Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 vs Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
Pirelli, a renowned Italian tire manufacturer with a long tradition, offers two high-quality all-season tires, the Cinturato All Season SF2 and the newer SF3. The Cinturato All Season SF2 was launched in September 2020, while its successor, the Cinturato All Season SF3, was introduced in spring 2024. Choosing the right all-season tire is crucial for safety and driving comfort in different weather conditions, especially in regions with a changeable climate. In this comparison article, we examine the differences and similarities between these two premium all-season tires from Pirelli to help you make your purchase decision.
225/40 R18 92Y XL
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225/40 R18 92Y XL
Сurrently out of stock
Advantages: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 or Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 Advantages
- Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 advantages
- Low rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency
- Short braking distance on dry roads
- Good handling and braking on ice
- Quiet tire with low noise emission
- Long service life thanks to wear-optimized rubber compound
- Available with Seal Inside technology and as a run-flat version
- Good cornering on snow
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 advantages
- Excellent wet grip with A label according to EU tire label
- Excellent overall braking distance on dry, wet and snowy roads
- Strong snow and aquaplaning properties
- Optimized pitch sequence for minimized noise
- Improved pressure distribution for higher mileage
- Adaptive compound for top performance over a wide temperature range
- V-shaped tread design with central zigzag grooves for reduced risk of aquaplaning
Disadvantages: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 or Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 disadvantages
- The tractor tire-like tread pattern is unattractive to many customers.
- The tire wears out more quickly at high temperatures.
- The ride comfort is high, but the handling suffers from too soft a set-up.
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 disadvantages
- The increased wear leads to a shortened tread life, which can limit the overall life of the tire.
- The higher purchase price can have a negative impact on the price-performance ratio compared to competitor products.
- Despite very good traction and handling characteristics, braking distances are slightly longer on snow.
PIRELLI Cinturato All Season SF 2 tires
All sizes
PIRELLI Cinturato All Season SF 3 tires
All sizes
Comparison table of technical specifications
Feature |
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 |
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 |
Tire type |
All season tires with 3PMSF marking |
All season tires with 3PMSF marking |
Width (mm) |
165-275 mm |
185-255 mm |
Height (%) |
35-65 % |
35-65 % |
Type of construction |
R |
R |
inch |
15-21 inch |
15-20 inch |
Load index |
91-103 (max. 615-875 kg) |
91-96 (max. 615-710 kg) |
Speed index |
T-Y (max. 190-300 km/h) |
V-Y (max. 240-300 km/h) |
Rim protection |
Yes (FSL) |
Yes (FSL) |
Run flat tires |
Run Flat™ available in selected sizes |
Not specified |
Reinforced / XL |
XL variants available |
XL variants available |
C tires |
No |
Not specified |
Fuel efficiency (EU label) |
A, B, C, D |
B, C |
Wet grip (EU label) |
A, B |
A |
Noise class / noise level |
A, B / 68-72 dB |
A, B / 69-72 dB |
Similarities: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 vs Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
- 3PMSF certification: Winter suitability with official approval as a winter tire for use in winter conditions.
- M+S marking: Excellent traction on mud and snow for safe driving in difficult road conditions.
- Adaptive tread technology: Innovative tread design that adapts to different driving situations and temperatures.
- Availability in different sizes: Wide range from 15 to 20 inches for different vehicle types.
- Premium rubber compound: High-quality materials for optimum grip in different temperatures and conditions.
- Rim protection: Integrated protection for the rims against damage from kerb contact.
- All-season suitability: Balanced performance in all weather conditions without seasonal tire changes.
Differences: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 vs Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
Characteristics |
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 |
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 |
Tread design |
Adaptive tread pattern with wide footprint and balanced weight distribution |
V-shaped tread design with central zigzag grooves and optimized pitch sequence |
Rubber compound |
New combination of advanced polymers for high performance in a wider temperature range |
Adaptive compound with new polymers and resins of natural origin for flexibility in cold conditions |
Main strength |
Short braking distance on dry roads and low rolling resistance |
Outstanding wet grip and excellent overall braking distance on all surfaces |
Mileage |
Up to 50% improved service life compared to the previous model |
Improved pressure distribution and even mechanical load for higher mileage |
Rolling resistance |
Low rolling resistance with 8 kg/t in the test |
Slightly higher rolling resistance with 8.1 kg/t in the test |
Wet grip |
Good wet grip with B label according to EU tire label |
Excellent wet grip with A label according to EU tire label |
Dry grip |
Average dry properties with a tendency to understeer |
Improved handling with neutral balance and precise steering |
Special features |
Available with Seal Inside technology and as a run-flat version |
Strategic positioning, depth and length of the 3D sipes for improved grip on snow |
Conclusion
The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 represents a significant evolution from the SF2, with improvements in almost all areas of performance, particularly in wet, snow and dry conditions. However, the SF2 remains a solid choice for price-conscious drivers who value low rolling resistance and low noise levels. For drivers who frequently drive in changeable weather conditions and are looking for maximum safety, the SF3 offers clear advantages with its excellent wet grip and improved snow handling. Both tires meet the requirements of a high-quality all-season tire, although the choice ultimately depends on individual priorities, driving style and budget.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
When was the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 launched?
The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was launched in spring 2024. It is the successor to the Cinturato All Season SF2 launched in September 2020 and represents the latest generation of Pirelli all-season tires.
Are both tires approved as winter tires?
Yes, both the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 and the SF3 carry the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) marking and the M+S marking. This confirms their official approval as winter tires for use in winter conditions in accordance with the situational winter tire obligation.
How do the braking distances of the two tire models differ?
According to the Auto Zeitung Test 2024, the SF3 has a braking distance of 27.0 m on snow (from 50 to 0 km/h), while the SF2 requires 28.3 m. On dry roads, the SF3 brakes from 100 to 0 km/h in 35.6 m, the SF2 in 37.2 m. In the wet, the differences are minimal with 41.0 m for the SF3 and 41.1 m for the SF2.
Is the SF3 also available as a run-flat version like the SF2?
Based on current information, the SF3 is not yet available in a run-flat version, while the SF2 is available with this technology. The SF2 will also be offered with Seal Inside technology, which allows you to continue driving with punctures up to 4 mm in size.
For which vehicle types are the tires suitable?
Both tire models are designed for compact and mid-size vehicles and are available in sizes from 15 to 20 inches. The SF3 is particularly suitable for drivers who mainly drive in the city but also want good performance on snow. The SF2 is well suited for drivers who value fuel efficiency and noise comfort.
Sources:
- Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 - Bewertungen und Tests 2025 | Reifenlab.de
- Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 - Bewertungen und Tests 2025 | Reifenlab.de