235/55 R18 - Best winter tyres 2025 - market overview, tests, reviews
Table of contents:
Best winter tyres in tests (2025)
Max. price
Options
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
If you enjoy sporty driving in winter conditions, the PA5 SUV is the go-to tyre. It's usually the best in the snow in all the tests, while maintaining balance and safety in other conditions. Only downside is high rolling resistance, which is why it hasn't won all the tests it was in.
- Low drive-by noise levels
- Exceptional traction on snow
- Short braking distance on dry roads
- Short braking distance on snow
- Great handling on dry roads
- High rolling resistance/high fuel consumption
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Very good |
3 | 2023 | ARBÖ | 235/55 R18 | Recommended |
2 | 2021 | Autobild | 235/55 R18 | Exemplary |
2 | 2021 | Autozeitung | 235/55 R18 | Highly recommended |
1 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Test winner |
2 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 235/60 R18 | Highly recommended |
3 | 2023 | Automotorsport | 255/45 R20 | Very good |
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Continental winter tires have been winning tire tests for many years, and the 870P is no exception. The “P” stands for performance, but don’t be mistaken, its rolling resistance is also praised, making it ideal for EVs. A well-balanced tire.
- Low rolling resistance/low fuel consumption
- Very good aquaplaning resistance
- Exceptional handling on the wet
- Great handling on dry roads
- Low drive-by noise levels
- Low mileage
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Very good |
4 | 2023 | ARBÖ | 235/55 R18 | Recommended |
6 | 2024 | ADAC | 215/55 R17 | Satisfactory |
2 | 2024 | Autozeitung | 215/55 R17 | Highly recommended |
4 | 2024 | TYRE REVIEWS | 235/35 R19 | Recommended |
3 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 235/35 R19 | Exemplary |
2 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 245/45 R18 | Exemplary |
4 | 2023 | Automotorsport | 255/45 R20 | Very good |
1 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 235/60 R18 | Test winner |
1 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Test winner |
7 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
3 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R18 | Highly recommended |
4 | 2023 | Sportauto | 225/40 R18 | Very good |
3 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/40 R18 | Exemplary |
4 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | 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 |
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 | - |
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 | 2023 | ARBÖ | 235/55 R18 | Highly recommended |
3 | 2021 | Autobild | 235/55 R18 | Good |
1 | 2021 | Autozeitung | 235/55 R18 | Highly recommended |
5 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 235/35 R19 | Good |
1 | 2024 | Autozeitung | 215/55 R17 | Test winner |
15 | 2023 | ADAC | 225/45 R17 | Satisfactory |
1 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
5 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/40 R18 | Good |
1 | 2023 | Sportauto | 225/40 R18 | Very good |
1 | 2023 | Automotorsport | 255/45 R20 | Outstanding |
3 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 235/60 R18 | Highly recommended |
6 | 2023 | ADAC | 205/60 R16 | Good |
2 | 2023 | Autoexpress | 225/45 R17 | Recommended |
1 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R18 | Test winner |
8 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Conditionally recommended |
Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2
Winter-focused tyre that is enjoyable to drive on snow, while being safe on wet and dry.
- Short braking distance on wet roads
- High rolling resistance/high fuel consumption
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Very good |
7 | 2023 | ARBÖ | 235/55 R18 | Recommended |
3 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Exemplary |
6 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 235/60 R18 | Recommended |
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
Wintrac Pro is a winter option from a dutch manufacturer that is getting a bit outdated, but on wet and dry roads it still holds up with the premium segment. It has some
minor weaknesses on snow, but for a lower than premium price it could be a good deal.
- Exceptional handling on the wet
- Exceptional traction on snow
- Short braking distance on wet roads
- Short braking distance on snow
- Short braking distance on dry roads
- High rolling resistance/high fuel consumption
- Low mileage
- Bad value for the money
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Good |
4 | 2021 | Autozeitung | 235/55 R18 | Highly recommended |
4 | 2021 | Autobild | 235/55 R18 | Good |
7 | 2024 | Autozeitung | 215/55 R17 | - |
6 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 245/45 R18 | Good |
7 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 235/35 R19 | Good |
3 | 2024 | ADAC | 215/55 R17 | Good |
5 | 2023 | ADAC | 225/45 R17 | Satisfactory |
17 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
8 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R18 | - |
7 | 2023 | Autoexpress | 225/45 R17 | - |
7 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/40 R18 | Good |
5 | 2023 | Sportauto | 225/40 R18 | Good |
5 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Good |
8 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Good |
Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A
- Short braking distance on snow
- Great handling on snow
- Very good aquaplaning resistance
- Great handling on dry roads
- Exceptional traction on snow
- High drive-by noise levels
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Very good |
2 | 2023 | ARBÖ | 235/55 R18 | Recommended |
6 | 2021 | Autobild | 235/55 R18 | Good |
9 | 2021 | Autozeitung | 235/55 R18 | - |
6 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Good |
3 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 235/60 R18 | Highly recommended |
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Good |
6 | 2023 | ARBÖ | 235/55 R18 | Recommended |
3 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Exemplary |
7 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 235/60 R18 | - |
Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro
EuroWinter HS02 is very good and quite sporty on dry and wet, but lacks some performance on the snow which is the reason for the not so good test results. Weaknesses in aquaplaning and rolling resistance doesn't help either.
