Maxxis Premitra HP6 vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
- TR Score
- 8.2/10
- Owners say
- 65% · 3
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 91% · 19
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tires, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 finished ahead 5 times and the Premitra HP6 once. The Premitra HP6 had 7.7% lower rolling resistance; the Cinturato C3 lasted 42.5% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Pirelli Cinturato C3 if you want the safest, most consistently top-tier summer performance-especially for frequent wet-weather driving, short braking distances, and confidence at higher speeds. Choose the Maxxis Premitra HP6 if budget and efficiency (rolling resistance/fuel use) matter most and your driving is mainly dry-to-light-wet without regularly encountering standing water at speed; it can feel sporty on a dry road, but it's not as consistently secure as the Pirelli when conditions deteriorate.
Where the Premitra HP6 is stronger
- Efficiency-focused: consistently lower rolling resistance (e.g., 7.53 vs 8.61 kg/t in Auto Express; 7.69 vs 8.27 kg/t in 225/45 R17 test), plus better fuel consumption where measured
- Often quieter in measured noise results (wins 3/4 on noise; e.g., 70 vs 72 dB in Auto Zeitung; 65.0 vs 65.8 dB in Motor)
- Can be very quick on dry handling layouts (wins/near-wins on lap time; e.g., 53.71 s vs 54.26 s in Auto Express; marginal win in 225/45 R17 dry handling time)
Where the Cinturato C3 is stronger
- Best-in-class braking advantage in this head-to-head: wins dry braking 6/6 and wet braking 6/6, typically by meaningful margins (often ~5-9%)
- Stronger wet-road performance overall: wins wet handling 5/5 and straight aquaplaning 6/6 in the shared datasets
- High confidence/communication: repeatedly praised for steering feel, feedback and progressive, controllable balance at the limit
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.
Premitra HP6 vs Cinturato C3 at a glance
| Category | Premitra HP6 | Gap | Cinturato C3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won6 shared tests | 1 | 5 | |
| Dry14 measurements | 2 | The Cinturato C3 stopped 5.7% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 11 |
| Wet29 measurements | 3 | The Cinturato C3 stopped 5.7% shorter in the wet (6 tests) | 26 |
| Comfort10 measurements | 4 | The Premitra HP6 was 0.7 dB quieter (4 tests) | 3 |
| Value10 measurements | 7 | The Premitra HP6 had 7.7% lower rolling resistance (4 tests) | 3 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.2/10 | The Cinturato C3 by 1.2 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner rating3 and 19 reviews | 65% | The Cinturato C3 by 26 points | 91% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Cinturato C3 was dearer in 4 of 4 | +30.4% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 56 | 15 sizes made in both | 35 |
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 6 tests in 2026
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 | Premitra HP6 | Field | Cinturato C3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Express Summer Tire Test | P4 of 8 | P5 of 8 | |
| 2026 Motor Summer Tire Test | P6 of 9 | P1 of 9 | |
| 2026 Vi Bilagare Summer Tire Test | P8 of 10 | P2 of 10 | |
| The BEST Summer Tires for 2026 Tested and Rated | P8 of 12 | P1 of 12 | |
| 2026 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P8 of 16 | P2 of 16 | |
| 2026 Auto Zeitung 18 Inch Summer Tire Test | P7 of 10 | P3 of 10 |
Performance profile
14 measurements from the 6 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Premitra HP6
Cinturato C3
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 80%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 6 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Premitra HP6
Cinturato C3
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
Premitra HP6
Not ahead in any category
Cinturato C3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Premitra HP6 65% from 3 reviews and the Cinturato C3 91% from 19. 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 | Premitra HP6 | Gap | Cinturato C3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 126 | 5.7% | 119 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 65.76 | 0.1% | 65.63 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 16.9% | scored | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 129 | 5.7% | 121 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 125 | 2.1% | 122 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 76.37 | 3% | 74.16 | 0-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 70.8% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1.6 | 5.7% | 1.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.49 | 2% | 12.76 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 48.2 | 2.6% | 49.4 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11 | 4.3% | 11.4 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 32.5% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.65 | 0.7 dB | 70.3 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.9 | 0.8 dB | 74.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 20,567 | 42.5% | 29,003 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.84 | 7.7% | 6.35 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.45 | 3.6% | 5.65 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 76 | 3.8% | 79 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 0.11 | 26.1% | 0.08 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Premitra HP6 scores 8.2 and the Cinturato C3 9.4 out of 10.
| Premitra HP6 | Category | Cinturato C3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | Dry | 93 | ||
| 68 | Wet | 94 | ||
| 18 | Comfort | 28 | ||
| 62 | Value | 54 | ||
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
| Premitra HP6 | Category | Cinturato C3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Dry Grip | 9.6 | ||
| 7 | Wet Grip | 9.6 | ||
| 6 | Road Feedback | 9.3 | ||
| 6.7 | Handling | 9.3 | ||
| 6 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 7.3 | Comfort | 8.3 | ||
Owners rate the Premitra HP6 65% from 3 reviews and the Cinturato C3 91% from 19. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Maxxis Premitra HP6
- 65%from 3 reviews
- 31,000 milesdriven by reviewers
All 3 Premitra HP6 reviewsTires are spongy, imprecise, indirect, and very unsporty on dry roads. They are quiet and save fuel. In wet conditions, they are average and completely okay. Despite AAA and BMW * approval, they do not fit a sporty front-wheel drive car like a Fiesta MH 155 HP. Very affordable and completely fine for everyday use. Sportiness compared to Continental PremiumContact 6 or Bridgestone Potenza Sport is non-existent.
