Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Firestone Winterhawk 4
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 88% · 9
- TR Score
- 8.1/10
- Owners say
- 72% · 6
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 finished ahead 7 times and the Winterhawk 4 not once. The Blizzak 6 lasted 15.5% longer in the wear tests; the Winterhawk 4 had 2.3% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Buy the Bridgestone Blizzak 6. It finished ahead in all five shared tests, won Auto Bild's 55 tire braking test outright, swept snow braking five to nil and lasts around 18 percent longer. The Firestone Winterhawk 4 makes sense only if cost per 1000km and rolling resistance are what you buy on.
Where the Blizzak 6 is stronger
- Finished ahead in all five shared tests, winning Auto Bild's 2024 braking test outright, 1st of 55
- Clean sweep of snow braking, five comparisons to nil, and all three wet circle runs
- Longer life in all three wear tests, 57,700km against 48,800km at ADAC
Where the Winterhawk 4 is stronger
- Lower rolling resistance in both measurements, 8.02 against 8.77 kg/t
- Cheaper per 1000km in both calculations, 8.56 against 11.29 at Auto Bild in 2024
- Quieter in two of three measurements and better snow traction in two of three
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Blizzak 6 vs Winterhawk 4 at a glance
| Category | Blizzak 6 | Gap | Winterhawk 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 7 | 0 | |
| Dry7 measurements | 7 | The Blizzak 6 stopped 3.6% shorter in the dry (4 tests) | 0 |
| Wet22 measurements | 17 | The Blizzak 6 stopped 3% shorter in the wet (7 tests) | 5 |
| Snow17 measurements | 11 | The Blizzak 6 stopped 1.4% shorter on snow (7 tests) | 6 |
| Ice1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Comfort6 measurements | 2 | The Winterhawk 4 was 0.7 dB quieter (4 tests) | 3 |
| Value9 measurements | 6 | The Blizzak 6 lasted 15.5% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) | 3 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.4/10 | The Blizzak 6 by 1.3 | 8.1/10 |
| Owner rating9 and 6 reviews | 88% | The Blizzak 6 by 16 points | 72% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 75% | The Blizzak 6 by 8 points | 67% |
| Pricein the 5 tests that listed prices | +35.2% | The Blizzak 6 was dearer in 5 of 5 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 193 | 64 sizes made in both | 83 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 7 tests, 2024 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Blizzak 6 | Field | Winterhawk 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P5 of 20 | P16 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P5 of 50 | P19 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P3 of 20 | P16 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P6 of 51 | P7 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P3 of 31 | P17 of 31 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P4 of 20 | P18 of 20 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P1 of 55 | P10 of 55 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Blizzak 6
Winterhawk 4
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 96%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 5 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Blizzak 6
Winterhawk 4
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Blizzak 6
Winterhawk 4
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Blizzak 6 88% from 9 reviews and the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Blizzak 6 | Gap | Winterhawk 4 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 146 | 3.6% | 151 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.1 | 2.8% | 68.2 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 144 | 3% | 148 | 5-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 120 | 4.5% | 125 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.5 | 2.9% | 48.2 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.5 | 26.1% | 5.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.41 | 1.8% | 12.64 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50.3 | 0.6% | 50 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.2 | 8.1% | 8.7 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 86 | 1.4% | 87 | 5-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 589 | 0.4% | 589 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36 | 0.2% | 35.9 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.5 | 1.3% | 10.3 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 53 | 0.6% | 53 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.1% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.25 | 0.7 dB | 70.58 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 32,210 | 15.5% | 27,938 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.29 | 2.3% | 8.08 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | 1.7% | 5.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 62 | 13.9% | 72 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Blizzak 6 scores 9.4 and the Winterhawk 4 8.1 out of 10.
| Blizzak 6 | Category | Winterhawk 4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | Dry | 18 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 86 | ||
| 49 | Comfort | 66 | ||
| 67 | Value | 49 | ||
| 74 | Snow | 69 | ||
| 61 | Ice | 54 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Blizzak 6 | Category | Winterhawk 4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.2 | Dry Grip | 7.3 | ||
| 9.2 | Wet Grip | 7.3 | ||
| 8.7 | Road Feedback | 6.2 | ||
| 8.9 | Handling | 5.5 | ||
| 8.3 | Wear | 7.6 | ||
| 8.6 | Comfort | 7.7 | ||
| 9.1 | Snow Grip | 7.5 | ||
| 9.1 | Ice Grip | 6.8 | ||
Owners rate the Blizzak 6 88% from 9 reviews and the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
- 88%from 9 reviews
- 75%would buy again
- 75,369 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 delivers excellent winter performance, with strong grip on snow and ice and confident climbing and cornering in cold, mountain conditions. Multiple reviewers describe it as very stable and among the best winter tires they've used. Overall sentiment is strongly positive across all reviews.
- Strong grip on snow and ice
- Confident traction in cold/mountain conditions
- Stable, secure feel
- High overall satisfaction as a winter tire
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 9 Blizzak 6 reviewsI might be one of the first people to buy Bridgestone winter tires and I've never regretted it. I used them for 2 years, and now I'm thinking of switching to all-season tires, so I'll be looking for other options. After 40,000 km, the insides of the rear tires wore out; I think it's related to the alignment and balance, so I'll be replacing them.
