Autozeitung: Winter Tire Test R17 2025

Autozeitung: Winter Tire Test R17

In March 2024, Autozeitung took the VW Passat Variant to the far north for a winter tire test. Seven winter tires and three all-season models in the 215/55 R17 size were tested on snow, wet roads, and cold, dry asphalt. The goal was simple: to see if all-season tires can match dedicated winter models. This test highlights which tire delivers the strongest grip and reliability in tough winter conditions, driven by advanced tread design.

  1. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 - Winner Recommended
    Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
    87 54
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 dominates the winter tire segment once again, proving its unmatched performance on wet roads. It delivers exceptional grip and braking distances in wet conditions, earning top marks across the board in this category. The tire excels in snow as well, offering strong traction and solid handling, making it a reliable choice for winter driving. However, its performance on dry roads is less impressive, with extended braking distances and less precise steering feedback. Despite these minor drawbacks, it remains the go-to tire for wet and snowy conditions, ensuring both comfort and safety.

    Hydroplaning   Snow Braking   Comfort   Ride Quality   Snow Performance   Wet Braking   Wet Performance   Snow Traction   Wet Handling   Wet Circle   Steering Response   Dry Braking   Subj. Dry Handling   Dry Handling  
    Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    382
  2. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 Recommended
    Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
    89 46
    · Winter · 2023 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 secures second place with exceptional grip and control on snow. It excels in snow traction and lateral stability, ensuring confident performance in winter conditions. The tire also delivers impressive dry braking, providing shorter stopping distances on dry roads. While it performs well overall, its wet handling, though safe, feels a bit sluggish compared to its competitors. Comfort levels are good, contributing to a smoother driving experience. Despite its slight drawback in wet conditions, this tire remains a highly recommended choice for winter driving, especially for those prioritizing snow performance and dry braking.

    Hydroplaning   Snow Braking   Comfort   Snow Performance   Dry Braking   Snow Traction   Wet Traction   Snow Lateral Stability   Wet Handling   Subj. Wet Handling  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    378
  3. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Recommended
    Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
    90 55
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Continental WinterContact TS 870P delivers a solid overall performance, securing third place despite surprising weaknesses in snow traction and handling. Its strength lies in its excellent wet performance, where it manages both steering and braking with precision, particularly during load shifts. The tire also shines in dry conditions with short braking distances and impressive comfort, making it a balanced option for diverse winter driving scenarios. Its low rolling resistance adds to its appeal, making it fuel-efficient. While it underperforms in snow compared to its competitors, it remains a strong contender for those seeking a well-rounded winter tire.

    Comfort   Ride Quality   Wet Performance   Wet Braking   Dry Braking   Rolling Resistance   Wet Handling   Snow Handling   Snow Lateral Stability  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    372
  4. Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
    Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
    86 45
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 proves to be a strong performer in snowy conditions, earning the highest rating in this category. Its wet handling is also commendable, with good feedback and stability in corners. However, the tire's longer braking distances on wet roads and its less impressive dry handling prevent it from securing a top recommendation. Inside the cabin, the tire maintains low noise levels, contributing to a more comfortable ride. While it's an ideal choice for cold, snowy winters, its limitations on wet and dry surfaces make it less versatile compared to its competitors.

    Comfort   Snow Handling   Wet Handling   Snow Traction   Snow Braking   Noise   Snow Performance   Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Wet Braking  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    369
  5. Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 W462
    Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 W462
    85 38
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 delivers satisfactory results on snow, with good traction and decent handling. However, its performance on wet and dry roads is hindered by long braking distances, making it less competitive in these conditions. The tire provides excellent protection against hydroplaning, but requires larger steering angles to maintain control on wet surfaces, and its feedback near the grip limit is unclear. While it maintains an acceptable level of rolling resistance, its longer braking distances, especially in wet conditions, prevent it from achieving higher overall scores. This tire is suitable for snowy conditions but falls short on wet and dry asphalt.

    Hydroplaning   Snow Braking   Comfort   Snow Performance   Wet Traction   Wet Braking   Dry Braking   Rolling Resistance   Wet Handling   Snow Lateral Stability  
    Europe Europe · China China · South Korea South Korea
    Test Score:
    356
  6. Michelin Alpin 6
    Michelin Alpin 6
    85 53
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Alpin 6 delivers a strong performance on snow, providing stable handling and traction. However, its weaknesses on dry asphalt, particularly the extended braking distances and pronounced understeering, hold it back from ranking higher. The tire requires larger steering angles on snow and provides only moderate feedback on wet surfaces, which impacts its overall control. Despite rolling smoothly over road imperfections and maintaining a reasonable level of comfort, its dry performance remains a significant drawback. The Michelin Alpin 6 is a reliable option for snow but struggles to compete on dry roads.

    Hydroplaning   Snow Braking   Comfort   Ride Quality   Snow Performance   Snow Traction   Wet Handling   Dry Braking   Wet Feedback   Dry Handling  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
    Test Score:
    348
  7. Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    82 46
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Wintrac Pro focuses on strong snow traction and handling, delivering a smooth and comfortable ride in winter conditions. However, its weaknesses become evident in wet and dry performance, with long braking distances on both surfaces. The tire struggles with precision and understeers noticeably in wet conditions, making it less responsive in challenging weather. Additionally, it ranks lowest in the dry slalom test, further highlighting its limitations on dry roads. While it offers solid handling on snow, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro falls behind in overall performance due to its struggles in wet and dry conditions.

    Comfort   Ride Quality   Snow Performance   Snow Traction   Snow Handling   Snow Braking   Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Wet Handling   Dry Slalom  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    339
Year
2025
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
450
Tire Size
215/55R17
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Sep 30, 2024
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