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Test source Auto Bild

2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test

Overall test winnerMichelin Pilot Alpin 5

Following on from the 52 winter tire braking test, the top 20 winter tires in 245/45 R18 have been put through the usual Auto Bild winter tire tests, to discover the best performance winter tire for the 2020 season.

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson
10 min read Updated
Tire shortlist Read the test
Tires tested
20
Tested size
245/45 R18
Disciplines
12

At a glance

Tire shortlist

20 Tires tested

Published finishing positions, with the strengths and considerations from this test. Owner reviews cover other sizes and driving conditions.

1st

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

+Test winner with high levels of grip in the snow, dynamic wet and dry handling, short braking distances, very low wear, low rolling resistance.

−High price.

33 owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

+Convincing all round performance, excellent winter properties, good wet and dry handling, low rolling resistance.

−Average wear.

115 owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+

+Excellent in the snow and on dry roads, safe characteristics on wet roads, good aquaplaning resistance.

−Average comfort.

20 owner reviews Test Results
Joint4th

BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2

+Convincing winter tire with good economy, good in the snow, good aquaplaning resistance and low wear.

−Increased rolling resistance.

30 owner reviews Test Results
Joint4th

Kleber Krisalp HP3

+Well priced with good performance level and safe handling in all weather, low wear.

−High rolling resistance.

36 owner reviews Test Results
6th

Hankook Winter i cept evo3

+New winter profile with sporty performance on wet and dry roads, good in the snow, short snow and wet braking distances.

−High rolling resistance.

23 owner reviews Test Results
7th

Continental WinterContact TS 850 P

+Wet specialist with sporty dynamic handling in all weather conditions, precise steering, very low wear.

−Long dry braking distances, high price.

20 owner reviews Test Results
8th

Dunlop Winter Sport 5

+Balanced winter tires with excellent grip in the snow, high aquaplaning resistance, good comfort.

−Extended wet braking, high price.

47 owner reviews Test Results
Joint9th

Apollo Aspire XP Winter

+Good traction and short braking distances, good aquaplaning resistance, dynamic dry handling.

−Extended wet braking.

3 owner reviews Test Results
Joint9th

Semperit Speed Grip 3

+Short braking distances and dynamic behavior in the wet, high mileage, good value.

−Low aquaplaning resistance.

7 owner reviews Test Results
11th

Fulda Kristall Control HP2

+Good snow grip, good aquaplaning resistance, good levels of comfort, low wear.

−Understeer in the wet and dry, extended wet braking.

12 owner reviews Test Results
12th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro

+Balanced in all weather conditions, short snow braking distances, dynamic wet handling.

−Average value, increased rolling resistance.

30 owner reviews Test Results
13th

Giti GitiWinterW1

+Short braking distances and good traction on snow, dynamic wet handling, low wear, low price.

−Average aquaplaning resistance, long wet braking.

2 owner reviews Test Results
14th

Uniroyal MS Plus 77

+Good in the snow, high aquaplaning resistance, good levels of comfort.

−Average wet grip, high wear.

9 owner reviews Test Results
15th

Barum Polaris 5

+Good in the snow and on dry roads, good aquaplaning reserves.

−Long wet braking, average wear, high rolling resistance.

16 owner reviews Test Results
Joint16th

Laufenn I Fit+

+Balance performance in the dry, low noise, low rolling resistance.

−Understeer in the snow, average aquaplaning resistance.

4 owner reviews Test Results
Joint16th

Nokian WR A4

+Good snow qualities, good value.

−Low levels of grip in the wet.

24 owner reviews Test Results
18th

General Altimax Winter 3

+Well priced with good snow performance, low noise.

−Understeer in the wet and dry, average aquaplaning resistance.

3 owner reviews Test Results
19th

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

+Good in the snow and dry, low fuel use.

−Average wet grip, high price, high wear.

59 owner reviews Test Results
20th

Cooper Weather Master SA2+

+Good aquaplaning resistance, low noise, low price.

−Average grip in the snow, understeer in the dry, high wear.

6 owner reviews Test Results

Tire shortlist

Compare selected tires

2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test · 245/45 R18

TireMichelin Pilot Alpin 5Bridgestone Blizzak LM005Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2Kleber Krisalp HP3Hankook Winter i cept evo3Continental WinterContact TS 850 PDunlop Winter Sport 5Apollo Aspire XP WinterSemperit Speed Grip 3Fulda Kristall Control HP2Vredestein Wintrac ProGiti GitiWinterW1Uniroyal MS Plus 77Barum Polaris 5Laufenn I Fit+Nokian WR A4General Altimax Winter 3Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3Cooper Weather Master SA2+
Position1st2nd3rdJoint 4thJoint 4th6th7th8thJoint 9thJoint 9th11th12th13th14th15thJoint 16thJoint 16th18th19th20th
Category scores (% of best)
Dry100%97%96.8%96.3%96.5%97.5%95.4%95.5%97.7%96.8%93.2%97.6%95.1%95.5%95.8%96%96.8%94.2%97.4%93.7%
Wet97%99.3%93%93.5%92.8%96.1%97.4%91.9%92.5%98.2%89.7%95.2%91.8%92.8%91.4%89.3%91.7%89.2%90.8%92.4%
Snow98.2%98.8%99.3%98.2%90%96.1%96.6%97%95.4%94.2%97.6%95.7%95%97.5%95.4%95.4%94.9%97.4%94.3%92%
Comfort99.4%97.8%95.9%100%100%93.9%97.9%93.2%93.3%95.7%93.9%95.9%96.7%97.6%98%98.7%98%98.6%97.2%95.7%
Value86.9%84.2%84%85.4%85.3%80.9%82.9%84.9%83.7%87.1%89.4%78.6%87.5%75.4%80.4%90.8%82.9%84.9%84%75.9%
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Test Results

Explore the complete results →

The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

Following on from the 52 winter tire braking test, the top 20 winter tires in 245/45 R18 have been put through the usual Auto Bild winter tire tests, to discover the best performance winter tire for the 2020 season.

