Autobild: Summer Tire Test R18 2025

Autobild: Summer Tire Test R18

AUTO BILD’s 2025 summer tire test zeroed in on the 225/40 R18 size, a favorite for sporty compacts like the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, and VW Golf. Starting with a brutal qualifying round, 20 tires emerged victorious from an initial field of 52. The cutthroat selection process included dry braking tests (100 km/h to standstill) and wet braking trials (80 km/h), eliminating models that failed to meet baseline safety standards.

The finalists faced a gauntlet of challenges: precision dry handling circuits, monsoon-like wet tracks, aquaplaning simulations, noise assessments, and cost-efficiency analyses. Premium heavyweights like Michelin Pilot Sport 5, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, and Bridgestone Turanza T005 competed alongside rising Asian contenders such as Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2 and Linglong Sport Master. Even the Autogreen Smart Chaser, a deliberately included budget tire, was tested as a stark reminder of the risks posed by ultra-cheap options.

This year’s test answers critical questions: Can affordable tires close the gap with premium brands in safety and performance? How do tread patterns and compounds influence real-world grip and longevity? And what innovations justify a higher price tag? For drivers prioritizing safety, efficiency, or value, the results reveal which tires deserve a spot on your car—and which belong in the scrap heap.

  1. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 - Winner Recommended
    Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
    94 60
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 dominated the 2025 summer tire test with exceptional safety reserves and remarkably short braking distances on wet roads. Its outstanding cost efficiency, crowned by the Eco-Champion 2025 title, makes it the top choice for sporty compacts.

    Wet Braking   Price   Driving Safety  
    USA+ USA+ · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Middle East Middle East · South Africa South Africa
    Test Score:
    1.2
  2. Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Recommended
    Michelin Pilot Sport 5
    92 56
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Extreme Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 achieved a stellar “sehr gut” rating, showcasing dynamic handling with precise control on both dry and wet tracks. Its consistently short braking distances, excellent mileage, and outstanding cost performance solidify its top-tier standing in the summer tire test.

    Price   Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Dry Braking   Treadwear  
    Canada Canada · Mexico Mexico · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · China China · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    1.2
  3. Bridgestone Potenza Sport Recommended
    Bridgestone Potenza Sport
    84 64
    · Summer · 2021 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Potenza Sport 225/40 R18 92Y XL earned a very good rating with its convincing grip, short braking distances, and dynamic handling that deliver an engaging driving experience. However, its aggressively worn tread pattern after rapid cornering may affect long-term durability.

    Dry Handling   Dry Traction   Dry Braking  
    North America North America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · China China · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Africa Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    1.3
  4. Continental PremiumContact 7 Recommended
    Continental PremiumContact 7
    95 53
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Continental PremiumContact 7 achieved a "sehr gut" rating with a score of 1.4 by showcasing excellent aquaplaning reserves, short braking distances, dynamic handling, and convincing mileage. Its balanced performance across critical safety and efficiency criteria makes it an optimal choice for EV drivers.

    Dry Handling   Aquaplaning   Dry Braking   Treadwear  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    1.4
  5. Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K137 Recommended
    Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K137
    N/A 24
    · Summer · 2025 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Ventus EVO K137 impresses with its convincing driving dynamics, delivering consistently short braking distances in all weather conditions and reliable mileage performance. Its balanced attributes contribute to a stellar 1.4 "sehr gut" rating, making it an appealing option for performance-focused drivers.

    Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Dry Braking   Treadwear  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    1.4
  6. Kumho Ecsta PS71 Recommended
    Kumho Ecsta PS71
    67 42
    · Summer · 2016 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Kumho Ecsta PS71 earns a stellar 1.4 "sehr gut" rating by showcasing excellent aquaplaning reserves, convincing driving dynamics with secure behavior, and notably short braking distances—all while delivering strong cost performance.

    Dry Handling   Aquaplaning   Dry Braking   Price  
    Canada Canada · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · North Africa North Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    1.4
  7. Falken Ziex ZE320
    Falken Ziex ZE320
    N/A 26
    · Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Falken Ziex ZE320 delivers outstanding driving dynamics with impressively short braking distances on both wet and dry surfaces and a notably quiet roll noise. Its performance, however, is tempered by a slightly limited mileage that could affect long-term cost efficiency.

    Dry Handling   Noise   Dry Braking   Wet Braking   Treadwear  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    2.1
  8. Toyo Proxes Comfort
    Toyo Proxes Comfort
    72 42
    · Summer · 2020 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Toyo Proxes Comfort delivers good performance with solid aquaplaning reserves, short braking distances, and commendable cost efficiency. However, its limited lateral guidance on wet roads may impact handling under adverse conditions.

    Aquaplaning   Dry Braking   Price   Wet Lateral Stability  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.3
  9. Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2
    Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2
    76 53
    · Summer · 2016 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 stands out with the greatest aquaplaning safety reserves and commendable mileage, ensuring robust performance in wet conditions. However, its slight understeering on wet tracks may compromise dynamic handling.

