Summer tire rating from "Mosavtoshina" in the 2026 season
As the tire change season is in full swing, we have prepared a selection of 12 options, each with its own unique features. Preference was given to brands that continue to officially operate in the Russian market, and when compiling the rating, not only the characteristics of the tires (the results of tests of tire models that are currently most relevant on the domestic market are extremely few) were taken into account, but also their popularity on marketplaces, which are increasingly being used to purchase tires. Currently, budget tires are in high demand in Russia, so there are more of them in the list, but it also includes premium and mid-range tires.
Gislaved PremiumControl. A premium tire with a tread pattern from Continental ContiPremiumContact 5, which belongs to the "touring" category and is designed for those who value high comfort. To improve ride smoothness, the tires are equipped with flexible sidewalls that increase the effectiveness of vibration and shock absorption, and the noise is reduced by special "catchers" located in the transverse grooves. In addition, the tires have reduced rolling resistance, and due to the increased wear resistance, which is achieved through a special rubber compound in the tread, they are well suited for those who frequently make long trips. The size range of the tires raises questions, as it looks somewhat outdated against the backdrop of the growing popularity of Chinese crossovers - PremiumControl is available in sizes from 15 to 17 inches, which significantly limits their scope of application. This season, a new Gislaved ActiveControl with a slightly more sporty character has been released, which is already available in sizes up to 20 inches.
Ikon Autograph Aqua 3. Another product with a design from a foreign brand that has left Russia. This time, the tread pattern was taken from Nokian Hakka Blue 3, which were once positioned by the Finnish concern as developed specifically for the northern summer. This means that when creating the tires, special attention was paid to the rapid removal of water from the contact patch, which, in combination with a rubber compound that retains elasticity at relatively low temperatures, increases the "working window" of the tires and helps them work effectively from early spring to late autumn. Comfort was also not forgotten, and the tires inherited, for example, depressions in the sidewalls of the ribs, which reduce noise. The size range is the same as that of the previous tire - 15-17 inches, but there is also a version of Autograph Aqua 3 SUV (16-19”).
Pirelli Powergy. When Pirelli presented the Powergy model on the Russian market, it was reported that in the company's assortment, they are located between the Scorpion tires for crossovers/SUVs and the Cinturato tires for more compact cars, and in terms of their characteristics, they are somewhat closer to the "touring" segment than to the UHP segment, which means that they can provide a slightly increased comfort and balanced characteristics. The most notable feature of the tread pattern is the fin-shaped lamellas that reduce the risk of aquaplaning, while the wide longitudinal channels also ensure rapid water dispersion, and the rubber compound has been improved to improve fuel efficiency. The range includes tires with diameters from 16 to 20 inches, and the Powergy tires are designed for passenger cars and SUVs of medium and large sizes.
Ikon Character Eco. A mid-range model (analog of the Nordman SX3 tires, which have a tread pattern from the Nokian Hakka Green 2) for small family cars, the tread pattern of which, with large diagonal grooves that expand closer to the inner shoulder, was clearly designed for the rapid removal of water from the contact area, which is also confirmed by the manufacturer. Another key feature of the tire is its durability, which is ensured by a rubber compound with increased wear resistance and strength, including when used in harsh conditions, making the Character Eco a good option for those who often have to drive on poor roads. The size range is from 13 to 16 inches.
Hankook Ventus S1 evo3. A UHP-class tire that, according to its specifications, is designed to handle high speeds. For this reason, the tire has a number of features, such as an additional layer with aramid fibers that provides stability of the tire shape at speeds over 300 km/h, improving both the stability of the vehicle and the durability of the tire itself. In addition, the wavy groove in the outer zone (like the increased number of blocks in the inner section) reduces the risk of aquaplaning, and the addition of silica to the rubber compound helped improve traction on wet roads and reduce rolling resistance. The tires are available in sizes from 17 to 22 inches, and there are also two other versions: Ventus S1 evo3 SUV for crossovers and SUVs (18-22”) and Ventus S1 evo3 EV for electric vehicles (17-19”).
