BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 vs Firestone Winterhawk 4
- TR Score
- 8.3/10
- Owners say
- 89% · 30
- TR Score
- 8.1/10
- Owners say
- 72% · 6
In the 14 independent tests that ran both tires, the BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 finished ahead 9 times and the Winterhawk 4 5 times. The gForce Winter 2 stopped 2.6% shorter in the dry; the Winterhawk 4 stopped 2.6% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 for severe, snow-heavy winters, mountain routes, and drivers prioritizing maximum snow/ice confidence and lifespan. Choose Firestone Winterhawk 4 for milder, wet-leaning winters, urban/suburban commutes, and buyers valuing shorter wet stops, better efficiency, and lower price.
Where the gForce Winter 2 is stronger
- Class-leading snow performance (wins all shared snow braking comparisons)
- Stronger aquaplaning resistance (frequent wins in straight/curved aquaplaning)
- Generally shorter dry braking distances
Where the Winterhawk 4 is stronger
- Consistently shorter wet braking distances across multiple sizes/years
- Lower rolling resistance (often better efficiency)
- Better value/pricing in most tests
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.
gForce Winter 2 vs Winterhawk 4 at a glance
| Category | gForce Winter 2 | Gap | Winterhawk 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won14 shared tests | 9 | 5 | |
| Dry13 measurements | 11 | The gForce Winter 2 stopped 2.6% shorter in the dry (7 tests) | 1 |
| Wet40 measurements | 17 | The Winterhawk 4 stopped 2.6% shorter in the wet (13 tests) | 22 |
| Snow31 measurements | 26 | The gForce Winter 2 stopped 3.5% shorter on snow (13 tests) | 5 |
| Ice1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Comfort9 measurements | 3 | 4 | |
| Value15 measurements | 9 | The gForce Winter 2 lasted 2.5% longer in the wear tests (7 tests) | 5 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.3/10 | The gForce Winter 2 by 0.2 | 8.1/10 |
| Owner rating30 and 6 reviews | 89% | The gForce Winter 2 by 17 points | 72% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 100% | The gForce Winter 2 by 33 points | 67% |
| Pricein the 7 tests that listed prices | +15.4% | The gForce Winter 2 was dearer in 7 of 7 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 75 | 64 sizes made in both | 83 |
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 14 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 | gForce Winter 2 | Field | Winterhawk 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P11 of 20 | P16 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P10 of 50 | P19 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P12 of 20 | P16 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P11 of 51 | P7 of 51 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P9 of 20 | P18 of 20 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P13 of 55 | P10 of 55 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P4 of 20 | P20 of 20 | |
| 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test | P8 of 16 | P7 of 16 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P5 of 54 | P6 of 54 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P9 of 20 | P16 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P6 of 56 | P14 of 56 | |
| 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 | P5 of 15 | P9 of 15 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P11 of 20 | P10 of 20 | |
| 2021 Winter Tire Market Overview | P7 of 50 | P5 of 50 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 14 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
gForce Winter 2
Winterhawk 4
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 96%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 4 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
gForce Winter 2
Winterhawk 4
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
gForce Winter 2
Winterhawk 4
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the gForce Winter 2 89% from 30 reviews and the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6. 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 | gForce Winter 2 | Gap | Winterhawk 4 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 149 | 2.6% | 153 | 7-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.4 | 0.6% | 72 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 151 | 2.6% | 148 | 4-9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 135 | 6.6% | 126 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 47.4 | 0.5% | 47.6 | 2-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.75 | 0.9% | 12.64 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 52.6 | 0.6% | 52.3 | 5-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.6 | 7.4% | 9.1 | 5-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 87 | 3.5% | 91 | 13-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 609 | 2.3% | 600 | 5-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36 | 1% | 35.6 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.1 | 2.7% | 10.8 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69 | 2.9% | 67 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.6% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.77 | 0.3 dB | 70.46 | 2-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 25,654 | 2.5% | 24,901 | 5-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.49 | 2.8% | 8.23 | 3-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | = | 5.7 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 56 | 37.1% | 89 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 gForce Winter 2 scores 8.3 and the Winterhawk 4 8.1 out of 10.
| gForce Winter 2 | Category | Winterhawk 4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | Dry | 18 | ||
| 78 | Wet | 86 | ||
| 62 | Comfort | 66 | ||
| 49 | Value | 49 | ||
| 92 | Snow | 69 | ||
| 15 | Ice | 54 | ||
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
| gForce Winter 2 | Category | Winterhawk 4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 | Dry Grip | 7.3 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 7.3 | ||
| 7.9 | Road Feedback | 6.2 | ||
| 8.5 | Handling | 5.5 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 7.6 | ||
| 9.2 | Comfort | 7.7 | ||
| 9.5 | Snow Grip | 7.5 | ||
| 8.8 | Ice Grip | 6.8 | ||
Owners rate the gForce Winter 2 89% from 30 reviews and the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
- 89%from 30 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 215,300 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally rate the BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 very highly, with repeated praise for confident traction on snow and ice and strong wet-weather performance with good aquaplaning resistance. Many also highlight excellent value for money, stable behavior in harsh winter conditions, and generally good comfort/quietness for a winter tire. A smaller set of reviews note compromises on dry roads, describing softer handling, reduced steering/on-center response, and occasional higher noise depending on speed and surface.
