided precise steering and remained stable during sudden maneuvers, ensuring reliable handling. While its braking distances were decent, it truly excelled in wet handling, despite only average results in longitudinal hydroplaning resistance. On snow, the tire demonstrated impressive braking and traction, allowing for controlled navigation through challenging conditions. Its efficiency, supported by a long tread life and low rolling resistance, makes it an ideal option for those looking for a dependable winter tire. No significant weaknesses were observed, making it a well-rounded choice for winter driving.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:2.1 -
Vredestein Wintrac Pro Recommended82 46Verdict:Snow Handling Wet Handling Dry Handling Rolling Resistance Treadwear Treadwear Subj. Dry Handling
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro delivered solid overall performance, earning praise for its winter handling and braking. It handled dynamic maneuvers with confidence on dry roads but showed minor issues with precision, requiring some steering adjustments in curves. In wet conditions, the tire performed well in braking and handling but struggled slightly with hydroplaning resistance. On snow and ice, it maintained good control, offering dependable traction and braking. While it fell short in tread longevity, its low rolling resistance and fuel efficiency make it a practical choice for those who prioritize winter performance over long-term durability.
USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+Test Score:2.4 -
Semperit Speed-Grip 580 38Verdict:Snow Handling Wet Handling Rolling Resistance Wet Performance Treadwear Dry Handling
The Semperit Speed-Grip 5 displayed reliable performance on wet and winter surfaces but struggled on dry roads, where precision and steering feedback were lacking. It required frequent adjustments to stay on course, and its dry braking was slightly below average. Wet performance was solid, with good results in braking and hydroplaning resistance, while on snow, it managed to hold its own with decent braking and traction. The tire also performed adequately on ice. In terms of efficiency, it offered low rolling resistance and fuel consumption, along with a respectable tread life. Its primary drawback remains its handling on dry roads, where it couldn't match the competition.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:2.6 -
Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 W46285 38Verdict:Comfort Snow Handling Wet Handling Rolling Resistance Wet Performance Treadwear Dry Handling
The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 offered a mixed performance in this test. It struggled on dry roads, where precision and steering feedback were below expectations, often requiring adjustments to maintain stability. While wet and winter performance was slightly better, it still only managed an average rating overall. The tire performed adequately in wet hydroplaning tests but fell short in braking and handling. On snow and ice, it delivered satisfactory results in braking and traction, navigating the course with decent control. Its strong points include good fuel efficiency, low wear, and a relatively long tread life. However, it faced challenges with dry handling and some manufacturing residue issues, which may affect initial performance.
Europe · China · South KoreaTest Score:2.6 -
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P90 55Verdict:Snow Handling Wet Handling Rolling Resistance Wet Performance Treadwear Dry Handling
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P showed strong results in wet and winter conditions, with solid grip and handling on snow and ice. However, it struggled on dry roads, lacking the precise steering response expected in critical situations. Sudden maneuvers required extra effort, and the tire exhibited noticeable understeer. Its braking performance on dry surfaces was slightly above average, but not enough to stand out. In wet tests, it delivered consistent results in braking and handling, although it narrowly missed a top rating in longitudinal hydroplaning resistance. Its winter performance was solid, combining longitudinal and lateral forces well for controlled handling. With good fuel efficiency and low wear, it remains a reliable choice for those who prioritize safety in adverse weather but may not be ideal for dry road enthusiasts.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:2.7 -
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 286 45Verdict:Snow Handling Wet Handling Rolling Resistance Wet Performance Treadwear Dry Handling
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 performed well in wet and winter conditions, showing solid handling and stability on snow and ice. However, its dry road performance lagged behind, with less precise steering and the need for frequent corrections. Sudden maneuvers proved challenging, as the tire tended to understeer and required more effort to control. On wet surfaces, it offered strong braking and handling, combining lateral and longitudinal forces effectively. It maintained good traction and control on snowy roads, earning high marks for safety. Despite these strengths, the tire struggled with dry handling, limiting its overall rating. Efficient fuel consumption and a long tread life make it a viable option for those prioritizing wet and winter performance over dry road precision.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:2.8 -
Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V90665 33Verdict:Wet Performance Dry Handling Treadwear Rolling Resistance Weight Snow Handling
The Yokohama BluEarth-Winter V906 delivered solid performance on dry and wet surfaces, with responsive steering and good grip. It handled dry roads with precision and maintained stability during sudden maneuvers, earning high marks for safety. Wet conditions were handled well, though it just missed top ratings in hydroplaning resistance. However, on snowy and icy roads, the tire's performance dropped to average, with limited control and early understeer. Its efficiency was also hampered by higher weight and moderate tread life, which affected its environmental score. While it’s a reliable option for dry and wet conditions, it struggles to keep up in challenging winter scenarios.
USA+ · EuropeTest Score:2.9 -
Giti GitiWinter W2N/A 25Verdict:Wet Performance Rolling Resistance Snow Handling Dry Handling Rolling Resistance Weight Treadwear
The Giti GitiWinter W2 showed mixed performance, with only average results on dry and winter surfaces. Its dry handling lacked precision, requiring steering corrections to maintain the desired line. While it provided stability during sudden maneuvers, its braking distance was just adequate. On wet roads, it performed better, handling well and maintaining good control, though its hydroplaning resistance and braking were still below top competitors. Winter conditions proved challenging, as it struggled with traction and handling, showing early understeer. With moderate tread life and efficiency, it’s a tire that performs reasonably in wet conditions but falls short in other areas.
