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Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

Head-to-head comparisonPassenger CarWinter
Contents
  1. At a glance
  2. Driver Reviews
  3. Conclusion
  4. FAQ
  5. Similar Comparisons
Comparison overview

At a glance

Based on 4 independent tire tests. Data last updated April 2026.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

This head-to-head pits two standout ultra-high-performance winter tires tuned for heavier vehicles: Continental's WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin's Pilot Alpin 5 SUV. Across four shared SUV-focused tests in sizes from 225/60 R18 to 255/45 R20, both routinely finish at the top-often separated by fine margins.

The data sketches a clear pattern: Michelin consistently stops shorter on dry and snow, is quieter and more comfortable, and feels especially secure on snow. Continental counters with class-leading rolling resistance, outstanding curved aquaplaning safety, and very balanced wet/dry handling that frequently matches or edges Michelin. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize snow-led security and refinement (Michelin) or efficiency and wet safety margins (Continental).

Shared test result4 direct tests
1 wins: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P1 draw2 wins: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
Key strengthsWhat each tire does best
ContinentalWinterContact TS 870 P
  • Lowest rolling resistance on test (≈10-26% advantage), strong for EV range and fuel economy
  • Outstanding curved aquaplaning resistance; very safe wet margins
  • Balanced handling with dynamic dry stability; frequent wins in dry/wet handling laps
MichelinPilot Alpin 5 SUV
  • Best-in-test snow package (braking, traction, handling) across all shared tests
  • Consistently shortest dry braking; very strong wet braking
  • Lowest exterior noise and highest subjective comfort
Performance map

Where each tire has the edge

Start here if you do not want to read every test line. The cards below group the evidence by driving priority, then the detailed source data stays available underneath.

Dry roadsContinental WinterContact TS 870 PWet safetyMichelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUVSnow and iceMichelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUVCosts and longevitySplit resultComfort and refinementMichelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

Dry roads

Braking, steering response and handling pace in dry conditions.

Continental 2-1

Wet safety

Wet braking, wet handling and aquaplaning resistance.

Michelin 4-2

Snow and ice

Cold-weather traction, braking and handling where available.

Michelin 7-1

Snow Circle

Continental
4.3ms/2
Michelin
4.29ms/2
Lateral snow grip in m/s squared, higher is better

Best hereWins 1/1Gap 0.23%Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

Source tests (1)
2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test255/45 R20

Costs and longevity

Wear, rolling resistance, price and economy-related measurements.

Split result 1-1

Comfort and refinement

Noise, ride comfort and subjective refinement results.

Michelin 3-0

Full metric overview

Stronger tire = 100% per axis

Real World Driver Reviews

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Driver Reviews

Drivers rate the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P very highly overall, praising its confident wet performance (strong grip and braking) and solid, stable behavior on dry roads for a winter tire. Many also highlight low road noise and good comfort, with several reporting respectable tread life over multiple seasons and high mileage. Snow performance is generally described as predictable and capable, but a recurring caveat is that ice/snow traction isn't “stud-level” or class-leading for harsher Nordic conditions. The most common downsides are higher purchase price and a less sporty steering feel/turn-in compared with sharper performance-focused alternatives.

Based on 28 reviews with an average rating of 87%

View all Continental WinterContact TS 870 P driver reviews
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV Driver Reviews

Most drivers rate the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV highly, praising its exceptionally quiet ride, strong wet and snow traction, confident handling, and comfortable ride. Many also highlight low wear and long tread life. A minority of users, however, report inconsistent traction on snow/slush with certain vehicles. Overall sentiment is strongly positive for winter performance and refinement.

Based on 13 reviews with an average rating of 83%

View all Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV driver reviews

Conclusion

Both tires earn repeated "very good" verdicts and trade victories, but their personalities differ. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is the snow specialist with the shortest dry and snow stopping distances across all tests, excellent subjective comfort/noise, and surefooted handling in winter conditions-ideal for alpine use and frequent snow days. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P delivers a rare blend of strong all-round grip with clearly the lowest rolling resistance and the best curved aquaplaning resistance, making it the efficiency and wet-safety pick, especially compelling for EVs or long motorway winters.

If you drive mostly in cold, mixed conditions with regular snow and value quiet refinement, choose Michelin. If your winters are wet/cold with occasional snow-or you prioritize range/fuel economy and high-speed wet security-choose Continental. The practical takeaway: Michelin maximizes grip and comfort; Continental maximizes efficiency and wet reserves, while staying very close on overall grip.

Key Differences

  • Snow performance: Michelin wins all snow braking/traction/handling metrics; Continental is good but second-best on snow grip
  • Efficiency: Continental leads rolling resistance in every test (≈10-24% lower), key for EVs and fuel savings
  • Wet safety emphasis: Continental repeatedly tops curved aquaplaning; Michelin can be weaker in wet corner aquaplaning
  • Braking focus: Michelin consistently stops shorter on dry and wet; Continental's braking is solid but not class-leading
  • Refinement: Michelin is quieter and more comfortable; Continental can be noisier
  • Value view: Continental often costs slightly less or similar and offsets higher prices with efficiency; Michelin sometimes cheaper in a test but carries higher energy cost over time
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV better?

Based on 4 independent tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is the stronger overall performer, winning 2 to 1 with 1 draw. The breakdown below shows the specific areas where the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P still has the edge.

Which tire has better wet braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV?

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is better for wet braking, averaging 37.22M versus 37.37M across 4 independent tests.

Which tire has better dry braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV?

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is better for dry braking, averaging 42.56M versus 43.31M across 4 independent tests.

Which tire has better rolling resistance, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV?

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is better for rolling resistance, averaging 6.84kg / t versus 8.24kg / t across 4 independent tests.

Which tire has better snow braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV?

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is better for snow braking, averaging 23.17M versus 23.8M across 4 independent tests.

Which tire has better subj. noise, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV?

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is better for subj. noise, measuring 100Points versus 95Points across 1 independent test.

Which tire do owners rate higher, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV?

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P has the higher owner-review score: the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scores 87% from 28 reviews versus the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV at 83% from 13 reviews.

Similar Comparisons

Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Top Comparisons

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P VS Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P VS Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Alpin 7 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P VS Michelin Alpin 7
View All Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Comparisons

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV Top Comparisons

No other comparisons available for this tire.

Footnote

This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.

Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.

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