Autobild Allrad: Winter Tire Test R18 2025

Autobild Allrad: Winter Tire Test R18

In winter, having all-wheel drive on your SUV or off-roader isn’t enough to guarantee safe driving on ice and snow. The right set of winter tires is crucial for staying in control. That’s why AUTO BILD conducted an extensive test of winter tires for SUVs and off-road vehicles to find the best performers in tough winter conditions. They compared 12 tire models, measuring their abilities on snow, ice, wet, and dry surfaces, while also evaluating comfort, noise levels, and fuel efficiency. The differences between summer and winter tires, even on all-wheel-drive vehicles, were striking. Here’s a breakdown of how each tire ranked in their 2024-25 winter tire test.

  1. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 - Winner Recommended
    Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
    93 44
    · Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is a solid performer in winter and wet conditions, earning first place in the AUTO BILD ALLRAD test with a score of 1.1. It delivers precise handling and reliable braking in any weather, along with good efficiency due to its low rolling resistance. While it is priced higher than some competitors, the tire’s performance makes it a dependable choice for drivers looking for consistent quality on the road.

    Comfort   Snow Handling   Wet Handling   Subj. Snow Handling   Wet Braking   Snow Braking   Rolling Resistance   Snow Performance   Wet Performance   Driving Safety   Price  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
    Test Score:
    1.1
  2. 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 earned second place with a strong rating of 1.3. It handles snowy and wet roads exceptionally well, offering safety reserves during hydroplaning and maintaining short braking distances. The low rolling resistance adds to its efficiency, but it does come with a higher price tag. Overall, it's a reliable choice for those who value performance and safety in winter driving conditions.

    Snow Handling   Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Snow Braking   Rolling Resistance   Snow Performance   Hydroplaning   Wet Performance   Price  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    1.3
  3. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 Recommended
    Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
    89 55
    · Winter · 2023 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 ranks second with a rating of 1.3, delivering excellent performance on snow and ice. It provides dynamic handling and reliable control in wet and dry conditions alike. Short braking distances, smooth ride comfort, and low rolling resistance add to its appeal. While the price is slightly higher, it’s a dependable winter tire that balances comfort, safety, and performance across various driving conditions.

    Comfort   Snow Handling   Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Snow Braking   Rolling Resistance   Snow Performance   Wet Performance   Driving Safety   Price  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    1.3
  4. Bridgestone Blizzak 6 Recommended
    Bridgestone Blizzak 6
    89 48
    · Winter · 2024 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 Enliten secured a rating of 1.4 and landed in fourth place. It performs well in snowy and icy conditions, offering reliable and safe driving. The tire also delivers sporty handling with strong grip and short braking distances on wet roads. With low rolling resistance and comfortable ride quality, it strikes a good balance. However, the slightly higher price may be a consideration for some drivers.

    Comfort   Snow Handling   Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Snow Braking   Rolling Resistance   Snow Performance   Wet Performance   Price  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    1.4
  5. Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 Recommended
    Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330
    90 44
    · Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 earned a solid rating of 1.5, placing fifth. It handles snowy roads confidently and offers strong safety reserves during hydroplaning, with consistently short braking distances in all weather conditions. Its low rolling resistance adds efficiency, and the tire is competitively priced. However, it does produce slightly more noise when passing by.

    Snow Handling   Wet Braking   Price   Snow Braking   Rolling Resistance   Snow Performance   Hydroplaning   Wet Performance   Outside Noise  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · South Korea South Korea
    Test Score:
    1.5
  6. Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    82 46
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Wintrac Pro, with a rating of 2.2 and a sixth-place finish, offers dynamic and sporty driving characteristics, delivering short braking distances on snow and ice. It maintains balanced handling on both wet and dry roads. However, its hydroplaning resistance is moderate, and the braking distance on wet surfaces is slightly longer than expected.

    Comfort   Snow Handling   Wet Braking   Dry Handling   Snow Braking   Snow Performance   Wet Performance   Hydroplaning   Wet Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.2
  7. Kumho WinterCraft WP52
    Kumho WinterCraft WP52
    67 39
    · Winter · 2022 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Kumho WinterCraft WP52 received a rating of 2.3 and took seventh place. It provides reliable performance on snowy roads, with safe handling and short braking distances in both wet and dry conditions. The tire also benefits from low noise levels during driving. However, its hydroplaning resistance is only average, which may be a consideration in very wet conditions.

    Snow Handling   Wet Braking   Snow Braking   Outside Noise   Snow Performance   Wet Performance   Hydroplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.3
  8. Giti GitiWinter W2
    Giti GitiWinter W2
    N/A 25
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Giti GitiWinter W2, rated 2.5 and ranked eighth, offers solid traction and lateral grip on snowy roads, along with excellent hydroplaning safety reserves. It also has impressively low noise levels while driving. However, its steering response can feel slightly delayed, and the tire has higher rolling resistance, which could impact efficiency.

    Snow Handling   Wet Braking   Outside Noise   Hydroplaning   Snow Performance   Rolling Resistance   Steering Response  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    2.5
  9. Pirelli P Zero Winter
    Pirelli P Zero Winter
    N/A 33
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli P Zero Winter, with a rating of 3.0 and ninth place, delivers a well-rounded winter performance. It provides good grip and sporty handling in wet conditions, along with low noise levels and a comfortable ride. However, its safety reserves during hydroplaning are limited, and the braking distances are slightly longer than ideal.

    Comfort   Wet Handling   Dry Handling   Noise   Outside Noise   Wet Performance   Hydroplaning   Wet Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Japan Japan · China China
    Test Score:
    3
  10. Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro
    Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro
    70 36
    · Winter · 2022 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro, rated 3.1 and finishing in tenth place, offers dynamic handling on both wet and dry roads, with short braking distances in dry conditions. It also has low noise levels and provides good ride comfort. However, its overall winter performance is average, and the safety reserves during hydroplaning are somewhat limited.

    Comfort   Wet Handling   Dry Handling   Noise   Dry Braking   Winter Performance   Hydroplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    3.1
  11. Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
    Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
    70 41
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6, with a rating of 3.4 and ranked eleventh, delivers solid traction and short braking distances on snowy roads. It also boasts low noise levels and strong safety reserves in hydroplaning conditions. However, its steering response is noticeably delayed, with limited lateral grip and extended braking distances in wet conditions, which may affect overall control.

    Snow Braking   Noise   Hydroplaning   Snow Performance   Snow Lateral Stability   Steering Response   Wet Braking  
    Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    3.4
Year
2025
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Tire Size
245/45R18
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Light Truck / SUV / 4*4
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Oct 16, 2024

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