2025 Best Touring Summer Tires Rating

This is the most comprehensive and data-driven ranking of Touring Summer tires available in 2025. It features 30 of the most popular models available, designed for everyday city driving and comfortable family trips, prioritizing the practical needs of family vehicles, daily commuters, and luxury cars.

All ratings are based exclusively on real-world results from independent European tire tests — no simulations, no subjective user reviews, and no brand influence. You gain access to truly objective data. You can learn more about our data sources & measurement methods. 

Interactive Performance Comparison Tool

You can easily sort the interactive table by the criteria that matter most to you: wet or dry grip, aquaplaning resistance, noise, mileage, or fuel efficiency.  Each tire profile includes detailed statistics, such as the number of test appearances, best and worst placements, average scores, podium finishes, and overall ranking. This powerful tool is designed to help you find the perfect tire, based on undisputed facts, not guesswork.

Top-10 Premium Touring Summer Tires by AllTyreTests.com

Choosing the best summer touring tire can be a challenging task. Many manufacturers in the market claim their product is ideal for all conditions, but is this really true?

We have compiled our top 10 list to aid your decision. This analysis is based on tire performance data from numerous real-world tests, rather than just subjective opinion.

Each model in the ranking meets the following criteria:

• Balanced, reliable, and high overall performance in all disciplines.
• No “poor” ratings in safety-critical areas.
• Backed up by results from multiple tests, making the data more reliable.

1

Continental PremiumContact 7

The undisputed leader in the premium touring tyre segment, designed to provide maximum safety in all summer conditions. Its dominance is confirmed by incredible statistics: 10 wins in 18 independent tests and not a single result lower than 4th place.

✅Pros

• Benchmarked on dry asphalt, the vehicle demonstrates outstanding performance in both braking and handling, regularly ranking in the top 3.
• Exceptional wet grip is the clear leader in safety during rain. The statistics, with 13 victories in 18 wet braking tests, speak for themselves.
• Exceptional wear resistance; ranked among the top three for durability, boasting a rare combination of high grip.

⚠️ Compromises

• Reliable fuel economy and aquaplaning resistance. Although the tire is not an absolute leader in these disciplines, it consistently shows results above the market average, providing a good balance.

❌Cons

• Poor noise levels are the only noticeable weakness.

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Best choice for family sedans, crossovers, and luxury cars. Suitable for drivers for whom predictability and maximum safety in all weather conditions are more critical than absolute acoustic comfort.

2

Michelin Primacy 4+

The  Primacy 4+ is a classic premium touring tire designed for durability, fuel efficiency, and comfort. It consistently ranks highly in tests, achieving an average score of 4.6 across nine evaluations. This tire offers balanced and predictable performance, making it an ideal choice for both daily commuting and long-distance travel.

✅Pros

• Outstanding durability and fuel economy with both “exemplary” ratings, providing one of the best results on the market.
• It also has an “exemplary” noise rating, making it one of the quietest models in the category.
• Reliable dry performance, and good wet braking and lateral stability.

⚠️ Compromises

• Acceptable but no exceptional wet handling and aquaplaning resistance, achieving an “average” rating.

❌Cons

• “Poor” straight aquaplaning resistance, which is the primary limitation of the model.

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 An excellent choice for drivers who value low operating costs (including fuel and tire life) and acoustic comfort. Ideal for family sedans, crossovers, and electric cars for long-distance trips on the highway.

3

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2

This model sets the standard for balance, comfort, and cost-effectiveness in the premium touring segment. It has been tested 15 times between 2020 and 2025, demonstrating outstanding stability with an average ranking of 3.9. While it may not always excel in grip tests, its remarkable durability and comfort make it one of the most intelligent choices for long-term use.

✅Pros

• The leading champion in wear resistance with a flawless 100% result, outperforming all wear tests to ensure maximum mileage and long-term economy.
• Outstanding fuel efficiency and comfort. It boasts an “Exemplary” rating for both rolling resistance and noise levels, making it one of the quietest and most efficient tires in its category.
• Exceptional safety performance on wet roads, showcasing excellent handling and lateral stability, along with good braking results.

⚠️ Compromises

• Reliable, though only “average” ratings in dry braking and straight aquaplaning resistance.

