Tested 21 times by independent publications, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 has taken 13 test wins with an average finish of 2nd. Its strongest discipline is Curved Aquaplaning, beating 89% of the field across 15 tests; its weakest is Ice Braking, at 54% across 6 tests.
2026 AvD Winter Tire Test P4 of 15
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 finished fourth and is rated very good. It is a balanced, safe premium winter tire with strong wet and dry grip and good efficiency, held back only by its cost per kilometer.
Where the Continental WinterContact TS 870 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 | 17 | P5 of 12 | 61% | 3 |
| Dry Handling | 11 | P4.1 of 11.4 | 65% | 2 |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 4 | P1.5 of 7.8 | 94% | 3 |
| Wet | ||||
| Wet Braking | 19 | P4.1 of 16.2 | 78% | 4 |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 3 | P1.7 of 14.7 | 96% | 2 |
| Wet Handling | 12 | P2.8 of 10.8 | 82% | 4 |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 4 | P1.8 of 7.8 | 91% | 3 |
| Wet Circle | 6 | P3.8 of 13.7 | 75% | 1 |
| Straight Aqua | 16 | P2.3 of 11.8 | 85% | 5 |
| Curved Aquaplaning Strong | 15 | P2 of 12.3 | 89% | 9 |
| Snow | ||||
| Snow Braking | 19 | P4.1 of 14.4 | 69% | 5 |
| Snow Traction | 16 | P5.5 of 11.9 | 56% | 1 |
| Snow Handling | 12 | P3.7 of 10.8 | 68% | 4 |
| Subj. Snow Handling | 4 | P5.5 of 8.3 | 38% | 1 |
| Snow Circle | 1 | P5 of 9 | 50% | - |
| Snow Slalom | 2 | P6 of 15 | 47% | - |
| Ice | ||||
| Ice Braking Weak | 6 | P5.2 of 12.5 | 54% | 2 |
| Ice Traction | 2 | P7.5 of 8 | 6% | - |
| Ice Handling | 2 | P8 of 8 | 0% | - |
| Subj. Ice Handling | 2 | P7 of 8 | 17% | - |
| Comfort | ||||
| Subj. Comfort | 3 | P3.3 of 8.3 | 68% | - |
| Noise | 15 | P3.8 of 12.3 | 74% | 3 |
| Value | ||||
| Wear | 7 | P5.1 of 16.3 | 71% | 1 |
| Value | 6 | P12 of 16.8 | 28% | - |
| Rolling Resistance | 13 | P3.8 of 11 | 66% | 1 |
| Fuel Consumption | 4 | P4.8 of 14.8 | 75% | 1 |
| Abrasion | 4 | P5.8 of 14.8 | 66% | - |
Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Continental WinterContact TS 870. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
| Rival | Shared tests | Ahead | Behind | Level | Finished ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Michelin Alpin 6
14 shared: 13 ahead, 1 behind
Compare with Alpin 6 |
14 | 13 | 1 | - | 93% |
 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
11 shared: 10 ahead, 1 behind
Compare with UltraGrip Performance 3 |
11 | 10 | 1 | - | 91% |
 Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
11 shared: 6 ahead, 4 behind
Compare with Blizzak LM005 |
11 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 60% |
 Hankook Winter I cept RS3
10 shared: 10 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Winter I cept RS3 |
10 | 10 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Vredestein Wintrac
10 shared: 10 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Wintrac |
10 | 10 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Dunlop Winter Sport 5
9 shared: 7 ahead, 1 behind
Compare with Winter Sport 5 |
9 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 88% |
 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
8 shared: 7 ahead, 1 behind
Compare with Cinturato Winter 2 |
8 | 7 | 1 | - | 88% |
 Bridgestone Blizzak 6
7 shared: 6 ahead, 1 behind
Compare with Blizzak 6 |
7 | 6 | 1 | - | 86% |
 Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
|
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
 BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
|
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Giti GitiWinterW2
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
|
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Kleber Krisalp HP3
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
|
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Michelin Alpin 7
6 shared: 5 ahead, 1 behind
Compare with Alpin 7 |
6 | 5 | 1 | - | 83% |
 Sava Eskimo HP2
5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind
|
5 | 5 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Falken Eurowinter HS01
5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind
|
5 | 5 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Fulda Kristall Control HP2
5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind
|
5 | 5 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Barum Polaris 5
5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind
|
5 | 5 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind
|
5 | 5 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Firestone Winterhawk 4
5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind
|
5 | 5 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Nokian WR Snowproof
5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind
|
5 | 5 | 0 | - | 100% |
The same record for the tire it replaced and the tire that replaced it.
| Tire | Tests | Wins | Avg finish | Field beaten |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental WinterContact TS 860 Predecessor | 32 | 18 | 2nd | 86% |
| Continental WinterContact TS 870 This tire | 21 | 13 | 2nd | 93% |
Drawn from 25 tests. Updated October 13, 2026.
