UTAC summer tyre test 2026
As part of the large 2026 summer tyre test, experts from Finnish UTAC decided to compare several models from the same brands but differing in characteristics and positioning. From the ranges of Bridgestone, Michelin, and Nokian, both "base" and sporty tyres were selected. From Continental, in addition to the PremiumContact 7, the UltraContact tyres—designed for increased tread life—were also tested. Furthermore, one all-season model was included among the participants. All tyres were tested in size 225/45 R17 using a Volkswagen Golf.
List of participants:
Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo (UHP)
Continental UltraContact (with increased tread life)
Goodride RideMax G-147
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 (all-season)
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (UHP)
Nokian Hakka Black 3 (UHP)
Road Rider Strada Max
The Continental PremiumContact 7 previously won numerous tests, and in UTAC's evaluations it again confirms its ability to deliver high safety levels, achieving the shortest braking distance on wet surfaces. Both Nokian tyres also performed excellently, while budget tyres ended up at the bottom, and the all-season tyre delivered even worse results.
In terms of wet handling, Continental PC7 outperforms all competitors, with Michelin's UHP tyres taking second place. The budget Road Rider tyres clearly fall behind in this category, and experts noted their dangerously low grip in the rain.
In the aquaplaning resistance test, the two Michelin tyres emerged as leaders, followed closely by the Continental PC7. However, UltraContact tyres from the same manufacturer trailed significantly behind all other participants.
On dry surfaces, Pirelli and Bridgestone brought the car to a stop fastest, while all-season tyres performed worst in this category, significantly increasing braking distances. Budget tyres also showed subpar braking performance.
The most fuel-efficient were the Bridgestone Turanza 6, while Road Rider tyres combine poor grip with high rolling resistance.
Verdict
Continental PremiumContact 7 claimed yet another victory in independent tests, distinguished by the shortest braking distance on wet asphalt and generally ensuring a high level of safety across all road surfaces.
Sharing first place with Continental are the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, which also stop the car quickly in all weather conditions and provide stable handling. Experts also note that tyres from this French brand traditionally offer increased wear resistance, a feature highly valued by drivers.
Michelin Primacy 5 trailed the leaders only slightly. One of their key features is that engineers successfully combined high wet grip with low rolling resistance, enabling fuel savings.
Nokian Hakka Blue 3 tyres (available in Russia under the name Ikon Autograph Aqua 3) offer strong grip on wet surfaces, though steering responses on dry asphalt feel somewhat delayed. Their energy efficiency is average. At the same time, Nokian tyres are relatively quiet and provide good ride comfort on uneven surfaces.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 earned high marks for balanced performance in all conditions (although grip during sharp maneuvers on dry roads was slightly less confident than desired) and a good comfort level, including low noise. However, braking performance and aquaplaning resistance are merely average.
Nokian Hakka Black 3, as expected from UHP tyres, deliver fast and precise response to driver inputs on both dry and wet surfaces. Strong lateral stability combines with short braking distances, though higher rolling resistance is a drawback.
This time, the most fuel-efficient were the Bridgestone Turanza 6, making them particularly suitable for electric vehicle owners. Additionally, these tyres perform very well on dry roads in terms of both handling and braking. However, they show a noticeable lack of grip on wet surfaces, resulting in longer braking distances, and their aquaplaning resistance is also not among the highest.
One of the key strengths of the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is excellent dry braking performance (the Italian brand's tyres were best in this category), and they generally perform very well under such conditions. Experts noted that the previous-generation model had a tendency toward sudden oversteer, but this flaw has been corrected. However, Pirelli tyres are noisier, deliver a harsher ride on uneven surfaces, and offer suboptimal fuel efficiency.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo provide excellent handling and quick response on dry surfaces, but testers noted that performance deteriorates noticeably as ambient temperatures drop. Additionally, these tyres are relatively noisy, poorly absorb road imperfections, and have high rolling resistance.
The Laufenn S Fit 2, making their test debut, placed only tenth but still received four out of five stars. The season's new model demonstrated solid wet performance and stood out for low noise levels at high speeds, though overall grip is not as high as that of top-ranked tyres.
In 11th place were the Continental UltraContact, designed with an emphasis on increased tread life—possibly at the expense of wet-weather performance. During testing, grip and handling on wet tracks were on par with budget tyres, and a tendency toward understeer in fast corners was evident. Additionally, driver response is somewhat delayed, and the tyre poorly absorbs vibrations on road irregularities.
Goodride RideMax G-147 behave stably on dry roads under normal driving conditions but perform poorly during emergency maneuvers, with the car tending to continue straight. In addition, Goodride tyres were the noisiest among all tested, and they also deliver a stiff ride and high rolling resistance.
The all-season Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 perform well in cool weather and are therefore ideal for shoulder seasons. However, in hot summer conditions, they lose significant grip on wet surfaces, leading to reduced lateral stability and longer braking distances. On dry asphalt, due to their soft rubber compound, steering responses feel vague, although at moderate speeds they remain stable and predictable.
Experts do not recommend purchasing the budget Road Rider Strada Max, as on wet roads these tyres can suddenly lose grip on both front and rear axles, and they also severely impair handling on dry surfaces. While the tyres are relatively quiet and comfortable, this is insufficient to compensate for their serious grip deficiency.
