All-season tyres face a tough challenge - they need to deliver safety and comfort year-round, whatever the season. To find out which models achieve this, it is helpful to look at test results from independent automotive organisations. One of the most anticipated tests this year was the ADAC’s all-season tyre test for the 205/60 R16 size by the German automobile club.
ADAC tests are among the most appreciated in the automotive industry.
How does the ADAC prepare the ranking of all-season tyres?
The German automotive organisation ADAC is a widely respected authority in the automotive industry. Their analyses are known for their reliability, accuracy, and most importantly, impartiality. This makes ADAC’s all-season tyre tests a highly reliable source of information on the performance of the models tested. Significantly, the organisation tested not only premium tyres, but also mid-range and budget options.
The tests were conducted on specially prepared tracks, including the company's Testworld facility in Finland, the Bridgestone track in Italy, and the Continental ice track. A team of professional drivers tested sixteen multi-season models from various manufacturers. This allowed them to determine which tyres offer the best year-round performance and which are all-season in name only. The tests were conducted on specially prepared tracks, including the company's Testworld facility in Finland, the Bridgestone track in Italy, and the Continental ice track. A team of professional drivers tested sixteen multi-season models from various manufacturers. This allowed them to determine which tyres offer the best year-round performance and which are all-season in name only.
This year, ADAC focused on one of the most popular sizes for passenger cars: 205/55 R16. These tyres are used on models such as the Mercedes A-Class, Fiat 500L, Skoda Octavia, VW Passat, and VW Golf. This year, ADAC focused on one of the most popular sizes for passenger cars: 205/55 R16.
Criteria for the ADAC all-season tyre test
ADAC’s tyre tests, whether for all-season, summer, or winter tyres, are renowned for their stringent approach to rating. This provides a clear and reliable comparison, which is an invaluable guide for many drivers choosing new tyres.
This year, ADAC scrutinised 16 of the most popular multi-season models on the market. After the tests, specialists awarded scores that contribute to the overall assessment. The scoring applied in each category was as follows:
| Score | Rating |
|---|
| 0,6 - 1,5 | Very good |
| 1,6 - 2,5 | Good |
| 2,6 - 3,5 | Satisfactory |
| 3,6 - 4,5 | Sufficient |
| over 4,6 | Insufficient |
Źródło: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/reifen/reifentest/ganzjahresreifen/205-55-r16/
The overall tyre rating is based on the results from each test. The categories considered were as follows:
- driving safety (70%),
- environmental performance (30%).
Criteria for driving safety:
- dry handling (35% of the score), which includes: driving comfort (40%), driving near skidding point (40%) and braking distance (20%),
- wet performance (45% of the score), which includes braking distance (30% of the component score), longitudinal aquaplaning (20%), transverse aquaplaning (10%), straight-line handling (30%), and curve handling (10%),
- winter performance (20% of the score): snow braking (25%), snow grip (15%), handling comfort (40%) and ice braking (20%).
Criteria for environmental performance:
- mileage (40% of the score),
- tyre wear (20% of the score),
- performance (20% of the score), which includes tyre weight and fuel consumption (50% of the component score each),
- noise (10% of the score), with internal and external noise checked (50% of the component score),
- sustainability (10% of the score).
All-season tires are becoming more and more popular among car owners. Check out the full range of models in size 205/60 R16
The ADAC 2024 all-season tyre ranking for size 205/60 R16
Each model received a score based on the results achieved in the categories listed above. After comparing all the results, ADAC, known for its strict assessments, announced the ranking of the best all-season tyres.
According to the organisation, only tyres that receive at least a satisfactory rating are worth recommending. This year’s edition is groundbreaking – a good rating has been awarded for the first time in the history of all-season version testing. Comparing the results with previous editions shows noticeable improvements in the driving properties of multi-season tyres. However, the fact that only 7 models received a recommendation from the German automobile club indicates that manufacturers still have a lot of work to do to enhance the versatility of all-season tyres.