Firestone Winterhawk 4
- 72%from 6 reviews
- 67%would buy again
- 25,300 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally rate the Firestone Winterhawk 4 highly for everyday winter use, with strong confidence in snow and rain, short braking distances, and reassuring all-round performance. Many highlight its good value versus premium brands, along with a quiet, comfortable ride and responsive feel. Overall satisfaction is high across the majority of reviews.
- strong snow performance
- good wet grip and braking
- quiet and comfortable ride
- good value for money
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 6 Winterhawk 4 reviewsGood quality for mid-range brand, cover winter needs. In general there is no high potential of performance for winter tires independently of brand!
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 193 sizes of the Blizzak 6 and 83 of the Winterhawk 4, 64 of them made in both.
| Category | Blizzak 6 | Winterhawk 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 193 sizes, 16 to 22 inch | 83 sizes, 14 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 64 sizes 195/45 R16195/50 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16215/70 R16225/55 R16205/45 R17and 52 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B100% | B100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C75%B25% | D50%C50% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B87%A13% | 71 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 275 of 275 | 101 of 101 |
| On the market since | - | 2020 |
| Replaced | Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 (2019) | Firestone Winterhawk 3 (2013) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Blizzak 6 was the dearer tire in 5 of the 5 tests that listed prices, by 35.2% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Previous generation: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Firestone Winterhawk 4 (13 shared tests)
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
Five shared tests, five finishes ahead for the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, and four of them are not close: 3rd of 22 against the Firestone Winterhawk 4's 16th at Auto Bild in 2025, 3rd of 31 against 17th at ADAC, 4th of 23 against 18th at Auto Bild in 2024 and 1st of 55 against 10th in Auto Bild's 2024 braking test.
Snow braking is a clean sweep, five comparisons to nil, and dry braking three to nil, 43.8m against 45.2m at ADAC and 44.9m against 47.2m at Auto Bild. The Bridgestone also won all three wet circle runs, by 26.1 percent at ADAC, 2.9 against 2.3 m/s, and lasted longer in all three wear tests, 57,700km against 48,800km.
The Firestone answers on running costs. It rolled with less resistance in both measurements, 8.02 against 8.77 kg/t, was quieter in two of three, and it was the cheaper tire per 1000km in both calculations, 8.56 against 11.29 at Auto Bild in 2024.
Conclusion
The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 is clearly the better winter tire. It finished ahead in all five shared tests, and four of the gaps are wide: 3rd of 22 against 16th, 3rd of 31 against 17th, 4th of 23 against 18th and 1st of 55 against 10th in Auto Bild's 2024 braking test, which it won outright. Snow braking is a clean sweep, five to nil, and it took both snow handling comparisons, both snow slaloms, all three wet circle runs, by 26.1 percent at ADAC, all three dry braking tests and both dry handling comparisons, 116.9 against 112.8 km/h. It also lasted longer in all three wear measurements, 57,700km against 48,800km at ADAC, 44,300km against 37,400km and 53,000km against 45,050km, and abraded less, 62 against 72mg/km/t. Owners score it 9.80 against 8.70.
The Firestone Winterhawk 4 is the cheaper tire to run. It rolled with less resistance in both measurements, 8.02 against 8.77 kg/t at Auto Bild, 8.6 percent less, used less fuel, was quieter in two of three noise measurements, and it worked out cheaper per 1000km in both calculations, 8.56 against 11.29 in 2024 and 9.99 against 11.32 in 2025. It also stopped shorter on ice, pulled harder in two of three snow traction measurements and resisted curved aquaplaning better at Auto Bild in 2024.
Two things temper that cost argument. The Bridgestone's tread life advantage of around 18 percent runs against it, and the Firestone's snow traction wins do not translate into snow braking, where it lost all five. If price per 1000km is the deciding number the Firestone has a case, but on safety in winter conditions the Bridgestone is ahead in almost every measurement that matters.
Blizzak 6 vs Winterhawk 4: your questions
Is the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 or the Firestone Winterhawk 4 the better tire?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 finished ahead 7 times and the Winterhawk 4 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Blizzak 6 scores 9.4 and the Winterhawk 4 8.1 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Blizzak 6 or the Winterhawk 4?
The Blizzak 6 led 17 of the 22 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3% shorter in the wet across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Blizzak 6 led 7 of the 7 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.6% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Blizzak 6 led 11 of the 17 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.4% shorter on snow across 7 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Blizzak 6 lasted 15.5% longer in the wear tests (4 tests); the Winterhawk 4 had 2.3% lower rolling resistance (3 tests). Owners rate wear 8.3/10 for the Blizzak 6 and 7.6/10 for the Winterhawk 4.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Winterhawk 4 was 0.7 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.6/10 for the Blizzak 6 and 7.7/10 for the Winterhawk 4.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Blizzak 6 88% from 9 reviews and the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6. 75% of Blizzak 6 owners would buy it again, against 67% for the Winterhawk 4.
Which is more expensive?
In the 5 tests that listed prices, the Blizzak 6 was the dearer tire in 5 of them, by 35.2% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Blizzak 6 is made in 193 sizes (16 to 22 inch) and the Winterhawk 4 in 83 (14 to 20 inch). 64 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Blizzak 6 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Winterhawk 4 B and D.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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