Tyre Reviews: Summer Touring Tire Test R17 2025

Tyre Reviews’ 2025 summer touring tire test pits seven premium models—including the new Pirelli Cinturato C3, Michelin Primacy 4+, and Continental PremiumContact 7—against everyday demands. Designed for drivers prioritizing comfort and safety, the trial dissected how these tires balance refined highway manners with wet/dry grip, noise control, and efficiency.

The lineup featured fresh contenders like the Falken’s latest touring model and budget-friendly Goodtrip GR 66, alongside established rivals. Testing spanned precise dry handling (steering feedback, stability), monsoon-like wet braking, aquaplaning resistance, and real-world comfort across rough surfaces.

Key questions drove the evaluation: Can the new Pirelli dethrone Michelin’s aging Primacy? Does Continental’s renowned wet grip hold up against Falken’s progress? And how do budget options like Goodtrip fare when pushed beyond casual drives? From whisper-quiet cabins to energy-saving rolling resistance, the test reveals which tires master the touring trifecta: safety, comfort, and value.

Pirelli Cinturato C3 - Winner Recommended

N/A 37

· Summer · 2025 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
The Pirelli Cinturato C3 claimed first place with top-tier dry braking, precise handling, and near-class-leading wet performance. Its balanced excellence in curved aquaplaning and braking overshadowed minor comfort limitations on harsh impacts, cementing it as a superior upgrade to the P7 C2.
Dry Handling Wet Braking Dry Braking Lateral Aquaplaning Aquaplaning Dry Performance Comfort

Europe

Test Score:

98.2
Continental PremiumContact 7 Recommended

95 53

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
The Continental PremiumContact 7 dominated wet testing with best-in-class braking and straight aquaplaning resistance, paired with reliable dry traction and balanced handling. Despite its safety-focused performance, it ranked as the noisiest tire (73.2 dB) and exhibited slight rear instability in wet cornering.
Dry Traction Straight Aquaplaning Wet Braking Dry Handling Wet Lateral Stability Noise

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

98
Falken Ziex ZE320 Recommended

N/A 26

· Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
The Falken ZIEX ZE320 secured third place with fastest wet and dry handling times, showcasing exceptional grip and balance. While excelling in noise refinement, its curved aquaplaning performance ranked worst, and higher rolling resistance slightly impacted efficiency.
Dry Handling Dry Traction Wet Handling Noise Wet Traction Lateral Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance

Europe

Test Score:

97.7
Vredestein Ultrac Recommended

72 43

· Summer · 2021 · Passenger - High Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Vredestein Ultrac ranked third, excelling in refinement with the lowest noise levels and top comfort scores. Its consistent wet handling and predictable behavior stood out, though bouncy dry dynamics and slower rear response limited agility. High rolling resistance further tempered its efficiency.
Comfort Ride Quality Wet Handling Wet Lateral Stability Noise Dry Lateral Stability Rolling Resistance Dry Handling

Europe

Test Score:

97.2
Michelin Primacy 4+ Recommended

87 58

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
The Michelin Primacy 4+ ranked fifth, delivering best-in-class comfort, low noise levels, and efficient rolling resistance. While still safe and capable, its wet braking and handling lagged behind newer competitors, highlighting its aging design in dynamic conditions.
Comfort Noise Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Wet Braking

Mexico · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · Japan · Middle East

Test Score:

95.4
Firestone Roadhawk 2 Enliten

N/A 32

· Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
The Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN ranked sixth, prioritizing fuel efficiency with the lowest rolling resistance and predictable handling. However, its weak straight aquaplaning resistance, extended wet braking distances, and subpar comfort relegated it to a budget-friendly but performance-limited option.
Driving Safety Rolling Resistance Comfort Straight Aquaplaning Wet Braking

Europe

Test Score:

94.9
Goodtrip GR 66

N/A 28

· Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance All-Season

Verdict:
The Goodtrip GR 66 ranked last in the test, delivering severely compromised performance across all metrics. Despite its ultra-low price (€62.89), it recorded the longest wet braking distances, slowest handling times, highest rolling resistance, and poorest comfort scores, failing to justify even its budget positioning.
Price Comfort Wet Handling Wet Braking Rolling Resistance

USA+ · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

82.3