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Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 View Gallery (2)
195-355/25-65 R16-21 231 sizes 2013 Winter rated

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

Pirelli Tires Ultra High Performance Winter

The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 is a premium Ultra High Performance winter tire that leans strongly towards sporty, precise road manners. Across real-world feedback it's widely praised for secure wet-weather grip, confidence in slush and light snow, and stable, predictable handling on performance cars. Professional testing also highlights strong dry braking/handling and notably good efficiency, but shows more trade-offs in deep-winter capability and longevity than many rivals.

7.9
Tire Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
High Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
89%
Wet Grip
90%
Road Feedback
81%
Handling
87%
Wear
78%
Comfort
79%
Buy again
86%
Snow Grip
82%
Ice Grip
73%
53 Reviews
83% Average
741,786 miles driven
30 Tests (avg: 7th)
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

Winter Premium
BETA
7.9 / 10
Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews · High 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
Category Scores
Snow
79.4
1.5x / 20 tests
Wet
74.7
1.93x / 26 tests
Comfort
67.2
0.32x / 8 tests
Dry
64.6
1.13x / 17 tests
Value
62.3
0.42x / 17 tests
Cross-Category Performance

Cross-category scores are derived metrics that combine data from multiple test disciplines to evaluate real-world performance characteristics.

Traction
93.9
1 test
Braking
75.1
28 tests
Handling
71.6
27 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 30
Publications: 8
Period: 2013 - 2021
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 53
Avg Rating: 82.9%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.43
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
2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tire Test ADAC 2021 225/50 R17 12/18 0 metrics
2020 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 235/55 R17 ADAC 2020 235/55 R17 9/13 0 metrics
2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2020 245/45 R18 19/21 12 metrics
2020 Winter Tire Market Overview - 52 Tire Braking Test Auto Bild 2020 245/45 R18 20/49 2 metrics
2019 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express 2019 225/45 R17 8/12 0 metrics
2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tire Test Auto Bild 2019 225/45 R17 18/21 12 metrics
2019 Winter Tire Test Market Overview Auto Bild 2019 225/45 R17 16/47 2 metrics
2019 AMS Winter SUV Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2019 215/55 R17 9/11 14 metrics
2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2018 245/45 R18 7/11 10 metrics
2017 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test Sport Auto 2017 225/40 R18 6/10 6 metrics
2017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad 2017 225/55 R17 4/11 10 metrics
2017 50 Winter Tire Shoot Out Auto Bild 2017 225/50 R17 8/45 0 metrics
2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2017 225/50 R17 18/21 11 metrics
2017 235/55 R17 SUV Winter Tire Test ACE 2017 235/55 R17 4/8 0 metrics
2017 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express 2017 225/45 R17 6/8 0 metrics
2017 AMS Performance 18 inch Winter Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2017 225/40 R18 5/10 9 metrics
2016 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test Sport Auto 2016 235/40 R18 4/6 0 metrics
2016 AutoBild Winter UHP Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars 2016 245/40 R18 4/8 0 metrics
2016 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/45 R17 ADAC 2016 225/45 R17 2/13 0 metrics
2015 AMS UHP Winter Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2015 225/50 R17 2/10 0 metrics
2015 ACE 17 Inch Winter Tire Test ACE 2015 225/50 R17 6/8 0 metrics
2015 Sport Auto 19 Inch Winter Tire Test Sport Auto 2015 235/35 R19 3/7 0 metrics
2015 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express 2015 225/45 R17 6/8 0 metrics
2015 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2015 225/40 R18 3/8 0 metrics
