Firestone Winterhawk 4 vs Uniroyal WinterExpert
- TR Score
- 8.1/10
- Owners say
- 72% · 6
- TR Score
- 7.8/10
- Owners say
- 76% · 7
In the 11 independent tests that ran both tires, the Uniroyal WinterExpert finished ahead 6 times and the Winterhawk 4 5 times. The Winterhawk 4 stopped 3% shorter in the wet; the WinterExpert had 7.2% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose by climate. The Firestone Winterhawk 4 is the tire for wet, slushy winters, with shorter wet braking in eight of eleven tests, a clean sweep of aquaplaning and the quietest running. The Uniroyal WinterExpert is the tire for real snow and lower running costs, braking shorter on snow in seven of ten comparisons and lasting longer.
Where the Winterhawk 4 is stronger
- Shorter wet braking in eight of eleven tests and a clean sweep of straight aquaplaning
- Quieter in all seven noise measurements
- Shorter ice braking in both measurements, 16.1m against 17.4m at ADAC
Where the WinterExpert is stronger
- Finished ahead in six of the eleven shared tests, 8th of 22 against 16th at Auto Bild
- Shorter snow braking in seven of ten comparisons
- Longer life in five of six wear measurements and lower rolling resistance in all five
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 WinterExpert at a glance
| Category | Winterhawk 4 | Gap | WinterExpert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won11 shared tests | 5 | 6 | |
| Dry12 measurements | 5 | The WinterExpert averaged a 0.9% higher speed on the dry handling course (5 tests) | 6 |
| Wet36 measurements | 24 | The Winterhawk 4 stopped 3% shorter in the wet (11 tests) | 11 |
| Snow28 measurements | 13 | The WinterExpert stopped 0.8% shorter on snow (11 tests) | 14 |
| Ice2 measurements | 2 | The Winterhawk 4 stopped 5.2% shorter on ice (2 tests) | 0 |
| Comfort8 measurements | 8 | The Winterhawk 4 was 0.6 dB quieter (7 tests) | 0 |
| Value15 measurements | 3 | The WinterExpert had 7.2% lower rolling resistance (5 tests) | 12 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.1/10 | The Winterhawk 4 by 0.3 | 7.8/10 |
| Owner rating6 and 7 reviews | 72% | The WinterExpert by 4 points | 76% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 67% | The WinterExpert by 4 points | 71% |
| Pricein the 7 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The WinterExpert was dearer in 6 of 7 | +4.2% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 83 | 71 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 11 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 | Winterhawk 4 | Field | WinterExpert |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P16 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P7 of 51 | P5 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P17 of 31 | P11 of 31 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P18 of 20 | P9 of 20 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P10 of 55 | P7 of 55 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P20 of 20 | P12 of 20 | |
| 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test | P7 of 16 | P14 of 16 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P6 of 54 | P11 of 54 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P16 of 20 | P19 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P14 of 56 | P17 of 56 | |
| 2022 AMS Winter Tire Test | P5 of 8 | P6 of 8 |
Performance profile
18 measurements from the 11 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winterhawk 4
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
Winterhawk 4
WinterExpert
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
WinterExpert
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 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 | Winterhawk 4 | Gap | WinterExpert | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 152 | 0.8% | 151 | 4-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.9 | 0.9% | 71.5 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 138 | 3% | 142 | 8-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 125 | 4.8% | 132 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 47.6 | 1.7% | 46.8 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.1 | 13% | 5.8 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.55 | 0.3% | 12.51 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50.4 | 3.4% | 48.8 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9 | 1.6% | 9 | 3-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 83 | 0.8% | 82 | 3-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 349 | 1.3% | 345 | 4-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 35.1 | 0.6% | 34.9 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 4.1 | 9.3% | 3.72 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.7 | 2.4% | 10.5 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60 | 5.2% | 63 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 9% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.54 | 0.6 dB | 71.1 | 7-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 25,333 | 3% | 26,375 | 1-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.32 | 7.2% | 7.71 | 0-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | = | 5.7 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 80.5 | 1.5% | 79.5 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Winterhawk 4 scores 8.1 and the WinterExpert 7.8 out of 10.
| Winterhawk 4 | Category | WinterExpert | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Dry | 35 | ||
| 86 | Wet | 70 | ||
| 66 | Comfort | 40 | ||
| 49 | Value | 69 | ||
| 69 | Snow | 65 | ||
| 54 | 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
| Winterhawk 4 | Category | WinterExpert | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.3 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 7.3 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 6.2 | Road Feedback | 7.3 | ||
| 5.5 | Handling | 7.4 | ||
| 7.6 | Wear | 7.8 | ||
| 7.7 | Comfort | 7.4 | ||
| 7.5 | Snow Grip | 7.2 | ||
| 6.8 | Ice Grip | 6 | ||
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 reviews and the WinterExpert 76% from 7. 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!