❌ Cons

• None.

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Ideal for practical family car and crossover drivers covering long distances. They appreciate durability, quietness, and fuel efficiency, but may find traction lacking in extreme conditions.

4

Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135

The Ventus Prime 4 stands out as one of the top performers in the sub-premium tire segment. It consistently delivers performance that closely rivals that of leading models, all while being more affordable. With an average test result of 4.8 across 10 evaluations, this tire demonstrates that choosing it is not a compromise on safety; instead, it’s a bright and balanced decision.

✅ Pros

• The tire performs exceptionally well in dry conditions, excelling in braking and offering good handling.
• Excellent wet performance: the tire is among the best in braking and provides consistently high handling.
• A “Good” rating for fuel economy and durability, making it a valuable choice in the long run.

⚠️ Compromises

• While the tire performs well in a straight aquaplaning, it demonstrates only average results in lateral conditions.
• The average noise level is slightly lower than most tires in the core market.

❌Cons

• None.

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Ideal for practical drivers seeking optimal safety and performance at an accessible price, this is a strong choice for most modern cars and crossovers.

5

Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2

A premium tyre from Pirelli, designed with maximum safety and grip in mind, especially in challenging wet conditions. The P7 C2 delivers outstanding results in braking and handling tests (5.2 out of 13 tests). Still, its main compromise is very low wear resistance, making it a choice for those who value safety over durability.

✅ Pros

• Excellent wet performance with an “outstanding” rating in braking and handling, supported by three wins. The tire provides a sense of total control in rainy conditions.
• Outstanding dry traction, with “exemplary” brakes and “good” handling, ensures reliability in dry conditions.
• One of the quietest tires in its class, rated “Exemplary” for noise levels.

⚠️ Compromises

• While the tire demonstrates excellent lateral aquaplaning resistance, it performs only moderately on a straight line.

❌ Cons

• Low wear resistance is a significant drawback of this model, earning a “Poor” rating and ranking among the worst results in wear tests.

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A solid choice for drivers who prioritize maximum grip and safety, particularly in wet conditions. It’s ideal for family cars where safety is the top concern, but durability is not a main factor.

6

Bridgestone Turanza 6

The latest tyre from Bridgestone is developed with absolute focus on fuel efficiency and balanced performance. The Turanza 6 is the choice for those seeking advanced technology to reduce fuel consumption without compromising wet road safety. Its consistently high test results (average 4.9 out of 8 tests) confirm its status as one of the best modern touring tyres.

✅ Pros

• Absolute class leader in rolling resistance with an “Exemplary” rating and an incredible result of 6 wins out of 8 tests. This tyre is designed to save you money at every fill-up.
• Reliable wet performance: Braking, handling, and lateral stability are rated “Good” and outperform most models on the market.
• The “Good” rating for wear resistance makes it a reliable choice for long-term use.

⚠️Compromises

• Unlike many competitors, the Turanza 6 does not rely on sporty handling, showing reliable but not outstanding (“Average”) results on dry asphalt.
• Noise levels are also average, falling short of quieter models in the class.
• Despite good lateral aquaplaning, the tire demonstrates average results in straight-line stability.

❌ Cons

• No significant.

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For modern vehicles, especially hybrids and electric models, fuel efficiency is crucial. This option is ideal for drivers who prioritize advanced technology, safety in wet conditions, and a well-rounded performance.

7

Maxxis Premitra HP5

One of the most famous and controversial representatives of the budget segment. Maxxis Premitra HP5 surprises with its outstanding performance on dry asphalt, often competing on equal terms with premium brands. However, its performance profile is highly polarized, with strengths in handling and an apparent compromise in wet braking, as evidenced by the wide range of test results (from 1st to 20th).

✅ Pros

• The tyre demonstrates outstanding dry performance, achieving exemplary ratings for braking and handling, with results comparable to more expensive models.
• Predictable and good handling and lateral stability on wet asphalt. In these respects, Maxis surpasses most models on the market.
• Good resistance to aquaplaning both on straight lines and when cornering.
• It has a “good” rating for noise level (with 4 test wins) and wear resistance, which is a big plus for this price.

