The 2024 Auto Bild AllRad SUV winter tire test tested twelve of the popular SUV winter tires in 245/45 R18.

Dry

In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 performed best among the winter tires, stopping in 40.7 meters. The worst performer was the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6, taking 43.3 meters to stop - a difference of 2.6 meters. Notably, the reference summer tire outperformed all winter tires, stopping in just 35.5 meters, demonstrating the superior dry performance of summer compounds.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 again led the winter tires in dry handling with an average speed of 106.4 km/h, while the Giti GitiWinterW2 was slowest at 104 km/h - a 2.4 km/h difference. The reference summer tire was fastest at 107 km/h, showing its advantage in dry conditions. The Michelin's strong performance in both dry tests highlights its well-rounded capabilities.

Wet

In wet braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped in 31 meters, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 took 42.9 meters - a substantial 11.9 meter difference. The reference summer tire outperformed all winter tires, stopping in just 27.4 meters, emphasizing summer tires' advantage in wet conditions above freezing temperatures.

The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 led in wet handling with an average speed of 85.7 km/h, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 was slowest at 76.7 km/h - a 9 km/h difference. The reference summer tire was fastest at 89 km/h. The Imperial's poor performance in both wet tests indicates a significant weakness in wet conditions.

The Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 achieved the highest float speed of 81.2 km/h, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 was lowest at 68.9 km/h - a 12.3 km/h difference. Interestingly, the reference summer tire (82 km/h) only slightly outperformed the best winter tire in this test.

Snow

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped in 20.5 meters on snow, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 took 26.7 meters - a 6.2 meter difference. As expected, the reference summer tire performed poorly, taking 54.4 meters to stop, highlighting the crucial need for winter tires in snowy conditions.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 generated 2880 N of traction force, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 managed only 2136 N - a significant 744 N difference. The reference summer tire produced just 365 N, demonstrating its ineffectiveness in snow.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 achieved an average speed of 65 km/h, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 managed only 58 km/h - a 7 km/h difference. The reference summer tire was drastically slower at 32 km/h, further emphasizing winter tires' superiority in snowy conditions.

Comfort

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was quietest at 72.8 dB, while the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was loudest at 74.6 dB - a 1.8 dB difference. The reference summer tire produced 73.7 dB, falling in the middle of the winter tire range.

Value

The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 had the lowest rolling resistance at 7.21 kg/t, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 had the highest at 8.54 kg/t - a 1.33 kg/t difference. The reference summer tire's resistance was 7.52 kg/t, showing that some winter tires can match or even exceed summer tires in this aspect.

