Dunlop Winter Sport 5 review
Relative score 60% tests + 40% owners
Owners 75 · 44 reviews analysed Road tests 74 · 56 tests
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The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is widely praised as a top-tier winter tire, offering exceptional traction, braking, and confidence on snow, ice, and wet roads. While users note outstanding longevity and winter performance, some experience a soft or squirmy sidewall feel in warmer temperatures (above 5-10°C) and reduced dry handling precision.
Two scoring systems, side by side
Owner scores come from reviews found online; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.
How scores work
- Relative score
- 0–100. Blends road tests (60%) and owner reviews (40%) category by category, the same way on every TireWheelGuide page. With only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from it, so the score stays closer to average. It needs at least one road test or five owner reviews.
- Road tests
- 0–100 per score, from published tests, newer tests counting more. Each result is compared with every other tire in the same test, so a win against a strong field counts for more. The average tested tire gets 70, the best 100; with only one or two tests a tire stays nearer 70. The discipline rows show % of the best tire in that test.
- Owner reviews
- 0–100 from the owner reviews we found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates and scaled like the road tests: the average tested tire gets 70. With only a few reviews a tire stays near the average.
By owner reviews
75/100From 44 owner reviews analysed, scaled like the road tests: the average tested tire gets 70.
By road tests
74/100Scaled across every tested tire: the average gets 70, the best 100.
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 specs & sizes
Prices vary by size, so each one links out separately.
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What owners like and dislike
Themes extracted from 44 owner reviews found online.
The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is widely praised as a top-tier winter tire, offering exceptional traction, braking, and confidence on snow, ice, and wet roads. While users note outstanding longevity and winter performance, some experience a soft or squirmy sidewall feel in warmer temperatures (above 5-10°C) and reduced dry handling precision.
Pros
- Exceptional grip and braking performance in snow, slush, and heavy winter conditions
- Strong wet weather handling and reliable water clearance to prevent hydroplaning
- Impressive tread wear and long-term durability across multiple seasons
- Comfortable and relatively quiet ride for a dedicated winter tire
- Good value compared to competing premium winter tires
Cons
- Soft sidewalls can lead to a mushy or floating steering response and unstable cornering when temperatures rise above 5-10°C
- Reduced dry handling precision and longer braking distances in warmer ambient conditions
- Inadequate or missing effective rim protection despite manufacturer claims
- Increased road noise or decreased fuel economy noted by some drivers on longer motorway trips
Worth knowing
- Drivers of heavier electric vehicles (such as the Tesla Model 3 SR+) noted that high-torque acceleration can overwhelm the tire's profile in dry or wet conditions, leading to a nervous handling feel.
- Users running larger or wider formats (like 225/50/17) reported great balance and successful rim protection, though others experienced soft sidewall flex requiring higher inflation pressures.
Reviews from our readers
Drivers who have these tires on their car, in their own words. We check every review before it goes live.
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56 published test appearances
Placement within each field. Open a test for the discipline-by-discipline result.