As usual there's a summer tire for reference, so scroll down to see all the details of this mega test, and don't forget to check out the Auto Bild website for the full details of this epic winter tire.

Dry

As always the case, the summer tire had a significant advantage in dry braking, as the siped winter tires can't provide enough block stiffness to match the summer tire during an emergency stop.

The best of the winter tires was the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, nearly two meters ahead of the second placed Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

 

Dry Braking

Dry braking in feet

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
 122 ft -15 ft
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 137 ft Best
2Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 143 ft +6 ft
2Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 143 ft +6 ft
4Laufenn I Fit+
 144 ft +7 ft
4Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 144 ft +7 ft
4Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 144 ft +7 ft
7Kleber Krisalp HP3
 145 ft +8 ft
8BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 145 ft +8 ft
9Semperit Speed Grip 3
 145 ft +8 ft
10Nokian WR A4
 146 ft +9 ft
10Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 146 ft +9 ft
12Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 147 ft +10 ft
13Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 148 ft +11 ft
13Barum Polaris 5
 148 ft +11 ft
15Giti GitiWinterW1
 149 ft +12 ft
16Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 150 ft +13 ft
17General Altimax Winter 3
 150 ft +13 ft
18Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 151 ft +14 ft
19Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 151 ft +14 ft
20Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 153 ft +16 ft

The difference between best and worst was 25% (31 ft ≈ 2.1 Car Lengths).

The summer tire held the advantage in the dry handling testing, with the Apollo Aspire XP Winter moving up to the best of the winter tires on test.

Dry Handling

Dry Handling Average Speed

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
 68.9 mph +0.2 mph
1Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 68.7 mph Best
2Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 68.7 mph 0.0 mph
3Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 68.6 mph -0.1 mph
3Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 68.6 mph -0.1 mph
5Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 68.4 mph -0.3 mph
6Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 68.4 mph -0.3 mph
7Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 68.3 mph -0.4 mph
8Nokian WR A4
 68.2 mph -0.5 mph
9Semperit Speed Grip 3
 68.1 mph -0.6 mph
10Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 68.0 mph -0.7 mph
10Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 68.0 mph -0.7 mph
12Barum Polaris 5
 67.9 mph -0.8 mph
13Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 67.5 mph -1.2 mph
14Kleber Krisalp HP3
 67.4 mph -1.3 mph
15BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 67.2 mph -1.5 mph
16Giti GitiWinterW1
 67.1 mph -1.6 mph
17General Altimax Winter 3
 66.5 mph -2.2 mph
18Laufenn I Fit+
 66.4 mph -2.3 mph
19Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 66.2 mph -2.5 mph
20Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 66.1 mph -2.6 mph

The difference between best and worst was 4.1% (2.8 mph).

Wet

As winter tire technology progresses, we are starting to see winter tires outperform summer tires in wet conditions, even when warm.

In this test, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 had an impressive advantage in the wet braking test, with the worst tires taking nearly 33 feet longer to stop the car.

Wet Braking

Wet braking in feet

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 155 ft Best
2Semperit Speed Grip 3
 158 ft +3 ft
RefReference Summer
 161 ft +6 ft
3Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 163 ft +8 ft
4Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 164 ft +9 ft
5Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 166 ft +11 ft
6Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 170 ft +15 ft
7BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 175 ft +20 ft
8Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 175 ft +20 ft
9Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 176 ft +21 ft
9Kleber Krisalp HP3
 176 ft +21 ft
11Nokian WR A4
 177 ft +22 ft
11Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 177 ft +22 ft
13Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 180 ft +25 ft
14Giti GitiWinterW1
 180 ft +25 ft
14Barum Polaris 5
 180 ft +25 ft
14Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 180 ft +25 ft
14Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 180 ft +25 ft
18General Altimax Winter 3
 184 ft +29 ft
19Laufenn I Fit+
 186 ft +31 ft
20Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 186 ft +31 ft

The difference between best and worst was 19.9% (31 ft ≈ 2.1 Car Lengths).

The Michelin, Continental and Semperit were all ahead of the summer tire in the wet handling test.

