P1 of 51
Beat 100% of the field
Dunlop Winter Response 2 Test Results
Tested 2013 to 2025
4 publications
Tested 15 times by independent publications, the Dunlop Winter Response 2 has taken 4 test wins with an average finish of 4th.
- 15Independent tests
- 4Test wins
- 9Podium finishes
- 4thAverage finish
- 76%Field beaten on average
- 4Publications
15 tests, 2013 to 2025
- Test win
- Second
- Third
- Average 76%
Record by discipline
Where the Dunlop Winter Response 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wet | ||||
| Wet Braking | 1 | P4 of 52 | 94% | - |
| Snow | ||||
| Snow Braking | 1 | P3 of 32 | 94% | - |
Head-to-head record
Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Dunlop Winter Response 2. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
| Rival | Shared tests | Ahead | Behind | Level | Finished ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Firestone Winterhawk 3
9 shared: 9 ahead, 0 behind
|
9 | 9 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Michelin Alpin A4
9 shared: 6 ahead, 3 behind
|
9 | 6 | 3 | - | 67% |
 Goodyear UltraGrip 9
8 shared: 5 ahead, 3 behind
|
8 | 5 | 3 | - | 63% |
 Pirelli Winter Snow Control Series 3
7 shared: 5 ahead, 2 behind
|
7 | 5 | 2 | - | 71% |
 Continental WinterContact TS 850
7 shared: 2 ahead, 5 behind
|
7 | 2 | 5 | - | 29% |
 Fulda Kristall Montero 3
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
|
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Sava Eskimo S3+
5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind
|
5 | 5 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Falken Eurowinter HS449
5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind
|
5 | 5 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Kumho Winter Craft WP51
5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind
|
5 | 5 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Bridgestone Blizzak LM001
5 shared: 4 ahead, 1 behind
|
5 | 4 | 1 | - | 80% |
 Barum Polaris 3
5 shared: 4 ahead, 1 behind
|
5 | 4 | 1 | - | 80% |
 Vredestein Snowtrac 5
5 shared: 4 ahead, 1 behind
|
5 | 4 | 1 | - | 80% |
 Hankook Winter i cept RS2
5 shared: 4 ahead, 1 behind
|
5 | 4 | 1 | - | 80% |
 Nokian WR D3
5 shared: 4 ahead, 1 behind
|
5 | 4 | 1 | - | 80% |
 Nokian WR D4
5 shared: 3 ahead, 2 behind
|
5 | 3 | 2 | - | 60% |
 Continental WinterContact TS 860
5 shared: 2 ahead, 3 behind
|
5 | 2 | 3 | - | 40% |
 Kleber Krisalp HP2
4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind
|
4 | 4 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Uniroyal MS+ 77
4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind
|
4 | 4 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Pirelli Cinturato Winter
4 shared: 3 ahead, 1 behind
|
4 | 3 | 1 | - | 75% |
 Falken Eurowinter HS01
3 shared: 3 ahead, 0 behind
|
3 | 3 | 0 | - | 100% |
Performance Analysis
Drawn from 15 tests. Updated October 14, 2025.
Across 15 winter-focused tests, the Dunlop Winter Response 2 shows consistently strong all-round winter performance with standout results in snow and wet conditions, frequently finishing in the top tier and collecting multiple overall wins (1/52 in 2025 Autobild braking, 1/16 ADAC 2021, 1/16 ADAC 2019, 1/51 Autobild 2015). Snow braking and general snow grip are recurring highlights, and wet performance is often competitive, with notable braking/handling results. There is some size/test variability, with a few mid-pack ADAC outcomes (e.g., 12/15 in 2022, 9/15 in 2016), but the broader pattern is of a high-performing, efficient winter tire.
The tire's best test showings frequently combine strong snow results with competent wet braking/handling and balanced characteristics (including low fuel consumption mentioned by ADAC 2019). While not always class-leading in wet braking, it remains close to the front, and its overall consistency yields an excellent average position of 3.8 across demanding European tests.
