The results of the industry tyre tests are an invaluable source of knowledge for those seeking the perfect winter tyres. The latest results published by ADAC for the 2024/2025 season will certainly help drivers make an informed choice of the model that perfectly meets their needs.
ADAC winter tyre tests are among the most anticipated in the automotive industry.Winter tyre tests carried out by the German automobile club are among the most keenly awaited in the industry. ADAC is famous for its accuracy, impartiality and professional approach to its research, which is why the published results are deemed the most reliable and trustworthy in the automotive business.
As usual, the club’s specialists tested two tyre sizes: 215/55 R17 and 205/55 R16. Tyres of this size are usually fitted to compact cars and SUVs, which are the most common vehicles nowadays.
ADAC 2024/2025 winter tyre test assessment criteria
Winter tyres must demonstrate good grip on different surfaces. For this reason, during the tests the tyres are subjected to numerous challenges in order to identify the models that perform best in harsh winter conditions. To this end, ADAC uses several test tracks which simulate different conditions typical of the winter season. Handling on dry surfaces is tested at the Bridgestone and ADAC test centres located in Italy and Bavaria. Handling on ice is tested on an ice track owned by Continental. However, it must be mentioned that none of the manufacturers can influence the results of the tests.
In 2024, the German specialists pursued the methodology of tyre assessment initiated last season in which the 225/45 R17 and 205/60 R16 tyre sizes were tested. In addition to the basic elements that influence the safety of winter driving, the tests covered environmental issues.
The first category assessed was driving safety. Up to 70% of the final score is comprised of the following factors:
- dry handling – 30% of the category score;
- wet handling – 40% of the category score;
- snow and ice handling (winter surface) – 30% of the category score.
The remaining 30% of the final score is the environmental balance test, which includes:
- mileage – 40% of the category score;
- tyre wear – 20% of the category score;
- performance – 20% of the category score;
- noise – 10% of the category score;
- sustainability – 10% of the category score.
ADAC rating qualification
ADAC reviews tyres of every segment: budget, mid-range and premium. All the models reviewed have undergone detailed tests in each of the particular categories. Based on the results, a team of specialists awards an appropriate score. The fewer points the tyre scores, the better the overall result. Bear in mind that only models that scored ‘satisfactory’ or higher receive the association’s positive recommendation.
ADAC rating scale
| Score | Rating |
|---|
| 0,6 – 1,5 | Very good |
| 1,6 – 2,5 | Good |
| 2,6 – 3,5 | Satisfactory |
| 3,6 – 4,6 | Sufficient |
| 3,6 – 4,6 | Insufficient |
Check out how the models that took part in last year's ADAC 2023 winter tire test performed, where the organization's specialists took a closer look at the sizes 205/60 R16 and 225/45 R17.
ADAC 2024/2025 winter tyre test of size 215/55 R17
As usual, the tests covered two of the most frequently purchased tyre sizes on the European market. The first, 215/55 R17, is a common choice for the increasingly popular crossovers and SUVs. This size is also suitable for many mid-range vehicles, such as the Toyota Yaris Cross, Škoda Superb, Hyundai Kona, Opel Insignia and Seat Ateca. To achieve the most reliable results, VW T-Roc was selected as the test vehicle.
This year’s review covered 16 premium, mid-range and budget models. None of them received a ‘very good’ rating. 3 tyres were rated ‘good’, 7 ‘satisfactory’, 3 ‘sufficient’ and 3 ‘insufficient’. Once again, premium brands claimed the top spots. Semperit was rated ‘very good’, which comes as a surprise. Here are the overall test results.
Model | Overall score | Final rating |
|---|
| 2,0 | Good |
| 2,1 | Good |
| 2,4 | Good |
| 2,6 | Satisfactory |
| 2,6 | Satisfactory |
| 2,7 | Satisfactory |
| 2,8 | Satisfactory |
| 2,9 | Satisfactory |
Giti GitiWinter W2 | 3,1 | Satisfactory |
| 3,3 | Satisfactory |
| 3,6 | Sufficient |
| 3,6 | Sufficient |
| 3,7 | Sufficient |
| 4,8 | Insufficient |
| 4,9 | Insufficient |
Davanti Wintoura + | 5,3 | Insufficient |
Autor: ADAC, Jochen Wieler, źródło: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/reifen/reifentest/winterreifen/215-55-r17/
1st place - Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3The best overall result in this year’s tyre review goes to Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3. This model handled both dry and wet surfaces well and excelled in winter conditions. All this is due to the refined tread pattern and the manufacturer’s proprietary technologies. The classic herringbone pattern usually helps achieve the best performance on winter surfaces. The large number of sipes, combined with an extensive network of grooves, ensures full tyre-to-road contact in all conditions, which translates into perfect grip and significantly shortened braking distances on snow and ice, ultimately ensuring the highest level of driving safety. This design also allows the tyre to quickly clear away accumulated snow or slush, greatly improving performance. This model from the top three also boasts the best mileage.
