ADAC: Winter Tire Test R17 2024

ADAC: Winter Tire Test R17

The ADAC 2023 Winter Tire Test presents an exhaustive evaluation of 16 winter tire models sized 225/45 R17, a popular choice for compact vehicles like the Opel Astra and VW Golf. This test is pivotal for both prospective buyers and current owners, offering a comprehensive insight into each tire's performance in challenging winter conditions including snow, ice, wet, and dry surfaces.

Key highlights of the test include a new evaluation scheme emphasizing driving safety and environmental balance. Driving safety, crucial for winter road conditions, accounts for 70% of the overall score, assessing tire performance on dry, wet, and winter roads. The remaining 30% focuses on environmental impact, considering wear, fuel consumption, noise, and other ecological factors.

  1. Continental WinterContact TS 870 - Winner Recommended
    Continental WinterContact TS 870
    90 60
    · Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Continental showcases superior safety, excelling in aquaplaning resistance and ensuring swift halts. Its durability, combined with low weight and fuel efficiency, reinforces its standing without any significant drawbacks.

    Pros:

    • Excellence on dry pavement
    • Impressive wet conditions handling
    • Stellar winter conditions performance
    • Remarkable durability
    Snow Performance   Wet Handling   Weight   Dry Performance   Durability   Rolling Resistance   Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2
  2. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ Recommended
    Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
    88 55
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    Goodyears shine across terrains, with a minor hiccup in wet braking. Their extended life and fuel-saving attribute add to their allure.

    Pros:

    • Strong dry pavement performance
    • Exceptional durability
    • Low particulate emissions
    • Fuel efficiency

    Cons:

    • Slightly extended wet braking
    Fuel Efficiency   Dry Performance   Durability   Particulate Emissions   Wet Braking  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · China China
    Test Score:
    2.2
  3. Michelin Alpin 6 Recommended
    Michelin Alpin 6
    85 55
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    Michelin tires guarantee excellent dry surface handling. Wet conditions reveal a grip inconsistency, and there's minor aquaplaning resistance in corners. Yet, their durability, weight, and winter braking on ice underscore their merit.

    Pros:

    • Superior dry pavement traction
    • Extended life
    • Efficient ice braking
    • Resource conservation
    • Lightweight
    • Fuel economy

    Cons:

    • Wet performance nuances
    Fuel Efficiency   Ice Braking   Weight   Treadwear   Dry Performance   Durability   Wet Handling   Aquaplaning  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
    Test Score:
    2.2
  4. Dunlop Winter Sport 5 Recommended
    Dunlop Winter Sport 5
    82 57
    · Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    Dunlops exhibit commendable dry terrain management and impressive ice braking. Their wet performance might need some tweaks, but their overall winter conditions efficacy, coupled with longevity and fuel economy, keeps them in good stead.

    Pros:

    • Dry pavement proficiency
    • Noteworthy winter conditions performance
    • Longevity
    • Weight benefits
    • Economic fuel consumption

    Cons:

    • Compromised wet performance
    Fuel Efficiency   Snow Performance   Weight   Dry Performance   Durability   Wet Performance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.4
  5. Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 W462
    Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 W462
    87 33
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    Hankook tires excel in wet and snowy conditions, but their dry pavement dynamics need refining. Their overall wear resistance and fuel efficiency are praiseworthy.

    Pros:

    • Wet pavement adeptness
    • Winter conditions proficiency
    • Lightweight benefits
    • Fuel efficiency

    Cons:

    • Limited dry performance
    • Challenging wet conditions handling
    Wet Performance   Fuel Efficiency   Snow Performance   Weight   Dry Performance   Wet Handling  
    Europe Europe · South Korea South Korea
    Test Score:
    2.6
  6. Semperit Speed-Grip 5
    Semperit Speed-Grip 5
    80 38
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    Semperit shines in braking but faces challenges in handling, especially on snow. Their extended lifespan and eco-friendly attributes add value.

    Pros:

    • Efficient braking on dry and wet pavements
    • Admirable durability
    • Reduced harmful particulate emissions

    Cons:

    • Dry surface handling concerns
    • Limited winter performance
    Dry Braking   Particulate Emissions   Durability   Wet Braking   Dry Handling   Snow Performance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.6
  7. Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    82 46
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    Vredestein tires demand regular directional adjustments on dry terrains. They showcase their prowess in snowy conditions, with impressive snow and ice braking. However, their noise levels might be a deterrent for some.

    Pros:

    • Exceptional winter conditions performance
    • Extended life
    • Low particulate emissions
    • Fuel economy

    Cons:

    • Dry pavement challenges
    • Wet performance nuances
    Fuel Efficiency   Snow Performance   Durability   Particulate Emissions   Wet Performance   Noise   Dry Performance  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.6
  8. Giti GitiWinter W2
    Giti GitiWinter W2
    N/A 24
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    Giti Winter W2 gives commendable braking performance across different terrains but falls short in terms of handling, especially on wet roads and snow. Their wear resistance also leaves much to be desired.

    Pros:

    • Reliable braking on dry and wet pavement.
    • Effective snow braking.