Performance Strengths
-
Snow Performance
Strong
Details
- 3rd place snow braking (+1.5% from best) in 2025 Autobild (27.5 m, 3/32)
- ADAC overall wins with emphasis on strong snow: 1/16 in 2019; tied top performance in snow/ice/wet in 2021 (1/16)
-
Overall Test Results and Awards
Strong
Details
- Overall 1/52 in 2025 Autobild braking test
- ADAC overall wins: 1/16 (2019), 1/16 (2021); Autobild market overview 1/51 (2015)
-
Wet Weather Performance
Moderate
Details
- Wet braking 33.3 m (4/52, +8.8%) in 2025 Autobild
- Auto Bild 2015 noted Dunlop 'really shone' in wet handling and braking, beating summer tire
-
Efficiency/Low Rolling Resistance
Moderate
Details
- ADAC 2019 cited 'low fuel consumption' alongside the test win (1/16)
-
Comfort/Noise
Minor
Details
- Auto Bild 2015: 'Dunlop proved to be the quietest of the top tires'
-
Wet grip
Strong
in 7 of 9 tests
Details
Good on wet roads, ice and snow (top mark)
- 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2022)Very good results on wet pavement
- 2019 ADAC 185/65 R15 Winter Tire Test (2019)very good in the wet
- 2018 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 175/65 R14 (2018)Good in the wet and on snow and ice. Low fuel consumption
- 2017 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 195/65 R15 (2017)Excellent performance on snowy and wet roads
- 2015 Auto Bild Top 18 Winter Tire Test (2015)
-
Rolling resistance
Strong
in 7 of 9 tests
Details
low fuel consumption
- 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2022)low fuel consumption
- 2021 ADAC 15 Inch Winter Tire Test (2021)Low fuel consumption
- 2019 ADAC 185/65 R15 Winter Tire Test (2019)low fuel consumption
- 2018 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 175/65 R14 (2018)Low fuel consumption
- 2017 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 195/65 R15 (2017)
-
Snow traction
Strong
in 6 of 9 tests
Details
Good on wet roads, ice and snow (top mark)
- 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2022)Great results in the snow
- 2019 ADAC 185/65 R15 Winter Tire Test (2019)very good in the wet and on snow
- 2018 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 175/65 R14 (2018)Good in the wet and on snow and ice. Low fuel consumption
- 2017 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 195/65 R15 (2017)top marks on snow and fuel consumption
- 2014 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 175/65 R14 (2014)
-
Ice grip
Strong
in 3 of 9 tests
Details
Good on wet roads, ice and snow (top mark)
- 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2022)Good in the wet and on snow and ice. Low fuel consumption
- 2017 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 195/65 R15 (2017)Good on ice
- 2013 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/60 R15 (2013)
Performance Weaknesses
-
Result Variability by Size/Test
Moderate
Details
- ADAC 2022: 12/15 in 185/65 R15
- ADAC 2016: 9/15 in 185/65 R15; Auto Zeitung 2013: 7/8 in 195/65 R15
-
Wet Braking Gap to Best
Minor
Details
- 2025 Autobild wet braking 4/52 but +8.8% behind best
- Occasional mid-pack placements suggest not always class-leading wet stopping
Every test, newest first 15
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
2025 1 test
2022 1 test
P12 of 15
Beat 21% of the field
2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15
In the current test, the DUNLOP Winter Response 2 cannot match the result of the previous year (195/65 R15). In the dry, it does not show the usual/expected performance and is downgraded to sufficient in the overall rating due to the only moderate driving characteristics. Even if the Dunlop convinces in the other criteria such as in the wet, in the snow or in terms of wear and tear, it still only receives the rating "conditionally recommended" due to its dry properties.
2021 1 test
P1 of 16
Beat 93% of the field
2019 1 test
P1 of 16
Beat 100% of the field
2019 ADAC 185/65 R15 Winter Tire Test
Test Winner
2018 2 tests
P6 of 12
Beat 55% of the field
P2 of 12
Beat 91% of the field
2017 1 test
P4 of 16
Beat 80% of the field
2016 1 test
P9 of 15
Beat 43% of the field
2015 3 tests
P4 of 18
Beat 82% of the field
P3 of 16
Beat 87% of the field
P1 of 51
Beat 100% of the field
2014 1 test
P2 of 14
Beat 92% of the field
2013 3 tests
P7 of 8
Beat 14% of the field
2013 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test
Not a bad tire, but disappointing for a new Dunlop. The Winter Response 2 is too much focsed on rolling resistance
P2 of 17
Beat 94% of the field
P2 of 9
Beat 88% of the field
2013 ACE Winter Tire Test
Highly Recommended
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