    Treadwear   Aquaplaning   Subj. Steering Response  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · South Africa South Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    2.4
  10. Sailun Atrezzo ZSR 2
    Sailun Atrezzo ZSR 2
    N/A 24
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Sailun Atrezzo ZSR 2 achieved a satisfactory rating by delivering robust aquaplaning reserves, short braking distances, safe handling, and an impressively quiet roll noise. However, its notably limited mileage detracts from its long-term value.

    Dry Handling   Aquaplaning   Noise   Dry Braking   Treadwear  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.5
  11. Linglong Sport Master SA220
    Linglong Sport Master SA220
    67 33
    · Summer · 2021 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Linglong Sport Master delivered satisfactory performance with secure handling in all weather conditions, short braking distances, and commendable lateral guidance. However, its limited mileage and high rolling resistance diminish its overall long-term appeal.

    Dry Handling   Dry Lateral Stability   Dry Braking   Treadwear   Rolling Resistance  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    2.6
  12. Maxxis Victra Sport 5 VS5
    Maxxis Victra Sport 5 VS5
    74 47
    · Summer · 2018 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Maxxis Victra Sport VS5 earns a "befriedigend" rating by offering notably short braking distances, dynamic and secure handling, and good lateral guidance, making it competitive in its segment. However, its limited mileage and high rolling resistance detract from its overall performance.

    Dry Handling   Dry Lateral Stability   Dry Braking   Treadwear   Rolling Resistance  
    Canada Canada · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · China China · South Africa South Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    2.7
  13. Vredestein Ultrac Pro
    Vredestein Ultrac Pro
    N/A 29
    · Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Ultrac Pro delivers satisfactory performance with excellent comfort, a quiet roll noise, balanced driving behavior, and solid aquaplaning reserves. Its slightly limited mileage may affect long-term efficiency.

    Dry Handling   Aquaplaning   Comfort   Noise   Treadwear  
    USA+ USA+ · Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    2.8
  14. Laufenn S FIT EQ+
    Laufenn S FIT EQ+
    63 41
    · Summer · 2020 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Laufenn S Fit EQ+ achieves a "befriedigend" rating by offering short braking distances, respectable aquaplaning reserves, good comfort, and a quiet roll noise. However, its slightly limited mileage impacts its overall long-term performance.

    Aquaplaning   Comfort   Noise   Dry Braking   Treadwear  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Middle East Middle East · North Africa North Africa
    Test Score:
    3.1
  15. Nexen N Fera Sport
    Nexen N Fera Sport
    75 41
    · Summer · 2018 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Nexen N'Fera Sport achieves a "befriedigend" rating by delivering robust aquaplaning reserves, short braking distances, and low rolling resistance. However, its delayed steering response in wet conditions and slightly limited mileage detract from its overall performance.

    Rolling Resistance   Aquaplaning   Dry Braking   Treadwear   Subj. Steering Response  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    3.1
  16. Pirelli P Zero PZ4
    Pirelli P Zero PZ4
    81 63
    · Summer · 2016 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 earned a "befriedigend" rating by delivering good driving dynamics with short braking distances, safe aquaplaning performance, and excellent ride comfort. However, its significantly limited mileage and high price level detract from its overall value.

    Aquaplaning   Comfort   Dry Braking   Dry Handling   Treadwear   Price  
    North America North America · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    3.1
  17. Giti GitiSport S2
    Giti GitiSport S2
    66 36
    · Summer · 2021 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Giti Tire Gitisport S2, with a 3.4 "befriedigend" rating, delivers reliable performance through strong aquaplaning reserves, balanced driving dynamics, and low rolling resistance. However, its moderate lateral guidance on wet surfaces and limited mileage hinder its overall capability.

    Dry Handling   Rolling Resistance   Aquaplaning   Wet Lateral Stability   Treadwear  
    Europe Europe · China China · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    3.4
  18. Nokian Powerproof 1
    Nokian Powerproof 1
    N/A 31
    · Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Nokian Powerproof 1 earned a "befriedigend" rating of 3.4 by delivering solid aquaplaning reserves, short braking distances, a quiet roll noise, and low rolling resistance. However, its limited mileage and pronounced understeering detract from its overall performance.

    Aquaplaning   Rolling Resistance   Noise   Dry Braking   Treadwear   Subj. Steering Response  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    3.4
  19. Yokohama ADVAN Sport V107
    Yokohama ADVAN Sport V107
    N/A 23
    · Summer · 2018 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Yokohama Advan Sport V107 delivers sufficient performance with notably short braking distances on dry roads and reliable driving dynamics. However, its high rolling resistance and limited mileage detract from its overall effectiveness.

    Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Treadwear   Rolling Resistance  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Japan Japan · China China · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Africa Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    3.5
  20. Firestone Firehawk Sport
    Firestone Firehawk Sport
    N/A 30
    · Summer · 2023 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Firestone Firehawk Sport earns an "ausreichend" rating of 3.6 with its notably short braking distances, exceptionally low rolling resistance, and attractive price point. However, its delayed steering response and only average aquaplaning reserves limit its overall dynamic performance.

    Rolling Resistance   Dry Braking   Price   Aquaplaning   Subj. Steering Response  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    3.6
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
Mar 12, 2025
Date updated
Mar 17, 2025
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