⚠️ Compromises

• Despite good handling, its braking distance on wet asphalt is only average, which requires the driver to keep an additional distance.
• Overall, fuel economy is acceptable, average.

❌ Cons

• No significant.

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For drivers wanting a sporty experience on dry asphalt at minimal cost, light and dynamic cars are an excellent choice in predominantly dry climates.

8

Vredestein Ultrac

The Vredestein tire is a true “king of the rain.” This specialized narrow tire is designed to offer maximum control and safety on wet roads. Its exceptional performance in aquaplaning and wet handling tests makes it a standout choice. However, it’s essential to note that this impressive performance comes with a drawback: it exhibits inferior wear resistance, as indicated by the wide range of test rankings, from 2nd to 20th place.

✅ Pros

• Phenomenal resistance to aquaplaning, and perhaps one of the best on the market. The tire has received exemplary ratings in both straight-line and cornering situations and has won numerous individual tests.
• Strong wet performance, with a “good” rating for wet braking and lateral stability and “exemplary” handling.
• Despite its wet specialization, the tire delivers good and safe braking and handling results on dry roads.
• Good noise level, better than most competitors on the market.

⚠️Compromises

• Fuel economy is average, which may be a trade-off for exceptional wet performance.

❌ Cons

• Critically low wear resistance is a significant drawback that cannot be overlooked. The “Poor” rating and average wear test result of 19.5 suggest that this tire will wear out considerably faster than most competitors.

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This option is ideal for drivers in rainy areas who prioritize safety on wet roads and protection against aquaplaning. It is not designed for those seeking durability or cost-effectiveness, but rather for individuals who require the best possible grip during heavy rain.

9

Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun

The Falken EcoRun is a leading mid-priced tire that often matches or surpasses premium models in terms of safety and performance. It offers excellent grip and protection against aquaplaning at a reasonable price, with an average test ranking of 6.6th out of 14. However, the name “EcoRun” may be misleading.

✅Pros

• The tyre exhibits excellent dry performance, with a strong braking rating and outstanding handling, securing multiple test victories.
• One of the best tires on the market for wet performance, it excels in braking, lateral stability, and handling.
• The excellent wear resistance of this material enhances its appeal by providing significant long-term benefits.

⚠️ Compromises

• Acceptable noise level. Despite winning 2 of 14 tests, the tyre generally performs in the middling range and is in the lower core of the market.

❌ Cons

• High rolling resistance is the primary drawback of this tire, which is misleadingly named “EcoRun.”

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This is ideal for drivers who prioritize safety — especially in rainy conditions — but aren’t willing to pay a premium for a brand. It offers excellent value and grip, making it one of the best choices, particularly if fuel economy isn’t your primary concern.

10

Fulda EcoControl HP2

The EcoControl HP2 is a dependable and well-rounded choice for the middle class, belonging to the subsidiary brand Goodyear. Rather than seeking to break records on dry asphalt, this tire prioritizes safety in wet conditions. It also boasts impressive wear resistance and fuel efficiency, making it one of the most innovative options available in its price range.

✅ Pros

• Exceptional wear resistance with an “Exemplary” durability rating. This tire is engineered to maximize distance and minimize the frequency of replacements.
• Strong aquaplaning resistance, with an “exemplary” rating and some victories in straight-line, and “good” for the lateral conditions.
• “Good” ratings for rolling resistance and noise level, making it a comfortable and efficient choice for daily use.

⚠️ Compromises

• Acceptable but not outstanding dry performance, comparable to most typical models on the market.
• Average braking on wet asphalt, as a compromise for excellent secondary qualities.

❌Cons

• No significant.

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An excellent choice for daily city trips and highway driving in regions with moderate and rainy climates. It is ideal for drivers who prioritize safety, durability, and economy over sporty performance and precise handling.

Buyer’s Guide: How Tire Characteristics Differ — and Does Price Really Matter?

This table helps you understand how much tire performance can vary — from the best to the worst — and whether price has an influence on the results. You’ll see which characteristics show the most significant differences, where premium tires truly stand out, and where budget options can be surprisingly competitive.

Use this data to make an informed decision — and avoid overpaying for minimal gains.

