2020 Tire Reviews Ultimate Summer Tire Test

Do you want to know what tire is best for every day, real world driving? In this test we take eleven of the very best 205/55 R16 tires on the market, plus a well regarded budget tire, to see exactly what tire performs best in the dry, wet, comfort, noise and rolling resistance tests!

Test Publication:
Tire Reviews
Test Size: 205/55 R16
Tires Tested: 12 tires
Test Categories:
4 categories (12 tests)
Similar Tests

Test Category Best Performer Worst Performer Difference
Dry (3 tests)
Dry Braking Continental Premium Contact 6: 34.2 M Goodride RP28: 37.5 M3.3 M (8.8%)
Dry Handling Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2: 101.17 s Goodride RP28: 104.01 s2.8 s (2.7%)
Subj. Dry Handling Continental Premium Contact 6: 10 Points Uniroyal RainSport 5: 7 Points3.0 Points (42.9%)
Wet (4 tests)
Wet Braking Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun: 35.7 M Goodride RP28: 45.8 M10.1 M (22.1%)
Wet Handling Maxxis Premitra HP5: 69.86 s Goodride RP28: 76.76 s6.9 s (9.0%)
Subj. Wet Handling Maxxis Premitra HP5: 10 Points Goodride RP28: 5 Points5.0 Points (100.0%)
Straight Aqua Uniroyal RainSport 5: 91.62 Km/H Goodride RP28: 72.08 Km/H19.5 Km/H (27.1%)
Comfort (3 tests)
Subj. Comfort BFGoodrich Advantage: 10 Points Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun: 8.2 Points1.8 Points (22.0%)
Noise BFGoodrich Advantage: 61.2 dB Maxxis Premitra HP5: 62.3 dB1.1 dB (1.8%)
Tire Weight Nokian WetProof: 7.98 Kg Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun: 9.16 Kg1.2 Kg (12.9%)
Value (2 tests)
Price Goodride RP28: 156 Michelin Primacy 4: 267 111.0 (41.6%)
Rolling Resistance Bridgestone Turanza T005: 7.19 kg / t Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun: 9.82 kg / t2.6 kg / t (26.8%)
It's the Tire Reviews long overdue, 16" tire test! The 16" tires is the most popular size in the world, and is fitted to a large percentage of "daily" cars, so this test will hopefully be relevant to a large number of drivers!

In this test we have twelve of the most popular tires on the market, including the multiple test winning Continental PremiumContact 6 and Michelin Primacy 4, going up against the new Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2, Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2, Uniroyal RainSport 5 and BFGoodrich Advantage, with the usual tires from Falken, Nokian, Bridgestone, Maxxis, Hankook and Goodride.

All twelve tires will be tested in dry and wet handling, dry and wet braking, aquaplaning, internal cabin noise and fuel use, and have subjective grades given to their dry and wet handling, and most importantly for this type of tire, their comfort levels.

The overall score will be weighted as 35% dry (35% lap time, 10% subjective, 55% braking), 50% wet (35% lap time, 5% subjective, 55% braking, 5% aquaplaning), 7.5% NVH (50% internal noise, 50% comfort) and 7.5% value (80% rolling resistance, 20% price), however if you prefer qualities such as subjective dry handling over wet braking, all the data will be below to allow you to make your own purchase decision.

As always, any questions, please ask below! 

 

Dry

You might not think the dry performance of a 16" tire is important, but dry braking and handling show you exactly how much grip each tire will have in an emergency situation, where you lean on the tire more than normal.

For dry braking, the Continental had the advantage over a very close group, with the Pirelli, Falken, and Nokian joint second! Uniroyal, Hankook and Goodride all had longer than ideal dry stopping distances.

The new Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was the fastest tire round dry handling, with the joint second placed Continental and Maxxis both having the best subjective handling feel.

Wet

Wet braking had three tires significantly ahead of the rest, with Falken, Continental And Uniroyal all having over 2 meters to the next best tire on test. Again, Hankook and Goodride struggled with grip levels.

