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Continental WinterContact TS 870 View Gallery (8)
155-225/40-70 R14-19 89 sizes Winter rated
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Continental WinterContact TS 870

Previous Continental Tires Premium Touring Winter

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is a premium touring winter tire that excels in real-world wet weather and mixed winter conditions. Both drivers and independent tests consistently highlight its outstanding wet grip, short braking distances and strong aquaplaning resistance, giving a very secure, confidence-inspiring feel. It also delivers reassuring traction in typical Central European snow while staying comfortable and quiet on everyday roads.

9.2
Tire Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
High Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
88%
Wet Grip
94%
Road Feedback
74%
Handling
82%
Wear
87%
Comfort
87%
Buy again
87%
Snow Grip
84%
Ice Grip
75%
22 Reviews
84% Average
88,321 miles driven
18 Tests (avg: 2nd)
Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870

Winter Premium
BETA
9.2 / 10
Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews · High Confidence · Updated 23 Feb 2026

The Tire Reviews Score is the most comprehensive tire scoring system available. It aggregates professional test data from multiple independent publications, user reviews, and consistency analysis using Bayesian statistical methods, weighted normalisation, and recency-adjusted scoring to produce a single, reliable performance rating.

Learn more about our methodology
Category Scores
Wet
88.8
1.93x / 45 tests
Snow
81.5
1.5x / 35 tests
Comfort
80.4
0.32x / 12 tests
Dry
79.7
1.13x / 20 tests
Value
79.7
0.42x / 24 tests
Ice
64.1
1.2x / 6 tests
Cross-Category Performance

Cross-category scores are derived metrics that combine data from multiple test disciplines to evaluate real-world performance characteristics.

Handling
83.1
34 tests
Braking
82.9
38 tests
Traction
75.9
11 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 19
Publications: 8
Period: 2020 - 2025
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 22
Avg Rating: 84.1%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.53
History Points: 10
Methodology & Configuration
Scoring Process
  1. Collect Test Data: Gather results from professional tire tests across multiple publications. Minimum 1 test(s) required.
  2. Normalize Positions: Convert test positions to percentile scores using exponential weighting (factor: 1.2).
  3. Apply Recency Weighting: More recent tests are weighted higher with a decay rate of 0.95.
  4. Incorporate User Reviews: Factor in user review data (minimum 5 reviews). Weight: 15%.
  5. Bayesian Smoothing: Apply Bayesian prior (score: 7, weight: 1.5) to prevent extreme scores with limited data.
  6. Calculate Final Score: Combine all components using normalization factor of 1.1. Max score with limited data: 9.5.
Component Weights
Test Data
80%
User Reviews
15%
Consistency
5%
All Configuration Parameters
ParameterValueDescription
safety_weight 0.7 Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
performance_weight 0.55 Weight multiplier for performance metrics
comfort_weight 0.4 Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
value_weight 0.45 Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
user_reviews_weight 0.15 How much user reviews contribute to the final score
test_data_weight 0.8 How much professional test data contributes to the final score
consistency_weight 0.05 How much score consistency contributes to the final score
recency_decay_rate 0.95 Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
min_test_count 1 Minimum number of professional tests required
min_review_count 5 Minimum number of user reviews required
score_version 1.9 Current version of the scoring algorithm
score_normalization_factor 1.1 Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
confidence_factor_weight 0.2 How much data confidence affects the final score
position_penalty_weight 0.2 Penalty applied for poor test positions
gap_penalty_threshold 12 Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
min_metrics_count 2 Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
limited_data_threshold 2 Number of tests below which data is considered limited
single_test_penalty 0.75 Score multiplier when only one test is available
critical_metric_penalty 0.7 Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
critical_metric_threshold 70 Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
position_exponential_factor 1.2 Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
position_exponential_threshold 0.9 Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
gap_multiplier_critical 3 Multiplier for critical gap penalties
max_category_weight 2 Maximum weight any single category can have
max_score_limited_data 9.5 Score cap when data is limited
bayesian_prior_weight 1.5 Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
bayesian_prior_score 7 Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
evidence_test_multiplier 1.9 Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
evidence_metric_divisor 3 Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
evidence_review_divisor 10 Divisor for review count in evidence calculation
combined_penalty_floor 0.2
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
2025 TUV Test of Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 vs Rivals TUV 2025 2/5 8 metrics
The Best Snow Tires for 2025/26 Tire Reviews 2025 205/55 R16 7/7 20 metrics
2025 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express 2025 225/45 R17 1/8 11 metrics
2024 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express 2024 205/55 R16 1/7 0 metrics
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2024 205/55 R16 1/23 15 metrics
The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 Teknikens Varld 2024 225/50 R17 1/17 0 metrics
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test ADAC 2024 205/55 R16 1/12 12 metrics
2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test Auto Bild 2024 205/55 R16 8/55 2 metrics
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test ADAC 2023 225/45 R17 1/15 13 metrics
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test Tire Reviews 2022 205/55 R16 7/9 20 metrics
2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 ADAC 2022 185/65 R15 1/15 0 metrics
2022 ADAC SUV Winter Tire Test - 215/60 R16 ADAC 2022 215/60 R16 1/17 0 metrics
2022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test Tire Reviews 2022 225/45 R17 2/9 16 metrics
2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test Auto Zeitung 2022 225/45 R17 1/8 16 metrics
2021 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express 2021 225/45 R17 2/8 0 metrics
2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2021 205/55 R16 1/22 15 metrics
2021 AMS Winter Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2021 195/55 R16 2/10 12 metrics
2021 Winter Tire Market Overview Auto Bild 2021 205/55 R16 4/49 2 metrics
2020 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express 2020 205/55 R16 1/9 0 metrics

