Tested 28 times by independent publications, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 has taken 17 test wins with an average finish of 2nd. Its strongest discipline is Snow Braking, beating 93% of the field across 25 tests; its weakest is Curved Aquaplaning, at 40% across 17 tests.
2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test P1 of 20
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 shares the test win with the Continental and earns an 'exemplary' verdict. It is the more snow-focused of the two winners and the longest-lasting tire here, and its main drawback is the highest price in the test.
Where the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 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 | 21 | P2.2 of 13.6 | 89% | 5 |
| Dry Handling | 20 | P2.9 of 12.7 | 83% | 1 |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 4 | P4.5 of 8.8 | 67% | 2 |
| Subj. Road Score | 1 | P5 of 6 | 20% | - |
| Dry Lane Change | 1 | P2 of 6 | 80% | - |
| Wet | ||||
| Wet Braking | 25 | P4.8 of 19.6 | 66% | - |
| Wet Braking - Cool | 2 | P4 of 7.5 | 51% | - |
| Wet Braking - Worn | 1 | P5 of 6 | 20% | - |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 1 | P4 of 31 | 90% | - |
| Wet Handling | 20 | P4.4 of 12.7 | 65% | 1 |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 5 | P2.6 of 8.2 | 79% | 2 |
| Wet Circle | 13 | P6.6 of 14.4 | 53% | - |
| Straight Aqua | 22 | P5.9 of 13.3 | 59% | 2 |
| Curved Aquaplaning Weak | 17 | P7.7 of 12.4 | 40% | - |
| Snow | ||||
| Snow Braking Strong | 25 | P2 of 16.3 | 93% | 12 |
| Snow Traction | 21 | P2.5 of 13.5 | 88% | 13 |
| Snow Handling | 20 | P2.2 of 12.3 | 90% | 10 |
| Subj. Snow Handling | 5 | P1.6 of 8.2 | 92% | 3 |
| Snow Circle | 4 | P3.3 of 9.8 | 71% | 1 |
| Snow Slalom | 12 | P2.8 of 13.3 | 87% | 6 |
| Ice | ||||
| Ice Braking | 2 | P5 of 20 | 82% | - |
| Ice Traction | 1 | P1 of 9 | 100% | 1 |
| Subj. Ice Handling | 1 | P1 of 6 | 100% | 1 |
| Comfort | ||||
| Subj. Comfort | 10 | P2.7 of 11.3 | 83% | 4 |
| Noise | 20 | P2.9 of 13.6 | 84% | 6 |
| Value | ||||
| Wear | 7 | P3.1 of 18.1 | 90% | 4 |
| Value | 6 | P13.8 of 16 | 20% | - |
| Rolling Resistance | 20 | P6.1 of 12.6 | 57% | - |
| Fuel Consumption | 2 | P10.5 of 18.5 | 35% | - |
| Abrasion | 2 | P1 of 20.5 | 100% | 2 |
Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
| Rival | Shared tests | Ahead | Behind | Level | Finished ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
21 shared: 14 ahead, 3 behind
Compare with WinterContact TS 870 P |
21 | 14 | 3 | 4 | 82% |
 Hankook Winter i cept evo3
20 shared: 18 ahead, 1 behind
Compare with Winter i cept evo3 |
20 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 95% |
 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
18 shared: 14 ahead, 3 behind
Compare with UltraGrip Performance 3 |
18 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 82% |
 Vredestein Wintrac Pro
16 shared: 16 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Wintrac Pro |
16 | 16 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
16 shared: 10 ahead, 5 behind
Compare with Blizzak LM005 |
16 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 67% |
 Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
12 shared: 12 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with EUROWINTER HS02 Pro |
12 | 12 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Bridgestone Blizzak 6
11 shared: 11 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Blizzak 6 |
11 | 11 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Kleber Krisalp HP3
11 shared: 11 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Krisalp HP3 |
11 | 11 | 0 | - | 100% |
 BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
10 shared: 10 ahead, 0 behind
|
10 | 10 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
9 shared: 9 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Premitra Snow WP6 |
9 | 9 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Dunlop Winter Sport 5
9 shared: 9 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Winter Sport 5 |
9 | 9 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Firestone Winterhawk 4
9 shared: 9 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Winterhawk 4 |
9 | 9 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Giti GitiWinterW2
8 shared: 8 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with GitiWinterW2 |
8 | 8 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind
|
7 | 7 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Fulda Kristall Control HP2
7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Kristall Control HP2 |
7 | 7 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Semperit Speed Grip 5
7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Speed Grip 5 |
7 | 7 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Uniroyal WinterExpert
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with WinterExpert |
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Wintrac Pro+ |
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
6 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind
|
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 100% |
 Apollo Aspire XP Winter
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 Predecessor | 11 | 1 | 3rd | 70% |
| Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 This tire | 28 | 17 | 2nd | 90% |
Drawn from 27 tests. Updated October 27, 2026.
