2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test

The 2023 AMS SUV winter tire test not only aims to answer what the best winter tire in 255/45 R20 is, but also to find out if swapping from a regular diesel Kia Sorento to a fully electric Kia EV6 will make a difference to the results.

The answer to the question about the tires is below, and the answer to the question about the IC vs EV is that it made no difference to the traction, braking or handling order of the results, but the tester did prefer the IC Kia Sorento on snow as they felt the traditional differentials were more predictable when the front and the rear was locked mechanically. The tested noted that the separate front and rear axle power units of the electric vehicle each had "individual motivation" when sliding around on snow.

Test Publication:

255/45 R20 7 tires 5 categories

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Images courtesy of Auto Motor Und Sport

Test Publication:

https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/verkehr/reifen/

Images courtesy of Auto Motor Und Sport

Test Size: 255/45 R20

Tires Tested: 7 tires

Test Categories:
5 categories (13 tests)

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255/45 R20 is quite frankly bonkers for a winter tire, so the results should be interesting, especially as they have new tires from Goodyear, Pirelli and Falken!

Dry

During dry braking, the Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 are closely matched, with braking distances of 43M and 43.1M respectively. Bridgestone slightly edges out Goodyear, but both are strong contenders in dry conditions.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and Continental WinterContact TS 870 P share the top spot with an average lap speed of 117.5 Km/H. Bridgestone shows its versatility here, excelling in both dry braking and handling.

Wet

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 leads in wet braking with a 32.6M distance, reinforcing its strong all-around performance.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 slightly outperforms the rest during wet handling, with an average lap speed of 79.3 Km/H, closely followed by Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 at 79.2 Km/H. 

The best performer in the Wet Circle category is Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 with an average lateral acceleration of 7.31m/s. This tire also leads in wet braking, making it a strong choice for wet conditions.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 leads again with the highest float speed of 77.5 Km/H in straight aquaplaning, reinforcing its all-around strong performance in both dry and wet conditions.

The top performer in Curved Aquaplaning is again the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005. This adds to its strong performance in wet conditions, particularly in wet braking and wet circle.

Snow

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV leads in snow braking with an average stopping distance of 29.8M, and it also excels in snow handling, making it a strong performer in snowy conditions.

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV leads with in snow traction, reinforcing its strong performance in snowy conditions.

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV takes again the lead in snow handling with an average speed of 48.2 Km/H. It's a tire that performs well across various conditions, from dry to snowy.

The Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 leads snow circle.

Comfort

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is the quietest in the drive by external noise test of 71.2 dB, adding to its list of strong performances across multiple categories.

Value

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 has a rolling resistance of 7.1 kg/t, making it the most eco-friendly option of the tires on test.

Results

1^st

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

255/45 R20 105V

• EU Label: C/A/73
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 12.1 kgs
• Tread: 8.23 mm

Tires that are easy to control in the wet with neutral to slightly understeering driving characteristics, with outstanding grip and the best aquaplaning protection. Strong dry braking, best cornering stability, understeer tendency with strong reserves. Best rolling resistance.

Small weaknesses in the snow performance.

Okay on snow, outstanding on wet and dry roads – the test winner!

"Outstanding"

Dry

99.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	2nd	43.1 M	43 M	+0.1 M	99.77%
Dry Handling	1st	117.5 Km/H			100%

Wet

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	1st	32.6 M			100%
Wet Handling	2nd	79.2 Km/H	79.3 Km/H	-0.1 Km/H	99.87%
Wet Circle	1st	7.31 m/s			100%
Straight Aqua	1st	77.5 Km/H			100%
Curved Aquaplaning	1st	2.87 m/sec2			100%

Snow

95.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	3rd	30.8 M	29.8 M	+1 M	96.75%
Snow Traction	6th	3.24 N	3.38 N	-0.14 N	95.86%
Snow Handling	2nd	47.8 Km/H	48.2 Km/H	-0.4 Km/H	99.17%
Snow Circle	5th	3.95 ms/2	4.32 ms/2	-0.37 ms/2	91.44%

Comfort

98.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	4th	72.2 dB	71.2 dB	+1 dB	98.61%

Value

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	1st	7.1 kg / t			100%

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2^nd

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

255/45 R20 105V

• EU Label: B/B/72
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 12.1 kgs
• Tread: 7.84 mm

Short braking distances and very safe driving behavior on snow. Good cornering grip with large reserves and very reliable and stable in the wet. High level of cornering, especially on dry roads.

Slight weakness in curved aquaplaning and steering precision, as well as being somewhat sensitive to load changes in fast, dry corners. Slightly audible rolling noise when turning.

Very versatile. The new Goodyear excels in all weather conditions.