Market Analysis, Key Insights & Conclusions

Wet Braking: The Most Critical Safety Metric with the Widest Gaps

Among all performance metrics, wet braking exhibits the most dramatic spread, both in absolute terms and across market segments. While premium and sub-premium tires dominate the top, a few mid-range options rival them. In contrast, budget models underperform and pose safety risks.

1. Wet braking is one of the safety-critical metrics, where there is a significant performance gap between tires, and price is a key factor.
2. The difference in braking distance between the best and worst tire on the market is about 13.5 meters (24 percentage points). With a reference braking distance of 42 meters from 100 km/h (Auto Zeitung test 2025), this is the length of three passenger cars. However, these are absolute extreme cases.
3. On average, the difference between the best and worst tires is 3.6 meters (7.14 percentage points). This significant gap can be crucial in a critical situation.
4. Most tires in the core market exhibit varying performance levels. The difference in braking distance among them is approximately 2 meters (3.9 percentage points), which is significant for safety.
5. The premium/subpremium class dominates the leaders, and its representative, Continental PremiumContact 7, demonstrates a significant advantage over most competitors. At the same time, some mid-range models, as well as the budget Semperit, are worthy competitors.
6. The group of outsiders consists entirely of budget models, which confirms the price hypothesis: cheap tires brake worse on wet asphalt. Moreover, if some budget models have approximately the same ratings, the last three models stand out from the general background with their critical lag.
7. The medians of premium, subpremium, and mid-range tires are nearly identical, indicating comparable performance in wet braking. However, the budget class is noticeably behind.
8. The premium segment mainly occupies positions in the upper half of the rating, but does not guarantee exclusively the best qualities. Top brands like Goodyear, Michelin, and Bridgestone are located closer to the middle of the list than to the absolute leaders. Sub-premium Toyo and Dunlop have average results, but are closer to the outsiders.
9. The middle class is very competitive, which means you do not always have to overpay for reliable results. Many models in it provide excellent performance.
10. Hidden gem: Kumho and Falken are two mid-range tires that, at a lower cost, offer excellent performance, surpassing that of premium brands.
11. Disappointment: Toyo and Dunlop are sub-premium models that turned out to be the worst in their group, and in terms of results, are closer to the “worst-25” than to the leaders.

Wet Handling: Noticeable Differences and Surprising Winners

Wet handling reveals a clear connection between price and performance, albeit with notable exceptions. While premium and sub-premium brands dominate the top, a budget tire unexpectedly takes the top spot. The mid-range segment offers stable, consistent performance, while some big-name brands underperform, proving that price isn’t everything.

1. Wet handling is another safety-critical discipline where the “price = performance” correlation is generally observed, and the performance differences between tires are pretty noticeable.
2. The difference between the best and the worst model is about 6.5 percentage points. At a reference speed of 75 km/h (Auto Bild test, 2024), this corresponds to a speed reduction of 6.5 km/h. This can be decisive in an extreme situation. However, these are extreme cases.
3. On average, the difference between the best and worst tires is 4.3 percentage points, which translates to a speed reduction of 3.25 km/h. While this difference may not seem catastrophic, it is noticeable and can have significant consequences in the event of an emergency.
4. Most tires in the core market, excluding absolute leaders and outsiders, exhibit very similar performance levels. The differences between them do not exceed 2.5 percentage points, which is equivalent to approximately 1.9 kilometers per hour.
5. An analysis of the median prices for each tire class reveals a clear correlation: premium and sub-premium tires are priced almost identically, followed by middle-class tires, and then budget tires. The performance improvement between these groups is approximately 2 to 3 percentage points.
6. Most of the leader group is comprised of premium and sub-premium brands, but the budget Semperit takes first place. This means that inexpensive models can offer very good handling, but at the expense of compromises in other areas.
7. The outsider group is dominated by the budget class, which emphasizes its heterogeneity and lag in this area. At the same time, sub-premium Yokohama and several middle-class tires were also among the worst.
8. The premium class is generally more homogeneous, has above-average performance, and occupies a large number of places in the top part of the rating. However, it does not always guarantee better performance: the top brand, Michelin, was among the average, and Yokohama was in the bottom three. This highlights the importance of individual choice.
9. The mid-range segment occupies the “core of the market.” It lacks clear leaders, but there are no significant gaps, making it attractive to many drivers in terms of affordability and quality.
10. Hidden gem: Semperit is a budget tire that has proven its performance in several tests.
11. Disappointment: A tire from the top brand Michelin, which showed average handling and was worse than all its main competitors.

