Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 vs Vredestein Wintrac Pro
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 88% · 35
- TR Score
- 9.0/10
- Owners say
- 87% · 30
In the 16 independent tests that ran both tires, the Pilot Alpin 5 finished ahead 16 times and the Wintrac Pro not once. The Pilot Alpin 5 lasted 18.5% longer in the wear tests; the Wintrac Pro held 3.4% more grip in curved aquaplaning.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 for maximum safety and performance in mixed winter (frequent snow, cold dry, and wet) or if you value longevity and refinement. Choose Vredestein Wintrac Pro if your winter is predominantly wet, you prioritize purchase price, and you're willing to trade some snow/dry margins for strong value.
Where the Pilot Alpin 5 is stronger
- Class-leading snow performance: repeated wins in braking, traction, and handling
- Consistently short dry braking and precise dry handling
- Low noise, good comfort, and among the best wear/mileage
Where the Wintrac Pro is stronger
- Strong wet performance in several tests (wet braking and aquaplaning)
- Sporty, stable feel when conditions are wet
- Significantly lower purchase price and good value
Conclusion
Michelin's Pilot Alpin 5 is the more complete performer. It wins 16/16 overall comparisons, leads convincingly in dry and snow (12/12 dry handling wins; 13/14 snow braking; 12/12 snow handling), and frequently pairs that grip with low noise, good comfort, and notably strong wear-offsetting some of its higher purchase price over the life of the tire. In mixed real-world winter use with frequent cold, dry, and snowy miles, Michelin delivers the most consistent safety margin and driver confidence.
Vredestein's Wintrac Pro is the value play. It can edge Michelin in certain wet metrics (notably some wet braking and curved aquaplaning results), often costs 20-30% less, and can feel stable and sporty when conditions suit. If your winters skew wet and you're cost-sensitive, it's a credible, balanced alternative. For most drivers seeking the safest, broadest capability-especially where snow and cold dry roads are common-the Michelin is the decisive choice.
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.
Pilot Alpin 5 vs Wintrac Pro at a glance
| Category | Pilot Alpin 5 | Gap | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won16 shared tests | 16 | 0 | |
| Dry26 measurements | 25 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 3.8% shorter in the dry (12 tests) | 0 |
| Wet59 measurements | 31 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 0.8% shorter in the wet (14 tests) | 27 |
| Snow49 measurements | 46 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 3.4% shorter on snow (14 tests) | 3 |
| Comfort13 measurements | 11 | The Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.5 dB quieter (11 tests) | 1 |
| Value15 measurements | 12 | The Pilot Alpin 5 lasted 18.5% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 3 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.5/10 | The Pilot Alpin 5 by 0.5 | 9.0/10 |
| Owner rating35 and 30 reviews | 88% | Too close to call | 87% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 85% | The Wintrac Pro by 8 points | 93% |
| Pricein the 11 tests that listed prices | +32.2% | The Pilot Alpin 5 was dearer in 11 of 11 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 81 | 49 sizes made in both | 119 |
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 16 tests, 2020 to 2024
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 | Pilot Alpin 5 | Field | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test | P1 of 12 | P6 of 12 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test | P1 of 10 | P7 of 10 | |
| 2023/24 Tire Reviews UHP Winter Tire Test | P2 of 6 | P3 of 6 | |
| 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test | P3 of 9 | P5 of 9 | |
| 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test | P1 of 11 | P7 of 11 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P1 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P2 of 54 | P17 of 54 | |
| 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test | P1 of 11 | P8 of 11 | |
| 2022 Sports Car UHP Winter Tire Test | P4 of 9 | P6 of 9 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test | P1 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2022 AMS Winter Tire Test | P1 of 8 | P3 of 8 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter Tire Test | P1 of 13 | P3 of 13 | |
| The Best Winter Tires for 2020 | P2 of 19 | P4 of 19 | |
| 2020 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 235/55 R17 | P1 of 13 | P5 of 13 | |
| 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test | P1 of 20 | P12 of 20 | |
| 2020 Winter Tire Market Overview - 52 Tire Braking Test | P2 of 51 | P6 of 51 |
Performance profile
22 measurements from the 16 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Pilot Alpin 5
Wintrac Pro
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 92%: 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
Pilot Alpin 5
Wintrac Pro
Not ahead in any category
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
Pilot Alpin 5
Wintrac Pro
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Pilot Alpin 5 88% from 35 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. 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.
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 Pilot Alpin 5 scores 9.5 and the Wintrac Pro 9 out of 10.
| Pilot Alpin 5 | Category | Wintrac Pro | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 | Dry | 67 | ||
| 90 | Wet | 86 | ||
| 90 | Comfort | 31 | ||
| 60 | Value | 29 | ||
| 92 | Snow | 58 | ||
| 80 | Ice | 67 | ||
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
| Pilot Alpin 5 | Category | Wintrac Pro | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.1 | Dry Grip | 8.9 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 8.8 | Road Feedback | 8.5 | ||
| 9 | Handling | 8.2 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 8.7 | ||
| 8.3 | Comfort | 8.7 | ||
| 9 | Snow Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 8.1 | Ice Grip | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the Pilot Alpin 5 88% from 35 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
- 88%from 35 reviews
- 85%would buy again
- 412,171 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 highly overall (average 82.7%), with the clearest consensus around strong snow traction and unusually capable dry-road performance for a winter tire. Wet grip also earns plenty of praise, and a smaller group highlights sharp steering feel and secure snow handling. Complaints are more mixed, but around a quarter of owners mention either firmer-than-expected ride comfort or disappointing ice performance, and a smaller minority report noticeable road noise and weak slush behavior.
