Searching for "summer tires in 205/55 R 16" can inundate consumers with a plethora of choices online. This tire size, a perennial favorite, fits a wide range of compact vehicles like VW Golf, Audi A3, Skoda Octavia, Opel Astra, and Seat Leon as a standard option. Navigating this saturated market can be challenging, even for the well-informed. AUTO BILD has conducted extensive testing on tires in the 205/55 R16 category to guide consumers through this crowded landscape.
The roster for this test included:
- Michelin / Primacy 4+
- Continental / PremiumContact 7
- Bridgestone / Turanza 6
- Goodyear / EfficientGrip Performance 2
- Kumho / Ecsta HS52
- Firestone / RoadHawk
- Falken / Ziex ZE310 Ecorun
- Hankook / Ventus Prime 4 K135
- Toyo / Proxes Comfort
- Dunlop / Sport BluResponse
- Fulda / EcoControl HP2
- BFGoodrich / Advantage
- Kleber / Dynaxer HP4
- GT Radial / Champiro FE2
- Giti / GitiSynergy H2
- Pirelli / Cinturato P7 (P7C2)
- Nexen / N Fera Primus
- Uniroyal / RainSport 5
- Uniroyal / RainSport 5
- Vredestein / Ultrac
Dry
Starting with dry braking, Continental and Kumho tires take the lead, halting at 35.4 meters from a speed of 100 km/h. Not far behind are the likes of Hankook, Vredestein, Maxxis, Michelin, and Pirelli, all within a close range, showcasing a competitive field where milliseconds and meters matter. At the other end of the chart, the longest stopping distance was recorded by Uniroyal at 37.9 meters
Dry Braking
- Continental
- Kumho
- Hankook
- Vredestein
- Maxxis
- Michelin
- Pirelli
- Goodyear
- Falken
- Giti
- Firestone
- Toyo
- Fulda
- Birdgestone
- Dunlop
- Nexen
- BFGoodrich
- GT Radial
- Kleber
- Uniroyal
Info! Dry braking in meters, (100-0 km/h).
Dry Handling
- Falken
- Vredestein
- Kumho
- Toyo
- Firestone
- Hankook
- Continental
- Pirelli
- Goodyear
- Michelin
- BFGoodrich
- Bridgestone
- Dunlop
- GT Radial
- Kleber
- Nexen
- Giti
- Maxxis
- Fulda
- Uniroyal
Info! Dry handling average speed, (km/h).
In dry handling, Falken shines with an average speed of 116.2 km/h, edging out Vredestein, Kumho, and Toyo. Uniroyal, however, trails with 113.8 km/h, hinting at less agility and control, which are vital for responsive driving..
Wet
Switching to wet conditions, Continental again leads in wet braking, stopping at 40.3 meters. This is closely followed by Kumho and Vredestein. Dunlop, with a stopping distance of 46.9 meters in the wet, suggests areas for improvement to match the leaders.
Wet Braking
- Continental
- Kumho
- Vredestein
- Toyo
- Michelin
- Nexen
- Hankook
- Uniroyal
- Bridgestone
- Falken
- Pirelli
- Maxxis
- Firestone
- Kleber
- BFGoodrich
- Goodyear
- GT Radial
- Fulda
- Giti
- Dunlop
Info! Wet braking in meters, (100-0 km/h).
Wet Handling
- Vredestein
- Kumho
- Firestone
- Continental
- Toyo
- Nexen
- Uniroyal
- Bridgestone
- Pirelli
- Michelin
- Giti
- Falken
- Hankook
- Goodyear
- GT Radial
- Fulda
- Kleber
- BFGoodrich
- Dunlop
- Maxxis
Info! Wet handling average speed, (km/h).
Vredestein takes the crown in wet handling speeds, with Kumho and Firestone not far behind, illustrating their capability to tackle challenging wet roads without sacrificing speed or safety. Maxxis, however, shows room for enhancement in wet handling - a key factor in adverse weather conditions.
