ADAC: Summer Tire Test R18 2025

ADAC's Summer Tire Test 2025 explored the real-world performance of 225/40 R18 tires, putting them through their paces in scenarios that matter most to everyday drivers. The evaluation looked at how each tire responds when you need confident grip on a sunny road and secure handling when conditions suddenly turn wet. It wasn’t just about raw performance; the test also considered how efficiently these tires stand the test of time, balancing durability with fuel economy.
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Continental SportContact 7 - Winner Recommended94 63Verdict:Dry Handling Wet Performance Wet Braking Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Dry Performance Driving Safety Treadwear Lateral Aquaplaning
The Continental SportContact 7 demonstrates exceptional performance across diverse conditions, providing precise steering feedback and rapid braking on dry roads while excelling on wet surfaces with the shortest braking distances recorded. Its balanced design ensures outstanding driving safety, complemented by high predicted mileage, minimal wear, and efficient operation. A slight shortfall in lateral aquaplaning performance, however, modestly detracts from its overall prowess.
USA+ ·
Mexico ·
Europe ·
Russia+ ·
East Asia ·
Southeast Asia ·
Middle East
Test Score:1.8 -
Bridgestone Potenza Sport Recommended84 64Verdict:Dry Handling Wet Performance Wet Braking Dry Braking Wet Handling Aquaplaning Dry Performance Treadwear Rolling Resistance
The Bridgestone Potenza Sport delivers exceptional driving safety with precise steering feedback and very short braking distances on dry roads, while excelling on wet surfaces with secure handling and impressive aquaplaning performance. Its high grip level translates to top-tier performance in critical driving conditions, although its environmental efficiency is diminished by above-average weight and fuel consumption.
North America ·
Europe ·
Russia+ ·
China ·
Southeast Asia ·
Middle East ·
Africa ·
Oceania
Test Score:1.9 -
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Recommended92 56Verdict:Dry Handling Wet Performance Wet Braking Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Aquaplaning Dry Performance Treadwear Lateral Aquaplaning
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 impresses with balanced performance across both dry and wet conditions, offering good steering feedback and high grip levels. While its handling is stable, it shows minor sensitivity in temperature changes, yet remains secure in emergency maneuvers. With a very short braking distance and excellent performance on wet surfaces, it secures top marks in safety. Environmental efficiency is also notable, with good ratings for wear and low fuel consumption.
Canada ·
Mexico ·
Central & South America ·
Europe ·
Russia+ ·
Japan ·
China ·
Southeast Asia ·
Middle East ·
Oceania
Test Score:1.9 -
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 Recommended94 60Verdict:Dry Handling Wet Performance Wet Braking Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Aquaplaning Dry Performance Treadwear
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 stands out for its balanced performance across both dry and wet conditions, providing good steering feedback and high grip. It excels in braking with very short distances and remains stable during emergency maneuvers. Its wet performance is particularly strong, securing top marks in braking and handling. Additionally, the tire offers excellent environmental efficiency with low wear, light weight, and reduced fuel consumption.
USA+ ·
Europe ·
Russia+ ·
Middle East ·
South Africa
Test Score:1.9 -
Vredestein Ultrac Pro RecommendedN/A 29Verdict:Dry Handling Wet Braking Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Treadwear Lateral Aquaplaning Durability
The Vredestein Ultrac Pro delivers reliable performance on dry roads with clear, direct steering response and consistent braking at 100 km/h, while maintaining stability during evasive maneuvers. On wet surfaces, it offers solid grip and precise control, though its lateral aquaplaning response falls just short of an excellent rating. Its low abrasion and commendable fuel efficiency balance out a predicted mileage that remains only satisfactory.
USA+ ·
Europe
Test Score:2.2 -
Yokohama ADVAN Sport V107 RecommendedN/A 23Verdict:Dry Handling Wet Performance Wet Braking Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Dry Performance Aquaplaning Treadwear
The Yokohama Advan Sport V107 offers very good dry-road performance with direct, responsive steering and high grip even as temperatures rise, ensuring confident handling and short braking distances at 100 km/h. On wet surfaces, it maintains solid performance with reliable braking and handling, though its aquaplaning behavior—both longitudinally and laterally—remains only satisfactory. Environmental efficiency is moderate, as reflected by its only satisfactory predicted mileage and higher wear, compounded by a heavier build.