Kumho Ecowing ES31. If fuel or energy efficiency is important, you can choose affordable eco-tires from Kumho, the "greenness" of which is ensured by a number of parameters, from a special recipe of the rubber compound and increased stiffness of the tread to an aerodynamic design of the sidewalls, which also have recesses that dissipate heat and further reduce rolling resistance. The safety factor has also not been ignored, and four drainage channels are designed to quickly remove liquid from the support area, while reinforced intermediate ribs improve stability on dry roads. In addition, the tire life has been increased, and the images of the tread on the sidewalls indicate their environmental friendliness. Available in sizes from 13 to 18 inches.
Viatti Strada 2. The Russian Viatti Strada 2 from the Nizhnekamsk tire complex can also be considered "green" since it not only has "increased fuel efficiency indicators" but is also made from SKI-2 rubber, which is produced using raw materials obtained from recycled tires. However, for Russian car owners, such aspects are usually not a priority when choosing tires, and operational characteristics are much more important, and Strada 2 is currently the fastest model in the brand's lineup (index H - up to 270 km/h). In addition, the manufacturer claims that the rubber compound not only has environmental benefits but also maintains a stable level of traction in a wide range of conditions, including in heat and with sharp temperature fluctuations, which is important in changeable weather, while the lamellas and grooves in the central ribs reduce the braking distance. The size range is from 14 to 17 inches.
Windforce Advanfors Touring. Finally, it's time for the "Chinese", and the first budget tire from China on the list is the Windforce Advanfors Touring from the Landspider company, which belongs to the "touring" category and has a symmetrical tread pattern with numerous grooves and lamellas that improve traction on wet roads. Although there is an "All Season" inscription on the sidewall, it is not recommended to use the tires throughout the year on most of Russia's territory, but for the summer season, this can be a good alternative, especially considering that the frame with a double metal-cord breaker has been additionally reinforced with a layer of nylon to increase strength and improve stability at high speeds. The size range is from 13 to 18 inches.
WestLake ZuperEco Z-107. A touring tire from the ZC Rubber company, the internal structure of which is optimized to improve ride comfort, while the tread pattern includes three large longitudinal grooves (two in sizes with a profile width of up to 195 mm) and one with a reduced width, and this solution is designed to improve handling on both wet and dry surfaces. In addition, the sloping walls of the transverse grooves reduce the braking distance, and the manufacturer also promises reduced rolling resistance. What cannot be denied to Chinese tire companies - and ZC Rubber is the largest among them - is that they offer their models for the mass market in a really large number of sizes, and the ZuperEco Z-107 is available in 115 sizes from 13 to 20 inches.
iLink L-Grip 55. High-performance tires from the ZODO Tire company, which has an asymmetric tread pattern with wide grooves and large shoulder blocks, designed to improve handling in various weather conditions, while the arrangement of transverse grooves in the inner zone is optimized to reduce the stiffness of the shoulder and prevent uneven wear, as well as reduce noise. Another feature of the tread pattern is the presence of hook-shaped grooves in the outer section, which reduce heat generation. Available in sizes from 12 to 17 inches.
Zelda Surate HP. The Zelda brand is the flagship for the Youyue Rubber company, and the Surate HP model is designed with a focus on reducing noise and improving ride comfort. In addition, the asymmetric tread pattern is designed to quickly remove water from the contact area with the road, and the sidewall design has a high curvature of the frame edges, which increases its strength and stabilizes handling when driving on rough surfaces, i.e., the tires are designed for those who often use their car in harsh road conditions. The size range is from 13 to 16 inches.
Sailun Atrezzo Elite. High-performance tires with a tread pattern, the inner zone of which is responsible for rapid water drainage, and the outer zone - for improving stability when cornering on dry roads. In the longitudinal groove in the outer section, there are special protrusions that support the blocks, and additional notches in one of the tread ribs accelerate water removal, while also "making the design more dynamic". The tire has recently participated in the "Auto Mail" test, and experts noted that the handling is not very good, but the ride smoothness is, which means that Sailun can be recommended to those who value comfort and are not fans of sporty driving. Available in sizes from 14 to 18 inches.
