205/65 R15 - Best winter tyres 2025 - market overview, tests, reviews
Table of contents:
Best winter tyres in tests (2025)
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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 |
Kumho Wintercraft WP52
The WinterCraft WP52 is an affordable winter tire with good safety qualities on snow and dry surfaces, but it has low aquaplaning resistance and tends to understeer in wet conditions.
- Short braking distance on dry roads
- Below average aquaplaning resistance
- High drive-by noise levels
- High rolling resistance/high fuel consumption
- Poor handling on the wet
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 245/45 R18 | Good |
12 | 2024 | ADAC | 215/55 R17 | Sufficient |
15 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
2 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
25 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
9 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R18 | - |
9 | 2023 | ADAC | 225/45 R17 | Satisfactory |
7 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/40 R18 | Good |
19 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
17 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | Satisfactory |
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 | - |
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
While being somehow dated as it was introduced back in 2015, it received some midlife updates and still holds up with the current models, at least in smaller dimensions. At the right price, it could be a great choice.
- Short braking distance on snow
- Exceptional handling on the wet
- Exceptional traction on snow
- Very good aquaplaning resistance
- Great handling on snow
- High drive-by noise levels
- Bad value for the money
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5 | 2024 | ADAC | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
2 | 2024 | ADAC | 215/55 R17 | Good |
4 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 235/35 R19 | Exemplary |
11 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
7 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Good |
7 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Good |
4 | 2023 | ADAC | 225/45 R17 | Good |
1 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | Good |
15 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
2 | 2022 | ADAC | 215/60 R16 | Good |
8 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
4 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | Exemplary |
8 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | Good |
2 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | - |
5 | 2021 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Good |
Uniroyal WinterExpert
Very good traction on snow for a nice price in a wide range of dimensions. Could use shorter braking distance on dry and better traction on the wet.
- -
- Longer braking distance on dry roads
- Poor handling on dry roads
- Longer braking distance on wet roads
- Poor handling on the wet
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
9 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Good |
14 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | Satisfactory |
11 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
12 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Satisfactory |
17 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
19 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | Satisfactory |
14 | 2022 | ADAC | 215/60 R16 | Satisfactory |
7 | 2022 | AutoMotorSport | 245/45 R19 | Sufficient |
Kumho WinterCraft WP52
The WinterCraft WP52 is an affordable winter tire with good safety qualities on snow and dry surfaces, but it has low aquaplaning resistance and tends to understeer in wet conditions.
- Short braking distance on dry roads
- Below average aquaplaning resistance
- High drive-by noise levels
- High rolling resistance/high fuel consumption
- Poor handling on the wet
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 245/45 R18 | Good |
12 | 2024 | ADAC | 215/55 R17 | Sufficient |
15 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
2 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
25 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
9 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R18 | - |
9 | 2023 | ADAC | 225/45 R17 | Satisfactory |
7 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/40 R18 | Good |
19 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
17 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | Satisfactory |
Firestone WinterHawk 4
The Winterhawk 4 is a tyre with mixed ratings as there are tests where the tyre was not recommended. Common criticisms include longer braking distances and significant understeer
- Great handling on snow
- Short braking distance on wet roads
- Exceptional traction on snow
- Short braking distance on snow
- Low drive-by noise levels
- Longer braking distance on dry roads
- Poor handling on dry roads
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 2024 | ADAC | 215/55 R17 | Satisfactory |
18 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
10 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
9 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Not recommended |
20 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Not recommended |
6 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
7 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | Good |
5 | 2022 | AutoMotorSport | 245/45 R19 | Good |
16 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | Satisfactory |
14 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
9 | 2022 | ADAC | 185/65 R15 | Satisfactory |
5 | 2021 | Autozeitung | 235/55 R18 | Highly recommended |
12 | 2021 | ADAC | 225/50 R17 | Satisfactory |
10 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
5 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | - |
Viking WinTech
Affordable tire that is good on snow, but has very limited wet grip.
- -
- Poor handling on the wet
- Below average aquaplaning resistance
- Longer braking distance on dry roads
- Longer braking distance on wet roads
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
11 | 2024 | ADAC | 215/55 R17 | Satisfactory |
16 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
19 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Conditionally recommended |
25 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
13 | 2019 | ADAC | 185/65 R15 | Recommended |
41 | 2019 | Autobild | 225/45 R17 | - |
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 |
Firestone Winterhawk 4
The Winterhawk 4 is a tyre with mixed ratings as there are tests where the tyre was not recommended. Common criticisms include longer braking distances and significant understeer
- Great handling on snow
- Short braking distance on wet roads
- Exceptional traction on snow
- Short braking distance on snow
- Low drive-by noise levels
- Longer braking distance on dry roads
- Poor handling on dry roads
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 2024 | ADAC | 215/55 R17 | Satisfactory |
18 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
10 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
9 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Not recommended |
20 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Not recommended |
6 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
7 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | Good |
5 | 2022 | AutoMotorSport | 245/45 R19 | Good |
16 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | Satisfactory |
14 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
9 | 2022 | ADAC | 185/65 R15 | Satisfactory |
5 | 2021 | Autozeitung | 235/55 R18 | Highly recommended |
12 | 2021 | ADAC | 225/50 R17 | Satisfactory |
10 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
5 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | - |
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 |
Barum Polaris 5
The czech low-cost tire has high projected mileage and is good on snow, but lacks a bit of wet and dry performance. Pricewise, it can match the low-cost chinese tyres and in comparison, it's definitely a better option.
