Autobild: Winter Tire Test R18 2025

Autobild: Winter Tire Test R18

AutoBild tested 12 winter tire models in extreme conditions to find the best options for mixed tire setups (225/45 front, 245/40 R18 rear). On snowy tracks in Finland, just north of the Arctic Circle, each tire was put through its paces on a Mercedes C-Class to determine which offers the greatest safety and performance on ice and snow. From the top-rated Hankook and Michelin models to the more budget-friendly options, this test reveals which winter tires excel when conditions turn harsh.

  1. Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 - Winner Recommended
    Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330
    90 44
    · Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 secures the top spot with an impressive balance of performance across multiple surfaces. It excels in snowy conditions, delivering dynamic handling and short braking distances that give drivers confidence even in the most challenging winter conditions. On wet surfaces, the tire maintains its strong grip, effectively preventing hydroplaning while offering precise control. Not only does it handle superbly in snow and rain, but it also presents excellent value for money, making it a smart choice for safety-conscious drivers who don’t want to compromise on quality.

    Wet Handling   Snow Handling   Price   Dry Handling   Snow Braking   Wet Braking   Rolling Resistance   Snow Performance   Hydroplaning   Wet Performance   Dry Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · South Korea South Korea
  2. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 Recommended
    Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
    93 44
    · Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 takes the top spot with its exemplary performance in all weather conditions. It stands out with its precise steering response and impressively short braking distances, whether on snow, wet, or dry surfaces. This tire offers a winter profile that adapts seamlessly to various conditions, giving drivers the confidence they need in unpredictable weather. Although it comes at a higher price point, the Pilot Alpin 5 justifies its cost with top-tier performance and reliability throughout the season.

    Snow Braking   Dry Handling   Wet Performance   Snow Performance   Wet Braking   Dry Braking   Subj. Steering Response   Wet Handling   Dry Performance   Subj. Dry Handling   Price  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
  3. Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    82 46
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Wintrac Pro secures third place as a well-rounded performer with impressive winter and wet qualities. Its stable handling in both wet and dry conditions sets it apart, offering excellent control for confident driving. Despite its affordable price, the Wintrac Pro delivers outstanding all-weather performance, making it a top choice for value-conscious drivers. The only slight drawback is its average ride comfort, but it remains an exemplary all-around option for the winter season.

    Price   Snow Braking   Dry Handling   Wet Performance   Snow Performance   Wet Braking   Wet Handling   Comfort  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
  4. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
    Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
    87 54
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 earns fourth place with strong performance across various conditions. It excels on snow, wet, and dry roads, offering precise handling and impressively short braking distances in wet conditions. Its snow grip is commendable, making it a reliable winter tire for varied road surfaces. However, its hydroplaning resistance is somewhat moderate, which slightly detracts from its otherwise excellent performance. Despite this, it remains a solid choice for those seeking confident handling and safety in winter conditions.

    Snow Handling   Wet Braking   Dry Handling   Snow Performance   Wet Performance   Subj. Wet Handling   Dry Braking   Hydroplaning  
    Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
  5. Dunlop Winter Sport 5
    Dunlop Winter Sport 5
    82 57
    · Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 secures fifth place with excellent snow performance, delivering short braking distances on both wet and dry roads. It also offers a comfortable ride and low rolling resistance, making it a strong contender in winter conditions. However, its dry handling tends to understeer, which may be a consideration for drivers seeking more precise control on dry surfaces. Despite this, the tire remains a solid option with a balance of comfort and performance across various winter terrains.

    Snow Braking   Comfort   Wet Performance   Snow Performance   Wet Braking   Dry Braking   Rolling Resistance   Subj. Dry Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
  6. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
    Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
    88 53
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance + stands out as a winter specialist, delivering sporty driving qualities on slush and snow, along with solid hydroplaning resistance and low rolling resistance. Its strength lies in winter conditions, making it an ideal choice for those who often face challenging weather. However, like some of its competitors, it tends to understeer in dry handling, which slightly affects its overall performance on dry roads. Nonetheless, this tire remains a dependable option for winter driving with a balance of performance and efficiency.

    Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Snow Braking   Rolling Resistance   Snow Performance   Hydroplaning   Wet Performance   Subj. Dry Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · China China
  7. Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
    Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
    78 41
    · Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Continental WinterContact TS 850P delivers well-balanced winter performance with secure driving characteristics across all weather conditions. It excels in wet handling, offering dynamic control and impressively short braking distances on wet roads. However, its performance on dry surfaces reveals slightly extended braking distances, which is its main drawback. Despite this, the tire remains a solid contender for those prioritizing safe, all-weather performance, making it a reliable choice for diverse winter conditions.

    Snow Braking   Wet Performance   Wet Braking   Snow Performance   Wet Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Dry Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · South Korea South Korea
  8. BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
    BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
    79 39
    · Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The BF Goodrich g-Force Winter 2 stands out as a snow specialist, offering top-tier performance on snowy surfaces, complemented by quiet passing noise. However, its performance on wet roads is average, with slightly extended wet braking distances. This tire shines in wintry conditions but leaves room for improvement in wet grip, making it a solid yet not flawless choice for winter driving.

    Snow Handling   Snow Performance   Noise   Comfort   Wet Handling   Wet Braking  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
  9. Falken Eurowinter HS01
    Falken Eurowinter HS01
    73 41
    · Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Falken Eurowinter HS01 impresses with strong performance on ice and snow, along with good hydroplaning resistance. However, it shows some weaknesses on wet roads, where its handling tends to understeer and the steering response feels delayed. While it excels in winter conditions, its wet-road performance leaves room for improvement, making it a decent choice for drivers who prioritize snow and ice grip.

    Ice Performance   Hydroplaning   Snow Handling   Snow Performance   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Handling  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
  10. Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
    Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
    72 38
    · Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Nexen Winguard Sport 2 offers stable handling on dry roads and impresses with its quiet rolling noise and affordable price. However, its longer wet braking distances and mediocre lateral grip on snow are notable weaknesses. While it provides good value for money, its performance in wet and snowy conditions could be improved, making it a budget-friendly but modest option for winter driving.

    Noise   Price   Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Snow Traction  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia
  11. Toyo Snowprox S954
    Toyo Snowprox S954
    71 28
    · Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Toyo Snowprox S954 delivers dynamic dry handling and offers solid safety margins when it comes to hydroplaning. However, its winter performance is only satisfactory, with understeering tendencies in wet conditions being a drawback. While it excels in dry handling and hydroplaning resistance, its overall winter capabilities make it a conditionally recommended option for those prioritizing wet and dry performance over snow grip.

    Dry Handling   Subj. Dry Handling   Hydroplaning   Wet Handling   Snow Performance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
Year
2025
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Tire Size
245/40R18
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Oct 14, 2024
Date updated
Oct 24, 2024

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