Tyre Reviews: Summer UHP Tire Test R18 2025

Summer tires walk a tightrope between raw performance and everyday practicality—a balance that’s put to the test every time a new contender enters the ring. In April 2025, Tyre Reviews lined up seven ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires in the 225/40R18 size, pitting Pirelli’s freshly launched P Zero PZ5 against heavyweights like Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4S, Continental’s SportContact 7, and a budget wildcard from China.

Testing unfolded on a Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8, a benchmark for sporty compacts, with evaluations spanning wet/dry grip, braking precision, noise levels, and energy efficiency. The goal? To see whether Pirelli’s claims of a “new performance benchmark” held up—and whether mid-range or budget options could challenge premium engineering.

Pirelli P Zero PZ5 - Winner Recommended

N/A 33

· Summer · 2025 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Pirelli P Zero PZ5 claimed first place in Tyre Reviews’ UHP summer test, dominating dry handling (81.83s fastest lap) and wet braking (22.48m shortest distance). Its precise aquaplaning resistance (74 km/h straight, 3.14 m/s² lateral) and class-leading comfort (10/10 score) solidified its premium status, though lighter steering feedback and higher rolling resistance (8.9 kg/t) slightly tempered its efficiency.
Straight Aquaplaning Dry Performance Wet Handling Comfort Dry Handling Lateral Aquaplaning Wet Braking Rolling Resistance Steering Response

USA+ · Canada · Europe

Test Score:

97.9
Continental SportContact 7 Recommended

95 62

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Continental SportContact 7 (225/40 R18 92Y) secured second place, dominating dry braking (33.11m shortest distance) and tying for top comfort (10/10). While excelling in dry precision and wet handling, its average aquaplaning resistance (73.3 km/h straight, 2.69 m/s² lateral) and slight front/rear imbalance in 18" sizing limited outright victory. EU Label C/A/72 reflects competitive efficiency and wet grip.
Comfort Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Noise Dry Handling Aquaplaning Straight Aquaplaning Lateral Aquaplaning Wet Braking

USA+ · Mexico · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia · Southeast Asia · Middle East

Test Score:

96.7
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 Recommended

94 60

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 secured second place with best-in-class curved aquaplaning resistance (3.15 m/s²) and lowest noise levels (71.2 dB), paired with precise dry handling (1st in subjective feedback) and low rolling resistance. While excelling in balance and comfort, its wet/dry braking distances lagged marginally behind leaders, ranking sixth in both disciplines.
Straight Aquaplaning Subj. Dry Handling Rolling Resistance Comfort Noise Lateral Aquaplaning Dry Braking Wet Braking

USA+ · Europe · Russia+ · Middle East · South Africa

Test Score:

96.4
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Recommended

87 72

· Summer · 2017 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S (225/40 R18 92Y) ranked second in Tyre Reviews’ UHP summer test, excelling with class-leading comfort (10/10 score) and low rolling resistance (8.7 kg/t). While delivering strong dry performance and competitive wet braking (4th place), its wet handling lagged (6th), and understeer emerged at the limit. EU Label D/A/72 highlights its wet grip strength, though noise levels (73.5 dB) trailed quieter rivals.
Comfort Rolling Resistance Wet Braking Dry Performance Wet Handling Subj. Dry Handling Noise

North America · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · Japan · South Korea · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Africa · Oceania

Test Score:

96.4
Falken Azenis FK520 Recommended

76 44

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Falken Azenis FK520 ranked fifth, excelling in straight aquaplaning resistance (75.5 km/h) and securing second place in wet braking (22.57m). Its low noise (71.7 dB) and balanced wet/dry grip cater to daily driving, though curved aquaplaning and sporty dynamics lagged behind UHP rivals.
Driving Safety Straight Aquaplaning Dry Braking Noise Wet Braking Dry Handling Subj. Dry Handling Lateral Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

96.3
Bridgestone Potenza Sport

84 64

· Summer · 2021 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Bridgestone Potenza Sport ranked sixth, dominating wet handling (99.34s fastest lap) and subjective wet feedback (10/10), while delivering precise dry dynamics (2nd in dry handling). However, its critically high rolling resistance (10.7 kg/t) exceeds EU regulatory limits, jeopardizing future production. Comfort (8.5/10) and noise (73.3 dB) trailed rivals, and track use revealed rapid shoulder wear.
Wet Handling Wet Performance Subj. Wet Handling Dry Handling Rolling Resistance Comfort Dry Braking Noise Treadwear

North America · Europe · Russia+ · China · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Africa · Oceania

Test Score:

93.2