Straight Aquaplaning: Challenging Stereotypes and Redefining Value

Aquaplaning resistance refutes the “price equals quality” rule, with budget and mid-range tires often outperforming their premium counterparts. While the budget segment contains both the best and worst performers, highlighting its inconsistency, the premium class surprisingly disappoints, with many models falling below the median. This proves that a high price doesn’t guarantee safety, and hidden gems in the budget category can offer superior protection.

1. Aquaplaning resistance is a factor that challenges traditional rankings and offers surprising insights. The budget segment here is highly competitive, and price does not always indicate high quality.
2. The difference between the best and worst tires on the market is approximately 9.3 percentage points. With a reference speed of 80 km/h (Tyre Reviews, 2025), this translates to a speed difference of about 6 km/h. This represents a significant safety margin and can be critical in extreme situations. However, these cases are pretty rare.
3. On average, the difference in float speed between the best-performing tires and the worst-performing tires is approximately 4 km/h (5.2 percentage points). This disparity can significantly impact a driver’s confidence under challenging conditions.
4. The bulk of tires on the market are grouped quite tightly. The difference in the floating speed between them is 1.55 km/h (2.12 percentage points), which is not a critical difference for most. The main thing is to avoid obvious outsiders.
5. The price correlation is refuted for aquaplaning. The budget class is slightly superior, but almost equal in median to the average. They are followed by premium and subpremium models.
6. This is seen in the group of leaders, where average and budget models prevail. Despite occupying the first three positions. This destroys the stereotype that only premium brands can provide outstanding aquaplaning characteristics.
7. However, the budget class also carries the most significant risks: while many models have very high stability, the four-tire models demonstrate the worst performance. This signals a significant spread within the group and the importance of individual assessment.
8. The premium segment does not guarantee the best protection. Almost all expensive tires were at or below the median level. And three tires, including the top Michelin, were in the underdog group.
9. Hidden gem: The Chinese brand’s Goodride, at a low price, provides first-class aquaplaning resistance, outperforming many premium models and proving that quality is affordable.
10. Disappointment: Overall, the premium segment showed unexpectedly poor results in aquaplaning, with several models in the underdog group. This is a noticeable compromise for their price category.

Dry Braking: Price Matters, But Value Wins

Premium and sub-premium tires dominate the top ranks in dry braking, confirming a general link between price and performance. However, with the mid-range segment offering nearly identical results for a lower price, it emerges as the most balanced choice. While the budget class generally lags, a mid-range tire unexpectedly outperformed all premium brands, and a top-tier brand disappointed, proving that smart shopping can deliver top safety without the premium cost.

1. Dry braking is crucial for safety, and selecting the right tire has a significant impact on your safety.
2. The difference between the best and worst tires is 9.2 percentage points. With a reference braking distance of 35 meters from 100 km (2024 Auto Bild), this is equivalent to an additional 3.5 meters, which is significant. However, these are the most extreme values.
3. On average, the difference between the typical best and the typical worst tire is about 2.4 meters (6 percentage points). This is slightly less, but it can have critical consequences under extreme braking.
4. Most tires in the “core market” (excluding the absolute leaders and outsiders) demonstrate very close performance. The difference in braking distance between them is approximately 1.2 meters (3.03 percentage points), which, in general, may not be noticeable in regular city driving.
5. The group of leaders is dominated by premium and sub-premium tires, although there are also several middle-class models, with one of them being an absolute leader.
6. The group of outsiders consists exclusively of budget tires, and in general, they exhibit a significant performance lag. However, they offer several decent models that rival those of some premium competitors.
7. An analysis of the medians for each price segment reveals that the primary increase in performance occurs from the budget to the middle class. At the same time, the middle segment, premium, and sub-premium show very close results, with a difference of less than 1%. This, with a caveat, confirms the price hypothesis that budget tires often brake worse.
8. The premium segment as a whole has higher indicators, but some unstable models drag the overall rating down. For most consumers, mid- and sub-premium tires will be the most balanced choice: offering the same performance at a lower price.
9. Hidden Gem: Kumho, the top-rated mid-range model, beat out all the premium brands.
10. Disappointment: Bridgestone, the premium tire that scored the worst in its group, was very close to the bottom 25%.

