Performance Overview
This radar chart shows relative performance across all test categories, with 100% representing the best performance in each category. Reference tires may have gaps where data is not available.
Dry Performance Overview
Dry Braking (M)
Dry braking in meters (Lower is better)
Dry Handling (s)
Dry handling time in seconds (Lower is better)
Subj. Dry Handling ( Points)
Subjective Dry Handling Score (Higher is better)
Wet Performance Overview
Wet Braking (M)
Wet braking in meters (Lower is better)
Wet Handling (s)
Wet handling time in seconds (Lower is better)
Subj. Wet Handling ( Points)
Subjective Wet Handling Score (Higher is better)
Straight Aqua (Km/H)
Float Speed in Km/H (Higher is better)
Curved Aquaplaning (m/sec2)
Remaining lateral acceleration (Higher is better)
Comfort Performance Overview
Subj. Comfort ( Points)
Subjective Comfort Score (Higher is better)
Noise (dB)
External noise in dB (Lower is better)
Value Performance Overview
Rolling Resistance (kg / t)
Rolling resistance in kg t (Lower is better)
Overall Findings
Based on the weighted scoring from all tests, here are the overall results:
| Position | Tyre | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Pirelli P Zero PZ5 | 98% | |
| 2 | Continental SportContact 7 | 97% |
| 3 | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 | 96.6% |
| 4 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | 96.6% |
| 5 | Falken Azenis FK520 | 96.5% |
| 6 | Bridgestone Potenza Sport | 94.4% |
| 7 | Sunny NA305 | 86.6% |
Test Winner
Sunny NA305
86.6%
Can you guys help me out? All opinions are welcome!
I’m currently really doubting between the Continental SportContact 7 and the Pirelli P Zero PZ5.
I drive an Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV, which has been modified to make it more sporty and engaging to drive.
I’m looking for the most sporty tyres in size 225/40 R18, where fun on normal public roads is the main priority. Think of pushing hard through roundabouts, sharp turn-in on highway exits and entries, that kind of driving.
I live in the Netherlands, so wet performance does matter, but dry performance and overall driving feel are more important to me.
Which tyres would you choose?
Tricky choice. If steering is your thing, get the Bridgestone Potenza Sport EVO.
Unfortunately I can't get the Bridgestone where I live, so I'm kinda 'stuck' with the choice between the PZ5 and the SC7.
I prefer the PZ5
I’m currently deciding between the Pirelli P Zero 5 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 for my Golf 8 GTE (Netherlands, typical mild summer climate). I have the stock bridgestone potenza S0005 now (225 40 R18 )
Maybe someone could help me choose :D
Pirelli for handling, Michelin for Comfort
Missed this review last year, maybe because I don´t want to buy some summer tyres ;)
I need to replace my BMW OE CSC6, my favorite at the moment is the Pirelli, but still thinking also about Goodyear.
Maybe you have a review with new models somewhere in the pipeline ;) ?
There is a new review coming out. Not much has changed.
- The PZ5 is excellent
- The Goodyear is excellent
- The Sport Contact 7 is excellent
- The Potenza Sport Evo is excellent
All good.
The PS5 not?
Bridgestone LM005 and Conti OE CSC7 disappointed me, so no tyre from these 2 brands.
Have also to take a look at winter tyres 225/45R17 at end of year, but maybe new models will be announced before next winter.
Hi Jonathan. Do you have a rough ETA for the next summer test? Will you have the new Hankook Ventus Evo in test also?
Marchish, and no, I have the Evo Z.
Thanks for the continuing great content on Tyre Reviews. Such a good source of impartial advice. Any news on when the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyre will be replaced? The Pilot Sport 5 S has very limited tyre sizes (none in my car's tyre dimensions) and the 4S has been out ages now.... Seems strange the 5 S didn't get rolled out to more sizes and strange that a proper replacement for all 4S tyre sizes has taken so long.. Any views on why that is? Maybe now the 4S isn't topping every group test Michelin will hurry up!
I've not heard anything, so no time soon is my assumption.
Hi Tyre Reviews team!
I am running a 2022 Crorolla Touring Sport Hybrid - GR Sport spec with 18" rims fitted with this exact tyre size. What would be in your opinion the best tyre to choose if I wanted improved handling and reduced in cabin noise? Currently running fk520 on the front and t005 on the back. Not particularly happy with either...
Many thanks!!
PZ5 is always a good answer, Pilot Sport 4S or even Pilot Sport 5 if you prefer more comfort over handling.
Thank you very much!
Dear Tyre Reviews Team,
I’d like to propose that you consider adding RIM PROTECTION as a highlighted feature in your tire reviews. While it doesn’t necessarily need to be tested exhaustively, it’s a feature that I, along with many other customers, truly value. Not all tire manufacturers provide rim protection, but it makes a significant difference to those of us who care about preserving our rims from damage caused by curbs.
Personally, I would not consider purchasing a tire that doesn’t offer rim protection, and I believe many others share this sentiment. Including it in your reviews could help guide us in making more informed decisions.
Thank you for considering this suggestion, and I look forward to seeing this feature in future reviews!
Best regards,
Mauro
Rim protection level is actually in this test, it is below the photo of the tyre in the overall results.
Thanks, I love it that it is back again in your tests.
Just a question, the PZ5 here have a "good" protection, the R have a "medium", is there a big difference?
https://www.tyrereviews.com/Tyre-Tests/The-BEST-Performance-Summer-Tyres-for-2026-Tested.htm
"Given that I experience significant wear on the outer sidewalls of the tire during road use, which of these tires performs better in this regard? Does it feature a stiffer sidewall, and would that help reduce this type of wear?"
