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Test source Auto Bild Allrad

2026 Auto Bild Allrad SUV Winter Tire Test

Overall test winnerHankook Winter I*cept Evo 4

Auto Bild has tested ten winter tires in 225/55 R18, a size fitted as standard or as an option to many compact and mid-size SUVs and crossovers, using a pair of BMW X1s.

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson
10 min read
Tire shortlist Read the test
Tires tested
10
Tested size
225/55 R18
Test vehicle
BMW X1
Disciplines
14

At a glance

Tire shortlist

10 Tires tested

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

1st

Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4

+The Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4 was the strongest tire in the wet and dry half of the test. It resisted straight-line aquaplaning better than any tire here, summer reference included, was the best winter tire in curved aquaplaning, braked second-shortest of the winter tires in the wet and was the second-fastest winter tire on the wet handling course. On dry roads it was clearly the quickest winter tire in handling and braked well, and it was rated joint most comfortable and recorded the lowest pass-by noise.

−On snow the Hankook was competent rather than a leader: it sat mid-field for braking, traction and handling and was in the lower half of the field in the slalom. Its rolling resistance was only mid-pack.

2 owner reviews Test Results
Joint2nd

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

+The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was the best tire on snow. It stopped shortest, shared the highest traction with the Goodyear, held the second-most grip in the slalom and was joint second-fastest round the snow handling course. It also braked second-shortest of the winter tires on dry roads, resisted straight-line aquaplaning well and was rated joint most comfortable.

−In the wet the Michelin was solid rather than outstanding, behind the Pirelli and Hankook in wet braking and wet handling and the slowest of the tightly bunched group on the wet circle. It was also the most expensive set in the test.

33 owner reviews Test Results
Joint2nd

Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3

+The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 was the best winter tire in the wet. It braked shortest of the ten, was fastest on the wet handling course, marginally ahead even of the summer reference, led the winter tires on the wet circle and was second only to the Hankook among them in straight-line aquaplaning. It also had strong snow traction and one of the lowest pass-by noise readings.

−On dry roads the Pirelli was less convincing, in the lower half of the field for dry handling, and its snow braking was also in the lower half. Its rolling resistance was mid-pack.

5 owner reviews Test Results
4th

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

+The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was one of the two best tires on snow, sharing the highest traction with the Michelin, holding the most grip in the slalom, braking second-shortest and sharing second place on the snow handling course. It braked shortest of the winter tires on dry roads, shared the lowest rolling resistance, handled well on the wet track and was rated among the most comfortable.

−Its wet braking was only mid-field, and it was in the lower half of the field for both straight-line and curved aquaplaning.

15 owner reviews Test Results
5th

Bridgestone Blizzak 6

+The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 shared the lowest rolling resistance in the test with the Goodyear and was the second-fastest winter tire in dry handling. It braked well in the wet, third-best among the winter tires, and was solid on snow, with good traction and slalom grip.

−Its dry braking was in the lower half of the field, its wet handling was only mid-pack, and it recorded one of the higher pass-by noise readings.

9 owner reviews Test Results
6th

Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro

+The Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro was second only to the Pirelli among the winter tires on the wet circle, handled respectably in the wet and on dry roads, and had reasonable snow traction. Auto Bild's own noise grading rated it the quietest tire in the test, although the single pass-by measurement shown here puts it mid-field.

−The Falken had the longest dry braking of the winter tires and was in the lower half of the field for both straight-line and curved aquaplaning, the weakness that drew Auto Bild's safety penalty. It was also near the back in the snow slalom and had higher rolling resistance than most.

4 owner reviews Test Results
Joint7th

Linglong Sport Master Winter

+The Linglong Sport Master Winter was the fastest tire in the test on the snow handling course, braked third-shortest on snow and held the third-most grip in the snow slalom. On dry roads it handled and braked respectably, and all of this came at the second-lowest price in the test.

−In the wet the Linglong fell away: it was in the slower half on the wet handling course and the wet circle, in the lower half for wet braking, and second-worst in both straight-line and curved aquaplaning. It was also the loudest of the winter tires on the pass-by measurement, and its snow traction was below average.

4 owner reviews Test Results
Joint7th

Matador MP93 Nordicca

+The Matador MP93 Nordicca was fourth-fastest on the snow handling course, ahead of several premium tires, and was rated the most comfortable of the tires outside the top five. Its rolling resistance was mid-pack, and the set was one of the cheaper ones in the test.

