Table of Contents
12 September 2025 (updated) Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 Reviews
The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 is an upper mid-range winter tire for cars and SUVs. The tire was comprehensively tested by leading test organizations such as ADAC and ÖAMTC and evaluated in various dimensions.
| Test organization | Year | Dimension | Test result |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAC | 2020 | 235/55 R17 | 3,0 |
| ÖAMTC | 2016 | 225/45 R17 | 2,9 |
Popular tire sizes of the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
205/50 R17 93H XL
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 XL Winter tyres
Сurrently out of stock
£ 154,78
Price per item
205/60 R16 96H XL
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 XL Winter tyres
Сurrently out of stock
£ 127,01
Price per item
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tyres
Performance on snow
The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 reviews show a balanced performance on snow in the test procedures. In the 2020 ADAC test, the tire in the 235/55 R17 dimension received a rating of 2.6 for snow properties, which falls into the "good" category. The 20 percent weighting for snow properties in the ADAC test procedure underlines the importance of this rating for the overall score. The tire demonstrates solid traction and control on snowy roads, with handling and braking performance showing adequate results. In the 2016 ÖAMTC test, the 225/45 R17 tire was awarded a score of 2.7 for snow performance.
ADAC 2020 test 235/55 R17: Snow performance grade 2.6
ÖAMTC 2016 test 225/45 R17: Snow performance grade 2.7
Performance on wet roads
The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 demonstrates its strengths most clearly on wet roads. In the 2020 ADAC test, the tire received a rating of 2.3 for wet performance, which is classified as "good". This category accounts for 30 percent of the overall rating and is therefore the most important single factor in the ADAC test procedure. The tire impresses with short braking distances and stable handling in the rain. Comparable performance was documented in the ÖAMTC test. The official test rating confirms the outstanding properties of the tire in wet road conditions.
ADAC 2020 test 235/55 R17: wet performance grade 2.3
ÖAMTC 2016 test 225/45 R17: wet performance grade 2.7
Dry handling
The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3's biggest weaknesses are its performance on dry roads. In the 2020 ADAC test, the tire received a rating of 3.0 for dry performance, which is rated as "satisfactory". This category contributes 15 percent to the overall score and has a noticeable influence on the rating. The dry performance shows clear differences to the better wet performance of the tire. In the 2016 ÖAMTC test, a similar rating of 2.9 was awarded for dry performance. The handling and driving safety on dry roads do not reach the level of the wet performance.
ADAC 2020 test 235/55 R17: dry performance grade 3.0
ÖAMTC 2016 test 225/45 R17: dry performance grade 2.9
Braking performance
The braking performance of the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 varies depending on the road conditions and shows different results in the test procedures. The braking performance is evaluated separately on dry and wet roads as well as on snow and ice. The tire shows consistent braking performance in different weather conditions. The ratings reflect the different requirements of the various road conditions. In the ÖAMTC test, braking performance on wet roads was rated 2.4, while ABS braking on snow was rated 2.8. The braking performance on ice received a score of 2.5.
ÖAMTC 2016 test 225/45 R17: Wet braking grade 2.4
ÖAMTC 2016 test 225/45 R17: Snow brakes (ABS) grade 2.8
ÖAMTC 2016 test 225/45 R17: Braking on ice (ABS) grade 2.5
Economy
The economy of the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 shows good results in the evaluation criteria of fuel consumption and wear. In the 2020 ADAC test, the tire received a score of 2.3 for fuel consumption, which is classified as "good". This category contributes 10 percent to the overall rating and shows the tire's efficiency. Wear was rated at 2.5, also in the "good" category. Similar values were determined in the ÖAMTC test. The combination of moderate rolling resistance and reasonable service life makes the tire an economically justifiable choice. The price at the time of the test was 161 euros.
ADAC 2020 test 235/55 R17: Fuel consumption grade 2.3
ADAC 2020 test 235/55 R17: Wear grade 2.5
ÖAMTC 2016 test 225/45 R17: Fuel consumption grade 2.2
ÖAMTC 2016 test 225/45 R17: Wear grade 2.5
Noise development
The noise development and comfort of the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 show potential for improvement in the test ratings. In the 2020 ADAC test, this category received a rating of 3.4, which is classified as "satisfactory". Noise comfort accounts for 5 percent of the overall score and has a noticeable impact on the driving experience. The rating includes both the interior and exterior noise of the tire. In the ÖAMTC test, a similar rating of 3.1 was awarded for noise. The tire label specifies a value of 72 dB for exterior noise. Compared to other test criteria, noise development is a weaker area of the tire.
ADAC 2020 test 235/55 R17: noise/comfort grade 3.4
ÖAMTC 2016 test 225/45 R17: noise grade 3.1
Price-performance ratio
The price-performance ratio of the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 places it in the middle segment of winter tires. The tire offers a balanced combination of different characteristics, with its strengths in the wet partially compensating for its weaknesses on dry roads. The overall ratings of 3.0 in the ADAC test and 2.9 in the ÖAMTC test show a solid performance for an upper mid-range tire. The cost-effectiveness due to moderate wear values and acceptable fuel consumption supports the price-performance ratio. For drivers who value particularly good wet performance and are prepared to compromise on dry performance, the tire is a justifiable option.
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 experience: Advantages and weaknesses
| Advantages | Weak points |
|---|---|
| Good in the wet | Weaknesses on dry roads |
| Weaknesses on ice |
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 test report
The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 reviews show a mixed performance with clear strengths and weaknesses in the test procedures. Its outstanding wet performance makes it an option for drivers in rainy areas. The weaknesses on dry roads and the higher noise level should be taken into account when making a purchase decision.
Source list
- Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 im Test | ADAC
- Pirelli Winter SottoZero 3 | ÖAMTC
