Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 87% · 33
In the 21 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished ahead 14 times and the WinterContact TS 870 P 3 times, with 4 level. The WinterContact TS 870 P had 5.8% lower rolling resistance; the Pilot Alpin 5 lasted 15.4% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 if you regularly drive in real winter conditions (frequent snow/ice, mixed secondary roads) or you simply want the highest chance of topping the test table with the strongest dry + snow performance. Choose the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P if your winters are milder and wet, you drive lots of motorway kilometers, or you prioritize EV range/fuel economy and strong aquaplaning-in-bends security over ultimate snow traction.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- Very strong efficiency/low rolling resistance across tests (14 rolling-resistance wins; e.g., 7.5 vs 8.6 kg/t in Auto Bild Sportscars 2026)
- Excellent resistance to aquaplaning in bends in most comparisons (11 curved-aquaplaning wins; often a meaningful advantage)
- Frequently competitive wet braking, including strong results in several braking-only and multi-discipline tests (e.g., 33.9 m vs 35.9 m in 2026 braking test)
Where the Pilot Alpin 5 is stronger
- Best overall results across shared tests (14 overall wins), including multiple 1st-place finishes in major group tests
- Class-leading snow performance and traction (wins most snow braking/traction/handling categories; consistently highest grip and quickest snow times)
- Strong dry-road braking and sporty steering response (16/16 dry-braking category wins; often among the quickest in dry handling)
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 Pilot Alpin 5 at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Pilot Alpin 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won21 shared tests | 3 | 4 level | 14 |
| Dry39 measurements | 8 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 2.6% shorter in the dry (17 tests) | 30 |
| Wet87 measurements | 43 | The WinterContact TS 870 P held 9.9% more grip in curved aquaplaning (14 tests) | 38 |
| Snow71 measurements | 8 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 2.7% shorter on snow (20 tests) | 61 |
| Ice4 measurements | 0 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 12.5% shorter on ice (2 tests) | 3 |
| Comfort25 measurements | 8 | The Pilot Alpin 5 was 0.6 dB quieter (16 tests) | 15 |
| Value26 measurements | 16 | The WinterContact TS 870 P had 5.8% lower rolling resistance (16 tests) | 10 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The Pilot Alpin 5 by 0.2 | 9.5/10 |
| Owner rating33 and 33 reviews | 85% | The Pilot Alpin 5 by 2 points | 87% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | Too close to call | 84% |
| Pricein the 19 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Pilot Alpin 5 was dearer in 18 of 19 | +6.8% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 121 | 43 sizes made in both | 81 |
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 21 tests, 2021 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.
Performance profile
28 measurements from the 21 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterContact TS 870 P
Pilot Alpin 5
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. 8 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
Pilot Alpin 5
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
Pilot Alpin 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33. 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 WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Pilot Alpin 5 9.5 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Pilot Alpin 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 99 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 90 | ||
| 77 | Comfort | 89 | ||
| 76 | Value | 59 | ||
| 73 | Snow | 92 | ||
| 30 | Ice | 80 | ||
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 | Pilot Alpin 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 9 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 8.8 | ||
| 8.7 | Handling | 8.9 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 8.3 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 9 | ||
| 7.8 | Ice Grip | 8 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33. 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.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
- 87%from 33 reviews
- 84%would buy again
- 357,850 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 33 Pilot Alpin 5 reviewsGreat tire, i replaced my GY Ultragrip performance 3 with this and i can say they are even better on snow than GY. Where Michelin lacks to GY is on wet. I find goodyear a bit better on wet surfaces but both tires are excepional.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 121 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 81 of the Pilot Alpin 5, 43 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Pilot Alpin 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 121 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 81 sizes, 16 to 23 inch |
| Made in both | 43 sizes 205/60 R16215/65 R16225/50 R17235/45 R17235/55 R17245/55 R17205/40 R18215/40 R18215/50 R18215/55 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18and 31 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B99%C1% | B58%C40%D2% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C62%B37%D1% | C60%D30%B9% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 68-75 dB B70%A30% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 221 of 221 | 96 of 96 |
| On the market since | - | 2017 |
| Replaced | Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) | Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 (2012) |
| 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 Pilot Alpin 5 was the dearer tire in 18 of the 19 tests that listed prices, by 6.8% 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.
