Al Volante: Crossover Winter Tire Test R18 2024

Al Volante: Crossover Winter Tire Test R18

Al Volante, an Italian automotive magazine, tested eight winter tire models for sporty crossovers, size 235/60R18, using the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The tires included were Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ SUV, Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A, Imperial Snowdragon SUV, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV, and Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2. The test focused on safety and performance on snow, wet, and dry roads, as well as rolling resistance and noise levels.

  1. Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 - Winner Recommended
    Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2
    87 44
    · Winter · 2022 · Light Truck / SUV - Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 tire demonstrates remarkable performance in diverse conditions. In snow, it ensures high stability and safety. The tire excels in wet conditions, offering robust lateral grip, particularly during cornering. Its dry performance is notable, especially in braking and cornering, where it exhibits precision and safety.

    Snow Performance   Dry Handling   Wet Lateral Stability   Cornering Stability   Dry Braking   Snow Stability   Wet Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · China China
    Test Score:
    95.6
  2. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Recommended
    Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
    88 48
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P ranks second, offering a dependable and comfortable driving experience. In snowy conditions, its smooth responses enhance driver confidence and safety. The tire's performance in wet conditions is notable for its combination of road holding and stability, especially in cornering. In dry conditions, the tire stands out for its smoothness and quietness, unphased by higher speeds.

    Snow Handling   Wet Road Holding   Noise Reduction   Snow Safety   Wet Cornering Stability   Comfort   High-Speed Stability  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    95.1
  3. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
    Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
    N/A 41
    · Winter · 2018 · Light Truck / SUV - Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, ranking third, exhibits exceptional capabilities across various tests. In snow, it excels notably, even in challenging double direction changes. Wet performance is characterized by solid stability and adequate braking, though it falls short in hydroplaning resistance. The tire handles well in dry conditions across all speeds, but its braking performance is a point of concern.

    Snow Handling   Wet Stability   Snow Performance   Dry Handling   High-Speed Stability   Dry Braking   Hydroplaning  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia
    Test Score:
    94.8
  4. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
    Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
    88 56
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, positioned fourth, shows a mixed performance. In snow, it presents modest traction and braking, with only decent lateral grip. In wet conditions, the tire performs well in braking and cornering grip, albeit with somewhat nervous reactions. The tire's dry performance is more commendable, particularly in handling tight corners and overall control.

    Dry Handling   Dry Cornering Stability   Wet Braking   Wet Cornering Grip   Snow Traction   Snow Braking   Snow Lateral Stability   Wet Handling (nervous reactions)  
    Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    93.4
  5. Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A
    Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A
    N/A 28
    · Winter · 2020 · Light Truck / SUV - Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A, securing the fifth position, demonstrates strong performance in specific areas. In snow, it excels, particularly in braking, and maintains satisfactory performance during cornering. The tire shows adequate resistance to hydroplaning in wet conditions but falls short in responsiveness and braking distance. In dry conditions, it offers decent road holding and stability, yet lacks readiness.

    Snow Handling   Dry Stability   Dry Road Holding   Snow Braking   Hydroplaning   Wet Braking Distance   Wet Responsiveness   Dry Readiness  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · South Korea South Korea
    Test Score:
    93
  6. Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV
    Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV
    N/A 21
    · Winter · 2023 · Light Truck / SUV - Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV, ranked sixth, exhibits a balanced but not exceptional performance. In snow conditions, it provides adequate traction and cornering stability, yet lacks precision. The tire performs well in water dispersion during wet tests but lacks notable grip. In dry conditions, it is prone to understeer, although rear stability is maintained.

    Snow Traction   Snow Cornering Stability   Dry Rear Stability   Dry Understeer   Snow Precision   Wet Grip  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    92.9
  7. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ SUV
    Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ SUV
    N/A 35
    · Winter · 2021 · Light Truck / SUV - Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ SUV, taking the seventh spot, offers a reassuring driving experience, although it doesn't excel in quantitative snow tests. In wet conditions, its smooth response facilitates easy handling, yet it's hindered by extended braking distances. The tire's performance in dry conditions is less impressive, particularly in fast corners, where it struggles with responsiveness and maintaining pace.

    Wet Handling   Smooth Wet Response   Dry High-Speed Cornering   Wet Braking   Snow Performance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · China China
    Test Score:
    92.8
  8. Imperial Snowdragon SUV
    Imperial Snowdragon SUV
    N/A 0
    · Winter · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Imperial Snowdragon SUV, positioned eighth, demonstrates a challenging performance in varied conditions. In snow, it is characterized by excessive slipping and abrupt reactions, posing safety concerns. Wet performance is equally problematic with very long braking distances and a lack of safety in cornering. However, in dry conditions, the tire redeems itself with good lateral grip and a quick response.

    Dry Lateral Grip   Quick Dry Response   Snow Safety   Snow Traction   Wet Braking   Wet Cornering  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    80.5
Year
2024
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
100
Tire Size
235/60R18
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Light Truck / SUV / 4*4
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Jan 17, 2024
Date updated
Jan 22, 2024
Infographic

See another Tire Tests