Winter tire Winter Ultra High Performance tires Updated September 2026
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P review
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is widely regarded as a premium, highly balanced winter tire that excels in wet and slushy conditions while offering exceptional comfort and low noise levels. Most users report high levels of confidence in varied winter weather, though a small minority of users report inconsistent performance in severe snow and ice, and some note that steering response is less sharp than dedicated performance-focused alternatives.
Relative score
83/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
87/100
28 reviews
Road tests
93/100
30 published tests
Scores
Two scoring systems, side by side
Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.
By owner reviews
87%
Would buy again
87%
Dry
Wet
Snow & ice
Comfort
Treadwear
Handling
By road tests
93.3%From owners
What owners like and dislike
Themes extracted from 28 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is widely regarded as a premium, highly balanced winter tire that excels in wet and slushy conditions while offering exceptional comfort and low noise levels. Most users report high levels of confidence in varied winter weather, though a small minority of users report inconsistent performance in severe snow and ice, and some note that steering response is less sharp than dedicated performance-focused alternatives.
Pros
- Exceptional wet weather performance and hydroplaning resistance
- High levels of cabin comfort and low road noise
- Strong, predictable grip on snow and slush
- Good balance of dry handling and rolling resistance
- Solid tread life and durability for a performance winter tire
Cons
- Premium price point compared to competitors
- Steering feel can be perceived as 'soft' or 'jelly' compared to summer tires
- Performance can drop off in temperatures above 8-10°C
- Inconsistent feedback regarding extreme ice traction
Worth knowing
- EV and hybrid owners frequently praise the tire for its low rolling resistance and quiet operation.
- Drivers of high-performance RWD vehicles report that while the tire provides excellent grip, it may feel less stiff and sharp during aggressive cornering compared to summer counterparts.
- Users on larger wheel diameters (20-inch) report that the tire maintains high comfort levels without sacrificing handling.
Test results
30 published test appearances
Placement within each field. Open a test for the discipline-by-discipline result.
The BEST Performance Winter tires for 2024 / 2025 · 235/35 R19
5th of 6
Best: Subj. Comfort · 1st
Weakest: Ice Traction · 6th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Handling | 4th of 6 | |
| Dry Handling | 4th of 6 | |
| Snow Traction | 5th of 6 | |
| Snow Handling | 4th of 6 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 3rd of 6 | |
| Straight Aqua | 2nd of 6 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 4th of 6 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 1st of 6 | |
| Noise | 3rd of 6 | |
| Ice Traction | 6th of 6 |
2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter tire Test · 235/45 R18
3rd of 20
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|
2025 AZ Performance Winter tire Test · 245/45 R19
5th of 10
Best: Straight Aqua · 1st
Weakest: Dry Braking · 8th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 6th of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 3rd of 10 | |
| Wet Circle | 3rd of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 8th of 10 | |
| Dry Handling | 5th of 10 | |
| Snow Braking | 8th of 10 | |
| Snow Traction | 7th of 10 | |
| Snow Handling | 4th of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 6th of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 1st of 10 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 8th of 10 | |
| Noise | 5th of 10 | |
| Value | 8th of 10 | |
| Wear | 3rd of 10 | |
| Abrasion | 3rd of 10 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 7th of 10 |
2025 Autobild SUV Winter tire Test · 235/50 R 19
2nd of 11
Best: Dry Braking · 1st
Weakest: Straight Aqua · 7th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 5th of 11 | |
| Wet Handling | 4th of 11 | |
| Wet Circle | 6th of 11 | |
| Dry Braking | 1st of 11 | |
| Dry Handling | 1st of 11 | |
| Snow Braking | 4th of 11 | |
| Snow Traction | 6th of 11 | |
| Snow Handling | 3rd of 11 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd of 11 | |
| Straight Aqua | 7th of 11 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 7th of 11 | |
| Noise | 4th of 11 |
2025 Autobild Winter tire Test · 225/40 R18