Results

1st: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
245/45 R18 100V EU Label: C/B/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 880.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 1st 40.7 M 100% Dry Handling 1st 106.4 Km/H 100% Wet Braking 5th 32.5 M 31 M +1.5 M 95.38% Wet Handling 3rd 84 Km/H 85.7 Km/H -1.7 Km/H 98.02% Wet Circle 9th 16.27 s 15.8 s +0.47 s 97.11% Straight Aqua 4th 78.3 Km/H 81.2 Km/H -2.9 Km/H 96.43% Curved Aquaplaning 5th 2.84 m/sec2 3.1 m/sec2 -0.26 m/sec2 91.61% Snow Braking 1st 20.5 M 100% Snow Traction 1st 2880 N 100% Snow Handling 1st 65 Km/H 100% Noise 1st 72.8 dB 100% Rolling Resistance 4th 7.66 kg / t 7.21 kg / t +0.45 kg / t 94.13% Exemplary premium tire with top performance on snow and wet surfaces, sporty and responsive handling, short braking distances in all weather conditions, low rolling resistance. Higher price point. Excellent. Read Reviews
2nd: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
245/45 R18 100V EU Label: C/B/71 3PMSF: yes Price: 800.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 3rd 41.2 M 40.7 M +0.5 M 98.79% Dry Handling 4th 105.4 Km/H 106.4 Km/H -1 Km/H 99.06% Wet Braking 1st 31 M 100% Wet Handling 4th 83.9 Km/H 85.7 Km/H -1.8 Km/H 97.9% Wet Circle 2nd 15.82 s 15.8 s +0.02 s 99.87% Straight Aqua 3rd 78.5 Km/H 81.2 Km/H -2.7 Km/H 96.67% Curved Aquaplaning 3rd 2.98 m/sec2 3.1 m/sec2 -0.12 m/sec2 96.13% Snow Braking 8th 22 M 20.5 M +1.5 M 93.18% Snow Traction 5th 2723 N 2880 N -157 N 94.55% Snow Handling 3rd 64 Km/H 65 Km/H -1 Km/H 98.46% Noise 10th 74.1 dB 72.8 dB +1.3 dB 98.25% Rolling Resistance 2nd 7.27 kg / t 7.21 kg / t +0.06 kg / t 99.17% Top-tier tire with excellent driving characteristics on snowy and wet roads, good safety reserves for aquaplaning, short braking distances, low rolling resistance. Higher price point. Excellent. Read Reviews    Buy from £184.57
2nd: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
245/45 R18 100V EU Label: C/C/71 3PMSF: yes Price: 760.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 2nd 40.8 M 40.7 M +0.1 M 99.75% Dry Handling 2nd 106.3 Km/H 106.4 Km/H -0.1 Km/H 99.91% Wet Braking 2nd 32 M 31 M +1 M 96.88% Wet Handling 1st 85.7 Km/H 100% Wet Circle 3rd 15.84 s 15.8 s +0.04 s 99.75% Straight Aqua 6th 76.9 Km/H 81.2 Km/H -4.3 Km/H 94.7% Curved Aquaplaning 4th 2.88 m/sec2 3.1 m/sec2 -0.22 m/sec2 92.9% Snow Braking 3rd 21.4 M 20.5 M +0.9 M 95.79% Snow Traction 2nd 2855 N 2880 N -25 N 99.13% Snow Handling 4th 63.7 Km/H 65 Km/H -1.3 Km/H 98% Noise 7th 73.8 dB 72.8 dB +1 dB 98.64% Rolling Resistance 1st 7.21 kg / t 100% Outstanding qualities in snow and ice, dynamic performance with safe driving characteristics in wet and dry conditions, short braking distances, good rolling comfort, low rolling resistance. Slightly higher price point. Excellent. Read Reviews    Buy from £183.54
4th: Bridgestone Blizzak 6
245/45 R18 100V EU Label: C/B/70 3PMSF: yes Price: 760.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 8th 42.5 M 40.7 M +1.8 M 95.76% Dry Handling 7th 105 Km/H 106.4 Km/H -1.4 Km/H 98.68% Wet Braking 4th 32.4 M 31 M +1.4 M 95.68% Wet Handling 2nd 84.7 Km/H 85.7 Km/H -1 Km/H 98.83% Wet Circle 1st 15.8 s 100% Straight Aqua 8th 75.2 Km/H 81.2 Km/H -6 Km/H 92.61% Curved Aquaplaning 6th 2.74 m/sec2 3.1 m/sec2 -0.36 m/sec2 88.39% Snow Braking 2nd 21.3 M 20.5 M +0.8 M 96.24% Snow Traction 3rd 2819 N 2880 N -61 N 97.88% Snow Handling 5th 63.5 Km/H 65 Km/H -1.5 Km/H 97.69% Noise 11th 74.3 dB 72.8 dB +1.5 dB 97.98% Rolling Resistance 3rd 7.49 kg / t 7.21 kg / t +0.28 kg / t 96.26% Good and safe driving characteristics in snow and ice, sporty handling with convincing grip and short braking distances on wet surfaces, low rolling resistance, good rolling comfort. Slightly higher price point. Excellent. Read Reviews
5th: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