Wet Handling

Wet Handling Average Speed

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 46.2 mph Best
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 46.2 mph Best
3Semperit Speed Grip 3
 46.2 mph 0.0 mph
RefReference Summer
 46.0 mph -0.2 mph
4Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 45.9 mph -0.3 mph
5Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 45.8 mph -0.4 mph
6Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 45.5 mph -0.7 mph
7Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 45.2 mph -1.0 mph
8BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 45.1 mph -1.1 mph
8Giti GitiWinterW1
 45.1 mph -1.1 mph
10Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 44.7 mph -1.5 mph
10Kleber Krisalp HP3
 44.7 mph -1.5 mph
12Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 44.6 mph -1.6 mph
12Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 44.6 mph -1.6 mph
14Nokian WR A4
 44.4 mph -1.8 mph
15Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 44.3 mph -1.9 mph
15Barum Polaris 5
 44.3 mph -1.9 mph
17Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 43.8 mph -2.4 mph
18General Altimax Winter 3
 43.6 mph -2.6 mph
19Laufenn I Fit+
 43.5 mph -2.7 mph
20Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 43.2 mph -3.0 mph

The difference between best and worst was 6.5% (3 mph).

Interestingly the summer tire had a big advantage in straight aquaplaning, which is unusual for modern top tier summer tires. This could indicate the chosen summer tire was a second tier brand.

Straight Aqua

Float Speed in mph

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
 58.2 mph +1.5 mph
1Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 56.7 mph Best
2Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 55.8 mph -0.9 mph
3Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 55.7 mph -1.0 mph
4Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 55.7 mph -1.0 mph
5Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 55.1 mph -1.6 mph
6Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 55.0 mph -1.7 mph
6BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 55.0 mph -1.7 mph
8Kleber Krisalp HP3
 54.7 mph -2.0 mph
9Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 54.5 mph -2.2 mph
9Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 54.5 mph -2.2 mph
11Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 54.4 mph -2.3 mph
12Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 54.4 mph -2.3 mph
13Barum Polaris 5
 54.2 mph -2.5 mph
14Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 53.5 mph -3.2 mph
15Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 53.4 mph -3.3 mph
16Laufenn I Fit+
 52.9 mph -3.8 mph
17Giti GitiWinterW1
 52.2 mph -4.5 mph
18Nokian WR A4
 52.1 mph -4.6 mph
19Semperit Speed Grip 3
 51.6 mph -5.1 mph
20General Altimax Winter 3
 50.9 mph -5.8 mph

The difference between best and worst was 12.6% (7.3 mph).

Snow

Unsurprisingly the summer tire had no grip in the snow tests, and there was a near 7 feet spread between the best and worst winter tire during snow braking.

Snow Braking

Snow braking in feet

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 80 ft Best
2Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 80 ft 0 ft
2Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 80 ft 0 ft
4BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 81 ft +1 ft
4Kleber Krisalp HP3
 81 ft +1 ft
6General Altimax Winter 3
 81 ft +1 ft
7Laufenn I Fit+
 81 ft +1 ft
7Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 81 ft +1 ft
9Barum Polaris 5
 82 ft +2 ft
9Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 82 ft +2 ft
11Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 82 ft +2 ft
11Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 82 ft +2 ft
11Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 82 ft +2 ft
14Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 83 ft +3 ft
15Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 83 ft +3 ft
16Giti GitiWinterW1
 83 ft +3 ft
17Nokian WR A4
 84 ft +4 ft
18Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 85 ft +5 ft
19Semperit Speed Grip 3
 85 ft +5 ft
20Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 86 ft +6 ft
RefReference Summer
 168 ft +88 ft

The difference between best and worst was 110.7% (88 ft ≈ 6 Car Lengths).

The snow traction test was even worse for the summer tire, with around 1/6 the traction performance of the best winter tire.

Snow Traction

Pulling Force in pounds-force

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 696 lbf Best
2Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 681 lbf -15 lbf
3BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 677 lbf -19 lbf
4General Altimax Winter 3
 676 lbf -20 lbf
5Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 676 lbf -20 lbf
6Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 672 lbf -24 lbf
7Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 661 lbf -35 lbf
8Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 658 lbf -38 lbf
9Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 654 lbf -42 lbf
10Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 650 lbf -46 lbf
11Nokian WR A4
 648 lbf -48 lbf
12Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 647 lbf -49 lbf
13Giti GitiWinterW1
 646 lbf -50 lbf
14Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 645 lbf -51 lbf
15Semperit Speed Grip 3
 642 lbf -54 lbf
16Barum Polaris 5
 637 lbf -59 lbf
17Laufenn I Fit+
 636 lbf -60 lbf
18Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 635 lbf -61 lbf
19Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 624 lbf -72 lbf
20Kleber Krisalp HP3
 516 lbf -180 lbf
RefReference Summer
 94 lbf -602 lbf

The difference between best and worst was 86.4% (602 lbf).

The sister brands of Dunlop and Goodyear lead the snow handling tests.

Snow Handling

Snow handling average speed

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 38.2 mph Best
2Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 38.1 mph -0.1 mph
3Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 38.0 mph -0.2 mph
4Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 37.8 mph -0.4 mph
4Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 37.8 mph -0.4 mph
6Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 37.7 mph -0.5 mph
6BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 37.7 mph -0.5 mph
8Kleber Krisalp HP3
 37.7 mph -0.5 mph
9Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 37.4 mph -0.8 mph
9Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 37.4 mph -0.8 mph
11Barum Polaris 5
 37.3 mph -0.9 mph
12Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 37.2 mph -1.0 mph
12Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 37.2 mph -1.0 mph
14Laufenn I Fit+
 37.2 mph -1.0 mph
14Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 37.2 mph -1.0 mph
16General Altimax Winter 3
 37.1 mph -1.1 mph
17Semperit Speed Grip 3
 37.0 mph -1.2 mph
18Giti GitiWinterW1
 37.0 mph -1.2 mph
19Nokian WR A4
 36.8 mph -1.4 mph
20Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 35.7 mph -2.5 mph
RefReference Summer
 23.7 mph -14.5 mph

The difference between best and worst was 38% (14.5 mph).

