Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Fulda Kristall Control HP2
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
- TR Score
- 7.2/10
- Owners say
- 70% · 12
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 8 times and the Kristall Control HP2 not once. The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 7.3% shorter in the wet; the Kristall Control HP2 lasted 16.6% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Buy the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P. It finished ahead in all seven shared tests and sweeps wet braking, dry braking and straight aquaplaning. The Fulda Kristall Control HP2 makes sense only on running cost, where it is 23.6 percent cheaper per 1000km, or if ice braking is your single priority.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- Finished ahead in all seven shared tests, 2nd of 57 against 18th in the market overview
- Clean sweep of wet braking, seven measurements to nil, and straight aquaplaning, four to nil
- Quieter in all four noise measurements and lower rolling resistance in both
Where the Kristall Control HP2 is stronger
- 23.6 percent cheaper per 1000km at Auto Bild in 2025, 10 against 13.08
- Shorter ice braking in both measurements and better snow traction in three of four
- Longer life in three of four wear measurements
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.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs Kristall Control HP2 at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Kristall Control HP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won8 shared tests | 8 | 0 | |
| Dry6 measurements | 6 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 5.8% shorter in the dry (4 tests) | 0 |
| Wet22 measurements | 19 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 7.3% shorter in the wet (8 tests) | 3 |
| Snow16 measurements | 8 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 0.7% shorter on snow (8 tests) | 6 |
| Ice2 measurements | 0 | The Kristall Control HP2 stopped 3.8% shorter on ice (2 tests) | 2 |
| Comfort5 measurements | 4 | The WinterContact TS 870 P was 2.4 dB quieter (4 tests) | 0 |
| Value10 measurements | 5 | Level between the two. | 5 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 2.1 | 7.2/10 |
| Owner rating33 and 12 reviews | 85% | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 15 points | 70% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 25 points | 58% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +34.1% | The WinterContact TS 870 P was dearer in 4 of 4 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 121 | 25 sizes made in both | 41 |
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 8 tests, 2022 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 | WinterContact TS 870 P | Field | Kristall Control HP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P2 of 50 | P26 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P7 of 20 | P18 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P13 of 51 | P18 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P6 of 31 | P13 of 31 | |
| 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test | P4 of 16 | P9 of 16 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P7 of 54 | P23 of 54 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P8 of 20 | P19 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P2 of 56 | P18 of 56 |
Performance profile
18 measurements from the 8 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterContact TS 870 P
Kristall Control HP2
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. 2 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
WinterContact TS 870 P
Kristall Control HP2
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
WinterContact TS 870 P
Kristall Control HP2
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12. 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 | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Kristall Control HP2 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 141 | 5.8% | 150 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 74.5 | 1.7% | 73.3 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 131 | 7.3% | 141 | 8-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 127 | 5.7% | 135 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 47.5 | 2.9% | 46.2 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6 | 7.4% | 6.5 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.33 | 3.7% | 12.81 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 48.9 | 1.8% | 48.1 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.7 | 2.9% | 10 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 76 | 0.7% | 77 | 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 314 | 0.9% | 314 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 35 | 1.5% | 34.5 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11 | 1.2% | 10.9 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 63 | 3.8% | 61 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.78 | 2.4 dB | 72.15 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 26,724 | 16.6% | 30,600 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.66 | 10.3% | 8.54 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.65 | 0.8% | 5.7 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 65.5 | 2.3% | 67 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Kristall Control HP2 7.2 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Kristall Control HP2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 21 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 59 | ||
| 77 | Comfort | 11 | ||
| 76 | Value | 74 | ||
| 73 | Snow | 70 | ||
| 30 | Ice | 46 | ||
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
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Kristall Control HP2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 8.1 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 7 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 7.5 | ||
| 8.7 | Handling | 6.9 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 7.3 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 7.4 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 6.1 | ||
| 7.8 | Ice Grip | 4.1 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
- 85%from 33 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 294,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Across 26 owner reviews averaging 85.8%, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is most consistently praised for strong, confidence-inspiring grip in both the wet and the dry, often paired with a notably quiet, comfortable ride. Many owners also report good longevity for a winter tire, with several noting healthy tread remaining after substantial mileage. Winter performance is generally rated as capable, but a meaningful minority (around two in five of those mentioning it) found snow traction lacking, and opinions are split on ice grip and steering feel; a small number also note it can feel softer when temperatures rise.
- Strong wet grip and confident wet cornering
- Strong dry grip with secure traction
- Noticeably quiet on the road
- Comfortable, supple ride quality
- Snow traction not as strong as expected for some drivers
- Ice grip is inconsistent depending on conditions
- Steering feel not the sharpest
Summarised by AI from 26 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 33 WinterContact TS 870 P reviewsI've driven the tires in the winter, but on roads devoid of snow and ice so I can't comment on that. They made me feel very secure, however, I have to say that they are far too sporty for my driving style and needs. They carry a lot of responsibility for my decision to buy the car, as they are very comfortable, quiet and make the car feel very surefooted and responsive in the dry and in the wet.
There is one gripe, though, they have absolutely no rim protection, so I blame them for all the scratching on my wheels. I would expect more from a tire of this class from a reputable brand, and, honestly, it is a strong enough reason (albeit the only one) for me not to buy them again. In every other aspect they are brilliant, they even equal summer tires in fuel consumption.
