Autobild: Winter Tire Test R18 2025
Autobild has unveiled its 2024-2025 winter tire test for Europe's most popular size: 205/55 R16. Targeting top performers for compact cars like the VW Golf, Opel Astra, Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus, and Audi A3, the test highlights the best in safety and performance. Evaluated across snow, ice, wet, and dry conditions, Autobild's comprehensive assessment helps drivers make informed choices for the colder months. Explore these top picks to ensure confidence and control on the road this winter.
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Continental WinterContact TS 870 - Winner Recommended91 61Verdict:Comfort Snow Handling Wet Handling Snow Traction Durability Wet Braking Dry Handling Snow Braking Rolling Resistance Noise Hydroplaning Dry Braking Driving Safety Price
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 (91 H) was the top performer in Autobild's 2024 winter tire test. This tire offers balanced and high-level performance across various conditions. It received an EU label rating of C/B/B with a noise level of 70 dB, and its price is approximately €460 per set. On snow, it demonstrated excellent traction, braking, and handling, earning near-perfect scores across these categories. In wet conditions, it performed well in hydroplaning resistance and handling, though its braking performance was slightly lower. On dry surfaces, it excelled in handling, while its braking and comfort were satisfactory. When it comes to cost, the tire has strong mileage and low rolling resistance, but the price-to-mileage ratio could be improved. Overall, this tire stands out for its exceptional performance in all weather, with short braking distances and high durability. The only notable downside is its higher price.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:1.2 -
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 Recommended89 46Verdict:Comfort Snow Handling Wet Handling Snow Traction Durability Dry Handling Snow Braking Rolling Resistance Hydroplaning Dry Braking Driving Safety Wet Braking Price
This tire earned a well-deserved "exemplary" rating, placing second overall. Designed for reliable performance, it has an EU label of C/B/B and a noise level of 70 dB, with a price around €440 per set. On snowy surfaces, it excelled in traction, braking, and handling, offering a confident drive in tough conditions. In wet scenarios, its strong hydroplaning resistance and solid cornering made it stand out, though its braking lagged slightly behind. On dry roads, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 provided smooth handling and comfort, maintaining good balance throughout. Though its price is on the higher side, it justifies the cost with excellent durability and dependable safety.
EuropeTest Score:1.3 -
Semperit Speed-Grip 5 Recommended80 38Verdict:Wet Handling Snow Traction Durability Price Snow Braking Rolling Resistance Noise Hydroplaning Wet Grip Wet Braking
Rated as "exemplary" and taking third place, the Semperit Speed-Grip 5 offers great value. With an EU label of C/B/B and a noise level of 72 dB, it's priced affordably at approximately €320 per set. Despite its budget-friendly nature, this tire delivers solid performance in various conditions. It performed well on snow, particularly in braking, although handling was not as precise as higher-end models. Wet handling and hydroplaning resistance were commendable, though braking could be improved. On dry surfaces, it balanced handling and comfort well, making it a versatile option. With impressive mileage and low rolling resistance, it’s a strong contender for drivers seeking good performance without breaking the bank, though its wet grip is slightly limited.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:1.4 -
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 RecommendedN/A 40Verdict:Snow Handling Wet Handling Snow Traction Durability Wet Braking Dry Handling Snow Braking Rolling Resistance Hydroplaning Driving Safety
This tire secured a "exemplary" rating and finished fourth in the test. It carries an EU label of C/B/B with a noise level of 70 dB and is priced around €500 per set. Known for its sporty character, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 Enliten delivers strong results in all conditions. On snow, it offered excellent grip and braking performance, though handling in the slalom was slightly less agile. In wet conditions, it handled well and showed solid hydroplaning resistance, with braking that could have been sharper. On dry roads, it performed smoothly and offered reasonable comfort. The tire’s standout feature is its short braking distances and high mileage, but its higher price point may be a drawback for some.