    Cons:

    • Imprecise dry handling.
    • Unpredictable wet handling.
    • Underwhelming snow handling.
    • Less than average tire life.
    Dry Braking   Snow Braking   Wet Braking   Treadwear   Dry Handling   Snow Handling   Wet Handling  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    2.7
  9. Kumho WinterCraft WP52
    Kumho WinterCraft WP52
    N/A 29
    · Winter · 2022 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    Kumho WinterCraft WP52 boasts great longevity and is eco-friendly, but they can be a handful on wet and dry surfaces, often necessitating continuous steering corrections.

    Pros:

    • Durable and long-lasting.
    • Minimal particulate emissions.
    • Enhanced fuel economy.

    Cons:

    • Challenges in dry and wet performance.
    • Noticeably heavy.
    Fuel Efficiency   Particulate Emissions   Durability   Wet Performance   Dry Performance   Weight (Noticeably Heavy)  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    2.7
  10. Apollo Aspire XP Winter
    Apollo Aspire XP Winter
    N/A 25
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    Apollo Aspire XP Winter provides adequate braking, but their handling and winter traction are areas where they could use improvement.

    Pros:

    • Consistent dry and wet braking.
    • Reliable life and fuel economy.

    Cons:

    • Lackluster handling on both dry and wet surfaces.
    • Compromised winter performance.
    • Slightly heavy in weight.
    Dry Braking   Durability   Wet Braking   Fuel Efficiency   Weight (Slightly Heavy)   Dry Handling   Snow Performance   Wet Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.8
  11. Nokian WR Snowproof
    Nokian WR Snowproof
    68 44
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    While Nokian WR Snowproof has an edge in durability and economy, their lackluster performance across various terrains might make you think twice.

    Pros:

    • Noteworthy life.
    • Environmentally friendly with reduced particulate emissions.
    • Fuel-efficient.

    Cons:

    • Poor performance on dry and wet roads.
    • Less than impressive winter capabilities.
    Economy   Particulate Emissions   Durability   Fuel Efficiency   Wet Performance   Dry Performance   Snow Performance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    3
  12. Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
    Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
    86 45
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 stands out in wet and snowy conditions but stumbles a bit on dry terrains, with a lack of prompt steering responsiveness.

    Pros:

    • Good wet and winter traction.
    • Impressive tire life and fuel efficiency.
    • Lightweight.

    Cons:

    • Inconsistent dry performance.
    Fuel Efficiency   Snow Performance   Wet Performance   Weight   Durability   Dry Performance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    3
  13. Sava Eskimo HP2
    Sava Eskimo HP2
    68 32
    · Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    Sava Eskimo HP2 shines in winter conditions, but their underwhelming performance on asphalt might be a point of contention for some.

    Pros:

    • Commendable winter traction.
    • Durable with excellent fuel efficiency.

    Cons:

    • Inadequate dry and wet performance.
    Fuel Efficiency   Snow Performance   Durability   Wet Performance   Dry Performance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    3
  14. Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V906
    Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V906
    68 33
    · Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V906 offers a decent performance on wet surfaces, but they fall behind when it comes to dry and snowy conditions, with a notable reduced tire durability.

    Pros:

    • Effective wet performance.
    • Fuel-efficient.

    Cons:

    • Compromised dry and winter traction.
    • Reduced tire life.
    Wet Performance   Fuel Efficiency   Treadwear   Dry Performance   Snow Performance  
    USA+ USA+ · Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    3
  15. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
    Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
    88 56
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 makes a solid case for itself on dry and wet roads with commendable handling and resistance against aquaplaning. However, its winter performance is a chink in its armor, struggling with consistent handling in snowy conditions. The reduced wear resistance might also be a concern for those looking for a long-term investment.

    Pros:

    • Reliable performance on both dry and wet pavements.
    • Good fuel economy.

    Cons:

    • Struggles in winter conditions.
    • Reduced wear resistance, leading to faster deterioration.
    • Environmental concerns with higher particulate emissions.
    • Slightly on the heavier side.
    Wet Performance   Dry Performance   Aquaplaning   Treadwear   Weight (Slightly Heavy)   Snow Performance   Particulate Emissions  
    Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    3.2
  16. Kormoran Snow
    Kormoran Snow
    N/A 28
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Kormoran Snow, as the name suggests, truly shines in snowy conditions, ensuring a firm grip and prompt braking. However, it's a different story altogether on dry and wet roads. The tire’s inadequate performance on these terrains, especially in terms of handling and braking, raises red flags about its versatility and safety.

    Pros:

    • Excels in winter conditions, providing exceptional traction and control.
    • Durable with good longevity.
    • Environment-friendly with reduced particulate emissions.
    • Promotes fuel economy.

    Cons:

    • Falls short on dry pavements, leading to compromised braking.
    • Poor handling on wet surfaces, which can be a safety concern.
    Fuel Efficiency   Snow Performance   Durability   Particulate Emissions   Dry Performance   Wet Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    5.4
Year
2024
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
1
Tire Size
225/45R17
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Nov 12, 2023
Date updated
Nov 15, 2023

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