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
- 70%from 12 reviews
- 58%would buy again
- 446,800 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally report the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 as a strong value winter tire, with many high-scoring reviews praising confident wet-road grip, safe/predictable handling, good snow traction, and a quiet, comfortable ride. Several owners also find it competitive with more premium brands for everyday winter driving. A recurring concern is that performance can deteriorate noticeably with age as the compound hardens, leading to reduced wet/ice/snow grip after a few seasons/years for some users.
- Strong wet grip and stability
- Good snow traction and winter safety
- Predictable handling and secure steering feel
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Grip can drop significantly as the tire ages/hardens over multiple seasons
Summarised by AI from 11 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 12 Kristall Control HP2 reviewsOverall good, but really nothing stands out about this tire. Reasonable wear, very good in dry, confident in wet, average in snow.
Reasonably quiet and comfortable.
Great buy at around EUR 83 for 205 60 16.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 121 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 41 of the Kristall Control HP2, 25 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Kristall Control HP2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 121 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 41 sizes, 15 to 19 inch |
| Made in both | 25 sizes 205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16225/55 R16235/60 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17205/60 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17225/50 R17and 13 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B99%C1% | C83%B15%D2% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C62%B37%D1% | C74%D20%B6% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 70-73 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 221 of 221 | 54 of 54 |
| On the market since | - | 2021 |
| Replaced | Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) | Fulda Kristall Control HP (2021) |
| Replaced by | Continental WinterContact 8 S | - |
| Awards | Highly Recommended: Best Winter SUV Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) Winner: Best Winter SUV Tires (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Winter Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2024) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tire in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 34.1% 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.
Seven shared tests, seven finishes ahead for the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, and most of the gaps are wide: 7th of 22 against the Fulda Kristall Control HP2's 18th at Auto Bild in 2025, 2nd of 57 against 18th in the 2022 market overview, 7th of 54 against 23rd in the 2023 braking test, 8th of 22 against 19th in 2022 and 6th of 31 against 13th at ADAC.
Wet braking is a clean sweep, seven measurements to nil, 55.6m against 57.7m at Auto Bild in 2025 and 35.6m against 36.9m in the braking test. Dry braking is four to nil, 43.7m against 46.9m, and straight aquaplaning four to nil. The Continental was also quieter in all four noise measurements.
The Fulda answers on cost and ice. It was cheaper per 1000km in both calculations, 10 against 13.08 at Auto Bild in 2025, 23.6 percent less, lasted longer in three of four wear measurements, stopped shorter on ice in both measurements and pulled harder in three of four snow traction runs.
Conclusion
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P wins this outright. It finished ahead in all seven shared tests, and the margins are not close: 7th of 22 against the Fulda Kristall Control HP2's 18th at Auto Bild in 2025, 2nd of 57 against 18th in the 2022 market overview, 7th of 54 against 23rd in the 2023 braking test, 8th of 22 against 19th in 2022, 6th of 31 against 13th at ADAC in 2025 and 4th of 16 against 9th at ADAC in 2023. Wet braking is a clean sweep, seven measurements to nil, and dry braking four to nil, 43.7m against 46.9m at Auto Bild. It also won all four straight aquaplaning measurements, both dry handling and both wet handling comparisons, both snow handling comparisons and three of five snow brakings, and it was quieter in all four noise measurements and rolled with less resistance in both, 8.02 against 8.9 kg/t.
The Fulda Kristall Control HP2 defends itself on running cost, ice and snow traction. It was cheaper per 1000km in both calculations, 10 against 13.08 at Auto Bild in 2025, 23.6 percent less, cheaper to buy, and it lasted longer in three of four wear measurements. It also stopped shorter on ice in both measurements and pulled harder in three of four snow traction runs, and it resisted curved aquaplaning better in two of three.
The pattern is clear enough across seven tests: the Fulda is the cheaper tire to run and grips reasonably in cold, low-grip conditions, but it gives away wet braking in every single measurement, which is the number that matters most on a European winter road. Buy the Continental unless the price gap decides it for you.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs Kristall Control HP2: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 the better tire?
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 8 times and the Kristall Control HP2 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Kristall Control HP2 7.2 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the Kristall Control HP2?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 19 of the 22 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 7.3% shorter in the wet across 8 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 6 of the 6 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.8% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 8 of the 16 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.7% shorter on snow across 8 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The WinterContact TS 870 P had 10.3% lower rolling resistance (2 tests); the Kristall Control HP2 lasted 16.6% longer in the wear tests (4 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 7.3/10 for the Kristall Control HP2.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The WinterContact TS 870 P was 2.4 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 7.4/10 for the Kristall Control HP2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12. 83% of WinterContact TS 870 P owners would buy it again, against 58% for the Kristall Control HP2.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 34.1% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The WinterContact TS 870 P is made in 121 sizes (16 to 23 inch) and the Kristall Control HP2 in 41 (15 to 19 inch). 25 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the WinterContact TS 870 P is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Kristall Control HP2 C and C.
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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.
Review the WinterContact TS 870 P Review the Kristall Control HP2
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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