2nd place - Dunlop Winter Sport 5
This year yet again, Dunlop Winter Sport 5 made it to the podium in the ADAC winter tyre tests. It achieved excellent results on every tested surface. The directional tread ensures full control on both dry and wet roads. With an increased number of tread blocks, the model ‘bites’ into the snow, providing excellent grip, which translates into secure handling and stability in challenging conditions. The short braking distance is due to the curved sipes placed on the tyre shoulder. Two wide circumferential grooves increase the comfort of driving on wet surface by efficiently draining water from under the wheels and reducing the risk of aquaplaning.
3rd place - Vredestein Wintrac Pro
The last place on the podium goes to Vredestein Wintrac Pro. This UHP tyre boasts excellent results on the test surfaces. Very good snow and ice handling combined with even better handling on dry and wet roads make this tyre a truly safe choice for the winter season. The large block tread, combined with a network of numerous wide grooves, translates into maximum grip during when driving in a straight line and cornering on snowy roads. In turn, two wide longitudinal grooves improve traction on wet surfaces, increasing tyre-to-road contact.
ADAC 2024/2025 winter tyre test results for size 215/55 R17, broken down by category
| Model | Driving safety | Environmental balance |
| Dry road | Wet road | Winter surface | Mileage | Tyre wear | Performance | Noise | Sustainability |
| Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 | 2,2 | 2,2 | 2,0 | 1,2 | 1,7 | 1,3 | 2,9 | 3,2 |
| Dunlop Winter Sport 5 | 2,0
| 2,0 | 2,2 | 1,5 | 2,1 | 2,3 | 3,2 | 3,4 |
| Vredestein Wintrac Pro | 2,5 | 2,5 | 1,7 | 2,6 | 2,2 | 1,9 | 2,9 | 3,4 |
| Semperit Speed-Grip 5 | 2,9 | 2,4 | 2,5 | 1,6 | 1,8 | 1,7 | 2,9 | 2,7 |
| Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 | 2,8 | 2,5 | 2,4 | 1,9 | 1,7 | 2,2 | 3,1 | 3,1 |
| Continental WinterContact TS 870 P | 2,9 | 2,3 | 2,2 | 2,4 | 2,0 | 1,8 | 2,9 | 2,7 |
| Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 | 2,9 | 2,1 | 2,0 | 2,2 | 2,3 | 2,2 | 2,9 | 3,0 |
| Yokohama BluEarth-Winter V906 | 2,1 | 2,4 | 2,8 | 3,1 | 3,0 | 2,8 | 3,2
| 3,8
|
| Giti GitiWinter W2 | 2,7 | 2,5 | 3,2 | 2,6 | 2,6 | 2,6 | 2,7 | 4,0 |
| Firestone Winterhawk 4 | 3,5 | 2,2
| 2,1
| 2,9 | 2,6 | 1,9 | 2,9 | 3,3 |
| Viking WinTech | 3,6 | 3,1 | 3,0 | 1,5 | 1,7 | 1,5 | 3,4 | 2,6 |
| Kumho WinterCraft WP52 | 3,6 | 2,8 | 2,2 | 2,2 | 2,2 | 2,2 | 3,0 | 3,9
|
| Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 | 3,7 | 2,9 | 2,8 | 2,1 | 2,0 | 2,6 | 2,8 | 4,3 |
| Triangle WinterX TW401 | 2,7 | 4,8 | 2,3 | 3,0 | 1,8 | 2,2 | 3,0 | 4,3 |
| Kenda Wintergen 2 KR501 | 4,2 | 3,5 | 1,9 | 0,6 | 1,8 | 4,9 | 2,7 | 4,3 |
| Davanti Wintoura + | 3,1 | 5,3 | 3,5 | 2,1 | 2,5 | 3,1 | 2,9 | 4,3 |
Autor: ADAC, Jochen Wieler, źródło: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/reifen/reifentest/winterreifen/215-55-r17/
ADAC 2024/2025 winter tyre test of size 205/55 R16
The second tyre size examined in this year’s test was 205/55 R16. This size is extremely versatile and fits a variety of vehicles. Tyres like these are designed for cars such as the Dacia Sandero, Ford Focus, Škoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla and VW Golf.
