Winter tire test by Auto Bild Sportscars — 2025
The German magazine Auto Bild Sportscars tested winter tires in the 235/50 R19 size, which is often used on sports crossovers and SUVs such as the Audi Q3, Lexus NX, and Volkswagen Tiguan R, evaluating the characteristics of both premium and medium/economy segment tires. Additionally, one model of summer and all-season tires was taken for comparison.
The snow and ice tests were conducted in Vidsel, northern Sweden, and on dry and wet asphalt in Italy at the Bridgestone test site. The Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro with 245 horsepower was used in the tests.
The list of participants included the following tires:
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 (all-season, not rated)
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
On snow, all tires (except, naturally, summer ones) were able to quickly stop the car, and the best ones were Michelin, while budget Giti and Superia lost to all-season tires.
In the traction test on a snowy surface, the situation was similar, but Bridgestone took first place, and Nokian unexpectedly became the last, lagging behind not only the economy-class tires but also the all-season ones.
In terms of handling on snow, Nokian also failed to keep up with the other test participants, and it was only thanks to Giti that they did not drop to the very bottom. The leaders were Continental and Pirelli.
In the slalom section, the maximum lateral acceleration that the tires could withstand during high-speed maneuvering was evaluated, and Pirelli performed the best, which in general have the most sporty character among the tested tires, and Superia and Giti again lagged behind.
On wet asphalt, the balance of power changes, and the shortest braking distance was recorded by Vredestein, followed by all-season tires and Pirelli. Superia again had problems, and this time they were joined in the lower part of the rating by Falken tires.
The best handling on a wet road is provided by Pirelli, which with a minimal gap lagged behind summer tires, and Vredestein and Goodyear also had very good results. Falken again failed to get a "Good" rating, and the result of the cheap Superia was deemed unsatisfactory.
With lateral stability, Superia also had very poor results, and it becomes clear that it is not recommended to buy them, as they cannot provide an acceptable level of safety on wet pavement. Pirelli took first place on the circular track where the test was conducted.
In the tests for resistance to longitudinal and transverse aquaplaning, Nokian had their moment of glory, becoming the best in both disciplines. Falken and Superia were the worst at maintaining traction on surfaces with a deep layer of water.
On dry pavement, Continental got a chance to show their best side, having the shortest braking distance, while Giti, Nokian, and Falken could only earn an average score.
Continental also turned out to be the best in the handling test on a dry track, and Superia traditionally took the last place.
In the noise test, all tires showed good results (even Hankook on the last line), and the first places were taken by Pirelli, Nokian, and Michelin.
Michelin also had very low rolling resistance, but in this discipline, all participants showed good performance, with the exception of Vredestein.
According to the results of the entire test, the first place was shared by Bridgestone Blizzak 6 and Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, but while the first tires had no complaints, the second ones had slightly reduced resistance to transverse aquaplaning and braking efficiency on wet pavement. The "Exemplary" rating was also received by Michelin Alpin 7, which combines economy with a very short braking distance on snow, but like Continental, they relatively quickly "float" in puddles when cornering.
Next were the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2, and Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ tires, which all earned the same number of points. According to the testers, Goodyear had very good performance on snow, but a long braking distance on a wet road; and Pirelli excelled in sporty handling on a snowy and irrigated track, but on dry asphalt, the reactions were somewhat slower. In turn, Vredestein generally showed very good results, but they were let down by high rolling resistance. The group of tires with a "Good" rating also included Hankook, which did not allow themselves obvious weaknesses in any discipline, but in general, according to the overall grip indicators, they conceded to premium-class products.
Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV could have taken a higher place, but they were hindered by a long braking distance on snow, which is somewhat unexpected for tires from a company that positions itself as the "most northern tire manufacturer in the world". Behind them were Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro, which had reduced not only longitudinal but also transverse grip on a snowy track. In turn, Giti GitiWinter W2 showed uneven results and demonstrated certain drawbacks on all types of pavement.
When one budget tire is participating in the test, it is likely that it will take the last place, and so it was this time. Superia Bluewin UHP 3 were deemed unworthy of recommendation due to very weak grip on a wet surface.