“I have driven these tires for around 10 000 km, it was mild winter this year in the Baltics so not very much of testing for it. But mostly on wet roads it felt very nice, braking performance is really good. Noting to...”
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Replaces the WinterContact TS 850 P
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is a performance winter tire with strong wet and dry grip, a comfortable ride and generally assured snow handling. Snow traction and ice grip are less consistent, and it carries a high price.
The WinterContact TS 870 P has a strong record in independent tests, with several wins and particularly frequent praise for its dry handling and low rolling resistance. It generally brakes and corners well in the wet too, although one comparison found it well down the field. Owners are similarly confident in its wet and dry grip, and often describe the ride as quiet and comfortable. Snow handling is usually assured, while traction has ranged from excellent to below average in tests. Most owners who mention snow traction are positive, but a minority expected more.
Ice grip divides owners, so it is worth treating with caution in more severe winter conditions. Steering feel also gets mixed reactions, and aquaplaning resistance is not always among the best despite some strong results. Several owners report good tread life, although test estimates have been less consistent. The high price is another consideration. It suits drivers wanting a refined, capable Central European winter tire with strong road manners, rather than those whose priority is dependable grip on ice.
The quick answer
Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tire - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated November 2026.
- 35owner reviews
- 315,700miles driven
- 36professional tests
All Tests
View Test ResultsTested 36 times by independent publications, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P has taken 11 test wins with an average finish of 3rd.
Finishing position in each test
2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test P1 of 20
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P shares the test win and the top 'exemplary' verdict with the Michelin. It earned its place mainly in the wet, where Auto Bild rated it the best tire, backed by sharp dry handling and the best ride comfort. The main drawback is cost.
| Year | Test | Result | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 245/45 R19 | P1 / 20 | Testsieger / vorbildlich (Test Winner / Exemplary) |
| 2026 | 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Sportscars · 225/45 R18 | P4 / 12 | gut (Good) |
| 2026 | 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 SetsAuto Bild · 245/45 R19 | P2 / 50 | |
| 2026 | The BEST Winter Tires for 2026/27Tire Reviews · 205/55 R17 | P2 / 9 | Tested by Tire Reviews Highly Rec. |
| 2026 | 2026 Sport Auto Winter Tire TestSport Auto · 205/45 R17 | P1 / 9 | Testsieger / überragend (Test Winner / Outstanding) |
| 2026 | 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tire TestTeknikens Varld · 235/45 R18 | P1 / 6Central European Winter Tires | Bäst i test, mellaneuropeiska dubbfria (Best in Test, Central European) |
| 2025 | 2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tire TestTeknikens Varld · 235/45 R18 | P3 / 5Central European Winter Tires | |
| 2025 | 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire TestAuto Zeitung · 245/45 R19 | P5 / 10 | sehr empfehlenswert (Highly Recommended) |
| 2025 | 2025 Autobild SUV Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Sportscars · 235/50 R19 | P1 / 11 | vorbildlich (Exemplary) |
| 2025 | 2025 Autobild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/40 R18 | P7 / 20 | gut (Good) |
| 2025 | 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets!Auto Bild · 225/40 R18 | P13 / 51 | |
| 2025 | 2025 AMS Winter Tire TestAuto Motor Und Sport · 215/55 R17 | P1 / 10 | |
| 2025 | 2025 ADAC Winter Tire TestADAC · 225/40 R18 | P6 / 31 | |
| 2025 | 2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tire TestDie Reifentester · 215/55 R17 | P1 / 7 | |
| 2024 | 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Allrad · 245/45 R18 | P2 / 12 | |
| 2024 | 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Sportscars · 235/35 R19 | P3 / 10 | |
| 2024 | 2024 AS SUV Winter Tire TestAUTO Straßenverkehr · 235/55 R18 | P2 / 10 | |
| 2024 | 2024 All Season and Winter Tire TestAuto Zeitung · 215/55 R17 | P3 / 10 | |
| 2024 | 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire TestADAC · 215/55 R17 | P6 / 16 | |
| 2024 | The BEST Performance Winter Tires for 2024 / 2025Tire Reviews · 235/35 R19 | P4 / 6 | Tested by Tire Reviews Recommended |
| 2023 | 2023/24 Tire Reviews UHP Winter Tire TestTire Reviews · 255/40 R19 | P1 / 6 | Tested by Tire Reviews Highly Rec. |
| 2023 | 2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Allrad · 225/60 R18 | P1 / 10 | |
| 2023 | 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tire TestSport Auto · 225/40 R18 | P4 / 9 | |
| 2023 | 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Sportscars · 225/40 R18 | P3 / 11 | |
| 2023 | 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/45 R18 | P3 / 20 | |
| 2023 | 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire TestADAC · 205/60 R16 | P4 / 16 | |
| 2023 | 2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire TestTire Reviews · 235/60 R18 | P1 / 9 | Tested by Tire Reviews Highly Rec. |
