In 2026, ADAC tested 16 models of 185/65 R15 all-season tyres for small cars. Only Continental received a good overall rating; seven models were satisfactory, three adequate and five poor because of safety weaknesses.
One clear winner
Continental AllSeasonContact 2 scored 2,3 overall and was the only model with a good safety score of 2,1. Its weaker areas were environmental performance at 2,6 and ADAC's predicted mileage of 41,3 thousand km. Its advantage therefore comes chiefly from consistent performance across the seasons.
Pirelli and Michelin share second place
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 and Michelin CrossClimate 2 both scored 2,6. Pirelli made more compromises in winter and Michelin on wet roads, although Michelin had the best environmental score in the field at 2,2.
The recommendation limit ends at the eighth place
Vredestein, Hankook, Goodyear, Nokian and GT Radial received satisfactory scores of 2,9–3,2 and may suit particular driving needs. ADAC's purchase recommendation ends before Nexen at 3,6. The final five models scored 4,9–5,5 because of very weak winter performance.
The price does not compensate for the safety gaps
In the catalogue prices checked on 2026-08-07, GT Radial ClimateActive was the cheapest exact model available. It was among the eight satisfactory models, but safety at 3,2 and environmental performance at 3,1 show the compromise. Pirelli, Michelin and Hankook cost more and had stronger overall results.
Who this size and all-season tyres suit
- Continental - for those who want the only well-rounded choice.
- Pirelli or Michelin - when a specific trade-off is acceptable for winter or wet pavement.
- Hankook is a middle choice with satisfactory but not good safety.
- The GT Radial is a lower-priced compromise that shouldn't be compared to the test leaders.
- For frequent freeway, hot, heavy-duty or challenging winter driving, separate seasonal kits remain the safer course.
An important specification limit for 185/65 R15
The direct model and size reference is a shopping guide, but not proof that the 88H, 92V, XL, OEM or revision-specific markings on sale match the ADAC tested kit. If no safe match is found, a neutral directory direction and placeholder are displayed.
Frequently asked questions
Who won ADAC's 2026 test of 185/65 R15 all-season tyres?
Continental AllSeasonContact 2 won with 2,3 and was the only one of the 16 models rated good overall.
How many models did ADAC recommend?
Eight of the sixteen were good or satisfactory. Of the rest, three were only adequate and five poor.
Was Michelin CrossClimate 2 better than Pirelli?
Both scored 2,6 and shared second place. Michelin had better environmental performance but a slightly weaker safety score.
Does 3PMSF guarantee good winter performance?
No. All participants met the winter marking requirements, yet five performed so poorly on snow and ice that ADAC did not recommend them.