12 models from all segments were tested within this category. Again, none of them achieved a ‘very good’ rating. 3 models scored ‘good’, 4 ‘satisfactory’, 4 ‘sufficient’ and 1 ‘insufficient’. Yet again, premium tyres outshone the competitors. A very low score for Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, which did not receive a recommendation from the German automobile club due to its poor dry handling, comes as a huge surprise. Take a look at the complete list of results for 205/55 R16 tyres below.
| Model | Overall score | Final rating |
|---|
| Continental WinterContact TS 870 | 2,0 | Good |
| Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 | 2,2 | Good |
| Michelin Alpin 6 | 2,3 | Good |
| Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 | 2,6 | Satisfactory |
| Dunlop Winter Sport 5 | 2,6 | Satisfactory |
| Nokian Tyres Snowproof 2 | 2,8 | Satisfactory |
| Falken Eurowinter HS02 | 2,8 | Satisfactory |
| Zeetex WH 1000 | 3,7 | Sufficient |
| GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo | 3,7 | Sufficient |
| Vredestein Wintrac | 3,8 | Sufficient |
| Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 | 3,9 | Sufficient |
| Winrun Winter-max A1 WR22 | 5,5 | Insufficient |
Autor: ADAC, Jochen Wieler, źródło: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/reifen/reifentest/winterreifen/205-55-r16/
1st place – Continental WinterContact TS 870
This year’s prestigious first place on the podium goes to the Continental WinterContact TS 870. With unparalleled handling on wet surfaces, it also beat its competitors on snow and ice. This reliable model, providing full control over the vehicle even in the most challenging conditions, is a choice that ensures maximum road safety. Refined tread pattern not only ensures stable handling on any surface but also translates into excellent performance while driving. Innovative pocket sipes evacuate excess snow and slush from the tread. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is synonymous with the perfect winter tyre. It is also worth highlighting that it is exceptionally quiet, which significantly enhances travel comfort.
2nd place – Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
Just behind the winner, with equally impressive results, is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3. Hence, this model celebrates a double success in this year’s ADAC tests. The tyre did very well on wet and dry roads, but winter conditions are its true forte. It offers full control of the vehicle while driving on snow and ice, ensuring an excellent driving experience, but above all guaranteeing superior safety.
3rd place - Michelin Alpin 6
The Michelin Alpin 6 is a winter tyre that has been synonymous with safety for many years. Its excellent properties are confirmed by its third position in this year’s ADAC test. The tyre’s refined winter tread makes it perfect for deep snow and slush, while neither wet nor dry surfaces pose a challenge. The manufacturer has equipped the model with EverGrip technology, which improves driving performance in winter conditions and significantly shortens braking distances. This exceptional grip means that even during dynamic manoeuvres the car remains stable, maintaining full contact with the surface.
ADAC 2024/2025 tests of size 205/55 R16, broken down by category
| Model | Driving safety | Environmental balance |
| Dry road | Wet road | Winter surface | Mileage | Tyre wear | Performance | Noise | Sustainability |
| Continental WinterContact TS 870 | 2,0
| 1,9
| 1,6
| 2,4
| 1,8
| 2,1
| 2,9
| 2,8
|
| Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 | 2,5
| 2,2
| 2,0
| 2,0
| 1,7
| 2,0
| 2,7
| 3,3
|
| Michelin Alpin 6 | 2,5
| 2,5
| 2,0
| 1,6
| 1,4
| 2,1
| 3,2
| 3,0
|
| Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 | 2,3
| 2,8
| 2,1
| 1,6
| 1,4
| 2,1
| 3,2
| 3,1
|
| Dunlop Winter Sport 5 | 2,8
| 2,5
| 1,7
| 2,0
| 1,7
| 1,9
| 3,4
| 3,4
|
| Nokian Tyres Snowproof 2 | 2,6
| 2,4
| 2,7
| 2,9
| 1,9
| 2,0
| 3,2
| 3,1
|
| Falken Eurowinter HS02 | 1,9
| 2,5
| 2,9
| 2,5
| 2,2
| 2,2
| 3,0
| 3,9
|
| Zeetex WH 1000 | 3,6
| 3,7
| 3,4
| 2,4
| 2,2
| 2,6
| 2,9
| 4,3
|
| GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo | 3,7
| 3,2
| 2,6
| 3,0
| 2,2
| 2,3
| 3,1
| 3,9
|
| Vredestein Wintrac | 3,8
| 2,5
| 1,7
| 3,2
| 2,5
| 2,3
| 3,2
| 3,0
|
| Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 | 3,9
| 2,5
| 1,7
| 3,2
| 2,5
| 2,3
| 3,2
| 3,0
|
| Winrun Winter-max A1 WR22 | 2,5
| 5,5
| 2,1
| 2,1
| 1,9
| 2,7
| 3,5
| 4,6
|
Autor: ADAC, Jochen Wieler, źródło: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/reifen/reifentest/winterreifen/205-55-r16/
Compare ADAC winter tyre test results and pick your perfect model
As every year, the German association conducted the tests with the utmost care and its ratings are extremely rigorous. The ADAC 2024/2025 tests are an invaluable source of information for those seeking safe, durable tyres that comply with superior quality standards. They help make an informed choice of tyres that are perfectly suited to the driver's needs and budget.