2024 winter tires: our test

Seven tires with unconvincing results

This year, our test puts 28 winter tire models through their paces in two specific sizes for 2024: 205/55 R16 tires, often fitted to compact cars such as the Volkswagen Golf or Peugeot 308, and 215/55 R17 tires, designed for compact SUVs such as the VW T-Roc or Hyundai Kona. The objective? Measure the performance of these tires on dry, wet and snowy roads, and assess their environmental impact. The test, essential for guiding motorists in their choice, reveals that, while many tires offer solid performance, some models should be avoided. Indeed, of the 28 models tested, four failed to pass the test, and seven others achieved unconvincing results.

The three best tires for compact SUVs: 215/55 R17

In the compact SUV tire category, three models clearly stood out, guaranteeing enhanced safety in winter conditions.

• Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: This tire is the big winner in this category. It is extremely well-balanced, offering top-level performance on dry, wet and snow-covered roads. What’s more, it scores top marks for environmental performance, with low fuel consumption and low abrasion.
• Dunlop Winter Sport 5: This model takes second place and impresses with its versatility. It also scores very well on all types of road, particularly in terms of driving safety. It’s a trusted choice for motorists who want to stay safe whatever the road conditions.
• Vredestein Wintrac Pro: In third place, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro stands out for its excellent performance on snow. Although it doesn’t quite match the first two on wet and dry surfaces, its winter capabilities make it a highly recommended model.

Models in the middle of the ranking include such recommended tires as the Semperit Speed-Grip 5, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, and the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3. GitiWinter W2 and Firestone Winterhawk 4 are also suggested, despite some slight drawbacks.
On the other hand, the Viking WinTech, Kumho WinterCraft WP52 and Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6, which offer poor performance on dry roads, are not recommended. The Kenda Wintergen 2 KR501, meanwhile, failed completely due to a lack of driving safety on both dry and wet roads.
Our full test

The best tires for compact cars: 205/55 R16

In the compact car tire category, three models clearly stood out, guaranteeing enhanced safety in winter conditions.

• Continental WinterContact TS 870: this tire is the clear winner. With a driving safety rating of 1.8, it sets the standard for overall performance. Its exceptional grip on wet and snowy roads makes it particularly reliable.
• Michelin Alpin 6: coming in second, with a slightly lower rating for driving safety, but making up for it in environmental performance. With a potential mileage of over 53,000 kilometers and low fuel consumption, it is an interesting choice for those who want to combine safety and durability.
• Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: on the last step of the podium, offering an excellent compromise between safety and environmental performance. This model is particularly well suited to those looking for tires that perform equally well on both dry and snowy surfaces.

Four other models tested were also recommended for purchase. With an overall score of 2.6 for the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 and the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, and an overall score of 2.8 for the Nokian Snowproof 2 and the Falken Eurowinter HS02, they are in the upper “satisfactory” range (2.6 to 3.5).

Tires to avoid: disappointing performance

Unfortunately, not all the models we tested were up to the job. Among the 215/55 R17 size tires, the Kenda Wintergen 2 KR501 failed the tests due to its poor performance on both wet and dry surfaces. Similarly, tires such as the Viking WinTech and Kumho WinterCraft WP52 failed to convince our experts and are therefore not recommended.

As far as 205/55 R16 tires are concerned, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 came second to last due to its disappointing performance on dry roads. The Zeetex WH 1000 and GT Radial WinterPro 2 Evo didn’t shine in any category and didn’t get a recommendation to buy.

“M+S” tires: an era coming to an end

It’s important to remember that from October 1, 2024, only tires bearing the mountain peak symbol with a snowflake (“Alpine” symbol) will be recognized as winter tires in Germany. Tires marked only “M+S” (mud and snow) will no longer be permitted, on pain of a 75-euro fine.