USA+ ·
Canada ·
Central & South America ·
Europe ·
Japan ·
China ·
Southeast Asia ·
Middle East ·
Africa ·
Oceania
Test Score:2.3 -
Firestone Firehawk Sport RecommendedN/A 30Verdict:Dry Handling Wet Performance Wet Braking Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Dry Performance Aquaplaning Treadwear
The Firestone Firehawk Sport delivers solid dry-road performance with direct, responsive steering and a consistent grip even under rising temperatures, ensuring dependable handling and notably short braking distances from 100 km/h. On wet surfaces, it provides secure, precise control throughout the handling course, although its aquaplaning behavior—both longitudinally and laterally—remains only satisfactory. Its environmental efficiency is compromised by a lower predicted mileage and higher wear.
Europe
Test Score:2.4 -
Falken Azenis FK520 Recommended76 44Verdict:Dry Handling Wet Performance Wet Braking Dry Braking Low Fuel Consumption Treadwear Comfort Wet Handling Lateral Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance
The Falken Azenis FK520 achieves a good overall safety rating, with a very short braking distance at 100 km/h on dry roads offset by less-than-optimal steering feedback that becomes more pronounced with rising temperatures. Its high grip level ensures stability during sudden evasive maneuvers, though the rear axle’s elastic response can hinder precise corner entry. On wet surfaces, braking remains solid and longitudinal aquaplaning is just adequate, while lateral aquaplaning and overall wet handling only reach satisfactory levels. Environmentally, the tire performs well in predicted mileage and low wear, aided by commendable fuel efficiency despite a slightly elevated weight.
Europe ·
Russia+
Test Score:2.4 -
Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 Recommended76 53Verdict:Dry Handling Wet Braking Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Treadwear Durability
The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 registers a good overall safety rating by delivering just adequate steering feedback on dry roads and maintaining stability during evasive maneuvers. It achieves a short braking distance at 100 km/h and excels on wet surfaces with superior handling and aquaplaning performance. Environmental performance, however, is compromised by its lower predicted mileage and higher wear.
USA+ ·
Canada ·
Europe ·
Russia+ ·
South Africa ·
Oceania
Test Score:2.4 -
Nexen N Fera Sport Recommended75 41Verdict:Wet Performance Wet Braking Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Dry Performance Treadwear Lateral Aquaplaning Subj. Comfort
The Nexen N Fera Sport delivers a balanced performance with a short braking distance at 100 km/h and stable grip during sudden evasive maneuvers. On dry roads, however, the steering feedback is less precise due to a sensitive rear axle reacting to temperature rises, while on wet surfaces its braking and grip remain good despite aquaplaning performance that narrowly misses top marks. Environmentally, it benefits from high predicted mileage, low wear, and efficient performance through reduced weight and fuel consumption.
Europe ·
Russia+
Test Score:2.4 -
Toyo Proxes Sport 2 Recommended68 30Verdict:Wet Performance Wet Braking Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Dry Performance Subj. Comfort Aquaplaning Treadwear
The Toyo Proxes Sport 2 achieves a clearly good rating in driving safety with its notably short braking distance and secure handling on both dry and wet roads. On dry pavement, however, its steering feedback is less effective due to heightened sensitivity to temperature increases, resulting in a slightly elastic rear response that complicates precise corner entry. On wet surfaces, braking and handling remain good, although its aquaplaning performance—both longitudinally and laterally—just misses a top-tier mark. Environmentally, the tire only attains a satisfactory rating due to its moderate predicted mileage, increased wear, and elevated weight, despite benefiting from low fuel consumption.
Europe ·
Russia+
Test Score:2.4 -
Ceat SportDriveN/A 28Verdict:Treadwear Rolling Resistance Dry Braking Wet Performance Aquaplaning Dry Handling
The Ceat SportDrive delivers a merely satisfactory overall performance. On dry roads, it manages acceptable braking distances but offers only adequate steering feedback and responsiveness, particularly as rising temperatures soften the rear response. On wet surfaces, all criteria—braking, aquaplaning, and handling—fall short of excellence, while environmental metrics remain borderline despite favorable treadwear and fuel efficiency.
