Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Uniroyal WinterExpert
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
- TR Score
- 7.8/10
- Owners say
- 76% · 7
In the 9 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 8 times and the WinterExpert once. The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 6.7% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Buy the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P. It won eight of the nine shared tests, sweeps dry braking and dry handling and brakes shorter on snow in seven of nine comparisons. The Uniroyal WinterExpert makes sense only if running cost decides it, where it is over a quarter cheaper per 1000km.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- Won eight of the nine shared tests, including 1st of 8 at Auto Motor und Sport
- Clean sweep of dry braking, six measurements to nil, and dry handling, four to nil
- Took seven of nine snow braking comparisons and all three snow slaloms
Where the WinterExpert is stronger
- 26.3 percent cheaper per 1000km at Auto Bild in 2025, 9.64 against 13.08
- 5th of 52 against the Continental's 13th in Auto Bild's 2025 braking test
- Longer life in three of five wear measurements, 40,504km against 36,514km
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 WinterExpert at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | WinterExpert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won9 shared tests | 8 | 1 | |
| Dry10 measurements | 10 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 6.7% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 0 |
| Wet30 measurements | 23 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 1.9% shorter in the wet (9 tests) | 7 |
| Snow23 measurements | 17 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 1% shorter on snow (9 tests) | 6 |
| Ice2 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 6 | The WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.7 dB quieter (6 tests) | 1 |
| Value13 measurements | 8 | The WinterContact TS 870 P shed 17.1% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests) | 5 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 1.5 | 7.8/10 |
| Owner rating33 and 7 reviews | 85% | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 9 points | 76% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | The WinterContact TS 870 P by 12 points | 71% |
| Pricein the 6 tests that listed prices | +29.1% | The WinterContact TS 870 P was dearer in 6 of 6 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 121 | 54 sizes made in both | 90 |
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 9 tests, 2022 to 2025
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 | WinterExpert |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P7 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P13 of 51 | P5 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P6 of 31 | P11 of 31 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P3 of 20 | P12 of 20 | |
| 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test | P4 of 16 | P14 of 16 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P7 of 54 | P11 of 54 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P8 of 20 | P19 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P2 of 56 | P17 of 56 | |
| 2022 AMS Winter Tire Test | P1 of 8 | P6 of 8 |
Performance profile
18 measurements from the 9 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterContact TS 870 P
WinterExpert
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 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 3 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
WinterExpert
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
WinterContact TS 870 P
WinterExpert
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 WinterExpert 76% from 7. 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 | WinterExpert | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 142 | 6.7% | 152 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.5 | 1.6% | 72.4 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 137 | 1.9% | 140 | 6-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 127 | 3.8% | 132 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 48.5 | 3.4% | 47 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6 | 3.8% | 5.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.38 | 1.3% | 12.55 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.6 | 2.4% | 48.5 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.2 | 8.7% | 8.6 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 78 | 1% | 79 | 7-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 316 | 1.1% | 310 | 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 34.9 | 0.8% | 34.7 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3.81 | 2.4% | 3.72 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.9 | 4.5% | 10.5 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 63 | 0.3% | 63 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 19.4% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.28 | 0.7 dB | 70.98 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 25,917 | 0.3% | 25,991 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.72 | = | 7.73 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.65 | 0.8% | 5.7 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 65.5 | 17.1% | 79.5 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 WinterExpert 7.8 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | WinterExpert | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 35 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 70 | ||
| 77 | Comfort | 40 | ||
| 76 | Value | 69 | ||
| 73 | Snow | 65 | ||
| 30 | Ice | 19 | ||
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 | WinterExpert | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 7.3 | ||
| 8.7 | Handling | 7.4 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 7.8 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 7.4 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 7.2 | ||
| 7.8 | Ice Grip | 6 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the WinterExpert 76% from 7. 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.
Uniroyal WinterExpert
- 76%from 7 reviews
- 71%would buy again
- 59,000 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally report the Uniroyal WinterExpert performs strongly in wet conditions, with confident rain performance and good grip on wet and dry roads. Snow capability is usually described as good, though one reviewer felt it lagged behind a previous winter tire on snow/ice and questioned value for money. A recurring downside is higher noise typical of winter tires, while fuel economy and predictable, responsive handling are noted positives.
