Autobild: SUV Summer Tire Test R18 2025

Autobild: SUV Summer Tire Test R18

With SUVs and off-road vehicles accounting for 43% of new car registrations in early 2025, AUTO BILD’s latest summer tire test targeted the 255/55 R18 size—a critical fitment for drivers balancing asphalt commutes and rugged terrain. Ten tires, including premium all-rounders and budget options, were pushed to their limits across three key areas: wet/dry road safety, off-road traction, and everyday efficiency.

Testing spanned two continents: asphalt trials at Goodyear’s proving ground in Southern France and off-road challenges on loose gravel, sand, and grass in Texas. The goal? To identify tires that deliver security on rainy highways, grip on rocky trails, and quiet comfort during school runs—without compromising durability or fuel efficiency.

Key Testing Areas:

  • Wet Performance: Braking from 80 km/h, aquaplaning resistance, and cornering stability in heavy rain.
  • Dry Handling: Precision steering, braking from 100 km/h, and lap times on scorching tarmac.
  • Off-Road Capability: Traction on gravel, sand, and grass, plus towing stability.
  • Efficiency: Rolling resistance for fuel savings and noise levels for cabin comfort.

The results reveal which tires master the SUV paradox: rugged enough for weekend adventures, refined enough for daily drives. From aggressive tread patterns to whisper-quiet designs, the test highlights how modern tires balance brute strength with urban polish.

  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 claimed first place in AUTO BILD’s SUV summer tire test, excelling across all terrains and weather conditions. Its dynamic cornering, short braking distances, and off-road capability set benchmarks, though slightly elevated rolling resistance marginally impacted efficiency.

    Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Cornering Stability   Dry Braking   Driving Safety   Rolling Resistance  
    USA+ USA+ · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Middle East Middle East · South Africa South Africa
    Test Score:
    1.3
  2. Falken Azenis FK520 Recommended
    Falken Azenis FK520
    76 44
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Falken Azenis FK520 earned second place with exemplary asphalt and off-road performance, combining dynamic handling, short wet/dry braking distances, and low rolling resistance. Its balanced comfort and efficiency made it a standout in mixed-terrain scenarios.

    Comfort   Wet Braking   Cornering Stability   Dry Braking   Rolling Resistance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    1.4
  3. Pirelli Scorpion Recommended
    Pirelli Scorpion
    82 39
    · Summer · 2022 · Light Truck / SUV - Highway Rib Summer
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Scorpion tied for second place, excelling in off-road terrain with robust performance and short asphalt braking distances. Its dynamic handling, low noise levels, and efficient rolling resistance made it a versatile choice for both adventure and urban driving, despite no noted weaknesses.

    Dry Handling   Cornering Stability   Dry Braking   Rolling Resistance   Noise   Driving Safety  
    Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
    Test Score:
    1.4
  4. Vredestein Ultrac Recommended
    Vredestein Ultrac
    72 43
    · Summer · 2021 · Passenger - High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Ultrac tied for second place, delivering balanced safety across all terrains, strong aquaplaning resistance, and short braking distances. Its quiet operation and refined ride comfort complemented its versatile performance, making it a reliable choice for diverse driving conditions.

    Straight Aquaplaning   Ride Quality   Wet Braking   Dry Braking   Lateral Aquaplaning   Noise   Aquaplaning   Driving Safety  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    1.4
  5. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
    Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
    88 44
    · Summer · 2019 · Light Truck / SUV - Street/Sport Truck Summer
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV secured fifth place, excelling in dynamic asphalt handling and short braking distances while offering strong aquaplaning resistance. However, its lateral stability faltered in off-road terrain, limiting versatility for rugged use.

    Straight Aquaplaning   Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Lateral Aquaplaning   Aquaplaning   Dry Lateral Stability  
    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 · Africa Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    2.1
  6. Kumho Ecsta PS71 SUV
    Kumho Ecsta PS71 SUV
    N/A 13
    · Summer · 2017 · Light Truck / SUV - Street/Sport Truck Summer
    Verdict:

    The Kumho Ecsta PS71 SUV ranked sixth, demonstrating strong wet traction, off-road capability, and efficient rolling resistance with short braking distances. Its delayed steering response on dry pavement, however, reduced precision during high-speed maneuvers.

    Wet Braking   Dry Braking   Rolling Resistance   Wet Handling   Wet Traction   Driving Safety   Steering Response  
    Europe Europe · South Korea South Korea
    Test Score:
    2.4
  7. Bridgestone Turanza 6
    Bridgestone Turanza 6
    80 62
    · Summer · 2023 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Turanza 6 ranked seventh, offering balanced asphalt and off-road dynamics with fuel-efficient rolling resistance. Its slight understeer in wet conditions reduced agility, though EU Label C/A/B-71 highlights competitive wet grip and noise control.

    Wet Performance   Dry Performance   Driving Safety   Rolling Resistance   Wet Handling  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · Middle East Middle East · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    2.5
  8. Triangle EffeX SUV TS601
    Triangle EffeX SUV TS601
    N/A 23
    · Summer · 2023 · Light Truck / SUV - Highway Rib Summer
    Verdict:

    The Triangle EffeX SUV ranked eighth, offering a budget-friendly option with acceptable wet and dry performance for casual SUV use. However, compromised lateral grip and extended wet braking distances reduced its safety margins, positioning it as a niche choice for cost-conscious buyers.

    Price   Wet Lateral Stability   Wet Braking  
    China China
    Test Score:
    3.3
  9. Hifly Vigorous HP801
    Hifly Vigorous HP801
    N/A 22
    · All Season · 2014 · Light Truck / SUV - Street/Sport Truck All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Hifly HP 801 SUV ranked ninth, offering adequate off-road traction and aquaplaning resistance. However, poor wet/dry handling dynamics, extended braking distances, and compromised stability rendered it unsuitable for safety-focused drivers, relegating it to niche, low-demand scenarios.

    Straight Aquaplaning   Aquaplaning   Driving Safety   Wet Performance   Wet Braking   Dry Braking   Dry Performance   Driving Safety  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia
    Test Score:
    4.4
  10. Goodyear Wrangler AT SilentTrac
    Goodyear Wrangler AT SilentTrac
    N/A 30
    · All Season · 2019 · Light Truck / SUV - On-/Off-Road All-Terrain
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear Wrangler AT Adventure ranked last, prioritizing rugged off-road traction with its aggressive tread design. While excelling in harsh terrain, it faltered in standard road conditions, offering limited safety reserves for braking, handling, and stability.

    Durability   Driving Safety   Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Cornering Stability   Dry Braking   Wet Handling  
    East Asia East Asia · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    4.5
Year
2025
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Tire Size
255/55R18
Season
Summer
Auto Type
Light Truck / SUV / 4*4
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Mar 21, 2025
Date updated
Mar 23, 2025
Infographic

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