Europe ·
Southeast Asia
Test Score:2.9 -
Kumho Ecsta PS7167 42Verdict:Low Fuel Consumption Wet Handling Dry Braking Treadwear Increased Weight Subj. Comfort Dry Handling
The Kumho Ecsta PS71 exhibits a mixed performance profile. On dry roads, its braking is notably effective at 100 km/h, yet the tire suffers from only sufficient steering feedback and an overly elastic rear response under elevated temperatures that impairs precise cornering. Conversely, its wet performance is commendable—with secure handling and reliable braking—although overall environmental metrics are hampered by low predicted mileage, increased wear, and higher weight.
Canada ·
Central & South America ·
Europe ·
Russia+ ·
East Asia ·
Southeast Asia ·
Middle East ·
North Africa ·
Oceania
Test Score:2.9 -
Nokian Powerproof 1N/A 31Verdict:Wet Handling Wet Braking Rolling Resistance Wet Performance Dry Braking Treadwear Dry Handling Subj. Comfort
The Nokian Tyres Powerproof 1 achieves only a satisfactory rating in dry conditions due to limited steering feedback and an elastic rear response under heat, which challenges precise cornering. Its dry braking performance remains good, and on wet roads the tire consistently delivers secure braking and balanced aquaplaning behavior. Environmentally, it scores well with strong predicted mileage, low wear, and efficient fuel consumption, yet these merits do not fully compensate for its dry-road shortcomings.
Europe
Test Score:3.1 -
Giti GitiSport S266 36Verdict:Low Fuel Consumption Low Predicted Mileage Wet Handling Higher Weight Dry Handling Increased Wear
The Giti GitiSport S2 registers only a satisfactory overall performance. On dry roads, it provides merely adequate steering feedback and responds too sensitively to rising temperatures, resulting in an elastic rear that complicates precise cornering and contributes to understeer or even oversteer in dynamic situations. On wet surfaces, braking distances fall short and grip is moderate, though its aquaplaning capability earns a relatively good note. Environmentally, while its fuel consumption is impressively low, shortcomings in predicted mileage, increased wear, and higher weight prevent a stronger rating.
Europe ·
China ·
Southeast Asia ·
Oceania
Test Score:3.2 -
Norauto Prevensys 4N/A 23Verdict:Wet Performance Treadwear Wet Braking Dry Handling Dry Performance
The Norauto Prevensys 4 falls short in dry conditions, delivering only sufficient steering feedback and an overly elastic rear response under heat that complicates precise cornering and increases the risk of oversteer. On wet roads, it achieves good braking and balanced handling, allowing for secure navigation of the wet handling course. Environmentally, it benefits from high predicted mileage, low wear, light weight, and low fuel consumption, though these positives do not offset its dry-road shortcomings.
Europe
Test Score:3.9 -
Syron Premium PerformanceN/A 17Verdict:Treadwear Rolling Resistance Dry Handling Aquaplaning Wet Handling Dry Performance
The Syron Premium Performance exhibits significant shortcomings in dry conditions, providing only minimal steering feedback and delayed response as temperatures rise, which complicates precise cornering and predisposes the tire to oversteer during evasive maneuvers. On wet roads, its braking and aquaplaning performance are merely satisfactory, with overall handling failing to deliver the necessary precision under combined forces. Despite these safety deficits, its low treadwear and excellent fuel efficiency—bolstered by a light construction—offer some environmental merits.
Europe
Test Score:3.2 -
Doublecoin DC-100N/A 24Verdict:Treadwear Rolling Resistance Durability Dry Handling Wet Handling Driving Safety Wet Braking
The Doublecoin DC100 exhibits critically deficient safety performance, with markedly delayed steering response and an overly elastic rear on dry roads, leading to imprecise handling and increased oversteer risk. On wet surfaces, its braking distances are excessively long and grip is extremely low, making performance dangerously inadequate. Despite achieving the best environmental scores through exceptional predicted mileage, minimal wear, and outstanding fuel efficiency, its safety shortcomings overshadow these merits.
Europe
Test Score:5.5
- Year
- 2025
- Tire Test Original Link
- Visit Website
- Max Score, points
- 1
- Tire Size
- 225/40R18
- Season
- Summer
- Auto Type
- Passenger
- List Type
- Professional Tire Test
- Region
- Europe
- Date added
- Feb 25, 2025
- Date updated
- Feb 27, 2025
- Infographic