Across 25 independent tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 repeatedly shows up as a top-tier Central European winter tire with a clear bias towards wet-road safety and all-round balance. Overall results are consistently strong (average placing 2.8), including multiple wins (e.g. 1st/12 in the 2024 ADAC 16" test, 1st/16 in the 2026 ADAC 185/65 R15 test, 1st/20 in the 2024 Auto Bild winter test and 1st/11 in the 2026 Auto Express winter test) and a "Highly recommended" award in the 2022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2nd/9). The most repeatable pattern is wet performance: outright wet braking wins in ADAC (2024 16" and 2026 225/50 R17: 1st in wet braking, plus 1st on wet concrete) and frequent top-2/3 wet handling outcomes (e.g. 1st/8 wet handling, 2025 Auto Express winter; 2nd/13 wet handling, 2026 Auto Express winter) back up testers' comments such as “strongest tire in the field in the wet”. Aquaplaning is another recurring highlight (e.g. 1st/15 straight and curved aquaplaning in 2023 ADAC; 1st/12 curved aquaplaning in 2024 ADAC; 2nd/23 straight aquaplaning in 2024 Auto Bild at just +0.2% from best), and efficiency/refinement are often praised (e.g. rolling resistance leadership 1st/10 in 2021 AMS; quietest cabin 1st/13 in 2026 Auto Express winter and 1st/8 in 2025 Auto Express winter).
The main caveats are that it is not consistently class-leading for snow traction/drive-off (several lower-half results, including 15th/16 snow traction in 2026 ADAC 185/65 R15 and 10th/13 in 2026 Auto Express winter), and dry braking can be merely mid-pack depending on the field (e.g. 6th/23 in 2024 Auto Bild at +13.7% from best; and as a winter reference in the 2026 Auto Express all-season test it was 9th/10 at +25.3%). Some tests also flag value: it can be expensive to buy and run (e.g. 15th/15 for value in the 2026 AvD test, +77.8% from best; 16th/20 in 2024 Auto Bild for value, +44.4%), even when mileage is strong (e.g. 5th/20 wear in 2024 Auto Bild at +5% from best, and Auto Bild calling out “very high mileage”).
topping braking- 2026 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2026)
matched the Pirelli for the shortest wet braking on asphalt and stopped shortest of all on wet concrete- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/50 R17 (2026)
among the shortest braking tires- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
offering good handling, short braking distances- 2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test (2024)
Test winner with balanced strong performance in all weather conditions, short braking distances, very high mileage- 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2024)
It tied for the best curved aquaplaning result, was second only to the Pirelli in straight aquaplaning- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/50 R17 (2026)
held on well in both aquaplaning tests- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
second only to the Nokian in both aquaplaning tests- 2026 Auto Express All Season Tire Test (2026)
showed good aquaplaning resistance- The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 (2024)
short braking distances and good aquaplaning behavior- 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2023)
with good wet handling- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/50 R17 (2026)
quicker around the wet circle than any all-season tire- 2026 Auto Express All Season Tire Test (2026)
scores particularly well in wet and winter conditions, offering good handling- 2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test (2024)
fastest times on both the wet circle and flooded circuit- 2024 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2024)
good rolling resistance- 2026 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2026)
and low fuel consumption- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/50 R17 (2026)
one of the lightest tires, with low fuel consumption- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
light weight, and fuel efficiency- 2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test (2024)
The TS870 also demonstrated good rolling resistance and was rated highly for comfort and stability- The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 (2024)
It was also the quietest tire in the cabin- 2026 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2026)
one of the lowest pass-by noise readings- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/50 R17 (2026)
was the quietest tire in the cabin- 2026 Auto Express All Season Tire Test (2026)
low noise- 2020 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2020)
was the strongest tire in the field in the wet- 2026 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2026)
second-best wet grade- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
It excelled in wet and dry conditions- The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 (2024)
swept all wet testing including best-in-test braking distances and fastest times on both the wet circle and flooded circuit- 2024 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2024)
winning across the snow- 2025 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2025)
The tire led snow braking and traction tests- 2024 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2024)
extremely strong on any surface- 2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test (2022)
especially good on snow and ice- 2022 ADAC SUV Winter Tire Test - 215/60 R16 (2022)
very good snow braking and traction- 2022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2022)
It excelled in wet and dry conditions- The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 (2024)
In the dry, it recorded the fastest lap time- 2024 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2024)
Test winner with balanced strong performance in all weather conditions, short braking distances, very high mileage- 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2024)
extremely strong on any surface- 2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test (2022)
steers precisely, responds immediately- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
Testers found it easy to place, with strong turn-in and traction and smooth transitions at the limit- 2026 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2026)
lovely feel- 2025 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2025)
good steering feedback, precision, and safety reserves- 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2023)
precise steering- 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2021)
Snow traction was the Continental's one real weakness, where it finished near the bottom of the winter field- 2026 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2026)
measured among the lowest snow traction figures- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
was out-accelerated on snow by the Michelin all-season tire- 2026 Auto Express All Season Tire Test (2026)
However, it struggled more on ice and snow compared to Nordic tires- The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 (2024)
dry braking was only mid-pack- 2026 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2026)
only the Tomket stopped longer in dry braking- 2026 Auto Express All Season Tire Test (2026)
struggled a little in dry braking- 2022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2022)
Small weakness in dry braking- 2021 AMS Winter Tire Test (2021)
Average dry braking- 2020 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2020)
Its projected tread life was in the lower half of the field- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/50 R17 (2026)
mid-table predicted tread life- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
mid-field for ice braking- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
However, it struggled more on ice and snow compared to Nordic tires- The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 (2024)
Every tester write-up on the Continental WinterContact TS 870 (18 tests) and 24 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 finished fourth and is rated very good. It is a balanced, safe premium winter tire with strong wet and dry grip and good efficiency, held back only by its cost per kilometer.