Dry Handling: Consistency is Key, Not Cost

In dry handling, most modern tires perform at a high and remarkably consistent level, making brand and price less significant factors in determining performance. While premium tires slightly dominate the top spots, the performance difference across price segments is minimal, with mid-range and even a budget tire appearing among the leaders. This demonstrates that a high baseline level of safety is guaranteed across the market, although standouts and disappointments from specific brands still exist.

1. Dry handling is an area where most modern touring tires excel and perform consistently. Unlike braking, there are no critical underdogs here, which guarantees a high basic level of safety.
2. The difference between the best and worst tire on the market is 5.8 percentage points. At a reference speed of 120 km/h, this corresponds to a speed difference of 7 km/h, which can be crucial in an extreme situation. However, these are extreme cases.
3. In general, the difference between the typical best and the typical worst tire is 1.7 km/h (2.7 percentage points). In everyday city driving, this is unlikely to be noticeable; however, at high speeds, it can be a significant difference.
4. Most tires in the “core market” have almost identical characteristics. The difference in handling speed between them does not exceed 0.75 km/h (0.6 percentage points). In practice, for most drivers, the difference in handling will be unnoticeable.
5. The medians of all price groups are virtually identical, with a value of approximately 98%. This means that there is no noticeable price correlation, and that price and brand in general play a minor role in dry handling.
6. The premium segment dominates, but there are several representatives of the middle class, as well as one budget tire in the leaders group.
7. Most of the outsiders are budget models, although there are individual representatives from more expensive segments.
8. Hidden gem: Kumho HS52 demonstrates exceptional handling on dry asphalt, with an almost perfect result, which ensures its place in the top 3.
9. Disappointment: Yokohama has the lowest rating among premium models for dry handling and turned out to be below the market average, which was an unexpected compromise.
10. The speed of 120 km / h is taken as a reference value, and all values ​​given are relative to it. On highways where speeds of 200 km/h or more are permitted, the difference in performance will be greater, and the choice of tire will be more critical. However, for most users, the differences may be insignificant in everyday driving.

Tire Noise: A Premium Price Doesn’t Guarantee Silence

While budget tires are often the loudest, a high price tag does not guarantee a quiet ride. The mid-range class emerges as the best choice for comfort, outperforming some sub-premium models and grouping closely with the top premium brands. With several expensive tires performing below average and a mid-range model taking the top spot, it’s clear that brand status doesn’t always translate to a silent driving experience.

1. Our analysis shows that low noise is a priority for many manufacturers, not just premium brands. When evaluating noise, it is essential to remember that decibels (dB) represent a logarithmic scale, not a linear one. This means that even a small change in dB can be perceived by the ear as a significant increase in volume.
2. The difference between the quietest and loudest tires on the market is 2.5 percentage points. With a reference noise level of 72 dB (according to the Auto Bild 2024), this represents a difference of approximately 2 dB. In practice, this is a noticeable change, which is subjectively perceived as 20-25% louder. However, these are extreme cases,
3. On average, the difference between the typically best and typically worst tires is 1.02 dB (1.38 percentage points). This is a fairly subtle difference, perceived subjectively as being 10-15% louder. This is not critical, but it is a noticeable difference that will impact the overall comfort in the car.
4. Most tires in the core market, excluding absolute leaders and outsiders, provide nearly identical noise levels. The difference between them is only 0.54 dB (0.73 percentage points), which the human ear cannot detect under real conditions.
5. The top half of the rating is dominated by premium and mid-range models, while the bottom half is primarily comprised of budget tires. This indirectly confirms the price hypothesis: cheap tires are often noisier.
6. However, the opposite cannot be said: a high price does not guarantee a low noise level! Premium models indeed form the majority of the leaders, but at the same time, six premium models perform at or below average, with some even in the bottom 25%.
7. The mid-range class is particularly valuable. It is higher in median than sub-premium models, slightly behind premium, and overall, most models are very closely grouped in the top half of the ranking. This makes it the best choice for those looking for maximum silence without overpaying for a premium brand.
8. Hidden gem: Kleber achieved the best result for noise levels, outperforming all premium brands and demonstrating that silence is achievable in the mid-range class.
9. Disappointment: One of the most expensive models on the market, Continental, is in the bottom three of all tires in terms of noise levels, which is a noticeable compromise for a premium brand.

