2025 Auto Express Summer Tire Test

It's the second test for the new Pirelli P Zero PZ5, and the second win! This years Auto Express summer tire test has tested nine popular summer tires in 225/40 R18, with some rather interesting results.

As always we suggest you visit the Auto Express website on the link below for the full details, but here is our summary.

Test Publication:

225/40 R18 9 tires 4 categories

Similar Tests

Images courtesy of Auto Express

Test Publication:

Images courtesy of Auto Express

Test Size: 225/40 R18

Tires Tested: 9 tires

Test Categories:
4 categories (9 tests)

Similar Tests

Perhaps the most interesting result of this test was the Continental SportContact 7, which usually performs well in the wet, struggling in the wet conditions of the test facility. I asked Continental to comment and they are as confused as I am, I'll update this article if I hear something else in the future.

As Auto Express do not provide raw data, instead percentages to the best in test, the data below is based on estimated 'bests'. The percentage difference between the tires is accurate, but the numbers are based on guessing the best in category. As scoring is done on percentages this doesn't affect the score weighting calculator on the results tab but I thought it was important to share.

Dry

Dry Braking

Dry Handling

Wet

Wet Braking

Wet Handling

Wet Circle

Straight Aqua

Curved Aquaplaning

Comfort

Subj. Noise

Value

Rolling Resistance

Results

1^st

Pirelli P Zero PZ5

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: no

The new Pirelli P Zero PZ5 impressed with three test wins—more than any other tire—including first place in both wet and dry handling. In the wet, it was agile, stable, and well-balanced, taking second in braking just 0.7m behind the leader, though its pace was greater than its feel suggested. Aquaplaning results were good but not class-leading. In the dry, it showed strong grip, throttle adjustability, and composure, matching the fastest lap time with Bridgestone and placing fourth in braking. Quiet and comfortable over rough asphalt, its only notable drawback was relatively high rolling resistance.

Dry

98.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	4th	35.2 M	34 M	+1.2 M	96.59%
Dry Handling	1st	82 s			100%

Wet

97%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	2nd	30.8 M	30 M	+0.8 M	97.4%
Wet Handling	1st	90 s			100%
Wet Circle	1st	28 s			100%
Straight Aqua	6th	84.5 Km/H	88 Km/H	-3.5 Km/H	96.02%
Curved Aquaplaning	5th	0.78 m/sec2	0.85 m/sec2	-0.07 m/sec2	91.76%

Comfort

93%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Noise	3rd	9.3 Points	10 Points	-0.7 Points	93%

Value

87.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	7th	7.99 kg / t	7 kg / t	+0.99 kg / t	87.61%

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2^nd

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: no

The Bridgestone, last year’s winner in this size, takes second place this time but delivers a dramatic turnaround in wet braking, topping the field at 27.5m—nearly a metre ahead of its nearest rival. It added third in wet handling and solid aquaplaning results, though felt less confident in standing water. In the dry, it matched Pirelli for the fastest lap, showing strong grip, precise transitions, and excellent traction, with joint-second braking just under a metre off the best. Quiet and consistent, its main drawback is high rolling resistance, but its balanced performance secures a strong overall result.

Dry

98.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	2nd	34.9 M	34 M	+0.9 M	97.42%
Dry Handling	1st	82 s			100%

Wet

96.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	1st	30 M			100%
Wet Handling	3rd	90.6 s	90 s	+0.6 s	99.34%
Wet Circle	2nd	28.1 s	28 s	+0.1 s	99.64%
Straight Aqua	4th	85.2 Km/H	88 Km/H	-2.8 Km/H	96.82%
Curved Aquaplaning	7th	0.75 m/sec2	0.85 m/sec2	-0.1 m/sec2	88.24%

Comfort

88%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Noise	5th	8.8 Points	10 Points	-1.2 Points	88%

Value

84.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	8th	8.25 kg / t	7 kg / t	+1.25 kg / t	84.85%

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3^rd

Hankook Ventus Evo

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: no

The new Hankook impressed with consistently strong wet-weather performance, earning third overall despite no outright wins. It was within a metre of the leader in wet braking and excelled on the wet handling circuit, combining grip, braking, traction, and composure for a lap just 0.2 seconds off the best. It also claimed second in both aquaplaning tests. Dry results were less competitive, with sixth in braking and seventh in handling, lacking the grip and precision of the leaders. Refinement was a highlight, with low cabin noise and good bump absorption, though rolling resistance was only average.