Environment

As usual, Michelin had the best projected wear from the tire, with the worst winter tire having almost 50% of the projected mileage.

Wear

Predicted tread life in KM

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 29,807 miles Best
2Laufenn I Fit+
 27,769 miles -2,038 miles
3BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 27,514 miles -2,293 miles
4Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 27,005 miles -2,802 miles
5Semperit Speed Grip 3
 26,750 miles -3,057 miles
5Kleber Krisalp HP3
 26,750 miles -3,057 miles
7Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 26,495 miles -3,312 miles
8Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 26,241 miles -3,566 miles
9Giti GitiWinterW1
 25,986 miles -3,821 miles
10Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 25,221 miles -4,586 miles
11Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 24,967 miles -4,840 miles
11Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 24,967 miles -4,840 miles
13Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 24,712 miles -5,095 miles
13Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 24,712 miles -5,095 miles
15General Altimax Winter 3
 24,457 miles -5,350 miles
15Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 24,457 miles -5,350 miles
17Nokian WR A4
 23,183 miles -6,624 miles
18Barum Polaris 5
 21,910 miles -7,897 miles
19Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 20,890 miles -8,917 miles
20Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 18,598 miles -11,209 miles

The difference between best and worst was 37.6% (11,209 miles).

When you compare price against projected mileage, the well priced, low wear Laufenn tire proved to have the best value.

Even though the Michelin had the best wear on test, it also had the most expensive purchase price making it one of the worst value tires.

Value

Euros/1000km based on cost/wear

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestcost per 1,000 miles
1Laufenn I Fit+
 10.41 Price/1000 Best €28.87
2Giti GitiWinterW1
 11.12 Price/1000 +0.71 Price/1000 €29.09
3General Altimax Winter 3
 11.18 Price/1000 +0.77 Price/1000 €30.33
4Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 11.6 Price/1000 +1.19 Price/1000 €25.74
5Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 11.69 Price/1000 +1.28 Price/1000 €33.21
6Barum Polaris 5
 11.77 Price/1000 +1.36 Price/1000 €31.80
7Semperit Speed Grip 3
 12.08 Price/1000 +1.67 Price/1000 €29.58
7Kleber Krisalp HP3
 12.08 Price/1000 +1.67 Price/1000 €32.57
9Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 12.83 Price/1000 +2.42 Price/1000 €29.62
10BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 12.99 Price/1000 +2.58 Price/1000 €32.56
11Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 13.33 Price/1000 +2.92 Price/1000 €34.31
12Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 13.55 Price/1000 +3.14 Price/1000 €29.96
13Nokian WR A4
 13.8 Price/1000 +3.39 Price/1000 €28.10
14Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 14.56 Price/1000 +4.15 Price/1000 €37.85
15Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 14.68 Price/1000 +4.27 Price/1000 €28.87
16Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 14.72 Price/1000 +4.31 Price/1000 €34.87
17Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 14.73 Price/1000 +4.32 Price/1000 €34.31
18Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 14.77 Price/1000 +4.36 Price/1000 €30.32
19Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 15.22 Price/1000 +4.81 Price/1000 €33.08
20Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 16.22 Price/1000 +5.81 Price/1000 €28.94

The difference between best and worst was 55.8% (5.81 Price/1000). Over 25,000 miles the cheapest tire to own (Fulda Kristall Control HP2) works out €303 cheaper than the most expensive (Vredestein Wintrac Pro).

How this is calculated

Assumes a typical car doing 29 mpg (rolling resistance causing 20% of fuel use), fuel at €6.25 per gallon and €70 fitting per set of four. Purchase prices are from the time of the 2020 test; financing costs are excluded.

Pirelli and Bridgestone had the lowest impact on fuel use on test.

Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance in kg t

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestExtra fuel / year
1Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 6.95 kg/t Best $0
2Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 7.35 kg/t +0.40 kg/t $17
3Nokian WR A4
 7.42 kg/t +0.47 kg/t $20
4Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 7.59 kg/t +0.64 kg/t $27
5Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 7.67 kg/t +0.72 kg/t $30
6Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 7.83 kg/t +0.88 kg/t $37
7Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 7.95 kg/t +1.00 kg/t $42
8Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 7.97 kg/t +1.02 kg/t $43
9Semperit Speed Grip 3
 8.18 kg/t +1.23 kg/t $52
10Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 8.23 kg/t +1.28 kg/t $54
11Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 8.26 kg/t +1.31 kg/t $55
12Giti GitiWinterW1
 8.34 kg/t +1.39 kg/t $59
13BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 8.44 kg/t +1.49 kg/t $63
14General Altimax Winter 3
 8.5 kg/t +1.55 kg/t $66
15Laufenn I Fit+
 8.52 kg/t +1.57 kg/t $66
16Barum Polaris 5
 8.53 kg/t +1.58 kg/t $67
17Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 8.59 kg/t +1.64 kg/t $69
18Kleber Krisalp HP3
 8.67 kg/t +1.72 kg/t $73
19Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 8.69 kg/t +1.74 kg/t $74
20Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 8.85 kg/t +1.90 kg/t $80

The difference between best and worst was 27.3% (1.9 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro uses about 22 gal ($80) more fuel than the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3.