- -
- Poor handling on the wet
- Below average aquaplaning resistance
- Longer braking distance on wet roads
- Longer braking distance on dry roads
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
18 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
16 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
14 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
9 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Satisfactory |
12 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | Satisfactory |
26 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
14 | 2022 | ADAC | 185/65 R15 | Sufficient |
15 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | - |
15 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
12 | 2021 | ADAC | 195/65 R15 | Satisfactory |
15 | 2020 | Autobild | 245/45 R18 | Good |
10 | 2020 | Autobild | 245/45 R18 | - |
21 | 2019 | Autobild | 225/45 R17 | - |
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
Kristall Control HP2 is an affordable snow specialist with some compromises in the wet and dry handling and braking.
- Short braking distance on snow
- Very good aquaplaning resistance
- Exceptional traction on snow
- Good value for the money
- Comfortable ride
- Poor handling on the wet
- High drive-by noise levels
- Longer braking distance on wet roads
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
19 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
20 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
9 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | Satisfactory |
23 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
18 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
6 | 2022 | Autozeitung | 225/45 R17 | - |
18 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | - |
16 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
11 | 2021 | ADAC | 225/50 R17 | Satisfactory |
6 | 2020 | ACE | 225/50 R17 | Recommended |
11 | 2020 | Autobild | 245/45 R18 | Good |
17 | 2020 | Autobild | 245/45 R18 | - |
18 | 2019 | Autobild | 225/45 R17 | - |
12 | 2019 | Autobild | 225/45 R17 | Good |
4 | 2018 | Autobild | 195/65 R15 | Exemplary |
Sava Eskimo HP2
- Short braking distance on snow
- Short braking distance on ice
- Longer braking distance on dry roads
- High drive-by noise levels
- Poor handling on the wet
- Below average aquaplaning resistance
- Poor handling on snow
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
23 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
14 | 2023 | ADAC | 225/45 R17 | Satisfactory |
9 | 2022 | ADAC | 215/60 R16 | Satisfactory |
22 | 2022 | Autobild | 215/55 R17 | - |
10 | 2021 | ADAC | 225/50 R17 | Satisfactory |
17 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
13 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | - |
20 | 2020 | Autobild | 245/45 R18 | - |
9 | 2020 | ADAC | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
17 | 2019 | Autobild | 225/45 R17 | - |
17 | 2019 | Autobild | 225/45 R17 | Satisfactory |
17 | 2017 | Autobild | 225/50 R17 | Satisfactory |
15 | 2017 | Autobild | 225/50 R17 | - |
6 | 2017 | ADAC | 215/65 R16 | Satisfactory |
Nexen Winguard Snow G3 WH21
- -
- Below average aquaplaning resistance
- Poor handling on dry roads
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
26 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
10 | 2022 | ADAC | 185/65 R15 | Satisfactory |
16 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | - |
19 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
11 | 2020 | Használtautó.hu | 205/55 R16 | - |
Cars with 205/65 R15 tyres
205/65 R15 tyre test Personalize
Best tyres in your size
Dry
1.
FALKEN EUROWINTER HS02
92%
2.
Continental WinterContact TS 870
81%
3.
Vredestein Wintrac
77%
4.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
77%
5.
Nokian WR Snowproof
76%
6.
Kumho WinterCraft WP52
74%
7.
Barum Polaris 5
57%
8.
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
52%
9.
Kleber Krisalp HP3
51%
10.
GoodYear UltraGrip 9+
50%
Wet
1.
Continental WinterContact TS 870
88%
2.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
87%
3.
GoodYear UltraGrip 9+
85%
4.
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
70%
5.
Vredestein Wintrac
66%
6.
Kleber Krisalp HP3
63%
7.
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
60%
8.
FALKEN EUROWINTER HS02
55%
9.
Uniroyal WinterExpert
52%
10.
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
51%
Snow
1.
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
90%
2.
Kleber Krisalp HP3
84%
3.
Continental WinterContact TS 870
82%
4.
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
79%
5.
Goodyear UltraGrip 9+
77%
6.
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
70%
7.
Sava Eskimo HP2
67%
8.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
66%
9.
Uniroyal WinterExpert
64%
10.
GT Radial Winter Pro 2 evo
63%
Comfort
1.
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
84%
2.
Continental WinterContact TS 870
82%
3.
Kleber Krisalp HP3
78%
4.
Vredestein Wintrac
70%
5.
FALKEN EUROWINTER HS02
69%
6.
GT Radial Winter Pro 2 evo
66%
7.
Goodyear UltraGrip 9+
62%
8.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
61%
9.
Barum Polaris 5
55%
10.
Uniroyal WinterExpert
52%
Economy
1.
Uniroyal WinterExpert
91%
2.
Continental WinterContact TS 870
88%
3.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
85%
4.
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
79%
5.
Barum Polaris 5
77%
6.
Vredestein Wintrac
77%
7.
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
73%
8.
Firestone Winterhawk 4
63%
9.
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
57%
10.
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 ...?
205/65 R15 doesn't belong to the most popular dimensions for winter tyres - there are 64 tyre models available, which can be compared to 175/65 R14, 235/55 R18, 215/60 R16. Let's break down the sizing - 65 is height of the tyre, which is calculated as 65% of the tyre width (205mm), which means the sidewall height has 133.25 mm. The wheel diameter is R15, which means it fits to a 15 inch/381mm diameter wheel. The total circumference of the tyre is 2034.18 mm, which is very similar to 275/30 R19(2034.5 mm), 180/60 R17(2035.12 mm), 235/35 R19(2032.92 mm), 215/50 R17(2031.98 mm), 235/30 R20(2038.89 mm), 160/60 R18(2039.52 mm), 275/35 R18(2041.09 mm). There are multiple speed indexes available for winter tyres in 205/65 R15: H(210km/h), R(170km/h), T(190km/h). The same goes for weight indexes: 94, 99, 102, 110. You can find 205/65 R15 on 43 car models - mainly CITROËN, Peugeot, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Volvo.
