P6 of 16
Beat 67% of the field
Continental WinterContact TS 860 Test Results
Tested 32 times by independent publications, the Continental WinterContact TS 860 has taken 18 test wins with an average finish of 2nd. Its strongest discipline is Wet Braking, beating 87% of the field across 10 tests; its weakest is Dry Handling, at 61% across 6 tests.
- 32Independent tests
- 18Test wins
- 24Podium finishes
- 2ndAverage finish
- 86%Field beaten on average
- 9Publications
32 tests, 2016 to 2021
- Test win
- Second
- Third
- Average 86%
Record by discipline
Where the Continental WinterContact TS 860 finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tires. Field beaten is the share of the other tires it outranked in that measurement.
| Discipline | Tests | Avg finish | Field beaten | Firsts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | ||||
| Dry Braking | 9 | P5.2 of 13.7 | 63% | 1 |
| Dry Handling Weak | 6 | P6 of 15.8 | 61% | - |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 3 | P3 of 9.3 | 85% | 2 |
| Wet | ||||
| Wet Braking Strong | 10 | P3.2 of 16.7 | 87% | 3 |
| Wet Handling | 7 | P3 of 14.1 | 81% | 3 |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 2 | P2 of 12 | 89% | 1 |
| Straight Aqua | 9 | P3.1 of 13.6 | 87% | 4 |
| Snow | ||||
| Snow Braking | 10 | P4.5 of 15.3 | 74% | 2 |
| Snow Traction | 3 | P5.7 of 9.3 | 39% | - |
| Snow Handling | 7 | P4 of 13.9 | 74% | 1 |
| Subj. Snow Handling | 2 | P2 of 12 | 91% | - |
| Ice | ||||
| Ice Braking | 2 | P4.5 of 7 | 39% | - |
| Ice Traction | 2 | P5.5 of 7 | 28% | - |
| Ice Handling | 1 | P3 of 4 | 33% | - |
| Comfort | ||||
| Subj. Comfort | 2 | P3.5 of 12 | 76% | - |
| Noise | 7 | P4.6 of 14.1 | 76% | 2 |
| Value | ||||
| Wear | 3 | P8 of 20.3 | 64% | - |
| Value | 3 | P17.3 of 20.3 | 16% | - |
| Rolling Resistance | 9 | P4.8 of 13.7 | 64% | - |
Head-to-head record
Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Continental WinterContact TS 860. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
| Rival | Shared tests | Ahead | Behind | Level | Finished ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Hankook Winter i cept RS2
18 shared: 15 ahead, 1 behind
|
18 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 94% |
 Dunlop Winter Sport 5
18 shared: 15 ahead, 3 behind
|
18 | 15 | 3 | - | 83% |
 Nokian WR D4
16 shared: 16 ahead, 0 behind
|
16 | 16 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Pirelli Cinturato Winter
14 shared: 13 ahead, 1 behind
|
14 | 13 | 1 | - | 93% |
 Michelin Alpin 5
11 shared: 11 ahead, 0 behind
|
11 | 11 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Fulda Kristall Control HP2
11 shared: 11 ahead, 0 behind
|
11 | 11 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Goodyear UltraGrip 9
11 shared: 11 ahead, 0 behind
|
11 | 11 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Falken Eurowinter HS01
11 shared: 10 ahead, 1 behind
|
11 | 10 | 1 | - | 91% |
 Kleber Krisalp HP3
11 shared: 9 ahead, 2 behind
|
11 | 9 | 2 | - | 82% |
 Michelin Alpin 6
10 shared: 5 ahead, 5 behind
|
10 | 5 | 5 | - | 50% |
 Uniroyal MS+ 77
9 shared: 9 ahead, 0 behind
|
9 | 9 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Vredestein Snowtrac 5
9 shared: 9 ahead, 0 behind
|
9 | 9 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Kumho Winter Craft WP51
8 shared: 8 ahead, 0 behind
|
8 | 8 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Firestone Winterhawk 3
8 shared: 8 ahead, 0 behind
|
8 | 8 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
8 shared: 2 ahead, 5 behind
|
8 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 29% |
 Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 EVO
7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind
|
7 | 7 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind
|
7 | 7 | 0 | - | 100% |
 BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
7 shared: 4 ahead, 3 behind
|
7 | 4 | 3 | - | 57% |
 Continental AllSeasonContact
7 shared: 3 ahead, 1 behind
|
7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 75% |
 Bridgestone Blizzak LM001
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
|
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
Against its own line
The same record for the tire it replaced and the tire that replaced it.
| Tire | Tests | Wins | Avg finish | Field beaten |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental WinterContact TS 850 Predecessor | 31 | 21 | 2nd | 91% |
| Continental WinterContact TS 860 This tire | 32 | 18 | 2nd | 86% |
| Continental WinterContact TS 870 Successor | 21 | 13 | 2nd | 93% |
Performance Analysis
Drawn from 32 tests. Updated October 11, 2025.