It's fun to read the articles and find all the puns, like here the one at the "value" section : "The budget Sunny had the lowest rolling resistance which is neat. Anyway. Of the tyres that actually had grip [...]". Also, the rim protection note on the Potenza : "Rim Protection: Damn boi".
Keep the fun, Johnathan!
Kumho Ecsta Sport (S) PS72 missing - this Tyre got really good reviews / tests already
For an xdrive BMW i went to square 19x9J setup 255/35r19 all around. But I can't decide SC7 or PZ5 or 4S* I care about only performance. Summer there is between 15C-42C
sc7
This weekend bought and mounted the new Pirelli P Zero PZ5 (245 45 R19). I went on the highway, the ride was pretty smooth overall, but I noticed at speeds in excess of 180 Km/h, the steering felt a bit wobbly. It was not the case with the old Conti Sport 6, or the winter GoodYear Ultragrip. They are a bit overinflated and they say they have a mould-release layer that it takes 300-500 km to wear off. Now I'm a bit unsure if I chose right over the ContiSport7.
Reset the pressures and let them bed in a little and report back. Generally new tyres always feel a little less precise than worn tyres as tread depth is a huge factor, but they certainly shouldn't feel worse than a winter (unless the winter tyre is very worn)
You shouldnt be in that high speed after fresh sets of tyres.. rubber compartment needs time to settle to your car.
Hi John, Great site and reviews, all the info you could possibly need on your site is there. And amazing to see how well Pirelli is performing. I find it difficult to choose between the Asym6 and the Cinturato C3 in 245/45 R19. Currently I run the Premiumcontact 6, love the steering feel but a little less noise, a bit more comfort and better rolling make it perfect. Would I loose much steering precision with the Pirelli C3 compared to the Conti's or Goodyears? Thanks!
Hey Mate. The Asy6 is the best tire you can get if you want a magically perfect tire which has very good feedback, feeling as well. I would put Asy6 on everything except for weekend cars (SC7 for that minor extra feedback...but of course its worse a bit in every other aspect)
Thanks, fittet Asym6 last week and youre right. Exactly what I was looking for. More comfort, very quiet and still very response and capable. Cheers
Hi John. How do you think these tyres, asym6 in particular, would cope with slightly mildly snowy conditions that one might encounter in South east England I.e not much below freezing? This would be on an AWD car. I just made it through one winter fairly easily with bridgestone Potenza s001’s and have been wondering if I really need an all season.
Awesome review as always!
Weird that how different the PS4s, SC7, Potenza Sport results are from year to year, and size to size(and of course the source of the test). Sometimes the SC7 kills everything, and sometimes its barely make it to a top3 result (dry lap time for example)
I totally agree, that nowadays UUHP tires are just awesome, and its just a taste question, what you choose. IMO the best thing is the Asy6. its like a comfi tourer tire which somehow grips and handles like magic :D But for a pure weekend car, i would still go with the SC7 (or supersport2 or PS5s if they ever released...) But to be honest never a Pirelli.... my experience, and every close carenthusiast friend of mine have horrible experience with them. Basically they are only good for 1 or maybe 2 seasons and then the classleading grip, etc is gone.... :(
Hi Robert - your description of the Asym6, is that based your reading of the reviews or your personal experience?
Experience. I had an Asy5. It was meh, okay, compromise to be okay in everything, but nothing exceptional. I bought the Asy6 as still.. maybe the best compromise. But gosh this tire is crazygood. It feels like the best possible equipment in every situation, except snow :D (I have a review here, on a merc CLS)
Great review as always! I was wondering if there are any comparison tests out there between the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 and the SportContact 7? I'm curious to know how they stack up against each other. Would it be safe to assume they'd rank similarly in a direct comparison? Also, if you have any insights into the key differences between the two, I'd love to hear them! Thanks!
Generally better wet grip, lower rolling resistance and higher levels of wear for the european tyre.
Are any other test/news/tyres coming out this spring? Or is this for the season, can I buy new summer tyres already?
No, i believe they're all on the site now.
Hi John, amazing review, as always! I have been going back and forth between fitting summers or all seasons to my car in the UK. I have narrowed it down to the GYF1ASM6 and all season Bridgestone T6AS. I understand the trade offs in performance due to your great reviews. One key question I have - out of the two, which has better noise and comfort? I want a quiet tyre and comfortable ride (size 235/40/18 on a golf r estate) and it might swing the decision for me. Your reviews compare these characteristics for each tyre within their segment but really curious how the compare to each other.
Many thanks, and looking forward to the latest all season test coming out soon!
My assumption would be the Bridgestone would have the edge though I expect it would be very close.
Hi John, thank you for the quick reply, really appreciate it!
When can we expect the European all season test to be published? Really looking forward to it!
My first is out in a few weeks, then the big one at the end of September (ish)
Why the Goodyear Asymmetric 6 and not the Supersport?
A good question. The supersport while fun, is a very old tire, and the asymmetric 6 is better and offered in a much wider range of sizes so relevant to more people. I'm waiting for the supersport 2, whenever that might be.
Hi John, amazing review!
How's the Pirelli on track? Does it wear a lot or can it bear light track days?
I think I did 6 laps on all of them and it looked the same as the Michelin and Conti, which were both way better than the Bridgestone
Why are you not mentioning Goodyear F1 Asym6 for the track?
Is it just my feeling or is most people avoiding Asym6 for the track?
Goodyear looked the same as the michelin and conti if I recall. People do use them on track.