Auto Motor und Sport: Winter Tire Test R20 2024

Auto Motor und Sport: Winter Tire Test R20

European automotive magazine, Auto Motor und Sport (AMS), has conducted a thorough evaluation of the 255/45 R20 tire size, a standard for numerous large crossovers and electric vehicles. The 2023 test roster saw fresh entrants, notably the Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro, Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, and the Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 — the latter specially optimized for electric vehicles.

Recognizing the growing prominence of electric vehicles in Europe, AMS employed both the conventional Kia Sorento and its electric counterpart, the Kia EV6, for testing. This was executed in the frosty terrains of Finnish Lapland, with temperatures ranging between -3 and -10°C. In snowy conditions, Michelin's tire exhibited top-tier performance, closely followed by Goodyear and Pirelli. Conversely, Falken's tire encountered challenges, indicating room for improvement.

  1. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 - Winner Recommended
    Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
    88 56
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was rigorously tested in the winter season, showcasing exceptional performance, particularly on wet and dry terrains. Earning the accolade of "Exemplary" from the Auto Motor und Sport magazine, it stood out as the top choice in wet grip, which bore the highest weight in the testing criteria. While its wet and dry handling attributes are commendable, its traction on snowy terrains posed a slight challenge.

    • Positive: Outstanding wet performance, maintaining neutral or slightly understeering characteristics. Impressive resistance to both longitudinal and transverse aquaplaning. Excellent performance on dry pavement with swift stopping capabilities and commendable cornering stability. Contributes to fuel economy, marking it as an economically efficient tire.

    • Negative: Limited traction on snowy terrains, particularly during braking.

    Straight Aquaplaning   Wet Braking   Rolling Resistance   Wet Handling   Dry Handling   Wet Lateral Stability   Dry Braking   Subj. Dry Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Lateral Aquaplaning   Snow Traction  
    Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    9.2
  2. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 Recommended
    Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
    89 46
    · Winter · 2023 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is a winter tire that exhibits stellar performance on snowy terrains, particularly when it comes to braking. Known for ensuring high safety standards, it is equally adept on wet and dry pavements. However, there's room for enhancement in aspects such as aquaplaning resistance and steering precision. Additionally, users may observe a heightened noise level when cornering.

    • Positive: Excellent snow braking capabilities, ensuring shorter stopping distances. Superior snow handling, providing safety and confidence to the driver. Ensures lateral stability on wet pavements. Reliable wet handling, offering a smooth driving experience.

    • Negative: Needs improvement in aquaplaning resistance. Steering response accuracy can be bettered. Noticeable noise, especially during cornering.

    Wet Handling   Subj. Snow Handling   Dry Handling   Snow Braking   Snow Lateral Stability   Wet Lateral Stability   Dry Braking   Subj. Dry Handling   Moose Test   Steering Response   Subj. Wet Handling   Lateral Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    8.7
  3. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV Recommended
    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 is a well-rounded winter tire, excelling particularly on snowy terrains with high traction, lateral stability, and effective braking. Its commendable grip on wet pavement, coupled with admirable aquaplaning resistance, adds to its strengths. Moreover, its performance on dry pavement is characterized by stability and safety. All in all, Michelin offers an exceptional balance in terms of overall tire performance.

    • Positive: Remarkable performance on snow, marked by high traction, lateral stability, and efficient braking capabilities. Strong resistance to longitudinal aquaplaning, enhancing safety during wet conditions. Low noise levels, ensuring a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.
    Straight Aquaplaning   Comfort   Subj. Snow Handling   Noise   Snow Braking   Snow Handling   Snow Lateral Stability   Snow Traction   Dry Braking   Subj. Dry Handling   Moose Test   Steering Response  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia
    Test Score:
    8.6
  4. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
    Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
    88 48
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P showcases its prowess especially when it comes to acceleration and cornering on snowy terrains. While its performance in snowy conditions is commendable, it exhibits a longer braking distance on wet surfaces. Its high resistance to aquaplaning is a significant strength, though there is a hint of instability during sharp realignments on dry terrains. Overall, the tire offers good handling, bolstered by its low rolling resistance, adding to its economic benefits.