Continental's WinterContact TS 860 is an elite winter tire with exceptional consistency across major European test bodies. With an average overall position of 2.1 over 32 tests and numerous test wins (Auto Bild 2016, 2017, 2019; ADAC 2017, 2018 x2; Auto Express 2016, 2017, 2018; AMS 2018; Auto Zeitung 2016; multiple shootout wins), it repeatedly demonstrates class-leading wet grip, excellent balance on snow, and strong all-round drivability. It often pairs high safety margins in the wet with competitive rolling resistance and, notably for a Continental winter tire, improved and sometimes top-tier wear results.
Weaknesses are comparatively minor and revolve around occasional average dry braking/handling positions and pricing/value, plus some variability on ice and certain snow traction sub-tests. Even in tougher fields (ADAC, Auto Bild), it remains top-tier overall, underlining a very high baseline performance.
Performance Strengths
-
Wet Weather Performance
Strong
Details
- 1st wet braking & 1st wet handling in 2018 AMS Winter (205/55 R16)
- 1st wet handling & 2nd wet braking in 2018 Auto Bild (195/65 R15)
- 1st wet braking, 1st wet handling, 1st aquaplaning in 2017 Auto Zeitung All Season vs Winter (205/55 R16)
- 2nd wet braking and strong wet handling/aqua in 2020 Auto Zeitung (205/55 R16)
- Auto Center 2019: 2nd wet braking, 1st aquaplaning
-
Overall Test Results & Awards
Strong
Details
- Multiple test wins: Auto Bild 2016 (1/20), 2017 (1/21), 2019 (1/21)
- ADAC overall wins: 2017 (1/16), 2018 (1/12 & 1/16)
- Auto Express overall wins: 2016 (1/8), 2017 (1/8), 2018 (1/10)
- AMS Winter 2018 overall 1/11; AZ Winter 2016 overall 1/14
- Auto Bild shootouts: 2016 (1/43), 2018 (1/52)
-
Snow Performance (balanced control)
Moderate
Details
- 2017 Auto Bild: 3rd snow handling, 5th snow braking
- 2018 Auto Bild: 1st wet handling with 5th snow braking and 8th snow handling (overall 2/22 shows balanced winter ability)
- 2019 Auto Center: 1st snow braking, 2nd subjective snow handling
- 2017 AZ All Season vs Winter: 2nd snow braking and 2nd snow handling
-
Noise/Comfort and Rolling Resistance
Moderate
Details
- 2017 AZ All Season vs Winter: 1st noise, 3rd rolling resistance
- 2018 Auto Bild: 3rd rolling resistance
- 2019 Auto Bild: 2nd noise, 9th rolling resistance (competitive)
-
Wear/Longevity
Moderate
Details
- 2016 Auto Bild: best wear on test (article mention)
- 2019 Auto Bild: 2nd wear (45920 km), article highlights improved Continental wear
-
Wet grip
Strong
in 13 of 22 tests
Details
Good in the wet, snow and ice
- 2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tire Test (2021)good grip in the snow and wet
- The Best Winter Tires for 2020 (2020)Excellent results on wet roads
- 2019 ADAC 185/65 R15 Winter Tire Test (2019)Best in the wet overall
- 2019 Auto Express All Season Tire Test (2019)excellent in the wet
- 2019 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2019)
-
Snow traction
Strong
in 13 of 22 tests
Details
Good in the wet, snow and ice
- 2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tire Test (2021)good grip in the snow and wet
- The Best Winter Tires for 2020 (2020)very strong in snow
- 2019 Auto Express All Season Tire Test (2019)good in snow
- 2019 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2019)Good results on dry roads and snow
- 2019 ADAC 185/65 R15 Winter Tire Test (2019)
-
Rolling resistance
Strong
in 10 of 22 tests
Details
Best driving characteristics in all conditions. Direct steering, stable cornering, low fuel use and excellent tread wear
- 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tire Test (2019)low fuel use
- 2019 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2019)low rolling resistance
- 2018 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2018)Low rolling resistance
- 2018 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2018)Very well balanced with top marks in the wet, low fuel consumption, especially good on snow
- 2018 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16 (2018)
-
Dry handling
Strong
in 8 of 22 tests
Details
Good handling in the dry and wet
- 2020 ACE Winter Tire Test (2020)Best in dry handling
- 2019 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2019)Best driving characteristics in all conditions. Direct steering, stable cornering, low fuel use and excellent tread wear
- 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tire Test (2019)safe in the dry
- 2018 AMS Winter Tire Test (2018)scored extremely well in the dry handling
- 2017 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2017)
Performance Weaknesses
-
Dry Braking/Handling Variability
Moderate
Details
- 2020 Auto Zeitung: 11th dry braking, 7th subjective dry handling
- 2019 Auto Center: 7th dry braking
- 2018 Auto Bild: 10th dry braking, 14th dry handling
- 2017 Auto Bild: 3rd dry braking but only 9th rolling resistance and average dry metrics context
-
Price/Value
Moderate
Details
- 2018 Auto Bild: Value 19/21 and Price 20/20 (expensive)
- 2017 Auto Bild: Value 17/20 (high price penalization)
- 2020 Auto Zeitung: Price 12/14
-
Ice Performance (traction/braking variability)
Minor
Details
- 2020 All Season vs Winter vs Nordic: 3rd ice braking (+42.9% from best) and 3rd ice traction (+67.3%)
- 2019 Auto Center: 6th ice braking, 8th ice traction
-
Aquaplaning Consistency
Minor
Details
- 2017 Auto Bild: 11th straight aquaplaning
- Other tests show strong aquaplaning (e.g., 2019 Auto Center 1st; 2017 AZ 1st), indicating inconsistency
-
Dry braking
Moderate
in 2 of 22 tests
Details
Weak in dry braking
- 2019 Auto Express All Season Tire Test (2019)Relatively weak dry braking
- 2016 AZ Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16 (2016)
-
Aquaplaning resistance
Moderate
in 2 of 22 tests
Details
The only weakness, a mid group aquaplaning result
- 2017 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2017)The only real weakness was aquaplaning, where it scored fifth and seventh overall
- 2016 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2016)
Do owners agree with the tests?