245/45 R18 100V EU Label: D/B/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 640.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 5th 41.6 M 40.7 M +0.9 M 97.84% Dry Handling 6th 105.1 Km/H 106.4 Km/H -1.3 Km/H 98.78% Wet Braking 3rd 32.3 M 31 M +1.3 M 95.98% Wet Handling 6th 83.1 Km/H 85.7 Km/H -2.6 Km/H 96.97% Wet Circle 4th 16.02 s 15.8 s +0.22 s 98.63% Straight Aqua 5th 77.9 Km/H 81.2 Km/H -3.3 Km/H 95.94% Curved Aquaplaning 1st 3.1 m/sec2 100% Snow Braking 4th 21.5 M 20.5 M +1 M 95.35% Snow Traction 4th 2745 N 2880 N -135 N 95.31% Snow Handling 6th 63.2 Km/H 65 Km/H -1.8 Km/H 97.23% Noise 12th 74.6 dB 72.8 dB +1.8 dB 97.59% Rolling Resistance 5th 7.68 kg / t 7.21 kg / t +0.47 kg / t 93.88% Convincingly good driving characteristics on snowy roads, very good safety reserves for aquaplaning, short braking distances in all weather conditions, low rolling resistance, pleasantly fair price. Increased road noise. Excellent. Read Reviews
6th: Vredestein Wintrac Pro
245/45 R18 100V EU Label: D/B/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 680.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 10th 42.7 M 40.7 M +2 M 95.32% Dry Handling 9th 104.9 Km/H 106.4 Km/H -1.5 Km/H 98.59% Wet Braking 10th 34.8 M 31 M +3.8 M 89.08% Wet Handling 9th 82.5 Km/H 85.7 Km/H -3.2 Km/H 96.27% Wet Circle 6th 16.2 s 15.8 s +0.4 s 97.53% Straight Aqua 9th 73.4 Km/H 81.2 Km/H -7.8 Km/H 90.39% Curved Aquaplaning 10th 2.56 m/sec2 3.1 m/sec2 -0.54 m/sec2 82.58% Snow Braking 5th 21.6 M 20.5 M +1.1 M 94.91% Snow Traction 6th 2715 N 2880 N -165 N 94.27% Snow Handling 2nd 64.7 Km/H 65 Km/H -0.3 Km/H 99.54% Noise 4th 73.2 dB 72.8 dB +0.4 dB 99.45% Rolling Resistance 6th 7.84 kg / t 7.21 kg / t +0.63 kg / t 91.96% Sporty dynamic driving characteristics and short braking distances on snow and ice, balanced handling on wet and dry roads. Moderate resistance to aquaplaning, slightly longer wet braking distance. Good. Read Reviews
7th: Kumho Winter Craft WP52
245/45 R18 100V EU Label: C/B/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 520.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 7th 41.9 M 40.7 M +1.2 M 97.14% Dry Handling 5th 105.2 Km/H 106.4 Km/H -1.2 Km/H 98.87% Wet Braking 6th 32.6 M 31 M +1.6 M 95.09% Wet Handling 8th 82.7 Km/H 85.7 Km/H -3 Km/H 96.5% Wet Circle 11th 16.54 s 15.8 s +0.74 s 95.53% Straight Aqua 7th 75.3 Km/H 81.2 Km/H -5.9 Km/H 92.73% Curved Aquaplaning 12th 2.35 m/sec2 3.1 m/sec2 -0.75 m/sec2 75.81% Snow Braking 9th 22.4 M 20.5 M +1.9 M 91.52% Snow Traction 7th 2701 N 2880 N -179 N 93.78% Snow Handling 6th 63.2 Km/H 65 Km/H -1.8 Km/H 97.23% Noise 2nd 72.9 dB 72.8 dB +0.1 dB 99.86% Rolling Resistance 7th 7.95 kg / t 7.21 kg / t +0.74 kg / t 90.69% Convincingly good driving characteristics on snowy roads, safe handling with short braking distances on wet and dry surfaces, low road noise. Average aquaplaning resistance. Good. Read Reviews
8th: Giti GitiWinterW2
245/45 R18 100V EU Label: D/B/70 3PMSF: yes Price: 650.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 9th 42.6 M 40.7 M +1.9 M 95.54% Dry Handling 12th 104 Km/H 106.4 Km/H -2.4 Km/H 97.74% Wet Braking 7th 33.5 M 31 M +2.5 M 92.54% Wet Handling 10th 82 Km/H 85.7 Km/H -3.7 Km/H 95.68% Wet Circle 8th 16.26 s 15.8 s +0.46 s 97.17% Straight Aqua 2nd 81 Km/H 81.2 Km/H -0.2 Km/H 99.75% Curved Aquaplaning 7th 2.71 m/sec2 3.1 m/sec2 -0.39 m/sec2 87.42% Snow Braking 5th 21.6 M 20.5 M +1.1 M 94.91% Snow Traction 8th 2693 N 2880 N -187 N 93.51% Snow Handling 9th 62.5 Km/H 65 Km/H -2.5 Km/H 96.15% Noise 3rd 73 dB 72.8 dB +0.2 dB 99.73% Rolling Resistance 11th 8.49 kg / t 7.21 kg / t +1.28 kg / t 84.92% Good traction and lateral guidance on snowy roads, very good safety reserves for aquaplaning, pleasantly low road noise. Slightly delayed steering response, increased rolling resistance. Good. Read Reviews
9th: Pirelli P Zero Winter
