Test source Auto Express

2021 Auto Express Winter Tire Test

Overall test winnerBridgestone Blizzak LM005

For the 2021 Auto Express winter tire test, Auto Express tested eight 225/45 R17 winter tires using a VW Golf.As usual we'll keep commentary to a minimum, instead encouraging you to head over to the Auto Express website to check out the…

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson

November 25, 2021 4 min read Updated January 8, 2025

Tire shortlist Read the test

Tires tested: 8
Tested size: 225/45 R17

At a glance

Tire shortlist

8 Tires tested

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

1^st

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

+The LM005 has a test winning combination of grip in all conditions, and fuel efficiency.

−Average curved aquaplaning resistance.

115 owner reviews Test Results

2^nd

Continental WinterContact TS 870

+The TS870 is the tire to have when there's snow on the ground, very strong aquaplaning resistance.

−Only fourth in the wet overall.

26 owner reviews Test Results

3^rd

Hankook Winter i cept RS2

+the I*Cept RS2 is very good in the dry, wet and snow.

−High rolling resistance and cabin noise.

50 owner reviews Test Results

4^th

Michelin Alpin 6

+The Michelin Alpin 6 is particularly suited to the UK weather thanks to a strong wet performance.

−Relatively poor snow performance.

35 owner reviews Test Results

5^th

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+

+The UltraGrip Performance+ is strong in the dry with low fuel use and low noise.

−Poor wet braking.

20 owner reviews Test Results

6^th

Dunlop Winter Sport 5

+The WinterSport 5 has good aquaplaning resistance and a low rolling resistance.

−Average grip in all conditions.

47 owner reviews Test Results

7^th

Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6

+The Snow WP6 was excellent in the dry, good straight aquaplaning resistance, lowest noise on test.

−Poor grip on snow, high rolling resistance.

8 owner reviews Test Results

8^th

Avon WV7

+The WV7 had low cabin noise.

−Poor grip in all conditions.

14 owner reviews Test Results

Tire shortlist

Compare selected tires

2021 Auto Express Winter Tire Test · 225/45 R17

Tire	Bridgestone Blizzak LM005	Continental WinterContact TS 870	Hankook Winter i cept RS2	Michelin Alpin 6	Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+	Dunlop Winter Sport 5	Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6	Avon WV7
Position	1^st	2^nd	3^rd	4^th	5^th	6^th	7^th	8^th
Keep researching	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results

Explore the complete results →

The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

For the 2021 Auto Express winter tire test, Auto Express tested eight 225/45 R17 winter tires using a VW Golf.

As usual we'll keep commentary to a minimum, instead encouraging you to head over to the Auto Express website to check out the full test.

The tires included were very similar to the 2020 Auto Express winter tire test, with Bridgestone winning the test again, with the new Continental second.

Results

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	200
Wet	481.8
Snow	198.1
Rolling Resistance	100
Noise	98.9
Overall	100

Total: 1178.8

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	193.2
Wet	487.2
Snow	199.9
Rolling Resistance	98.5
Noise	99.1
Overall	98

Total: 1175.9

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	194.6
Wet	470
Snow	197.1
Rolling Resistance	81.7
Noise	97.7
Overall	97.2

Total: 1138.3

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	192.7
Wet	471.7
Snow	194.2
Rolling Resistance	90
Noise	97.4
Overall	97.1

Total: 1143.1

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	193.9
Wet	469.3
Snow	195.8
Rolling Resistance	99.6
Noise	99.3
Overall	97

Total: 1154.9

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	193
Wet	470
Snow	195.3
Rolling Resistance	96.9
Noise	99.1
Overall	96.7

Total: 1151

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	194.2
Wet	465.4
Snow	193.9
Rolling Resistance	80
Noise	100
Overall	96.7

Total: 1130.2

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	191.8
Wet	468.9
Snow	190.7
Rolling Resistance	80.7
Noise	99.4
Overall	95.5

Total: 1127

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2021 Auto Express Winter Tire Test