The 2023 AMS SUV winter tire test not only aims to answer what the best winter tire in 255/45 R20 is, but also to find out if swapping from a regular diesel Kia Sorento to a fully electric Kia EV6 will make a difference to the results.

The answer to the question about the tires is below, and the answer to the question about the IC vs EV is that it made no difference to the traction, braking or handling order of the results, but the tester did prefer the IC Kia Sorento on snow as they felt the traditional differentials were more predictable when the front and the rear was locked mechanically. The tested noted that the separate front and rear axle power units of the electric vehicle each had "individual motivation" when sliding around on snow.

255/45 R20 is quite frankly bonkers for a winter tire, so the results should be interesting, especially as they have new tires from Goodyear, Pirelli and Falken!

Dry

During dry braking, the Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 are closely matched, with braking distances of 43M and 43.1M respectively. Bridgestone slightly edges out Goodyear, but both are strong contenders in dry conditions.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and Continental WinterContact TS 870 P share the top spot with an average lap speed of 117.5 Km/H. Bridgestone shows its versatility here, excelling in both dry braking and handling.

Wet

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 leads in wet braking with a 32.6M distance, reinforcing its strong all-around performance.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 slightly outperforms the rest during wet handling, with an average lap speed of 79.3 Km/H, closely followed by Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 at 79.2 Km/H. 

The best performer in the Wet Circle category is Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 with an average lateral acceleration of 7.31m/s. This tire also leads in wet braking, making it a strong choice for wet conditions.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 leads again with the highest float speed of 77.5 Km/H in straight aquaplaning, reinforcing its all-around strong performance in both dry and wet conditions.

The top performer in Curved Aquaplaning is again the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005. This adds to its strong performance in wet conditions, particularly in wet braking and wet circle.

Snow

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV leads in snow braking with an average stopping distance of 29.8M, and it also excels in snow handling, making it a strong performer in snowy conditions.

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV leads with in snow traction, reinforcing its strong performance in snowy conditions.

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV takes again the lead in snow handling with an average speed of 48.2 Km/H. It's a tire that performs well across various conditions, from dry to snowy.

The Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 leads snow circle.

Comfort

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is the quietest in the drive by external noise test of 71.2 dB, adding to its list of strong performances across multiple categories.

Value

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 has a rolling resistance of 7.1 kg/t, making it the most eco-friendly option of the tires on test.

