255/40 R21 - Best winter tyres 2025 - market overview, tests, reviews
Table of contents:
Best winter tyres in tests (2025)
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Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
This is currently the best rated tyre we have and there is a reason for it - it combines sportiness on snow and dry and very good safety margins on the wet. It’s designed to maintain the joy of driving, even on winter tyres, but still manages to be safe at all times. 100% recommended.
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 245/45 R18 | Exemplary |
1 | 2024 | TYRE REVIEWS | 235/35 R19 | Test winner |
1 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 235/35 R19 | Exemplary |
2 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
1 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R18 | Test winner |
1 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Test winner |
3 | 2023 | Sportauto | 225/40 R18 | Very good |
1 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/40 R18 | Test winner |
1 | 2022 | AutoMotorSport | 245/45 R19 | Very good |
4 | 2022 | Autobild | 245/40 R19 | Good |
2 | 2021 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Test winner |
2 | 2021 | Tyre Reviews | 225/40 R18 | Test winner |
2 | 2020 | Autobild | 245/45 R18 | - |
1 | 2020 | Autobild | 245/45 R18 | Exemplary |
1 | 2020 | ADAC | 235/55 R17 | Good |
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.
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Very good |
1 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Test winner |
3 | 2023 | ARBÖ | 235/55 R18 | Recommended |
2 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 235/60 R18 | Highly recommended |
3 | 2023 | Automotorsport | 255/45 R20 | Very good |
2 | 2021 | Autobild | 235/55 R18 | Exemplary |
2 | 2021 | Autozeitung | 235/55 R18 | Highly recommended |
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
Blizzak has always been a winter tire focused on wet conditions, but with its sixth model, Bridgestone has promised improved snow performance and reduced rolling resistance. Early tests suggest they have delivered on these promises—Blizzak 6 is unmatched in wet conditions and excels on snow, making it ideal not just for city climates.
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | - |
4 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 205/55 R16 | Exemplary |
3 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Very good |
4 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 245/45 R18 | Exemplary |
| Shop | Product | Stock | Availability | Shipping | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Blizzak 6 Enliten XL EV
- In stock
£271
|
Blizzak 6 Enliten XL EV | In stock | Free shipping | £271 |
Buy
tyres.pneus.online.uk
|
|
|
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 ( 255/40 R21 102W XL Enliten / EV )
- In stock
£302
|
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 ( 255/40 R21 102W XL Enliten / EV ) | In stock | Free shipping | £302 |
Buy
mytyres.co.uk
|
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.
| 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 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.
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6 | 2024 | ADAC | 215/55 R17 | Satisfactory |
2 | 2024 | Autozeitung | 215/55 R17 | Highly recommended |
2 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Very good |
4 | 2024 | TYRE REVIEWS | 235/35 R19 | Recommended |
2 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 245/45 R18 | Exemplary |
3 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 235/35 R19 | Exemplary |
4 | 2023 | Automotorsport | 255/45 R20 | Very good |
1 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 235/60 R18 | Test winner |
4 | 2023 | ARBÖ | 235/55 R18 | Recommended |
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 |
| Shop | Product | Stock | Availability | Shipping | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P ( 255/40 R21 102T XL EVc )
- In stock
£231
|
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P ( 255/40 R21 102T XL EVc ) | In stock | Free shipping | £231 |
Buy
mytyres.co.uk
|
|
|
WinterContact TS 870 P XL
- In stock
£241
|
WinterContact TS 870 P XL | In stock | Free shipping | £241 |
Buy
tyres.pneus.online.uk
|
| Shop | Product | Stock | Availability | Shipping | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
WinterContact TS 870 P XL FR
- In stock
£275
|
WinterContact TS 870 P XL FR | In stock | Free shipping | £275 |
Buy
tyres.pneus.online.uk
|
|
|
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P ( 255/40 R21 102V XL EVc )
- In stock
£290
|
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P ( 255/40 R21 102V XL EVc ) | In stock | Free shipping | £290 |
Buy
mytyres.co.uk
|
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.
| 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.
| 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 | - |
Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2
Winter-focused tyre that is enjoyable to drive on snow, while being safe on wet and dry.
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Very good |
3 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Exemplary |
7 | 2023 | ARBÖ | 235/55 R18 | Recommended |
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.
| Rank | Year | Organization | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 2024 | Autozeitung | 215/55 R17 | - |
10 | 2024 | STRAßENVERKEHR | 235/55 R18 | Good |
7 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 235/35 R19 | Good |
3 | 2024 | ADAC | 215/55 R17 | Good |
6 | 2024 | AUTOBILD | 245/45 R18 | Good |
6 | 2023 | Automotorsport | 255/45 R20 | Good |
5 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/60 R18 | Good |
17 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | - |
7 | 2023 | Autoexpress | 225/45 R17 | - |
7 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/40 R18 | Good |
5 | 2023 | Sportauto | 225/40 R18 | Good |
8 | 2023 | Autobild | 225/45 R18 | Good |
5 | 2023 | ADAC | 225/45 R17 | Satisfactory |
8 | 2023 | Tyre Reviews | 225/45 R18 | - |
6 | 2022 | Autobild | 245/40 R19 | Satisfactory |
| 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.
| 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 |
255/40 R21 tyre test Personalize
Best tyres in your size
Dry
1.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
93%
2.
GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3
81%
3.
Continental Wintercontact Ts 870 P
79%
4.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
77%
5.
Kumho WinterCraft WP52
74%
6.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
66%
7.
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
62%
8.
Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV
42%
Wet
1.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
87%
2.
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
81%
3.
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
81%
4.
Continental Wintercontact Ts 870 P
72%
5.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
66%
6.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
66%
7.
Kumho WinterCraft WP52
47%
Snow
1.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
87%
2.
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
74%
3.
GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3
72%
4.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
66%
5.
Continental Wintercontact Ts 870 P
63%
6.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
58%
7.
Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV
53%
8.
Kumho WinterCraft WP52
48%
Comfort
1.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
89%
2.
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
76%
3.
Continental Wintercontact Ts 870 P
73%
4.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
61%
5.
Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV
48%
6.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
47%
7.
Kumho WinterCraft WP52
33%
8.
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
32%
Economy
1.
Continental Wintercontact Ts 870 P
94%
2.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005
85%
3.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
71%
4.
GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3
69%
5.
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
63%
6.
Nokian Snowproof 2 SUV
58%
7.
Goodyear Ultragrip Performance+ Suv
56%
8.
Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 SUV
44%
9.
Kumho WinterCraft WP52
41%
10.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
40%
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 ...?
255/40 R21 doesn't belong to the most popular dimensions for winter tyres - there are 4 tyre models available, which can be compared to 155/60 R15, 170/60 R17, 160/60 R14. Let's break down the sizing - 40 is height of the tyre, which is calculated as 40% of the tyre width (255mm), which means the sidewall height has 102 mm. The wheel diameter is R21, which means it fits to a 21 inch/533.4mm diameter wheel. The total circumference of the tyre is 2316.61 mm, which is very similar to 235/65 R17(2316.3 mm), 255/45 R20(2316.92 mm), 255/50 R19(2317.24 mm), 255/55 R18(2317.55 mm), 255/60 R17(2317.87 mm), 255/65 R16(2318.18 mm), 255/70 R15(2318.5 mm). There are multiple speed indexes available for winter tyres in 255/40 R21: H(210km/h), T(190km/h), V(240km/h), W(270km/h). The same goes for weight indexes: 102.
