The 2017 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test put eight 225/50 R17 all season tires through the usual dry, wet and snow testing, and includes a reference summer and winter tire for benchmarks.
The two all season heavyweights of the industry, the Michelin CrossClimate and the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2, trade results to tie overall in first place. As each of these all season tires approaches year round motoring in different ways, we'll concentrate on the top two places for this write up.
Dry
All season tires are traditionally "winter-bias all season" tires. This means the tire is more like a winter tire than a summer tire, and as a result there are performance penalties in the dry.
The "summer-bias all season" Michelin CrossClimate is more like a summer tire than a winter tire, which means during the dry tests, the Michelin dominated, stopping a huge 8 feet before the Goodyear stopped, and actually posting a faster lap time than the reference summer tire on test!
Dry Braking
Dry braking in feet
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
RefReference Summer |
123 ft | -1 ft |
| 124 ft | Best | |
| 129 ft | +5 ft | |
| 132 ft | +8 ft | |
| 132 ft | +8 ft | |
| 134 ft | +10 ft | |
RefReference Winter |
134 ft | +10 ft |
| 134 ft | +10 ft | |
| 135 ft | +11 ft | |
| 136 ft | +12 ft |
The difference between best and worst was 10.4% (13 ft ≈ 0.9 Car Lengths).
Dry Handling
Dry Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 51.4 mph | Best | |
RefReference Summer |
51.3 mph | -0.1 mph |
| 51.1 mph | -0.3 mph | |
| 51.1 mph | -0.3 mph | |
| 50.8 mph | -0.6 mph | |
| 50.8 mph | -0.6 mph | |
| 50.6 mph | -0.8 mph | |
| 50.3 mph | -1.1 mph | |
| 50.1 mph | -1.3 mph | |
RefReference Winter |
50.0 mph | -1.4 mph |
All the tires in the Dry Handling test finished less than 3% apart.
Wet
The wet testing brings more balance to the "summer-bias all season vs winter-bias all season" argument. Both tires outperform the reference summer tire during the wet braking test, with the Goodyear edging out the Michelin in both wet braking and wet handling. The winter-bias Nokian WeatherProof also has a strong wet ability, finishing third in both tests. During the aquaplaning testing, the Michlin was slightly ahead of the Goodyear, but both tires finished mid-table.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in feet
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 163 ft | Best | |
| 170 ft | +7 ft | |
RefReference Summer |
170 ft | +7 ft |
| 172 ft | +9 ft | |
| 172 ft | +9 ft | |
| 172 ft | +9 ft | |
| 174 ft | +11 ft | |
RefReference Winter |
183 ft | +20 ft |
| 190 ft | +27 ft | |
| 203 ft | +40 ft |
The difference between best and worst was 24.3% (40 ft ≈ 2.7 Car Lengths).
Wet Handling
Wet Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
RefReference Summer |
44.9 mph | +0.2 mph |
| 44.7 mph | Best | |
| 43.9 mph | -0.8 mph | |
| 43.7 mph | -1.0 mph | |
| 43.4 mph | -1.3 mph | |
| 43.2 mph | -1.5 mph | |
| 43.2 mph | -1.5 mph | |
RefReference Winter |
42.7 mph | -2.0 mph |
| 41.9 mph | -2.8 mph | |
| 39.6 mph | -5.1 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 11.6% (5.3 mph).
Snow
With the Michelin CrossClimate being the only "summer-bias all season tire" on test, it would be easy to assume the advantage the Michelin has in the dry would mean a poor snow performance, but surprisingly the Michelin was extremely strong in the snow too - the CrossClimate finished just two places behind the Goodyear in snow braking, and almost matching the Goodyear in snow handling! Again, the Nokian Weatherproof proved to be an excellent "winter-bias all season" tire, almost matching the reference winter tire in snow braking and beating the winter tire during the snow traction tests. Both the Michelin and Goodyear were extremely closely matched during snow traction, with the Goodyear having the slight edge.
Snow Braking
Snow braking in feet
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
RefReference Winter |
51 ft | -2 ft |
| 53 ft | Best | |
| 53 ft | 0 ft | |
| 53 ft | 0 ft | |
| 58 ft | +5 ft | |
| 58 ft | +5 ft | |
| 59 ft | +6 ft | |
| 62 ft | +9 ft | |
| 65 ft | +12 ft | |
RefReference Summer |
110 ft | +57 ft |
The difference between best and worst was 118.2% (59 ft ≈ 4 Car Lengths).
Snow Handling
Snow handling average speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
RefReference Winter |
34.9 mph | +0.1 mph |
| 34.8 mph | Best | |
| 34.6 mph | -0.2 mph | |
| 34.5 mph | -0.3 mph | |
| 34.5 mph | -0.3 mph | |
| 34.3 mph | -0.5 mph | |
| 34.0 mph | -0.8 mph | |
| 33.4 mph | -1.4 mph | |
| 31.8 mph | -3.0 mph | |
RefReference Summer |
22.4 mph | -12.4 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 35.8% (12.5 mph).
