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Falken Eurowinter HS449 View Gallery (1)
205-255/40-60 R16-19 6 sizes 2019 Winter rated

Falken Eurowinter HS449

The Falken Eurowinter HS449 is a Premium Touring Winter tire designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

7.4
Tire Reviews Score Based on User Reviews
Limited Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
85%
Wet Grip
87%
Road Feedback
80%
Handling
77%
Wear
85%
Comfort
84%
Buy again
88%
Snow Grip
80%
Ice Grip
93%
35 Reviews
85% Average
188,406 miles driven
15 Tests (avg: 11th)
Falken Eurowinter HS449

Falken Eurowinter HS449

Winter Mid-Range
BETA
7.4 / 10
Based on User Reviews · Limited 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
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 15
Publications: 5
Period: 2012 - 2020
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 35
Avg Rating: 84.5%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 2.21
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
2020 Consumer Reports North America Winter Tire Test Consumer Reports 2020 215/60 R16 9/17 0 metrics
2017 50 Winter Tire Shoot Out Auto Bild 2017 225/50 R17 21/45 0 metrics
2016 AutoBild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2016 205/55 R16 17/20 0 metrics
2016 Winter Tire Market Overview Auto Bild 2016 205/55 R16 12/43 0 metrics
2015 AMS UHP Winter Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2015 225/50 R17 9/10 0 metrics
2015 Auto Bild Top 18 Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2015 185/60 R15 13/18 0 metrics
2015 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 165/70 R14 ADAC 2015 165/70 R14 7/16 0 metrics
2015 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16 ADAC 2015 205/55 R16 6/19 0 metrics
2015 Winter Tire Market Overview Auto Bild 2015 185/60 R14 7/51 0 metrics
2014 50 Winter Tire Braking Overview Auto Bild 2014 225/50 R17 17/48 0 metrics
2013 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test Auto Zeitung 2013 195/65 R15 8/8 0 metrics
2013 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/60 R15 ADAC 2013 185/60 R15 13/17 0 metrics
2012 Auto Bild Top 15 Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2012 205/55 R16 11/15 0 metrics
2012 European Tire Test - 205/55 R16 ADAC 2012 205/55 R!6 13/16 0 metrics
2012 Auto Bild 42 Winter Tire Braking Test Auto Bild 2012 205/55 R16 5/43 0 metrics
15
Tests
11th
Average
5th
Best
21st
Worst
Latest Tire Test Results
The Falken is a good choice for climates where wet snow and wet roads are common, because it scores better than average in the winter tire category, with Good ratings for braking in both wet and dry conditions—where most winter tires lag. It also earns Good ratings for handling. If you’re looking for a quiet winter tire, however, there are less noisy options.
21st/45
12th/43
Size Fuel Wet Noise
F16 inch
205/60RF16 92 H E C 70
205/55RF16 91 H E C 70
F17 inch
225/50RF17 94 V E C 70
F18 inch
245/50RF18 100 H D C 70
245/45RF18 100 V XL D D 71
F19 inch
255/40RF19 96 V E C 70
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Falken Eurowinter HS449 >>

Questions and Answers for the Falken Eurowinter HS449

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April 1, 2017

Purchased a BMW 3 series with Eurowinter rotation tires. I live in the UK where temperatures range from -3 (rarely) to 20 degrees celcius. Can I use these tires in the warmer months or do they need replacing?

Legally you can use the Falken HS449 winter tire year round, however you will find the grip, in particularly wet grip in the warmer months will be poor, so it is recommended you make the switch to summer tires.
May 3, 2017

can these tires be used all year long or just in the winter;what do you recommend?

While the Falken HS449 can be used year round, you will notice a significant drop in performance during the summer months, specifically in dry and wet braking. This is why we always recommend switching back to summer tires during the summer months.
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Size Price Range  
205/50 R17 $105.00 - $105.00 (1 Price) Compare Prices >>
205/55 R16 $92.00 - $92.00 (1 Price) Compare Prices >>
Available in 25 tire sizes - View all.