Every tester write-up on the Continental WinterContact TS 860 (22 tests) and 42 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.
Where owners and testers agree
- Snow traction strength in 13 of 22 tests 25 praise, 3 criticise of 42 reviews · Read those reviews
- Wet grip strength in 13 of 22 tests 25 praise, 1 criticise of 42 reviews · Read those reviews
- Dry handling strength in 8 of 22 tests 5 praise, 1 criticise of 42 reviews · Read those reviews
- Rolling resistance strength in 10 of 22 tests 3 praise, 0 criticise of 42 reviews · Read those reviews
- Wet handling strength in 7 of 22 tests 5 praise, 0 criticise of 42 reviews · Read those reviews
- Road noise strength in 2 of 22 tests 11 praise, 4 criticise of 42 reviews · Read those reviews
Raised by owners, not by any test of this tire
- High-speed stability no test mentions it 5 praise, 0 criticise of 42 reviews · Read those reviews
- Warm-weather behavior no test mentions it 1 praise, 3 criticise of 42 reviews · Read those reviews
Every test, newest first 32
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
2021 2 tests
P5 of 18
Beat 59% of the field
2020 5 tests
Not ranked
P3 of 19
Beat 22% of the field
P2 of 14
Beat 92% of the field
P4 of 9
Beat 63% of the field
2020 ACE Winter Tire Test
Recommended.
P7 of 15
Beat 57% of the field
2019 6 tests
P2 of 10
Beat 89% of the field
P2 of 12
Beat 91% of the field
P1 of 11
Beat 90% of the field
P1 of 20
Beat 100% of the field
2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tire Test
Test Winner
P5 of 53
Beat 91% of the field
P4 of 16
Beat 73% of the field
2019 ADAC 185/65 R15 Winter Tire Test
Excellent
2018 10 tests
P1 of 8
Beat 71% of the field
2018 Auto Express All Season Tire Test
A remarkable performance mixing strong snow ability with an excellent wet and dry performance.
P1 of 11
Beat 100% of the field
2018 AMS Winter Tire Test
Test winner.
P1 of 9
Beat 100% of the field
P1 of 12
Beat 100% of the field
P2 of 20
Beat 95% of the field
P1 of 9
Beat 88% of the field
P1 of 12
Beat 100% of the field
P1 of 16
Beat 100% of the field
P1 of 52
Beat 100% of the field
P4 of 10
Beat 33% of the field
2017 5 tests
P2 of 50
Beat 98% of the field
P1 of 20
Beat 100% of the field
2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
Exemplary.
P1 of 16
Beat 100% of the field
P1 of 8
Beat 100% of the field
2017 Auto Express Winter Tire Test
The winner of the 2016 Auto Express winter tire test wins again. Not the strongest tire on snow, but close enough, the WinterContact TS860 once again shone in the wet, winning all three wet grip tests, and scored extremely well in the dry handling and dry braking tests. The only weakness, a mid group aquaplaning result.
P1 of 11
Beat 90% of the field
2016 4 tests
P1 of 8
Beat 100% of the field
2016 Auto Express Winter Tire Test
Another test, and another win for the new Continental WinterContact TS860. Somehow the newcomer managed to be the best tire in dry handling, wet handling, wet braking, had the lowest fuel use AND lowest cabin noise. While it wasn't the best tire in the snow, it was close enough, taking second place in snow braking and third place in snow handling. The only real weakness was aquaplaning, where it scored fifth and seventh overall. The best winter tire of the test, and a more of an "all season" tire than the all season tire.
P1 of 20
Beat 100% of the field
P1 of 49
Beat 100% of the field
P1 of 14
Beat 100% of the field
Back to the Continental WinterContact TS 860 overview
Owner reviews, sizes and EU label data, comparisons and the Tire Reviews score. All Continental tires