−The Matador was below par in the wet, with slow times on the wet handling course and wet circle, long wet braking and early straight-line aquaplaning, which brought a safety penalty. On dry roads it was also among the slower tires in handling and braking, and its snow traction was among the weakest.

8 owner reviews Test Results
9th

Prinx Winter Excelia

+The Prinx Winter Excelia was the second-best winter tire in curved aquaplaning and mid-field in straight-line aquaplaning, had the third-lowest rolling resistance and recorded one of the lowest pass-by noise readings. On snow it was mid-field for braking and slalom grip.

−The Prinx was weak on wet roads, one of the two slowest tires on the wet handling course and the wet circle and with the second-longest wet braking, which led to a safety penalty. It was also the slowest tire in dry handling, braked poorly on dry roads, and its set price was high for its performance.

Read owner reviews Test Results
10th

Zeetex WH1000 SUV

+The Zeetex WH1000 SUV was the cheapest set in the test. On dry roads it was not the weakest, braking shorter than the Matador, Prinx and Falken and handling better than the Prinx.

−The Zeetex was the weakest winter tire in almost every test. Its wet braking was by far the longest in the test, it was last in wet handling, on the wet circle and in both aquaplaning tests, and on snow it was clearly last for braking, traction, handling and slalom. It also had the highest rolling resistance and was rated the least comfortable.

2 owner reviews Test Results

Tire shortlist

Compare selected tires

2026 Auto Bild Allrad SUV Winter Tire Test · 225/55 R18

TireHankook Winter I*cept Evo 4Michelin Pilot Alpin 5Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3Bridgestone Blizzak 6Falken EUROWINTER HS02 ProLinglong Sport Master WinterMatador MP93 NordiccaPrinx Winter ExceliaZeetex WH1000 SUV
Position1stJoint 2ndJoint 2nd4th5th6thJoint 7thJoint 7th9th10th
Category scores (% of best)
Dry99%98.8%97.7%99.4%97.4%96.4%97.8%96.2%95.8%96.1%
Wet98.7%96.2%99%95%96%94.4%92.2%93.3%91.5%85.7%
Snow97.4%99.4%97.4%99.4%97.1%94.6%97.4%95.5%95.8%87.4%
Comfort100%99.8%96.7%98.3%96.7%88.8%88.7%93.1%88.4%81.2%
Rolling Resistance87.2%88.3%87.2%100%100%84%85%87.2%93.2%81%
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Explore the complete results →

The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

Auto Bild has tested ten winter tires in 225/55 R18, a size fitted as standard or as an option to many compact and mid-size SUVs and crossovers, using a pair of BMW X1s. The snow tests were run at Hankook's Technotrac winter proving ground in Ivalo, Finland, and the wet and dry work at ATP Papenburg and Triwo Pferdsfeld in Germany. The field mixes the established premium brands with budget and lesser-known names, set prices run from 330 to 740 euros, and a premium summer tire was run alongside as a reference.

The new Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4 took the win as the most rounded tire of the ten, with the best aquaplaning resistance in the test and the quickest dry handling of the winter tires. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 and Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 shared second place, the Michelin the strongest tire on snow and the Pirelli the shortest-stopping and fastest-handling tire in the wet. All three earned Auto Bild's top "exemplary" verdict. The surprise was the Linglong Sport Master Winter, the second-cheapest set here and the fastest of all on the snow handling course, while the cheapest, the Zeetex WH1000 SUV, was rated poor for its wet and snow performance.

Test setup & methodology

The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.

Recorded test conditions

Recorded test conditions

Dry Braking
62.1 → 0.0 mph
Wet Braking
62.1 → 0.0 mph
Snow Braking
31.1 → 0.0 mph

The summer reference shows what a winter tire buys you. On snow it was barely drivable, managing less than a fifth of the Michelin's traction and needing around three times the distance to stop. On dry roads it braked more than 20 feet shorter than the best winter tire, and it led most of the wet tests too, though not all of them: the Pirelli edged it in wet handling and the Hankook resisted straight-line aquaplaning slightly longer. Auto Bild also marked five tires down under its safety rule, which adds a penalty when a tire scores poorly in a safety-relevant test, and for all five the worst of those results came on wet roads. This is our summary of the headline results; for every grade, the full scoring and Auto Bild's methodology, see the original test.