Adjust the assumptions

Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.

12,000 mi
$3.60/gal
Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tire age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

Auto Bild test external drive by noise, not internal cabin noise. In this test, the three Michelin brands proved to be the quietest tires.

Noise

External noise in dB

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to best
1BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 69.7 dB Best
1Kleber Krisalp HP3
 69.7 dB Best
3Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 70.1 dB +0.40 dB
RefReference Summer
 70.4 dB +0.70 dB
4Laufenn I Fit+
 70.6 dB +0.90 dB
5General Altimax Winter 3
 70.7 dB +1.00 dB
6Nokian WR A4
 71.1 dB +1.40 dB
6Barum Polaris 5
 71.1 dB +1.40 dB
8Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 71.2 dB +1.50 dB
9Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 71.3 dB +1.60 dB
10Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 71.4 dB +1.70 dB
11Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 71.7 dB +2.00 dB
12Giti GitiWinterW1
 72.1 dB +2.40 dB
13Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 72.7 dB +3.00 dB
13Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 72.7 dB +3.00 dB
15Semperit Speed Grip 3
 72.8 dB +3.10 dB
15Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 72.8 dB +3.10 dB
17Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 74.2 dB +4.50 dB
17Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 74.2 dB +4.50 dB
19Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 74.7 dB +5.00 dB
20Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 74.8 dB +5.10 dB

The difference between best and worst was 7.3% (5.1 dB).

Results

1st

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

245/45 R18
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
Dry100%
Wet97%
Snow98.2%
Comfort99.4%
Value86.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better1st / 20137 ftBest in this discipline
Dry HandlingHigher is better2nd / 2068.7 mph0.0 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better4th / 20164 ft+9 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better1st / 2046.2 mphBest in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better14th / 2053.5 mph-3.2 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better1st / 2080 ftBest in this discipline
Snow TractionHigher is better5th / 20676 lbf-20 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better9th / 2037.4 mph-0.8 mph
NoiseLower is better3rd / 2070.1 dB+0.40 dB
WearHigher is better1st / 2029,807 milesBest in this discipline
ValueLower is better19th / 2015.22 Price/1000+4.81 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better8th / 207.97 kg/t+1.02 kg/t
2nd

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

245/45 R18
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
Dry97%
Wet99.3%
Snow98.8%
Comfort97.8%
Value84.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better10th / 20146 ft+9 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better5th / 2068.4 mph-0.3 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better1st / 20155 ftBest in this discipline
Wet HandlingHigher is better4th / 2045.9 mph-0.3 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better11th / 2054.4 mph-2.3 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better2nd / 2080 ft0 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better2nd / 20681 lbf-15 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better3rd / 2038.0 mph-0.2 mph
NoiseLower is better9th / 2071.3 dB+1.60 dB
WearHigher is better11th / 2024,967 miles-4,840 miles
ValueLower is better15th / 2014.68 Price/1000+4.27 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better2nd / 207.35 kg/t+0.40 kg/t
3rd

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+

245/45 R18
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
Dry96.8%
Wet93%
Snow99.3%
Comfort95.9%
Value84%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better12th / 20147 ft+10 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better3rd / 2068.6 mph-0.1 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better9th / 20176 ft+21 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better10th / 2044.7 mph-1.5 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better4th / 2055.7 mph-1.0 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better7th / 2081 ft+1 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better1st / 20696 lbfBest in this discipline
Snow HandlingHigher is better2nd / 2038.1 mph-0.1 mph
NoiseLower is better13th / 2072.7 dB+3.00 dB
WearHigher is better10th / 2025,221 miles-4,586 miles
ValueLower is better12th / 2013.55 Price/1000+3.14 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better6th / 207.83 kg/t+0.88 kg/t
Joint 4th

BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2

245/45 R18
BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
Dry96.3%
Wet93.5%
Snow98.2%
Comfort100%
Value85.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better8th / 20145 ft+8 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better15th / 2067.2 mph-1.5 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better7th / 20175 ft+20 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better8th / 2045.1 mph-1.1 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better6th / 2055.0 mph-1.7 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better4th / 2081 ft+1 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better3rd / 20677 lbf-19 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better6th / 2037.7 mph-0.5 mph
NoiseLower is better1st / 2069.7 dBBest in this discipline
WearHigher is better3rd / 2027,514 miles-2,293 miles
ValueLower is better10th / 2012.99 Price/1000+2.58 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better13th / 208.44 kg/t+1.49 kg/t
Joint 4th

Kleber Krisalp HP3

245/45 R18
Kleber Krisalp HP3
Dry96.5%
Wet92.8%
Snow90%
Comfort100%
Value85.3%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better7th / 20145 ft+8 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better14th / 2067.4 mph-1.3 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better9th / 20176 ft+21 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better10th / 2044.7 mph-1.5 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better8th / 2054.7 mph-2.0 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better4th / 2081 ft+1 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better20th / 20516 lbf-180 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better8th / 2037.7 mph-0.5 mph
NoiseLower is better1st / 2069.7 dBBest in this discipline
WearHigher is better5th / 2026,750 miles-3,057 miles
ValueLower is better7th / 2012.08 Price/1000+1.67 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better18th / 208.67 kg/t+1.72 kg/t
6th