In the straight hydroplaning tests, Vredestein stood out with the highest speed at 86.8 km/h. Uniroyal and Michelin also demonstrated strong performance in this safety aspect .At the lower end, Nexen recorded the lowest hydroplaning speed at 80.2 km/h
Straight Hydroplaning
- Vredestein
- Uniroyal
- Michelin
- Firestone
- Bridgestone
- Falken
- Dunlop
- Kleber
- Continental
- Kumho
- Toyo
- GT Radial
- BFGoodrich
- Hankook
- Giti
- Maxxis
- Pirelli
- Goodyear
- Fulda
- Nexen
Info! Float speed, (km/h).
Lateral Hydroplaning
- Vredestein
- Uniroyal
- Fulda
- Michelin
- Falken
- Dunlop
- Maxxis
- Firestone
- Pirelli
- BFGoodrich
- Continental
- Toyo
- Kleber
- Goodyear
- Giti
- GT Radial
- Nexen
- Hankook
- Bridgestone
- Kumho
Info! Lateral acceleration, m/s².
Vredestein excels in straight hydroplaning tests, while also leading in lateral hydroplaning, indicating its superior ability to maintain contact and control in wet conditions. In contrast, Kumho's lower lateral hydroplaning score points to a potential decrease in handling stability in wet conditions.
Other
Noise levels are more than just comfort; they're about the overall driving experience. Goodyear proves to be the quietest, enhancing the in-cabin experience. Meanwhile, Firestone's higher noise level might detract from the driving comfort over longer journeys.
Noise
- Goodyear
- Fulda
- Michelin
- Uniroyal
- Kleber
- Toyo
- Kumho
- Nexen
- BFGoodrich
- Hankook
- Pirelli
- Vredestein
- Falken
- Dunlop
- GT Radial
- Continental
- Bridgestone
- Maxxis
- Giti
- Firetone
Info! Noise, dB.
Treadwear
- Goodyear
- Fulda
- Michelin
- Bridgestone
- Continental
- Firestone
- Maxxis
- GT Radial
- Giti
- Uniroyal
- Dunlop
- Kumho
- Hankook
- Falken
- BFGoodrich
- Kleber
- Pirelli
- Toyo
- Nexen
- Vredestein
Info! Tread life, km.
When considering tire longevity, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance emerges as a standout choice, offering enhanced durability that translates into fewer tire changes and consistent performance over time. On the other hand, Fulda EcoControl HP2 shines in the value department, striking an impressive balance between affordability and reliable performance. These attributes highlight the importance of considering both durability and value when selecting tires, ensuring that drivers can enjoy a safe, reliable, and economically smart driving experience.
Value
- Fulda
- Goodyear
- GT Radial
- Maxxis
- Kumho
- Giti
- Firestone
- Uniroyal
- Michelin
- Hankook
- BFGoodrich
- Falken
- Kleber
- Bridgestone
- Toyo
- Dunlop
- Continental
- Pirelli
- Nexen
- Vredestein
Info! Euros/1000km
Rolling Resistance
- Dunlop
- Goodyear
- Hankook
- Firestone
- BFGoodrich
- Kleber
- Uniroyal
- Bridgestone
- Fulda
- Toyo
- Continental
- Michelin
- Falken
- Pirelli
- GT Radial
- Kumho
- Nexen
- Vredestein
- Maxxis
- Giti
Info! Rolling resistance, (kg/t).
Lastly, rolling resistance affects fuel efficiency and environmental impact. Dunlop leads with the lowest rolling resistance, promoting eco-friendly driving without compromising performance. Giti, on the higher end, suggests potential for improvement in fuel efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Overall Verdict
The analysis delves into the tire market's intricacies, revealing that exceptional results in specific tests don't guarantee the top spot. The Vredestein Ultrac, despite its strong start, lags in cost-effectiveness. In contrast, Michelin, Continental, and Bridgestone exemplify comprehensive excellence, outperforming competitors across the board with their balanced capabilities.
Results
1st Place: Michelin / Primacy 4+ - Rated 1.3
Quick Take
Michelin Primacy 4+
The Michelin Primacy 4+ showcased a balanced, high-performance potential in the Autobild Big Summer Tire Test R16, delivering good handling qualities and short dry braking distances. While it demonstrated exemplary mileage and economic efficiency, its rankings in various categories indicated room for improvement, particularly in wet conditions and rolling resistance.