Snow

The Michelin stopped shortest on snow, with the Goodyear and the budget Linglong next. Second to fifth were separated by less than half a meter, and the Zeetex was clearly the weakest of the winter tires.

Snow Braking

Snow braking in feet (31 - 0 mph)

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 91 ft Best 0 mph
2Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 92 ft +1 ft 10 mph
3Linglong Sport Master Winter
 93 ft +2 ft 11 mph
4Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 93 ft +2 ft 13 mph
5Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 94 ft +3 ft 13 mph
6Prinx Winter Excelia
 95 ft +4 ft 16 mph
7Matador MP93 Nordicca
 95 ft +4 ft 17 mph
7Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 95 ft +4 ft 17 mph
9Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 96 ft +5 ft 19 mph
10Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 104 ft +13 ft 29 mph
RefReference Summer
 274 ft +183 ft 65 mph

The difference between best and worst was 201.1% (183 ft ≈ 12.4 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Zeetex WH1000 SUV would still be travelling at 29 mph when the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

The Michelin and Goodyear could not be separated for snow traction, with the Pirelli close behind. The Linglong, so strong under braking and through corners, was in the bottom three here, and the Zeetex was well adrift.

Snow Traction

Pulling Force in pounds-force

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 850 lbf Best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 850 lbf Best
3Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 842 lbf -8 lbf
4Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 827 lbf -23 lbf
5Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 825 lbf -25 lbf
6Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 809 lbf -41 lbf
7Prinx Winter Excelia
 807 lbf -43 lbf
8Linglong Sport Master Winter
 792 lbf -58 lbf
9Matador MP93 Nordicca
 785 lbf -65 lbf
10Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 712 lbf -138 lbf
RefReference Summer
 153 lbf -697 lbf

The difference between best and worst was 82% (697 lbf).

The Linglong was the fastest tire round the snow handling course, ahead of the Michelin and Goodyear, a strong result for the second-cheapest set in the test. The Zeetex was the slowest of the winter tires by a wide margin.

Snow Handling

Snow handling average speed

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Linglong Sport Master Winter
 26.7 mph Best
2Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 26.4 mph -0.3 mph
2Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 26.4 mph -0.3 mph
4Matador MP93 Nordicca
 26.3 mph -0.4 mph
5Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 26.2 mph -0.5 mph
6Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 26.0 mph -0.7 mph
7Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 25.9 mph -0.8 mph
8Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 25.8 mph -0.9 mph
9Prinx Winter Excelia
 25.5 mph -1.2 mph
10Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 24.2 mph -2.5 mph
RefReference Summer
 15.4 mph -11.3 mph

The difference between best and worst was 42.3% (11.3 mph).

In the snow slalom the Goodyear held the most lateral grip, with the Michelin and Linglong close behind, while the Falken and Zeetex were the weakest.

Snow Slalom

Lateral acceleration

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 13.8 ft/s² Best
2Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 13.7 ft/s² -0.1 ft/s²
3Linglong Sport Master Winter
 13.6 ft/s² -0.2 ft/s²
4Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 13.5 ft/s² -0.3 ft/s²
5Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 13.4 ft/s² -0.4 ft/s²
5Prinx Winter Excelia
 13.4 ft/s² -0.4 ft/s²
7Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 13.4 ft/s² -0.4 ft/s²
8Matador MP93 Nordicca
 13.3 ft/s² -0.5 ft/s²
9Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 12.7 ft/s² -1.1 ft/s²
10Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 12.2 ft/s² -1.6 ft/s²
RefReference Summer
 6.1 ft/s² -7.7 ft/s²

The difference between best and worst was 56.2% (7.7 ft/s²).

Wet

The Pirelli was the best wet braker of the winter tires, with the Hankook next, and only the summer reference stopped shorter. The Zeetex needed more than 43 feet further than the Pirelli to stop, by far the longest distance in the test, and the Prinx was also well behind the pack.

Wet Braking

Wet braking in feet (62 - 0 mph)

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestResidual speed
RefReference Summer
 137 ft -9 ft 0 mph
1Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 146 ft Best 0 mph
2Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 148 ft +2 ft 11 mph
3Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 154 ft +8 ft 18 mph
4Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 155 ft +9 ft 19 mph
5Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 158 ft +12 ft 22 mph
6Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 158 ft +12 ft 22 mph
7Matador MP93 Nordicca
 160 ft +14 ft 24 mph
7Linglong Sport Master Winter
 160 ft +14 ft 24 mph
9Prinx Winter Excelia
 166 ft +20 ft 28 mph
10Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 189 ft +43 ft 38 mph

The difference between best and worst was 37.2% (52 ft ≈ 3.5 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Zeetex WH1000 SUV would still be travelling at 38 mph when the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

The Pirelli was fastest round the wet handling course, a fraction quicker even than the summer reference, with the Hankook and Goodyear the next best winter tires. The Prinx and Zeetex were the slowest by a clear margin.