Top 3 Falken Eurowinter HS449 Reviews

Given 93% while driving a BMW 120d e82 (205/50 R17) on a combination of roads for 15,000 average miles
Fantastic tires, I run them on BMW 120d rear wheel drive from October to April and I've never been stuck. Excellent in the dry, wet, ice and snow. An essential when figures are below 7degrees c. Couldn't ask for more from these tires, would buy again for sure.
November 24, 2022
Given 86% while driving a Mercedes Benz ML (255/50 R19) on a combination of roads for 0 average miles
I have these on my Mercedes SUV. Best winter tire I have ever bought. Great on dry roads, fabulous on snow and ice. They grab the road no matter what the condition is. Tread wear is excellent.
January 9, 2023
Given 64% while driving a Skoda Superb 2.0Tdi DSG6 170hp (225/40 R18 W) on a combination of roads for 20,000 average miles
I bought my car Skoda Superb ( 2wd ) already with this tires . 225/40R18 So i decided to used them . I often travel to the mountains where I have notice even with a small amount of snow on the road really terrible grib . I read that DSG transmision isn t best solution for the snow and front power wheels. . But even on flat surface i break traction immediately , when you get goin is ok , but when i drove up the hill on snowy normal country road i had many problems passing thru. And I m really talkin about small hills. You need a lot of speed , non brakin , goin side ways on turns with ESP off every time to maybe pass it. But the moment you stop uphill on "white " road you done .

This is really good tire for the city and some normal road trips . If you use it as most of people do you probable won t understand what i m talkin about.
So if you drive on snow maybe up to 5 times a year and mostly in the city . That s really good tire for average price.
On dry surface again if you used normally you won t notice loose of traction . Good in fast turns .
These same thing on wet road it s really stable.
It s just not the the tire for snow :) .

I can easily use it for two more winter season , but because of my several trips in the winter to the mountains i need something better.
Continental wintercontact ts 850 p 225/40 r18 will be my choice up comin winter .
I hope my opinion will help somebody .
August 11, 2019

How would you rate the Falken Eurowinter HS449?

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Latest Falken Eurowinter HS449 Reviews

Given 70% while driving a Subaru Outback (215/65 R16) on a combination of roads for 10,000 average miles
Had them for 3 years on a Subaru Outback 2.5i. I've rated the tire in comparison to the level of grip any road legal tire can have, not in comparison to other winter tires.
Dry grip is good for a winter tire with good braking and cornering, but nothing compares to summer tires on a dry surface even in cold.
After 3 winters they have a lot of thread left, became a bit stiff, but I'm sure they can still handle well.
Handled snow like it was on rails in combination with the AWD system and would progressively start to slide only if accelerator was abused.
Wet & cold is where it suffers. It starts to understeer more than in snow and braking is not good either, so if you live in a place where winter = cold rains, I would not recommend. If you have snow, they will do really well. Even drove in a freezing rain when it was recorded the highest number of accidents and managed to get out safe even if it would slip while trying to start moving.
Noise was acceptable.
November 8, 2018
Given 86% while driving a Mazda Mazda2 (185/60 R16) on a combination of roads for 20,000 average miles
Covered about 20,000 miles on these and they still have loads of tread left. I have had them all continuously through winter and summer alike.
Quieter than the OEM Dunlops although a 5-10% penalty at the pumps.
November 1, 2018
Check out how the BEST all seasons tires perform against premium summer and winter tires!
Given 87% while driving a Alfa Romeo brera (225/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 6 spirited miles
Had these on the Alfa Romeo Brera V6 Q4 since September last year ... in normal conditions they perform well, good in the wet and dry, now we have had some proper winter conditions here in the UK and I have been driving in the snow for the last few days, and I must say they are exemplary... yes the car has 4wd, but a 2wd car in the snow on winters is better than a 4wd on summers in the snow! The grip is very good and confidence inspiring... able to brake down hill on packed snow (car weights 1.8 tons too!) able to climb any hill I'm presented with , generally feel fantastic compared to most of the other people tip toeing around and sliding about.... thoroughly recommended, and a decent price!
February 28, 2018
Given 87% while driving a Subaru 04 WRX (215/45 R17 V) on mostly town for 7,000 average miles
Fitted these Falken HS 449 2 years ago to my Subaru and very impressed all round. Great in the dry, very good in the wet and completely capable in heavy snow. A tough tire that I use all year round. Very recommendable.
January 14, 2018
Given 76% while driving a Citroën C4 (205/55 R16 H) on mostly town for 5,000 miles
Having read so many positive feedbacks I left wondering if I drove the same tire.
It's not a bad tire but still it had vibrations above 130 km/h, and never felt a proper grip on snow and ice.
I've been driving along with two other similar fwd cars and I was the only one who didn't manage on snow/ice uphill (other two were with Michelin Alpin A4 and Goodyear UG9).
On the good side they are very good on dry and wet roads with very good wear resistance.
I replaced the front wheel set with Nokian WR D4 and honestly the Nokians performed worse on dry and wet. Still waiting for the snow though.
December 24, 2017
Given 37% while driving a Alfa Romeo 1.9 JTD M (205/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 17,500 spirited miles
Tire very hard, lots of wheel spin even when pulling away from traffic lights moderately, quite a lot of road noise.

