UTAC / Aftonbladet: Summer & All-Season Tire Test R17 2025

UTAC / Aftonbladet: Summer & All-Season Tire Test R17

Scandinavian summers demand tires that handle chilly mornings, sudden downpours, and occasional warmth—all while keeping drivers safe. To uncover which models deliver, Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet partnered with testing firm UTAC to evaluate 14 tires (10 summer, 4 European all-season) in size 225/45 R17, a common fit for compact cars and crossovers.

Testing mirrored the region’s unpredictable climate: dry/wet braking and handling were assessed across temperatures ranging from 7°C to 30°C. Tires faced controlled wet tracks, aquaplaning simulations, and real-world comfort evaluations, with a focus on rainy-day performance—a critical factor in Scandinavia’s damp summers.

The inclusion of 3PMSF-marked all-season tires sparked debate. Designed for mild winters, could they double as summer alternatives in a region where even July nights dip toward single digits? The trial aimed to cut through marketing claims, testing whether their “all-weather” promise holds up—or risks safety—when pushed beyond lab conditions.

  1. Michelin Primacy 5 - Winner Recommended
    Michelin Primacy 5
    N/A 37
    · Summer · 2025 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Primacy 5 (225/45 R17 W9) claimed victory in UTAC/Aftonbladet’s test, excelling in wet conditions with short braking distances, strong aquaplaning resistance, and predictable handling. Its quiet, fuel-efficient design (low rolling resistance) prioritized safety and comfort, though dry braking and steering response lagged slightly behind competitors.

    Wet Handling   Aquaplaning   Wet Braking   Straight Aquaplaning   Rolling Resistance   Noise   Wet Performance   Driving Safety   Steering Response   Dry Braking  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    9.1
  2. Continental PremiumContact 7 Recommended
    Continental PremiumContact 7
    95 53
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Continental PremiumContact 7 (225/45 R17 Y9) tied for second place, delivering best-in-test dry braking and precise wet handling with predictable steering feedback. Its superior grip and control in all conditions come with trade-offs: elevated road noise and higher rolling resistance impacting fuel efficiency.

    Wet Handling   Steering Response   Subj. Steering Response   Wet Performance   Dry Braking   Rolling Resistance   Noise  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    9
  3. Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) Recommended
    Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2)
    82 60
    · Summer · 2020 · Passenger - High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 (225/45 R17 Y9) tied for third place, offering predictable dry handling and confident wet grip in normal conditions. While stable during evasive maneuvers, it exhibited slight oversteer tendencies ("traditional Pirelli fashion") and marginal aquaplaning resistance. Its quiet operation appealed to comfort-focused drivers, though sluggish rolling resistance impacted efficiency. Priced at 1,344.00 SEK, it scored 9.0 points for balanced performance.

    Dry Handling   Noise   Wet Handling   Wet Grip   Rolling Resistance   Aquaplaning   Lateral Aquaplaning   Subj. Steering Response  
    North America North America · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · China China · Middle East Middle East · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    9
  4. Bridgestone Turanza 6
    Bridgestone Turanza 6
    80 62
    · Summer · 2023 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Turanza 6 (225/45 R17 Y9) ranked fourth, combining best-in-test rolling resistance and quiet operation with safe dry handling. Its efficiency (ideal for EVs) and noise reduction were offset by poor aquaplaning resistance and premature front-end grip loss during evasive maneuvers.

    Dry Handling   Rolling Resistance   Noise   Dry Performance   Driving Safety   Dry Lateral Stability   Aquaplaning   Lateral Aquaplaning  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · Middle East Middle East · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    8.9
  5. Nokian Hakka Blue 3
    Nokian Hakka Blue 3
    N/A 27
    · Summer · 2021 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Nokian Hakka Blue 3 (225/45 R17 Y9) ranked fifth, excelling in wet lateral grip and precise dry handling with near-flawless braking and steering precision. Its abrupt transition between grip and skid during evasive maneuvers and high rolling resistance limited its efficiency, though aquaplaning resistance remained competitive.

    Wet Handling   Steering Response   Aquaplaning   Wet Traction   Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Wet Lateral Stability   Rolling Resistance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
    Test Score:
    8.7
  6. Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135
    Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135
    79 50
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Ventus Prime 4 (225/45 R17 W9) ranked sixth, offering strong aquaplaning resistance and intuitive steering feel with decent wet lateral grip. While generally precise on dry roads, its rear instability during evasive maneuvers and skidding under combined braking/steering inputs reduced confidence. High noise levels and rolling resistance further limited its appeal despite competitive pricing (1,018.00 SEK).

