Winter always presents a significant challenge for drivers, and the key factor in ensuring safety on the road is the right tyres. Choosing the right model is made easier by the annual tyre tests. ADAC, one of the most respected organisations in the automotive industry, has released its ranking for the 2025/2026 winter season. Find out which tyre models performed the best!
Which models performed best in the ADAC 2025/2026 winter tyre test?ADAC winter tyre test – the industry’s most anticipated assessment
The entire automotive industry eagerly awaits the publication of the ADAC winter tyre test each year. The reason is simple: the tests are conducted under demanding conditions that reveal both the strengths and weaknesses of the tyres, while also challenging the manufacturers’ marketing claims. ADAC experts are known for their precision, objectivity, and reliability. The results they deliver are widely trusted as they accurately reflect tyre performance in real-world driving conditions.
This year, the German automobile club introduced a new approach to the testing process. Instead of evaluating two different sizes, the test focused exclusively on winter tyres in size 225/40 R18. What is more, the assessment included a record-breaking 31 models – the highest number in the history of the test. Tyres of this size are a popular choice for mid-range and premium vehicles, such as the Audi A3, Opel Astra, Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and Škoda Octavia.
ADAC 2025/2026 winter tyre test assessment criteria
Winter can surprise drivers with unpredictable and challenging conditions. That is why winter tyres must offer strong grip on a variety of surfaces, especially snow and ice. With the changing climate, tyre manufacturers are also placing increased emphasis on wet-surface performance. To assess how the tested models perform in these conditions, ADAC experts use specially designed test tracks that accurately simulate real-world road surfaces. The tests are conducted on Continental’s ice track and Bridgestone’s testing facilities in Italy and Bavaria, among others. It is important to note that manufacturers have no influence over the test results.
When conducting the winter tyre tests for the 2025/2026 season, ADAC used the same evaluation criteria as in previous years. The overall score was based on two main aspects: safety in use and the environmental impact of the tyres.
The primary focus was on driving safety, which accounted for 70% of the final score. Within this category, automobile club experts assessed:
- dry road performance – 30% of the category score,
- wet road performance – 40% of the category score,
- snow and ice performance (winter surfaces) – 30% of the category score.
Environmental balance accounted for the remaining 30% of the overall score. Within this category, the following factors were assessed:
- mileage – 40% of the category score,
- tyre wear – 20% of the category score,
- efficiency – 20% of the category score,
- noise generation – 10% of the category score,
- sustainability – 10% of the category score.
ADAC rating qualification
One of the key advantages of the ADAC winter tyre tests is that they include models from all market segments – premium, mid-range, and budget. Each tyre is subjected to the same testing procedures, ensuring a reliable comparison of their characteristics and revealing both strengths and weaknesses of each solution. Based on the test results, experts assign a final rating that reflects the tyre’s real-world performance under various conditions. Only those models that achieve a “satisfactory” rating or higher receive an ADAC recommendation.
ADAC rating scale
| Ocena | Nota |
|---|
| 0,6 — 1,5 | Very good |
| 1,6 — 2,5 | Good |
| 2,6 — 3,5 | Satisfactory |
| 3,6 — 4,5 | Sufficient |
| over 4,6 | Insufficient |
source: Jochen Wieler, https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/reifen/reifentest/winterreifen/225-40-r18/
ADAC 2025/2026 winter tyre test – size 225/40 R18
This year’s ADAC winter tyre test provided an exceptionally valuable set of data for drivers considering their choice of tyres for the 2025/2026 season. Although a record number of models were tested, none received a “very good” rating. The results were distributed as follows: 6 tyres were rated as good, 10 received a satisfactory rating, 4 were deemed sufficient, and 11 fell short of expectations with an insufficient rating. In practical terms, this means that 15 tyres did not receive an ADAC recommendation.
Automobile club experts continue to follow current market trends, and for the 2025/2026 edition, particular attention was given to models from the budget segment – a category that has gained significant popularity among drivers. In addition to offerings from well-known manufacturers such as Goodyear, Michelin and Bridgestone, the test also included products from lesser-known brands such as Landsail, Momo, and Apollo.