Wet Handling

Wet Handling Average Speed

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 53.0 mph Best
RefReference Summer
 52.9 mph -0.1 mph
2Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 52.4 mph -0.6 mph
3Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 52.2 mph -0.8 mph
4Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 52.0 mph -1.0 mph
5Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 51.7 mph -1.3 mph
6Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 51.6 mph -1.4 mph
7Matador MP93 Nordicca
 50.7 mph -2.3 mph
8Linglong Sport Master Winter
 49.9 mph -3.1 mph
9Prinx Winter Excelia
 48.7 mph -4.3 mph
10Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 48.0 mph -5.0 mph

The difference between best and worst was 9.4% (5 mph).

On the wet circle the Pirelli again led the winter tires, with the Falken, Goodyear, Hankook, Bridgestone and Michelin tightly grouped behind. The Linglong and Matador lost time here, and the Prinx and Zeetex were the slowest.

Wet Circle

Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
 15.79 s -0.32 s
1Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 16.11 s Best
2Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 16.33 s +0.22 s
3Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 16.34 s +0.23 s
4Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 16.35 s +0.24 s
4Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 16.35 s +0.24 s
6Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 16.36 s +0.25 s
7Linglong Sport Master Winter
 16.69 s +0.58 s
8Matador MP93 Nordicca
 16.81 s +0.70 s
9Prinx Winter Excelia
 17.18 s +1.07 s
10Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 17.29 s +1.18 s

The difference between best and worst was 9.5% (1.5 s).

The Hankook resisted straight-line aquaplaning longest of all, even slightly ahead of the summer reference, with the Pirelli and Michelin the next best. The Linglong and Zeetex were the first to float.

Straight Aqua

Float Speed in mph

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 51.6 mph Best
RefReference Summer
 51.3 mph -0.3 mph
2Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 50.3 mph -1.3 mph
3Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 50.1 mph -1.5 mph
4Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 49.0 mph -2.6 mph
5Prinx Winter Excelia
 48.8 mph -2.8 mph
6Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 48.5 mph -3.1 mph
7Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 48.0 mph -3.6 mph
8Matador MP93 Nordicca
 47.8 mph -3.8 mph
9Linglong Sport Master Winter
 47.2 mph -4.4 mph
10Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 45.9 mph -5.7 mph

The difference between best and worst was 11% (5.7 mph).

In curved aquaplaning the summer reference held on best, but the Hankook was close behind and the clear leader of the winter tires. The Prinx was second best of the winter tires here, while the Linglong and Zeetex kept the least grip.

Curved Aquaplaning

Remaining lateral acceleration

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
 12.1 ft/s² +0.3 ft/s²
1Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 11.8 ft/s² Best
2Prinx Winter Excelia
 10.8 ft/s² -1.0 ft/s²
3Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 10.5 ft/s² -1.3 ft/s²
4Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 10.2 ft/s² -1.6 ft/s²
4Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 10.2 ft/s² -1.6 ft/s²
6Matador MP93 Nordicca
 9.8 ft/s² -2.0 ft/s²
7Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 9.2 ft/s² -2.6 ft/s²
8Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 8.9 ft/s² -2.9 ft/s²
9Linglong Sport Master Winter
 8.5 ft/s² -3.3 ft/s²
10Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 7.9 ft/s² -3.9 ft/s²

The difference between best and worst was 35.1% (4.2 ft/s²).

Dry

The Hankook was the quickest winter tire on the dry handling course by some distance, closer to the summer reference than to the next winter tire, with the Bridgestone, Goodyear and Michelin following. The Zeetex and Prinx were the slowest.

Dry Handling

Dry Handling Average Speed

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
 71.5 mph +0.6 mph
1Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 70.9 mph Best
2Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 70.1 mph -0.8 mph
3Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 70.0 mph -0.9 mph
4Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 70.0 mph -0.9 mph
5Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 69.5 mph -1.4 mph
5Linglong Sport Master Winter
 69.5 mph -1.4 mph
7Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 69.3 mph -1.6 mph
8Matador MP93 Nordicca
 69.0 mph -1.9 mph
9Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 68.8 mph -2.1 mph
10Prinx Winter Excelia
 68.6 mph -2.3 mph

The difference between best and worst was 4.1% (2.9 mph).

