The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 takes first place with a commanding all-round performance, setting the standard for winter safety and precision. It delivers a near-flawless balance of control, grip, and stability across snow, wet, and dry surfaces. On snow, it excels with short braking distances, high traction, and exceptional lateral grip — the best in the test at 3.88 m/s². In wet conditions, it matches the leaders with responsive handling, excellent braking, and reliable cornering confidence. Dry-road behavior remains composed and predictable, supported by accurate steering and a neutral balance that instills driver confidence. Though comfort and rolling resistance are only average, the tire compensates with impressive wear resistance and quiet running. Goodyear’s latest winter generation perfectly blends performance, safety, and durability, making it the most complete and capable choice in this test.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 takes second place overall, earning praise for its blend of premium performance and exceptional sustainability. On snow, it delivers benchmark results — the shortest braking distance in the test at 25.9 meters, the strongest traction force of 3575 N, and top handling precision that ensures safe, confident driving in winter conditions. It continues to perform admirably on wet surfaces with secure braking and stable cornering, though feedback at the limit is slightly muted compared to the most agile competitors. On dry roads, the Michelin shines once again, posting the best braking results and offering a refined, controlled feel behind the wheel. Comfort and refinement are top-tier, with the quietest and most composed ride in the group. Combined with class-leading tread life (46,750 km), minimal wear, and low rolling resistance, the Pilot Alpin 5 stands out as the most durable and efficient tire in this comparison — an ideal choice for drivers seeking long-term value and consistent all-weather confidence.

The Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 earns third place, delivering class-leading wet performance and strong all-around capability. It sets the benchmark for wet braking and handling — no other tire in the test stops shorter or corners with greater composure in the rain. With flawless wet balance and outstanding grip, it achieves perfect scores across wet handling disciplines, cementing its position as the safest tire in adverse weather. On snow, it remains dependable, with solid braking and traction, though handling shows a mild understeer tendency compared to top competitors. In dry conditions, the P Zero Winter 2 continues to impress with excellent stability, quick steering, and refined comfort. Its eco-friendly construction, made from 55% recycled or bio-based materials, adds sustainability to its performance credentials. While resistance to curved aquaplaning could be improved, this tire’s mix of safety, comfort, and environmental innovation makes it one of the standout choices of the season.

The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 Enliten secures fourth place overall and earns the fuel efficiency recommendation, showcasing Bridgestone’s advanced Enliten technology. On snow, it performs exceptionally — achieving the shortest braking distance, excellent traction, and remarkable lateral grip of 3.86 m/s². With the highest subjective snow-handling score (29/30), it delivers precise, stable, and confidence-inspiring control in winter conditions. In wet testing, it offers impressive aquaplaning resistance and solid composure, though braking distances are slightly longer than the top performers. Dry performance remains consistent and safe, featuring sharp steering and balanced feedback that make it engaging to drive. Where the Blizzak 6 truly stands out is efficiency — its class-leading rolling resistance of just 7.6 kg/t makes it the most economical tire in this test. While tread life could be improved, its combination of strong snow grip, secure wet behavior, and outstanding energy efficiency make it an excellent all-round winter tire for modern, fuel-conscious drivers.

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P earns fifth place with a steady, well-rounded performance and the best aquaplaning protection of any tire in the test. It provides a balanced mix of safety, precision, and stability across all weather conditions. On snow, it performs capably with predictable handling, moderate traction, and reassuring stability, scoring 27/30 for driving safety. Wet conditions are its strongest area — the Continental achieves the top result in straight-line aquaplaning at 91 km/h, paired with confident steering response and precise control that instills trust behind the wheel. In dry testing, it continues its composed behavior with crisp, communicative feedback and consistent grip, though braking distances are slightly longer than the leaders. Comfort and noise levels are moderate, but wear resistance and overall durability remain commendable at over 40,000 km. The TS 870 P stands out as a safe, balanced, and dependable winter tire — particularly suited for drivers who frequently face heavy rain and changing winter road conditions.