Hankook Winter i cept evo3

245/45 R18
Hankook Winter i cept evo3
Dry97.5%
Wet96.1%
Snow96.1%
Comfort93.9%
Value80.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better4th / 20144 ft+7 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better6th / 2068.4 mph-0.3 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better5th / 20166 ft+11 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better6th / 2045.5 mph-0.7 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better5th / 2055.1 mph-1.6 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better11th / 2082 ft+2 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better10th / 20650 lbf-46 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better9th / 2037.4 mph-0.8 mph
NoiseLower is better17th / 2074.2 dB+4.50 dB
WearHigher is better13th / 2024,712 miles-5,095 miles
ValueLower is better11th / 2013.33 Price/1000+2.92 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better17th / 208.59 kg/t+1.64 kg/t
7th

Continental WinterContact TS 850 P

245/45 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
Dry95.4%
Wet97.4%
Snow96.6%
Comfort97.9%
Value82.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better19th / 20151 ft+14 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better3rd / 2068.6 mph-0.1 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better3rd / 20163 ft+8 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better1st / 2046.2 mphBest in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better12th / 2054.4 mph-2.3 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better14th / 2083 ft+3 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better8th / 20658 lbf-38 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better4th / 2037.8 mph-0.4 mph
NoiseLower is better8th / 2071.2 dB+1.50 dB
WearHigher is better4th / 2027,005 miles-2,802 miles
ValueLower is better17th / 2014.73 Price/1000+4.32 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better11th / 208.26 kg/t+1.31 kg/t
8th

Dunlop Winter Sport 5

245/45 R18
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
Dry95.5%
Wet91.9%
Snow97%
Comfort93.2%
Value84.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better16th / 20150 ft+13 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better10th / 2068.0 mph-0.7 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better14th / 20180 ft+25 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better12th / 2044.6 mph-1.6 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better3rd / 2055.7 mph-1.0 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better11th / 2082 ft+2 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better9th / 20654 lbf-42 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better1st / 2038.2 mphBest in this discipline
NoiseLower is better20th / 2074.8 dB+5.10 dB
WearHigher is better7th / 2026,495 miles-3,312 miles
ValueLower is better18th / 2014.77 Price/1000+4.36 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better4th / 207.59 kg/t+0.64 kg/t
Joint 9th

Apollo Aspire XP Winter

245/45 R18
Apollo Aspire XP Winter
Dry97.7%
Wet92.5%
Snow95.4%
Comfort93.3%
Value83.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better4th / 20144 ft+7 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better1st / 2068.7 mphBest in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better13th / 20180 ft+25 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better7th / 2045.2 mph-1.0 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better6th / 2055.0 mph-1.7 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better15th / 2083 ft+3 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better12th / 20647 lbf-49 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better12th / 2037.2 mph-1.0 mph
NoiseLower is better19th / 2074.7 dB+5.00 dB
WearHigher is better15th / 2024,457 miles-5,350 miles
ValueLower is better9th / 2012.83 Price/1000+2.42 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better7th / 207.95 kg/t+1.00 kg/t
Joint 9th

Semperit Speed Grip 3

245/45 R18
Semperit Speed Grip 3
Dry96.8%
Wet98.2%
Snow94.2%
Comfort95.7%
Value87.1%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better9th / 20145 ft+8 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better9th / 2068.1 mph-0.6 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better2nd / 20158 ft+3 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better3rd / 2046.2 mph0.0 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better19th / 2051.6 mph-5.1 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better19th / 2085 ft+5 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better15th / 20642 lbf-54 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better17th / 2037.0 mph-1.2 mph
NoiseLower is better15th / 2072.8 dB+3.10 dB
WearHigher is better5th / 2026,750 miles-3,057 miles
ValueLower is better7th / 2012.08 Price/1000+1.67 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better9th / 208.18 kg/t+1.23 kg/t
11th

Fulda Kristall Control HP2

245/45 R18
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
Dry93.2%
Wet89.7%
Snow97.6%
Comfort93.9%
Value89.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better20th / 20153 ft+16 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better19th / 2066.2 mph-2.5 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better20th / 20186 ft+31 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better20th / 2043.2 mph-3.0 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better1st / 2056.7 mphBest in this discipline
Snow BrakingLower is better2nd / 2080 ft0 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better7th / 20661 lbf-35 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better4th / 2037.8 mph-0.4 mph
NoiseLower is better17th / 2074.2 dB+4.50 dB
WearHigher is better8th / 2026,241 miles-3,566 miles
ValueLower is better4th / 2011.6 Price/1000+1.19 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better5th / 207.67 kg/t+0.72 kg/t
12th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro

245/45 R18
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
Dry97.6%
Wet95.2%
Snow95.7%
Comfort95.9%
Value78.6%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better2nd / 20143 ft+6 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better7th / 2068.3 mph-0.4 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better6th / 20170 ft+15 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better5th / 2045.8 mph-0.4 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better9th / 2054.5 mph-2.2 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better9th / 2082 ft+2 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better14th / 20645 lbf-51 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better14th / 2037.2 mph-1.0 mph
NoiseLower is better13th / 2072.7 dB+3.00 dB
WearHigher is better11th / 2024,967 miles-4,840 miles
ValueLower is better14th / 2014.56 Price/1000+4.15 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better20th / 208.85 kg/t+1.90 kg/t
13th

