205/45 R16 - Best winter tyres 2025 - market overview, tests, reviews
Table of contents:
Best winter tyres in tests (2025)
Max. price
Options
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
The UltraGrip Performance 3 is one of the best tyres we have seen in the tests and on top of that it's top discipline is snow performance while maintaining great properties on wet, which makes it a great candidate for snowy climates.
- Exceptional handling on the wet
- Very good aquaplaning resistance
- Great handling on dry roads
- Exceptional traction on snow
- Short braking distance on dry roads
- -
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 245/45 R18 | Exemplary |
3 | 2024 | TYRE REVIEWS | 235/35 R19 | Highly recommended |
2 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 235/35 R19 | Exemplary |
3 | 2024 | Autozeitung | 215/55 R17 | Recommended |
1 | 2024 | ADAC | 215/55 R17 | Good |
9 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
2 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Exemplary |
2 | 2024 | ADAC | 205/55 R16 | Good |
2 | 2023 | Automotorsport | 255/45 R20 | Very good |
5 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R18 | Highly recommended |
3 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
2 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Exemplary |
3 | 2023 | Autoexpress | 225/45 R17 | Recommended |
2 | 2023 | Sportauto | 225/40 R18 | Very good |
1 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/40 R18 | Test winner |
Continental WinterContact TS 870
Continental has been dominating the winter tyre segment for years, and the TS870 is no different. It is very well-balanced and offers great mileage, making the premium price point worthwhile in the long run.
- Very good aquaplaning resistance
- Exceptional handling on the wet
- Short braking distance on snow
- Great handling on dry roads
- Short braking distance on dry roads
- -
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
1 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Exemplary |
1 | 2024 | ADAC | 205/55 R16 | Good |
1 | 2023 | Autoexpress | 225/45 R17 | Test winner |
1 | 2023 | ADAC | 225/45 R17 | Good |
1 | 2022 | Autoexpress | 225/45 R19 | - |
2 | 2022 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R17 | Highly recommended |
1 | 2022 | Autozeitung | 225/45 R17 | Test winner |
1 | 2022 | Autoklub ČR | 225/45 R17 | - |
1 | 2022 | ADAC | 215/60 R16 | Good |
1 | 2022 | ADAC | 185/65 R15 | Good |
1 | 2021 | TÜV | 225/45 R17 | - |
4 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | - |
1 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | Exemplary |
2 | 2021 | AutoMotorSport | 195/55 R16 | Very good |
Semperit Speed-Grip 5
We really like the new Speed-Grip 5 - it's not expensive, it's very good on snow and on top of that, it's got very low rolling resistance. What it lacks compared to the premium tyres is better wet performance, but given it's price it's definitely recommendable.
- Very good aquaplaning resistance
- Poor handling on the wet
- Longer braking distance on wet roads
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Exemplary |
6 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
4 | 2024 | ADAC | 215/55 R17 | Satisfactory |
6 | 2023 | ADAC | 225/45 R17 | Satisfactory |
16 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Satisfactory |
19 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
3 | 2022 | ADAC | 185/65 R15 | Good |
10 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | Good |
5 | 2022 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R17 | - |
Michelin Alpin 6
The Alpin 6 was introduced back in 2019, but still holds up surprisingly well compared to the current competitors. It's pricey, but Michelin promises it will maintain it's performance during the whole lifespan, which is rarely tested.
- Exceptional handling on the wet
- Exceptional traction on snow
- Great handling on dry roads
- Short braking distance on wet roads
- Very good aquaplaning resistance
- Bad value for the money
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5 | 2024 | Autozeitung | 215/55 R17 | - |
5 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
5 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Exemplary |
3 | 2024 | ADAC | 205/55 R16 | Good |
6 | 2023 | Autoexpress | 225/45 R17 | - |
2 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | Good |
2 | 2023 | ADAC | 225/45 R17 | Good |
6 | 2022 | Autoexpress | 225/45 R19 | - |
3 | 2022 | Autozeitung | 225/45 R17 | Highly recommended |
3 | 2022 | Autoklub ČR | 225/45 R17 | - |
7 | 2022 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R17 | - |
4 | 2022 | ADAC | 215/60 R16 | Good |
3 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
1 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | Exemplary |
4 | 2022 | ADAC | 185/65 R15 | Good |
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
A great winter tyre with balanced handling characteristics. Great in the wet, but slightly less durable than newer models.