Continental's WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin's Pilot Alpin 5 sit in the same niche: premium ultra-high-performance winter tires designed for drivers who want a “real” winter tire without giving up too much steering precision, high-speed stability and refinement. They're also two of the most frequently tested UHP winters in Europe, so their strengths (and trade-offs) show up consistently across many independent comparisons.
Across the 20 shared tests here, the story is clear: the Pilot Alpin 5 is the more outright performance-focused tire, repeatedly taking top overall rankings (including multiple 1st-place finishes such as Auto Bild Winter 2025 1/20 and Auto Bild Sportscars 2026 1/12). The WinterContact TS 870 P fights back not by trying to out-snow the Michelin, but by being the efficiency and wet-safety “specialist” in key areas-most notably rolling resistance (14 category wins) and a strong pattern of curved-aquaplaning wins (11 category wins), plus frequent wet-braking victories depending on the test format and temperature.
Conclusion
If you want the most consistent “win on points” UHP winter tire, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is the safer bet: it dominates the cold-weather traction and stopping categories and often leads the overall table. The margins aren't always huge, but they're persistent-especially on snow (17 snow-braking wins, 15 snow-traction wins, 14 snow-handling wins). Real-world implication: in regions where winter regularly means packed snow, steep exits, or mixed-grip secondary roads, the Michelin's extra bite and shorter snow stops (e.g., 20.5 m vs 22.0 m in Auto Bild SUV 2024, and 25.1 m vs 25.8 m in Auto Bild Sportscars 2026) translate into easier launches, more stable progress, and a bit more “margin” when you misjudge speed.
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is the smarter choice when your winter is mostly wet, cold and fast-and you care about efficiency (EV range/fuel use) and hydroplaning security. It repeatedly posts notably lower rolling resistance (e.g., 7.5 vs 8.6 kg/t in Auto Bild Sportscars 2026; and 7.39 vs 8.49 kg/t in Tire Reviews 2023) and very often leads in curved aquaplaning (including large gaps in some tests, such as 2.37 vs 1.87 m/s² in the 2023/24 Tire Reviews UHP winter test). The practical takeaway: Pilot Alpin 5 is the “performance winter benchmark” for snow-prone drivers, while TS 870 P is the “efficient wet-weather security blanket” that makes the most sense for milder winters and high-mileage users-even if it usually can't match Michelin's outright snow traction.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs Pilot Alpin 5: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 the better tire?
In the 21 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished ahead 14 times and the WinterContact TS 870 P 3 times, with 4 level. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Pilot Alpin 5 9.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the Pilot Alpin 5?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 43 of the 87 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 9.9% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 14 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 30 of the 39 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.6% shorter in the dry across 17 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 61 of the 71 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.7% shorter on snow across 20 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The WinterContact TS 870 P had 5.8% lower rolling resistance (16 tests) and used 2.2% less fuel (2 tests); the Pilot Alpin 5 lasted 15.4% longer in the wear tests (6 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 9/10 for the Pilot Alpin 5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Pilot Alpin 5 was 0.6 dB quieter (16 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 8.3/10 for the Pilot Alpin 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33. 83% of WinterContact TS 870 P owners would buy it again, against 84% for the Pilot Alpin 5.
Which is more expensive?
In the 19 tests that listed prices, the Pilot Alpin 5 was the dearer tire in 18 of them, by 6.8% 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 Pilot Alpin 5 in 81 (16 to 23 inch). 43 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 Pilot Alpin 5 B and C.
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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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