Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Uniroyal RainSport 5
- TR Score
- 9.0/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 129
- TR Score
- 8.0/10
- Owners say
- 73% · 91
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 finished ahead 8 times and the RainSport 5 not once. The EfficientGrip Performance 2 lasted 79.3% longer in the wear tests; the RainSport 5 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 9.4% higher speed.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 for balanced safety, excellent dry stopping, long life, and low running costs. Pick Uniroyal RainSport 5 if you frequently drive in heavy rain and prioritize top-tier aquaplaning resistance over longevity and dry-road precision.
Where the EfficientGrip Performance 2 is stronger
- Class-leading wear and low abrasion (e.g., +97% mileage vs RainSport 5 in ADAC 2023)
- Consistently shorter dry braking and better dry handling feel
- Low rolling resistance and lower fuel consumption
Where the RainSport 5 is stronger
- Excellent straight and curved aquaplaning resistance
- Often strong wet braking performance
- Stable wet handling in shallow to moderate water
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs RainSport 5 at a glance
| Category | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Gap | RainSport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won8 shared tests | 8 | 0 | |
| Dry11 measurements | 11 | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 stopped 3.5% shorter in the dry (7 tests) | 0 |
| Wet19 measurements | 6 | The RainSport 5 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 9.4% higher speed (4 tests) | 13 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 6 | 1 | |
| Value9 measurements | 9 | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 lasted 79.3% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) | 0 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.0/10 | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 1.0 | 8.0/10 |
| Owner rating129 and 91 reviews | 85% | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 12 points | 73% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 81% | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 22 points | 59% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +16.9% | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 was dearer in 4 of 4 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 37 | 21 sizes made in both | 104 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 8 tests, 2020 to 2024
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Field | RainSport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tire Test | P4 of 20 | P18 of 20 | |
| 2024 Summer Tire Market Overview | P13 of 55 | P14 of 55 | |
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P1 of 50 | P31 of 50 | |
| 2022 Summer Tire Market Overview | P16 of 50 | P34 of 50 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild 16 Inch Summer Tire Test | P9 of 20 | P11 of 20 | |
| 2021 ADAC Summer Tire Test - 205/55 R16 | P4 of 15 | P13 of 15 | |
| 2021 53 Summer Tire Braking Test | P13 of 53 | P19 of 53 | |
| 2020 Tire Reviews Ultimate Summer Tire Test | P2 of 12 | P4 of 12 |
Performance profile
10 measurements from the 8 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
EfficientGrip Performance 2
RainSport 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 85%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 9 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
EfficientGrip Performance 2
RainSport 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
EfficientGrip Performance 2
RainSport 5
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the EfficientGrip Performance 2 85% from 129 reviews and the RainSport 5 73% from 91. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Gap | RainSport 5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 119 | 3.5% | 124 | 7-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 101.2 | 1.6% | 102.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 65.3 | 0.9% | 64.7 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 28.6% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 122 | 0.6% | 122 | 3-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 118 | 0.8% | 119 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.04 | 0.5% | 70.39 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 46.8 | 1.4% | 47.5 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 22.7% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 13.2 | 7.1% | 14.2 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.7 | 9.4% | 54.3 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 13.1 | 12.8% | 14.8 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 4.4% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 68.23 | 0.2 dB | 68.43 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 18.1 | 3.6% | 18.8 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 33,273 | 79.3% | 18,618 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.38 | 14.4% | 8.67 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | 3.4% | 5.9 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 61.3 | 34.2% | 93.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 9 and the RainSport 5 8 out of 10.
| EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Category | RainSport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | Dry | 40 | ||
| 75 | Wet | 90 | ||
| 86 | Comfort | 77 | ||
| 92 | Value | 39 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Category | RainSport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 7.5 | ||
| 8.6 | Wet Grip | 8.6 | ||
| 8 | Road Feedback | 6.7 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 6.8 | ||
| 9.1 | Wear | 7.2 | ||
| 8.5 | Comfort | 8 | ||
Owners rate the EfficientGrip Performance 2 85% from 129 reviews and the RainSport 5 73% from 91. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
- 85%from 129 reviews
- 81%would buy again
- 1,831,837 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners largely describe the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 as a quiet, very comfortable touring tire with standout longevity, reflected in the strong average score (81.1%) and the high share of positive reviews (90 of 113). Around four in ten owners specifically praise its tread life, and many also report confident dry and wet grip for everyday road use. The main reservation is that a noticeable minority (around one in five) find the steering feel a bit vague, and a smaller group mention a soft sidewall or occasional stability/feedback issues at speed.
- Low road noise for a touring tire
- Comfortable, supple ride over bumps and poor surfaces
- Excellent tread life and slow wear rate
- Strong dry grip with a safe, dependable feel
- Vague or less direct steering feel
- Soft sidewalls can feel imprecise or allow more movement in corners
- Wet braking can be underwhelming for some drivers
Summarised by AI from 113 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 129 EfficientGrip Performance 2 reviewsThe Goodyear Efficientgrip Performance 2’s were excellent. I like them so much that I’m onto my third pair across two cars. They improved my fuel efficiency significantly, were stubborn to wear away, all while providing reassuring grip whatever the weather. I’d driven over 40k miles on this set and have only just replaced them due to shoulder wear from needing an alignment. No doubt they’d have lasted over 50k miles otherwise! They’re not a budget tire but you soon recoup the added purchase cost through not having to replace as frequently and saving on fuel.
