Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D

The Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D is a Ultra High Performance Winter tire designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

Tire review data from 37 tire reviews averaging 84% over 273,300 miles driven, and 33 tests with an average result of 4th.

Dry Grip 89%
Wet Grip 93%
Road Feedback 88%
Handling 88%
Wear 88%
Comfort 92%
Buy again 92%
Snow Grip 67%
Ice Grip 57%

First On MarketMay 2021
Wheel Size16 - 21"
Width195 - 295mm
Profile30 - 65
Rolling ResistanceB - E
Wet GripB - D
Noise (dB)69 - 75
Winter Rating3PMSF Rated

The SP WinterSport 4D is ranked 20th of 43 Winter Ultra High Performance tires.

This tire replaced the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D and this tire has been replaced by the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.

Tests Included

33

Best Result

1st

Worst Result

9th

Average Result

4th

Latest Tire Test Results

2014 Autobild SUV / 4x4 Winter Tire Test
2nd of 9 tires
  • Very balanced tires, high traction on snow, good comfort, low rolling resistance
  • Relatively high price, average lateral stability on snow
View Full Test >>
2014 Auto Express Winter Tire Test
6th of 10 tires
  • Secure and safe, although rivals have the edge over this tire in most tests
View Full Test >>

2014 Tire Tests

2013 Tire Tests

2012 Tire Tests

2011 Tire Tests

Reports

  • Dunlop Winter Sport 4D launched
  • SizeFuelWetNoise
    16 inch
    205/55R16 91 HCC71
    205/55R16 91 HCC70
    205/55R16 91 HDC70
    205/55R16 91 HCC71
    17 inch
    225/50R17 94 HCC71
    225/50R17 98 H XLCC71
    225/50R17 98 H XLCC71
    225/45R17 91 HDD71
    225/60R17 99 HBC72
    225/50R17 94 HEC71
    225/45R17 91 HDC71
    18 inch
    245/40R18 97 H XLDC72
    View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D >>

    Questions and Answers for the Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D

    2017-11-25 - Just fitted a set of new sp4's on new alloy wheels to my E class Merc-what should I inflate to-225/55/R17 97H ROF MO?

    The Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressures.


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    Size Price Range  
    225/45 R17 $231.98 - $231.98 (1 Prices) Compare Prices >>
    225/55 R17 $217.99 - $287.99 (3 Prices) Compare Prices >>
    Available in 9 tire sizes - View all.

    YouTube Review

    Top 3 Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D Reviews

    Given 81% while driving a Ford Focus (195/65 R16) on a combination of roads for 1,000 average miles
    Excellent on dry road, bit on icy or wet dissaster...last week i had 2 time understeer with normalna speed. Road was wet...I'm a little bit disapointed.
    Helpful 31 - tire reviewed on February 5, 2022
    Given 74% while driving a Mercedes Benz E350 (245/50 R18) on mostly town for 3,000 average miles
    I got these tires as a package with the wheel. They are Mercedes OEM tire (MO) and unfortunately I got it with S Class W222 size, so for my W213 E350 petrol hybrid it was tight on the front part. There was almost no clearance with the arm. So word of advice, please get the 45 ratio if you want to put it on a W213. The wheel set is not staggered setup like the original AMG wheels from the car so all tires have same size. I have driven with these tires for around 3500 kilometres. One part of it was a journey from south Finland to Lapland at the northern part for ski holiday. I wasn't sure that the tires can keep up with Finnish winter because the temperature, snow and ice is really bad here and these tires are central European winter tires. So when I installed the tires it was already minus 3 to 7 Celsius on average daily, plus snow almost everyday. The road was slippery and yes during heavy snow it is not recommended to drive with this kind of tires. I have missed many red lights because of longer braking distance during snowfall. The tires also struggled to get a grip on snowy street especially when going around the roundabout or in a smaller street where the snow plough truck doesn't go there. When there is black ice on the intersection of course you can feel that the car is losing grip but it immediately gain it when the tires hit the road again. The feedback and handling during cold temperature on dry road is really good, I can feel where the car is going and I can tell the car to the direction that I want. Nevertheless during my 2500 kilometres trip to Lapland where the temperature reach -17 to -20 there and heavy snowfall on most cities, the tires performed really good. On dry road once in a while I hit 120-130 kmh in a safe empty stretch, I feel that the tires is gripping really well. There was one part during the journey where there was a freezing rain, the ground was wet and all the rain drop becomes ice that blocked your windshield, the tires were holding really good. I never felt that the car was about to skid or do something unpredictable. When there were some heavy rainfall the grip is still there and I can easily handle the car. For aquaplanning experience, there has been some times that the car lost the grip but still manageable even in higher speed (around 80-100 kmh). Also the noise level in the cabin it feels a bit high for my liking. I don't know if it is because the directional pattern of the tread. Overall this tire is good and depending on the price, you can consider also to put on your car if you don't have harsh winter like in Finland.
    Helpful 35 - tire reviewed on May 6, 2021
    Given 63% while driving a Skoda Superb II 4x4 2.0tdi (225/45 R18 W) on a combination of roads for 15,000 easy going miles
    After 15.000km bumps on tires, terible quality. Won't buy again
    Helpful 47 - tire reviewed on December 16, 2016
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    Latest Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D Reviews

    Given 89% while driving a BMW 525xd (225/55 R17 H) on a combination of roads for 3,000 average miles
    In short I am really impressed by these tires and I can easily recommend them, although I don't have a direct comparison with similar winter runflat tires. I chose between these and Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3, and ended up with the Dunlops. I would definitely buy them again.

