Moottori summer tyre test — 2026
Last year, the Finnish magazine Moottori tested budget summer tyres, and this time the decision was made to select models from a higher price segment, making the competition for top positions even fiercer than usual. The tyres tested were in the size 225/45 R17, with one all-season tyre model included for comparison.
Test participants:
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
Michelin CrossClimate 3 (all-season)
One of the test's notable features was that experts evaluated how tyre grip is affected by ambient temperature. Therefore, braking distances on wet surfaces were measured in both warm and cool conditions (at +17 and +3 °C). In warm conditions, the Pirelli performed best. However, the Cinturato tyres proved most sensitive to weather changes, dropping to last place among summer tyres at +3 °C, with their braking distance increasing by four meters when decelerating from 80 to 5 km/h. The Nokian led in the second test, confirming their positioning as ideal for northern summer conditions. All-season tyres, with their broader operating temperature range, were the least sensitive to temperature changes.
Handling was evaluated at +15 °C, where Nokian performed worse than even the all-season tyres, while Continental and Hankook emerged as the best performers.
Nokian also showed less than optimal resistance to aquaplaning, although Bridgestone took last place in this category. The most effective summer tyres were Hankook, although they still could not match the all-season tyres.
On dry surfaces, braking distances lengthen less noticeably in colder conditions, and Goodyear outperformed all competitors in both temperature ranges.
Goodyear, together with Continental and Pirelli, also delivered very good results in the moose test, but all were outperformed by Nokian. The Hankook and all-season tyres ended up in last place.
External noise was evaluated as an average across speeds of 50, 80, and 100 km/h. The quietest tyres were Bridgestone.
Another advantage of Bridgestone was their best-in-test fuel efficiency, while Pirelli and Hankook showed relatively high rolling resistance.
Verdict
The final scores of the top four tyres differed by just 0.1 points, with the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 taking first place. It delivers excellent handling and short braking distances. Its only drawback is slightly higher rolling resistance.
Continental PremiumContact 7 tyres performed consistently well in all safety-related disciplines, although their aquaplaning resistance could be improved. Additionally, Continental tyres have a relatively high noise level.
Hankook Ventus evo excelled in wet handling and aquaplaning resistance, as well as short dry braking distances. However, in the moose test, Hankook trailed all other summer tyres, and their comfort level is somewhat reduced.
Nokian Hakka Black 3 stood out with the shortest braking distance on wet surfaces in cool weather and delivered an excellent moose test result, meaning the tyres remain reliable and stable during sudden obstacle avoidance. However, Nokian tyres have relatively low aquaplaning resistance.
Michelin Primacy 5 tyres finished slightly behind the leaders, with subpar wet handling and a relatively long dry braking distance. However, they were among the best in wet braking performance during cool conditions and also delivered good fuel efficiency.
Pirelli Cinturato (C3) stopped the car fastest on wet surfaces in warm conditions, but unfortunately lost their advantage when temperatures dropped. Pirelli tyres were also the noisiest and among the least fuel-efficient, though they provide good handling in all situations.
Bridgestone Turanza 6 tyres finished last among summer tyres this time. However, it should be noted that they faced exceptionally strong competition. Their strengths include low noise and rolling resistance, although their aquaplaning resistance clearly leaves room for improvement.
Michelin CrossClimate 3 all-season tyres were best in aquaplaning resistance, but overall, they fall short of dedicated summer tyres in warm conditions—hardly surprising.
Source: Moottori. Photos: Moottori