Videos

I Tested the BEST Snow Tires for 2025/26

I Tested the BEST Snow Tires for 2025/26

The BEST Tires for Snow & Ice Tested! Nokian vs Michelin vs Continental vs Yokohama vs Cooper + more

The BEST Tires for Snow & Ice Tested! Nokian vs Michelin vs Continental vs Yokohama vs Cooper + more

The BEST 10 Winter Tires for 2022/23 Tested and Rated!

The BEST 10 Winter Tires for 2022/23 Tested and Rated!

In Depth Tire Comparisons
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Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870
Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Hankook Winter I cept RS3
Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Hankook Winter I cept RS3
All Tests
View Test Results
18
Tests
2nd
Average
1st
Best
8th
Worst
Latest Tire Test Results
2025 TUV Test of Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 vs Rivals
• 2025
2nd/5
2025 Auto Express Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17 • 2025
1st/8
Auto Express praises the Continental for winning across the snow, wet and dry disciplines and for its “lovely feel,” calling it an “exceptional, unbeatable winter tire”. Its blend of grip and refinement makes it a benchmark despite a relatively high price.
2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test
205/55 R16 • 2024
8th/55
Size Fuel Wet Noise
14 inch
175/65 R 14 82 T C C 71
175/65 R 14 86 T XL C C 71
175/65 R 14 82 T D C 69
175/65 R 14 82 T D B 70
185/60 R 14 82 T D B 70
165/70 R 14 81 T D C 69
185/70 R 14 88 T C B 69
175/65 R 14 86 T XL C B 69
165/70 R 14 85 T XL C C 69
15 inch
195/65 R 15 91 T C B 70
195/65 R 15 91 T C B 70
185/65 R 15 88 T C B 70
185/65 R 15 92 T XL C B 70
195/65 R 15 91 T C B 70
195/65 R 15 91 H C B 70
195/65 R 15 95 T XL C B 70
195/55 R 15 85 H C B 70
195/55 R 15 85 T C B 70
195/65R15 91 T C B 70
195/65R15 91 T C B 70
195/65R15 91 T C B 70
16 inch
215/60 R 16 99 H XL C B 72
205/55 R 16 91 T C B 70
205/55 R 16 91 H C B 70
205/55 R 16 94 V XL C B 70
205/55 R 16 94 H XL C B 70
205/60 R 16 92 T C B 70
215/60 R 16 95 H C B 70
215/60 R 16 95 H C B 70
205/55 R 16 91 H C B 70
205/55 R 16 91 T C B 70
205/60 R 16 96 H XL C B 70
205/60 R 16 96 H XL C B 70
205/55 R 16 94 V XL C B 70
205/55 R 16 94 H XL C B 70
205/55R16 91 H C B 70
17 inch
225/45 R 17 91 H C B 70
225/45 R 17 94 V XL C B 70
225/45 R 17 94 H XL C B 70
225/50 R 17 98 H XL C B 70
225/50 R 17 98 V XL C B 70
215/45 R 17 91 H XL C B 70
215/45 R 17 91 V XL C B 70
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Continental WinterContact TS 870 >>

Questions and Answers for the Continental WinterContact TS 870

Ask a question
August 10, 2022

Hello! Need a littel help from the experts, i have a 2022 Hyundai Kona and i need to fit it with winter tires, (205/60 r16) What should i buy the 870 or the 870P? Who is better in the snow/ wet snow district?

I would buy the TS870, not the P as that is more performance orientated.
October 16, 2025

The VikingContact 8 from your latest tests is somewhat merged/linked into the results of the TS870. That does not seem to be correct, does it?