Results

1st: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
255/45 R20 105V EU Label: C/A/73 Weight: 12.1kgs Tread: 8.23mm 3PMSF: yes	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 2nd 43.1 M 43 M +0.1 M 99.77% Dry Handling 1st 117.5 Km/H 100% Wet Braking 1st 32.6 M 100% Wet Handling 2nd 79.2 Km/H 79.3 Km/H -0.1 Km/H 99.87% Wet Circle 1st 7.31 m/s 100% Straight Aqua 1st 77.5 Km/H 100% Curved Aquaplaning 1st 2.87 m/sec2 100% Snow Braking 3rd 30.8 M 29.8 M +1 M 96.75% Snow Traction 6th 3.24 N 3.38 N -0.14 N 95.86% Snow Handling 2nd 47.8 Km/H 48.2 Km/H -0.4 Km/H 99.17% Snow Circle 5th 3.95 ms/2 4.32 ms/2 -0.37 ms/2 91.44% Noise 4th 72.2 dB 71.2 dB +1 dB 98.61% Rolling Resistance 1st 7.1 kg / t 100% Tires that are easy to control in the wet with neutral to slightly understeering driving characteristics, with outstanding grip and the best aquaplaning protection. Strong dry braking, best cornering stability, understeer tendency with strong reserves. Best rolling resistance. Small weaknesses in the snow performance. Okay on snow, outstanding on wet and dry roads – the test winner! "Outstanding" Read Reviews
2nd: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
255/45 R20 105V EU Label: B/B/72 Weight: 12.1kgs Tread: 7.84mm 3PMSF: yes	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 3rd 43.5 M 43 M +0.5 M 98.85% Dry Handling 3rd 117 Km/H 117.5 Km/H -0.5 Km/H 99.57% Wet Braking 5th 35.1 M 32.6 M +2.5 M 92.88% Wet Handling 1st 79.3 Km/H 100% Wet Circle 2nd 7.24 m/s 7.31 m/s -0.07 m/s 99.04% Straight Aqua 4th 75.4 Km/H 77.5 Km/H -2.1 Km/H 97.29% Curved Aquaplaning 4th 2.28 m/sec2 2.87 m/sec2 -0.59 m/sec2 79.44% Snow Braking 2nd 30.5 M 29.8 M +0.7 M 97.7% Snow Traction 4th 3.31 N 3.38 N -0.07 N 97.93% Snow Handling 2nd 47.8 Km/H 48.2 Km/H -0.4 Km/H 99.17% Snow Circle 4th 4.28 ms/2 4.32 ms/2 -0.04 ms/2 99.07% Noise 3rd 72.1 dB 71.2 dB +0.9 dB 98.75% Rolling Resistance 3rd 7.6 kg / t 7.1 kg / t +0.5 kg / t 93.42% Short braking distances and very safe driving behavior on snow. Good cornering grip with large reserves and very reliable and stable in the wet. High level of cornering, especially on dry roads. Slight weakness in curved aquaplaning and steering precision, as well as being somewhat sensitive to load changes in fast, dry corners. Slightly audible rolling noise when turning. Very versatile. The new Goodyear excels in all weather conditions. "Very Good" Read Reviews
3rd: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
255/45 R20 105V EU Label: C/C/71 Weight: 13.6kgs Tread: 7.8mm 3PMSF: yes	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 4th 43.7 M 43 M +0.7 M 98.4% Dry Handling 6th 115.4 Km/H 117.5 Km/H -2.1 Km/H 98.21% Wet Braking 6th 35.2 M 32.6 M +2.6 M 92.61% Wet Handling 5th 78 Km/H 79.3 Km/H -1.3 Km/H 98.36% Wet Circle 7th 7.05 m/s 7.31 m/s -0.26 m/s 96.44% Straight Aqua 2nd 76.6 Km/H 77.5 Km/H -0.9 Km/H 98.84% Curved Aquaplaning 3rd 2.36 m/sec2 2.87 m/sec2 -0.51 m/sec2 82.23% Snow Braking 1st 29.8 M 100% Snow Traction 1st 3.38 N 100% Snow Handling 1st 48.2 Km/H 100% Snow Circle 3rd 4.29 ms/2 4.32 ms/2 -0.03 ms/2 99.31% Noise 1st 71.2 dB 100% Rolling Resistance 4th 8 kg / t 7.1 kg / t +0.9 kg / t 88.75% Very good traction, cornering and braking performance on snow. Good wet grip and aquaplaning resistance. Stable, precise, safe to drive and comfortable on dry roads. Despite the best possible balance, acceptable weaknesses on wet and dry asphalt. For alpine regions: the snow specialist among the winter tires. "Very Good" Read Reviews
4th: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
255/45 R20 105V EU Label: C/B/71 Weight: 12kgs Tread: 8.35mm 3PMSF: yes	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 6th 44.2 M 43 M +1.2 M 97.29% Dry Handling 1st 117.5 Km/H 100% Wet Braking 7th 35.7 M 32.6 M +3.1 M 91.32% Wet Handling 7th 77.8 Km/H 79.3 Km/H -1.5 Km/H 98.11% Wet Circle 5th 7.18 m/s 7.31 m/s -0.13 m/s 98.22% Straight Aqua 3rd 76 Km/H 77.5 Km/H -1.5 Km/H 98.06% Curved Aquaplaning 2nd 2.82 m/sec2 2.87 m/sec2 -0.05 m/sec2 98.26% Snow Braking 5th 31.2 M 29.8 M +1.4 M 95.51% Snow Traction 5th 3.28 N 3.38 N -0.1 N 97.04% Snow Handling 6th 46.4 Km/H 48.2 Km/H -1.8 Km/H 96.27% Snow Circle 2nd 4.3 ms/2 4.32 ms/2 -0.02 ms/2 99.54% Noise 2nd 71.8 dB 71.2 dB +0.6 dB 99.16% Rolling Resistance 2nd 7.2 kg / t 7.1 kg / t +0.1 kg / t 98.61% Strong cornering grip and decent traction on snow, balanced snow handling. Very good aquaplaning protection. Active driving behavior and good cornering stability on dry roads. The very low rolling resistance makes up for any shortcomings. Slightly reduced braking performance on snow. Weak braking, reduced driving stability and low reserves in the wet. Slight instability when changing lanes quickly on dry roads. Conti buys low rolling resistance through restrictions on wet braking. "Very Good" Read Reviews    Buy from £264.13