Here are the results:
| Place | Model | Overall rating | Driving safety | Environmental score | Rating |
|---|
1.
| Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
| 2,4
| 2,7
| 1,8
| Good |
2.
| Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2
| 2,6
| 2,3
| 3,3
| Satisfactory |
3.
| Hankook Kinergy 4S2
| 2,7
| 2,9
| 2,2
| Satisfactory |
4.
| Michelin CrossClimate 2
| 2,7
| 2,9
| 2,2
| Satisfactory |
5.
| Kumho Solus 4S HA32+
| 2,8
| 3,0
| 2,3
| Satisfactory |
6.
| Vredestein Quatrac
| 2,8
| 3,1
| 2,2
| Satisfactory |
7.
| Falken EuroAll Season AS210
| 3,1
| 3,2
| 2,7
| Satisfactory |
8.
| Firestone Multiseason 2
| 3,6
| 3,6
| 3,1
| Sufficient |
9.
| Sava All Weather
| 3,7
| 3,7
| 2,3 | Sufficient |
10.
| Nankang Cross Seasons AQ-6
| 3,7
| 3,7
| 2,9
| Sufficient |
11.
| Toyo Celsius AS2
| 3,8
| 3,8
| 2,3
| Sufficient |
12.
| Semperit AllSeason-Grip
| 3,9
| 3,9
| 2,9
| Sufficient |
13.
| UNIROYAL AllSeasonExpert 2
| 4,0
| 4,0
| 2,2
| Sufficient |
14.
| Yokohama BluEarth-4S
| 4,0
| 4,0
| 3,3
| Sufficient |
15.
| Kenda Kenetica 4S
| 5,1
| 5,1
| 2,8
| Insufficient |
16
| Infinity Ecofour
| 5,4
| 5,4
| 2,4
| Insufficient |
Źródło: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/reifen/reifentest/ganzjahresreifen/205-55-r16/
Winners of the ADAC 2024 All-Season Tyres Ranking
First place
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 achieved the best overall score in this year’s ranking. This marks the first time in ADAC test history that an all-season tyre has been rated as good. It also excelled in terms of mileage. The tyres performed well in wet and winter conditions, although they were slightly less impressive on dry surfaces.
The cutting-edge features of the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 ensure exceptional handling in all seasons. It stands out for its excellent dry handling and short braking distances in the spring-summer period, as well as its reliability in the autumn-winter season. The use of Dry Handling technology reduces deformation of the sidewall when driving, especially over bumps, improving both grip and energy efficiency.
The Aqua Control system provides excellent control in rainy conditions. The wide, deep grooves quickly and efficiently disperse water from under the tyre, enhancing tread contact with the road and significantly reducing the risk of aquaplaning
In winter, the Snow Grip technology ensures an appropriate level of safety . This technology improves grip on snow, providing a stable ride and full steering control in challenging conditions.
Second place
The second-best result in this year’s tests also goes to a premium tyre. The Pirelli Cinturato AllSeason SF2 tyre was the only model to receive a good rating in the safety category. However, it exhibited fairly high wear.
This impressive result is due to the innovative adaptive tread, which adjusts its characteristics to the current temperature and weather conditions. In winter, the 3D sipes open up, increasing the car’s grip and improving traction on snow. In summer, the grooves close up, which improves dry handling and significantly reduces braking distances.
These tyres keep you safe regardless of the season or road conditions. The herringbone tread pattern further improves wet performance, providing full control of the vehicle’s direction and minimising the risk of aquaplaning.
Third place
The third spot on the podium is taken by the Hankook Kinergy 4S2, a mid-range tyre. The tests demonstrated its outstanding dry performance, particularly in steering precision and driving safety. It performed slightly less well in rainy and wintry conditions, but overall, its performance was very satisfactory. The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 scored particularly well in environmental performance. Its low weight, good energy efficiency, and high mileage contributed to its high ranking this year.
What sets this model apart is its unique herringbone tread, adapted to changing weather conditions. The excellent driving properties in warmer weather are due to the large number of summer sipes, which improve the tyre’s contact with the road. Wide side grooves ensure fast water dispersal, maintaining proper grip without the risk of skidding.
The tread block layout also provides adequate comfort in colder weather. Thanks to the winter 3D sipes, braking on snow is more effective and the car stays stable on the road. The sharp edges of the blocks on the tyre’s shoulder are especially useful for driving through curves. The tread design is enhanced by the Aqua Pine rubber compound, which contains a high amount of silica and is based primarily on natural ingredients. This compound boosts grip, even in low temperatures.