All-season tyres are increasingly popular choice for SUV and 4×4 drivers seeking a tyre they can use with confidence all year round. But not every all-season tyre lives up to its promises. To help buyers make more informed purchases, Auto Bild Allrad has tested ten tyre models in size 245/45 R18. Fitting the tyres a Cupra Ateca, the publication’s testers determined how each performs under various conditions, including snow, wet roads, and dry surfaces.
The Auto Bild Allrad team declared four tyres to be “exemplary” and crowned three of these their test winners for 2024. The top trio are the Continental AllSeasonContact 2, Hankook Kinergy 4S 2, and Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Test Winners
The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 is a well-balanced all-round tyre that performs reliably in various weather conditions. Its key strengths include very good aquaplaning resistance, short braking distances, and low rolling resistance, making it an efficient option for year-round use. However, it falls slightly short with when it comes to braking distances on dry surfaces.
The Hankook Kinergy 4S 2 stands out as a convincing all-round performer, offering secure driving dynamics across all weather conditions. It features excellent aquaplaning resistance and a quiet ride, contributing to a comfortable driving experience. Its primary weakness is a slightly higher rolling resistance, which could impact fuel efficiency.
The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 is another balanced all-season tyre, excelling in dry weather with strong driving dynamics and good aquaplaning resistance. Its low rolling resistance further enhances fuel economy. However, the tyre delivered extended braking distances on snow, which may reduce its suitability for harsh winter conditions.
Bridgestone also exemplary
Although not a test winner, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 offers exemplary all-round performance, particularly with its excellent handling in all weather conditions, good aquaplaning resistance, and comfortable ride quality. The only drawback noted is its slightly elevated noise levels.
Three good tyres
Fifth place was a tie between the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 and Michelin CrossClimate 2. The Goodyear tyre delivers strong performance on snow, providing short braking distances and dynamic handling, making it a solid choice for winter. It also maintains good aquaplaning reserves. However, its dry braking performance is less impressive, with longer stopping distances.
The CrossClimate 2 excels in snowy and icy conditions, providing top-notch handling and good aquaplaning resistance. It is an ideal choice for those prioritising winter performance. However, it lost points on wet surfaces, with extended braking distances.
The Auto Bild Allrad team praised the Vredestein Quatrac Pro for its sporty driving dynamics, offering top grip on wet roads and a quiet ride. Its high safety reserves in wet conditions make it a compelling option for year-round use. However, it performs only satisfactorily on snow, particularly with lateral control, limiting its effectiveness in deep winter.
Satisfactory
The Nexen N’blue 4Season 2 provides strong performance on snowy roads and convincing ride comfort, positioning it as a budget-friendly option for light winter use. However, it lacks grip on wet roads and has limited aquaplaning resistance.
Not recommended
The Davanti Alltoura 4-Seasons offers good traction on snow, but its performance on wet roads is concerning, with weak grip and dangerously long braking distances. Additionally, its aquaplaning safety reserves are low, making it a less reliable option in wet conditions.
Finally, the Minerva All Season Master performs reasonably well in dry conditions, delivering short braking distances on snow. However, its wet performance is lacking, with weak traction, long braking distances, and poor aquaplaning safety.
How the tyres performed:
Exemplary – Test winners
Continental AllSeasonContact 2
+ Balanced all-round talent for any weather, very good aquaplaning resistance, short braking distances, low rolling resistance.
– Extended braking distances on dry surfaces.
Hankook Kinergy 4S 2
+ Convincing all-rounder with secure driving dynamics in all weather, very good aquaplaning resistance, quiet ride noise.
– Slightly higher rolling resistance.
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
+ Balanced in all conditions with good driving dynamics on dry roads, good aquaplaning resistance, low rolling resistance.
– Extended braking distance on snow.
Exemplary
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
+ Exemplary all-rounder with top handling in all weather conditions, good aquaplaning reserves, good ride comfort.
– Slightly elevated noise levels.
Good
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
+ Strong performance with short braking distance on snow, dynamic handling, good aquaplaning reserves.
– Extended dry braking distance.
Michelin CrossClimate 2
+ Top-class quality with top handling on snow and ice, good aquaplaning reserves.
– Extended braking distance on wet surfaces.
Vredestein Quatrac Pro+
+ Convincing safety reserves with sporty driving dynamics, top grip on wet roads, quiet and comfortable ride.
– Just satisfactory lateral control on snow covered roads.
Satisfactory
Nexen N’blue 4Season 2
+ Strong performance with good driving dynamics on snowy surfaces, convincing ride comfort.
– Weak grip and limited aquaplaning reserves.
Not recommended
Davanti Alltoura 4-Seasons
+ Acceptable performance with good traction on snow.
– Weak grip and dangerously long braking distance on wet roads, low safety reserves in aquaplaning.
Minerva All Season Master
+ Acceptable performance with short dry braking distances on snow.
– Weak traction and long braking distances in the wet, poor aquaplaning safety reserves.