2nd Place: Continental / PremiumContact 7 - Rated 1.4
Quick Take
Continental PremiumContact 7
The Continental PremiumContact 7 excelled in the Autobild Tire Test. Its performance on both wet and dry roads was exemplary, highlighting a premium profile. Despite its strengths, there were areas such as hydroplaning resistance and noise levels where it did not lead the pack.
3rd Place: Bridgestone / Turanza 6 - Rated 1.5
Quick Take
Bridgestone Turanza 6
The Bridgestone Turanza 6 demonstrated balanced driving characteristics, offering safe handling and commendable braking distances on both wet and dry surfaces. While it showed very good mileage, its performance in hydroplaning resistance and noise levels highlighted areas for potential improvement.
4th Place: Goodyear / EfficientGrip Performance 2 - Rated 2.1
Quick Take
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 stood out in the Autobild Tire Test for its exceptional mileage and noise levels, achieving top rankings in both categories. While it provided stable and safe handling and offered very good value for money, its performance in wet conditions and hydroplaning resistance was less impressive, indicating room for enhancement.
5th Place: Kumho / Ecsta HS52 - Rated 2.1
Quick Take
Kumho Ecsta HS52
The Kumho Ecsta HS52 delivered a convincing performance with outstanding achievements in dry braking and handling, as well as wet braking and handling. It offers short braking distances on both wet and dry surfaces and is priced affordably. However, its rolling resistance and hydroplaning capabilities, particularly in lateral conditions, indicate areas for improvement.
6th Place: Firestone / RoadHawk - Rated 2.2
Quick Take
Firestone RoadHawk
The Firestone RoadHawk demonstrated sporty dynamic handling, excelling particularly in dry handling and showing commendable performance in wet handling and hydroplaning resistance. It offers good value for money with a competitive price point and above-average wear resistance. However, its increased rolling noise and less optimal wet braking performance suggest areas for enhancement.
7th Place: Falken / Ziex ZE310 Ecorun - Rated 2.3
Quick Take
Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun
The Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun stood out for its dynamic dry handling and exhibited good safety margins against hydroplaning. While it offers short dry braking distances, its performance in wet conditions and rolling resistance could be improved. Additionally, the tire's limited tread life and higher noise level compared to competitors indicate areas where enhancements could be beneficial.
8th Place: Hankook / Ventus Prime 4 K135 - Rated 2.3
Quick Take
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135
The Hankook Ventus Prime 4 demonstrated dynamic driving behavior with strong performances in dry braking and handling. Its low rolling resistance is commendable, aligning with eco-friendly driving preferences. However, the tire's wet performance, particularly in handling and hydroplaning, as well as its moderate tread life, suggest areas where further improvements could enhance its appeal.
9th Place: Toyo / Proxes Comfort - Rated 2.3
Quick Take
Toyo Proxes Comfort
The Toyo Proxes Comfort excelled in the Autobild Tire Test with its dynamic handling in both wet and dry conditions and short braking distances. It stands out for its quiet rolling noise and a moderate price level, making it an attractive option for drivers prioritizing comfort and handling. However, the tire's lower tread life and average performance in hydroplaning resistance highlight areas for potential improvement to enhance its overall value proposition.
10th Place: Dunlop / Sport BluResponse - Rated 2.4
Quick Take
Dunlop Sport BluResponse
The Dunlop Sport BluResponse demonstrated notable hydroplaning resistance and fuel-efficient rolling resistance. While its dry braking distances were commendable, the tire struggled with grip on wet surfaces, as seen in its wet braking and handling performance. Its position in noise and wear categories suggests a balanced offering but also indicates room for improvement, particularly in wet conditions.
11th Place: Fulda / EcoControl HP2 - Rated 2.4
Quick Take
Fulda EcoControl HP2
The Fulda EcoControl HP2, ranking 10th in the Autobild Tire Test, demonstrated commendable performance with short dry braking distances and excellent noise levels, indicating a quiet ride. Its mileage and value are particularly notable, suggesting good economic efficiency. The tire also performed well in lateral hydroplaning scenarios. However, its lateral guidance on dry roads and performance in wet conditions, especially in wet braking and handling, highlight areas where improvements could enhance its appeal and safety profile.