Dry

96%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	6th	36.4 M	34 M	+2.4 M	93.41%
Dry Handling	7th	83.1 s	82 s	+1.1 s	98.68%

Wet

97.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	4th	32.4 M	30 M	+2.4 M	92.59%
Wet Handling	2nd	90.2 s	90 s	+0.2 s	99.78%
Wet Circle	7th	28.5 s	28 s	+0.5 s	98.25%
Straight Aqua	2nd	86.5 Km/H	88 Km/H	-1.5 Km/H	98.3%
Curved Aquaplaning	1st	0.85 m/sec2			100%

Comfort

96%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Noise	2nd	9.6 Points	10 Points	-0.4 Points	96%

Value

88.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	6th	7.9 kg / t	7 kg / t	+0.9 kg / t	88.61%

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4^th

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: no

The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 repeats its fourth-place finish from last year, again showing standout aquaplaning ability with wins in both tests. It took third in wet cornering and wet braking—within a metre of the leader—but was only joint-fifth in wet handling despite feeling composed, grippy, and stable. Dry results were more modest, with seventh in both braking and handling, around 2.6m and several tenths off the best respectively, though it delivered a smooth, high-quality driving feel. While rather noisy in the cabin, it offered excellent fuel economy and a performance that felt stronger than the raw times suggested.

Dry

95.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	7th	36.8 M	34 M	+2.8 M	92.39%
Dry Handling	7th	83.1 s	82 s	+1.1 s	98.68%

Wet

98.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	3rd	31.6 M	30 M	+1.6 M	94.94%
Wet Handling	5th	91.1 s	90 s	+1.1 s	98.79%
Wet Circle	3rd	28.2 s	28 s	+0.2 s	99.29%
Straight Aqua	1st	88 Km/H			100%
Curved Aquaplaning	1st	0.85 m/sec2			100%

Comfort

87%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Noise	7th	8.7 Points	10 Points	-1.3 Points	87%

Value

94%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	3rd	7.45 kg / t	7 kg / t	+0.45 kg / t	93.96%

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5^th

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: no

The new Kumho made an impressive debut with strong wet and dry handling performances and excellent refinement, despite weaknesses in other areas. It struggled in wet braking, aquaplaning, and wet cornering, ranking eighth in each, yet delivered the fourth-fastest wet lap thanks to great traction, stability, and precise balance. In the dry, it again paired poor braking with strong handling, finishing joint-fourth, though it needed assertive steering and was noisy under pressure. It excelled in comfort, recording the lowest noise levels and absorbing bumps well, and offered strong economy with the second-lowest rolling resistance.

Dry

95.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	7th	36.8 M	34 M	+2.8 M	92.39%
Dry Handling	4th	82.8 s	82 s	+0.8 s	99.03%

Wet

91.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	8th	35.9 M	30 M	+5.9 M	83.57%
Wet Handling	4th	90.9 s	90 s	+0.9 s	99.01%
Wet Circle	8th	28.6 s	28 s	+0.6 s	97.9%
Straight Aqua	8th	83.6 Km/H	88 Km/H	-4.4 Km/H	95%
Curved Aquaplaning	8th	0.7 m/sec2	0.85 m/sec2	-0.15 m/sec2	82.35%

Comfort

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Noise	1st	10 Points			100%

Value

95.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	2nd	7.36 kg / t	7 kg / t	+0.36 kg / t	95.11%

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6^th

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: no

The Goodyear, a previous triple test winner and close runner-up, delivered a solid but less dominant performance this time, with no outright wins. In the wet, it placed sixth in braking, fourth in cornering, and fifth in handling, showing good balance and composure when driven smoothly, and ranked third in straight-line aquaplaning. Dry results were similarly mid-pack, with average braking and sixth in handling, just 0.6 seconds off the best, offering precision and strong traction but lacking the sharpness of the top performers. High cabin noise and some harshness over ridges were drawbacks, though rolling resistance was competitive, making it a capable all-rounder in a tougher field.

