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Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

Premium Touring Winter Winter rated Tested by Tire Reviews · 2

Replaced by the Cinturato Winter 3 Replaces the Cinturato Winter

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is a premium Central European winter tire with particularly strong wet braking and handling. Snow ability is often good but varies by test, while imprecise dry steering, rolling resistance and comfort are recurring reservations.

The quick answer

Owners say 77% from 4 owner reviews Read the reviews
Tests say 7th average finish across 21 independent tests · 1 wins Latest: P10 of 20 · 2025 See every test
Strengths & weaknesses Wet, Ice Comfort, Value Relative to its rivals across every test we hold

Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tire - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated November 2026.

  • 4owner reviews
  • 32,500miles driven
  • 21professional tests
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 3 photos

Tire Reviews Score

Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

9.3/10

Better than 92% of winter tires

  • High Confidence
  • 19 tests
  • 4 owner reviews
Scores of the 278 winter tires we have tested

How this score is built

Better than Weight
Independent tests19 tests · 8 publications · 2022-2025 92% 100%
Owner reviewsFewer than 5 reviews, so they do not count yet – 0%
Combined 92% 9.3

A fixed curve turns the combined figure into the 0 to 10 score, so roughly the top 10% of a group score 9 or more.

Category by category

How it compares with other winter tires in each area, and how much each area counts. 50 is the middle of the group.

Category Better than Weight Tests
WetBraking, handling and aquaplaning in the wet 90% 30% 19
SnowBraking, traction and handling on snow 64% 23% 19
IceBraking, traction and handling on ice 76% 18% 3
DryBraking and handling on dry roads 65% 17% 15
ValueWear, efficiency and cost 34% 6% 15
ComfortNoise and ride comfort 42% 5% 14

By discipline

The same results grouped by what the tire was doing. They are not counted a second time.

BrakingEvery braking test, on any surface 92% 19
HandlingEvery handling test, on any surface 84% 12
TractionEvery traction test, on any surface 72% 14

Confidence

  1. Limited
  2. Medium
  3. High

Its own test results decide 97% of the test figure. The other 3% comes from its predecessor, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter, and it shrinks as more tests arrive.

High needs at least 3 tests, with its own results deciding 90% or more. Medium needs 2 tests and 70%. Anything less is Limited: expect the number to move as tests arrive.

The tests behind it

Only measured results count. A test that published its placings alone is listed, but not scored.

  1. 2025 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 225/40 R18 P10 / 20
  2. 2025 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! Auto Bild · 225/40 R18 P9 / 51
  3. 2025 2025 AMS Winter Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport · 215/55 R17 P7 / 10
  4. 2025 2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tire Test Die Reifentester · 215/55 R17 P5 / 7
  5. 2024 2024 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express · 205/55 R16 P4 / 7 Placing only
  6. 2024 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 205/55 R16 P13 / 20
Show all 21 tests
  1. 2024 2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test Auto Zeitung · 215/55 R17 P4 / 10
  2. 2024 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test ADAC · 215/55 R17 P7 / 16
  3. 2024 The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 Teknikens Varld · 225/50 R17 · Central European Winter Tires P3 / 5 Placing only
  4. 2024 2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test ADAC · 205/55 R16 P11 / 12
  5. 2024 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test Auto Bild · 205/55 R16 P4 / 55
  6. 2023 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test Sport Auto · 225/40 R18 P7 / 9
  7. 2023 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars · 225/40 R18 P6 / 11
  8. 2023 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 225/45 R18 P5 / 20
  9. 2023 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test Auto Bild · 225/45 R18 P9 / 54
  10. 2023 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test Tire Reviews · 225/45 R18 P6 / 11
  11. 2023 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test ADAC · 225/45 R17 P12 / 15
  12. 2022 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 215/55 R17 P1 / 20
  13. 2022 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview Auto Bild · 215/55 R17 P5 / 56
  14. 2022 2022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test Tire Reviews · 225/45 R17 P4 / 9
  15. 2022 2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test Auto Zeitung · 225/45 R17 P7 / 8
All Tests
View Test Results

Tested 21 times by independent publications, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 has taken 1 test wins with an average finish of 7th.

21 Tests
1 Test Wins
7th Average
1st Best
13th Worst
Finishing position in each test1stLast20222025

Finishing position in each test

The latest test

2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test P10 of 20

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 establishes itself as a wet-weather specialist with exceptional grip talent on damp and rainy roads. It delivers particularly strong performance in wet conditions, providing confident handling and reliable braking when rain falls. However, this wet-focused optimization creates an imbalanced character with notably imprecise and vague handling on dry pavement, which is disappointing for a premium Italian brand typically known for sporty characteristics. The tire also carries a high price tag at approximately €620 per set, making it one of the most expensive options. An important note is that this tire has since been succeeded by the Cinturato Winter 3, so availability may be limited. The Pirelli is best suited for drivers in regions with wet but relatively mild winters who rarely encounter snow and prioritize wet-weather safety above all else, though the handling compromises and high price may steer many toward more balanced alternatives.