- Excellent snow traction
- Strong ice grip for a studless winter tire
- Very good wet grip and aquaplaning resistance
- Great price-to-performance/value
- Dry grip/handling is only average (softer feel, more roll than summer tires)
- Reduced steering feedback/on-center response compared with other tires
- Some report increased noise on certain surfaces/speeds (wet roads or above ~90 km/h)
Summarised by AI from 24 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 30 gForce Winter 2 reviewsI'm using on a Dacia Duster. Before, for winter, on this car I had Michelin Latitude Alpin 1 and Kleber Krisalp HP3 (same as Bf Goodrich). The snow grip was very good for 4 winters (same as Kleber), never let me down. The wet grip was also very good. But what surprised me a lot, was the emergency braking, that was very very good, on wet and dry. The only minus, was that I need to make some corrections on the directions compared with a summer touring tire (michelin primacy 3 or hankook), but the care never lost control with those tires, even if I drove too fast for it. In conclusion I will buy again (bf goodrich or kleber, in function of price).
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!
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 75 sizes of the gForce Winter 2 and 83 of the Winterhawk 4, 64 of them made in both.
| Category | gForce Winter 2 | Winterhawk 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 75 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 83 sizes, 14 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 64 sizes 155/65 R14165/65 R14165/70 R14175/65 R14175/70 R14185/60 R14185/65 R14165/60 R15165/65 R15175/65 R15185/55 R15185/60 R15and 52 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B90%C10% | B100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | D50%C48%B3% | D50%C50% |
| EU label noise | 68-71 dB A80%B20% | 71 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 115 of 115 | 101 of 101 |
| On the market since | 2016 | 2020 |
| Replaced | - | Firestone Winterhawk 3 (2013) |
| Price in the shared tests | The gForce Winter 2 was the dearer tire in 7 of the 7 tests that listed prices, by 15.4% 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.
BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 and Firestone Winterhawk 4 target the mainstream winter segment from different angles: BFGoodrich leans premium-touring with a clear snow-first tuning, while Firestone aims for balanced, budget-friendly winter security. Across 12 shared tests, the BFGoodrich frequently rises in overall rankings (notably 4/22 in 2023 AB) thanks to dominant snow performance and strong aquaplaning reserves, while the Firestone often scores its points in the wet, particularly in straight-line braking.
The pattern is consistent: BFGoodrich is the snow benchmark-11/11 category wins in snow braking in this dataset-paired with generally shorter dry stops. Firestone counters with repeatedly shorter wet braking distances and lighter rolling resistance and price. The choice comes down to climate: snow-heavy vs. wet-cold winters, and whether you prioritize ultimate winter traction or everyday wet-road stopping confidence.
Conclusion
If your winter is genuinely snowy and you value traction, stability, and confidence when temperatures plunge, the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 is the safer bet. It dominates snow braking and traction, often resists aquaplaning better, and tends to wear more slowly-translated: fewer white-knuckle moments and solid longevity. Its trade-off is notably longer wet stops in multiple tests and a less precise dry feel.
For mixed or predominantly wet winters, the Firestone Winterhawk 4's consistent advantage in wet braking is compelling, with lower rolling resistance and pricing sweetening the deal. Expect softer, more imprecise dry handling and typically longer dry and snow stops than the BFGoodrich. In short: BFGoodrich for harsh, snowy climates and mountain drivers; Firestone for temperate, rain-prone regions and value-focused buyers who prioritize wet stopping distances.
gForce Winter 2 vs Winterhawk 4: your questions
Is the BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 or the Firestone Winterhawk 4 the better tire?
In the 14 independent tests that ran both tires, the BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 finished ahead 9 times and the Winterhawk 4 5 times. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the gForce Winter 2 scores 8.3 and the Winterhawk 4 8.1 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the gForce Winter 2 or the Winterhawk 4?
The Winterhawk 4 led 22 of the 40 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.6% shorter in the wet across 13 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The gForce Winter 2 led 11 of the 13 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.6% shorter in the dry across 7 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The gForce Winter 2 led 26 of the 31 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.5% shorter on snow across 13 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The gForce Winter 2 lasted 2.5% longer in the wear tests (7 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the gForce Winter 2 and 7.6/10 for the Winterhawk 4.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 9.2/10 for the gForce Winter 2 and 7.7/10 for the Winterhawk 4.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the gForce Winter 2 89% from 30 reviews and the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6. 100% of gForce Winter 2 owners would buy it again, against 67% for the Winterhawk 4.
Which is more expensive?
In the 7 tests that listed prices, the gForce Winter 2 was the dearer tire in 7 of them, by 15.4% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The gForce Winter 2 is made in 75 sizes (14 to 20 inch) and the Winterhawk 4 in 83 (14 to 20 inch). 64 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the gForce Winter 2 is graded B for wet grip and D for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Winterhawk 4 B and D.
Which is the newer tire?
The Winterhawk 4 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2020, the gForce Winter 2 in 2016. The Winterhawk 4 replaced the Firestone Winterhawk 3.
More comparisons with these tires
vs 
Firestone Winterhawk 4 vs Kleber Krisalp HP3
5-10 in 15 shared tests
vs
BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 vs Kleber Krisalp HP3
13-5 in 20 shared tests
vs 
BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
5-3 in 8 shared tests
vs 
Firestone Winterhawk 4 vs Hankook Winter I cept RS3
1-4 in 5 shared tests
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Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Firestone Winterhawk 4
10-2 in 12 shared tests
vs 
Firestone Winterhawk 4 vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
0-9 in 9 shared tests
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Firestone Winterhawk 4 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
2-5 in 7 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Firestone Winterhawk 4
7-0 in 7 shared tests
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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