2014 AutoBild 235/35 R19 Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2014 235/35 R19 1/6 0 metrics
2014 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2014 225/50 R17 7/16 0 metrics
2014 50 Winter Tire Braking Overview Auto Bild 2014 225/50 R17 1/48 0 metrics
2013 Auto Bild Sports Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2013 225/50 R17 1/9 0 metrics
2013 AMS Sports Winter Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2013 225/50 R17 2/8 0 metrics
2013 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/45 R17 ADAC 2013 225/45 R17 11/15 0 metrics
In Depth Tire Comparisons
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
All Tests
View Test Results
30
Tests
7th
Average
1st
Best
20th
Worst
Latest Tire Test Results
2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tire Test
225/50 R17 • 2021
12th/18
Good dry braking, best drivability in the snow.
Low drivability in the dry, weak in the wet.
2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test
245/45 R18 • 2020
19th/21
Good in the snow and dry, low fuel use.
Average wet grip, high price, high wear.
2020 Winter Tire Market Overview - 52 Tire Braking Test
245/45 R18 • 2020
20th/49
View Test Results
Size Fuel Wet Noise
16 inch
215/60R16 99 H XL C B 72
205/60R16 96 H XL C B 72
215/60R16 95 H D B 72
205/55R16 91 H D B 72
205/55R16 91 H D B 71
205/60R16 96 H XL C B 72
205/55R16 91 H D B 71
205/60R16 92 H C B 71
205/60R16 92 H D B 71
205/60R16 96 H XL C B 72
205/60R16 96 H XL C B 72
205/55R16 91 H C B 68
205/60R16 96 H XL C B 68
205/60R16 96 H XL C B 68
17 inch
225/45R17 94 H XL C B 72
225/50R17 98 V XL C B 72
225/50R17 94 H C B 72
225/45R17 94 V XL C B 72
205/50R17 93 V XL C B 72
215/55R17 98 V XL C B 72
215/55R17 94 H C B 72
225/50R17 98 H XL C B 72
225/45R17 91 H C B 72
225/60R17 99 H C B 72
225/50R17 98 H XL D B 72
215/45R17 91 H XL D B 72
225/50R17 98 H XL C B 68
225/60R17 99 H C B 69
215/55R17 98 H XL C B 72
225/45R17 91 H C B 72
225/50R17 94 H D B 72
205/50R17 93 V XL D B 72
225/45R17 94 V XL C B 72
225/45R17 91 H C B 69
205/50R17 93 H XL C B 71
225/50R17 98 H XL B B 70
225/45R17 91 H C B 70
215/55R17 98 H XL C B 72
225/50R17 98 H XL B B 72
225/45R17 94 H XL C B 70
18 inch
245/40R18 97 V XL D B 72
225/40R18 92 V XL D B 72
255/35R18 94 V XL C B 73
225/40R18 92 V XL D B 72
245/40R18 97 V XL D B 72
245/40R18 97 V XL D B 70
225/40R18 92 V XL D B 72
245/45R18 100 V XL C B 72
245/45R18 100 V XL B B 72
245/45R18 100 V XL D B 72
225/40R18 92 H XL D B 72
245/40R18 97 H XL D B 72
245/45R18 96 V C B 72
225/40R18 92 V XL D B 72
225/40R18 92 V XL C B 72
225/40R18 92 V XL C B 70
245/45R18 100 H XL C A 72
19 inch
235/35R19 91 W XL C B 72
235/35R19 91 V XL D B 72
235/35R19 91 W XL C B 72
235/35R19 91 V XL D B 72
20 inch
255/45R20 105 V XL C B 73
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 >>

Questions and Answers for the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

Ask a question
February 15, 2017

I have a se of four Sottozero 3 tires on my Mazda 6 Estate. These are just four months old. When I brake the car experiences juddering through the brake pedal with less judder through the steering wheel but judder nonetheless. This is more severe as speed ncreases. have had the car checked thoroughly including a brake test and the car passed the MOT test recently. No mechanical faults are evident. Why am I experiencing this judder as I find it unbelievable that Pirelli would make a tire that does this !

It would be surprising if the tire is at fault. Sometimes, with certain tire patterns and car suspension you can get "stepping" on the tire, where the tread wears unevenly and causes noise and vibration, but it would have to be severe to be caused by a tire like the SottoZero3. A more likely cause would be a very slightly warped brake disc which would only show up when braking.
November 11, 2019

I was wondering if the difference between the Sottozero 3 and the Sottozero 3 Runflat could be explained, or at least more tangible. I know there will be a noticeable difference, but any clue on how noticable? If I choose to order the winterset they come on Run Flats as most products of MINI/BMW.