EuropeTest Score:1.5 -
Michelin Alpin 6 Recommended85 53Verdict:Comfort Wet Handling Snow Traction Durability Snow Braking Rolling Resistance Noise Hydroplaning Driving Safety Wet Braking Price
The Michelin Alpin 6 (91 H) secured a "exemplary" rating, finishing in fifth place among the tested winter tires. Known for its premium quality, this tire boasts an EU label of C/B/A and a low noise level of 69 dB. Priced at approximately €520 per set, it offers strong all-weather performance. On snow, it performed consistently, with good traction, braking, and handling, though it didn’t lead the pack. Its wet performance showed reliable hydroplaning resistance and solid handling, though braking could have been sharper. On dry roads, the Alpin 6 was smooth and comfortable. Where it truly shines is in its longevity, offering excellent mileage and a low rolling resistance. Despite its higher cost, it stands out for its comfort and efficiency, making it a premium choice for drivers seeking long-lasting performance.
USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · JapanTest Score:1.6 -
Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 W46285 38Verdict:Comfort Wet Handling Snow Traction Durability Price Snow Braking Rolling Resistance Hydroplaning Wet Braking
The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 (91 H), awarded the title of "AUTO BILD-Eco-Meister," secured sixth place in the winter tire test. With an EU label of C/B/B and a noise level of 72 dB, this tire is priced at around €360 per set, offering a balanced combination of affordability and performance. On snow, it performed impressively, delivering strong traction and braking along with stable handling. In wet conditions, it stood out for its excellent hydroplaning resistance, though the braking distances were slightly longer than ideal. On dry roads, the tire provided a smooth and comfortable drive with decent handling. Its true strength lies in its outstanding mileage and low rolling resistance, making it a cost-effective choice. Despite the longer braking distances in the wet, this tire remains a solid option for drivers seeking value without compromising on quality.
Europe · China · South KoreaTest Score:2 -
Dunlop Winter Sport 582 57Verdict:Hydroplaning Snow Braking Dry Handling Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Driving Safety Durability Wet Braking Price
The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 (91 H) earned a "good" rating and placed seventh in the winter tire test. With an EU label of C/B/B and a noise level of 71 dB, it is priced around €380 per set. This tire delivered excellent performance on snow and ice, showing strong traction, braking, and handling capabilities. However, in wet conditions, its grip was somewhat limited, especially in braking, though hydroplaning resistance and handling remained solid. On dry roads, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 offered a balanced drive, with good comfort and noise levels. Its standout features include impressive durability and low rolling resistance, making it an economical choice for long-term use. The slightly reduced wet grip is its main drawback, but overall, it's a dependable tire for winter driving.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:2.1 -
Kleber Krisalp HP380 52Verdict:Hydroplaning Price Snow Braking Comfort Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Wet Braking Wet Grip
The Kleber Krisalp HP3 (91 H) received a "good" rating and ranked eighth in the test. With an EU label of D/B/A and a noise level of 69 dB, this tire is priced at approximately €360 per set. On snowy surfaces, it performed admirably, delivering solid traction, braking, and handling. Its hydroplaning resistance in wet conditions was particularly impressive, though the grip on wet roads was somewhat limited, especially in handling. On dry roads, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 offered a decent balance of comfort and control, with slightly better-than-average performance. Its strengths include a low rolling resistance and good durability, making it an efficient choice for winter driving. However, the reduced wet grip is its main weakness, though it remains a reliable option for snowy and icy conditions.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:2.3 -
Uniroyal WinterExpert59 32Verdict:Hydroplaning Price Snow Braking Comfort Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Driving Safety Snow Handling Snow Lateral Stability
The Uniroyal Winter Expert (91 H) earned a "good" rating and finished in ninth place in the test. It carries an EU label of C/B/B with a noise level of 71 dB and is priced at around €340 per set. This tire stands out for its balanced and safe performance in wet conditions, offering reliable handling and hydroplaning resistance. On snow and ice, however, its side grip was somewhat limited, impacting its overall handling in these conditions. On dry roads, the Uniroyal Winter Expert provided a solid driving experience with good comfort and control. Its key strengths lie in its durability and low rolling resistance, making it a practical choice for wet climates. However, its performance on snowy surfaces could be stronger, especially when it comes to cornering.