Strong: Wet Handling, Subj. Comfort Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

YearTestResultAward
20252025 Autobild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/40 R18P10 / 20gut (Good)
20252025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets!Auto Bild · 225/40 R18P9 / 51
20252025 AMS Winter Tire TestAuto Motor Und Sport · 215/55 R17P7 / 10
20252025 Die Reifentester Winter Tire TestDie Reifentester · 215/55 R17P5 / 7
20242024 Auto Express Winter Tire TestAuto Express · 205/55 R16P4 / 7
20242024 Auto Bild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 205/55 R16P13 / 20
20242024 All Season and Winter Tire TestAuto Zeitung · 215/55 R17P4 / 10
20242024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire TestADAC · 215/55 R17P7 / 16
2024The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024Teknikens Varld · 225/50 R17P3 / 5Central European Winter Tires
20242024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire TestADAC · 205/55 R16P11 / 12
20242024 Winter 55 Tire Braking TestAuto Bild · 205/55 R16P4 / 55
20232023 Sport Auto Winter Tire TestSport Auto · 225/40 R18P7 / 9
20232023 Sports Cars Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Sportscars · 225/40 R18P6 / 11
20232023 Auto Bild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/45 R18P5 / 20
20232023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking TestAuto Bild · 225/45 R18P9 / 54
20232023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire TestTire Reviews · 225/45 R18P6 / 11Tested by Tire Reviews
20232023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire TestADAC · 225/45 R17P12 / 15
20222022 Auto Bild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 215/55 R17P1 / 20
20222022 Winter Tire Market OverviewAuto Bild · 215/55 R17P5 / 56
20222022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire TestTire Reviews · 225/45 R17P4 / 9Tested by Tire Reviews Recommended
20222022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire TestAuto Zeitung · 225/45 R17P7 / 8

On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict

Videos

Best 11 Winter Tires for 2023/24 - Tested and Rated

Best 11 Winter Tires for 2023/24 - Tested and Rated

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

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

Awards
Recommended
2022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test
2022 · 225/45 R17
Rated by other publications Recommended 1
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Running Costs
View Test

In 225/40 R18, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is projected to cost €30.02 per 1,000 miles to buy and run - about €751 over 25,000 miles - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test.

Bridgestone Blizzak 6€24.55
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3€27.34
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5€28.97
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2€30.02
Tire purchase + fittingExtra fuel vs the most efficient tirecost per 1,000 miles
Assumes a typical car doing 29 mpg (rolling resistance causing 20% of fuel use), fuel at €6.25 per gallon and €70 fitting per set of four. Purchase prices are from the time of the 2025 test; financing costs are excluded.
Rim Protection
Small

A modest lip. Enough for a slow scrape against a kerb, but it will not save a wheel from a real hit.

Assessed by eye on the tires we tested, in the sizes listed. No manufacturer publishes rim protection as a specification, so treat this as a guide rather than a measurement.
Dimensions & Label Scores
View All

Size Range41 sizes available

175-255Width40-65Profile16-20Rim85-106 T-VLoad/Speed Index2021First On Market

EU LabelAcross 41 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.

Noise

69-72dB

3PMSF on every size

US ratingsUTQG grade and the maker's mileage warranty

Not gradedUTQG grade11/32"Tread depth (new)

Popular sizes225/60 R16225/40 R18205/55 R16225/55 R18
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 in the wet?
Across the 19 wet-braking tests it has featured in, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 stops 0.3% longer than premium rivals, 3.4% shorter than mid-range rivals and 12.8% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews wet score of 90/100, and owners rate it 8.8/10 in the wet from 4 reviews.
How good is the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 in the dry?
Across the 15 dry-braking tests it has featured in, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 stops 0.8% longer than premium rivals, 0.8% shorter than mid-range rivals and 0.9% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews dry score of 65/100, and owners rate it 8.3/10 in the dry from 4 reviews.
How good is the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 in the snow?
Across the 19 snow-braking tests it has featured in, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 stops 1.5% longer than premium rivals, 0.1% shorter than mid-range rivals and 8% shorter than budget rivals. Across the 14 snow-traction tests, it is 0.9% better than premium rivals, 2.1% better than mid-range rivals and 17.8% better than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews snow score of 64/100, and owners rate it 8.5/10 in the snow from 4 reviews.
How good is the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 on ice?
Across the 3 ice-braking tests it has featured in, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 stops 4.6% shorter than premium rivals, 5.5% shorter than mid-range rivals and 7.8% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews ice score of 76/100, and owners rate it 6/10 on ice from 4 reviews.
How fuel efficient is the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2?
Across the 12 tests measuring rolling resistance, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2's rolling resistance is 6.2% higher than premium rivals, 0.8% higher than mid-range rivals and 6.1% higher than budget rivals.
More questions about the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 (7)
How many miles does the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 last?
Based on test and owner data, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is expected to last around 26,485 miles (42,623 km).
How much does the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 cost to run?
In 225/40 R18, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is projected to cost €30.02 per 1,000 miles to buy and run - about €751 over 25,000 miles - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test. The cheapest to run in that test is the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, at €24.55.
What is the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2's EU tire label rating?
Across its range, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 most commonly carries EU label ratings of C for fuel efficiency, B for wet grip and 71 dB for noise.
Does the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 have a rim protector?
Yes. Rim protection on the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is small, measured in 225/45 R18. No manufacturer publishes rim protection as a specification; this is assessed by eye when the tires are mounted for our own testing. 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test
What does the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 replace?
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is the successor to the Pirelli Cinturato Winter in Pirelli's range.
Has the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 been replaced?
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 has been replaced by the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3.
What sizes does the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 come in?
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is available in 74 sizes, ranging from 175-255/40-65 R16-20.
Owner Questions
Ask a question
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Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 Owner Reviews