Giti GitiWinterW1

245/45 R18
Giti GitiWinterW1
Dry95.1%
Wet91.8%
Snow95%
Comfort96.7%
Value87.5%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better15th / 20149 ft+12 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better16th / 2067.1 mph-1.6 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better14th / 20180 ft+25 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better8th / 2045.1 mph-1.1 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better17th / 2052.2 mph-4.5 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better16th / 2083 ft+3 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better13th / 20646 lbf-50 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better18th / 2037.0 mph-1.2 mph
NoiseLower is better12th / 2072.1 dB+2.40 dB
WearHigher is better9th / 2025,986 miles-3,821 miles
ValueLower is better2nd / 2011.12 Price/1000+0.71 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better12th / 208.34 kg/t+1.39 kg/t
14th

Uniroyal MS+ 77

245/45 R18
Uniroyal MS Plus 77
Dry95.5%
Wet92.8%
Snow97.5%
Comfort97.6%
Value75.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better13th / 20148 ft+11 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better13th / 2067.5 mph-1.2 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better8th / 20175 ft+20 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better12th / 2044.6 mph-1.6 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better9th / 2054.5 mph-2.2 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better11th / 2082 ft+2 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better6th / 20672 lbf-24 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better6th / 2037.7 mph-0.5 mph
NoiseLower is better10th / 2071.4 dB+1.70 dB
WearHigher is better19th / 2020,890 miles-8,917 miles
ValueLower is better16th / 2014.72 Price/1000+4.31 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better10th / 208.23 kg/t+1.28 kg/t
15th

Barum Polaris 5

245/45 R18
Barum Polaris 5
Dry95.8%
Wet91.4%
Snow95.4%
Comfort98%
Value80.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better13th / 20148 ft+11 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better12th / 2067.9 mph-0.8 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better14th / 20180 ft+25 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better15th / 2044.3 mph-1.9 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better13th / 2054.2 mph-2.5 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better9th / 2082 ft+2 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better16th / 20637 lbf-59 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better11th / 2037.3 mph-0.9 mph
NoiseLower is better6th / 2071.1 dB+1.40 dB
WearHigher is better18th / 2021,910 miles-7,897 miles
ValueLower is better6th / 2011.77 Price/1000+1.36 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better16th / 208.53 kg/t+1.58 kg/t
Joint 16th

Laufenn I Fit+

245/45 R18
Laufenn I Fit+
Dry96%
Wet89.3%
Snow95.4%
Comfort98.7%
Value90.8%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better4th / 20144 ft+7 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better18th / 2066.4 mph-2.3 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better19th / 20186 ft+31 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better19th / 2043.5 mph-2.7 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better16th / 2052.9 mph-3.8 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better7th / 2081 ft+1 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better17th / 20636 lbf-60 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better14th / 2037.2 mph-1.0 mph
NoiseLower is better4th / 2070.6 dB+0.90 dB
WearHigher is better2nd / 2027,769 miles-2,038 miles
ValueLower is better1st / 2010.41 Price/1000Best in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better15th / 208.52 kg/t+1.57 kg/t
Joint 16th

Nokian WR A4

245/45 R18
Nokian WR A4
Dry96.8%
Wet91.7%
Snow94.9%
Comfort98%
Value82.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better10th / 20146 ft+9 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better8th / 2068.2 mph-0.5 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better11th / 20177 ft+22 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better14th / 2044.4 mph-1.8 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better18th / 2052.1 mph-4.6 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better17th / 2084 ft+4 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better11th / 20648 lbf-48 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better19th / 2036.8 mph-1.4 mph
NoiseLower is better6th / 2071.1 dB+1.40 dB
WearHigher is better17th / 2023,183 miles-6,624 miles
ValueLower is better13th / 2013.8 Price/1000+3.39 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better3rd / 207.42 kg/t+0.47 kg/t
18th

General Altimax Winter 3

245/45 R18
General Altimax Winter 3
Dry94.2%
Wet89.2%
Snow97.4%
Comfort98.6%
Value84.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better17th / 20150 ft+13 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better17th / 2066.5 mph-2.2 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better18th / 20184 ft+29 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better18th / 2043.6 mph-2.6 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better20th / 2050.9 mph-5.8 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better6th / 2081 ft+1 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better4th / 20676 lbf-20 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better16th / 2037.1 mph-1.1 mph
NoiseLower is better5th / 2070.7 dB+1.00 dB
WearHigher is better15th / 2024,457 miles-5,350 miles
ValueLower is better3rd / 2011.18 Price/1000+0.77 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better14th / 208.5 kg/t+1.55 kg/t
19th

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

245/45 R18
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
Dry97.4%
Wet90.8%
Snow94.3%
Comfort97.2%
Value84%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better2nd / 20143 ft+6 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better10th / 2068.0 mph-0.7 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better14th / 20180 ft+25 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better17th / 2043.8 mph-2.4 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better15th / 2053.4 mph-3.3 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better18th / 2085 ft+5 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better18th / 20635 lbf-61 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better12th / 2037.2 mph-1.0 mph
NoiseLower is better11th / 2071.7 dB+2.00 dB
WearHigher is better13th / 2024,712 miles-5,095 miles
ValueLower is better20th / 2016.22 Price/1000+5.81 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better1st / 206.95 kg/tBest in this discipline
20th

