Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN vs Michelin Primacy 5
- TR Score
- 8.6/10
- Owners say
- 88% · 11
- TR Score
- 8.8/10
- Owners say
- 82% · 62
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tires, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN finished ahead 4 times and the Primacy 5 twice. The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN held 6.7% more grip in curved aquaplaning; the Primacy 5 lasted 38.8% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN if you want the more confidence-inspiring wet-weather tire (especially in heavy rain/standing water) and prefer a more agile, better-handling touring tire at strong value. Choose the Michelin Primacy 5 if your priority is minimizing total cost of ownership-fuel/EV range plus long wear life-while accepting a calmer, less precise handling character and (in some tests) weaker overall circuit pace.
Where the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN is stronger
- Wet-road handling control and lap-time consistency: wins wet handling 4-0 and wet circle 3-0 across shared tests
- Aquaplaning resistance is a repeat standout, including a big margin in Auto Express straight aquaplaning (85.0 vs 77.9 km/h) and strong curved-aqua results (e.g., 3.6 vs 3.3 m/s² in ADAC)
- Generally strong braking and objective dynamics on dry in most tests (dry braking wins 5-1 overall vs Primacy 5; strong dry handling times in Auto Zeitung and Auto Express)
Where the Primacy 5 is stronger
- Efficiency/low energy loss: repeatedly best or near-best rolling resistance (e.g., Auto Express 7.0 vs 7.87 kg/t; ECO 7.2 vs 8.3 kg/t) and lower energy consumption (10.4 vs 11.0 kWh/100 km)
- Outstanding longevity and environmental performance where measured: ADAC wear 56,000 km vs 36,700 km and much lower abrasion (54 vs 95 mg/km/t)
- Wet braking can be genuinely strong in several datasets (e.g., ADAC 32.7 m vs 34.9 m; Auto Express 26.9 m vs 27.2 m)
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.
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN vs Primacy 5 at a glance
| Category | Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Gap | Primacy 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won6 shared tests | 4 | 2 | |
| Dry11 measurements | 10 | The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN stopped 1.2% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 1 |
| Wet26 measurements | 19 | The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN held 6.7% more grip in curved aquaplaning (4 tests) | 7 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 2 | The Primacy 5 was 1.2 dB quieter (4 tests) | 5 |
| Value10 measurements | 1 | The Primacy 5 lasted 38.8% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 9 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.6/10 | The Primacy 5 by 0.2 | 8.8/10 |
| Owner rating11 and 62 reviews | 88% | The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN by 6 points | 82% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 100% | The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN by 22 points | 78% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Primacy 5 was dearer in 4 of 4 | +24.9% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 110 | 68 sizes made in both | 88 |
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, 2025 to 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 | Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Field | Primacy 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Express Summer Tire Test | P3 of 8 | P6 of 8 | |
| 2026 Summer ECO Tire Test | P4 of 8 | P3 of 8 | |
| 2026 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P4 of 16 | P7 of 16 | |
| 2026 Auto Zeitung 18 Inch Summer Tire Test | P4 of 10 | P6 of 10 | |
| 2025 Die ReifenTester Summer Touring Tire Test | P3 of 7 | P5 of 7 | |
| 2025 Al Volante Summer Tire Test | P5 of 7 | P4 of 7 |
Performance profile
13 measurements from the 6 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
Primacy 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 80%: 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
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
Primacy 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
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
Primacy 5
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN 88% from 11 reviews and the Primacy 5 82% from 62. 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 | Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Gap | Primacy 5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | 1.2% | 121 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 58 | 1.2% | 58.69 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 66.2 | 0.1% | 66.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 8.2% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 118 | 0.7% | 117 | 2-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 132 | 3.2% | 127 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 90.28 | 1.6% | 91.61 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 34.2 | 0.7% | 34 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 25% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 17.2 | 1.2% | 17 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.89 | 3.4% | 13.37 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51.5 | 1.6% | 50.8 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 80.9 | 6.7% | 81.6 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 51.9% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.6% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.83 | 1.2 dB | 69.6 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 23,830 | 38.8% | 32,933 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.54 | 6.8% | 7 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | 5.3% | 5.4 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11 | 5.5% | 10.4 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 95 | 43.2% | 54 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 0.11 | 33.3% | 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 Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN scores 8.6 and the Primacy 5 8.8 out of 10.
| Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Category | Primacy 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | Dry | 62 | ||
| 83 | Wet | 77 | ||
| 15 | Comfort | 76 | ||
| 60 | Value | 92 | ||
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
| Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Category | Primacy 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.9 | Dry Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 8.7 | Wet Grip | 8.7 | ||
| 8.3 | Road Feedback | 7.6 | ||
| 8.5 | Handling | 7.8 | ||
| 9.2 | Wear | 9.1 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 8.4 | ||
Owners rate the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN 88% from 11 reviews and the Primacy 5 82% from 62. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
- 88%from 11 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 82,200 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers rate the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN very highly overall, describing it as a premium-feeling touring tire at a mid-range price with strong safety and predictability. The most consistent praise is for confident wet-weather grip (including heavy rain/highway use), stable dry handling, and a comfortable ride, with many also highlighting excellent rim protection. Noise is the main recurring drawback, often described as surface-dependent and sometimes more noticeable around 50-60 km/h, though several users still find it quiet.