Review this tire

What owners say

Across 4 owner ratings the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 averages 77%. Owners rate Wet Grip highest at 8.8 out of 10 and Ice Grip lowest at 6. 2 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles.

Owner ratings averaged from 4 ratings

  • Owner score 77%
  • Wet Grip 88%
  • Snow Grip 85%
  • Dry Grip 83%
  • Road Feedback 78%
  • Handling 78%
  • Comfort 78%
  • Wear 73%
  • Ice Grip 60%

Featured reviews

Most helpful 79%

“It’s the best winter tire I’ve had so far great wet and snow traction also the tire is very quiet (test say otherwise but on my car this tire is quiet) big downfall is the wear of the tire after 1 winter the tires lost...”

  • Renault
  • 12,000 miles
Read full review → 1,127 found this helpful
Longest term 76%

“Started the second winter season on the tires (roughly 12500 per season).No degradation felt on dry grip. The tires feel as grippy as when they were new, temperature 3C-6C. Pretty happy with the grip.Performance in the...”

  • Mercedes Benz E Class
  • 12,500 miles
Read full review →

All 4 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 reviews

Score spread across 4 written reviews
76%
Member
Initial Impressions

Started the second winter season on the tires (roughly 12500 per season).

No degradation felt on dry grip. The tires feel as grippy as when they were new, temperature 3C-6C.
Pretty happy with the grip.

Performance in the wet is good as well.

Snow and ice conditions I am not so sure about the tires. A couple of times during heavy/medium snow fall where I had no grip, tried to correct but the tires did not bite.

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 5
  • Snow Grip 7
  • Ice Grip 5
Helpful 0
79%
Member
  • Renault
  • 205/55 R16
  • 12,000 miles
  • A Combination of Roads
  • Spirited
It’s the best winter tire I’ve had so far great wet and snow traction also the tire is very quiet (test say otherwise but on my car this tire is quiet) big downfall is the wear of the tire after 1 winter the tires lost almost half of their tread . Last winter was weak so maybe that’s because but I’ve heard that pirelli don’t last that long. Other than that great tire
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 4
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 8
  • Snow Grip 10
Helpful 1,127
86%
Member
  • SEAT Leon
  • 225/40 R18
  • 4,000 miles
  • A Combination of Roads
  • Average
I bought this tire last year after suggestions from my tire dealer. I was looking for a good tire for cold and rainy winters with some occasional trip to the mountains. These tires were highly satisfactory in terms of dry and wet performance, plus they felt great in terms of subjective road feedback and handling. Car seems attached to the ground in all situations. Downsides are higher noise and fuel consumption, but I say this with respect to my summer tires, which may not be a fair comparison. I only tried them on snow once and they were fine.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 9
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 9
  • Snow Grip 8
Helpful 1,268

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74%
Member
Brand new, to replace my old Pirelli Sottozero 3, come at the end of their Life. Dry: These Cinturato Winter 2 are proposed as touring tires, and so they do: compared to the more sporty precursors, the road feedback appears rougher and less direct. Likewise, handling in the dry is poorer, less precise, however decent for a touring tire. Breaking in the dry appears on the other hand fairly good, with more than reasonable stopping distances. Wet: drivability in the wet is not too bad. Wet handling is decent, breaking is good as well as aquaplaning resistance, both in the straight line and in the corner. Snow: Compared to the Sottozero 3, the performance of these Cinturato Winter 2 on snow is improved: either traction, handling and braking are significantly ameliorated, providing in challenging conditions of snow, snow/mud or snow/rain a greater sense of safety. Ice: Although not nordic or studded tires, these Cinturato Winter 2 do fairly good with the ice, letting you get off on it, as long as you drive with due prudence. Internal noise: These tires make themselves felt, as expected, especially during high-speed driving. Fuel consumption and wear: in the middle for a quality winter tire. Price: high-priced but less expensive compared to many competing models of other premium brands.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 6
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 7
  • Snow Grip 9
  • Ice Grip 7
Helpful 1,082
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