- Short braking distance on dry roads
- Below average aquaplaning resistance
- High rolling resistance/high fuel consumption
- Worse traction on snow
- Longer braking distance on snow
- Inferior handling on snow
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Good |
10 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 245/45 R18 | Satisfactory |
9 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/40 R18 | Satisfactory |
9 | 2023 | Sportauto | 225/40 R18 | Satisfactory |
10 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R18 | - |
17 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Conditionally recommended |
20 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
7 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Satisfactory |
7 | 2023 | Automotorsport | 255/45 R20 | Satisfactory |
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 |
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Good |
5 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 235/60 R18 | Recommended |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5 | 2021 | Autozeitung | 235/55 R18 | Highly recommended |
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 |
12 | 2021 | ADAC | 225/50 R17 | Satisfactory |
10 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | Satisfactory |
5 | 2021 | Autobild | 205/55 R16 | - |
Falken EuroWinter HS02 Pro
EuroWinter HS02 is very good and quite sporty on dry and wet, but lacks some performance on the snow which is the reason for the not so good test results. Weaknesses in aquaplaning and rolling resistance doesn't help either.
- Short braking distance on dry roads
- Below average aquaplaning resistance
- High rolling resistance/high fuel consumption
- Worse traction on snow
- Longer braking distance on snow
- Inferior handling on snow
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Good |
10 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 245/45 R18 | Satisfactory |
9 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/40 R18 | Satisfactory |
9 | 2023 | Sportauto | 225/40 R18 | Satisfactory |
10 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R18 | - |
17 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Conditionally recommended |
20 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
7 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Satisfactory |
7 | 2023 | Automotorsport | 255/45 R20 | Satisfactory |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5 | 2021 | Autozeitung | 235/55 R18 | Highly recommended |
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 |
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 |
Cars with 235/55 R18 tyres
235/55 R18 tyre test Personalize
Best tyres in your size
Dry
1.
FALKEN EUROWINTER HS02
92%
2.
Continental Wintercontact Ts 870 P
79%
3.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
77%
4.
Yokohama BluEarth-Winter V906
76%
5.
Kumho WinterCraft WP52
74%
6.
Falken EuroWinter HS02 Pro
70%
7.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
66%
8.
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
62%
9.
Semperit Speed-Grip 5
61%
10.
Kleber Krisalp HP3
51%
Wet
1.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
87%
2.
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
81%
3.
Continental Wintercontact Ts 870 P
72%
4.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
66%
5.
Kleber Krisalp HP3
63%
6.
Semperit Speed-Grip 5
61%
7.
Yokohama BluEarth-Winter V906
60%
8.
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
60%
9.
FALKEN EUROWINTER HS02
55%
10.
Uniroyal WinterExpert
52%
Snow
1.
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
90%
2.
Kleber Krisalp HP3
84%
3.
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
74%
4.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
66%
5.
Uniroyal WinterExpert
64%
6.
Continental Wintercontact Ts 870 P
63%
7.
Semperit Speed-Grip 5
58%
8.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
58%
9.
Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV
53%
10.
Kumho WinterCraft WP52
48%
Comfort
1.
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
84%
2.
Kleber Krisalp HP3
78%
3.
Continental Wintercontact Ts 870 P
73%
4.
FALKEN EUROWINTER HS02
69%
5.
Falken EuroWinter HS02 Pro
61%
6.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
61%
7.
Uniroyal WinterExpert
52%
8.
Semperit Speed-Grip 5
52%
9.
Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV
48%
10.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
47%
Economy
1.
Continental Wintercontact Ts 870 P
94%
2.
Uniroyal WinterExpert
91%
3.
Semperit Speed-Grip 5
91%
4.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
85%
5.
Firestone Winterhawk 4
63%
6.
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
63%
7.
Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A
61%
8.
Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV
58%
9.
BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2
57%
10.
Goodyear Ultragrip Performance+ Suv
56%
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 ...?
235/55 R18 doesn't belong to the most popular dimensions for winter tyres - there are 41 tyre models available, which can be compared to 195/75 R16, 195/50 R15, 205/70 R15. Let's break down the sizing - 55 is height of the tyre, which is calculated as 55% of the tyre width (235mm), which means the sidewall height has 129.25 mm. The wheel diameter is R18, which means it fits to a 18 inch/457.2mm diameter wheel. The total circumference of the tyre is 2248.44 mm, which is very similar to 295/35 R20(2244.67 mm), 205/75 R16(2242.78 mm), 235/60 R17(2242.47 mm), 235/50 R19(2254.41 mm), 265/30 R22(2255.04 mm), 265/35 R21(2258.49 mm), 255/45 R19(2237.13 mm). There are multiple speed indexes available for winter tyres in 235/55 R18: H(210km/h), R(170km/h), T(190km/h), V(240km/h), W(270km/h). The same goes for weight indexes: 100, 104, 110. You can find 235/55 R18 on 20 car models - mainly Audi, Lexus, SsangYong, Volvo, Cadillac.