245/45 R18 100V EU Label: C/B/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 840.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 11th 43 M 40.7 M +2.3 M 94.65% Dry Handling 10th 104.8 Km/H 106.4 Km/H -1.6 Km/H 98.5% Wet Braking 8th 34.1 M 31 M +3.1 M 90.91% Wet Handling 4th 83.9 Km/H 85.7 Km/H -1.8 Km/H 97.9% Wet Circle 5th 16.16 s 15.8 s +0.36 s 97.77% Straight Aqua 10th 71.7 Km/H 81.2 Km/H -9.5 Km/H 88.3% Curved Aquaplaning 8th 2.63 m/sec2 3.1 m/sec2 -0.47 m/sec2 84.84% Snow Braking 11th 23.3 M 20.5 M +2.8 M 87.98% Snow Traction 11th 2619 N 2880 N -261 N 90.94% Snow Handling 8th 62.8 Km/H 65 Km/H -2.2 Km/H 96.62% Noise 6th 73.6 dB 72.8 dB +0.8 dB 98.91% Rolling Resistance 8th 7.97 kg / t 7.21 kg / t +0.76 kg / t 90.46% Well-balanced good winter performance, good grip and sporty handling in wet conditions, low road noise, good rolling comfort. Limited safety reserves for aquaplaning, slightly longer braking distances. Satisfactory. Read Reviews
10th: Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
245/45 R18 100V EU Label: D/B/70 3PMSF: yes Price: 600.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 6th 41.8 M 40.7 M +1.1 M 97.37% Dry Handling 3rd 105.6 Km/H 106.4 Km/H -0.8 Km/H 99.25% Wet Braking 9th 34.4 M 31 M +3.4 M 90.12% Wet Handling 7th 83 Km/H 85.7 Km/H -2.7 Km/H 96.85% Wet Circle 7th 16.25 s 15.8 s +0.45 s 97.23% Straight Aqua 11th 69.8 Km/H 81.2 Km/H -11.4 Km/H 85.96% Curved Aquaplaning 9th 2.6 m/sec2 3.1 m/sec2 -0.5 m/sec2 83.87% Snow Braking 10th 23.1 M 20.5 M +2.6 M 88.74% Snow Traction 9th 2674 N 2880 N -206 N 92.85% Snow Handling 10th 62 Km/H 65 Km/H -3 Km/H 95.38% Noise 9th 73.9 dB 72.8 dB +1.1 dB 98.51% Rolling Resistance 10th 8.47 kg / t 7.21 kg / t +1.26 kg / t 85.12% Dynamic handling on wet and dry roads, short dry braking distances, low road noise, good rolling comfort. Average winter performance, limited safety reserves for aquaplaning. Satisfactory. Read Reviews
11th: Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
245/45 R18 100V EU Label: D/B/69 3PMSF: yes Price: 520.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 12th 43.3 M 40.7 M +2.6 M 94% Dry Handling 11th 104.7 Km/H 106.4 Km/H -1.7 Km/H 98.4% Wet Braking 11th 35.6 M 31 M +4.6 M 87.08% Wet Handling 11th 81.3 Km/H 85.7 Km/H -4.4 Km/H 94.87% Wet Circle 10th 16.42 s 15.8 s +0.62 s 96.22% Straight Aqua 1st 81.2 Km/H 100% Curved Aquaplaning 2nd 3.08 m/sec2 3.1 m/sec2 -0.02 m/sec2 99.35% Snow Braking 7th 21.8 M 20.5 M +1.3 M 94.04% Snow Traction 10th 2657 N 2880 N -223 N 92.26% Snow Handling 11th 61.9 Km/H 65 Km/H -3.1 Km/H 95.23% Noise 7th 73.8 dB 72.8 dB +1 dB 98.64% Rolling Resistance 9th 8.25 kg / t 7.21 kg / t +1.04 kg / t 87.39% Good traction and short braking distances on snowy roads, low road noise, very good safety reserves for aquaplaning. Significantly delayed steering response, limited lateral guidance, longer braking distances in wet conditions. Satisfactory. Read Reviews
12th: Imperial ICE+S210
245/45 R18 100V EU Label: C/C/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 400.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 4th 41.3 M 40.7 M +0.6 M 98.55% Dry Handling 7th 105 Km/H 106.4 Km/H -1.4 Km/H 98.68% Wet Braking 12th 42.9 M 31 M +11.9 M 72.26% Wet Handling 12th 76.7 Km/H 85.7 Km/H -9 Km/H 89.5% Wet Circle 12th 17.02 s 15.8 s +1.22 s 92.83% Straight Aqua 12th 68.9 Km/H 81.2 Km/H -12.3 Km/H 84.85% Curved Aquaplaning 11th 2.47 m/sec2 3.1 m/sec2 -0.63 m/sec2 79.68% Snow Braking 12th 26.7 M 20.5 M +6.2 M 76.78% Snow Traction 12th 2136 N 2880 N -744 N 74.17% Snow Handling 12th 58 Km/H 65 Km/H -7 Km/H 89.23% Noise 4th 73.2 dB 72.8 dB +0.4 dB 99.45% Rolling Resistance 12th 8.54 kg / t 7.21 kg / t +1.33 kg / t 84.43% Safe driving behavior on dry roads, good comfort, quiet rolling noise. Severely limited winter performance, poor grip and unsafe handling on wet surfaces, low safety reserves for aquaplaning. Not recommended. Read Reviews