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Winter tyres 2025 - market overview, tests, reviews

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If you're looking for new winter tyres, you've come to the right place. Every year we collect data from all available tests, analyse their features, write down their strengths and weaknesses and use this to compile a unique list of the best tyres to buy for the year. We've created a similar report, including a comparison of current prices, for a specific tyre size - just enter it below.


Looking for a specific size?

Best winter tyres

#1
Winter tires
2025
EU:  65% of Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 sizes has B rating
B
EU:  60% of Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 sizes has C rating
C

Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5

This is currently the best rated tyre we have and there is a reason for it - it combines sportiness on snow and dry and very good safety margins on the wet. It’s designed to maintain the joy of driving, even on winter tyres, but still manages to be safe at all times. 100% recommended.

Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 - Pluses

Exceptional performance on snow, currently the best mix of snow braking, snow cornering, snow handling, and snow traction on the market. Superior dry braking and dry handling, dynamic handling on wet roads.

Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 - Minuses

High price, some tests mention average curved aquaplaning resistance

Achievements

50%
Snow braking
Dry braking
Snow traction
Dry handling
Exterior noise
Snow handling
Wet handling
Comfort
Wet circle cornering
Wet braking
Aquaplaning - longitudal
Aquaplaning - cross
Interior noise

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
1
2024AUTOBILD245/45 R18Exemplary
1
2024TYRE REVIEWS235/35 R19Test winner
1
2024AUTOBILD235/35 R19Exemplary
2
2023Autobild225/45 R18-
1
2023Tyre Reviews225/45 R18Test winner
1
2023Autobild225/45 R18Test winner
3
2023Sportauto225/40 R18Very good
1
2023Autobild225/40 R18Test winner
1
2022AutoMotorSport245/45 R19Very good
4
2022Autobild245/40 R19Good
2
2021Autobild225/45 R18Test winner
2
2021Tyre Reviews225/40 R18Test winner
2
2020Autobild245/45 R18-
1
2020Autobild245/45 R18Exemplary
1
2020ADAC235/55 R17Good
#2
Winter tires
2025
EU:  82% of Continental WinterContact TS 870 sizes has B rating
B
EU:  77% of Continental WinterContact TS 870 sizes has C rating
C

Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental has been dominating the winter tyre segment for years, and the TS870 is no different. It is very well-balanced and offers great mileage, making the premium price point worthwhile in the long run.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 - Pluses

Balanced performance in every condition, outstanding snow braking and traction, excellent fuel efficiency and low wear

Continental WinterContact TS 870 - Minuses

Average noise reduction, minor weaknesses in wet braking

Achievements

50%
Wet circle cornering
Aquaplaning - longitudal
Dry handling
Aquaplaning - cross
Wet handling
Interior noise
Exterior noise
Wet braking
Snow handling
Comfort
Snow traction
Dry braking

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
8
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16-
1
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16Exemplary
1
2024ADAC205/55 R16Good
1
2023Autoexpress225/45 R17Test winner
1
2023ADAC225/45 R17Good
1
2022Autoexpress225/45 R19-
2
2022Tyre Reviews225/45 R17Highly recommended
1
2022Autozeitung225/45 R17Test winner
1
2022Autoklub ČR225/45 R17-
1
2022ADAC215/60 R16Good
1
2022ADAC185/65 R15Good
1
2021TÜV225/45 R17-
4
2021Autobild205/55 R16-
1
2021Autobild205/55 R16Exemplary
2
2021AutoMotorSport195/55 R16Very good
#3
Winter tires
2025
EU:  100% of Bridgestone Blizzak 6 sizes has B rating
B
EU:  73% of Bridgestone Blizzak 6 sizes has C rating
C

Bridgestone Blizzak 6

Blizzak has always been a winter tire focused on wet conditions, but with its sixth model, Bridgestone has promised improved snow performance and reduced rolling resistance. Early tests suggest they have delivered on these promises—Blizzak 6 is unmatched in wet conditions and excels on snow, making it ideal not just for city climates.