| 2023 | 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking TestAuto Bild · 225/45 R18 | P7 / 54 | |
| 2023 | 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire TestTire Reviews · 225/45 R18 | P3 / 11 | Tested by Tire Reviews |
| 2023 | 2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire TestAuto Motor Und Sport · 255/45 R20 | P4 / 7 | |
| 2022 | 2022 Sports Car UHP Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Sportscars · 245/40 R19 | P3 / 9 | |
| 2022 | 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 215/55 R17 | P8 / 20 | |
| 2022 | 2022 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Allrad · 225/45 R19 | P2 / 10 | |
| 2022 | 2022 Winter Tire Market OverviewAuto Bild · 215/55 R17 | P2 / 56 | |
| 2022 | 2022 AMS Winter Tire TestAuto Motor Und Sport · 245/45 R19 | P1 / 8 | |
| 2021 | 2021 Tire Reviews Winter Tire TestTire Reviews · 225/40 R18 | P1 / 9 | Tested by Tire Reviews Winner |
On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict
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Videos
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Alternative Tires
View AllRunning Costs
View TestIn 245/45 R19, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is projected to cost €39.50 per 1,000 miles to buy and run - about €988 over 25,000 miles - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test.
Rim Protection
A clear protective rib standing proud of the rim. Useful cover for everyday parking.
- 225/45 R18Medium2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test
Dimensions & Label Scores
View AllSize Range148 sizes available
195-325Width30-70Profile16-23Rim86-116 Q-WLoad/
EU LabelAcross 148 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.
Fuel
Wet
Noise
70-75dB B
3PMSF on every size
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P in the wet?
How good is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P in the dry?
How good is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P in the snow?
How good is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P on ice?
How fuel efficient is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P?
More questions about the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P (13)
How many miles does the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P last?
What do owners say about the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P?
How much does the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P cost to run?
What is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P's EU tire label rating?
How comfortable and quiet are the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P?
How well do the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P wear, according to owners?
Would owners buy the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P again?
What do owners say about the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P's dry grip?
What do owners say about the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P's snow traction?
What do owners say about the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P's wet grip?
Does the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P have a rim protector?
What does the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P replace?
What sizes does the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P come in?
Owner Questions (1)
Ask a questionQuestions and Answers for the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
I have been Winter driving on Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 for a number of years and with living and working in the countryside they are good. Show more I have been Winter driving on Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 for a number of years and with living and working in the countryside they are good. However a new car has meant a move from 18" to 19" rims. The 19" rim has tire size of 225/35R19 fitted. There are not many UHP Winter tires in this size, particularly the Continental Winter Contact TS870P. The closest that is offered for this tire is a 235/35R19. This means that they are 10mm wider and possibly 3mm taller. What are the issues with fitting this slightly larger tire? Show less
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Owner Reviews
Review this tireWhat owners say summarised from 30 reviews
Owners rate the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P highly, with an average score of 85% across 30 reviews. Dry and wet grip draw consistent praise, as do low road noise and ride comfort. Snow traction earns more praise than criticism, although around one in seven owners report shortcomings. Views on ice grip are also divided, with a similar proportion critical. Several mid-life and end-of-life owners report good tread life, while the two repeat reviewers maintained similarly high scores at mid-life.
What owners mention most counted across 29 reviews
Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.
Owner ratings averaged from 35 ratings
- Owner score 85%
- Wet Grip 91%
- Comfort 88%
- Handling 87%
- Dry Grip 86%
- Wear 86%
- Snow Grip 86%
- Road Feedback 81%
- Ice Grip 76%
Featured reviews
“This was my second winter season with these rires. First seson I didn’t manage to test them a lot on snow. Second season I did and……..this tires almost killed me. The compaund was very hard and there was no grip at all...”