The TS870 was a reference tire for that test, so was part of the test. It's an interesting view to how it performs against it's more snow focused brother.
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Review Summary

Based on 21 user reviews

Drivers of the Continental WinterContact TS 870 overwhelmingly praise its exceptional wet grip and braking, superb aquaplaning resistance, and confident dry-road handling for a winter tire. Comfort and low noise are frequently highlighted, and many report strong traction in fresh or soft snow. A minority note that traction can be weaker on hard-packed snow or ice-particularly on steep hills or heavier vehicles-compared to expectations. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most users feeling safe and confident in varied winter conditions.

Strengths
  • Excellent wet grip and braking
  • Very good aquaplaning resistance
  • Good dry grip and stable handling for a winter tire
  • Comfortable and quiet ride
  • Strong traction and confidence in fresh/soft snow
Areas for Improvement
  • Traction can be weaker on hard-packed snow or ice
  • Especially on steep hills or heavier vehicles

Top 3 Continental WinterContact TS 870 Reviews

Given 80% while driving a Mazda Mazda2 Sport (185/60 R16) on mostly motorways for 0 miles
Mounted today, they replace the factory Toyo Pxs R55A summer tires for the winter. Obviously I didn't push them to the limit, I drove very carefully and smoothly, I can only say that the car became slightly noisier, which is quite normal for thermals, but the steering didn't seem to have become much more "empty" compared to the summer ones, in fact, it was very direct even on the centre. Always choose premium tires, it's worth it. I will update my review soon.
Continental WinterContact TS 870 image
Helpful 1023
October 31, 2024
Given 41% while driving a Smart Fortwo EQ (185/50 R16) on a combination of roads for 200 easy going miles
I replaced the TS860s I had for these TS870 in my Smart EQ. A very bad tire IMHO. My electric range has reduced in at least 10%. Feedback is non existent. On hard snow it has absolutely no grip. On dry it is very good but what’s the point if it is very bad in snow and wet?
Helpful 912
November 23, 2024
Given 94% while driving a Mazda 2 1.5 sport (185/60 R16) on for 3,000 easy going miles
Third review after about 3000km, tested today on both fresh and compact snow, even on ice. Climbs, descents, tight curves, nothing complicated, the tire simply makes you drive as if you were on dry. Even on ice, uphill and downhill the car never had any difficulty, except on one climb where I had to deactivate the traction control, after which I immediately went up. On wet, already at 9-10 degrees the tire is excellent, but with temperatures of 4-5 degrees and sleet with wet asphalt, the car goes even better, even driving aggressively, the tire simply keeps you glued to the asphalt, incredible
Continental WinterContact TS 870 image
Helpful 841
December 25, 2024

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Latest Continental WinterContact TS 870 Reviews

Given 90% while driving a SEAT Leon ST 1.5 TSI (205/55 R16) on for 3,500 miles
This is my first time using Continental winter tires. I wanted to try them because reviews highlight them as some of the best on the market, and I have to say they're very good in both dry and wet conditions. I've had the opportunity to test them in light, fresh snow as well as deeper snow, and the grip has been excellent, inspiring a lot of confidence and security.
\r\nOn long highway journeys in the rain, the feeling of safety and grip is great, even when driving at high speeds.
It's a comfortable and quite quiet tire.
The purchase price is quite reasonable, at least for the price of my car, and it stands out from other premium brands that are clearly more expensive.
Without a doubt, a highly recommended option, a safe bet.
Continental WinterContact TS 870 image
Helpful 79
January 9, 2026
Given 84% while driving a Fiat Panda 4 x4 (185/65 R15) on mostly country roads for 300 easy going miles
These are the first set of tires I have tried on this car, but I find their confidence inspiring in the wet and good in ice . Still to try in full snow but the small amount of snow running has been great. Dry grip is fine and I find the tire is comfortable and quite enough . I would definitely recommend and buy these again. I like Conti product but am very impressed with these good effort from Continental.
Helpful 161
December 1, 2025
Check out how the BEST all seasons tires perform against premium summer and winter tires!
Given 79% while driving a Audi A4, 1.8 TFSI 170 (225/50 R17) on mostly country roads for 10,000 spirited miles
Overall very good tire. Good grip in all conditions, especially in the wet compared to my hankook ventus s1 evo 3 summer tires.
Like i expected it to be with a slightly higer sidewall, the car swings around a bit more but its never unsafe or scary. Just not very sporty.