5th: Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2
255/45 R20 105V EU Label: C/A/71 Weight: 13.6kgs Tread: 8.26mm 3PMSF: yes	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 1st 43 M 100% Dry Handling 7th 114.8 Km/H 117.5 Km/H -2.7 Km/H 97.7% Wet Braking 3rd 34 M 32.6 M +1.4 M 95.88% Wet Handling 5th 78 Km/H 79.3 Km/H -1.3 Km/H 98.36% Wet Circle 4th 7.22 m/s 7.31 m/s -0.09 m/s 98.77% Straight Aqua 6th 73.9 Km/H 77.5 Km/H -3.6 Km/H 95.35% Curved Aquaplaning 6th 1.91 m/sec2 2.87 m/sec2 -0.96 m/sec2 66.55% Snow Braking 4th 30.9 M 29.8 M +1.1 M 96.44% Snow Traction 3rd 3.33 N 3.38 N -0.05 N 98.52% Snow Handling 5th 47.1 Km/H 48.2 Km/H -1.1 Km/H 97.72% Snow Circle 1st 4.32 ms/2 100% Noise 5th 72.7 dB 71.2 dB +1.5 dB 97.94% Rolling Resistance 4th 8 kg / t 7.1 kg / t +0.9 kg / t 88.75% Quite safe, balanced and largely reliable on snow. Decent braking performance and good cornering grip in the wet. Very good dry braking, spontaneous steering and very safe understeering with a wide range of reserves in dry corners. Slightly reduced performance on snow, not very precise with shallow reserves in the wet, limited comfort. Not balanced enough: The new Scorpion is lacking a little in the wet. "Very Good" Read Reviews
6th: Vredestein Wintrac Pro
255/45 R20 105V EU Label: C/B/73 Weight: 14kgs Tread: 8.07mm 3PMSF: yes	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 4th 43.7 M 43 M +0.7 M 98.4% Dry Handling 5th 115.8 Km/H 117.5 Km/H -1.7 Km/H 98.55% Wet Braking 2nd 33.9 M 32.6 M +1.3 M 96.17% Wet Handling 4th 78.3 Km/H 79.3 Km/H -1 Km/H 98.74% Wet Circle 6th 7.15 m/s 7.31 m/s -0.16 m/s 97.81% Straight Aqua 5th 74.5 Km/H 77.5 Km/H -3 Km/H 96.13% Curved Aquaplaning 5th 2.24 m/sec2 2.87 m/sec2 -0.63 m/sec2 78.05% Snow Braking 6th 31.3 M 29.8 M +1.5 M 95.21% Snow Traction 2nd 3.36 N 3.38 N -0.02 N 99.41% Snow Handling 4th 47.3 Km/H 48.2 Km/H -0.9 Km/H 98.13% Snow Circle 6th 3.85 ms/2 4.32 ms/2 -0.47 ms/2 89.12% Noise 7th 73.7 dB 71.2 dB +2.5 dB 96.61% Rolling Resistance 6th 8.6 kg / t 7.1 kg / t +1.5 kg / t 82.56% Good traction and decent braking performance on snow. Consistently good, impeccable wet properties, here quite neutral and active. Balanced dry dynamics. In relation to the good longitudinal dynamics (acceleration/braking), surprisingly low cornering grip on snow. Slight deficits in corner aquaplaning. Deficits in comfort due to rolling noise in curves. The inexpensive Vredestein masters the basics. "Good" Read Reviews
7th: Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
255/45 R20 105V EU Label: D/B/72 Weight: 13.7kgs Tread: 7.62mm 3PMSF: yes	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 7th 44.4 M 43 M +1.4 M 96.85% Dry Handling 4th 116 Km/H 117.5 Km/H -1.5 Km/H 98.72% Wet Braking 4th 34.2 M 32.6 M +1.6 M 95.32% Wet Handling 3rd 78.4 Km/H 79.3 Km/H -0.9 Km/H 98.87% Wet Circle 3rd 7.23 m/s 7.31 m/s -0.08 m/s 98.91% Straight Aqua 7th 72 Km/H 77.5 Km/H -5.5 Km/H 92.9% Curved Aquaplaning 7th 1.85 m/sec2 2.87 m/sec2 -1.02 m/sec2 64.46% Snow Braking 7th 31.7 M 29.8 M +1.9 M 94.01% Snow Traction 7th 3.1 N 3.38 N -0.28 N 91.72% Snow Handling 7th 45.2 Km/H 48.2 Km/H -3 Km/H 93.78% Snow Circle 6th 3.85 ms/2 4.32 ms/2 -0.47 ms/2 89.12% Noise 6th 72.9 dB 71.2 dB +1.7 dB 97.67% Rolling Resistance 6th 8.6 kg / t 7.1 kg / t +1.5 kg / t 82.56% Good grip and largely safe, support-neutral driving dynamics in the wet. Very active and fast in dry corners. Very good comfort. Too sensitive to load changes on snow and weak reserves: not enough for a winter tire. Narrow limit range for wet conditions, low protection against aquaplaning. Slow steering, less stable rear in fast corners. Downgraded by one grade. Too weak on snow. The otherwise passable Falken has to be downgraded. "Satisfactory" Read Reviews