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 finished a close second overall. It is one of the safest tires in the wet, with very short braking distances on both wet surfaces and strong aquaplaning resistance, and it holds up well on snow and ice. Minor losses in dry steering precision and snow handling kept it just behind the winner.
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is the test winner and the most complete tire here, with no weak surface in dry, wet or winter conditions. Its only real compromise is average tread life, which is why it misses a good environmental grade.
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 won this test, taking the honours in this size for the third time. It did it by being the best wet tire in the field by a clear margin while giving away very little anywhere else, and its priorities suit UK winters, where cold and rain are far more common than snow.
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.
The Continental WinterContact took first place in this year's winter tire test, winning six individual tests and scoring podium positions in almost every other category. The tire led snow braking and traction tests, and swept all wet testing including best-in-test braking distances and fastest times on both the wet circle and flooded circuit. In the dry, it recorded the fastest lap time and third-shortest braking distance. Its only lower score was fourth place in rolling resistance, though the margin was small. This new version builds on the success of the 2020 test winner in the same size.
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 emerges as the test winner, showcasing exceptional performance across all weather conditions. It excels in both snowy and wet conditions, offering short braking distances and very high mileage. While it comes with a higher price tag, its balanced performance and safety features make it a top choice for drivers seeking premium winter tires.
The Continental WinterContact TS870 stood out as the best-performing Central European non-studded tire in the test. It excelled in wet and dry conditions, offering performance close to that of summer tires in these areas. It performed particularly well in the moose test and showed good aquaplaning resistance. However, as expected of a Central European tire, it had much less grip on ice and snow than the Nordic tires. The TS870 also demonstrated good rolling resistance and was rated highly for comfort and stability, making it a strong choice for milder winter conditions.
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 tire performs excellently in safety tests across all road surfaces. It scores particularly well in wet and winter conditions, offering good handling, short braking distances, and high safety reserves. The tire also has a good environmental rating due to its durability, low wear, light weight, and fuel efficiency.
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 tire offers strong performance across the board. On dry roads, it provides good steering feedback, precision, and safety reserves, along with above-average braking. In wet conditions, it excels in all sub-criteria, including short braking distances and good aquaplaning behavior. On winter roads, it performs slightly above average in braking and traction, with good handling and large safety reserves. Environmentally, it has a very good predicted mileage, good wear, and scores well in efficiency due to its low weight and fuel consumption. Overall, it has a clearly good environmental performance.
As the successor to the TS860, the Continental WinterContact TS870 is put through its paces for the first time in the ADAC tire test - and the result is impressive. The new winter tire secured good ratings in all main criteria and thus a good overall rating as well as the title "particularly recommended".
Although the Continental WinterContact TS 870 does not score top marks in any of the main tests, it still impresses with solid results in all tests. This makes it one of the most balanced tires in the test, which is why it is at the top of the table together with two other tire models and thus secures the rating "particularly recommendable".
The Continental WinterContact TS870 might be one of the older new tires in this test, but you can never count Continental out of a winter tire test, and the TS870 had an exceptional run of results. It was the best tire in the wet overall, being one of the few tires which excelled in both the wet grip tests and the deeper water tests of aquaplaning. In the snow it was better longitudinally than laterally, which helps it in the overall results as braking is the highest weighted scoring, and it also was good during dry handling even if it struggled a little in dry braking, PLUS had a relatively low rolling resistance. Very impressive tire, another one worthy of being highly recommended
The Continental WinterContact TS870 is extremely strong on any surface, very safe and therefor the clear winner of this test.
When the new TS870 goes on sale in 2021 it could be the new benchmark.
Owner reviews, sizes and EU label data, comparisons and the Tire Reviews score. All Continental tires