Uniroyal RainSport 5
- 73%from 91 reviews
- 59%would buy again
- 941,167 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners most strongly agree that the Uniroyal RainSport 5 delivers standout wet-weather confidence, with nearly two-thirds praising wet grip and around one in five specifically highlighting strong aquaplaning resistance. Dry grip also gets more praise than criticism, and a sizeable minority find it comfortable and quieter than expected for such an open tread pattern. The main recurring drawback is a soft, flexible feel: around one in five complain about sidewall support and steering feedback, sometimes describing the handling as vague or floaty, particularly when pushed or at speed. Tread life is mixed, with roughly a third commenting and opinions split between surprisingly good mileage and quicker-than-hoped wear.
- Excellent wet grip and confidence in heavy rain
- Strong resistance to aquaplaning in standing water
- Good dry grip for everyday driving
- Comfortable, compliant ride
- Soft sidewalls can make the car feel floaty or imprecise
- Limited steering feedback and slower responses
- Dry handling can feel vague when pushed
Summarised by AI from 81 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 91 RainSport 5 reviewsWet grip is incredible, dry grip is just above average, very progressive tire, slightly spongy so I pumped them up to 40psi instead of 33. Economy was also average. Would buy them again, I had them fitted to a Volvo v90 d5. Not much change worn Vs new, just a little more aqua planing, better in the dry as they wore down. Mostly used on motorway, occasional country road use. Suited the Volvo well and price was good
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 37 sizes of the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 104 of the RainSport 5, 21 of them made in both.
| Category | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | RainSport 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 37 sizes, 15 to 21 inch | 104 sizes, 15 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 21 sizes 195/50 R16195/55 R16205/45 R16205/55 R16215/55 R16225/50 R16205/50 R17205/55 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17and 9 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A88%B12% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | A53%B34%C13% | C86%D12%B2% |
| EU label noise | 67-71 dB B52%A48% | 70-75 dB B100% |
| On the market since | - | 2019 |
| Replaced | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance (2021) | Uniroyal RainSport 3 (2013) |
| Awards | Highly Recommended: Best Tires for Large Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Commended: Best Tires for Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Summer Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2022) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 16.9% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits two very different summer tires against each other: Goodyear's EfficientGrip Performance 2, a premium touring option known for efficiency and longevity, versus Uniroyal's RainSport 5, an ultra-high-performance tire that majors on wet-weather security. Across eight shared tests in the key 205/55 R16 size, they trade blows in wet metrics while diverging sharply in durability and economy.
Expect the Goodyear to lead on dry braking and all-round balance, with class-leading wear and low rolling resistance translating into standout value. The Uniroyal counters with consistently strong aquaplaning resistance and often shorter wet braking, suiting heavy-rain conditions. The question is whether the RainSport's wet edge offsets its compromises in wear, efficiency, and dry precision for your use case.
Conclusion
Across multiple reputable tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is the more complete tire. It consistently stops shorter in the dry, steers more predictably, and pairs low rolling resistance with exceptional mileage-often nearly doubling the RainSport 5's wear life (e.g., 65,700 km vs 33,300 km in ADAC 2023). That efficiency advantage also improves running costs, making the Goodyear one of the strongest value propositions in this segment despite a slightly higher purchase price.
The Uniroyal RainSport 5 earns its name in deep water: it repeatedly tops straight and curved aquaplaning tests and can deliver shorter wet braking in several programs. However, its higher wear, weaker dry stability and braking, and poorer efficiency limit its appeal as an everyday all-rounder. For most drivers, Goodyear is the safer long-term bet; choose the Uniroyal if your priority is maximum aquaplaning safety in regions with frequent, heavy rainfall and you accept faster wear.
EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs RainSport 5: your questions
Is the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 or the Uniroyal RainSport 5 the better tire?
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 finished ahead 8 times and the RainSport 5 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 9 and the RainSport 5 8 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 or the RainSport 5?
The RainSport 5 led 13 of the 19 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it resisted straight aquaplaning at a 9.4% higher speed across 4 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The EfficientGrip Performance 2 led 11 of the 11 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.5% shorter in the dry across 7 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The EfficientGrip Performance 2 lasted 79.3% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) and had 14.4% lower rolling resistance (3 tests). Owners rate wear 9.1/10 for the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 7.2/10 for the RainSport 5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.5/10 for the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 8/10 for the RainSport 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the EfficientGrip Performance 2 85% from 129 reviews and the RainSport 5 73% from 91. 81% of EfficientGrip Performance 2 owners would buy it again, against 59% for the RainSport 5.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 16.9% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The EfficientGrip Performance 2 is made in 37 sizes (15 to 21 inch) and the RainSport 5 in 104 (15 to 21 inch). 21 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the EfficientGrip Performance 2 is graded A for wet grip and A for rolling resistance in most sizes; the RainSport 5 A and C.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Review the EfficientGrip Performance 2 Review the RainSport 5
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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