- Very good aquaplaning resistance
- Short braking distance on wet roads
- Exceptional handling on the wet
- Exceptional traction on snow
- Low rolling resistance/low fuel consumption
- Low mileage
- Bad value for the money
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2024 | Autozeitung | 215/55 R17 | Test winner |
5 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 235/35 R19 | Good |
1 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R18 | Test winner |
8 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Conditionally recommended |
1 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
10 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Satisfactory |
2 | 2023 | Autoexpress | 225/45 R17 | Recommended |
5 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/40 R18 | Good |
1 | 2023 | Automotorsport | 255/45 R20 | Outstanding |
1 | 2023 | Sportauto | 225/40 R18 | Very good |
15 | 2023 | ADAC | 225/45 R17 | Satisfactory |
1 | 2023 | ARBÖ | 235/55 R18 | Highly recommended |
6 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | Good |
3 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 235/60 R18 | Highly recommended |
1 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
Hankook W462 Winter i*cept RS3
There aren’t many things to dislike about the Winter i*cept RS3, except perhaps for slightly lower mileage and higher rolling resistance. For its price, it performs well in all weather conditions.
- Very good aquaplaning resistance
- Great handling on dry roads
- Great handling on snow
- High drive-by noise levels
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5 | 2024 | ADAC | 215/55 R17 | Satisfactory |
4 | 2024 | Autozeitung | 215/55 R17 | Recommended |
14 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
6 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Good |
4 | 2024 | ADAC | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
7 | 2023 | ADAC | 225/45 R17 | Satisfactory |
4 | 2023 | Autoexpress | 225/45 R17 | - |
5 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | Good |
3 | 2022 | Autoexpress | 225/45 R19 | - |
3 | 2022 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R17 | Highly recommended |
9 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
7 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | Good |
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
G-Force Winter 2 is our favorite budget winter tyre. It's great on snow and offers good safety on all surfaces, which is no surprise as BFGoodrich is a part of the Michelin group.
- Short braking distance on snow
- Exceptional traction on snow
- Great handling on snow
- Low drive-by noise levels
- Very good aquaplaning resistance
- Poor handling on the wet
- Longer braking distance on wet roads
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Good |
13 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
8 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | Satisfactory |
4 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Good |
5 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
6 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
5 | 2022 | ADAC | 185/65 R15 | Satisfactory |
9 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | Good |
5 | 2021 | ADAC | 195/65 R15 | Satisfactory |
7 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | - |
11 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
8 | 2021 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Satisfactory |
4 | 2021 | AutoMotorSport | 195/55 R16 | Good |
2 | 2020 | AutoMotorSport | 225/50 R17 | Very good |
2 | 2020 | ACE | 225/50 R17 | Recommended |
Kleber Krisalp HP3
Old but gold, that is how we can pretty much describe the Krisalp HP3. It's a winter tyre that is great on snow for a good price, which is what the average driver is looking for. It's not a premium tyre, but you get a lot of bang for your buck.