12th Place: BFGoodrich / Advantage - Rated 2.5
Quick Take
BFGoodrich Advantage
The BFGoodrich Advantage tire demonstrated dynamic handling and a solid performance in dry conditions. Its quiet noise profile and low rolling resistance are notable, alongside an affordable pricing strategy. However, its performance in wet conditions, particularly in handling and braking, shows a tendency towards understeer, indicating a need for improvement in wet weather driving safety.
13th Place: Kleber / Dynaxer HP4 - Rated 2.5
Quick Take
Kleber Dynaxer HP4
The Kleber Dynaxer HP4 ranked 12th in the Autobild Tire Test, showing strengths in hydroplaning safety and dry braking. Its noise level indicates good rolling comfort, contributing to a pleasant driving experience. However, the tire's handling characteristics, particularly understeering in wet conditions, and moderate tread life suggest areas where performance could be enhanced to better meet driver expectations.
14th Place: GT Radial / Champiro FE2 - Rated 2.6
Quick Take
GT Radial Champiro FE2
The GT Radial FE2 offers safe hydroplaning qualities and commendable dry braking performance. Its standout feature is its very affordable price, coupled with a solid value proposition and reasonable wear performance. However, the tire's grip on wet and dry surfaces is average, and its rolling resistance is on the higher side, suggesting areas where enhancements could improve overall driver satisfaction and performance.
15th Place: Giti / GitiSynergy H2 - Rated 2.6
Quick Take
Giti GitiSynergy H2
The Giti GitiSynergyH2 demonstrated reliable wet handling and proficient dry braking. Its pricing strategy is competitive, offering a good balance between cost and performance. However, the tire shows a tendency to understeer on dry surfaces and has a notably high rolling resistance, which could impact fuel efficiency. These factors, along with its noise level, indicate areas where the GitiSynergyH2 could be optimized to better meet the needs of drivers.
16th Place: Pirelli / Cinturato P7 (P7C2) - Rated 3.1
Quick Take
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2)
The Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 demonstrated strong performances in dry braking and handling, indicating dynamic steering capabilities. While it provided satisfactory results in wet handling and hydroplaning resistance, its wear rate areas of concern, especially considering its higher price point. The tire's rolling resistance is also higher than ideal, which could influence overall vehicle efficiency.
17th Place: Nexen / N Fera Primus - Rated 3.2
Quick Take
Nexen N Fera Primus
The Nexen N Fera Primus exhibited good braking performance and dynamic handling in wet conditions, showcasing its strengths in critical safety aspects. However, its performance in dry braking and handling, along with its significantly lower tread life and economic efficiency, highlight areas needing improvement. The tire's rolling resistance and a hydroplaning capabilities in straight-line scenarios also suggest potential for better optimization to enhance its appeal and performance.
18th Place: Uniroyal / RainSport 5 - Rated 3.6
Quick Take
Uniroyal RainSport 5
The Uniroyal RainSport 5 excels in wet conditions, demonstrating good hydroplaning resistance and safe handling. Its performance in dry conditions, however, is less impressive, with lower rankings in dry braking and handling. The tire's noise level is commendable, and its wear rate offers moderate longevity. While it performs well in its niche of wet weather driving, enhancements in dry performance and rolling resistance could elevate its overall appeal and effectiveness.
19th Place: Maxxis / Premitra 5 HP5 - Rated 3.7
Quick Take
Maxxis Premitra 5 HP5
The Maxxis Premitra HP5, ranked 19th in the Autobild Tire Test, offers commendable dry braking distances and respectable mileage. However, its performance indicates a delayed steering response and only moderate grip levels on both wet and dry roads. While the tire is positioned well in terms of wear and value, its wet handling and circle performance, along with high rolling resistance, suggest significant room for improvement to enhance driving safety and efficiency in varied conditions.
20th Place: Vredestein / Ultrac - Rated 4.0
Quick Take
Vredestein Ultrac
The Vredestein Ultrac excelled in driving dynamics in the Tire Test, achieving top rankings in wet handling, hydroplaning resistance, and both wet and dry braking. Its performance in these critical safety areas is impressive, showcasing the tire's ability to handle challenging conditions. However, the Ultrac's significant drawbacks are its low tread life and increased rolling resistance, which could impact long-term value and fuel efficiency. While its performance capabilities are notable, these issues may affect its overall recommendation for consumers seeking a balance between performance and longevity.