- Strong snow traction and confidence in winter conditions
- Outstanding dry grip for a winter tire
- Very good wet grip
- Secure, sporty handling on dry roads
- Ice grip can be poor and unpredictable for some
- Firm or bumpy ride comfort for a winter tire
- Noticeable road noise at speed
Summarised by AI from 27 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 35 Pilot Alpin 5 reviewsThe pinnacle of winter tires. I've had the chance to try them in all kinds of winter conditions. I can say they've never let me down. I definitely recommend them.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
- 87%from 30 reviews
- 93%would buy again
- 226,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the Vredestein Wintrac Pro is a highly confidence-inspiring winter tire with standout wet-road grip and surprisingly sporty, summer-like steering feel and stability in cold dry conditions. Most users also praise strong traction and braking in snow/slush, along with good comfort, low noise for the category, and impressive tread life/value over multiple seasons. A smaller subset note higher fuel consumption/rolling resistance and that the tire can need some warm-up or a short bedding-in period to deliver its best grip.
- Strong wet grip and braking (good aquaplaning resistance)
- Stable, predictable handling with good steering feedback (sporty/summer-like feel)
- Very capable snow and slush traction and confidence
- Good comfort and generally quiet for a winter/UHP tire
- Higher fuel consumption / rolling resistance than some alternatives
- Needs some warm-up or short bedding-in to reach best grip
Summarised by AI from 28 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 30 Wintrac Pro reviewsVery good tires for winter. Used in upstate New York from November to April. Great grip even in -15 F. Started to get a little vague when it was dry around 65F.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 81 sizes of the Pilot Alpin 5 and 119 of the Wintrac Pro, 49 of them made in both.
| Category | Pilot Alpin 5 | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 81 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 119 sizes, 17 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 49 sizes 225/50 R17235/45 R17235/55 R17245/45 R17205/40 R18215/50 R18215/55 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18225/50 R18225/55 R18225/60 R18and 37 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B58%C40%D2% | B98%A2%C1% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C60%D30%B9% | D47%C46%E5%B1% |
| EU label noise | 68-75 dB B70%A30% | 70-74 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 96 of 96 | 253 of 253 |
| On the market since | 2017 | 2018 |
| Replaced | Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 (2012) | Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S (2015) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Pilot Alpin 5 was the dearer tire in 11 of the 11 tests that listed prices, by 32.2% 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.
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.
This head-to-head pits two UHP winter staples against each other: Michelin's Pilot Alpin 5 versus Vredestein's Wintrac Pro. Across 16 shared professional tests, the Michelin repeatedly lands on the podium-often at the very top-while the Vredestein stakes its case on value and selective wet strengths. Both target drivers of performance-oriented passenger cars who demand confidence across cold, mixed conditions.
The data show a clear pattern: Michelin dominates dry and snow disciplines with shorter braking, higher cornering speeds, and stronger traction, while also keeping noise low and wear impressively high. Vredestein counters with competitive-and sometimes class-leading-wet braking and aquaplaning resistance in specific tests, plus a much lower purchase price. The question becomes whether outright performance or budget-led balance matters more for your winter driving.
Pilot Alpin 5 vs Wintrac Pro: your questions
Is the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 or the Vredestein Wintrac Pro the better tire?
In the 16 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished ahead 16 times and the Wintrac Pro not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Pilot Alpin 5 scores 9.5 and the Wintrac Pro 9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Pilot Alpin 5 or the Wintrac Pro?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 31 of the 59 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.8% shorter in the wet across 14 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 25 of the 26 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.8% shorter in the dry across 12 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 46 of the 49 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.4% shorter on snow across 14 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Pilot Alpin 5 lasted 18.5% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) and had 6.1% lower rolling resistance (12 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the Pilot Alpin 5 and 8.7/10 for the Wintrac Pro.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.5 dB quieter (11 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.3/10 for the Pilot Alpin 5 and 8.7/10 for the Wintrac Pro.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Pilot Alpin 5 88% from 35 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. 85% of Pilot Alpin 5 owners would buy it again, against 93% for the Wintrac Pro.
Which is more expensive?
In the 11 tests that listed prices, the Pilot Alpin 5 was the dearer tire in 11 of them, by 32.2% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Pilot Alpin 5 is made in 81 sizes (16 to 23 inch) and the Wintrac Pro in 119 (17 to 22 inch). 49 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Pilot Alpin 5 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Wintrac Pro B and D.
Which is the newer tire?
The Wintrac Pro is the newer design: it reached the market in 2018, the Pilot Alpin 5 in 2017. The Pilot Alpin 5 replaced the Michelin Pilot Alpin 4. The Wintrac Pro replaced the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S.
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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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