    On dry roads they behave really well, with good comfort and lower noise than my summer Continetals 18 inch (staggered 275 / 245). Only thing is that you feel the extra sidewall in corners at higher speeds. No complaints on wet roads and very good traction in snow (xDrive helps as well). Only on ice you start to fell their limits but overall I found this to be an excellent and versatile winter tire. Cannot say exactly how long they will last, but after 4000 km there is minimal wear.
    Helpful 34 - tire reviewed on January 12, 2019
    Given 94% while driving a Jeep Cherokee Limited 2015 (225/55 R18) on a combination of roads for 16,000 average miles
    Have spent two full winters living in the mountains on the Italian Austrian border, driving between ski resorts on steep twisting mountain roads and motorways that were sometimes covered in deep snow and ice, as well as days when it was heavy rain or even in springtime 30 degrees hot......and the Wintersport 4D's never let me down. On more than one occasion I got out where others also in 4x4's were having to fit snowchains. They always felt assured. They have had 15000 miles of use and still have loads of tread left. I use Michelin Primacy 3 in the summer but actually prefer the Wintersport 4D for feel and handling, they are certainly better off road too. I was recommended this tire by someone that had used them and can only echo that recommendation. The drive to our house had a steep drive which often became sheet ice that you could not walk on, but with these tires on the car just drove out like you were on tarmac. Will definitely buy them again.
    Helpful 37 - tire reviewed on May 19, 2018
    What to know the BEST All Season Tires for 2024? Click to find out!
    Given 89% while driving a Mazda 6 Wagon (225/55 R17 H) on a combination of roads for 1,000 average miles
    I have put these tires on, and went on a 600km trip in pouring rain, and it was like driving on dry roads - even deeper ponds at high speeds are handled great. After an hour, snow started falling and temperature went down, but no change, Dunlop performed perfectly. At the end of the trip, it was dry road and this "test" was over in beautiful manner: these tires are great. Silent, comfortable and you can feel that it is a premium tire. Guys at the shop commented that, from their experience, 4D lasts longer than Wintersport 5 and that they are a great choice. I think they were right, and we will se about the wear rate. But right now, I don't care - I love them!
    Helpful 31 - tire reviewed on December 29, 2017
    Given 97% while driving a Toyota Prius III (205/50 R17 H) on a combination of roads for 1,000 spirited miles
    It's hard to imagine a winter tire more capable than this in central European winters. Meaning rainy, cold, freeezing and snowy. Variable conditions require a tire to be good in all winter domains. This Dunlop 4D is the best winter tire I have ever used. It's even rather comfortable even against an all season or summer tire. That is no easy task. I'm sure thee are better tires in the rain, or ones that are better pure snow tires. But this is the best all rounder I have experienced. It's even transformed a understeering machine Prius, into dare I say something confidence inspiring.
    Helpful 30 - tire reviewed on February 4, 2017
    Given 99% while driving a Jaguar XF S (255/45 R19 W) on a combination of roads for 20,000 spirited miles
    I've just completed my 3rd winter season on there tires totalling approx 20,000 miles on all road types & conditions. Fantastic grip in corners, stopping power and comfort, very quiet on all read surfaces and even after 20k miles have 5mm of tread left. Gives great confidence when driving in winter conditions that I've never felt before. The only reason for not giving 100% is a very slight squirming in the dry when taking fast "S" bends, but with such a heavy car I can't complain. A fantastic tire and would definitely recommend and buy again.
    Helpful 45 - tire reviewed on March 24, 2016
    Given 73% while driving a BMW X1 X Drive (225/45 R17) on mostly town for 5,000 average miles
    I'm running 225/50/17 on a BMW X1 X-drive M-sport. I'll deal withe downside first. This tire, on my car, exhibits a strange handling in high speed corners. Example would be a sweeping motorway slip road. The car feels like it's is squirming on the tread blocks, which is disconcerting, but probably not actually a problem and just a consequence of the the softer rubber and sipes etc. If you don't drive at high speed you wouldn't notice this and it may improve as the tire wears.

    In every other regard, they are an excellent tire. Quiet and comfortable in all conditions, especially as I'm coming from run flat summers that are an inch bigger. It's actually a pleasure to put them on. They feel sure footed in cold temps, and have excellent snow traction and braking. I live up an unadopted farm track high in the Pennines, and have tested these in deep fresh snow and compressed snow and ice. They excel in these conditions giving great confidence and control.