Comfort, Fuel, Noise
The Goodyear proved to be the quietest tire on test, where the Michelin could only manage sixth place, however the Michelin used the least fuel on test. Comfort levels between the two tires were extremely similar.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance in kg t
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Extra fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
RefReference Summer |
7.45 kg/t | -0.50 kg/t | $0 |
| 7.95 kg/t | Best | $0 | |
| 8.1 kg/t | +0.15 kg/t | $6 | |
| 8.35 kg/t | +0.40 kg/t | $15 | |
| 8.4 kg/t | +0.45 kg/t | $17 | |
| 8.55 kg/t | +0.60 kg/t | $22 | |
RefReference Winter |
8.55 kg/t | +0.60 kg/t | $22 |
| 9 kg/t | +1.05 kg/t | $39 | |
| 10.8 kg/t | +2.85 kg/t | $105 | |
| 11 kg/t | +3.05 kg/t | $113 |
The difference between best and worst was 47.7% (3.55 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Syron 365 Days uses about 31 gal ($113) more fuel than the Michelin CrossClimate.
Adjust the assumptions
Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.
Results
Michelin CrossClimate
225/50 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 8 |
| Wet | 7 |
| Snow | 6 |
| Comfort | 7 |
| Rolling Resistance | 7 |
| Noise | 6 |
| Overall | 7 |
Total: 48
Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen 2
225/50 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 5 |
| Wet | 7 |
| Snow | 7 |
| Comfort | 7 |
| Rolling Resistance | 6 |
| Noise | 9 |
| Overall | 6 |
Total: 47
Nokian WeatherProof
225/50 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 3 |
| Wet | 6 |
| Snow | 7 |
| Comfort | 4 |
| Rolling Resistance | 5 |
| Noise | 7 |
| Overall | 5 |
Total: 37
Vredestein Quatrac 5
225/50 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 6 |
| Wet | 6 |
| Snow | 5 |
| Comfort | 6 |
| Rolling Resistance | 7 |
| Noise | 7 |
| Overall | 6 |
Total: 43
Pirelli Cinturato AllSeason
225/50 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 5 |
| Wet | 6 |
| Snow | 5 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Rolling Resistance | 6 |
| Noise | 5 |
| Overall | 5 |
Total: 37
Uniroyal AllSeasonExpert
225/50 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 3 |
| Wet | 4 |
| Snow | 5 |
| Comfort | 7 |
| Rolling Resistance | 6 |
| Noise | 8 |
| Overall | 5 |
Total: 38
Falken EUROALL SEASON AS200
225/50 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 5 |
| Wet | 6 |
| Snow | 3 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Rolling Resistance | 2 |
| Noise | 7 |
| Overall | 5 |
Total: 33
Syron 365 Days
225/50 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 5 |
| Wet | 1 |
| Snow | 2 |
| Comfort | 4 |
| Rolling Resistance | 2 |
| Noise | 4 |
| Overall | 4 |
Total: 22
"Michelin CrossClimate" - are these the CrossClimate+ or the older CrossClimate? Should be mentioned
I believe these were the older CrossClimates at the time of this test.
"Results: 1st: Michelin, 1st: goodyear" Really? Two candidates on the 1st place and no second place?
That is how Auto Bild scored the test
Looking for advice... My Primacy 3's on the front need renewing. Rear tires have 6mm left but not sure I like what's going on back there - one is a Primacy 3 94 w the other a Primacy HP 91 y in MO fitting. This is on a VW golf. All are the correct 225/45R17.
Was thinking of changing all four to get the speed and load ratings matching and lose the MO (Mercedes) tire. Does that sound sensible or an over reaction?
Also, if changing all four at this time of year would an all season tire make sense?
I love the Primacy 3 as I value quietness and longevity/ fuel consumption highly. I don't drive fast despite spending most of the time on motorways or dual carriageways.
Any guidance would be much appreciated.
Just to clarify the above the car should have 225/45R17 91v all round.
Having driven both Primacy 3 and Crossclimate back to back over the last 15 months (in 205/55 r16) I can state that the crossclimate are very close indeed to the primacy 3. You can get a little more noise under hard braking from the crossc. as the biggest difference, but otherwise although the prim.3 are extremely quiet, the crossc. are barely any different on the most part.
Personally, I would choose the Crossclimate, even as a driver who likes to drive in a sporty manner when conditions allow.
Also, it would be sensible in an ideal world to balance out the tires. Your biggest issue on the back is the didference in wet behavior between the older and newer models as there is a marked difference. The load/speed rating shouldn't really have any notable influence, the MO may or may not depending on what changes Michelin made to the base tire.
Just so you know, a new article 'Crossclimate vs Primacy 3' has just been put up giving a subjective critique of the two.
Great - just what was needed!
I read it and it does confirm what I was thinking - both really good tires. I also find the Primacy 3 hardens up when cold - doesn't affect the grip at the speeds I drive but does give noticeable difference in comfort. This would no doubt be the same for all summer tires. As the CC+ doesn't seem to be affected by temperature it looks a winner on the comfort score.