“I like the Continental WinterContact 870 P tires. I use them year-round, and they perform well overall. Their grip on ice is not as good as Nordic winter tires, but they still handle well when driven cautiously. They...”
All 29 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P reviews
- Nissan Qashqai
- 215/65 R16
- 9,000 miles
Excelent tires for dry, wet and snow. Only concern was when experiancing black ice once. Just slid past my house one time.
- Skoda Octavia
- 205/55 R17
- 12,000 miles
Wet Grip: 9/10
- Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring
- 235/40 R18
- 8,000 miles
I've driven the tires in the winter, but on roads devoid of snow and ice so I can't comment on that. They made me feel very secure, however, I have to say that they are far too sporty for my driving style and needs. They carry a lot of responsibility for my decision to buy the car, as they are very comfortable, quiet and make the car feel very surefooted and responsive in the dry and in the wet.
There is one gripe, though, they have absolutely no rim protection, so I blame them for all the scratching on my wheels. I would expect more from a tire of this class from a reputable brand, and, honestly, it is a strong enough reason (albeit the only one) for me not to buy them again. In every other aspect they are brilliant, they even equal summer tires in fuel consumption.
Which tires do you drive?
Researching the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P? Rate the tires you actually drive - and help the next buyer choose.
- Toyota RAV4
- 225/60 R18
- 30,000 miles
The tires have done well on mixed roads. Motorway, minor roads and forestry haul roads. I suspect they are too focused on winter for our climate. Snow is infrequent. All weather or all-season might be better for wet weather and warm summers.
They may have done 44,000 miles. I bought car with these tires on at 20,000 miles and they were not new then.
- Alfa Romeo Giulia q4 2.0T 280+
- 225/45 R18
- 15,000 miles
I am soon entering the fourth season with these tires, meaning I have put somewhere around 20000-25000 km on them now. They still have some life left in them, I have around 5,5mm of tread left.
Overall, I feel that these tires are working great in any condition I have encountered. Heavy rain, snow in the alps, they have always felt good and I never felt that they were unsafe. Even with heavy acceleration (my car has 280hp), they never lose traction or cause the traction control to activate.
Overall I am very happy with these tires and may very well buy them again, unless a better version comes out before replacement is needed.
-
Initial Impressions88% 5,000 milesThis is now the second season I'm using these tires. The first season saw quite a bit of long distance driving on highways etc, also at high speeds. They generally feel very good and comfortable at acceptable noise levels, especially since the roads here in Sweden are generally extremely loud. Where I live there isn't that much snow, but the weather in winter is often around freezing with a lot of wet roads, and the tires have behaved really well in these conditions, they are a joy to drive.
Even at high speeds (I've tried them up to 220 km/h), the car feels very stable on the road. After about 5000km, they have over 8mm of tread left, so I expect to get quite a few more seasons out of them. Overall a very good tire that I would happily buy again
- Citroën DS3
- 225/45 R17
- 20,000 miles
Still a great winter tire that do not suffer hot springtime days. Highly reccomended
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.9T V6 Quadrifoglio
- 285/40 R20
- 5,000 miles
This was my second winter season with these rires. First seson I didn’t manage to test them a lot on snow. Second season I did and……..this tires almost killed me. The compaund was very hard and there was no grip at all on snow and ice. They felt like summer tires in winter. Totally disapointed and will never buy any Continental products again. It was one of my favorite brands along with Michelin and Pirelli but not anymore. These tires have gone directly in the trash. Boight Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 now and these are proper winter tires. No comparison at all. Must say that the Continental was kept in the dry proper place when not in use, so I don’t have any fault for their miserable performance.
- Hyundai i20N
- 215/40 R18
- 10,500 miles
- Opel Insignia B
- 245/25 R18
- 20,000 miles
Dry handling/traction excellent.
Wear is OK,
Wet handling - all good
Ice/snow- I would say the weakest part of tire. Comfort fantastic - definetely quiter than summer Bridgestone Turanza t005…
Consumption - not so big diference to summer tire.
I have them on Opel Insignia- recommend to all!
- Skoda Octavia vRS
- 225/45 R18
- 10,500 miles
- BMW 528i Touring Sport
- 225/45 R17
- 15,000 miles
I did used them a lot in the rain, but yesterday had unexpected encounter with snow and they handled perfect! Really great stuff!
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 4x4 2023.
- 225/45 R17
- 5,000 miles
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