Dry

97.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	5th	35.6 M	34 M	+1.6 M	95.51%
Dry Handling	6th	82.9 s	82 s	+0.9 s	98.91%

Wet

95.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	6th	34.1 M	30 M	+4.1 M	87.98%
Wet Handling	5th	91.1 s	90 s	+1.1 s	98.79%
Wet Circle	4th	28.3 s	28 s	+0.3 s	98.94%
Straight Aqua	3rd	85.4 Km/H	88 Km/H	-2.6 Km/H	97.05%
Curved Aquaplaning	4th	0.79 m/sec2	0.85 m/sec2	-0.06 m/sec2	92.94%

Comfort

84%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Noise	9th	8.4 Points	10 Points	-1.6 Points	84%

Value

91.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	4th	7.63 kg / t	7 kg / t	+0.63 kg / t	91.74%

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7^th

Yokohama Advan Sport V107

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: no

The new Yokohama Advan Sport V107 delivers a competitive showing among major European rivals, excelling more in dry conditions than wet. It topped dry braking with a class-leading 32.2m stop from 60mph and ranked joint-fourth in dry handling, feeling grippy and tidy if slightly demanding to drive at the limit. Wet performance was more mixed, with fifth in straight-line braking, equal-seventh in handling due to limited traction and stability, and mid-pack aquaplaning results. It offered low cabin noise but was louder over sharp bumps, and its high rolling resistance made it the least fuel-efficient tire tested. Overall, its performance was still within 2% of the best in the group.

Dry

99.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	1st	34 M			100%
Dry Handling	4th	82.8 s	82 s	+0.8 s	99.03%

Wet

96%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	5th	33.2 M	30 M	+3.2 M	90.36%
Wet Handling	7th	91.8 s	90 s	+1.8 s	98.04%
Wet Circle	4th	28.3 s	28 s	+0.3 s	98.94%
Straight Aqua	7th	83.8 Km/H	88 Km/H	-4.2 Km/H	95.23%
Curved Aquaplaning	3rd	0.83 m/sec2	0.85 m/sec2	-0.02 m/sec2	97.65%

Comfort

88%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Noise	5th	8.8 Points	10 Points	-1.2 Points	88%

Value

78%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	9th	8.97 kg / t	7 kg / t	+1.97 kg / t	78.04%

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8^th

Continental SportContact 7

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: no

The Continental SportContact 7, last year’s third-place finisher in the 17-inch test, ranks eighth here despite being only 2% off the top performer. Its wet performance was the main weakness, placing seventh in straight-line braking—2.5m longer than the leader—eighth in wet handling, and mid-pack in aquaplaning. While traction was good, it felt unsettled over standing water and light at the rear in fast sweeps. In the dry, it excelled with joint-second braking and third in handling, showing superb grip, precision, and composure, though slightly off the fastest time. Noise levels were moderate, comfort was good, and rolling resistance was mid-range.

Dry

98.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	2nd	34.9 M	34 M	+0.9 M	97.42%
Dry Handling	3rd	82.5 s	82 s	+0.5 s	99.39%

Wet

92.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	7th	35 M	30 M	+5 M	85.71%
Wet Handling	7th	91.8 s	90 s	+1.8 s	98.04%
Wet Circle	6th	28.4 s	28 s	+0.4 s	98.59%
Straight Aqua	5th	84.8 Km/H	88 Km/H	-3.2 Km/H	96.36%
Curved Aquaplaning	8th	0.7 m/sec2	0.85 m/sec2	-0.15 m/sec2	82.35%

Comfort

87%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Noise	7th	8.7 Points	10 Points	-1.3 Points	87%

Value

91.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	4th	7.63 kg / t	7 kg / t	+0.63 kg / t	91.74%

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9^th

Ceat SportDrive

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: no

The Ceat SportDrive, a newcomer to testing, delivered a mixed performance, showing particular weakness in the wet. It was last in nearly all objective tests, including straight-line wet braking, where it took over 6m longer to stop than the leader, and struggled for grip and traction on the wet handling circuit. The Golf GTI felt light and tentative on them, requiring gentle inputs to maintain balance. Dry performance was also lacking, with braking more than 4m behind the best and handling two seconds off the pace, though it could be guided onto the right line. It was refined, offered the lowest rolling resistance despite an unfavourable EU label, but was surprisingly one of the most expensive tires tested.

Dry

93.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	9th	38.3 M	34 M	+4.3 M	88.77%
Dry Handling	9th	83.8 s	82 s	+1.8 s	97.85%

Wet

90.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	9th	36.8 M	30 M	+6.8 M	81.52%
Wet Handling	9th	97.7 s	90 s	+7.7 s	92.12%
Wet Circle	9th	28.7 s	28 s	+0.7 s	97.56%
Straight Aqua	9th	81.3 Km/H	88 Km/H	-6.7 Km/H	92.39%
Curved Aquaplaning	6th	0.77 m/sec2	0.85 m/sec2	-0.08 m/sec2	90.59%

Comfort

90%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Noise	4th	9 Points	10 Points	-1 Points	90%

Value

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	1st	7 kg / t			100%

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