The Goodyear stopped shortest of the winter tires on dry roads, with the Michelin and Hankook next, while the Matador, Prinx and Falken needed the most room. Every winter tire was a long way behind the summer reference.

Dry Braking

Dry braking in feet (62 - 0 mph)

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestResidual speed
RefReference Summer
 115 ft -21 ft 0 mph
1Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 136 ft Best 0 mph
2Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 137 ft +1 ft 9 mph
3Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 138 ft +2 ft 11 mph
4Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 139 ft +3 ft 12 mph
4Linglong Sport Master Winter
 139 ft +3 ft 12 mph
6Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 141 ft +5 ft 16 mph
7Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 142 ft +6 ft 18 mph
8Matador MP93 Nordicca
 143 ft +7 ft 18 mph
9Prinx Winter Excelia
 143 ft +7 ft 18 mph
10Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 143 ft +7 ft 18 mph

The difference between best and worst was 24.2% (28 ft ≈ 1.9 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro would still be travelling at 18 mph when the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Comfort

On the pass-by noise measurement at 50 mph the Hankook was the quietest tire, with the Pirelli and Prinx next, while the Linglong was the loudest of the winter tires and the summer reference the loudest of all. Auto Bild's own noise grades order the field differently and rate the Falken best, so see the original test for how those were scored.

Noise

External noise in dB

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 70.9 dB Best
2Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 71.1 dB +0.20 dB
2Prinx Winter Excelia
 71.1 dB +0.20 dB
4Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 71.2 dB +0.30 dB
5Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 71.8 dB +0.90 dB
6Matador MP93 Nordicca
 71.9 dB +1.00 dB
7Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 72 dB +1.10 dB
8Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 72.5 dB +1.60 dB
9Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 72.6 dB +1.70 dB
10Linglong Sport Master Winter
 73.7 dB +2.80 dB
RefReference Summer
 76.4 dB +5.50 dB

The difference between best and worst was 7.8% (5.5 dB).

Ride comfort was rated subjectively, the only dry-road score without a measurement of its own. The Hankook and Michelin were judged the most comfortable, with the Goodyear close behind, and the Zeetex the least comfortable.

Subj. Comfort

Subjective Comfort Score

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 9.6 Points Best
1Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 9.6 Points Best
3Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 9.4 Points -0.20 Points
4Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 9.2 Points -0.40 Points
5Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 9 Points -0.60 Points
6Matador MP93 Nordicca
 8.4 Points -1.20 Points
7Linglong Sport Master Winter
 7.8 Points -1.80 Points
8Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 7.6 Points -2.00 Points
9Prinx Winter Excelia
 7.4 Points -2.20 Points
10Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 6.2 Points -3.40 Points

The difference between best and worst was 35.4% (3.4 Points).

Value

The Goodyear and Bridgestone shared the lowest rolling resistance, with the Prinx third, and all three rolled more easily than the summer reference. The Zeetex had the highest rolling resistance. Tread wear was not part of this test, so there is no cost-per-distance comparison, but the set prices are listed in the results table.

Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance in kg t

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestExtra fuel / year
1Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 6.8 kg/t Best $0
1Bridgestone Blizzak 6
 6.8 kg/t Best $0
3Prinx Winter Excelia
 7.3 kg/t +0.50 kg/t $22
RefReference Summer
 7.4 kg/t +0.60 kg/t $26
4Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 7.7 kg/t +0.90 kg/t $39
5Matador MP93 Nordicca
 7.8 kg/t +1.00 kg/t $43
5Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
 7.8 kg/t +1.00 kg/t $43
5Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
 7.8 kg/t +1.00 kg/t $43
8Linglong Sport Master Winter
 8 kg/t +1.20 kg/t $52
9Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
 8.1 kg/t +1.30 kg/t $56
10Zeetex WH1000 SUV
 8.4 kg/t +1.60 kg/t $69

The difference between best and worst was 23.5% (1.6 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Zeetex WH1000 SUV uses about 19 gal ($69) more fuel than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 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.