Cooper Weather Master SA2+

245/45 R18
Cooper Weather Master SA2+
Dry93.7%
Wet92.4%
Snow92%
Comfort95.7%
Value75.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better18th / 20151 ft+14 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better20th / 2066.1 mph-2.6 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better11th / 20177 ft+22 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better15th / 2044.3 mph-1.9 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better2nd / 2055.8 mph-0.9 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better20th / 2086 ft+6 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better19th / 20624 lbf-72 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better20th / 2035.7 mph-2.5 mph
NoiseLower is better15th / 2072.8 dB+3.10 dB
WearHigher is better20th / 2018,598 miles-11,209 miles
ValueLower is better5th / 2011.69 Price/1000+1.28 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better19th / 208.69 kg/t+1.74 kg/t

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Discussion

18 comments
  1. qwaz archived

    Need to admit I cannot understand results of this test. I need new tires by next winter, wanted to buy the same model as 5 years ago - Sottozero 3. Five years ago it was in top three of all tests I read, now its second to last? Beaten by Laufen? Giti? Or other ping-pong? Or by the tires it beat easily in 2015 tests? Like Uniroyal or Nokian? I'm pretty happy with the performance of Pirellis over those five years of use, only this year, as they are a bit older and obviously pretty worn they don't inspire as much confidence in wet as a year ago. My driving style is rather spirited, thats why I tend to buy XL tires with highest available speed ratings. Reading results of this test only made me more confused, but I'm certainly not buying chinese tires for a higher performance car, no matter what Auto Bild wrote.

    #6433
    1. TireReviews qwaz archived

      5 years ago is a long time in tires, technology moves on. Sometimes tire manufacturers roll updates into existing lines instead of creating new lines, so it might just be that Pirelli has been left behind. I do know they have a new winter tire due for winter 2021

      #6434
  2. Lukica Stipetić archived

    In this test of autobild it is interesting, how is it that vredestein wintac pro fell to 12th place and two winters ago he was the winner of the test:

    https://www.tirereviews.co....
    or
    https://www.autobild.de/art...

    Although its competition was almost identical, and also the test vehicle was a bmw 5 series.
    The dimensions of the tested tires are also the same size.

    #6190
    1. TireReviews Lukica Stipetić archived

      If I could answer that I could also answer why the Quatrac Pro did better in AB last year than mine this year!

      Looks like in this test wet and definitely snow is worse overall, so it might be a test temperature thing, or it might have been a compound update to improve elsewhere, maybe wear

      #6191
      1. Lukica Stipetić TireReviews archived

        It seems that it was not only vredestein who failed in the snow

        Snow Handling 2018 2020

        Kleber Krisalp HP3 69.360.6

        Dunlop Winter Sport 5 6961.5

        Vredestein Wintrac Pro 6959.8

        P.S.
        This year, AB added the category "snow traction" to the test, which was not the case in 2018, and it is a very useful parameter, especially for RWD vehicles.

        #6216
  3. Vasilis Machairas archived

    I ordered last week the BFGoodrich winter 2 in 205/60/16 for my C4 Spacetourer. I was between them and Kleber HP3. But the Klebers had stocking problem. Very happy with the result and let's hope the different size of the tire doesn't affect the performance

    #6189
      1. Vasilis Machairas TireReviews archived

        They will stock them in the beginning of November but as soon as i try them i will post. I have small experience of winter tires since my previous was Nokian WR D3 which kept them 4 years.

        #6202
    2. Jan Landa Vasilis Machairas archived

      Kleber HP3 and BFGoodrich g-force winter 2 are the same tires, made in the same factory in Poland just with different names. That's why I'm puzzeld about Kleber's poor snow traction performance.

      #6245
      1. Vasilis Machairas Jan Landa archived

        The snow traction performance is really a riddle for a similar tire. But on the other hand the difference in traction is 80kg. Not big deal, at least for me.

        #6248
        1. TireReviews Vasilis Machairas archived

          I prefer to look more at the braking testing over traction as it's a little more repeatable.

          #6249
          1. Vasilis Machairas TireReviews archived

            I agree. Can't wait to fit them ant test!
            Let it snow, let it snow... 🙂

            #6250
        2. Kolemjdouci Vasilis Machairas archived

          If the tests differences of 2 very close/same tires are rather small then a reasonable explanation can also be simply the DOT age difference, I think.

          #6281
  4. Andy Holmes archived

    Have to say, despite its ranking (mostly due to how the test is weighted) I'm impressed how well the Nokian WRA4 is still doing, its a very old tire now but still right in the thick of it by-and-large!

    #6177
    1. TireReviews Andy Holmes archived

      It's also strange as I remember the a4 being the best in the dry and poor in the snow back in 2017 and now it's seemingly reversed

      #6178
      1. Andy Holmes TireReviews archived

        Bit of a midlife update, competition is different, and importantly, different facility? Plus, different sizes of same pattern give different results. It still performed pretty well in the dry.
        I drove them in 215/50 17 on a vectra in the dry, and they weren't bad at all, but could tell even with the vectra's inert steering that they were a winter tire.

        #6179
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