Results of the ADAC winter tyre test 2025/2026:
| Position | Model | Overall scale | Final rating |
|---|
| 1. | Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 | 2,0 | Good |
| 2. | Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 | 2,1 | Good |
| 3. | Bridgestone Blizzak 6 | 2,2 | Good |
| 4. | Dunlop Winter Sport 5 | 2,4 | Good |
| 5. | Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 W330 | 2,4 | Good |
| 6. | Continental WinterContact TS 870 P | 2,5 | Good |
| 7. | Kleber Krisalp HP3 | 2,6 | Satisfactory |
| 8. | Nokian Tyres WR Snowproof P | 2,7 | Satisfactory |
| 9. | Momo W-20 North Pole | 2,7 | Satisfactory |
| 10. | Ceat WinterDrive | 2,8 | Satisfactory |
| 11. | Matador MP93 Nordicca | 3,0 | Satisfactory |
| 12. | Uniroyal WinterExpert | 3,0 | Satisfactory |
| 13. | Fulda Kristall Control HP2 | 3,1 | Satisfactory |
| 14. | Semperit Speed-Grip 5 | 3,2 | Satisfactory |
| 15. | GT Radial WinterPro 2 Sport | 3,2 | Satisfactory |
| 16. | Giti GitiWinter W2 | 3,4 | Satisfactory |
| 17. | Point S Winter S | 3,6 | Sufficient |
| 18. | Firestone Winterhawk 4 | 3,6 | Sufficient |
| 19. | Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 | 3,7 | Sufficient |
| 20. | Apollo Aspire XP Winter | 4,1 | Sufficient |
| 21. | Radar Dimax Winter | 4,6 | Insufficient |
| 22. | Nankang Winter Activa SV-4 | 5,2 | Insufficient |
| 23. | Landsail Winter Lander | 5,3 | Insufficient |
| 24. | Petlas SnowMaster 2 Sport | 5,3 | Insufficient |
| 25. | Imperial Snowdragon UHP | 5,4 | Insufficient |
| 26. | Tomket Snowroad Pro 3 | 5,5 | Insufficient |
| 27. | Star Performer Stratos UHP | 5,5 | Insufficient |
| 28. | Goodride SW608 | 5,5 | Insufficient |
| 29. | Evergreen EW66 | 5,5 | Insufficient |
| 30. | CST Medallion Winter WCP1 | 5,5 | Insufficient |
| 31. | Syron Everest 2 | 5,5 | Insufficient |
source: Jochen Wieler, https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/reifen/reifentest/winterreifen/225-40-r18/
Winners of the ADAC winter tyre test 2025/2026
The results clearly show that manufacturers are continually working to improve the quality of their products. This is particularly evident in the overall ratings – while only 3 models received a “good” rating last year, this season 6 tyres achieved that level. This marks significant progress and sends a positive message to drivers.
However, one thing has remained unchanged – the top positions in the ranking were once again dominated by premium brands. For another consecutive year, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 took the top spot, confirming its reliability and excellent performance in winter conditions.
1st place – Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
The rigorous ADAC tests confirmed that the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is one of the best choices for drivers seeking safety and comfort during the winter season. This model performed excellently in nearly all categories, providing drivers with confident control over their vehicle. Automobile club experts highlighted that the car remained predictable during sudden manoeuvres, both on snow and on ice. Moreover, on wet roads, this tyre achieved the best result of all tested models.
The UltraGrip Performance 3 also received notably strong ratings in the environmental balance category. Low tread wear and an excellent projected mileage make it not only a safe choice, but also an environmentally friendly and economical one.
The success of this premium model is the result of Goodyear’s advanced technologies combined with an innovative high-silica rubber compound. Its directional tread pattern, featuring a dense network of sipes, provides outstanding grip on snow and slush. Thanks to the Snow Protect system and Wet Grip+ technology, drivers can feel confident even in the most demanding winter conditions.
2nd place – Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 secured second place in the ranking, achieving a score nearly identical to the test winner. This model from the French manufacturer impressed with its excellent vehicle control in all test scenarios – the car handled with confidence and predictability, and responded precisely to every steering input. It particularly stood out in braking tests: high resistance to aquaplaning and the best result in stopping from 100 km/h confirm that this tyre offers maximum safety in hazardous winter road conditions. The Pilot Alpin 5 also provides excellent grip on snow and ice, as well as stable traction on wet surfaces.