    • Positive: Enhanced lateral stability on snow, ensuring fast acceleration and confident cornering. Strong resistance to lateral aquaplaning, elevating safety in wet conditions. Dependable dry handling, even if there's a slight room for improvement. Economic benefits through low rolling resistance. Low noise levels, enhancing the comfort of the driving experience.

    • Negative: Extended braking distance on wet terrains, indicating a potential area for improvement. Slight instability in wet handling, especially in sharp realignments.

    Noise   Dry Handling   Snow Lateral Stability   Straight Aquaplaning   Rolling Resistance   Lateral Aquaplaning   Subj. Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Wet Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    8.2
  5. Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2
    Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2
    87 44
    · Winter · 2022 · Light Truck / SUV - Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 is designed for snowy terrains, offering reliable performance and stability. On dry roads, it stands out for its efficient braking capabilities. However, in wet conditions, especially when encountering puddles, its resistance to lateral aquaplaning could be improved.

    • Positive: The tire provides a balanced and trustworthy performance on snow-covered roads, ensuring drivers feel secure even in challenging conditions. One of its standout features is its commendable braking capability on dry surfaces, enabling the vehicle to come to a stop efficiently. On wet roads, the tire showcases solid resistance against aquaplaning, especially when moving straight.

    • Negative: Its primary limitation lies in its resistance to lateral aquaplaning. When navigating puddles, especially during cornering, the tire may not offer the same level of stability and grip.

    Snow Lateral Stability   Wet Lateral Stability   Snow Traction   Dry Braking   Moose Test   Steering Response   Lateral Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · China China
    Test Score:
    8.1
  6. Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    82 46
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Wintrac Pro demonstrates contrasting characteristics on snowy surfaces. It boasts strong traction, ensuring firm grip, yet its lateral stability leaves room for improvement. While the tire performs reliably with good grip on wet and dry roads, it struggles with aquaplaning resistance. Additionally, drivers might find the cornering noise a bit unsettling, impacting the overall ride comfort.

    • Positive: The tire is notably adept at maintaining grip in snowy conditions, ensuring that drivers can move confidently even on slippery terrains. On wet roads, its braking performance is strong, allowing for safe and controlled stops.

    • Negative: In snowy conditions, the braking performance could be enhanced for added safety. Its stability during side-to-side movements on snow is an area of concern. The tire could be more fuel-efficient, which would offer more value for drivers. Cornering noise is pronounced, potentially detracting from a comfortable driving experience.

    Wet Braking   Snow Traction   Subj. Snow Handling   Noise   Snow Lateral Stability   Comfort  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    7.6
  7. Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro
    Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro
    N/A 26
    · Winter · 2022 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro delivers commendable performance on both wet and dry terrains, characterized by impressive grip and adept handling. It particularly excels at absorbing impacts on uneven terrains. However, its capabilities are noticeably lacking on snowy surfaces, making it a less-than-ideal choice for a winter tire. Notably, it was docked a point for subpar handling in snowy conditions. The tires often respond with a delay to the driver's inputs, leading to a heightened risk of skidding.

    • Negative: Its grip on snowy terrains is markedly poor for a winter tire, raising concerns about safety and reliability. The tire's performance could be improved in terms of resisting aquaplaning, especially in straight-line movements. Similarly, its resistance to lateral aquaplaning, especially during cornering, is a notable shortcoming. Braking capabilities on dry roads can be enhanced for quicker and safer stops. The tire might not be the most fuel-efficient option in the market. Drivers might experience noticeable noise, especially during turns, which might affect the comfort level of the ride.
    Wet Lateral Stability   Subj. Snow Handling   Snow Handling   Noise   Snow Traction   Dry Braking   Rolling Resistance  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    6.1
Year
2024
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
10
Tire Size
255/45R20
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Light Truck / SUV / 4*4
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Sep 25, 2023
Date updated
Mar 26, 2024
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