Runflat vs non-runflat is difficult, as it varies by brand. I've not tested these back to back, but as a rule you'll lose a significant amount of comfort and noise, and usually there's a slight reduction in grip too.
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Review Summary

Based on 50 user reviews

Drivers generally rate the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 very highly as a UHP winter tire, praising its secure wet-weather grip, strong resistance to aquaplaning, and confident performance in snow/slush with predictable handling and braking. Many reviews also highlight sporty steering feel and stability on performance cars, with comfort often described as good for the category. The most consistent downsides are increased road noise (often more noticeable as the tire wears or at motorway speeds) and faster-than-expected wear for some users-especially when used outside winter seasons or year-round.

Strengths
  • Strong wet grip and aquaplaning resistance
  • Confident snow/slush traction and braking
  • Sporty
  • Predictable handling with good steering feel for a winter tire
  • Generally good comfort/ride quality for the class
Areas for Improvement
  • Higher road noise (often speed/surface dependent and can increase with wear)
  • Treadwear can be faster than expected
  • Especially with year-round/summer use

Top 3 Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 Reviews

Given 86% while driving a BMW X2M35i (225/45 R19) on mostly town for 42,000 average miles
One of the very best winter tires, 4 years of use and over 40000 miles driven, still acts as new tire in rain and snow, which cannot be seen with Michelins.
Only down side the tire needs to be in operating temperature for dry conditions, then you can feel the diference from others.
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 image
Helpful 573
August 26, 2025
Given 80% while driving a Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7 (225/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 19,000 spirited miles
The best UHP winter tires I ever had. Excellent handling, you really feel these are UHP tires, not just winter tires. Initially they were noisy, but improved a lot. Beautiful design, the biggest rim protector. Wear is bad, after 30 000 kms just above the wear indicator (TWI). But it worths, I recently purchased a new set of Sottozero 3 (A01) for my new car.
Helpful 924
October 5, 2024
Given 73% while driving a Subaru WRX Limited (225/50 R17) on mostly town for 5,000 spirited miles
I had a set as winter tires for Subaru WRX AWD. Although there is not a lot of snow where I live, they work well in dry, wet and occasional snow weather. Compared to a summer set of OEM Dunlop, steering feeling is a little fuzzy because of tall blocks and soft compounds but they are good tire even in subzero temp. Tire wear is acceptable and it makes more noise than summer tires around 60-70 mph range on dry freeway surface.
Helpful 903
September 26, 2024

How would you rate the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3?

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Latest Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 Reviews