Lateral grip so-so, braking so-so, wear not great, not recommended without ESP.
December 15, 2017
Given 60% while driving a Volvo S60 D5 AWD P* (235/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 4,000 spirited miles
They aren't terrible, just not that good. Good economy tires (around 100 euro per piece) but nothing more. Don't expect too much out of them.
April 15, 2017
Given 96% while driving a Ford Focus ST 225 (2003 2007) (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 2,000 spirited miles
Its awesome good at winter.
It can grip well even on ice, or iced snow, or deep snow, do difference. best wintertire ive ever owned.
Its a bit loud, but IMO its a common wintertire "feature".

This is the best tire you can get for real winter conditions for an affordable price.
January 16, 2017
Given 90% while driving a Subaru Outback (215/60 R16 H) on a combination of roads for 2,500 average miles
Have driven for 11 years during harsh winters in Romania, but only had budget winter tires so far.

Since I've moved from a WRX to a more sedated family car which is a 2008 Outback, I wanted something above the low budget tires but didn't want to pay the price of a Conti or Goodyear or Bridgestone.

Price is really attactive for a brand like this. Everyone said the pattern is not good because it's not a V, but it bytes the snow and ice so well even at -20 as we've had these days.

But what I really like the most about them is how progressive they are and the level of control they give is incredible. The car slides so elegantly and can be stopped from a snow drift in a second with minimum input. If you don't get aggressive with the acceleration the car will just go and turn where you point the steering wheel.
They are not that good on fuel economy, can't say anything about wear yet, dry grip is really good beating all season tires even, road feedback is fine and they are really confortable, though they can get a bit noisy on motorways.
January 12, 2017
Given 92% while driving a Volvo 2005 S60 R (235/40 R18 V) on a combination of roads for 8,000 spirited miles
I couldn't fault these winter tires, they're proper cold rubber, quiet, very good grip and at the same time safe on wet, dry and snow covered roads. On the downside I found them not great on fuel economy probably due to quite soft rubber compound but nothing drastic here. I've just ordered a new set for a 3rd winter in a row. I would recommend them to anyone.
November 27, 2016
Given 91% while driving a SEAT Ibiza FR SC 1.2 TSI (205/40 R17) on mostly motorways for 15,000 spirited miles
I use the tires about 8 month in 2 years. I saw all weather conditions, wet, snow, ice... It's still very good at -20 C

I was not waiting this good tires at this price!
January 10, 2016
Given 87% while driving a Honda Jazz (205/50 R16) on a combination of roads for 1,000 spirited miles
Best deal you can find!
January 2, 2016
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