Pirelli Cinturato C3
- 91%from 19 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 76,500 milesdriven by reviewers
Across 19 reviews, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is described as a highly confidence-inspiring tire with standout grip, strong wet and dry braking, and sharp, sporty steering that makes cars feel more responsive and secure. Many drivers also report good stability and a generally refined ride, with several praising low wear early on and solid durability impressions. The most repeated drawbacks are higher road noise for some users and a firmer/less plush ride over poor surfaces, with a smaller minority noting worsened fuel economy; one review also flags inconsistent manufacturing finish/quality control.
- Excellent dry and wet grip
- Strong braking and high safety/confidence
- Sharp steering response and sporty handling/turn-in
- Stable, predictable handling and good feedback
- Road noise can be higher than expected (especially on some roads/at low speeds)
- Ride can feel firmer/less forgiving over bumps and potholes
- Some reports of reduced fuel economy/rolling resistance increase
Summarised by AI from 19 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 19 Cinturato C3 reviewsI can say that these tires are the best I have ever had! My previous tires were Bridgestone T001 and Falken FK 510. I am extremely impressed with the comfort and stability of the new Pirelli tires. Their wear in 6000 miles is only 0.7mm! When new the tread is 7.3mm.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 56 sizes of the Premitra HP6 and 35 of the Cinturato C3, 15 of them made in both.
| Category | Premitra HP6 | Cinturato C3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 56 sizes, 15 to 18 inch | 35 sizes, 16 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 15 sizes 205/55 R16205/55 R17215/55 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17225/60 R17215/50 R18215/55 R18225/45 R18225/55 R18225/60 R18and 3 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C89%B11% | B40%A35%C25% |
| EU label noise | 70-72 dB B100% | 66-72 dB B80%A20% |
| On the market since | 2024 | - |
| Replaced | - | Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 (2026) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Cinturato C3 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 30.4% 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 is a classic “improving value tire vs established premium-tourer” matchup. The Maxxis Premitra HP6 is a summer touring tire that has made a big step forward in recent years, often looking lively and efficient for the money. The Pirelli Cinturato C3, meanwhile, is positioned as a premium-touring summer tire-and across six major 2026 tests it's repeatedly judged as a front-runner, including multiple overall wins and podiums.
The data shows a very consistent pattern: Pirelli's advantage is overwhelmingly about stopping power and wet-road security (especially wet braking, wet handling, and straight-line aquaplaning), plus strong steering communication in several reports. Maxxis fights back with better efficiency (rolling resistance/fuel consumption), often lower measured noise, and occasional standout handling/cornering results-while also being the more budget-friendly route in most markets.
Conclusion
Across the shared test set, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is the clearly stronger all-round performer and the safer bet if you prioritize braking and wet composure. It wins dry braking in all 6/6 comparisons (typically by ~3.6-8.9%; e.g., 34.5 m vs 35.8 m in ADAC, 56.4 m vs 61.9 m in Auto Zeitung wet braking), and it also wins wet braking 6/6 (often ~5-9%). It's also consistently stronger in straight-line aquaplaning (6/6) and usually faster and more confidence-inspiring in wet handling, which is reflected in its frequent overall podiums/wins (1st in Motor and “Best Summer Tires for 2026”, 2nd in Vi Bilagare and ADAC, 3rd in Auto Zeitung).
The Maxxis Premitra HP6's case is value plus efficiency: it repeatedly posts lower rolling resistance (wins 4/4 where measured) and better fuel-consumption figures (wins 2/2), and it often measures quieter than the Pirelli (wins 3/4 on noise in these shared results). It can also be genuinely quick on certain handling layouts-e.g., it edges dry handling in Auto Express (53.71 s vs 54.26 s) and was 1st on dry handling time in the “Best Summer Tires for 2026” test-yet multiple reports flag a less predictable limit behavior in the wet and weaker standing-water performance in some tests. The practical takeaway: if you want premium-grade wet stopping, aquaplaning security and consistent high scores, pick the Pirelli; if your priorities are cost control, efficiency and you mainly drive in moderate rain rather than frequent standing water at speed, the Maxxis can still make sense.
Premitra HP6 vs Cinturato C3: your questions
Is the Maxxis Premitra HP6 or the Pirelli Cinturato C3 the better tire?
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tires, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 finished ahead 5 times and the Premitra HP6 once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Premitra HP6 scores 8.2 and the Cinturato C3 9.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Premitra HP6 or the Cinturato C3?
The Cinturato C3 led 26 of the 29 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.7% shorter in the wet across 6 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Cinturato C3 led 11 of the 14 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.7% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Premitra HP6 had 7.7% lower rolling resistance (4 tests) and used 3.6% less fuel (2 tests); the Cinturato C3 lasted 42.5% longer in the wear tests (2 tests). Owners rate wear 6/10 for the Premitra HP6 and 9/10 for the Cinturato C3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Premitra HP6 was 0.7 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.3/10 for the Premitra HP6 and 8.3/10 for the Cinturato C3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Premitra HP6 65% from 3 reviews and the Cinturato C3 91% from 19.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Cinturato C3 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 30.4% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Premitra HP6 is made in 56 sizes (15 to 18 inch) and the Cinturato C3 in 35 (16 to 20 inch). 15 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Premitra HP6 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Cinturato C3 A and B.
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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.
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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