Initial Impressions Review
Given 76% while driving a (225/60 R18) on for 20,500 miles
Feedback: Winter tires on BMW X3 30i xDrive Context: 3 winters of use, 20,500 km traveled.
\r\n
Current wear: There is 5.5 mm of thickness remaining at the front and 4 mm at the rear.
Recommendation: As the 4 mm limit is the minimum required for proper grip on snow, a replacement will be necessary before next winter.
Performance:
Snow and ice: Very good grip.
Asphalt: The tires became noisy with wear. This phenomenon, which I also observed on an Alfa Stelvio, seems characteristic of the Pirelli brand.
Conclusion: Overall satisfied, although I note wear that I consider too rapid in view of my normal and smooth driving.
Helpful 13
March 31, 2026
Initial Impressions Review
Given 40% while driving a Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance Mk. 7.5 (225/40 R18) on for 19,500 miles
OEM winter tire on a 2019 Golf GTI Performance. In my country, Andorra, a snowy country, I didn't like the grip on snow, especially after half its life, which was awful. In wet and even in dry conditions, there have been many losses of traction in this car. In my opinion, I wouldn't recommend it or buy it again. My next winter tires will be Goodyear Ultragrip Performance 3, which I expect will be much better.
Helpful 35
February 24, 2026
Given 81% while driving a BMW M240i (255/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 5,000 spirited miles
Great overall UHP winter tire. They go on my 2022 BMW M240i xDrive in the fall and come off in the spring using 2 sets of identical wheels year-round. During the summer I run on Michelin PS4S so for several days each year I get to A/B compare this tire against one of the best tires ever made. The only difference in the tires being the front winters are 225/40/19's and the front summers are 245/35/19's. Rears are all 255/35/19's as I run a staggered setup. The major differences between the two tires are the road noise (higher on the Pirelli's) and a little more "sway" in the Pirelli's when pushing the car around bends. What I find impressive though is how well the Pirelli's communicate what they are doing. They have a very linear and predictable feel like the PS4S so I always know how much grip I have left which makes using them in winter more enjoyable as you can really drive the car as intended in the dry. The tires also don't need to be warmed up and feel compliant right out of the gate on a cold start and go. In the rain they behave as expected and hydroplane less than the PS4S do when driving in heavy rain with water accumulation on the road. I also had the chance to drive over a challenging mountain pass road during a snow storm in my first winter on them and really got to experience the difference. The tire was very predictable and kept me out of trouble. Combined with AWD, I felt completely safe and confident and drove right through the storm without any issues.
Helpful 875
March 13, 2024
Given 83% while driving a Porsche (285/35 R20) on mostly town for 6,000 spirited miles
Outstanding dry performance , which is 85% of our winter driving in northern metropolitan cities . The snow and ice is 80% as good as a snow /ice only low performance tire . But with my AWD sedan that is fine . Love these . P285 on back ; P245 on front . I am a car conniseur and could buy any tire period and i choose these . Mine are W rated look for that , though the V rated are great too I am sure .
Helpful 964
January 18, 2024
Given 93% while driving a Peugeot 3008 (215/60 R16) on a combination of roads for 2,000 average miles
Best winter tires I have driven yet! They are so soft and comfortable (non run-flat) I love driving my car in the winter more than ever. Responsive, great handling and you never loose control even on snow or ice. I am talking about regular driving in a regular car (not performance and drifting or racing) but a family Peugeot 3008. I have confidence climbing on hills or uphill without doubt.
Previously I had driven Michelins (also not bad but comfort and noise is so much better with these), Sava, Tigar and Sailun. Sotozzero 3 were the absolute best among all my previous tires. Highly recommended.
Helpful 870
January 15, 2024
Given 84% while driving a Honda CRV (225/60 R18) on a combination of roads for 5,000 average miles
Excellent winter/Snow and ice and wet tire, performance, very responsive too (I immediately noticed the response change, changing from "Saferich" summer tire)
These sottozero 3 tires are expensive, but they Really deliver in the winter,
I will keep to These tires for many winters to come
Dean
Helpful 955
December 3, 2023
Given 96% while driving a Chevrolet (245/40 R20) on mostly country roads for 250 spirited miles
Driving a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro RS with staggered fitment. 245/40/20 up front and 275/35/20 on the back. I swapped over from Continentals Extreme Contact DWS06+ early-mid November and got a bit of dry driving bellow 50 degrees. In the dry and rainy conditions, they handle extremely similar to the Continentals, similar traction, sound, and handling around corners. We got a snow storm during Thanksgiving weekend and got some snow/ice driving early! The massive surprise is driving on Ice, you can feel the tires biting into the ice and giving you some tractions, although it feels rough compared to driving on snow. But the rough-ish ride on ice makes acts as an indicator for when you've cleared the ice and back on snow/pavement. The tires also grab and go in snow/slush, providing a comfortable ride that gives you plenty of feedback to what kind/type of snow your tires are hitting. Overall, these tires have done great and haven't made me regret buying them in any condition. Weather its dry conditions before snow falls and you need to quickly accelerate, driving in rainy conditions, or safely driving a muscle car through a snow storm, Pirelli Sottozero 3's have got you covered!