7th of 20
Best: Rolling Resistance · 2nd
Weakest: Value · 17th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 13th of 20 | |
| Wet Handling | 14th of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 4th of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 3rd of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 6th of 20 | |
| Snow Traction | 8th of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 10th of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 6th of 20 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 3rd of 20 | |
| Noise | 9th of 20 | |
| Value | 17th of 20 | |
| Wear | 10th of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 11th of 20 |
2025 Winter tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! · 225/40 R18
13th of 51
Best: Snow Braking · 7th
Weakest: Wet Braking · 12th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 12th of 51 | |
| Snow Braking | 7th of 51 |
2025 AMS Winter tire Test · 215/55 R17
1st of 10
Best: Wet Braking · 1st
Weakest: Dry Handling · 6th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 1st of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 2nd of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 1st of 10 | |
| Dry Handling | 6th of 10 | |
| Snow Braking | 6th of 10 | |
| Snow Handling | 5th of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 5th of 10 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 5th of 10 | |
| Noise | 2nd of 10 |
2025 ADAC Winter tire Test · 225/40 R18
6th of 31
Best: Straight Aqua · 5th
Weakest: Ice Braking · 27th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 8th of 31 | |
| Wet Circle | 8th of 31 | |
| Dry Braking | 6th of 31 | |
| Snow Braking | 20th of 31 | |
| Snow Traction | 18th of 31 | |
| Ice Braking | 27th of 31 | |
| Straight Aqua | 5th of 31 | |
| Noise | 10th of 31 | |
| Wear | 15th of 31 | |
| Fuel Consumption | 5th of 31 | |
| Abrasion | 8th of 31 | |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 9th of 31 |
2025 Die Reifentester Winter tire Test · 215/55 R17
1st of 7
Best: Dry Braking · 1st
Weakest: Straight Aqua · 7th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 2nd of 7 | |
| Dry Braking | 1st of 7 | |
| Snow Braking | 4th of 7 | |
| Snow Traction | 6th of 7 | |
| Straight Aqua | 7th of 7 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 5th of 7 | |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 1st of 7 | |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 1st of 7 | |
| Subj. Snow Handling | 3rd of 7 |
2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter tire Test · 245/45 R18
2nd of 12
Best: Wet Braking · 1st
Weakest: Noise · 10th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 1st of 12 | |
| Wet Handling | 5th of 12 | |
| Dry Braking | 3rd of 12 | |
| Dry Handling | 4th of 12 | |
| Snow Braking | 8th of 12 | |
| Snow Traction | 5th of 12 | |
| Snow Handling | 3rd of 12 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd of 12 | |
| Straight Aqua | 3rd of 12 | |
| Noise | 10th of 12 |
2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter tire Test · 235/35 R19
3rd of 10
Best: Rolling Resistance · 1st
Weakest: Snow Braking · 8th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 6th of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 4th of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 4th of 10 | |
| Dry Handling | 2nd of 10 | |
| Snow Braking | 8th of 10 | |
| Snow Traction | 7th of 10 | |
| Snow Handling | 4th of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 2nd of 10 | |
| Noise | 4th of 10 |
2024 AS SUV Winter tire Test · 235/55 R18
2nd of 10
Best: Wet Handling · 1st
Weakest: Dry Braking · 6th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 4th of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 1st of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 6th of 10 | |
| Dry Handling | 1st of 10 | |
| Snow Braking | 4th of 10 | |
| Snow Traction | 4th of 10 | |
| Snow Handling | 4th of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 2nd of 10 | |
| Noise | 5th of 10 |
2024 All Season and Winter tire Test · 215/55 R17
5th of 10
Best: Rolling Resistance · 3rd
Weakest: Snow Braking · 8th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 4th of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 5th of 10 | |
| Wet Circle | 5th of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 4th of 10 | |
| Dry Handling | 4th of 10 | |
| Snow Braking | 8th of 10 | |
| Snow Traction | 8th of 10 | |
| Snow Handling | 7th of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 3rd of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 5th of 10 | |