Results

The Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4 wins as the most balanced tire of the ten, and it is also the least expensive of the three "exemplary" tires. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is the one to choose if you regularly face snow, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 is the pick for wet roads, and the Goodyear and Bridgestone are both rated good. Further down, the Falken, Linglong, Matador and Prinx each have at least one safety-relevant weakness, and the Zeetex, rated poor, is hard to recommend for wet or snowy roads. For Auto Bild's full results and scoring, read the original test.

1st

Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4

225/55 R18 102V XL
Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
Auto Bild Allrad Test Winner / Exemplary Testsieger / vorbildlich
The Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4 is the overall test winner and one of three tires Auto Bild rated exemplary. Its excellent wet and dry results outweigh merely average snow performance, and it was the least expensive of the three top-rated tires.
Dry99%
Wet98.7%
Snow97.4%
Comfort100%
Rolling Resistance87.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 better3rd / 10138 ft+2 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better1st / 1070.9 mphBest in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better2nd / 10148 ft+2 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better2nd / 1052.4 mph-0.6 mph
Wet CircleLower is better4th / 1016.35 s+0.24 s
Straight AquaHigher is better1st / 1051.6 mphBest in this discipline
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better1st / 1011.8 ft/s²Best in this discipline
Snow BrakingLower is better4th / 1093 ft+2 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better5th / 10825 lbf-25 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better5th / 1026.2 mph-0.5 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better7th / 1013.4 ft/s²-0.4 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better1st / 109.6 PointsBest in this discipline
NoiseLower is better1st / 1070.9 dBBest in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better5th / 107.8 kg/t+1.00 kg/t
EU Label
B/B/72
Origin
Hungary
Weight
11.8 kgs
Price
570.00
Joint 2nd

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

225/55 R18 102V XL
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
Auto Bild Allrad Exemplary vorbildlich
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 shares second place overall and is rated exemplary by Auto Bild. It is the tire to pick for drivers who regularly face snow, while its wet performance trails the very best.
Dry98.8%
Wet96.2%
Snow99.4%
Comfort99.8%
Rolling Resistance88.3%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 / 10137 ft+1 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better4th / 1070.0 mph-0.9 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better4th / 10155 ft+9 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better4th / 1052.0 mph-1.0 mph
Wet CircleLower is better6th / 1016.36 s+0.25 s
Straight AquaHigher is better3rd / 1050.1 mph-1.5 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better4th / 1010.2 ft/s²-1.6 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better1st / 1091 ftBest in this discipline
Snow TractionHigher is better1st / 10850 lbfBest in this discipline
Snow HandlingHigher is better2nd / 1026.4 mph-0.3 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better2nd / 1013.7 ft/s²-0.1 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better1st / 109.6 PointsBest in this discipline
NoiseLower is better4th / 1071.2 dB+0.30 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better4th / 107.7 kg/t+0.90 kg/t
EU Label
C/B/70
Origin
Spain
Weight
11.3 kgs
Price
740.00
Joint 2nd

Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3

225/55 R18 102V XL
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
Auto Bild Allrad Exemplary vorbildlich
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 shares second place overall and earned Auto Bild's exemplary verdict. It is the choice for drivers who mostly see cold, wet roads, with snow ability that is good if not class-leading.
Dry97.7%
Wet99%
Snow97.4%
Comfort96.7%
Rolling Resistance87.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 / 10139 ft+3 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better7th / 1069.3 mph-1.6 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better1st / 10146 ftBest in this discipline
Wet HandlingHigher is better1st / 1053.0 mphBest in this discipline
Wet CircleLower is better1st / 1016.11 sBest in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better2nd / 1050.3 mph-1.3 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better3rd / 1010.5 ft/s²-1.3 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better7th / 1095 ft+4 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better3rd / 10842 lbf-8 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better6th / 1026.0 mph-0.7 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better4th / 1013.5 ft/s²-0.3 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better5th / 109 Points-0.60 Points
NoiseLower is better2nd / 1071.1 dB+0.20 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better5th / 107.8 kg/t+1.00 kg/t
EU Label
C/A/72
Origin
Italy
Weight
11.2 kgs
Price
720.00
4th

