The Kumho Ecsta Sport emerges as the surprise standout in the test, delivering premium-level performance across wet and dry conditions. Challenging established premium brands, it combines sharp handling, strong braking, and balanced dynamics, redefining expectations for non-premium UHP tires.

Key Features:

• All-round excellence: Matches or surpasses premium rivals in wet/dry grip, braking, and cornering stability.
• Disruptor status: Proves non-premium brands can compete at the highest tier of UHP performance.
• Consistency potential: If production quality holds, it could reshape the performance tire market.

Best for: Drivers seeking premium-tier performance without the premium price, especially in mixed wet/dry conditions. Ideal for enthusiasts on a budget or those skeptical of brand-name tax.

The Bridgestone Potenza Sport secures its podium finish with best-in-class dry/wet braking and confident dry handling, paired with refined comfort and low noise. While wet handling trails slightly behind leaders, its balanced performance makes it a top UHP summer contender.

Key Features:

Braking mastery: Shortest dry/wet braking distances in the test, prioritizing safety in emergencies.

• Dry-road precision: Agile cornering and stable grip for spirited driving.
• Comfort focus: Quiet, smooth ride uncommon in performance-oriented UHP tires.
• Efficiency trade-off: Higher rolling resistance reflects its sporty, grip-focused design.

Best for: Drivers seeking balanced UHP performance with strong braking, daily-driver comfort, and dry-road agility. Avoid if wet-track dominance or fuel efficiency are top priorities.

The Continental SportContact 7 delivers exceptional wet and dry handling, pairing precision with low rolling resistance. While slightly trailing in wet braking and lateral aquaplaning, its overall performance sets a benchmark for UHP summer tires.

Key Features:

• Dynamic handling: Best-in-class wet/dry cornering with razor-sharp steering feedback.
• Efficiency breakthrough: Defies physics with low rolling resistance despite superior wet grip.
• Minor compromises: Slightly longer wet braking distances and marginal aquaplaning resistance.

Best for: Performance enthusiasts prioritizing track-like agility and eco-conscious drivers seeking grip without fuel penalties. Ideal for spirited driving on twisty roads, less so for monsoon climates.

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport prioritizes raw sportiness, delivering class-leading dry handling and braking, with near-top-tier wet performance. Its track-focused design sacrifices comfort, noise, and efficiency for uncompromising agility.

Key Features:

• Track-ready dynamics: Sharpest dry handling in the test, ideal for spirited driving or circuit use.
• Wet competence: Closes the gap to premium rivals in wet grip and stability, despite sporty focus.
• Purist appeal: Prioritizes performance over refinement – loud, firm, and fuel-hungry, but exhilarating.

Best for: Sports car enthusiasts and track-day drivers valuing dry-road dominance above comfort or efficiency. Perfect for weekend toys, hot hatches, or drivers who live for cornering precision.

The Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 excels in wet braking and handling with low noise, high comfort, and competitive rolling resistance. However, it lacks sporty dry handling compared to rivals like Goodyear or Continental, positioning it as a comfort-focused UHP option.

Key Features:

• Wet competence: Strong braking and stability in rainy conditions, matching premium competitors.
• Daily refinement: Best-in-test comfort and quietness for stress-free commuting.
• Efficiency edge: Lower rolling resistance enhances fuel economy without sacrificing wet safety.
• Dry limitations: Competent but unremarkable dry dynamics, prioritizing comfort over aggression.

Best for: Drivers in rain-prone regions seeking a quiet, comfortable tire with strong wet performance and efficiency. Ideal for daily commuting or long trips, but not for enthusiasts craving dry-road precision.

The Maxxis Victra Sport 5 shines in dry handling and braking, offering sporty dynamics at a competitive price, while delivering best-in-test comfort and noise levels. However, its wet performance and efficiency lag due to a less refined tread compound.

Key Features:

• Dry-road prowess: Agile cornering and strong braking rival premium UHP tires.
• Comfort focus: Exceptionally quiet and smooth ride for a performance-oriented tyre.
• Wet limitations: Satisfactory but unremarkable wet grip and aquaplaning resistance.
• Tread compound potential: Higher rolling resistance suggests room for optimization in future iterations.

Best for: Drivers prioritizing dry-road performance and daily comfort over wet-weather dominance. Ideal for sunny climates or budget-conscious enthusiasts willing to trade wet precision for affordability and refinement.

The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 excels in aquaplaning resistance and fuel efficiency (best-in-test rolling resistance), offering a comfortable, quiet ride. While competent in dry/wet conditions, it lacks the sporty edge expected from a performance tire, positioning it as a refined touring option rather than a true UHP contender.

Key Features:

• Aquaplaning mastery: Top-tier water evacuation for safety in heavy rain.
• Efficiency leader: Lowest rolling resistance in the test, ideal for eco-conscious drivers.
• Touring comfort: Smooth, quiet ride prioritizes daily usability over track dynamics.
• Sport deficit: Competent but unremarkable handling compared to UHP rivals.

Best for: Drivers seeking a refined, efficient touring tire with strong wet safety. Perfect for commuters or long-distance travelers valuing comfort over aggressive sportiness. Avoid if razor-sharp handling or track performance are priorities.

The Vredestein Ultrac Pro struggles to match elite UHP rivals, offering decent dry handling but lagging in wet performance, braking, and aquaplaning resistance. Its outdated design and tread compound limit competitiveness, though development potential exists.

Key Features:

• Dry-road resilience: Maintains stable dry handling for casual driving, though lacks sporty precision.

Best for: Drivers in dry climates seeking a budget-friendly UHP option for relaxed driving, or Vredestein loyalists willing to trade peak performance for brand affinity. Avoid for wet-weather dominance or track use.