| Noise | 5th of 10 | |
| Snow Circle | 8th of 10 |
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter tire Test · 215/55 R17
6th of 16
Best: Dry Braking · 2nd
Weakest: Snow Braking · 12th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 3rd of 16 | |
| Dry Braking | 2nd of 16 | |
| Snow Braking | 12th of 16 | |
| Snow Traction | 12th of 16 | |
| Ice Braking | 2nd of 16 | |
| Straight Aqua | 8th of 16 | |
| Wear | 11th of 16 | |
| Abrasion | 8th of 16 | |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 3rd of 16 |
2023 Tyre Reviews Winter tire Test · 225/45 R18
3rd of 11
Best: Rolling Resistance · 1st
Weakest: Price · 9th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Handling | 6th of 11 | |
| Dry Handling | 3rd of 11 | |
| Snow Traction | 6th of 11 | |
| Snow Handling | 8th of 11 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st of 11 | |
| Straight Aqua | 8th of 11 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 3rd of 11 | |
| Price | 9th of 11 |
2023/24 Tyre Reviews UHP Winter tire Test · 255/40 R19
1st of 6
Best: Wet Handling · 2nd
Weakest: Value · 5th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 3rd of 6 | |
| Wet Handling | 2nd of 6 | |
| Wet Circle | 2nd of 6 | |
| Dry Braking | 4th of 6 | |
| Dry Handling | 3rd of 6 | |
| Snow Braking | 4th of 6 | |
| Snow Traction | 3rd of 6 | |
| Snow Handling | 2nd of 6 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd of 6 | |
| Straight Aqua | 2nd of 6 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 2nd of 6 | |
| Noise | 2nd of 6 | |
| Value | 5th of 6 | |
| Price | 5th of 6 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 5th of 6 | |
| Wet Braking - Worn | 3rd of 6 | |
| Wet Braking - Cool | 2nd of 6 |
2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter tire Test · 225/60 R18
1st of 10
Best: Rolling Resistance · 1st
Weakest: Price · 10th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 5th of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 4th of 10 | |
| Wet Circle | 9th of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 8th of 10 | |
| Dry Handling | 2nd of 10 | |
| Snow Braking | 4th of 10 | |
| Snow Traction | 5th of 10 | |
| Snow Handling | 4th of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 7th of 10 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 5th of 10 | |
| Noise | 9th of 10 | |
| Price | 10th of 10 | |
| Snow Slalom | 4th of 10 |
2023 Sport Auto Winter tire Test · 225/40 R18
4th of 9
Best: Dry Handling · 1st
Weakest: Wet Braking · 8th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 8th of 9 | |
| Wet Handling | 7th of 9 | |
| Wet Circle | 7th of 9 | |
| Dry Braking | 7th of 9 | |
| Dry Handling | 1st of 9 | |
| Snow Braking | 2nd of 9 | |
| Snow Traction | 6th of 9 | |
| Snow Handling | 6th of 9 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st of 9 | |
| Straight Aqua | 7th of 9 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 4th of 9 | |
| Noise | 4th of 9 | |
| Price | 8th of 9 | |
| Snow Slalom | 3rd of 9 |
2023 Sports Cars Winter tire Test · 225/40 R18
3rd of 11
Best: Rolling Resistance · 1st
Weakest: Wet Handling · 7th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 4th of 11 | |
| Wet Handling | 7th of 11 | |
| Dry Braking | 6th of 11 | |
| Dry Handling | 7th of 11 | |
| Snow Braking | 3rd of 11 | |
| Snow Traction | 5th of 11 | |
| Snow Handling | 4th of 11 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st of 11 | |
| Straight Aqua | 7th of 11 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 3rd of 11 | |
| Noise | 3rd of 11 | |
| Snow Slalom | 4th of 11 |
2023 Auto Bild Winter tire Test · 225/45 R18
3rd of 20
Best: Dry Handling · 1st
Weakest: Value · 18th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 6th of 20 | |
| Wet Handling | 4th of 20 | |
| Wet Circle | 3rd of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 2nd of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 1st of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 8th of 20 | |
| Snow Traction | 6th of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 8th of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 11th of 20 | |
| Noise | 9th of 20 | |
| Value | 18th of 20 | |
| Wear | 13th of 20 | |
| Snow Slalom | 5th of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 15th of 20 |
2023 ADAC 16 Inch tire Test · 205/60 R16
4th of 16
Best: Dry Braking · 3rd
Weakest: Snow Traction · 13th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 7th of 16 | |
| Dry Braking | 3rd of 16 | |
| Snow Braking | 11th of 16 | |
| Snow Traction | 13th of 16 | |
| Ice Braking | 7th of 16 | |
