Auto Express: Winter Tire Test R17 2021

Extreme changes in weather mean it’s more crucial than ever to have the right tyres for every situation, and the ultimate solution is to change tyres according to the season.
While all-season tyres have grown in popularity, Auto Express magazine continue to test winter versions for the driver who wants the best performance from their vehicle when the temperatures drop.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 - Winner Recommended

88 56

· Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Victory in seven out of 11 categories, including strong wet and dry results, put Bridgestone’s Blizzak LM005 beyond doubt.
Snow Braking Wet Circle Wet Braking Dry Handling Wet Handling Dry Braking Snow Traction Rolling Resistance

Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

100
Continental WinterContact TS 870 Recommended

90 60

· Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
If you’re expecting snow, then the Continental WinterContact delivers the best performance on the white stuff.
Snow Braking Snow Traction Straight Aquaplaning Lateral Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

98.3
Hankook Winter i*cept RS2 W452

82 38

· Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Sharp responses meant the Hankook Winter i*cept RS2 impressed on the dry handling track, but efficiency could be better.
Wet Circle Snow Braking Dry Handling Wet Handling Lateral Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance Straight Aquaplaning

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

97.2
Michelin Alpin 6

85 55

· Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Excellent wet performance means the Michelin Alpin 6 is well suited to the type of winters in the UK.
Wet Circle Wet Braking Wet Handling Snow Traction Cabin Noise Snow Braking

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · Japan

Test Score:

97.1
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+

88 55

· Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Goodyear’s UltraGrip Performance + tyre is clearly better suited to snow than wet weather, but it also did well in dry braking and had low rolling resistance.
Cabin Noise Rolling Resistance Dry Braking Lateral Aquaplaning Wet Braking

Europe · Russia+ · China

Test Score:

97
Dunlop Winter Sport 5

82 57

· Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Respectable results in the aquaplaning tests aside, Dunlop’s Winter Sport 5 offering is slipping behind newer rivals.
Lateral Aquaplaning Wet Handling

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

96.7
Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6

70 43

· Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
A podium spot for straight-line aquaplaning contrasted with a lowly seventh on the curved test.
Cabin Noise Wet Circle Dry Braking Straight Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance

Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

96.7
Avon WV7 SNOW

72 20

· Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
While Avon’s entry lacked performance, especially in the snow, it proved to be one of the quietest tyres.
Cabin Noise Wet Braking Straight Aquaplaning Wet Circle Dry Handling Dry Braking Snow Traction Rolling Resistance

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

95.5