With a couple of deeper parts of water on track, the wet handling test favoured the tires with higher levels of aquaplaning resistance, meaning the Continental couldn't match its excellent wet braking result.

Only the budget Goodride had worse aquaplaning resistance than the two premium Continental and Goodyear tires, with the Uniroyal RainSport 5 once again proving its unique tread pattern was the best way to clear water.

Comfort

Comfort is an important quality for a 16" tire, and the BFGoodrich and Michelin pair had a significant advantage over the bumps and road imperfections.

We tested internal noise levels rather than external, averaging the noise from two different road surfaces at two different speeds, giving you a true picture of how loud a tire is to the driver. Again, the BFGoodrich had a clear advantage.

Value

The Bridgestone Turanza T005 once again aced the rolling resistance test, finishing top, but the new Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was a close second.

At the time of test, the budget Goodride was the cheapest tire to buy, and the Michelin the most expensive.

Sadly, we couldn't test wear, however there are plenty of other tests on Tire Reviews, along with user reviews, showing the wear rates of most of these tires.

Overall Results

1st: Continental Premium Contact 6

Continental Premium Contact 6
  • 205/55 R16 91V
  • Production: 0120
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking1st34.2 M100%
Dry Handling2nd101.25 s101.17 s+0.08 s99.92%
Subj. Dry Handling1st10 Points100%
Wet Braking2nd36.1 M35.7 M+0.4 M98.89%
Wet Handling9th71.64 s69.86 s+1.78 s97.52%
Subj. Wet Handling10th7.5 Points10 Points-2.5 Points75%
Straight Aqua10th78.48 Km/H91.62 Km/H-13.14 Km/H85.66%
Subj. Comfort8th8.8 Points10 Points-1.2 Points88%
Noise9th62.1 dB61.2 dB+0.9 dB98.55%
Tire Weight4th8.56 Kg7.98 Kg+0.58 Kg93.22%
Price11th252 156 +96 61.9%
Rolling Resistance5th8.37 kg / t7.19 kg / t+1.18 kg / t85.9%
Excellent dry grip with sporty handling and the shortest dry braking distances. Very short wet braking distances.
Low aquaplaning resistance, average comfort, relatively high noise levels, high price.
Once again the braking advantage of the Premium Contact 6 secures it a test win, however it was very close at the top. If you prefer driving dynamics over comfort, this is the tire to pick.


Read Reviews    Buy from £79.99

2nd: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
  • 205/55 R16 91V
  • Production: 5019
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking8th35.1 M34.2 M+0.9 M97.44%
Dry Handling1st101.17 s100%
Subj. Dry Handling4th9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Wet Braking4th38.1 M35.7 M+2.4 M93.7%
Wet Handling3rd70.04 s69.86 s+0.18 s99.74%
Subj. Wet Handling3rd9.2 Points10 Points-0.8 Points92%
Straight Aqua10th78.48 Km/H91.62 Km/H-13.14 Km/H85.66%
Subj. Comfort3rd9.4 Points10 Points-0.6 Points94%
Noise2nd61.4 dB61.2 dB+0.2 dB99.67%
Tire Weight2nd8.1 Kg7.98 Kg+0.12 Kg98.52%
Price8th224 156 +68 69.64%
Rolling Resistance2nd7.28 kg / t7.19 kg / t+0.09 kg / t98.76%
The new EfficientGrip Performance 2 is a very well rounded tire with excellent grip in the dry and wet, low levels of noise, high levels of comfort, very low rolling resistance and well priced.
Low aquaplaning resistance and slightly long braking distances in the dry and wet cost it victory.
An extremely well rounded tire with no major weaknesses, other than aquaplaning. Good levels of comfort and low fuel use make this an excellent tire for real world driving.