EuropeTest Score:2.4 -
BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 279 39Verdict:Hydroplaning Price Snow Braking Comfort Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Noise Wet Braking Wet Grip
The BF Goodrich g-Force Winter 2 (91 H) achieved a "good" rating and shared ninth place in the test. It has an EU label of D/B/A with a noise level of 69 dB and is priced around €380 per set. This tire excels on snow and ice, offering top-tier traction and braking performance, making it a reliable option in harsh winter conditions. It also provides solid hydroplaning resistance and a quiet ride, adding to its appeal for drivers seeking comfort. However, its braking performance on wet roads is slightly longer than ideal, which is its main drawback. Overall, the BF Goodrich g-Force Winter 2 is a strong contender for winter driving, particularly for those prioritizing snow and ice performance.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:2.4 -
Vredestein Wintrac82 40Verdict:Hydroplaning Snow Braking Comfort Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Durability Wet Braking Price
The Vredestein Wintrac (91 H) earned a "good" rating and placed 11th in the test. It comes with an EU label of C/B/B and a noise level of 70 dB, priced around €380 per set. This tire delivers a well-balanced driving experience across various weather conditions, providing solid performance in traction, braking, and handling. Its hydroplaning resistance is commendable, making it a reliable choice in wet conditions, though the braking distances on wet surfaces were slightly longer than expected. On snow and dry roads, the Vredestein Wintrac maintained good control and comfort, with a low rolling resistance adding to its efficiency. While its wet braking could be sharper, this tire offers dependable all-around performance for a variety of winter driving conditions.
USA+ · Canada · EuropeTest Score:2.5 -
Apollo Alnac 4G WinterN/A 15Verdict:Price Snow Braking Comfort Wet Braking Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Noise Snow Handling Snow Lateral Stability
The Apollo Alnac 4G Winter (91 H) received a "good" rating, finishing in 12th place. With an EU label of C/C/B and a noise level of 71 dB, it is priced at approximately €320 per set. This tire offers balanced and safe handling in all weather conditions, with particularly short braking distances and low road noise contributing to a comfortable ride. However, its performance on snow and ice is somewhat limited, especially in terms of side grip, which affects its overall stability in winter conditions. Despite this, the Apollo Alnac 4G Winter remains a solid choice for drivers looking for an affordable tire with decent all-around performance, particularly in wet and dry conditions.
Europe · East Asia · Southeast Asia · Middle EastTest Score:2.6 -
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 286 45Verdict:Snow Braking Comfort Wet Braking Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Noise Mileage Price
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 (94 H) earned a "satisfactory" rating and placed 13th in the test. With an EU label of C/B/A and a noise level of 69 dB, it is priced around €420 per set. This tire delivers strong driving dynamics, particularly excelling in short braking distances on both snow and wet roads, while also offering a quiet ride. However, its main drawback is the moderate mileage performance, making it less durable compared to other options in the test. Despite this limitation, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 remains a capable performer for those prioritizing safety and comfort on snowy and wet surfaces.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:3 -
Giti GitiWinter W2N/A 25Verdict:Hydroplaning Price Snow Braking Comfort Snow Traction Mileage Wet Handling Steering Response Wet Braking
The Giti GitiWinter W2 (91 H) received a "satisfactory" rating, ranking 14th in the test. With an EU label of D/B/A and a noise level of 68 dB, this tire is priced at approximately €420 per set. It performed well on snow, showcasing reliable traction and handling with solid hydroplaning resistance. Additionally, its mileage performance is commendable, making it a durable option for winter driving. However, the tire struggles with longer braking distances on wet surfaces and has a delayed steering response, particularly in challenging conditions. Despite these weaknesses, the Giti GitiWinter W2 remains a dependable choice for snow-covered roads, offering good overall value for its durability and winter performance.
EuropeTest Score:3.2 -
Kumho WinterCraft WP5268 32Verdict:Price Snow Braking Comfort Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Mileage Hydroplaning Wet Braking
The Kumho Wintercraft WP52 (91 H) earned a "satisfactory" rating, placing 15th in the test. With an EU label of C/B/B and a noise level of 72 dB, it is priced around €320 per set. This tire offers balanced and sporty driving dynamics, with short braking distances across various weather conditions. However, it has notable weaknesses, particularly its limited hydroplaning resistance and lower mileage, making it less durable in the long run. Despite these drawbacks, the Kumho Wintercraft WP52 remains a decent option for those looking for solid winter performance at a reasonable price, though its longevity may be a concern for some drivers.
