Motor: Winter Tire Test R16 2024

Motor: Winter Tire Test R16

Motor, a Polish automotive publication, conducted a detailed winter tire test for the popular size 205/55R16. This evaluation included models from various price segments, ranging from budget to premium. The budget category featured tires from Imperial, Kumho, and Dębica, while the mid-range included Falken and Hankook. The premium segment was represented by Continental, Goodyear, Michelin, and Pirelli. The test, conducted in Sweden and Germany, encompassed a series of snow, wet, and dry asphalt tests, along with external noise and rolling resistance measurements, covering over 25 sets of tires to assess their performance in winter conditions.

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

    The Continental WinterContact TS 870 emerges as a standout performer, excelling in snow conditions and clinching the top spot in wet tests, while also showing commendable capabilities on dry asphalt. This tire is an exemplary choice for discerning drivers, offering an impressive blend of high performance across various conditions. Additionally, it boasts the advantage of low rolling resistance, enhancing its overall appeal.

    Wet Handling   Snow Performance   Dry Performance   Dry Handling   Wet Performance   Rolling Resistance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    257.1
  2. Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 W462 Recommended
    Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 W462
    87 33
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Winter i'cept RS3 W462 secures second place, distinguished by its high level of balance and stability across various surfaces. This tire excels with its outstanding performance on wet asphalt and boasts the best hydroplaning resistance in its category. Additionally, it offers excellent value for money, making it a top choice for cost-conscious yet performance-oriented drivers.

    Stability on Various Surfaces   Balanced Performance   Wet Performance   Hydroplaning   Value for Money  
    Europe Europe · South Korea South Korea
    Test Score:
    253.8
  3. Michelin Alpin 6 Recommended
    Michelin Alpin 6
    85 55
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Alpin 6, ranking third, is lauded for its stability and high safety levels on diverse surfaces. It stands out with exemplary steering precision and predictable behavior, even at the limit of grip. However, its primary drawback is the price point, as it is the most expensive tire in the test, potentially influencing the decision-making of budget-conscious consumers.

    Safety on Various Surfaces   Predictable Limit Behavior   Stability   Steering Precision   Price  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
    Test Score:
    253.5
  4. Falken Eurowinter HS02 Recommended
    Falken Eurowinter HS02
    N/A 25
    · Winter · 2022 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Falken Eurowinter HS02, securing the fourth position, marks a notable success. While its performance on snow is average, it compensates with excellent behavior on both wet and dry asphalt. This tire is distinguished by its excellent handling, low noise levels, and high comfort. Moreover, its attractive pricing adds to its appeal, making it a well-rounded choice for a wide range of drivers.

    Handling   Attractive Price   Comfort   Dry Performance   Low Noise   Wet Performance   Average Snow Performance  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    251
  5. Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
    Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
    86 45
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, achieving fifth place, excels in snowy conditions and matches the Michelin in performance on slippery surfaces. It also showcases excellent performance on wet pavement. While its performance on dry asphalt is average, the tire maintains a well-balanced profile across different conditions, providing reliable and consistent performance without any surprises.

    Wet Performance   Snow Performance   Balanced Performance   Performance on Slippery Surfaces   Average Dry Performance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    250.3
  6. Goodyear UltraGrip 9+
    Goodyear UltraGrip 9+
    86 51
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear UltraGrip 9+, a model phasing out of the market, ranks sixth with commendable attributes. It demonstrates good performance on snow and wet asphalt, though its capabilities on dry asphalt are mediocre. Despite this limitation, the tire upholds a high level of safety. Additionally, it stands out as the most economical option in the test, offering significant value for budget-conscious consumers.

    Safety   Snow Performance   Wet Performance   Economical   Mediocre Dry Performance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    248.2
  7. Kumho WinterCraft WP52
    Kumho WinterCraft WP52
    N/A 29
    · Winter · 2022 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Kumho Winter Craft WP52 faces challenges with balance in its performance. It excels on dry asphalt, offering excellent performance in these conditions. However, it significantly lacks stability and grip on wet pavement, which diminishes its effectiveness in such conditions. Moreover, it registers the poorest results in snow tests and is characterized by high rolling noise, factors that might detract from its appeal for drivers in varied winter conditions.

    Dry Performance   Snow Performance   Rolling Noise   Wet Grip   Wet Stability  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    245.4
  8. Debica Frigo HP2
    Debica Frigo HP2
    74 31
    · Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Debica Frigo HP2, while maintaining an adequate grip on snow, shows limitations on wet and dry asphalt, positioning it at the lower end in almost all tests in these conditions. This Polish tire, however, maintains acceptable overall performance and is noteworthy for its attractive price, potentially appealing to drivers prioritizing budget over top-tier performance in varying road conditions.

    Acceptable Overall Performance   Snow Grip   Attractive Price   Wet Performance   Dry Performance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    240.8
  9. Imperial Snowdragon UHP
    Imperial Snowdragon UHP
    N/A 16
    · Winter · 2012 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Imperial Snowdragon UHP, noted for its average performance on snow and dry asphalt, encounters significant challenges in wet conditions. It presents some unpleasant surprises, including poor braking and inadequate hydroplaning performance, which could be concerning in wet weather driving. Despite being the cheapest option in the test, its overall competitiveness is hindered by these performance issues.

    Average Dry Performance   Average Snow Performance   Most Affordable Price   Poor Wet Braking   Hydroplaning  
    Test Score:
    236.8
Year
2024
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
260
Tire Size
205/55R16
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Jan 14, 2024
Date updated
Jan 23, 2024
Infographic

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