Read Reviews    Buy from £70.62

3rd: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun

Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
  • 205/55 R16 94V
  • Production: 0820
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd34.5 M34.2 M+0.3 M99.13%
Dry Handling4th101.47 s101.17 s+0.3 s99.7%
Subj. Dry Handling8th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Braking1st35.7 M100%
Wet Handling5th70.09 s69.86 s+0.23 s99.67%
Subj. Wet Handling5th8.6 Points10 Points-1.4 Points86%
Straight Aqua4th82.61 Km/H91.62 Km/H-9.01 Km/H90.17%
Subj. Comfort11th8.2 Points10 Points-1.8 Points82%
Noise5th61.6 dB61.2 dB+0.4 dB99.35%
Tire Weight12th9.16 Kg7.98 Kg+1.18 Kg87.12%
Price4th192 156 +36 81.25%
Rolling Resistance12th9.82 kg / t7.19 kg / t+2.63 kg / t73.22%
Excellent, balanced results in the dry, with the shortest wet braking distances on test and good aquaplaning resistance. Low noise levels and well priced.
Low subjective comfort and the highest rolling resistance on test.
A very strong performance for the Falken ZIEX ZE310, with good grip in the dry and wet.


Read Reviews    Buy from £72.65

4th: Uniroyal RainSport 5

Uniroyal RainSport 5
  • 205/55 R16 91V
  • Production: 4819
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking10th35.7 M34.2 M+1.5 M95.8%
Dry Handling10th102.77 s101.17 s+1.6 s98.44%
Subj. Dry Handling11th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Wet Braking2nd36.1 M35.7 M+0.4 M98.89%
Wet Handling6th70.39 s69.86 s+0.53 s99.25%
Subj. Wet Handling10th7.5 Points10 Points-2.5 Points75%
Straight Aqua1st91.62 Km/H100%
Subj. Comfort5th9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Noise5th61.6 dB61.2 dB+0.4 dB99.35%
Tire Weight3rd8.52 Kg7.98 Kg+0.54 Kg93.66%
Price3rd191 156 +35 81.68%
Rolling Resistance8th8.85 kg / t7.19 kg / t+1.66 kg / t81.24%
Highest resistance to aquaplaning, very short wet braking, good comfort, well priced.
Low grip in dry handling, extended dry braking, poor subjective handling, average rolling resistance.
The new RainSport 5 remains a tire that prioritises wet performance above all else, and is a great choice if you live in a climate with a lot of rainfall.


Read Reviews    Buy from £63.54

5th: Nokian WetProof

Nokian WetProof
  • 205/55 R16 91V
  • Production: 4919
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd34.5 M34.2 M+0.3 M99.13%
Dry Handling7th102.24 s101.17 s+1.07 s98.95%
Subj. Dry Handling4th9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Wet Braking6th39 M35.7 M+3.3 M91.54%
Wet Handling2nd69.95 s69.86 s+0.09 s99.87%
Subj. Wet Handling4th8.8 Points10 Points-1.2 Points88%
Straight Aqua7th81.26 Km/H91.62 Km/H-10.36 Km/H88.69%
Subj. Comfort3rd9.4 Points10 Points-0.6 Points94%
Noise11th62.2 dB61.2 dB+1 dB98.39%
Tire Weight1st7.98 Kg100%
Price5th201 156 +45 77.61%
Rolling Resistance6th8.44 kg / t7.19 kg / t+1.25 kg / t85.19%
Good dry braking, excellent handling in the wet, high levels of comfort, well priced.
Average wet braking, high noise levels, average rolling resistance.
The Nokian Wetproof is a well priced, balanced tire.


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6th: Bridgestone Turanza T005

Bridgestone Turanza T005
  • 205/55 R16 91V
  • Production: 0820
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th34.8 M34.2 M+0.6 M98.28%
Dry Handling5th101.67 s101.17 s+0.5 s99.51%
Subj. Dry Handling6th8.6 Points10 Points-1.4 Points86%
Wet Braking10th41 M35.7 M+5.3 M87.07%
Wet Handling4th70.05 s69.86 s+0.19 s99.73%
Subj. Wet Handling5th8.6 Points10 Points-1.4 Points86%
Straight Aqua8th81.18 Km/H91.62 Km/H-10.44 Km/H88.61%
Subj. Comfort5th9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Noise3rd61.5 dB61.2 dB+0.3 dB99.51%
Tire Weight5th8.74 Kg7.98 Kg+0.76 Kg91.3%
Price7th218 156 +62 71.56%
Rolling Resistance1st7.19 kg / t100%
Good grip in the dry, both handling and braking, good wet handling, low noise, lowest rolling resistance on test.
Long wet braking, average aquaplaning resistance.
The T005 is a well rounded tire with excellent low fuel use.