- strong wet grip and rain performance (hydroplaning resistance)
- good overall grip on dry and wet roads
- capable winter performance for normal/calm driving (including snow)
- predictable/controlled handling and responsive steering feel
- tends to be noisier than expected, especially at low-speed maneuvers
Summarised by AI from 6 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 7 WinterExpert reviewsTires that I had before was Hankook winter I-cept 2 much beter tires than this uniroyal when it comes to snow and ice driving, driving comfort are about the same, driving on wet roads uniroyal is realy good, beter than hankook, handling is ok and noise level beter than advertised. overall I will not spend that kind of money on uniroyal anymore.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 121 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 90 of the WinterExpert, 54 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | WinterExpert |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 121 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 90 sizes, 13 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 54 sizes 205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16215/70 R16225/55 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17215/60 R17215/65 R17and 42 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B99%C1% | C79%B21% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C62%B37%D1% | C64%D30%B6% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 71-73 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 221 of 221 | 121 of 121 |
| On the market since | - | 2021 |
| Replaced | Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) | - |
| 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 6 of the 6 tests that listed prices, by 29.1% 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.
Nine shared tests, eight wins for the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P. It won Auto Motor und Sport's 2022 winter test outright, 1st of 8 with the Uniroyal WinterExpert 6th, was 2nd of 57 against 17th in Auto Bild's 2022 market overview, 3rd of 22 against 12th in 2023 and 4th of 16 against 14th at ADAC.
The gaps are broad rather than narrow. The Continental braked shorter in the dry in all six measurements, 43.7m against 45.8m at Auto Bild in 2025, won all four dry handling comparisons, took seven of nine snow braking comparisons and all three snow slaloms, and it resisted aquaplaning better in five of six straight runs and four of five curved.
The Uniroyal's answer is price. It was cheaper per 1000km in all three value calculations, 9.64 against 13.08 at Auto Bild in 2025, 26.3 percent less, cheaper in both price comparisons and it lasted longer in three of five wear measurements.
Conclusion
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is clearly the stronger winter tire, taking eight of the nine shared tests. Its best results are outright wins and near-wins: 1st of 8 at Auto Motor und Sport in 2022 with the Uniroyal WinterExpert 6th, 2nd of 57 against 17th in Auto Bild's 2022 market overview, 3rd of 22 against 12th in Auto Bild's 2023 test, 4th of 16 against 14th at ADAC in 2023 and 6th of 31 against 11th at ADAC in 2025. Dry braking is a clean sweep, six measurements to nil, 43.7m against 45.8m at Auto Bild and 42.6m against 43.9m at ADAC, and so is dry handling, four to nil. It took seven of nine snow braking comparisons, all three snow slaloms, four of six snow traction measurements, and it resisted aquaplaning better in five of six straight runs and four of five curved. It was also quieter in five of six noise measurements and abraded less, 60 against 69mg/km/t.
The Uniroyal WinterExpert wins on cost, and by a wide margin. Auto Bild worked it out 26.3 percent cheaper per 1000km in 2025, 9.64 against 13.08, and 31 percent cheaper in 2023, 12.84 against 18.62, it was cheaper to buy in both price comparisons, and it lasted longer in three of five wear measurements, 40,504km against 36,514km at Auto Bild in 2023. Its one test win is a good one, 5th of 52 against the Continental's 13th in Auto Bild's 2025 braking test, where it braked 4.2 percent shorter in the wet.
The running cost difference is real and large, so this is not a one-sided call for every buyer. But the Continental is ahead in almost every safety measurement that matters in winter, and it won eight of nine head to heads. Unless the price gap is decisive for you, buy the Continental.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs WinterExpert: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Uniroyal WinterExpert the better tire?
In the 9 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 8 times and the WinterExpert once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the WinterExpert 7.8 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the WinterExpert?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 23 of the 30 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.9% shorter in the wet across 9 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 10 of the 10 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 6.7% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 17 of the 23 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1% shorter on snow across 9 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The WinterContact TS 870 P shed 17.1% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 7.8/10 for the WinterExpert.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.7 dB quieter (6 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 7.4/10 for the WinterExpert.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the WinterExpert 76% from 7. 83% of WinterContact TS 870 P owners would buy it again, against 71% for the WinterExpert.
Which is more expensive?
In the 6 tests that listed prices, the WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tire in 6 of them, by 29.1% 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 WinterExpert in 90 (13 to 20 inch). 54 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 WinterExpert 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.
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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