EuropeTest Score:3.3 -
Barum Polaris 565 37Verdict:Price Snow Braking Dry Handling Comfort Snow Traction Rolling Resistance Hydroplaning Wet Grip
The Barum Polaris 5 (91 H) received a "satisfactory" rating, finishing 16th in the test. It has an EU label of C/C/B with a noise level of 72 dB and is priced at approximately €320 per set. This tire performs well in winter conditions, demonstrating solid winter readiness and safe handling on dry roads. It also offers a low rolling resistance, contributing to its efficiency. However, its performance is hindered by limited grip on wet surfaces and reduced safety margins when it comes to hydroplaning . Despite these shortcomings, the Barum Polaris 5 remains a reliable and economical choice for dry winter roads, though drivers should be cautious in wet conditions.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:3.4 -
GT Radial WinterPro2 EvoN/A 26Verdict:Comfort Snow Traction Price Snow Braking Rolling Resistance Noise Wet Braking Hydroplaning Wet Grip
The GT Radial Winterpro 2 evo (91 H) earned a "satisfactory" rating, sharing 16th place in the test. With an EU label of D/B/B and a noise level of 70 dB, it is one of the more affordable options, priced around €280 per set. This tire shows strong winter capabilities, providing reliable performance on snow and ice, along with good ride comfort and a quiet driving experience. It also stands out for its fair price, making it a budget-friendly choice. However, it falls short in wet conditions, where its grip is moderate, and it offers limited safety reserves during hydroplaning . Overall, the GT Radial Winterpro 2 evo is a solid choice for those prioritizing winter performance at an economical price, though wet weather performance could be improved.
EuropeTest Score:3.4 -
Firestone Winterhawk 469 42Verdict:Comfort Wet Handling Snow Traction Price Wet Braking Snow Braking Mileage Steering Response Hydroplaning
The Firestone Winterhawk 4 (91 H) received a "satisfactory" rating and ranked 18th in the test. It has an EU label of C/B/B with a noise level of 71 dB, priced at approximately €320 per set. This tire performs well in winter conditions, delivering solid handling on snow and offering reliable traction on wet roads. However, its steering response is delayed, and its mileage is somewhat limited compared to other models in the test. Despite these weaknesses, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 provides dependable winter performance, particularly in wet conditions, making it a reasonable option for drivers focused on safety in winter weather.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:3.5 -
Fulda Kristall Control HP269 37Verdict:Comfort Wet Handling Snow Traction Dry Handling Snow Braking Rolling Resistance Wet Grip Wet Braking
The Fulda Kristall Control HP 2 (91 H) earned a "satisfactory" rating and shared 18th place in the test. With an EU label of C/C/B and a noise level of 72 dB, this tire is priced around €360 per set. It offers good winter performance, with secure handling on dry roads and solid performance on snow. However, its grip on wet surfaces is limited, and its braking distances in wet conditions are longer than some of its competitors. While the tire provides dependable performance in dry and snowy conditions, its weaknesses on wet roads may be a concern for some drivers.
Europe · Russia+Test Score:3.5 -
Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V90665 33Verdict:Comfort Wet Handling Wet Braking Dry Handling Noise Rolling Resistance Mileage Snow Handling Snow Traction
The Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906+ (91 H) received a "satisfactory" rating, finishing 20th in the test. With an EU label of D/B/B and a noise level of 71 dB, it is priced around €380 per set. This tire offers solid performance on wet and dry roads, providing good and safe handling in these conditions. However, its winter capabilities are limited, with reduced performance on snow and ice. Additionally, it has a shorter lifespan compared to other tires, along with a higher rolling resistance. While the Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906+ excels in wet and dry conditions, its drawbacks in winter performance and mileage make it a less versatile option for harsh winter environments.
USA+ · EuropeTest Score:3.6
- Year
- 2025
- Tire Test Original Link
- Visit Website
- Max Score, points
- 1
- Tire Size
- 205/55 R16
- Season
- Winter
- Auto Type
- Passenger
- List Type
- Professional Tire Test
- Region
- Europe
- Date added
- Oct 02, 2024
- Date updated
- Oct 14, 2024
- Infographic