2025 ADAC Winter tire Test · 225/40 R18
5th of 31
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 13th of 31 | |
| Wet Circle | 2nd of 31 | |
| Dry Braking | 14th of 31 | |
| Snow Braking | 4th of 31 | |
| Snow Traction | 10th of 31 | |
| Ice Braking | 16th of 31 | |
| Straight Aqua | 15th of 31 | |
| Noise | 27th of 31 | |
| Wear | 8th of 31 | |
| Fuel Consumption | 14th of 31 | |
| Abrasion | 16th of 31 | |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 13th of 31 |
Source: ADAC
2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test R18 · 245/40R18
5th of 10
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Bild
2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter tire Test · 235/35 R19
4th of 10
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 2nd of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 3rd of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 5th of 10 | |
| Dry Handling | 5th of 10 | |
| Snow Braking | 6th of 10 | |
| Snow Traction | 4th of 10 | |
| Snow Handling | 6th of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 6th of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 1st of 10 | |
| Noise | 9th of 10 |
Source: Auto Bild Sportscars
2024 Auto Bild Winter tire Test · 205/55 R16
7th of 20
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Handling | 9th of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 18th of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 16th of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 4th of 20 | |
| Snow Traction | 1st of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 7th of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 4th of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 17th of 20 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 3rd of 20 | |
| Noise | 19th of 20 | |
| Value | 5th of 20 | |
| Wear | 3rd of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 5th of 20 |
Source: Auto Bild
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter tire Test · 215/55 R17
2nd of 16
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 4th of 16 | |
| Dry Braking | 8th of 16 | |
| Snow Braking | 3rd of 16 | |
| Snow Traction | 7th of 16 | |
| Ice Braking | 4th of 16 | |
| Straight Aqua | 10th of 16 | |
| Wear | 3rd of 16 | |
| Abrasion | 9th of 16 | |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 1st of 16 |
Source: ADAC
2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter tire Test · 205/55 R16
5th of 12
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 10th of 12 | |
| Dry Braking | 8th of 12 | |
| Snow Braking | 1st of 12 | |
| Snow Traction | 2nd of 12 | |
| Ice Braking | 7th of 12 | |
| Straight Aqua | 9th of 12 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 2nd of 12 | |
| Noise | 12th of 12 | |
| Wear | 4th of 12 | |
| Fuel Consumption | 1st of 12 | |
| Abrasion | 3rd of 12 | |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 8th of 12 |
Source: ADAC
2024 Winter 55 tire Braking Test · 205/55 R16
11th of 55
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 16th of 55 | |
| Snow Braking | 5th of 55 |
Source: Auto Bild
2023 Auto Bild Winter tire Test · 225/45 R18
7th of 20
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 18th of 20 | |
| Wet Handling | 6th of 20 | |
| Wet Circle | 10th of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 14th of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 16th of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 11th of 20 | |
| Snow Traction | 17th of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 10th of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 3rd of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 16th of 20 | |
| Noise | 19th of 20 | |
| Value | 10th of 20 | |
| Wear | 7th of 20 | |
| Snow Slalom | 13th of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 9th of 20 |
Source: Auto Bild
2023 ADAC 16 Inch tire Test · 205/60 R16
1st of 16
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 6th of 16 | |
| Dry Braking | 9th of 16 | |
| Snow Braking | 5th of 16 | |
| Snow Traction | 4th of 16 | |
| Ice Braking | 4th of 16 | |
| Straight Aqua | 13th of 16 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 6th of 16 | |
| Noise | 14th of 16 | |
| Wear | 3rd of 16 | |
| Fuel Consumption | 6th of 16 | |
| Abrasion | 7th of 16 | |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 6th of 16 |
Source: ADAC
2023 Winter tire Test 54 Set Braking Test · 225/45 R18
15th of 54
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 18th of 54 | |
| Snow Braking | 13th of 54 |
Source: Auto Bild
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter tire Test · 225/45 R17
4th of 15
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 12th of 15 | |
| Dry Braking | 13th of 15 | |
| Snow Braking | 1st of 15 | |
| Snow Traction | 1st of 15 | |
| Ice Braking | 8th of 15 | |
| Straight Aqua | 9th of 15 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 3rd of 15 | |
| Noise | 14th of 15 | |
| Value | 4th of 15 | |
| Wear | 2nd of 15 | |
| Fuel Consumption | 1st of 15 | |
| Abrasion | 4th of 15 |
Source: ADAC
2022 Auto Bild Winter tire Test · 215/55 R17
4th of 20
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 6th of 20 | |
| Wet Handling | 7th of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 12th of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 9th of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 18th of 20 | |