    Wet Lateral Stability   Aquaplaning   Wet Traction   Steering Response   Dry Lateral Stability   Rolling Resistance   Noise   Wet Handling  
    Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · Middle East Middle East · Africa Africa
    Test Score:
    8.4
  7. Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
    Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
    96 41
    · All Season · 2023 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 (225/45 R17 W9) ranked seventh, excelling in wet braking on cool roads but faltering in dry conditions with sluggish steering, poor lateral stability, and extended braking distances. Its quiet operation and competitive rolling resistance made it the highest-scoring all-season tire in the test (7.9 points), though overall performance lagged behind summer-focused rivals.

    Rolling Resistance   Noise   Wet Braking   Dry Lateral Stability   Steering Response   Dry Braking   Dry Handling  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    7.9
  8. Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3
    Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3
    N/A 41
    · All Season · 2024 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 (225/45 R17 W9) ranked eighth, delivering composed wet handling in cool conditions and predictable dry driving dynamics. However, its extended dry braking distances, reduced lateral grip on wet surfaces, and performance degradation in heat limited competitiveness. Moderate noise levels and all-season versatility appealed to some drivers, though it scored lowest among tested all-season tires (7.8 points).

    Wet Handling   Wet Lateral Stability   Noise   Dry Braking   Dry Handling  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    7.8
  9. Vredestein Ultrac
    Vredestein Ultrac
    72 43
    · Summer · 2021 · Passenger - High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Ultrac (225/45 R17 Y9) ranked ninth, delivering decent dry braking grip in varied temperatures but faltering critically in wet conditions with the worst braking performance and inconsistent "on/off" evasive maneuver grip. Its fine steering feedback partially offset instability, though oversteer tendencies and poor wet-road adaptability (especially in cooler climates) relegated it to niche suitability for warmer regions.

    Subj. Steering Response   Steering Response   Dry Braking   Dry Lateral Stability   Wet Lateral Stability   Wet Handling   Wet Traction   Wet Braking  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    7.8
  10. Continental AllSeasonContact 2
    Continental AllSeasonContact 2
    88 43
    · All Season · 2023 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 (225/45 R17 V9) ranked tenth, excelling in cold wet braking with the test’s shortest stopping distances but faltering in aquaplaning resistance and dry-road performance. Its slow steering response and extended dry braking distances limited versatility, though predictable handling in low temperatures appealed to drivers prioritizing cold-weather safety.

    Driving Safety   Wet Braking   Wet Lateral Stability   Aquaplaning   Steering Response   Dry Braking  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    7.7
  11. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
    Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
    94 60
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 (225/45 R17 Y9) ranked 11th, delivering competent dry handling and subjective driver feedback but faltering critically in cool wet conditions with extended braking distances and sudden rear grip loss during evasive maneuvers. Its highest-in-test rolling resistance and elevated noise levels further diminished its appeal, marking it as a premium-tier disappointment despite adequate dry-road agility.

    Dry Handling   Subj. Dry Handling   Wet Lateral Stability   Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Rolling Resistance   Noise  
    USA+ USA+ · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Middle East Middle East · South Africa South Africa
    Test Score:
    7.7
  12. Nokian Nordman South
    Nokian Nordman South
    N/A 28
    · Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Nordman South (225/45 R17 W9) ranked 12th, offering calm, safe handling on wet/dry surfaces and predictable grip in varied temperatures. Despite decent dry performance and easy wet-road drivability, its extremely high rolling resistance and front-end instability during evasive maneuvers limited competitiveness.

    Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Driving Safety   Wet Lateral Stability   Rolling Resistance  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    7.7
  13. Falken Ziex ZE320
    Falken Ziex ZE320
    N/A 26
    · Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Falken ZIEX ZE320 (225/45 R17 W9) ranked last among summer tires, struggling with poor wet braking in cool conditions and unpredictable skidding on wet surfaces. Its dry-road performance stood out, delivering precise handling and driver-responsive feedback, though high rolling resistance and a price of 1,162.00 SEK limited its competitiveness.

    Dry Handling   Dry Performance   Price   Wet Lateral Stability   Rolling Resistance   Wet Handling   Wet Braking  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    7.6
  14. Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
    Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
    91 59
    · All Season · 2020 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 (225/45 R17 W9) ranked last in the test, excelling only in cold wet conditions with predictable handling. Its performance collapsed in warmer temperatures, exhibiting poor aquaplaning resistance, extended dry braking distances, and sluggish steering. While lateral dry grip remained decent, its inefficiency and safety compromises rendered it unsuitable for diverse seasonal demands.

    Dry Lateral Stability   Wet Handling   Steering Response   Driving Safety   Aquaplaning   Wet Traction   Rolling Resistance   Dry Braking  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · South Africa South Africa
    Test Score:
    7
Year
2025
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
10
Tire Size
225/45R17
Season
Summer
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Mar 21, 2025
Date updated
Mar 22, 2025
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