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: 83 sizes of the Winterhawk 4 and 90 of the WinterExpert, 71 of them made in both.
| Category | Winterhawk 4 | WinterExpert |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 83 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 90 sizes, 13 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 71 sizes 155/65 R14165/65 R14165/70 R14175/65 R14175/70 R14185/60 R14185/65 R14165/65 R15175/65 R15185/55 R15185/60 R15185/65 R15and 59 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B100% | C79%B21% |
| EU label rolling resistance | D50%C50% | C64%D30%B6% |
| EU label noise | 71 dB B100% | 71-73 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 101 of 101 | 121 of 121 |
| On the market since | 2020 | 2021 |
| Replaced | Firestone Winterhawk 3 (2013) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The WinterExpert was the dearer tire in 6 of the 7 tests that listed prices, by 4.2% 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.
Eleven shared tests, the deepest record you will find for these two, and they split six to five in favor of the Uniroyal WinterExpert. That headline hides a very clear division of labour.
The Firestone Winterhawk 4 owns the wet and the ears. It braked shorter in the wet in eight of eleven tests, resisted straight aquaplaning better in all six measurements, won four of five wet handling comparisons and was quieter in all seven noise measurements. It also stopped shorter on ice in both measurements, 16.1m against 17.4m at ADAC.
The Uniroyal answers on snow braking and running costs. It stopped shorter on snow in seven of ten comparisons, lasted longer in five of six wear measurements, 53,000km against 48,800km at ADAC, and rolled with less resistance in all five measurements, 8.09 against 8.48 kg/t at Auto Bild.
Conclusion
Eleven shared tests is a lot of evidence, and it points to two tires built for different winters rather than one clear winner. The Uniroyal WinterExpert took six of them, and its best margins are large: 8th of 22 against the Firestone Winterhawk 4's 16th at Auto Bild in 2025, 9th of 23 against 18th in 2024, 12th of 22 against 20th in 2023 and 11th of 31 against 17th at ADAC. Its strengths are snow and economy: shorter snow braking in seven of ten comparisons, longer life in five of six wear measurements, 53,000km against 48,800km at ADAC and 47,700km against 45,050km at Auto Bild, lower rolling resistance in all five measurements, and cheaper per 1000km in three of four calculations. It also won three of four dry handling comparisons.
The Firestone Winterhawk 4 took the other five, including 7th of 16 against 14th at ADAC in 2023 and 6th of 54 against 11th in Auto Bild's 2023 braking test. Its territory is wet weather: shorter wet braking in eight of eleven tests, a clean sweep of all six straight aquaplaning measurements, four of five wet handling wins, and shorter ice braking in both measurements. It was also quieter in all seven noise measurements, a clean sweep, was rated more comfortable, 7.3 points against 6.7, and it was the cheaper tire in both price comparisons.
So the choice is genuinely about your winter. If it is mostly cold rain, slush and standing water, the Firestone is the safer tire, and the quieter one. If it is real snow, or you want the lower running costs, the Uniroyal brakes better on snow, lasts longer and rolls easier. Owner scores are almost level, 8.70 against 8.60.
Winterhawk 4 vs WinterExpert: your questions
Is the Firestone Winterhawk 4 or the Uniroyal WinterExpert the better tire?
In the 11 independent tests that ran both tires, the Uniroyal WinterExpert finished ahead 6 times and the Winterhawk 4 5 times. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winterhawk 4 scores 8.1 and the WinterExpert 7.8 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winterhawk 4 or the WinterExpert?
The Winterhawk 4 led 24 of the 36 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3% shorter in the wet across 11 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterExpert led 6 of the 12 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 0.9% higher speed on the dry handling course across 5 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The WinterExpert led 14 of the 28 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.8% shorter on snow across 11 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The WinterExpert lasted 3% longer in the wear tests (6 tests) and had 7.2% lower rolling resistance (5 tests). Owners rate wear 7.6/10 for the Winterhawk 4 and 7.8/10 for the WinterExpert.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Winterhawk 4 was 0.6 dB quieter (7 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.7/10 for the Winterhawk 4 and 7.4/10 for the WinterExpert.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 reviews and the WinterExpert 76% from 7. 67% of Winterhawk 4 owners would buy it again, against 71% for the WinterExpert.
Which is more expensive?
In the 7 tests that listed prices, the WinterExpert was the dearer tire in 6 of them, by 4.2% 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 WinterExpert in 90 (13 to 20 inch). 71 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 WinterExpert C and C.
Which is the newer tire?
The WinterExpert is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the Winterhawk 4 in 2020. The Winterhawk 4 replaced the Firestone Winterhawk 3.
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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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