| Snow Traction | 3rd of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 10th of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 12th of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 18th of 20 | |
| Noise | 17th of 20 | |
| Value | 16th of 20 | |
| Price | 16th of 20 | |
| Wear | 8th of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 12th of 20 |
Source: Auto Bild
2022 Winter tire Market Overview · 215/55 R17
8th of 56
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 6th of 56 | |
| Snow Braking | 20th of 56 |
Source: Auto Bild
2022 ADAC SUV Winter tire Test - 215/60 R16 · 215/60 R16
1st of 17
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: ADAC
2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter tire Test · 245/40 R18
5th of 13
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 9th of 13 | |
| Wet Handling | 7th of 13 | |
| Dry Braking | 7th of 13 | |
| Dry Handling | 12th of 13 | |
| Snow Braking | 3rd of 13 | |
| Snow Traction | 2nd of 13 | |
| Snow Handling | 4th of 13 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 4th of 13 | |
| Straight Aqua | 13th of 13 | |
| Noise | 13th of 13 | |
| Price | 9th of 13 |
Source: Auto Bild Sportscars
2021 Auto Express Winter tire Test · 225/45 R17
6th of 8
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Express
2021 Auto Bild Winter tire Test · 205/55 R16
8th of 20
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 5th of 20 | |
| Wet Handling | 4th of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 12th of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 16th of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 1st of 20 | |
| Snow Traction | 6th of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 9th of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 13th of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 14th of 20 | |
| Noise | 17th of 20 | |
| Value | 20th of 20 | |
| Price | 18th of 20 | |
| Wear | 18th of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 16th of 20 |
Source: Auto Bild
2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter tire Test · 225/50 R17
2nd of 18
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: ADAC
2021 Winter tire Market Overview · 205/55 R16
2nd of 49
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 5th of 49 | |
| Snow Braking | 1st of 49 |
Source: Auto Bild
2020 Auto Zeitung Winter tire Test · 205/55 R16
6th of 14
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 7th of 14 | |
| Dry Braking | 12th of 14 | |
| Snow Braking | 1st of 14 | |
| Snow Traction | 9th of 14 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd of 14 | |
| Straight Aqua | 9th of 14 | |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 6th of 14 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 3rd of 14 | |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 5th of 14 | |
| Subj. Snow Handling | 4th of 14 |
Source: Auto Zeitung
2020 Auto Express Winter tire Test · 205/55 R16
8th of 9
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Express
2020 Auto Bild SUV Winter tire Test · 225/55 R17
5th of 10
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 6th of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 2nd of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 10th of 10 | |
| Dry Handling | 6th of 10 | |
| Snow Braking | 1st of 10 | |
| Snow Traction | 1st of 10 | |
| Snow Handling | 1st of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 5th of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 3rd of 10 | |
| Noise | 6th of 10 |
Source: Auto Bild
2020 ADAC Winter tire Test - 205/55 R16 · 205/55 R16
3rd of 15
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: ADAC
2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter tire Test · 245/45 R18
8th of 20
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 17th of 20 | |
| Wet Handling | 13th of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 16th of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 10th of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 13th of 20 | |
| Snow Traction | 9th of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 1st of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 4th of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 3rd of 20 | |
| Noise | 20th of 20 | |
| Value | 18th of 20 | |
| Wear | 7th of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 10th of 20 |
Source: Auto Bild
2020 Winter tire Market Overview - 52 tire Braking Test · 245/45 R18
13th of 48
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 16th of 48 | |
| Snow Braking | 12th of 48 |
Source: Auto Bild
2020 Motor Winter Tire Test R16 · 205/55R16
4th of 8
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Motor
2020 Autoklub CR Winter / All-Season Tire Test R16 · 205/55R16
8th of 14
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Autoklub CR
2020 Auto Bild Allrad Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/55R17
5th of 9
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Bild Allrad
2019 Auto Express Winter tire Test · 225/45 R17
5th of 12
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Express
2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch tire Test · 225/45 R17
16th of 20
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 16th of 20 | |