Rolling Resistance: The Great Performance Trade-Off

Fuel efficiency is a critical area where premium tires generally excel, indicating that cheaper tires often result in higher fuel consumption. However, this comes with a classic engineering compromise: top performance in grip and handling usually means poor fuel economy. Tires that excel in safety tests can lag in efficiency, while fuel-saving leaders like Bridgestone may offer only average grip, forcing drivers to choose what matters most to them.

1. Fuel efficiency is a highly variable metric for summer tires, with some models being very efficient while others are less so. The actual fuel economy you experience will depend significantly on your car’s base consumption and whether it has an internal combustion engine (ICE) or is an electric vehicle (EV).
2. The rolling resistance difference between the best and the worst tires on the market is 25.38 percentage points. With a conditional rolling resistance of 7.5 kg/t (as in the tests by Tyre Reviews, Auto Bild 2025), this corresponds to a difference of 2.6 kg/t. For cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE), this can mean a saving of ~0.39–0.52 liters per 100 km, and for EVs, an additional driving range of up to 7.8–13%. However, these are extreme cases.
3. On average, the difference between the typically best and typically worst tires is 1.48 kg/t (14.5 percentage points). For ICE vehicles, this is a saving of ~0.22–0.29 liters of fuel per 100 km, and for EVs, an increase in range of 4.4–7.4%
4. Most tires in the core market exhibit similar levels of fuel efficiency. The variation in rolling resistance ranges from 0.83 kg/t (8.12%). This difference corresponds to a fuel savings of approximately 0.12 to 0.16 liters per 100 km for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and about 2.5 to 4% of range for electric vehicles (EVs).
5. The group of fuel efficiency leaders is predominantly premium tires, but there are also some mid-range and even budget models. Overall, the premium segment has the highest median.
6. Budget tires dominate the outsiders, and although there are some fuel-efficient models among them, the budget segment has the lowest median, which confirms the price hypothesis: cheap tires tend to use more fuel.
7. Tires that were leaders in braking and handling (e.g., Kumho HS52, Falken ZE310) were at the very bottom of the list here. Conversely, the fuel efficiency leaders (Bridgestone, Hankook K435) showed average results in grip tests. This is a classic engineering compromise.
8. Clear leader: Bridgestone demonstrates a significant advantage over its competitors in fuel efficiency, setting a new standard.
9. Disappointment: Kumho and Falken are two tires that excel in other areas but significantly compromise fuel economy, which is a notable drawback for their price category.

Wear Resistance: Durability as a Long-Term Investment

Top brands demonstrate that a higher initial cost can pay off through outstanding durability, with Goodyear and its subsidiaries (Fulda, Debica) leading the pack. However, price isn’t a perfect predictor, as some premium brands like Pirelli disappoint, while the “hidden gem” Fulda offers exceptional value. The results highlight a classic trade-off: tires with the best grip and handling, like the Vredestein Ultrac, often wear out the fastest, forcing a choice between longevity and peak performance.

