Firestone Winterhawk 4 vs Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
- TR Score
- 8.1/10
- Owners say
- 72% · 6
- TR Score
- 6.6/10
- Owners say
- 71% · 8
In the 12 independent tests that ran both tires, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 finished ahead 8 times and the Premitra Snow WP6 4 times. The Winterhawk 4 stopped 7.5% shorter in the wet; the Premitra Snow WP6 lasted 4.6% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Firestone Winterhawk 4 if you drive in frequent rain, slush, and true winter conditions and want the shortest stops and stronger ice/snow security. Choose Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 if you prioritize lower purchase price and longer tread life for higher-mileage use in milder winters, accepting longer wet braking distances.
Where the Winterhawk 4 is stronger
- Consistently strong wet braking (often 10-15% shorter vs WP6; e.g., 34.8 m vs 41 m and 35.5 m vs 42 m)
- Reliable snow/ice performance (better snow traction and shorter ice stops in recent ADAC tests)
- Good curved aquaplaning resistance and stable wet handling balance
Where the Premitra Snow WP6 is stronger
- Better predicted mileage and lower abrasion in recent ADAC tests (e.g., +28% mileage in 2025)
- Generally lower purchase price and solid overall value proposition
- Occasional wins in wet circle and straight-line aquaplaning (good water clearance at speed)
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.
Winterhawk 4 vs Premitra Snow WP6 at a glance
| Category | Winterhawk 4 | Gap | Premitra Snow WP6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won12 shared tests | 8 | 4 | |
| Dry6 measurements | 0 | The Premitra Snow WP6 stopped 0.5% shorter in the dry (4 tests) | 5 |
| Wet24 measurements | 14 | The Winterhawk 4 stopped 7.5% shorter in the wet (10 tests) | 10 |
| Snow15 measurements | 9 | The Winterhawk 4 averaged a 3% higher speed on the snow handling course (2 tests) | 4 |
| Ice2 measurements | 2 | The Winterhawk 4 stopped 7.8% shorter on ice (2 tests) | 0 |
| Comfort4 measurements | 3 | 1 | |
| Value9 measurements | 3 | The Premitra Snow WP6 lasted 4.6% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) | 6 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.1/10 | The Winterhawk 4 by 1.5 | 6.6/10 |
| Owner rating6 and 8 reviews | 72% | Too close to call | 71% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 67% | The Winterhawk 4 by 4 points | 63% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | +23.1% | The Winterhawk 4 was dearer in 3 of 3 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 83 | 45 sizes made in both | 63 |
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 12 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.
| Test | Winterhawk 4 | Field | Premitra Snow WP6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P16 of 20 | P15 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P19 of 50 | P20 of 50 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P7 of 51 | P44 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P17 of 31 | P19 of 31 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P10 of 16 | P13 of 16 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P10 of 55 | P41 of 55 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P6 of 54 | P34 of 54 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P16 of 20 | P15 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P14 of 56 | P11 of 56 | |
| 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 | P9 of 15 | P7 of 15 | |
| 2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tire Test | P12 of 18 | P16 of 18 | |
| 2021 Winter Tire Market Overview | P5 of 50 | P29 of 50 |
Performance profile
17 measurements from the 12 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winterhawk 4
Premitra Snow WP6
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 90%: 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
Winterhawk 4
Premitra Snow WP6
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
Winterhawk 4
Premitra Snow WP6
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 reviews and the Premitra Snow WP6 71% from 8. 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 | Winterhawk 4 | Gap | Premitra Snow WP6 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 0.5% | 150 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.3 | 0.9% | 72 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 132 | 7.5% | 141 | 8-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 127 | 7.3% | 137 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 46.3 | 0.2% | 46.4 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.1 | 17.4% | 6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.55 | 0.1% | 12.54 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.6 | 1.1% | 50.2 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.5 | 6.9% | 9 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 75 | = | 75 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 465 | 3% | 457 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 34.5 | 3% | 33.5 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.9 | 1% | 11.8 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 54 | 7.8% | 59 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.6% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.8 | 0.1 dB | 71.9 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 27,239 | 4.6% | 29,484 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.03 | 9.9% | 8.94 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | 1.8% | 5.6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 77.5 | 20.5% | 61.5 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Winterhawk 4 scores 8.1 and the Premitra Snow WP6 6.6 out of 10.
| Winterhawk 4 | Category | Premitra Snow WP6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Dry | 44 | ||
| 86 | Wet | 63 | ||
| 66 | Comfort | 46 | ||
| 49 | Value | 50 | ||
| 69 | Snow | 36 | ||
| 54 | Ice | 12 | ||
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
| Winterhawk 4 | Category | Premitra Snow WP6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.3 | Dry Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 7.3 | Wet Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 6.2 | Road Feedback | 7.7 | ||
| 5.5 | Handling | 7.7 | ||
| 7.6 | Wear | 7.9 | ||
| 7.7 | Comfort | 6.8 | ||
| 7.5 | Snow Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 6.8 | Ice Grip | 7.8 | ||
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 reviews and the Premitra Snow WP6 71% from 8. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Firestone Winterhawk 4
- 72%from 6 reviews
- 67%would buy again
- 25,300 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally rate the Firestone Winterhawk 4 highly for everyday winter use, with strong confidence in snow and rain, short braking distances, and reassuring all-round performance. Many highlight its good value versus premium brands, along with a quiet, comfortable ride and responsive feel. Overall satisfaction is high across the majority of reviews.