Bridgestone Blizzak 6 - Pluses

Excellent wet performance with very short braking distances and strong wet handling, superior snow handling with secure and dynamic performance on snowy roads

Bridgestone Blizzak 6 - Minuses

longer braking distances on dry asphalt, sensitive to load changes in dry corners and limited rear stability during quick lane changes, sluggish steering response

Achievements

50%
Wet circle cornering
Wet handling
Wet braking
Snow traction
Comfort
Dry handling
Snow handling
Aquaplaning - longitudal
Aquaplaning - cross
Dry braking
Exterior noise

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
1
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16-
4
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16Exemplary
3
2024STRAßENVERKEHR235/55 R18Very good
4
2024AUTOBILD245/45 R18Exemplary

Sizes

#4
Winter tires
2025
EU:  71% of Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 SUV sizes has C rating
C
EU:  79% of Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 SUV sizes has C rating
C

Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 SUV

If you enjoy sporty driving in winter conditions, the PA5 SUV is the go-to tyre. It's usually the best in the snow in all the tests, while maintaining balance and safety in other conditions. Only downside is high rolling resistance, which is why it hasn't won all the tests it was in.

Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 SUV - Pluses

Exceptional enjoyable snow performance with superior traction, braking, and handling. Quiet and comfortable ride.

Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 SUV - Minuses

Higher rolling resistance. Acceptable minor weaknesses on wet and dry asphalt due to snow-focused design.

Achievements

50%
Snow traction
Exterior noise
Interior noise
Snow handling
Comfort
Dry braking
Dry handling
Wet handling
Wet braking
Aquaplaning - longitudal
Wet circle cornering
Aquaplaning - cross

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
1
2024STRAßENVERKEHR235/55 R18Very good
1
2023Autobild225/60 R18Test winner
3
2023ARBÖ235/55 R18Recommended
2
2023Tyre Reviews235/60 R18Highly recommended
3
2023Automotorsport255/45 R20Very good
2
2021Autobild235/55 R18Exemplary
2
2021Autozeitung235/55 R18Highly recommended
#5
Winter tires
2025
EU:  56% of GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3 sizes has B rating
B
EU:  71% of GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3 sizes has C rating
C

GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3

The UltraGrip Performance 3 is one of the best tyres we have seen in the tests and on top of that it's top discipline is snow performance while maintaining great properties on wet, which makes it a great candidate for snowy climates.

GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3 - Pluses

Excellent snow capabilities, exceptional wet performance, high safety margins on all surfaces

GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3 - Minuses

Higher rolling resistance, average steering precision

Achievements

50%
Snow braking
Wet handling
Wet circle cornering
Aquaplaning - cross
Dry braking
Comfort
Snow traction
Dry handling
Exterior noise
Aquaplaning - longitudal
Interior noise
Snow handling
Wet braking

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
2
2024AUTOBILD245/45 R18Exemplary
3
2024TYRE REVIEWS235/35 R19Highly recommended
2
2024AUTOBILD235/35 R19Exemplary
3
2024Autozeitung215/55 R17Recommended
1
2024ADAC215/55 R17Good
9
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16-
2
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16Exemplary
2
2024ADAC205/55 R16Good
2
2023Automotorsport255/45 R20Very good
5
2023Tyre Reviews225/45 R18Highly recommended
3
2023Autobild225/45 R18-
2
2023Autobild225/45 R18Exemplary
3
2023Autoexpress225/45 R17Recommended
2
2023Sportauto225/40 R18Very good
1
2023Autobild225/40 R18Test winner
#6
Winter tires
2025
EU:  98% of Continental WinterContact TS 870 P sizes has B rating
B
EU:  65% of Continental WinterContact TS 870 P sizes has C rating
C

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

Continental winter tires have been winning tire tests for many years, and the 870P is no exception. The “P” stands for performance, but don’t be mistaken, its rolling resistance is also praised, making it ideal for EVs. A well-balanced tire.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P - Pluses

Really low rolling resistance, ideal for fuel saving and electric vehicles. Strong performance on snow, providing good traction, handling, and corner grip. Excellent dry road handling and braking capabilities, with high comfort levels.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P - Minuses

Average wet handling and aquaplaning resistance, higher price

Achievements

50%
Snow braking
Aquaplaning - cross
Dry handling
Interior noise
Dry braking
Exterior noise
Wet circle cornering
Wet braking
Snow handling
Comfort
Snow traction
Aquaplaning - longitudal
Wet handling