Across 27 independent winter tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 shows an exceptionally consistent “premium benchmark” pattern: it is almost always at or near the very top overall (average overall position 1.6, with 3 test wins recorded), driven primarily by standout snow performance and strong dry-road dynamics. Testers repeatedly describe it as the best choice for snow-heavy use (“best tire on snow”, “almost untouchable in the snow”), backed up by multiple class-leading results such as 1st in snow braking / traction / handling in the 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars test (1/12 overall) and again 1st for snow braking and traction in the 2024 Auto Bild SUV winter test (1/12 overall). Dry performance is also a hallmark: it frequently leads dry braking (e.g., 1st of 31 in dry braking, 2025 ADAC; 1st of 10, 2025 Auto Zeitung) and is routinely top-three in dry handling, with testers praising “precise response” and “dynamic handling characteristics”.
The main exceptions repeat in the wet and efficiency/value details rather than outright grip limits: wet braking can range from top-tier to merely mid-pack (e.g., 8th/13 in wet braking in the 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars test; 6th/13 in wet braking in the 2024 Auto Bild SUV test), and lateral/curved aquaplaning is a recurring soft spot (e.g., 16th/22 curved aquaplaning, +26.4% from best in the 2023 Auto Bild winter test; 5th/6 in straight-ahead aquaplaning is often better than curved). Several tests also flag high purchase price/weak value (often “most expensive tire in the test”), and rolling resistance is good in some tests (e.g., 2nd/10, 2025 Auto Zeitung) but can be relatively high in others (e.g., 11th/13, +14.7% from best in 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars).
shared the highest traction with the Goodyear,- 2026 Auto Bild Allrad SUV Winter Tire Test (2026)
finding the most traction- 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test (2026)
among the best tires on snow- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
delivers the highest traction force of 3575 Newtons- 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
proving itself to be a highly reliable, grip-strong tire with broad safety reserves on snow- 2025 High Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
shortest-stopping winter tire- 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test (2026)
second-shortest dry braking of the winter tires- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
outstanding braking distances from 62 mph that earned it the best score in testing- 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test (2025)
absolute shortest braking distance of 139 feet and clear, precise responses- 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
joint second fastest in the elk test- 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tire Test (2026)
shared the fastest handling- 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test (2026)
excels particularly in dry conditions with strong lateral grip and precise handling- 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test (2025)
strong cornering stability- 2025 High Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
particularly strong dry handling and comfort- The BEST Performance Winter Tires for 2024 / 2025 (2024)
lasted longer than any other tire in the wear test- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
very high predicted mileage, very low tire wear- 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test (2025)
outstanding projected mileage of 29,049 miles- 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
very low wear- 2023/24 Tire Reviews UHP Winter Tire Test (2023)
good mileage- 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2023)
one of the quieter tires on the pass-by noise test- 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test (2026)
quiet operation at 71.2 dB(A)- 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
low noise levels- 2025 High Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
quiet rolling noise- 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test (2023)
low noise- 2022 Sports Car UHP Winter Tire Test (2022)
delivers good handling with adequate safety reserves- 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test (2025)
on wet roads it maintains predictable handling and stable braking- 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test (2025)
On wet surfaces, the tire exhibits very safe handling characteristics, though with pronounced understeer- 2025 High Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
sporty and responsive handling- 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test (2024)
good steering feel, precise response to commands- 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test (2025)
The dry performance impressed with agile steering response- 2025 High Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
Precise steering behavior with good feedback- 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test (2024)
sporty and responsive handling- 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test (2024)
direct steering response- 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test (2023)
full marks in wet braking- 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tire Test (2026)
was third in wet braking- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
excels in braking performance- 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test (2025)
on wet roads it maintains predictable handling and stable braking- 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test (2025)
short braking distances in all weather conditions- 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test (2024)
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was the best tire on snow. It stopped shortest,- 2026 Auto Bild Allrad SUV Winter Tire Test (2026)
stopping shortest- 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test (2026)
Its snow braking was better than the Continental's- 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tire Test (2026)
finishing in the top three for snow braking- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
achieves the shortest braking distance at 85 feet- 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
aquaplaning resistance was only average in a straight line and below average in curves- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
Average rolling resistance, average aquaplaning resistance, high levels of understeer in the dry- 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2023)
Lower aquaplaning protection in curves- 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test (2023)
low aquaplaning resistance- 2022 AMS Winter Tire Test (2022)
behind the Pirelli and Hankook in wet braking- 2026 Auto Bild Allrad SUV Winter Tire Test (2026)
wet braking was only mid-field among the winter tires- 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test (2026)
Deficits when braking in the wet- 2022 AMS Winter Tire Test (2022)
slightly longer wet braking distance- 2022 Sports Car UHP Winter Tire Test (2022)
extended wet braking- 2021 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2021)
its rolling resistance was among the highest- 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test (2026)
