Car and Driver: All-Weather Tire Test R18 2025

Car and Driver: All-Weather Tire Test R18

Car and Driver’s 2025 all-weather tire test focused on size R18, comparing five leading models from Bridgestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Nokian, and Pirelli. The goal was to determine how the latest generation of all-weather tires performs across all conditions — dry, wet, and snow-covered roads.

Testing took place at Tire Rack’s facility in South Bend, Indiana, for dry and wet surfaces, using a BMW 330i xDrive, and at Michigan’s Keweenaw Research Center for snow evaluations with a rear-wheel-drive Genesis G70 3.3T. Each tire was assessed for braking distance, cornering stability, steering precision, traction, and ride comfort.

Unlike traditional all-season tires, the tested models carry the 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) symbol, indicating verified winter capability. Designed for drivers who prefer not to swap tires twice a year, all-weather tires promise dependable year-round use without sacrificing safety.

  1. Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive - Winner Recommended
    Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
    N/A 36
    · All Season · 2022 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive claimed first place, proving that exceptional performance doesn’t have to come with an inflated price tag. With its heritage tracing back to the iconic Lamborghini Miura and Porsche 911 Turbo, the Cinturato name carries legacy—yet this modern iteration blends that prestige with practicality. Built in Mexico and designed for year-round versatility, it shows that all-weather capability can still deliver pure driving enjoyment. On dry pavement, it stood apart, combining sharp steering feedback with reassuring stability. The tire glides confidently through corners, its V-shaped directional tread biting into the road with poise. Even on rough surfaces, the ride remains composed and refined, absorbing imperfections without noise or harshness.

    Durability   Dry Performance   Comfort   Cornering Stability   Wet Performance   Driving Safety   Noise   Dry Handling   Ride Quality   Steering Response   Subj. Steering Response   Snow Performance   Dry Braking   Snow Acceleration  
    North America North America
    Test Score:
    255
  2. Michelin CrossClimate 2 Recommended
    Michelin CrossClimate 2
    86 54
    · All Season · 2020 · Passenger - Performance All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Michelin CrossClimate2 secured second place, proving that age doesn’t dull excellence. With its distinctive V-shaped tread pattern, this U.S.-made tire remains a benchmark for balanced, all-weather capability. It dominated every wet test—gripping, braking, and accelerating with unwavering precision. In snow, it held its own with strong braking traction and an engaging, confidence-inspiring feel. Where it lags is on dry pavement, where its strong front-end grip transitions into mild understeer, making it less agile in quick direction changes. The ride can feel firm over imperfections, and its road noise stands out on smooth asphalt. Still, for drivers who face year-round weather without switching tires, the CrossClimate2 continues to deliver safety, control, and versatility that justify its premium cost.

    Durability   Wet Performance   Wet Traction   Driving Safety   Wet Braking   Wet Handling   Snow Braking   Snow Performance   Price   Ride Quality   Dry Handling   Noise   Dry Comfort  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
    Test Score:
    251
  3. Bridgestone WeatherPeak
    Bridgestone WeatherPeak
    N/A 40
    · All Season · 2022 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone WeatherPeak earned third place by mastering winter’s toughest conditions. On snow, it was unbeatable—accelerating quicker, stopping shorter, and circling the autocross faster than any rival. It delivers the kind of traction and stability usually reserved for dedicated winter tires. However, that cold-weather brilliance fades when temperatures rise. On dry pavement, it lags behind the leaders, with longer braking distances and slower lap times. Its soft tread brings plush ride comfort but also a tendency to wander and tramline at highway speeds. Still, it’s the quietest tire of the group, producing an impressively low 65 dB at cruising speed. For drivers who prioritize winter control and a serene cabin, the WeatherPeak remains a strong all-season contender.

    Snow Handling   Comfort   Snow Acceleration   Driving Safety   Ride Quality   Noise   Snow Braking   Snow Performance   Steering Response   Subj. Steering Response   Dry Braking   Dry Handling  
    North America North America
    Test Score:
    244
  4. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
    Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
    84 50
    · All Season · 2017 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady finished fourth, a seasoned performer nearing the end of its production run as it makes way for the WeatherReady 2. Despite its age, it remains composed and capable. On dry pavement, it proved balanced and predictable, delivering confident braking, stable cornering, and reassuring control. In wet testing, it stayed consistent and sure-footed, performing above average across most categories. Its weakness emerged on snow, where it struggled with braking traction and demanded constant steering corrections to maintain direction. Still, it offered quick laps around the snow course once grip was managed. Overall, the Assurance WeatherReady is a dependable all-weather tire with solid dry and wet manners, though its snow performance reveals its generational limits.

    Durability   Dry Performance   Wet Performance   Dry Braking   Driving Safety   Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Wet Handling   Snow Handling   Subj. Snow Handling   Steering Response   Snow Braking   Snow Performance  
    North America North America · Central & South America Central & South America · East Asia East Asia
    Test Score:
    242
  5. Nokian Remedy WRG5
    Nokian Remedy WRG5
    N/A 33
    · All Season · 2024 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Nokian Remedy WRG5 may have finished fifth, but it stands out as a fresh contender with impressive potential. Its unmatched 60,000-mile warranty without an age cap speaks to durability and brand confidence. On dry roads, it feels composed and secure, delivering the kind of balanced handling expected from Nokian’s all-weather expertise. In snow, it shows real competence—stable under braking and controllable through corners, even edging close to the best performers in grip and confidence. The problem arises in the wet: braking distances stretch significantly, and the tire becomes unpredictable, with moments of oversteer and wheelspin that diminish control. While the WRG5 excels in winter and holds its own in dry conditions, its wet behavior keeps it from challenging the top spots.

    Snow Handling   Dry Performance   Durability   Snow Traction   Driving Safety   Dry Handling   Snow Braking   Snow Performance   Wet Performance   Wet Traction   Wet Braking   Wet Handling   Subj. Wet Handling  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    222
Year
2025
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
280
Tire Size
225/45R18
Season
All-Season
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
North America
Date added
Oct 05, 2025
Date updated
Oct 14, 2025

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