Vi Bilägare magazine conducted its latest summer tire test featuring eight tires sized 235/55 R19, specifically focusing on suitability for electric SUVs. Testing took place near Madrid under unusually cool conditions (around 10°C), comparable to Scandinavian spring or autumn weather. The primary test vehicle was a Kia EV6 (2,031 kg), supplemented by some measurements with a Tesla Model Y. A major highlight from this test was the significant performance difference between standard aftermarket tires and OE (Original Equipment) tires designed specifically by car manufacturers—represented here by Volkswagen and Volvo specifications. The OE tires prioritized efficiency and driving range at the expense of safety, clearly illustrated in wet handling, braking, and aquaplaning resistance. Despite their premium pricing, both OE tires performed alarmingly close to the budget option from Hifly.
Dry
In the dry braking test, the Pirelli Scorpion and Nokian Hakka Black 3 shared the lead with braking distances of 42 meters. The OE tires showed their compromises: the Volkswagen OE tire needed 44.4 meters, noticeably lagging behind the premium competitors.
Dry Braking
- Nokian
- Pirelli
- Goodyear
- Continental
- Michelin
- OE Summer
- Hifly
Info! Dry braking in meters.
Subjective Dry Handling
- Michelin
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Pirelli
- Nokian
- OE Summer
- Hifly
Info! Subjective dry handling score (5-point scale).
Subjective dry handling saw perfect scores from Continental PremiumContact 7 and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, praised for precise steering and responsive feedback. In contrast, the OE tires performed poorly, with Volkswagen’s tire receiving just 2 out of 5 points.
Wet
Nokian Hakka Black 3 dominated wet braking with a stopping distance of 41.6 meters, while the OE Volkswagen tire needed an extra 5.5 meters (47.1 meters). The Volvo OE tire, although slightly better, also fell behind premium competitors significantly.
Wet Braking
- Nokian
- Michelin
- Pirelli
- Continental
- Goodyear
- OE Summer
- Hifly
Info! Wet braking in meters (100–0 km/h).
Wet Handling
- Michelin
- Nokian
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Pirelli
- Hifly
- OE Summer
Info! Wet handling time in seconds (lap time).
Wet handling favored the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, setting the fastest lap (71.4 seconds). Again, the OE tires struggled, with the Volkswagen OE tire posting the slowest lap (74.2 seconds), highlighting critical safety deficits in wet conditions.
The aquaplaning test clearly showcased OE tire weaknesses: the Michelin maintained grip up to 91.7 km/h, while Volkswagen’s OE tire lost contact at just 81.0 km/h—a severe safety gap.
Wet Circle
- Goodyear
- Michelin
- Continental
- Nokian
- Pirelli
- OE Summer
- Hifly
Info! Lap time (in seconds).
Straight Hydroplaning
- Michelin
- Hifly
- Pirelli
- Nokian
- Goodyear
- Continental
- OE Summer
Info! Float speed (km/h).
Comfort & Noise
Comfort testing highlighted softer tires like the Pirelli Scorpion and budget Hifly HP801, both scoring top marks. OE tires performed acceptably here, scoring just behind the leaders.
Noise levels saw the Nokian Hakka Black 3 excel thanks to SilentDrive technology. The OE tires also delivered good noise performance, as manufacturers typically prioritize cabin comfort alongside efficiency.
Subj. Comfort
- Pirelli
- Hifly
- OE Summer
- Nokian
- Michelin
- Goodyear
- Continental
Info! Subjective Comfort Score.
Subj. Noise
- Nokian
- Pirelli
- OE Summer
- Hifly
- Michelin
- Goodyear
- Continental
Info! Subjective in car noise levels.
Energy Efficiency (Range)
This was the single clear strength for OE tires. Volkswagen’s tire achieved the longest calculated range at 432 km, about 9–10% better than premium aftermarket tires, clearly indicating what car manufacturers prioritize—range at the cost of handling and wet safety.
Value
- OE Summer
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Michelin
- Nokian
- Pirelli
- Hifly
Info! Calculated range (km).
Conclusion
Vi Bilägare’s test clearly demonstrates that OE tires’ efficiency comes at a dangerous safety cost. Consumers are strongly advised to choose premium aftermarket tires, especially considering the weight and handling dynamics of modern electric SUVs.
Results
1st Place:Michelin / Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Quick Take
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Consistent excellence across wet and dry conditions, notably the best in wet handling and aquaplaning resistance. Offers precise steering, excellent grip, and outstanding control in critical maneuvers, though slightly less comfortable and efficient. Its lap times were the fastest on wet tracks, clearly outperforming both OE and budget tires. A top-tier choice for safety-conscious EV drivers.
2nd Place:Nokian / Hakka Black 3
Quick Take
Nokian Hakka Black 3
Exceptional wet braking, best noise comfort, and predictable handling at the limit. Slightly prone to controlled rear-end slip but remains easy and safe to manage. It also recorded the shortest braking distances on both wet and dry roads, making it ideal for emergency stops. Nokian's SilentDrive tech gave it a clear edge in cabin noise levels.
3rd Place:Pirelli / Scorpion
Quick Take
Pirelli Scorpion
Prioritizes comfort, quietness, and durability over ultimate grip, yet maintains strong safety credentials. Best comfort rating, ideal for drivers valuing smooth rides and longevity. It performed reliably in all conditions, although it lagged slightly in aquaplaning resistance. A balanced option for everyday use without compromising safety.
4th Place:Goodyear / Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
Quick Take
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
Top lateral wet grip, good dry performance, slightly compromised in aquaplaning tests. A good option for sporty handling but less efficient and comfortable. It offered sharp steering response and stable behavior in corners, especially in the dry. However, its higher rolling resistance slightly reduced potential driving range.
5th Place:Continental / PremiumContact 7
Quick Take
Continental PremiumContact 7
Excellent dry handling and low rolling resistance among non-OE tires. However, below-average aquaplaning resistance and comfort limited its overall score. Despite great subjective feedback on dry roads, its wet safety margins were less competitive. Still, it stands out for those prioritizing steering precision and efficiency.
6th & 7th Place: OE Tires (Volkswagen & Volvo)
Despite superior efficiency, both OE tires showed concerningly poor performance in wet conditions and critical maneuvers. Not recommended for replacement purposes. Their long braking distances and early loss of grip under aquaplaning highlight the trade-off for energy savings. Suitable only if range is the sole priority.
8th Place:Hifly / Vigorous HP801
Quick Take
Hifly Vigorous HP801
Lowest-priced but with significant safety compromises. Poor lateral stability and braking performance outweigh its comfort advantages, unsuitable for heavy electric SUVs. Though it scored high in subjective comfort, its inability to handle emergency stops or wet curves safely is a major concern. Recommended only as a temporary or emergency-use option.