Helpful 975
November 25, 2023
Given 89% while driving a Audi a3 s line (225/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 62,000 average miles
These are the only winter tires I have used on my car. My new car was registered in January 2015 and I had the tires fitted on a different set of alloys. Almost 9 years later, I am going to replace them with the exactly the same tire ! They have been an excellent all round winter tire, used every year from November to April (5 months) If you use them all year round, then I do believe they wear quite fast in the summer months.
Grip has been very good in the dry, wet and snow/ice. Handling has also been very good indeed. Comfort has been adequate, since my tire mechanic told me that all winter tires are quite noisy compared to the best summer tires.
Highly recommended in my opinion.
Helpful 944
November 11, 2023
Given 89% while driving a Audi a3 s line (225/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 62,000 average miles
These are the only winter tires I have used on my car. My new car was registered in January 2015 and I had the tires fitted on a different set of alloys. Almost 9 years later, I am going to replace them with the exactly the same tire ! They have been an excellent all round winter tire, used every year from November to April (5 months) If you use them all year round, then I do believe they wear quite fast in the summer months.
Grip has been very good in the dry, wet and snow/ice. Handling has also been very good indeed. Comfort has been adequate, since my tire mechanic told me that all winter tires are quite noisy compared to the best summer tires.
Highly recommended in my opinion.
Helpful 872
November 8, 2023
Given 89% while driving a Audi a3 s line (225/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 62,000 average miles
These are the only winter tires I have used on my car. My new car was registered in January 2015 and I had the tires fitted on a different set of alloys. Almost 9 years later, I am going to replace them with the exactly the same tire ! They have been an excellent all round winter tire, used every year from November to April (5 months) If you use them all year round, then I do believe they wear quite fast in the summer months.
Grip has been very good in the dry, wet and snow/ice. Handling has also been very good indeed. Comfort has been adequate, since my tire mechanic told me that all winter tires are quite noisy compared to the best summer tires.
Highly recommended in my opinion.
Helpful 911
November 7, 2023
Given 53% while driving a Mercedes Benz E 200 ( W210 ) (275/40 R18) on mostly town for 6,000 average miles
I have this tire part of the original equipment from the car. I didn't know when I imported the car from Germany it already has European winter tire attached so I bought another set to cover it since the car arrived during winter in Finland. I fit the tire during spring 2021 and since then has covered 1 winter and 2 summer. So around 10,000 kms driven already. When I got the tire mostly has around 5,0 - 5,5 mm thread depth. Now it went down to 4,5 mm front tires and 3,0-3,5 mm rear tires. My car is RWD and has wider rear tires hence the 275 width. In the spring, summer and autumn the tire held pretty well even during rain and on wet motorways. Sometimes I can feel the aquaplanning but if you are aware and slow down a bit there wasn't any problem still maneuverable. On smooth asphalt it gives quiet noise level but on a little bit harsher surface the noise level goes up quite a lot. In the winter however it is particularly bad, especially for Nordic winter, which I understand it is not what this tire is intended for. But the rear of my car always wiggling everywhere on every corner, as the temperature dips to under -10 C the tire struggle to grip even it has compact snow layer not on ice. My winter set has same European winter tire spec from Dunlop Wintersport 4D and it still perform better despite 1 year older and has same thread depth. So comparing both tire sets and considering that both of them are not in their natural habitat I can say that the Pirelli one perform worse in this condition. If I live in central European country I would consider buying this Pirelli if there are no other comparable branded options.
Helpful 938
January 25, 2023
Given 43% while driving a Ford Mondeo Titanium 2.0 TCDI (235/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 5,000 easy going miles
One of the worst tires I have ever driven. After 7-8 thousands km start steering wheel vibrations, changed my front tires with Fulda much better. Then my both rear wheels got baloons o the side profile of the tire, of course trow them in the bin. I suggest you not to buy Pirelli Sottozero 3!
Helpful 843
January 12, 2023
Rate the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3