Read Reviews    Buy from £67.94

7th: Michelin Primacy 4

Michelin Primacy 4
  • 205/55 R16 91H
  • Production: 0620
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking6th34.9 M34.2 M+0.7 M97.99%
Dry Handling9th102.57 s101.17 s+1.4 s98.64%
Subj. Dry Handling6th8.6 Points10 Points-1.4 Points86%
Wet Braking7th39.8 M35.7 M+4.1 M89.7%
Wet Handling8th70.97 s69.86 s+1.11 s98.44%
Subj. Wet Handling5th8.6 Points10 Points-1.4 Points86%
Straight Aqua3rd82.86 Km/H91.62 Km/H-8.76 Km/H90.44%
Subj. Comfort2nd9.8 Points10 Points-0.2 Points98%
Noise5th61.6 dB61.2 dB+0.4 dB99.35%
Tire Weight9th8.94 Kg7.98 Kg+0.96 Kg89.26%
Price12th267 156 +111 58.43%
Rolling Resistance3rd8.08 kg / t7.19 kg / t+0.89 kg / t88.99%
High levels of comfort and low noise, very low rolling resistance, high aquaplaning resistance.
Most expensive tire on test, relatively slow dry and wet handling laps.
The Primacy 4 is a great all round tire, and while it doesn't excel in any category, it has relatively few flaws.


Read Reviews    Buy from £86.67

8th: Maxxis Premitra HP5

Maxxis Premitra HP5
  • 205/55 R16 91V
  • Production: 1119
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking7th35 M34.2 M+0.8 M97.71%
Dry Handling2nd101.25 s101.17 s+0.08 s99.92%
Subj. Dry Handling1st10 Points100%
Wet Braking9th40.3 M35.7 M+4.6 M88.59%
Wet Handling1st69.86 s100%
Subj. Wet Handling1st10 Points100%
Straight Aqua2nd85.22 Km/H91.62 Km/H-6.4 Km/H93.01%
Subj. Comfort8th8.8 Points10 Points-1.2 Points88%
Noise12th62.3 dB61.2 dB+1.1 dB98.23%
Tire Weight7th8.8 Kg7.98 Kg+0.82 Kg90.68%
Price6th205 156 +49 76.1%
Rolling Resistance11th9.77 kg / t7.19 kg / t+2.58 kg / t73.59%
Excellent dry and wet handling with a sporty feel and high levels of grip. Good aquaplaning resistance and well priced.
Long dry and wet braking, high noise levels, high rolling resistance, average comfort levels.
A very well priced sporty feeling tire, perfect for those who enjoy driving enjoyment with a smaller wheel.


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9th: BFGoodrich Advantage

BFGoodrich Advantage
  • 205/55 R16 91H
  • Production: 4719
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking8th35.1 M34.2 M+0.9 M97.44%
Dry Handling11th103.07 s101.17 s+1.9 s98.16%
Subj. Dry Handling11th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Wet Braking5th38.9 M35.7 M+3.2 M91.77%
Wet Handling10th71.93 s69.86 s+2.07 s97.12%
Subj. Wet Handling5th8.6 Points10 Points-1.4 Points86%
Straight Aqua9th80.93 Km/H91.62 Km/H-10.69 Km/H88.33%
Subj. Comfort1st10 Points100%
Noise1st61.2 dB100%
Tire Weight5th8.74 Kg7.98 Kg+0.76 Kg91.3%
Price9th236 156 +80 66.1%
Rolling Resistance4th8.34 kg / t7.19 kg / t+1.15 kg / t86.21%
The quietest and most comfortable tire on test, low rolling resistance.
Low grip in the dry and wet with understeer behaviour, average aquaplaning resistance.
The new BF Goodrich Advantage is aimed at those who prioritise comfort over handling.