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

225/55 R18 102V XL
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
Auto Bild Allrad Good gut
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished fourth overall with a good verdict. It is a top-tier snow tire with excellent dry braking and low rolling resistance, held back from the leaders by its aquaplaning and wet braking.
Dry99.4%
Wet95%
Snow99.4%
Comfort98.3%
Rolling Resistance100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 / 10136 ftBest in this discipline
Dry HandlingHigher is better3rd / 1070.0 mph-0.9 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better5th / 10158 ft+12 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better3rd / 1052.2 mph-0.8 mph
Wet CircleLower is better3rd / 1016.34 s+0.23 s
Straight AquaHigher is better6th / 1048.5 mph-3.1 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better7th / 109.2 ft/s²-2.6 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better2nd / 1092 ft+1 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better1st / 10850 lbfBest in this discipline
Snow HandlingHigher is better2nd / 1026.4 mph-0.3 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better1st / 1013.8 ft/s²Best in this discipline
Subj. ComfortHigher is better3rd / 109.4 Points-0.20 Points
NoiseLower is better5th / 1071.8 dB+0.90 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better1st / 106.8 kg/tBest in this discipline
EU Label
B/C/71
Origin
Poland
Weight
11.6 kgs
Price
720.00
5th

Bridgestone Blizzak 6

225/55 R18 102V XL
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
Auto Bild Allrad Good gut
The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 finished fifth overall with a good verdict. It is an efficient, safe all-rounder with no safety-relevant weakness, but it lacks the standout results of the tires ahead of it.
Dry97.4%
Wet96%
Snow97.1%
Comfort96.7%
Rolling Resistance100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 better6th / 10141 ft+5 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better2nd / 1070.1 mph-0.8 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better3rd / 10154 ft+8 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better6th / 1051.6 mph-1.4 mph
Wet CircleLower is better4th / 1016.35 s+0.24 s
Straight AquaHigher is better4th / 1049.0 mph-2.6 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better4th / 1010.2 ft/s²-1.6 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better5th / 1094 ft+3 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better4th / 10827 lbf-23 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better7th / 1025.9 mph-0.8 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better5th / 1013.4 ft/s²-0.4 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better4th / 109.2 Points-0.40 Points
NoiseLower is better9th / 1072.6 dB+1.70 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better1st / 106.8 kg/tBest in this discipline
EU Label
B/B/70
Origin
Poland
Weight
10.1 kgs
Price
660.00
6th

Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro

225/55 R18 102V XL
Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
The Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro finished sixth overall, rated satisfactory. It is consistent but rarely near the front, and its aquaplaning results cost it a safety penalty.
Dry96.4%
Wet94.4%
Snow94.6%
Comfort88.8%
Rolling Resistance84%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 / 10143 ft+7 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better5th / 1069.5 mph-1.4 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better6th / 10158 ft+12 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better5th / 1051.7 mph-1.3 mph
Wet CircleLower is better2nd / 1016.33 s+0.22 s
Straight AquaHigher is better7th / 1048.0 mph-3.6 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better8th / 108.9 ft/s²-2.9 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better9th / 1096 ft+5 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better6th / 10809 lbf-41 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better8th / 1025.8 mph-0.9 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better9th / 1012.7 ft/s²-1.1 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better8th / 107.6 Points-2.00 Points
NoiseLower is better7th / 1072 dB+1.10 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better9th / 108.1 kg/t+1.30 kg/t
EU Label
C/B/71
Origin
Turkey
Weight
11.2 kgs
Price
530.00
Joint 7th

Linglong Sport Master Winter

225/55 R18 102V XL
Linglong Sport Master Winter
The Linglong Sport Master Winter shares seventh place overall, rated satisfactory after a safety penalty for its wet handling. It is a strong snow tire for the money, but its wet-road weaknesses hold it back.
Dry97.8%
Wet92.2%
Snow97.4%
Comfort88.7%
Rolling Resistance85%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 / 10139 ft+3 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better5th / 1069.5 mph-1.4 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better7th / 10160 ft+14 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better8th / 1049.9 mph-3.1 mph
Wet CircleLower is better7th / 1016.69 s+0.58 s
Straight AquaHigher is better9th / 1047.2 mph-4.4 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better9th / 108.5 ft/s²-3.3 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better3rd / 1093 ft+2 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better8th / 10792 lbf-58 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better1st / 1026.7 mphBest in this discipline
Snow SlalomHigher is better3rd / 1013.6 ft/s²-0.2 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better7th / 107.8 Points-1.80 Points
NoiseLower is better10th / 1073.7 dB+2.80 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better8th / 108 kg/t+1.20 kg/t
EU Label
D/A/72
Origin
Serbia
Weight
11.8 kgs
Price
370.00
Joint 7th