| Wet Handling | 16th of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 15th of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 14th of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 8th of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 11th of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 7th of 20 | |
| Noise | 17th of 20 | |
| Value | 18th of 20 | |
| Price | 15th of 20 | |
| Wear | 11th of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 7th of 20 |
Source: Auto Bild
2019 Winter tire Test Market Overview · 225/45 R17
13th of 45
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 18th of 45 | |
| Snow Braking | 6th of 45 |
Source: Auto Bild
2019 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/55R17
4th of 11
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Zeitung
2019 L’Argus Winter Tire Test R16 · 205/55R16
3rd of 6
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: L’Argus
2018 Autobild UHP Winter tire Test · 195/65 R15
4th of 10
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 6th of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 4th of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 9th of 10 | |
| Dry Handling | 6th of 10 | |
| Snow Braking | 1st of 10 | |
| Snow Handling | 2nd of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 3rd of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 8th of 10 | |
| Noise | 8th of 10 | |
| Price | 8th of 10 |
Source: Auto Bild
2018 Auto Express Winter tire Test · 205/55 R16
6th of 9
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Express
2018 Auto Bild Winter tire Test · 195/65 R15
1st of 20
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 3rd of 20 | |
| Wet Handling | 5th of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 10th of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 6th of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 14th of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 15th of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 7th of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 11th of 20 | |
| Noise | 10th of 20 | |
| Value | 7th of 20 | |
| Price | 17th of 20 | |
| Wear | 3rd of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 4th of 20 |
Source: Auto Bild
2018 ADAC Winter tire Test - 205/55 R16 · 205/55 R16
3rd of 16
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: ADAC
2018 51 Winter tire Shootout · 195/65 R15
5th of 51
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
2017 50 Winter tire Shoot Out · 225/50 R17
5th of 45
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
2017 Auto Bild Winter tire Test · 225/50 R17
3rd of 20
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 6th of 20 | |
| Wet Handling | 5th of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 9th of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 13th of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 7th of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 8th of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 9th of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 13th of 20 | |
| Noise | 13th of 20 | |
| Value | 16th of 20 | |
| Wear | 12th of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 16th of 20 |
Source: Auto Bild
2017 ADAC SUV Winter tire Test - 215/65 R16 · 215/65 R16
1st of 16
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: ADAC
2017 Auto Express Winter tire Test · 225/45 R17
3rd of 8
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Express
2017 AMS Performance 18 inch Winter tire Test · 225/40 R18
2nd of 10
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 2nd of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 2nd of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 5th of 10 | |
| Dry Handling | 4th of 10 | |
| Snow Braking | 1st of 10 | |
| Snow Handling | 1st of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 4th of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 4th of 10 | |
| Noise | 6th of 10 |
Source: Auto Motor und Sport
2016 Sport Auto Winter tire Test · 235/40 R18
3rd of 6
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Sport Auto
2016 Auto Express Winter tire Test · 205/55 R16
7th of 8
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Express
2016 AutoBild Winter tire Test · 205/55 R16
4th of 20
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Bild
2016 AutoBild Winter UHP tire Test · 245/40 R18
3rd of 8
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Bild
2016 Winter tire Market Overview · 205/55 R16
4th of 43
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
2016 AZ Winter tire Test - 205/55 R16 · 205/55 R16
7th of 14
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
2016 ADAC Winter tire Test - 225/45 R17 · 225/45 R17
1st of 13
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: ADAC
2016 GF All Season tire Test · 205/55 R16
3rd of 11
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
2015 AMS UHP Winter tire Test · 225/50 R17
3rd of 10
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Motor und Sport
2015 ACE 17 Inch Winter tire Test · 225/50 R17
3rd of 8
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: ACE
2015 Auto Bild SUV Winter tire Test · 215/65 R16
1st of 8
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Bild
2015 Auto Express Winter tire Test · 225/45 R17
2nd of 8
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Express
2015 Auto Bild Performance Winter tire Test · 225/40 R18
1st of 8
Only the final ranking was published for this test, not the results per discipline.
Source: Auto Bild
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