The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ secures sixth place, offering competent all-round performance but falling short of the precision and grip demonstrated by the test’s leading winter tires. On snow, it provides reliable braking and stable handling with a clear understeer balance, ensuring predictable but less dynamic behavior. In wet conditions, its main limitation appears — braking distances are longer and overall grip is moderate, though stability and control remain consistent. Dry handling follows a similar pattern, with average steering precision and a tendency toward mild oversteer at the limit, reflecting its comfort-oriented setup. Comfort itself is a key strength, earning top marks for ride quality, while noise levels stay moderate. However, high tread wear and below-average mileage (31,250 km) diminish long-term value. The Wintrac Pro+ is a well-mannered, comfortable tire suited for calm, everyday driving in winter climates, though enthusiasts seeking sharper response and shorter stopping distances will prefer the premium competitors.

The Triangle EffeXWinter TW421 finishes seventh overall and earns the title of most affordable tire in the test, but its low price comes with substantial trade-offs in safety and longevity. On snow, it achieves only average grip and braking, becoming unstable in transitional conditions with sensitive load reactions that reduce confidence, scoring just 12/30 for safety. Wet performance is mixed — braking is surprisingly good, ranking second overall, and stability is acceptable, though limited grip and long handling times expose its budget nature. In dry conditions, the Triangle delivers strong braking and the quietest noise level in the test at 70.3 dB(A), offering some refinement unexpected in its price range. However, handling stability remains poor with weak steering precision and pronounced understeer. Its biggest weaknesses lie in durability and wear, with the shortest projected lifespan at 27,500 km and the highest abrasion rate of all tested models. Despite its exceptional value at 3.18 euros per 1000 km, the Triangle’s unpredictable behavior and lack of long-term reliability limit its appeal to only the most cost-sensitive drivers in mild climates.

The Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906 finishes eighth, struggling to deliver the winter traction expected from a dedicated snow tire. Its weakest area is clearly snow performance — with the lowest traction and lateral grip (3.19 m/s²) in the test and a poor safety score of 13/30, it lacks the stability and control required for true winter conditions. In wet testing, the tire performs acceptably, providing predictable handling and manageable grip, though braking distances and aquaplaning resistance remain behind the class leaders. On dry pavement, it fares better, with respectable braking at 43.3 meters and steady, precise handling that ensures safe everyday driving. Comfort is commendable, achieving a perfect 8/10, but the V906 suffers from high rolling resistance, elevated noise levels, and disappointing tread life, with just 31,000 km projected mileage. While suitable for mild climates or city driving where snow is rare, the BluEarth Winter V906 cannot be recommended for drivers seeking dependable winter performance.

The Linglong Sport Master Winter, produced in Serbia for the European market, finishes ninth overall, showing mixed results that highlight both promise and serious shortcomings. Its dry performance stands out — achieving the fastest handling lap time of the entire test and solid braking at 43.4 meters, proving it can generate good grip on clear pavement. However, this strength is undermined by nervous rear-axle behavior that requires constant correction, reducing driver confidence. In wet conditions, braking distances are long at 53.4 meters, and aquaplaning protection remains limited, with modest stability and grip. The tire’s snow performance is its weakest point: poor traction, the longest braking distance (27.6 meters), and low lateral grip make it unsuitable for harsh winter weather, reflected in a driving safety score of just 15/30. Comfort earns full marks (8/10), but this is offset by the highest rolling resistance (9.6 kg/t), extreme wear (only 28,500 km lifespan), and loud operation at 76.2 dB(A). Despite its affordable running cost, the Linglong’s lack of refinement, durability, and cold-weather safety prevent it from being a viable alternative to established brands.

The Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 finishes last in the test, showing critical weaknesses in wet and dry safety that overshadow its otherwise acceptable snow performance. On snow, it provides moderate braking and traction, delivering a manageable 18/30 safety score — one of its few redeeming qualities among budget competitors. However, its wet performance is severely lacking: with the longest braking distance at 56.8 meters, the tire stops nearly 8 meters later than the leader, leaving the car still traveling at roughly 40 km/h when others are already stationary. Unstable load transfer reactions further compromise control and driver confidence. Dry braking is also the weakest in the group at 46.2 meters, paired with limited steering precision and rear-axle instability. Comfort and refinement are below average, and tread wear is high with a short projected life of just 30,500 km. Despite low pricing and decent rolling resistance, the WP6 cannot offset its major safety shortcomings. Overall, it remains unsuitable for drivers seeking dependable winter performance or secure braking margins in wet conditions.