1. Wear resistance is a critical metric for users, as it directly impacts the cost of tire ownership.
2. The durability difference between the best and worst tires is 56.5 percentage points. Based on a reference mileage of 45,000 km from the Auto Bild 2024 test, this translates to a variation of 25,420 km. For drivers, this could mean needing to purchase an additional set of tires. However, these are extreme cases.
3. On average, the difference in performance between the top 25% of tires and the bottom 25% is approximately 11,360 kilometers (25.25% variation). This discrepancy is significant and is equivalent to gaining at least one additional season of use.
4. Most tires in the core market, excluding absolute leaders and outsiders, exhibit high performance variation. The predicted mileage difference among them can reach up to 6,100 km (13.5%).
5. The top brands are leaders and have a significant lead over most of their competitors. Their high initial cost is significantly recouped in the long term by their outstanding durability
6. The group of outsiders includes tires from all price segments, which means that a high price does not always guarantee higher wear resistance. Some budget models, although very wear-resistant, achieve this by making compromises in other areas.
7. Goodyear stands out as the exceptional category leader, taking first place. Importantly, Fulda and Debica, which are subsidiaries of Goodyear, also rank among the best. This highlights the positive impact of the technological support within the group, which extends benefits to more affordable brands as well.
8. The data clearly illustrates the main compromise in the tire industry. Vredestein Ultrac, which performed well in the wet handling tests, showed the worst result. Conversely, the absolute durability champion, Goodyear, did not take first place in the grip tests. Soft and “sticky” compounds that provide safety wear out faster.
9. The premium segment is significantly superior and unattainable in terms of median, while sub-premium, mid-range, and budget are roughly on par.
10. Hidden gem: Fulda has a very high wear rating, second only to the top three, making it an outstanding choice for value for money.
11. Disappointment: Pirelli is the only top brand in the bottom 25%. Moreover, Vredestein has an extremely low wear resistance level.
12. Wear resistance tests are conducted less frequently than other criteria. As a result, ratings often rely on limited data, necessitating further examination.

FAQ

Q: What is the main purpose of a summer touring tire?

A: A touring tire is designed for balance and stability. Its main goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, and quiet ride with good tread life and reliable handling for everyday driving, rather than focusing on ultimate track performance.

Q: Do I need to purchase premium tires for optimal safety?

A: Not necessarily. While premium tires often lead in critical wet and dry braking tests, strong mid-range models can perform just as well or even better. It’s more important to check the specific test results for a model rather than relying solely on price.

Q: Which tires last the longest and offer the best mileage?

A: This is where premium brands, especially those from major conglomerates like Goodyear and Michelin, truly excel and often justify their higher cost. Their subsidiary brands, like Fulda, also offer outstanding wear resistance, making them a great value.

Q: Are more expensive tires quieter?

A: No. Often, the best combination of low noise and value is found in the mid-range segment. Some premium tires can be surprisingly loud, so a high price does not guarantee a quiet ride.

Q: What is the biggest performance trade-off I should know about?

A: The classic trade-off is between grip and wear/Fuel Efficiency. Tires engineered with soft, sticky compounds for the best handling and braking will almost always wear out faster and be less fuel-efficient. You have to decide which is more important for your driving style.

Q: How can my tires help me save fuel?

A: By choosing a model with low rolling resistance. Premium brands often perform well here, but be aware that the most fuel-efficient tires typically make a compromise and may not offer the best wet grip.

Q: What about safety in heavy rain and aquaplaning?

A: For aquaplaning resistance, price is not a good guide. Test results show that mid-range and even budget tires can outperform expensive premium models in this specific safety discipline.

Q: Where can I find the best overall value for money?

A: The mid-range segment is the sweet spot. It consistently offers a great balance of performance—especially in handling and braking—that comes very close to premium levels but at a more affordable price.

Q: Are budget tires ever a good choice?

A: It’s a risk. While you might find a “hidden gem” that performs exceptionally well in one specific area, budget tires as a group tend to be inconsistent and often lag in overall safety performance compared to mid-range and premium options.

Q: How do I choose the right touring tire for myself?

A: First, define your priority: is it long-term value (wear, fuel economy), daily comfort (low noise), or all-around safety (wet grip)? Then, look at test results for models that excel in that specific area. For the best balance of all characteristics, the mid-range segment is an ideal starting point.

Disclaimer: how this table is structured.

1. The table presents the latest touring summer tires, mainly designed for the European market.
2. All of them have been independently tested, and open performance data is available for detailed analysis.
3. The table does not accurately reflect the entire market, as many models did not participate in the tests and therefore lack data for analysis.
4. Each tire is assigned a performance rating based on its performance in specific areas, which is determined through multiple tests. This provides a more reliable average indicator. However, some tire models may have been tested only once, which could lead to inaccuracies in their ratings.
5. The values in the table update automatically when new tests are added to our database.