A major advantage of this tyre is its durability – exceptionally high mileage and strong resistance to wear earned it a high score in the environmental balance category. Drivers also benefit from low rolling resistance, which translates into real fuel savings. Altogether, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is a tyre that will satisfy even the most demanding users.
These excellent results are no coincidence, but rather the result of an advanced construction. The directional tread pattern with a central groove efficiently channels away water and slush, improving vehicle control. Meanwhile, the modern rubber compound, enriched with functional polymers, ensures enhanced grip in all winter conditions, while also contributing to shorter braking distances.
3rd place – Bridgestone Blizzak 6
This year’s podium is completed by the Bridgestone Blizzak 6. According to ADAC experts, the driving experience was very positive. In nearly every test scenario, the car responded confidently and predictably, with the tyres providing excellent grip and maintaining stable performance throughout. Whether on snow, ice or wet roads, the tyres allowed the driver to maintain full control of the vehicle’s trajectory and perform manoeuvres with high precision.
In the environmental balance category, the Blizzak 6 held its own against its competitors. The model stood out for its good projected mileage, wear resistance, and low weight, all of which contribute to high overall efficiency and favourable fuel economy. This combination makes the tyre a strong choice not only for drivers, but also from a sustainability perspective.
As befits a premium-class product, Bridgestone has incorporated a range of innovative technologies in this model, whose effectiveness was confirmed by the results of this year’s ADAC tests. The tyre, developed using Enliten technology, combines safety, performance, and environmental friendliness. Its distinctive herringbone tread pattern, combined with lightning-shaped sipes in the shoulder area, provides excellent traction on all types of winter surfaces, effectively dispersing water, snow, and slush from beneath the wheels. Meanwhile, the modern rubber compound, which adapts flexibly to weather conditions, ensures shorter braking distances and confident handling in challenging situations.
Partial results of the ADAC winter tyre tests 2025/2026:
| Model | Driving safety – overall rating | Partial results | Environmental balance - overall rating | Partial results |
| Dry roads | Wet roads | Snow-covered roads | Mileage | Tyre wear | Performance | Noise | Sustainablity |
| Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 | 2,0 | 2,5 | 1,8 | 2,2 | 1,7 | 0,8 | 1,5 | 2,1 | 2,8 | 3,6 |
| Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 | 2,1 | 1,9 | 2,3 | 2,1 | 2,0 | 1,5 | 1,5 | 2,5 | 2,8 | 3,1 |
| Bridgestone Blizzak 6 | 2,2 | 2,1 | 2,1 | 2,5 | 2,3 | 2,1 | 1,9 | 2,1 | 3,3 | 3,3 |
| Dunlop Winter Sport 5 | 2,4 | 2,5 | 2,4 | 2,4 | 2,3 | 1,9 | 2,1 | 1,9 | 3,4 | 3,6 |
| Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 | 2,6 | 2,3 | 2,3 | 2,6 | 1,9 | 1,1 | 1,7 | 2,0 | 4,0 | 3,1 |
| Continental WinterContact TS 870 P | 2,6 | 2,4 | 2,3 | 2,6 | 2,2 | 2,4 | 1,8 | 1,6 | 2,7 | 2,7 |
| Kleber Krisalp HP3 | 2,7 | 2,4 | 2,7 | 1,9 | 2,5 | 2,5 | 2,0 | 2,2 | 3,0 | 3,1 |
| Nokian Tyres Snowproof P | 2,8 | 2,8 | 2,7 | 2,8 | 2,5 | 2,5 | 1,9 | 2,5 | 3,2 | 3,1 |
| Momo W-20 North Pole | 2,7 | 2,4 | 2,7 | 2,8 | 2,8 | 1,9 | 1,9 | 2,8 | 2,8 | 4,1 |
| Ceat WinterDrive | 3,0 | 3,0 | 2,9 | 2,0 | 2,2 | 1,6 | 2,0 | 2,4 | 3,0 | 4,2 |
| Matador MP93 Nordicca | 3,2 | 3,2 | 3,0 | 2,6 | 2,6 | 2,6 | 2,2 | 2,0 | 2,8 | 2,8 |
| Uniroyal WinterExpert | 3,3 | 2,2 | 2,8 | 2,4 | 2,4 | 2,4 | 2,1 | 2,1 | 3,4 | 2,7 |
| Fulda Kristall Control HP2 | 3,4 | 3,4 | 2,8 | 2,5 | 2,4 | 2,2 | 2,1 | 2,0 | 3,4 | 3,6 |
| Semperit Speed-Grip 5 | 3,3 | 3,3 | 2,1 | 2,6 | 2,8 | 2,8 | 2,0 | 2,1 | 3,5 | 2,8 |
| GT Radial WinterPro 2 Sport | 3,3 | 3,3 | 3,1 | 2,8 | 3,0 | 3,0 | 2,4 | 2,7 | 3,4 | 3,9 |
| Giti GitiWinter W2 | 3,5 | 3,5 | 2,6 | 3,2 | 3,1 | 3,1 | 2,7 | 2,4 | 3,2 | 3,9 |
| Point S Winter S | 3,6 | 3,6 | 2,8 | 2,5 | 2,4 | 2,4 | 2,2 | 2,0 | 2,8 | 2,8 |
| Firestone Winterhawk 4 | 3,6 | 3,6 | 2,6 | 2,2 | 2,7 | 2,7 | 2,2 | 1,9 | 3,2 | 3,2 |
| Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 | 3,7 | 3,7 | 3,0 | 2,9 | 2,3 | 1,8 | 1,8 | 2,1 | 3,4 | 4,2 |
| Apollo Aspire XP Winter | 4,1 | 4,1 | 2,6 | 2,7 | 2,7 | 2,5 | 2,3 | 2,7 | 3,7 | 3,5 |
| Radar Dimax Winter | 4,6 | 3,4 | 4,6 | 2,3 | 2,9 | 0,6 | 1,6 | 2,9 | 3,2 | 4,2 |
| Nankang Winter Activa SV-4 | 5,2 | 4,8 | 3,0 | 5,2 | 3,7 | 3,7 | 2,8 | 2,6 | 3,4 | 4,1 |
| Landsail Winter Lander | 5,3 | 4,0 | 2,6 | 5,3 | 2,8 | 2,6 | 2,4 | 2,5 | 3,2 | 4,5 |
| Petlas SnowMaster 2 Sport | 5,3 | 5,3 | 3,4 | 5,1 | 2,9 | 2,9 | 2,2 | 2,1 | 3,1 | 4,5 |
| Imperial Snowdragon UHP | 5,4 | 2,9 | 5,4 | 3,1 | 2,4 | 2,0 | 1,7 | 2,3 | 3,2 | 4,5 |
| Tomket Snowroad Pro 3 | 5,5 | 3,9 | 5,5 | 2,6 | 2,0 | 1,5 | 1,8 | 1,9 | 2,8 | 4,1 |
| Star Performer Stratos UHP | 5,5 | 3,5 | 5,5 | 2,7 | 2,3 | 2,0 | 1,9 | 2,0 | 3,1 | 4,2 |
| Goodride SW608 | 5,5 | 3,6 | 5,5 | 3,6 | 2,8 | 2,7 | 2,3 | 3,1 | 3,4 | 4,5 |
| Evergreen EW66 | 5,5 | 4,8 | 5,5 | 4,7 | 2,9 | 2,9 | 2,4 | 2,3 | 3,4 | 4,5 |
| CST Medallion Winter WCP1 | 5,5 | 3,5 | 3,0 | 5,5 | 3,0 | 2,3 | 2,1 | 3,0 | 4,1 | 4,5 |
| Syron Everest 2 | 5,5 | 5,0 | 5,5 | 1,4 | 3,2 | 3,2 | 2,7 | 2,4 | 3,3 | 4,6 |
source: Jochen Wieler, https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/reifen/reifentest/winterreifen/225-40-r18/
Explore the ADAC winter tyre test results and choose the model that suits your needs
The opinions issued by the German automobile club are widely regarded as the most reliable and truly reflective of tyre behaviour on the road. The experts’ thorough and rigorous approach ensures that all presented results are trustworthy. The ADAC winter tyre test 2025/2026 provides valuable information for anyone looking to buy a new set of tyres; it helps identify models best suited to your driving style, personal preferences, and budget. It enables an informed choice backed by professional expertise.