Conditionally Recommended

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10th: Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2

Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2
  • 205/55 R16 94V
  • Production: 5019
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd34.5 M34.2 M+0.3 M99.13%
Dry Handling8th102.32 s101.17 s+1.15 s98.88%
Subj. Dry Handling3rd9.4 Points10 Points-0.6 Points94%
Wet Braking8th39.9 M35.7 M+4.2 M89.47%
Wet Handling7th70.88 s69.86 s+1.02 s98.56%
Subj. Wet Handling1st10 Points100%
Straight Aqua6th82.02 Km/H91.62 Km/H-9.6 Km/H89.52%
Subj. Comfort11th8.2 Points10 Points-1.8 Points82%
Noise3rd61.5 dB61.2 dB+0.3 dB99.51%
Tire Weight11th9.04 Kg7.98 Kg+1.06 Kg88.27%
Price10th238 156 +82 65.55%
Rolling Resistance10th9.76 kg / t7.19 kg / t+2.57 kg / t73.67%
Excellent dry braking, low noise levels, good subjective handling in the dry and wet.
Average dry and wet handling and long wet braking, average comfort and high rolling resistance.
The new P7 C2 is a great update to the P7, with an excellent dry grip and sporty handling. If the wet performance was a little better it would have been near the very top of the test.

Conditionally Recommended

Read Reviews    Buy from £83.99

11th: Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125

Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125
  • 205/55 R16 91V
  • Production: 0920
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking11th36.3 M34.2 M+2.1 M94.21%
Dry Handling6th102.05 s101.17 s+0.88 s99.14%
Subj. Dry Handling9th7.5 Points10 Points-2.5 Points75%
Wet Braking11th42.1 M35.7 M+6.4 M84.8%
Wet Handling11th72.28 s69.86 s+2.42 s96.65%
Subj. Wet Handling5th8.6 Points10 Points-1.4 Points86%
Straight Aqua5th82.53 Km/H91.62 Km/H-9.09 Km/H90.08%
Subj. Comfort5th9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Noise9th62.1 dB61.2 dB+0.9 dB98.55%
Tire Weight9th8.94 Kg7.98 Kg+0.96 Kg89.26%
Price2nd187 156 +31 83.42%
Rolling Resistance9th8.98 kg / t7.19 kg / t+1.79 kg / t80.07%
Good grip in dry handling, good levels of comfort, well priced.
Long dry braking, poor wet grip, high rolling resistance.
If price is important to you, this might be a good option, but the Prime 3 is soon to be replaced by a much improved version, so we recommend waiting for that.

Not Recommended

Read Reviews    Buy from £69.99

12th: Goodride RP28

Goodride RP28
  • 205/55 R16 91V
  • Production: 5119
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking12th37.5 M34.2 M+3.3 M91.2%
Dry Handling12th104.01 s101.17 s+2.84 s97.27%
Subj. Dry Handling9th7.5 Points10 Points-2.5 Points75%
Wet Braking12th45.8 M35.7 M+10.1 M77.95%
Wet Handling12th76.76 s69.86 s+6.9 s91.01%
Subj. Wet Handling12th5 Points10 Points-5 Points50%
Straight Aqua12th72.08 Km/H91.62 Km/H-19.54 Km/H78.67%
Subj. Comfort8th8.8 Points10 Points-1.2 Points88%
Noise8th61.9 dB61.2 dB+0.7 dB98.87%
Tire Weight8th8.82 Kg7.98 Kg+0.84 Kg90.48%
Price1st156 100%
Rolling Resistance7th8.81 kg / t7.19 kg / t+1.62 kg / t81.61%
Low price, reasonable levels of comfort.
Longest dry and wet braking, slowest dry and wet handling, average rolling resistance.
Not the worst budget tire ever tested, however it was still a long way behind the 11th placed tire, and not that much cheaper.

Not Recommended

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