Only the Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 used more fuel among the Central European tires- 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tire Test (2026)
Average rolling resistance, average aquaplaning resistance, high levels of understeer in the dry- 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2023)
the most expensive set in the test- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
though with pronounced understeer- 2025 High Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
high levels of understeer in the dry- 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2023)
Every tester write-up on the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 (24 tests) and 26 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 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 shares the test win with the Continental and earns an 'exemplary' verdict. It is the more snow-focused of the two winners and the longest-lasting tire here, and its main drawback is the highest price in the test.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is the overall test winner and rated exemplary, with the best snow performance in the test and the strongest dry braking of the winter tires. Its price and middling wet braking are the only real drawbacks.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 shares second place overall and is rated exemplary by Auto Bild. It is the tire to pick for drivers who regularly face snow, while its wet performance trails the very best.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished level on points with the Continental at the top of the Central European class, just missing the class title. It is a strong wet-road tire that suits drivers who rarely see ice.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 emerges as the test winner, proving itself to be a highly reliable, grip-strong tire with broad safety reserves on snow. Testers found it delivered precisely what a rear-wheel-drive car needs in winter: grip and more grip. On wet surfaces, the tire exhibits very safe handling characteristics, though with pronounced understeer. The dry performance impressed with agile steering response and strong cornering stability, complemented by low noise levels and excellent fuel efficiency. The only minor criticisms were a somewhat nervous rear axle during evasive maneuvers and quick lane changes on asphalt, along with marginal damping weaknesses when driving over joints and edges. Despite commanding the highest price in the test, the Michelin justified its premium with outstanding all-round snow performance combined with minimal wet-weather deficits.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 secures second place overall and earns the environmental recommendation as the most sustainable tire in the test. On snow, it achieves the shortest braking distance at 85 feet and delivers the highest traction force of 3575 Newtons, though testers note it lacks some feedback and precision at the limit, scoring 25/30 for driving safety. In wet conditions, the Michelin provides solid and reliable grip with good handling, though it struggles slightly with feedback during dynamic maneuvers, earning 33/45 for safety. The tire truly excels in dry performance with the absolute shortest braking distance of 139 feet and clear, precise responses scoring 20/30 for handling character. With an outstanding projected mileage of 29,049 miles, the lowest wear rate of 0.124 mm per 1000 km, very low rolling resistance, and quiet operation at 71.2 dB(A), it represents the best long-term value proposition. The tire's efficiency and longevity mean that despite its premium price, it offers excellent cost per kilometer.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 emerges as the overall test winner, described as an allrounder that strikes the golden balance across all road conditions. Its standout quality is being extremely quiet, making it the most refined choice for daily driving. The tire excels particularly in dry conditions with strong lateral grip and precise handling, though it requires a slightly longer braking distance on dry pavement compared to summer tires. On snow, it delivers solid performance with good traction and braking, while on wet roads it maintains predictable handling and stable braking. The tire's main weakness is its premium pricing, making it the most expensive option in the test at approximately €630 per set. Despite the high cost, its balanced performance across all conditions and exceptional comfort make it the top recommendation for drivers seeking the best overall winter tire experience.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 achieves good ratings in both driving safety and environmental impact, securing a good overall test score. For driving safety, the tire provides excellent dry road performance with good steering feel, precise response to commands, and outstanding braking distances from 62 mph that earned it the best score in testing. On wet roads, it excels in braking performance and delivers good handling with adequate safety reserves, though it only receives a satisfactory rating for lateral aquaplaning resistance. In winter conditions, the Michelin performs well across all criteria, offering good traction and braking on snow, effective handling that combines both elements with lateral forces, and good braking distances on ice with precise steering control throughout. Regarding environmental performance, this Spanish-manufactured tire scores well with very high predicted mileage, very low tire wear, and good fuel efficiency due to low consumption. However, a negative point is noted regarding production residues on new tires that unnecessarily end up in the environment during the first kilometers of driving.
Excellent.
Despite being one of the oldest tire in the test, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 demonstrated why it has long been considered the benchmark in this category. It offered excellent all-round performance, with particularly strong showings in dry handling and comfort. The tire provided a well-balanced and predictable driving experience across all conditions. While it was slightly outperformed by the Pirelli in snow tests, the differences were minimal. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 remains a top choice for drivers wanting a proven, well-rounded winter tire.
Snow specialist with high dry grip. Deficiencies in aquaplaning.
Excellent/Test Winner.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 pipped the Bridgestone, but by such a small amount I'm calling them both test winners. The Michelin was almost untouchable in the snow, especially snow handling, and was untouchable in the dry and one of the best in the wet. It didn't quite have the rolling resistance of the Bridgestone where it finished nearly 10% behind, but in every other category this tire performance was excellent. A hugely impressive tire.
Exemplary.
Very Good.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 won both dry handling and dry braking, and was the best in ALL FOUR SNOW TESTS, and even had the second lowest noise and fourth lowest rolling resistance! It lost points in the important wet braking test where it only managed 6th, where the Continental was second, and while it was best in the straight aquaplaning test it could only manage seventh in the curved aquaplaning test. An excellent winter tire for a climate which sees a lot of snow.
Owner reviews, sizes and EU label data, comparisons and the Tire Reviews score. All Michelin tires