"Very Good"

Dry

99.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	3rd	43.5 M	43 M	+0.5 M	98.85%
Dry Handling	3rd	117 Km/H	117.5 Km/H	-0.5 Km/H	99.57%

Wet

93.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	5th	35.1 M	32.6 M	+2.5 M	92.88%
Wet Handling	1st	79.3 Km/H			100%
Wet Circle	2nd	7.24 m/s	7.31 m/s	-0.07 m/s	99.04%
Straight Aqua	4th	75.4 Km/H	77.5 Km/H	-2.1 Km/H	97.29%
Curved Aquaplaning	4th	2.28 m/sec2	2.87 m/sec2	-0.59 m/sec2	79.44%

Snow

98.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	2nd	30.5 M	29.8 M	+0.7 M	97.7%
Snow Traction	4th	3.31 N	3.38 N	-0.07 N	97.93%
Snow Handling	2nd	47.8 Km/H	48.2 Km/H	-0.4 Km/H	99.17%
Snow Circle	4th	4.28 ms/2	4.32 ms/2	-0.04 ms/2	99.07%

Comfort

98.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	3rd	72.1 dB	71.2 dB	+0.9 dB	98.75%

Value

93.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	3rd	7.6 kg / t	7.1 kg / t	+0.5 kg / t	93.42%

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3^rd

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

255/45 R20 105V

• EU Label: C/C/71
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 13.6 kgs
• Tread: 7.8 mm

Very good traction, cornering and braking performance on snow. Good wet grip and aquaplaning resistance. Stable, precise, safe to drive and comfortable on dry roads.

Despite the best possible balance, acceptable weaknesses on wet and dry asphalt.

For alpine regions: the snow specialist among the winter tires.

"Very Good"

Dry

98.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	4th	43.7 M	43 M	+0.7 M	98.4%
Dry Handling	6th	115.4 Km/H	117.5 Km/H	-2.1 Km/H	98.21%

Wet

93.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	6th	35.2 M	32.6 M	+2.6 M	92.61%
Wet Handling	5th	78 Km/H	79.3 Km/H	-1.3 Km/H	98.36%
Wet Circle	7th	7.05 m/s	7.31 m/s	-0.26 m/s	96.44%
Straight Aqua	2nd	76.6 Km/H	77.5 Km/H	-0.9 Km/H	98.84%
Curved Aquaplaning	3rd	2.36 m/sec2	2.87 m/sec2	-0.51 m/sec2	82.23%

Snow

99.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	1st	29.8 M			100%
Snow Traction	1st	3.38 N			100%
Snow Handling	1st	48.2 Km/H			100%
Snow Circle	3rd	4.29 ms/2	4.32 ms/2	-0.03 ms/2	99.31%

Comfort

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	1st	71.2 dB			100%

Value

88.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	4th	8 kg / t	7.1 kg / t	+0.9 kg / t	88.75%

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4^th

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

255/45 R20 105V

• EU Label: C/B/71
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 12 kgs
• Tread: 8.35 mm

Strong cornering grip and decent traction on snow, balanced snow handling. Very good aquaplaning protection. Active driving behavior and good cornering stability on dry roads. The very low rolling resistance makes up for any shortcomings.

Slightly reduced braking performance on snow. Weak braking, reduced driving stability and low reserves in the wet. Slight instability when changing lanes quickly on dry roads.

Conti buys low rolling resistance through restrictions on wet braking.

"Very Good"

Dry

98.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	6th	44.2 M	43 M	+1.2 M	97.29%
Dry Handling	1st	117.5 Km/H			100%

Wet

96.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	7th	35.7 M	32.6 M	+3.1 M	91.32%
Wet Handling	7th	77.8 Km/H	79.3 Km/H	-1.5 Km/H	98.11%
Wet Circle	5th	7.18 m/s	7.31 m/s	-0.13 m/s	98.22%
Straight Aqua	3rd	76 Km/H	77.5 Km/H	-1.5 Km/H	98.06%
Curved Aquaplaning	2nd	2.82 m/sec2	2.87 m/sec2	-0.05 m/sec2	98.26%

Snow

97.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	5th	31.2 M	29.8 M	+1.4 M	95.51%
Snow Traction	5th	3.28 N	3.38 N	-0.1 N	97.04%
Snow Handling	6th	46.4 Km/H	48.2 Km/H	-1.8 Km/H	96.27%
Snow Circle	2nd	4.3 ms/2	4.32 ms/2	-0.02 ms/2	99.54%

Comfort

99.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	2nd	71.8 dB	71.2 dB	+0.6 dB	99.16%

Value

98.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	2nd	7.2 kg / t	7.1 kg / t	+0.1 kg / t	98.61%

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5^th

Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2

255/45 R20 105V

• EU Label: C/A/71
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 13.6 kgs
• Tread: 8.26 mm

Quite safe, balanced and largely reliable on snow. Decent braking performance and good cornering grip in the wet. Very good dry braking, spontaneous steering and very safe understeering with a wide range of reserves in dry corners.

Slightly reduced performance on snow, not very precise with shallow reserves in the wet, limited comfort.

Not balanced enough: The new Scorpion is lacking a little in the wet.