| Straight Aqua | 9th of 16 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 9th of 16 | |
| Noise | 4th of 16 | |
| Wear | 11th of 16 | |
| Fuel Consumption | 12th of 16 | |
| Abrasion | 10th of 16 | |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 7th of 16 |
2023 Tyre Reviews SUV Winter tire Test · 235/60 R18
1st of 9
Best: Rolling Resistance · 1st
Weakest: Straight Aqua · 9th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Handling | 3rd of 9 | |
| Dry Handling | 3rd of 9 | |
| Snow Traction | 7th of 9 | |
| Snow Handling | 2nd of 9 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st of 9 | |
| Straight Aqua | 9th of 9 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 4th of 9 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 5th of 9 | |
| Noise | 6th of 9 |
2023 Winter tire Test 54 Set Braking Test · 225/45 R18
7th of 54
Best: Wet Braking · 5th
Weakest: Snow Braking · 9th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 5th of 54 | |
| Snow Braking | 9th of 54 |
2023 AMS SUV Winter tire Test · 255/45 R20
4th of 7
Best: Dry Handling · 2nd
Weakest: Wet Braking · 7th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 7th of 7 | |
| Wet Handling | 7th of 7 | |
| Wet Circle | 5th of 7 | |
| Dry Braking | 6th of 7 | |
| Dry Handling | 2nd of 7 | |
| Snow Braking | 5th of 7 | |
| Snow Traction | 5th of 7 | |
| Snow Handling | 6th of 7 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd of 7 | |
| Straight Aqua | 3rd of 7 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 2nd of 7 | |
| Noise | 2nd of 7 | |
| Snow Circle | 2nd of 7 |
2022 Sports Car UHP Winter tire Test · 245/40 R19
3rd of 9
Best: Rolling Resistance · 1st
Weakest: Price · 8th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 5th of 9 | |
| Wet Handling | 5th of 9 | |
| Dry Braking | 6th of 9 | |
| Dry Handling | 7th of 9 | |
| Snow Braking | 4th of 9 | |
| Snow Traction | 2nd of 9 | |
| Snow Handling | 2nd of 9 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st of 9 | |
| Straight Aqua | 7th of 9 | |
| Noise | 6th of 9 | |
| Price | 8th of 9 |
2022 Auto Bild Winter tire Test · 215/55 R17
8th of 20
Best: Rolling Resistance · 2nd
Weakest: Value · 20th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 4th of 20 | |
| Wet Handling | 3rd of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 4th of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 3rd of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 4th of 20 | |
| Snow Traction | 5th of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 9th of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 7th of 20 | |
| Noise | 6th of 20 | |
| Value | 20th of 20 | |
| Price | 20th of 20 | |
| Wear | 17th of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 14th of 20 |
2022 Auto Bild SUV Winter tire Test · 225/45 R19
2nd of 10
Best: Noise · 3rd
Weakest: Price · 9th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 4th of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 6th of 10 | |
| Wet Circle | 4th of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 7th of 10 | |
| Dry Handling | 7th of 10 | |
| Snow Braking | 8th of 10 | |
| Snow Traction | 5th of 10 | |
| Snow Handling | 6th of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 4th of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 8th of 10 | |
| Noise | 3rd of 10 | |
| Price | 9th of 10 |
2022 Winter tire Market Overview · 215/55 R17
2nd of 56
Best: Snow Braking · 3rd
Weakest: Wet Braking · 4th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 4th of 56 | |
| Snow Braking | 3rd of 56 |
2022 AMS Winter tire Test · 245/45 R19
2nd of 8
Best: Dry Handling · 1st
Weakest: Straight Aqua · 8th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 6th of 8 | |
| Wet Handling | 4th of 8 | |
| Dry Braking | 2nd of 8 | |
| Dry Handling | 1st of 8 | |
| Snow Braking | 4th of 8 | |
| Snow Traction | 3rd of 8 | |
| Snow Handling | 1st of 8 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st of 8 | |
| Straight Aqua | 8th of 8 | |
| Noise | 6th of 8 | |
| Price | 7th of 8 |
2021 Tyre Reviews Winter tire Test · 225/40 R18
1st of 9
Best: Rolling Resistance · 2nd
Weakest: Price · 7th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Handling | 5th of 9 | |
| Dry Handling | 4th of 9 | |
| Snow Traction | 5th of 9 | |
| Snow Handling | 4th of 9 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd of 9 | |
| Straight Aqua | 2nd of 9 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 4th of 9 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 3rd of 9 | |
| Noise | 3rd of 9 | |
| Price | 7th of 9 | |
| Snow Circle | 4th of 9 |
Head-to-head