AUTONEWS

Which all-season tires are the best? A test of 16 models reveals significant differences

All-season tires are an increasingly popular choice among drivers, as they allow for year-round driving without the need for seasonal tire changes. However, not all models are equally good, and the latest test has revealed significant differences between them.

Out of the 16 all-season tire models tested, only one received the highest rating and a recommendation, while fully half were rated as only partially recommended or not recommended at all, reports * Autonews*.

The Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) and its partner automobile clubs tested 16 all-season tire models in the 185/65 R15 size, commonly used on many small city cars. The tires had to demonstrate their performance under various conditions—on dry and wet asphalt, as well as in winter conditions.

The results also brought a few surprises.

Continental takes the top spot...The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 received the best rating, being the only model to earn the "highly recommended" label. The test showed that this model offers precision and safety on dry and wet roads, as well as in winter conditions. Additionally, the tire is wear-resistant and contributes to low fuel consumption.

Following close behind were the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3 and Michelin CrossClimate 2; both were rated as "recommended" but missed out on the top rating by a mere 0.1 points.

Testers noted slightly weaker performance in winter conditions for the Pirelli tire, while the Michelin model showed minor shortcomings on wet roads. It is also interesting to note that Michelin does not yet offer its latest CrossClimate 3 in this size; instead, the previous CrossClimate 2 model was used for the test.

Five other models received a recommendation: Vredestein Quatrac, Hankook Kinergy 4S 2, Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, Nokian Tyres Seasonproof 2, and GT Radial ClimateActive.

Half of the tested tires do not warrant an unqualified recommendation... A much more significant finding appears at the bottom of the table. As many as eight of the 16 tested models received one of the two lowest ratings—"partially recommended" or "not recommended."

These include well-known names like Dunlop and Bridgestone, demonstrating that a famous manufacturer is not, in itself, a guarantee that every one of its models will perform well in a specific test.

The Dunlop All Season 2 was rated as "partially recommended." Its strengths include good performance in winter conditions and wear resistance, but testers identified shortcomings on both dry and wet roads.

The Bridgestone Weather Control A005-Evo fared even worse, receiving a "not recommended" rating. Although it performed well on wet surfaces and offered good projected mileage, it showed serious flaws on dry roads and, particularly, in winter conditions.

The worst-performing tires struggled most in winter...At the very bottom of the rankings were the Norauto 4 Seasons 2, Bridgestone Weather Control A005-Evo, Mastersteel All Weather 2, Roadhog RGAS02, and Tomason Allseason. All five models were rated "not recommended."

A common issue among most of these tires was their performance in winter conditions. Some models exhibited shortcomings on both dry and wet roads, while others offered only satisfactory projected mileage.

Why does tire size matter? Test results must be viewed in the context of the specific size. The tires tested were 185/65 R15, yet some premium tire manufacturers do not offer their latest models in this size at all.

This is particularly relevant for Bridgestone. The Weather Control A005-Evo model, which ranked near the bottom in this test, is not the same as the newer Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6; the latter is produced in larger sizes and achieves better test results.

Therefore, the results of a single test cannot automatically be applied to all sizes and models from the same manufacturer.

Nevertheless, the test highlights a crucial point for buyers: an all-season tire is not necessarily a good compromise simply because it bears a well-known brand name. Differences between models can be significant, especially regarding performance on wet roads and in winter conditions.

For drivers specifically looking for 185/65 R15 tires, this test identified the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 as the best choice, while the results for other models demonstrate the importance of evaluating the specific model rather than just the brand before making a purchase.

Top all-season tires by category, test verified by Autonews:

-Best Overall / All-Weather: Michelin CrossClimate 2 — Features a unique V-shaped tread pattern and the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol for reliable winter capability without sacrificing dry or wet braking

-Best for Longevity: Michelin Defender 2 — Backed by a massive 80,000-mile treadwear warranty, making it ideal for high-mileage commuters

-Best for Wet & Winter Weather: Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 — Exceptional resistance to hydroplaning and strong performance in rain and deep snow

-Best for Quiet Comfort: Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack — Engineered specifically to reduce road noise and deliver a smooth, premium highway ride

-Best Performance / Handling: Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus or Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 — Excellent choice for sports cars and performance sedans needing sharper steering and wet grip