The long term test did echo other comments I'd seen on the slight noise difference the CC+ has. Maybe not especially louder, just slightly more noticeable in some cases.
My only doubt now is having seen a few comments from users about the CC+ being more prone to drifting on higher speed corners, usually in the damp, with some mentioning it gets worse with age. As I do a fair lot of motorway driving and appreciate building up speed on curved slip roads I just have a niggling doubt left. With that and the fact temps in UK are generally above 7deg more often than below, and the Primacy 3 is £28 cheaper than CC+ (per tire) in my size, I'm swinging that way at present.
Well Ive punted the Grand Scenic about like a hot hatch on some twisty stuff in both dry and wet, havent experienced anything untoward to date other than a bit more oversteer as mentioned. They will be run to the bone so will report back, the problem being the timescale of course!
Edit; 6/2/18;
The Crossclimate are now fitted to a Citroen C4, over the new year and up to date, I have been experiencing the 'plasticky' feeling and drifting on wet/damp/cold roads. Only on the front, and only in these conditions.
I speculate that, the summer optimized compound on a lightweight car, with the way michelin 'do' compounds, is just not quite flexible enough once the tread wears down.
On the big Grand Scenic last winter they were exemplary. There isnt a great deal of difference in tread depth, perhaps .75mm so tge main difference is the weight and suspension of the two cars.
I would deduce from this that if you have a heavy/heavier car then the Cc. are great tires which do what they say on the tin.
For light(er)weight cars, maybe a more traditional all season would be better.
They are still pretty secure tires when all said and done, but they can feel a bit 'greasy' on a lighter car once tread gets <6mm. This would go some way to explain the mixed reports, as I have experienced both sides of the coin using the same 4 tires.
Interesting German test of Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 and Michelin CrossClimate made by Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung (GTÜ) together with Autoclub Europa (ACE) & Auto-, Motor- und Radfahrerbund Österreichs (ARBÖ) with tire size 205/55 R16 on VW Passat - new tires and used tires after 10.000 km.
Much data measured and introduced in the video, easy to understand: http://reifenpresse.de/2017...
Surprising results on water & snow thanks to opening deeply hidden Y-sipes during the tires life time...
Thanks, I'll look into this ASAP :)
After reading the test I am left with the feeling that the difference between a summer bias and a winter bias I actually quiet small
There's quite a large difference in the dry, which is where UK motorists spend 65%+ of their time, so is a very important factor.
TireReviews, what you think about new Continental AllSeasonContact? Will be same level as CrossClimate and Vector4Seasons gen2?
Interesting question. We currently have no information on the AllSeasonContact, but expect it to sit somewhere between the CrossClimate and Vector 4Seasons Gen 2 with regard to performance balance.
Before an independent test will come later on (probably in the autumn) have a look at the spin graph accompanying the launch of the Cont. ASC, comparing the 9 most important tire parameters to summer and winter oriented all seasons competitors (just only 2 in total!) and you will see that best parameters of Conti should be: Low rolling resistance, lateral aquaplaning and snow handling...
http://www.tirereviews.co.u... :)
Thanks for a graph. I‘m.wondering which tires are 'summer and winter oriented premium all season tires'. CrossCilmat and Weatherproof? Waiting for tests ;)
The CrossClimate is almost certainly the summer optimized all season, as it's the only one on the market :)
I would guess the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 2 would be the winter optimized as they are the direct rival to Continental.
I can only agree, it is the clear logic for Continental to chose those 2 market leaders, especially with regards to high R&D & test costs.
P.S. I forgot in previous comment to add also the weak points of the new all season Conti in compare to "summer oriented all season premium tire": About 10% worse dry breaking & mileage.
What further counts for consumers is the price & here the pricing and the concrete size availability will be one of the main reason(s) to buy or not...
Which are the reference tires, summer and winter?
They dont usually disclose that info unfortunately, is better when/if they do!
As Andy correctly pointed out, it's not published sadly. Usually if you know who's hosting the test, you can roughly work out what tires they are :)
I can testify that even on a big heavy mpv the crossclimate are solid in the dry and indistinguishable amidst other summer tires, while wet grip is assured.
Well deserved joint first here.
Why not the CrossClimate plus?
Most likely size availability at time of test.
Very little has changed between the CrossClimate and the CrossClimate+ so we can be fairly confident the CrossClimate+ would have performed equally as well.
Just bought some Cross climate PLUS, did have some Energy Saver PLUS on previously. Feel very similar in end August weather. Be interested to know a direct comparison for ACTUAL rolling resistance in kg/t as graph further up page. Energy Saver PLUS are B for rolling & Cross Climates are rated C... Are they fairly close (are cross climates low C nearly B & Energy Savers low B nearly A - or other end of spectrum??) Any chance of comparable info?
Yes, as stated in the M. CrossClimate + press release they are high C in the Rolling resistance, close to M. Energy Saver B class but in practise the most important is still the driver factor...:-)