Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 82% · 81
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 have met in one independent test so far, and the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 finished ahead.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Continental WinterContact TS 870 P for dedicated winter use, maximum cold-weather braking, and wet/snow control. Choose Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 if you want one tire year-round with strong wet and dry handling, solid snow capability for an all-season, and better value.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- Class-leading wet and snow braking in shared tests (e.g., 30.02 m wet, 25.62 m snow in 2025 winter test)
- Excellent aquaplaning resistance and wet handling stability
- Strong subjective control and comfort in winter conditions
Where the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 is stronger
- Top overall in the 2024 mixed test and highly placed in 2025 all-season
- Sharp dry and wet handling with high grip; strong lap times
- Good value with lower purchase price in shared data
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 Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won1 shared test | 0 | 1 | |
| Dry2 measurements | 0 | 2 | |
| Wet4 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Snow4 measurements | 2 | 1 | |
| Comfort1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Value1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 by 0.1 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner rating33 and 81 reviews | 85% | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 3 points | 82% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 5 points | 78% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 121 | 68 sizes made in both | 102 |
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 1 test in 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 | WinterContact TS 870 P | Field | Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test | P3 of 10 | P1 of 10 |
Performance profile
12 measurements from the one shared test, each tire shown as its share of the better figure.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterContact TS 870 P
Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
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.
Where each scores higher
WinterContact TS 870 P
Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
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
Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
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 Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 82% from 81. 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 | Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 | Wins | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 142 | 3.2% | 137 | 0-1 | |||||
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| 73 | 1.5% | 71.9 | 0-1 | |||||
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| 168 | 1.3% | 170 | 1-0 | |||||
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| 87 | 0.5% | 86.6 | 0-1 | |||||
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| 12.46 | 2% | 12.21 | 0-1 | |||||
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| 48.7 | 2.4% | 47.5 | 1-0 | |||||
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| 72 | 0.9% | 73 | 1-0 | |||||
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| 710 | 2.2% | 726 | 0-1 | |||||
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| 67.9 | 0.9% | 68.5 | 1-0 | |||||
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| 15 | = | 15 | 0-0 | |||||
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| 72.8 | 0.1 dB | 72.7 | 0-1 | |||||
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| 7.26 | 2.2% | 7.1 | 0-1 | |||||
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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 Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 9.4 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 65 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 89 | ||
| 77 | Comfort | 68 | ||
| 76 | Value | 73 | ||
| 73 | Snow | 81 | ||
| 30 | Ice | 87 | ||
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 | Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 8.7 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 7.8 | ||
| 8.7 | Handling | 8 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 8.6 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 8.3 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 7.8 | Ice Grip | 7.5 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 82% from 81. 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.
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
- 82%from 81 reviews
- 78%would buy again
- 1,078,534 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 highly overall (average 79.9%), with most praising its dependable all-round grip, particularly in the wet, where over half of reviewers comment positively. Dry grip, snow traction and cold-weather performance are also frequently highlighted, and around a third of owners report strong tread life. The main recurring downsides are a noticeably weaker dry braking performance and slightly vague steering feel, raised by around one in five and around one in six owners respectively, while road noise feedback is mixed but leans positive.
- Confident wet grip in heavy rain and greasy conditions
- Strong dry grip for everyday driving
- Long tread life and slow wear rates
- Impressive snow traction for an all-season tire
- Longer dry braking distances / less bite under heavy braking
- Vague or light steering feel and less direct response
- Higher rolling resistance / noticeable fuel economy drop for some drivers
Summarised by AI from 75 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 81 Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 reviewsAlmost perfect tires that even didn't let my down in heavy snow which really amazed me. And driven normally they seem to last forever.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 121 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 102 of the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3, 68 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | All Season |
| Sizes made | 121 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 102 sizes, 14 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 68 sizes 205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16225/55 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17215/60 R17215/65 R17225/50 R17and 56 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B99%C1% | B87%C13% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C62%B37%D1% | C47%B29%A21%D4% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 69-73 dB B99%A1% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 221 of 221 | 252 of 252 |
| Replaced | Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) | Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen 2 (2021) |
| Replaced by | Continental WinterContact 8 S | Goodyear Vector All Season 4 |
| 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) | Commended: Best All-Season Tires (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: All-Season Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2024) Winner: All-Season Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2021) Winner: Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2021) |
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 matchup pits a dedicated UHP winter tire, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, against one of the benchmark all-season options, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3. Both target safety and year-round usability but take different routes: Continental is optimized for cold-season grip and precision, while Goodyear aims for balanced performance across changing conditions without seasonal swaps.
Across three shared tests spanning winter and all-season programs, the TS 870 P dominated the 2025 winter test outright, while the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 topped the mixed 2024 comparison and scored strongly in the 2025 all-season test. Expect the Continental to lead in wet control, aquaplaning resistance, and snow-specific braking and handling, while the Goodyear counters with stronger dry lap pace, competitive braking in milder conditions, lower price, and generally favorable rolling resistance in broader testing.
Conclusion
If your winters are reliably cold with frequent snow or slush and you prioritize surefooted braking and control in low temperatures, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is the safer, more focused choice. It sets the pace in wet and snow braking across the shared tests and repeatedly excels in aquaplaning resistance and subjective control, delivering a refined, confidence-inspiring winter drive.
If you want one set of tires year-round and value strong wet performance, engaging dry handling, and lower purchase cost, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 is the better fit. It wins the broader 2024 comparison, places highly in the 2025 all-season test, and remains impressively competitive even against specialist winter rubber. The takeaway: choose Continental for winter-first security and precision; choose Goodyear for all-round convenience and balanced capability with standout value.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs Vector 4Seasons Gen 3: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 the better tire?
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 have met in one independent test so far, and the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 finished ahead. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 9.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3?
Across the shared tests the wet measurements are split 2-2 between the WinterContact TS 870 P and the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3.
Which is better in the dry?
The Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 led 2 of the 2 dry measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in snow?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 2 of the 4 snow measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 8.3/10 for the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 82% from 81. 83% of WinterContact TS 870 P owners would buy it again, against 78% for the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The WinterContact TS 870 P is made in 121 sizes (16 to 23 inch) and the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 in 102 (14 to 22 inch). 68 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 Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 B and C.
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Review the WinterContact TS 870 P Review the Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
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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