- Short braking distance on snow
- Exceptional traction on snow
- Very good aquaplaning resistance
- Great handling on snow
- Low drive-by noise levels
- Poor handling on dry roads
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
16 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
8 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Good |
11 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Satisfactory |
10 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | Satisfactory |
4 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
11 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | Good |
8 | 2022 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R17 | - |
7 | 2022 | ADAC | 215/60 R16 | Satisfactory |
16 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
11 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | - |
3 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | Exemplary |
4 | 2021 | ADAC | 225/50 R17 | Satisfactory |
7 | 2020 | Autobild | 245/45 R18 | - |
8 | 2020 | ADAC | 235/55 R17 | Satisfactory |
5 | 2020 | Autobild | 245/45 R18 | Exemplary |
Falken Eurowinter HS02
The EuroWinter HS02 is one of the few affordable winter tires with good mileage and low rolling resistance. It offers strong driving characteristics, with only slight weaknesses on snow.
- -
- -
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 2024 | ADAC | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
22 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
11 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | Satisfactory |
Cars with 205/45 R16 tyres
205/45 R16 tyre test Personalize
Best tyres in your size
Dry
1.
FALKEN EUROWINTER HS02
92%
2.
GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3
81%
3.
Continental WinterContact TS 870
81%
4.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
77%
5.
Yokohama BluEarth-Winter V906
76%
6.
Michelin Alpin 6
74%
7.
Hankook W462 Winter i*cept RS3
65%
8.
Semperit Speed-Grip 5
61%
9.
Kleber Krisalp HP3
51%
10.
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
46%
Wet
1.
Continental WinterContact TS 870
88%
2.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
87%
3.
GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3
81%
4.
Hankook W462 Winter i*cept RS3
72%
5.
Michelin Alpin 6
70%
6.
Kleber Krisalp HP3
63%
7.
Semperit Speed-Grip 5
61%
8.
Yokohama BluEarth-Winter V906
60%
9.
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
60%
10.
FALKEN EUROWINTER HS02
55%
Snow
1.
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
90%
2.
Kleber Krisalp HP3
84%
3.
Continental WinterContact TS 870
82%
4.
GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3
72%
5.
Hankook W462 Winter i*cept RS3
67%
6.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
66%
7.
Michelin Alpin 6
63%
8.
Semperit Speed-Grip 5
58%
9.
Yokohama BluEarth-Winter V906
35%
10.
FALKEN EUROWINTER HS02
24%
Comfort
1.
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
84%
2.
Continental WinterContact TS 870
82%
3.
Kleber Krisalp HP3
78%
4.
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
76%
5.
FALKEN EUROWINTER HS02
69%
6.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
61%
7.
Michelin Alpin 6
60%
8.
Semperit Speed-Grip 5
52%
9.
Hankook W462 Winter i*cept RS3
48%
Economy
1.
Semperit Speed-Grip 5
91%
2.
Continental WinterContact TS 870
88%
3.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
85%
4.
GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3
69%
5.
Michelin Alpin 6
59%
6.
Hankook W462 Winter i*cept RS3
58%
7.
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
57%
8.
Kleber KRISALP HP3
47%
This is a preview of our comprehensive tyre test. The full test includes:
Detailed property breakdowns
Interactive sorting and filtering
Side-by-side comparisons
Did you know ...?
205/45 R16 doesn't belong to the most popular dimensions for winter tyres - there are 10 tyre models available, which can be compared to 165/60 R15, 165/60 R14, 165/65 R15. Let's break down the sizing - 45 is height of the tyre, which is calculated as 45% of the tyre width (205mm), which means the sidewall height has 92.25 mm. The wheel diameter is R16, which means it fits to a 16 inch/406.4mm diameter wheel. The total circumference of the tyre is 1856.37 mm, which is very similar to 175/60 R15(1856.68 mm), 185/50 R16(1857.94 mm), 195/60 R14(1852.28 mm), 195/40 R17(1846.63 mm), 165/80 R13(1866.73 mm), 165/70 R14(1842.86 mm), 165/65 R15(1870.82 mm). There are multiple speed indexes available for winter tyres in 205/45 R16: H(210km/h), T(190km/h), V(240km/h). The same goes for weight indexes: 83, 87. You can find 205/45 R16 on 17 car models - mainly Rover, Skoda, Volkswagen, Alfa Romeo, Alpine.