"Very Good"

Dry

98.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	1st	43 M			100%
Dry Handling	7th	114.8 Km/H	117.5 Km/H	-2.7 Km/H	97.7%

Wet

91%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	3rd	34 M	32.6 M	+1.4 M	95.88%
Wet Handling	5th	78 Km/H	79.3 Km/H	-1.3 Km/H	98.36%
Wet Circle	4th	7.22 m/s	7.31 m/s	-0.09 m/s	98.77%
Straight Aqua	6th	73.9 Km/H	77.5 Km/H	-3.6 Km/H	95.35%
Curved Aquaplaning	6th	1.91 m/sec2	2.87 m/sec2	-0.96 m/sec2	66.55%

Snow

98.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	4th	30.9 M	29.8 M	+1.1 M	96.44%
Snow Traction	3rd	3.33 N	3.38 N	-0.05 N	98.52%
Snow Handling	5th	47.1 Km/H	48.2 Km/H	-1.1 Km/H	97.72%
Snow Circle	1st	4.32 ms/2			100%

Comfort

97.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	5th	72.7 dB	71.2 dB	+1.5 dB	97.94%

Value

88.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	4th	8 kg / t	7.1 kg / t	+0.9 kg / t	88.75%

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6^th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro

255/45 R20 105V

• EU Label: C/B/73
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 14 kgs
• Tread: 8.07 mm

Good traction and decent braking performance on snow. Consistently good, impeccable wet properties, here quite neutral and active. Balanced dry dynamics.

In relation to the good longitudinal dynamics (acceleration/braking), surprisingly low cornering grip on snow. Slight deficits in corner aquaplaning. Deficits in comfort due to rolling noise in curves.

The inexpensive Vredestein masters the basics.

"Good"

Dry

98.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	4th	43.7 M	43 M	+0.7 M	98.4%
Dry Handling	5th	115.8 Km/H	117.5 Km/H	-1.7 Km/H	98.55%

Wet

93.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	2nd	33.9 M	32.6 M	+1.3 M	96.17%
Wet Handling	4th	78.3 Km/H	79.3 Km/H	-1 Km/H	98.74%
Wet Circle	6th	7.15 m/s	7.31 m/s	-0.16 m/s	97.81%
Straight Aqua	5th	74.5 Km/H	77.5 Km/H	-3 Km/H	96.13%
Curved Aquaplaning	5th	2.24 m/sec2	2.87 m/sec2	-0.63 m/sec2	78.05%

Snow

95.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	6th	31.3 M	29.8 M	+1.5 M	95.21%
Snow Traction	2nd	3.36 N	3.38 N	-0.02 N	99.41%
Snow Handling	4th	47.3 Km/H	48.2 Km/H	-0.9 Km/H	98.13%
Snow Circle	6th	3.85 ms/2	4.32 ms/2	-0.47 ms/2	89.12%

Comfort

96.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	7th	73.7 dB	71.2 dB	+2.5 dB	96.61%

Value

82.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	6th	8.6 kg / t	7.1 kg / t	+1.5 kg / t	82.56%

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7^th

Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro

255/45 R20 105V

• EU Label: D/B/72
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 13.7 kgs
• Tread: 7.62 mm

Good grip and largely safe, support-neutral driving dynamics in the wet. Very active and fast in dry corners. Very good comfort.

Too sensitive to load changes on snow and weak reserves: not enough for a winter tire. Narrow limit range for wet conditions, low protection against aquaplaning. Slow steering, less stable rear in fast corners. Downgraded by one grade.

Too weak on snow. The otherwise passable Falken has to be downgraded.

"Satisfactory"

Dry

97.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	7th	44.4 M	43 M	+1.4 M	96.85%
Dry Handling	4th	116 Km/H	117.5 Km/H	-1.5 Km/H	98.72%

Wet

90.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	4th	34.2 M	32.6 M	+1.6 M	95.32%
Wet Handling	3rd	78.4 Km/H	79.3 Km/H	-0.9 Km/H	98.87%
Wet Circle	3rd	7.23 m/s	7.31 m/s	-0.08 m/s	98.91%
Straight Aqua	7th	72 Km/H	77.5 Km/H	-5.5 Km/H	92.9%
Curved Aquaplaning	7th	1.85 m/sec2	2.87 m/sec2	-1.02 m/sec2	64.46%

Snow

92.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	7th	31.7 M	29.8 M	+1.9 M	94.01%
Snow Traction	7th	3.1 N	3.38 N	-0.28 N	91.72%
Snow Handling	7th	45.2 Km/H	48.2 Km/H	-3 Km/H	93.78%
Snow Circle	6th	3.85 ms/2	4.32 ms/2	-0.47 ms/2	89.12%

Comfort

97.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	6th	72.9 dB	71.2 dB	+1.7 dB	97.67%

Value

82.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	6th	8.6 kg / t	7.1 kg / t	+1.5 kg / t	82.56%

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