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
6
2024ADAC215/55 R17Satisfactory
2
2024Autozeitung215/55 R17Highly recommended
2
2024STRAßENVERKEHR235/55 R18Very good
4
2024TYRE REVIEWS235/35 R19Recommended
2
2024AUTOBILD245/45 R18Exemplary
3
2024AUTOBILD235/35 R19Exemplary
4
2023Automotorsport255/45 R20Very good
1
2023Tyre Reviews235/60 R18Test winner
4
2023ARBÖ235/55 R18Recommended
1
2023Autobild225/60 R18Test winner
7
2023Autobild225/45 R18-
3
2023Tyre Reviews225/45 R18Highly recommended
4
2023Sportauto225/40 R18Very good
3
2023Autobild225/40 R18Exemplary
4
2023ADAC205/60 R16Good
#7
Winter tires
2025
EU:  100% of Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 sizes has A rating
A
EU:  93% of Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 sizes has C rating
C

Pirelli P Zero Winter 2

Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 - Pluses

- Outstanding winter performance with excellent snow traction, consistently outperforming competitors in snow tests. - Exceptional all-weather handling, delivering reliable performance on both wet and dry roads. - Superior grip and predictability under varied driving conditions, enhancing overall safety.

Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 - Minuses

- Slightly higher rolling resistance, with approximately 1.8% more energy loss compared to competitors.

Achievements

50%
Dry braking

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
1
2024TYRE REVIEWS235/35 R19Test winner
#8
Winter tires
2025
EU:  61% of Dunlop Winter Sport 5 sizes has B rating
B
EU:  60% of Dunlop Winter Sport 5 sizes has C rating
C
EU:  100% of Dunlop Winter Sport 5 sizes has B rating
B

Dunlop Winter Sport 5

While being somehow dated as it was introduced back in 2015, it received some midlife updates and still holds up with the current models, at least in smaller dimensions. At the right price, it could be a great choice.

Dunlop Winter Sport 5 - Pluses

Balanced Performance, excellent snow handling, low fuel consumption and wear

Dunlop Winter Sport 5 - Minuses

Minor weaknesses on wet roads, higher noise level, higher price in some cases

Achievements

50%
Comfort
Aquaplaning - cross
Snow traction
Wet circle cornering
Snow handling
Interior noise
Wet handling
Wet braking
Aquaplaning - longitudal
Dry handling
Dry braking
Exterior noise

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
5
2024ADAC205/55 R16Satisfactory
2
2024ADAC215/55 R17Good
4
2024AUTOBILD235/35 R19Exemplary
11
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16-
7
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16Good
7
2023Autobild225/45 R18Good
4
2023ADAC225/45 R17Good
1
2023ADAC205/60 R16Good
15
2023Autobild225/45 R18-
2
2022ADAC215/60 R16Good
8
2022Autobild215/55 R17-
4
2022Autobild215/55 R17Exemplary
8
2021Autobild205/55 R16Good
2
2021Autobild205/55 R16-
5
2021Autobild225/45 R18Good
#10
Winter tires
2025
EU:  100% of Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 sizes has B rating
B
EU:  57% of Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 sizes has C rating
C

Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330

Hankook sneaked in between the traditional premium tyres again with its Icept Evo3. It excels in aquaplaning resistance, which is crucial for european winters.

Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 - Pluses

Outstanding aquaplaning resistance, balanced performance in all conditions, superior traction on snow

Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 - Minuses

Increased rolling noise, above average dry braking distances

Achievements

50%
Aquaplaning - cross
Aquaplaning - longitudal
Wet braking
Wet circle cornering
Dry handling
Dry braking
Snow handling
Wet handling
Comfort
Snow traction
Snow braking
•••

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
5
2024AUTOBILD245/45 R18Exemplary
6
2024AUTOBILD235/35 R19Good
4
2024TYRE REVIEWS235/35 R19Recommended
8
2023Autobild225/45 R18-
6
2023Autobild225/45 R18Good
4
2023Tyre Reviews225/45 R18Highly recommended
6
2023Sportauto225/40 R18Good
4
2023Autobild225/40 R18Exemplary
2
2022Autobild245/40 R19Exemplary
1
2021Autobild225/45 R18Test winner
3
2021Tyre Reviews225/40 R18-
6
2020Autobild245/45 R18Exemplary
5
2020Autobild245/45 R18-
2
2020Autobild225/40 R18Exemplary
#11
Winter tires
2025
EU:  99% of Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A sizes has B rating
B
EU:  91% of Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A sizes has C rating
C

Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A

Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A - Pluses

- Well-rounded performance across dry, wet, and snowy conditions with dynamic and balanced handling. - Outstanding wet performance featuring excellent aquaplaning resistance and stable water handling. - Superior winter capabilities with top-notch snow braking and dependable performance on snow. - Attractive price-performance ratio enhanced by low rolling resistance for improved efficiency.

Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A - Minuses

- Noticeably elevated road noise, which can detract from an otherwise refined ride experience. - Slightly extended braking distances and reduced grip in wet cornering, despite overall excellent wet handling. - Ride comfort is generally average, lacking the exceptional smoothness some might expect.

Achievements

50%
Aquaplaning - cross
Aquaplaning - longitudal
Snow handling
Snow traction
Dry handling
Comfort
Wet handling
Dry braking
Wet braking
Wet circle cornering
•••
•••

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
5
2024STRAßENVERKEHR235/55 R18Very good
6
2023Autobild225/60 R18Good
2
2023ARBÖ235/55 R18Recommended
3
2023Tyre Reviews235/60 R18Highly recommended
6
2021Autobild235/55 R18Good
9
2021Autozeitung235/55 R18-

New tyres for 2025

Winter tyre test summary 2025

2025 winter tyres tests (+2024)

Tyre size Organization Year Type Designation Winner Best value Tested tyres Vehicle
235/55 R18STRAßENVERKEHR2024Passenger carMichelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUVHankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A10Seat Tarraco
205/55 R16AUTOBILD2024Stopping distanceBridgestone Blizzak 6Kumho Wintercraft WP5255VW Golf
205/55 R16ADAC2024Passenger carContinental WinterContact TS 870Hankook W462 Winter i*cept RS312VW Golf
215/55 R17ADAC2024Passenger carGoodyear UltraGrip Performance 3Vredestein Wintrac Pro16VW T-Roc
215/55 R17Autozeitung2024Passenger carBridgestone Blizzak LM-005Hankook W462 Winter i*cept RS37VW Passat
235/35 R19TYRE REVIEWS2024Passenger carPirelli P Zero Winter 2Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W3306VW Golf GTI
235/35 R19AUTOBILD2024Passenger carMichelin Pilot Alpin 5Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W33010BMW M135i
245/45 R18AUTOBILD2024Passenger carMichelin Pilot Alpin 5Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W33012CUPRA Formentor
Tyre sizeOrganizationYearTypeDesignationWinnerBest valueTested tyresVehicle

Display all tests ...

other winter tyres

NameSegmentRatingOriginPassenger carSUV
Continental
Continental
premium 96% Germany
Bridgestone
Bridgestone
premium 93% Japan
Michelin
Michelin
premium 91% France
GoodYear
GoodYear
premium 85% USA
Hankook
Hankook
premium 83% South Korea
BFGoodrich
BFGoodrich
upper-middle 75% USA
Michelin
Dunlop
Dunlop
premium 71% USA
GoodYear
Pirelli
Pirelli
premium 70% Italy
Uniroyal
Uniroyal
upper-middle 69% USA
Michelin
Kleber
Kleber
upper-middle 69% France
Michelin
Nokian
Nokian
upper-middle 61% Finland
Kumho
Kumho
upper-middle 61% South Korea
Firestone
Firestone
upper-middle 60% USA
Vredestein
Vredestein
premium 60% Holland
Yokohama
Yokohama
upper-middle 59% Japan
Falken
Falken
upper-middle 58% Japan
Toyo
Toyo
upper-middle 57% Japan
Cooper
Cooper
upper-middle 40% USA
Semperit
Semperit
lowcost 75% Austria
Continental
Barum
Barum
lowcost 63% Czech Republic
Continental
Sava
Sava
lowcost 62% Slovenia
GoodYear
Apollo
Apollo
lowcost 57% India
Maxxis
Maxxis
lowcost 50% Taiwan
Debica
Debica
lowcost 50% Poland
Nexen
Nexen
lowcost 47% South Korea
Giti
Giti
lowcost 47% Singapore
GT
Avon
Avon
lowcost 40% Great Britain
Cooper
Fulda
Fulda
lowcost 38% Germany

Popular dimensions

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