I have a whistling noise from the tires when driving in the wet, but its not disturbing.
Helpful 156
December 1, 2025
Given 97% while driving a Volkswagen Golf 1.9 Tdi (195/65 R15) on a combination of roads for 13,511 average miles
Excellent tire. Whether it's dry, rain or snow you can be sure that it won't let you down. I'll definitely buy them again.
This is data for three seasons:

2022./2023. - 11.516 km
2023./2024. - 3.835 km
2024./2025. - 6.393 km

Total = 21.744 km (13.511 miles)
Helpful 256
September 29, 2025
Given 90% while driving a Mazda 2 1.5 sport (185/60 R16) on a combination of roads for 0 easy going miles
After 600km, the car on dry maintains an excellent driving feeling and excellent grip, very precise and direct steering despite being thermal. But on wet... These tires are something spectacular, never tried tires like this before on any car tested. On smooth and very wet asphalt, with temperatures of 9-10°c, the car enters the curve at high speeds without ever losing grip, never feeling the tire at the limit. Tried to brake from 80kmh to 0, not even the ABS came in, the car is simply stuck to the ground despite the very cold, slippery and wet surface. I don't know how else to describe these tires, they are perfect.
Continental WinterContact TS 870 image
Helpful 811
November 14, 2024
Given 90% while driving a SEAT Ibiza 1.0 TSI 115 (215/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 6,200 average miles
This was my first winter on these tires. They replaced the Conti Winter Contact 850P, that lasted 5 winters and nearly 50000 km on italian country roads. I hadn't had the chance to drive on snow and ice during last winter, so I can't say anything about it.
I can say that 870 are more sport tourer oriented than the 850P and have a very good progressiveness. As for the previous 850P, on dry surfaces the grip is good, on wet the grip is excellent, wear is really good as well as fuel consumption. The price is quite high but Continental Winter tires are always worthy from my experience. Comfort: the sidewall is a little bit stiffer than 850P, a very little noise on wet surface can be noticed. I would recommend these tires.
Helpful 885
May 12, 2024
Given 76% while driving a Volvo S80 2.4 petrol (185/65 R15) on a combination of roads for 500 easy going miles
Bought these as a lot of reviews recommended them and they were on sale. I am a bit disappointed to be honest - dry and wet grip is great and even in harder turns it never lost grip. BUT in snow and ice it is no better than a lot of the cheaper tires i have tried. Have had wheel spin several times when driving off on snow/ice (and no, i do NOT have a lead-foot). My pair of Fulda Kristall Montero 3 i had previously were far better in that regard.
There is very little tire noise. Fuel consumption seems to be about average.

I paid about 67 euro for each TS 870 which was very cheap. I would probably buy the Fulda again rather than the Conti.
Helpful 1024
January 9, 2024
Saab Automobile SAAB 9 3 OG Coupe 2.3T (195/65 R15) on mostly motorways for 0 average miles
195/65 R15 91T tire weight is 7.85kg. Made in Romania.
Helpful 964
November 16, 2023
Given 97% while driving a Skoda (205/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 6,000 average miles
Very impressive tire. It performs excellent in virtually every category, whatever condition. It is very comfortable but still very precise with clear feedback. Excellent in the dry and wet - unforunately there was not much opportunity to test ist on snow and ice since there was none... so, I have to skip that part for a later review. But for now I think this is the best tire I have ever had. It seems Continental really managed to make a tire that has not any flaws whatsoever and outperforms in every category.
Helpful 1120
April 29, 2023
Given 69% while driving a Volkswagen (B8) 1.4 TSI (150 Hp) DSG ACT (185/65 R15) on a combination of roads for 5,000 average miles
it was really nice, but on the hard snow, hill climbing is not really good, I am not sure about any other tires that can climb, all roads was good but I can park my to my home because it can't climb the %20-30 hill to my home
Helpful 1203
April 18, 2023
Given 87% while driving a Mazda 3 2020 Skyactive X (205/60 R16) on mostly motorways for 10,000 average miles
They seem to work well in all conditions I threw at them in and around Czech Republic. Perfect in snowy conditions in the mountains as well as in the wet. Road feedback and dry grip is good for a winter tire. Wear seems to be pretty good, with 6+ and 8 mm tread depth left after 2 seasons (fronts and rears swapped every year, but one pair got worn down a bit more this year). I'd buy these again as they seem to be a perfect combination for most winter conditions around Europe.
Helpful 951
April 14, 2023
Given 83% while driving a Volkswagen Golf MK6 1.6 tdi (205/55 R16) on mostly motorways for 12,000 average miles
In the wet the car is really confident, even if temperatures drop below 0C degrees Or during snow or mud on the road surface. Dry road grip is excellent, but in high speed corners it can give you the feeling like the car losing its grip. Tested on icy snow and grip was expected from the tests and reviews.
Helpful 857
February 11, 2023
Rate the Continental WinterContact TS 870