Matador MP93 Nordicca

225/55 R18 102V XL
Matador MP93 Nordicca
The Matador MP93 Nordicca shares seventh place overall, rated satisfactory after a safety penalty. It handles well on snow, but its wet performance is well short of the leaders.
Dry96.2%
Wet93.3%
Snow95.5%
Comfort93.1%
Rolling Resistance87.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 / 10143 ft+7 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better8th / 1069.0 mph-1.9 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better7th / 10160 ft+14 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better7th / 1050.7 mph-2.3 mph
Wet CircleLower is better8th / 1016.81 s+0.70 s
Straight AquaHigher is better8th / 1047.8 mph-3.8 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better6th / 109.8 ft/s²-2.0 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better7th / 1095 ft+4 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better9th / 10785 lbf-65 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better4th / 1026.3 mph-0.4 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better8th / 1013.3 ft/s²-0.5 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better6th / 108.4 Points-1.20 Points
NoiseLower is better6th / 1071.9 dB+1.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better5th / 107.8 kg/t+1.00 kg/t
EU Label
D/C/72
Origin
Germany
Weight
10.5 kgs
Price
490.00
9th

Prinx Winter Excelia

225/55 R18 102V XL
Prinx Winter Excelia
The Prinx Winter Excelia finished ninth overall, rated satisfactory after a safety penalty for its wet handling. It holds up reasonably on snow but is one of the weaker choices for wet roads.
Dry95.8%
Wet91.5%
Snow95.8%
Comfort88.4%
Rolling Resistance93.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 / 10143 ft+7 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better10th / 1068.6 mph-2.3 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better9th / 10166 ft+20 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better9th / 1048.7 mph-4.3 mph
Wet CircleLower is better9th / 1017.18 s+1.07 s
Straight AquaHigher is better5th / 1048.8 mph-2.8 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better2nd / 1010.8 ft/s²-1.0 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better6th / 1095 ft+4 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better7th / 10807 lbf-43 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better9th / 1025.5 mph-1.2 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better5th / 1013.4 ft/s²-0.4 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better9th / 107.4 Points-2.20 Points
NoiseLower is better2nd / 1071.1 dB+0.20 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better3rd / 107.3 kg/t+0.50 kg/t
EU Label
C/B/72
Origin
Thailand
Weight
12 kgs
Price
530.00
10th

Zeetex WH1000 SUV

225/55 R18 102V XL
Zeetex WH1000 SUV
The Zeetex WH1000 SUV finished last and was rated poor by Auto Bild. Its low price does not make up for its wet and snow safety deficits, and it is hard to recommend.
Dry96.1%
Wet85.7%
Snow87.4%
Comfort81.2%
Rolling Resistance81%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 / 10142 ft+6 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better9th / 1068.8 mph-2.1 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better10th / 10189 ft+43 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better10th / 1048.0 mph-5.0 mph
Wet CircleLower is better10th / 1017.29 s+1.18 s
Straight AquaHigher is better10th / 1045.9 mph-5.7 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better10th / 107.9 ft/s²-3.9 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better10th / 10104 ft+13 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better10th / 10712 lbf-138 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better10th / 1024.2 mph-2.5 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better10th / 1012.2 ft/s²-1.6 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better10th / 106.2 Points-3.40 Points
NoiseLower is better8th / 1072.5 dB+1.60 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better10th / 108.4 kg/t+1.60 kg/t
EU Label
C/B/71
Origin
China
Weight
11.9 kgs
Price
330.00
Reference Tire

Reference Summer

225/55 R18
Reference Summer
The summer reference was run outside the classification to show what a winter tire gives and takes away. It is the better tire on dry and most wet roads, but on snow it is no match for any of the winter tires.
All discipline results (13)

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

TestResult
Dry BrakingLower is better115 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better71.5 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better137 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better52.9 mph
Wet CircleLower is better15.79 s
Straight AquaHigher is better51.3 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better12.1 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better274 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better153 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better15.4 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better6.1 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better76.4 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better7.4 kg/t

More tire tests

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All tire tests

Where these tires were tested again, and how the verdict held up.

More tire tests2026 Al Volante Winter Tire Test2026 Vi Bilagare Studded Tire Test2025 Friction Winter Tire Test2025 Autobild SUV Winter Tire TestAll tests: Winter Tires
Best tiresBest Winter TiresBest UHP Winter TiresBest Studless Winter TiresBest All Terrain [AT] Tires

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