- strong snow performance
- good wet grip and braking
- quiet and comfortable ride
- good value for money
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 6 Winterhawk 4 reviewsGood quality for mid-range brand, cover winter needs. In general there is no high potential of performance for winter tires independently of brand!
Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
- 71%from 8 reviews
- 63%would buy again
- 30,000 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally report the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 as a strong-performing winter tire, with frequent praise for confident grip in snow/ice and capable wet-road handling, especially considering the price. Most high-scoring reviews are very satisfied and would buy it again. A smaller minority report notable road noise/humming, sometimes described as a growl or drone, which can undermine overall comfort.
- strong snow traction
- good ice grip
- confident wet handling/grip
- good value for money
- increased road noise/humming
Summarised by AI from 8 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 8 Premitra Snow WP6 reviewsThe Maxxis WP6 is good enough for normal Dutch winter driving. Straight-line aquaplaning resistance is good and overall grip levels are acceptable.
However, on dry and wet roads the tires lack feedback when cornering. Steering feel is vague and the car feels slightly floaty, especially in faster bends and motorway exits.
Snow traction is good and steering on snow is acceptable. On icy roads the rear of the car felt unstable, with a subtle side-to-side movement.
Previously driven on Firestone Winterhawk 2, Michelin Alpin A4 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5. Of those, the Dunlop offered the best overall balance and driver confidence.
Overall I’m satisfied, but I would not buy them again. Next time I would try the Kumho WP52 or return to a premium brand.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 83 sizes of the Winterhawk 4 and 63 of the Premitra Snow WP6, 45 of them made in both.
| Category | Winterhawk 4 | Premitra Snow WP6 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 83 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 63 sizes, 14 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 45 sizes 175/65 R14185/55 R15185/60 R15185/65 R15195/55 R15195/65 R15195/45 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/45 R16and 33 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B100% | B70%C28%A1% |
| EU label rolling resistance | D50%C50% | D79%C21% |
| EU label noise | 71 dB B100% | 69-72 dB B73%A27% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 101 of 101 | 71 of 71 |
| On the market since | 2020 | 2020 |
| Replaced | Firestone Winterhawk 3 (2013) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Winterhawk 4 was the dearer tire in 3 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 23.1% 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.
This head-to-head pits two mainstream winter touring tires with subtly different priorities: Firestone's Winterhawk 4 versus the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6. Across ten shared tests from 2021-2025 in popular sizes (205/55 R16 to 225/40 R18), the Firestone consistently pushes for safety margins in the wet and on wintry surfaces, while the Maxxis leans toward durability and cost-efficiency.
The pattern is clear early on: Firestone repeatedly shortens stopping distances where it matters most in winter-wet, snow and ice-often by meaningful margins. Maxxis counters with stronger projected mileage, lower abrasion in recent ADAC tests, and typically a lower purchase price. The result is a classic trade-off between outright safety performance and long-term running costs.
Conclusion
If your winter driving includes frequent rain, slush and genuinely cold conditions, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 is the safer bet. It dominates wet braking across most tests (often 10-15% shorter), pairs that with better snow traction and shorter ice stops, and posts competitive aquaplaning results-particularly in curved aquaplaning. Its weakness is subjective dry-road precision and steering feel, which limits its overall score in ADAC, but its stopping performance in poor-grip conditions is the defining strength.
The Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 suits buyers prioritizing budget and longevity. Recent ADAC rounds show notably longer predicted mileage and lower abrasion, with slightly better fuel use, and it is usually cheaper up front. It also posts occasional wins in wet circle/straight aquaplaning metrics, but its materially longer wet braking distances and only satisfactory ice performance reduce safety margins in typical winter commutes. In short: Firestone for safety-first performance in mixed winter weather; Maxxis for cost-conscious, higher-mileage drivers in milder winters who can accept longer stops in the wet.
Winterhawk 4 vs Premitra Snow WP6: your questions
Is the Firestone Winterhawk 4 or the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 the better tire?
In the 12 independent tests that ran both tires, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 finished ahead 8 times and the Premitra Snow WP6 4 times. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winterhawk 4 scores 8.1 and the Premitra Snow WP6 6.6 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winterhawk 4 or the Premitra Snow WP6?
The Winterhawk 4 led 14 of the 24 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 7.5% shorter in the wet across 10 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Premitra Snow WP6 led 5 of the 6 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.5% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Winterhawk 4 led 9 of the 15 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 3% higher speed on the snow handling course across 2 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winterhawk 4 had 9.9% lower rolling resistance (2 tests); the Premitra Snow WP6 lasted 4.6% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) and shed 20.5% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests). Owners rate wear 7.6/10 for the Winterhawk 4 and 7.9/10 for the Premitra Snow WP6.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.7/10 for the Winterhawk 4 and 6.8/10 for the Premitra Snow WP6.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 reviews and the Premitra Snow WP6 71% from 8. 67% of Winterhawk 4 owners would buy it again, against 63% for the Premitra Snow WP6.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the Winterhawk 4 was the dearer tire in 3 of them, by 23.1% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Winterhawk 4 is made in 83 sizes (14 to 20 inch) and the Premitra Snow WP6 in 63 (14 to 20 inch). 45 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winterhawk 4 is graded B for wet grip and D for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Premitra Snow WP6 B and D.
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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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