    Overall, has great winter and cold properties, but slightly strange high speed handling character.
    Helpful 30 - tire reviewed on October 30, 2015
    Given 97% while driving a Fiat Stilo (195/65 R15) on a combination of roads for 5,000 average miles
    Very, very good tire. Noisy at speed 10-20 km/h.
    Helpful 24 - tire reviewed on March 7, 2015
    Given 86% while driving a SEAT Altea Freetrack (225/45 R17 W) on mostly country roads for 7,000 spirited miles
    Not run winter tires before, but after reading a few reviews on here thought i would try a set of these, living in north yorkshire the conditions can get wild , was very glad to have these on winter 2012-13 with the mass of snow we had and frosty days, the car felt safe, great to drive and bags of traction even in the snow and icy conditions we had that year, i live up a fairly steep hill and even with 3-5 inch of snow on the ground the car went up with ease, only got the car stuck for bit when i planted it on a compacted large snow drift, my fault for not realising but amazing where i could take the car . put them on last year but was a very warm winter, this year they are paying off again, will prob get 4-5 seasons out of them at the rate i am going.
    not cheap tires but the road noise is good, feel in all conditions is excellent and would rather pay a little more for tires that are this good knowing that it could make the difference in getting home safe or not.
    Helpful 21 - tire reviewed on January 7, 2015
    Given 97% while driving a Audi A4 2.0 TDI 140 SLine (225/40 R18 V) on mostly country roads for 400 average miles
    One word: wow! I’ve been using the Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme’s on my Audi A4 for the last few Winters & boy they were good but these are even better. Only put them on last week so obviously can’t comment on wear but they really excel in all winter conditions. Took the car up Cairngorm mountain road where there was a few inches of fresh snow and the car felt solid as if you were driving on a dry summers road! Had temps of -1c with black ice recently in Inverness and again the car feels planted on the road in icy conditions. In cold rainy weather going through puddles isn’t daunting anymore…the car just goes through them without any fuss. In dry cold weather again the grip is amazing.

    Comfort is excellent, very quiet and just a gentle rumble when going over rough tarmac or potholes

    On the downside they weren’t cheap, around £155 per corner from lovetires but I did buy them in the middle of winter so suppose I had to pay a premium. Buy them, you won’t regret it!
    Helpful 20 - tire reviewed on December 26, 2014
    Given 86% while driving a BMW 320d touring (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 20,000 average miles
    Superb tires. I was warned that winter tires wear quickly. Rubbish. They did over 20k and still had more grip than my wife's summer tires over the same distance (remember, you are starting out with tonnes more tread depth and so have more to lose!). Also, I found no problem keeping these tires fitted during summer. No noticeable change in performance. Ultimately, the mean annual UK temperature is just 11C. In the early mornings and evenings (when most people drive to and from work), the temperature is well below this, and so hard to understand why you wouldn't use a winter or all season tire for the UK roads. I have a 320d rear wheel drive and its almost impossible to spin these tires! Get involved.
    Helpful 30 - tire reviewed on December 5, 2014
    Given 91% while driving a Renault Megane II 1.5dci @ 125hp (205/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 3,000 spirited miles
    Well, it's something when you put these on an they're quieter than the summer tires! (Pirelli P7 Cinturato).

    They are best to be used in bellow 0-5C. I've found that on dry and wet roads, on over 5C the Pirelli's are better gripping. But boy oh hoy, things do change under 0C.

    I've run these really hard on wet at -1(still water on the ground, not ice) and they grip almost like the Pirelli's in the summer.

    They do however shine when tackling almost zero traction conditions like thick slush or fresh snow. You can just feel them grip. I have NEVER been stuck anywhere, even when tackling 20+ cm snow. On glass ice they grip really when, and you can feel when they're going to lose traction. You don't end up in the ditch just like that.

    To sum this up, they are brilliant for snow/ice/cold&wet conditions. I've went with my FWD car where 4WD cars were stuck or stuggling.
    Helpful 26 - tire reviewed on December 4, 2014
    Given 87% while driving a Mazda RX8 (225/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 8,000 spirited miles
    Had them on for two seasons, about to hit the third. It was awesome being able to drive a lightweight rear wheel drive coupe in the snow. The outside Lane of the motorway is empty in the snow and this set up handled it perfectly, massively exceeding my expectations. The only limiting factor is the snow and ice in the middle of the road which catches on such a low car. No fault of the tires though. Absolute convert to winter tires now and will be fitting them to the other car too. Been through two seasons and they've lost 3-4mm at the rear and 2 on the front. However this may have been because I've enjoyed provoking the rears into deliberate, controllable slides. Such fun added to the massively increased driveability and safety.
    Helpful 20 - tire reviewed on October 17, 2014