EuropeTest Score:3.1 -
Firestone Winterhawk 469 42Verdict:Wet Handling Snow Handling Rolling Resistance Weight Snow Performance Wet Performance Treadwear Dry Handling
The Firestone Winterhawk 4 excelled in wet and winter conditions, offering reliable handling and control on slippery surfaces. It combined lateral and longitudinal forces effectively, making it easy to navigate through snowy and icy terrain. However, its dry road performance was lacking, with delayed steering response and a tendency to oversteer during sudden maneuvers. Frequent steering corrections were necessary to maintain stability, which could be challenging for less experienced drivers. The tire's braking performance on dry surfaces was also average, affecting its overall safety rating. Although it had good efficiency due to its low weight and fuel consumption, its tread life and durability were just adequate. Ideal for wet and snowy conditions, but less so for dry road performance.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:3.3 -
Viking WinTechN/A 24Verdict:Treadwear Abrasion Weight Rolling Resistance Wet Performance Dry Performance Snow Performance
The Viking WinTech demonstrated notable drawbacks on dry roads, resulting in an overall low safety rating. Its steering response lacked precision, requiring frequent corrections during turns and sudden maneuvers, which compromised driver confidence. On wet and winter surfaces, the tire performed moderately, with average braking distances and acceptable handling. However, its hydroplaning resistance, particularly laterally, was insufficient. The tire struggled with traction on snow, showing early understeer and instability in demanding conditions. Despite these performance limitations, the WinTech excelled in efficiency, boasting high tread life, low weight, and minimal fuel consumption, making it a durable and economical choice for less demanding driving environments.
EuropeTest Score:3.6 -
Kumho WinterCraft WP5268 32Verdict:Treadwear Abrasion Snow Performance Wet Performance Dry Performance Weight
The Kumho WinterCraft WP52 struggled on dry surfaces, with limited steering feedback and frequent need for corrections during cornering, which impacted its overall safety score. Despite showing better results on wet roads, its performance was still average, with long braking distances and poor hydroplaning resistance. However, on snowy and icy surfaces, the tire delivered a solid performance, providing stable handling and reliable braking. Its durability and low tread wear contributed positively to its environmental rating, but the slightly higher weight and average fuel efficiency detract from its overall appeal.
EuropeTest Score:3.6 -
Maxxis Premitra Snow WP670 41Verdict:Treadwear Abrasion Rolling Resistance Wet Performance Dry Performance Snow Performance
The Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 struggled to perform on dry roads, showing limited precision and requiring frequent steering corrections during cornering. This resulted in a lower overall safety rating. Its wet performance was similarly average, with extended braking distances and subpar handling. The tire’s response during sudden maneuvers was unsteady, leading to a lack of confidence at the limits. On snow and ice, the Premitra Snow WP6 offered adequate braking but lacked strong traction and precise handling, resulting in only satisfactory ratings. The environmental assessment was better, thanks to its low fuel consumption and minimal tread wear, but its heavier weight and manufacturing residues detracted from its sustainability profile.
Canada · Europe · Russia+Test Score:3.7 -
Triangle WinterX TW401N/A 27Verdict:Abrasion Rolling Resistance Fuel Efficiency Weight Snow Performance Wet Performance Dry Performance Wet Handling Treadwear
The Triangle WinterX TW401 struggled significantly on wet roads, earning a poor safety rating due to its early tendency to understeer and lack of grip. Its inability to balance lateral and longitudinal forces led to inconsistent handling, with the tire showing a low grip threshold and limited control during cornering. On dry surfaces, the tire performed adequately, providing reasonable steering feedback, although its braking distances were longer than expected. The tire excelled on snowy terrain, delivering stable handling and good traction, but its performance on ice was only satisfactory. From an environmental perspective, the tire’s moderate treadwear and fuel efficiency were positive, but its overall sustainability was hindered by production residues and a lower-than-average predicted lifespan.
EuropeTest Score:4.8 -
Kenda Wintergen 2 KR501N/A 23Verdict:Treadwear Abrasion Snow Performance Wet Handling Fuel Efficiency Weight Dry Performance Wet Performance
The Kenda Wintergen 2 KR501 struggles to impress on dry and wet surfaces, delivering subpar performance that results in a low safety rating. Its dry road capabilities are hampered by a lack of steering precision and stability, especially during sudden maneuvers. Wet handling isn’t much better, with the tire showing insufficient grip and a tendency to understeer, leading to extended braking distances and reduced control in wet conditions. The only bright spot is its performance on snow, where it provides solid traction and reliable handling. However, these strengths are overshadowed by its environmental shortcomings, such as high weight and increased fuel consumption. The tire's eco-performance is further compromised by production residues, negatively impacting its overall sustainability.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:4.9 -
Davanti Wintoura+N/A 24Verdict:Treadwear Abrasion Fuel Efficiency Wet Performance Dry Performance Weight Wet Handling
The Davanti Wintoura+ faces significant challenges, particularly on wet surfaces, where its performance falls short, resulting in a poor safety rating. While its dry and winter handling is passable, it struggles with steering precision and responsiveness, especially during sudden maneuvers. The tire lacks the grip needed to confidently navigate wet conditions, leading to early understeer and extended braking distances. Its wet handling is further compromised by poor hydroplaning resistance, making it difficult to control in heavy rain. Despite a decent performance on snow, its overall capabilities are not enough to compensate for its wet road shortcomings. Environmentally, the Wintoura+ offers a good tread life and low fuel consumption, but its high weight and production residues impact its sustainability.
USA+ · Canada · EuropeTest Score:5.3
- Year
- 2025
- Tire Test Original Link
- Visit Website
- Tire Size
- 215/55R17
- Season
- Winter
- Auto Type
- Passenger
- List Type
- Professional Tire Test
- Region
- Europe
- Date added
- Sep 25, 2024
- Date updated
- Sep 27, 2024
- Infographic