- Strong wet grip and confidence in heavy rain
- Comfortable ride and good touring manners
- Stable, predictable handling and braking in dry and wet
- Excellent rim protection
- Road noise can be surface-dependent and noticeable at some speeds
Summarised by AI from 10 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 11 Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN reviewsVery satisfied.
Very nice grip (dry and wet)
Has significantly lowered consumption compared to previous tires(latitude cross), and dramatically more quiet
Michelin Primacy 5
- 82%from 62 reviews
- 78%would buy again
- 378,963 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally rate the Michelin Primacy 5 highly (82% average), most often praising its notably comfortable, refined ride and strong wet-weather confidence. Around three quarters of reviewers mention noise, and while many find it very quiet, a sizeable minority report intrusive droning on certain road surfaces. Grip and efficiency are commonly highlighted as strengths (especially in the wet and for rolling resistance), but around one in five owners feel it sacrifices dry handling and steering precision compared with sportier alternatives.
- Very comfortable, smooth ride quality
- Low road noise for a touring tire (especially at speed)
- Strong wet grip and reassuring wet traction
- Low rolling resistance / good efficiency
- Can be noisy or drone on rougher road surfaces
- Soft, less confident dry handling in corners
- Less direct steering feel / reduced precision
Summarised by AI from 62 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 62 Primacy 5 reviewsThe tires are very silent and comfortable. Despite this they are very grippy in the dry and wet and give a good feedback. Driven in 40+ degrees in summer until now in rainy 5 degrees autumn and they make the drive 100% secure.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 110 sizes of the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN and 88 of the Primacy 5, 68 of them made in both.
| Category | Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Primacy 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 110 sizes, 16 to 22 inch | 88 sizes, 16 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 68 sizes 195/55 R16195/60 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16215/70 R16225/55 R16225/60 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17and 56 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | B73%C25%A2% | B88%C12% |
| EU label noise | 70-73 dB B100% | 70-72 dB B95%A5% |
| On the market since | 2022 | 2025 |
| Replaced | Firestone RoadHawk (2017) | Michelin Primacy 4+ (2022) |
| Awards | - | Highly Recommended: Best Tires for Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Winner: Best Tires for Large Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Primacy 5 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 24.9% 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.
Previous generation: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN vs Michelin Primacy 4+ (3 shared tests)
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.
Firestone's Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN and Michelin's Primacy 5 sit in the same premium-touring, summer, passenger-car space, but the shared tests show they arrive at “everyday excellence” via very different priorities. Across six independent group tests (16-inch to 18-inch fitments), the Firestone repeatedly scores as the more dynamically capable tire in wet handling and aquaplaning, while the Michelin leans heavily into efficiency, comfort and long life.
In simple terms, this is a classic split between a tire that feels more confidence-inspiring when the weather turns ugly (Firestone), and one that's designed to cost less to run over the long haul (Michelin). The interesting part is that the Michelin can still brake very well in the wet in several tests, even when its handling/steering feedback is judged as soft or imprecise-so the “safety vs economy” trade-off isn't as straightforward as it first appears.
Conclusion
Looking across the shared data, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN is the more complete tire for drivers who value wet-road control and real-world rain resilience. It wins most of the wet dynamic categories (wet handling 4-0, wet circle 3-0) and is frequently outstanding in aquaplaning; in Auto Express 2026 it was the clear deep-water standout, with a major straight-aquaplaning advantage (85.0 vs 77.9 km/h). It also tends to be the better “driver's” tire subjectively, but it's not perfect: multiple reports mention slower steering response, and wet braking can be a relative weak spot depending on the surface/test (e.g., ADAC wet braking 34.9 m vs Michelin 32.7 m).
The Michelin Primacy 5 is the smarter buy when your priority is low running cost and relaxed touring manners. It consistently leads on rolling resistance/energy use (e.g., Auto Express RR 7.0 vs 7.87 kg/t; ECO test energy 10.4 vs 11.0 kWh/100 km), and it is the clear winner for longevity and environmental metrics where measured (ADAC wear 56,000 km vs 36,700 km; also much lower abrasion). The trade-off is that it regularly gives away handling precision and speed-Auto Express 2026 called out soft responses and it finished last on dry handling in that test-so it's less rewarding (and sometimes less confidence-inspiring) if you drive quickly on twisty roads or frequently encounter heavy rain.
Practical takeaway: if your “worst day” driving is standing water and fast wet motorway work, the Firestone's aquaplaning/handling profile is the more reassuring choice; if your “typical day” is commuting and long-distance cruising where range, fuel and tire life dominate the costs, the Michelin makes the stronger long-term ownership case.
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN vs Primacy 5: your questions
Is the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN or the Michelin Primacy 5 the better tire?
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tires, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN finished ahead 4 times and the Primacy 5 twice. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN scores 8.6 and the Primacy 5 8.8 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN or the Primacy 5?
The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN led 19 of the 26 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 6.7% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 4 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN led 10 of the 11 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.2% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Primacy 5 lasted 38.8% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) and had 6.8% lower rolling resistance (4 tests). Owners rate wear 9.2/10 for the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN and 9.1/10 for the Primacy 5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Primacy 5 was 1.2 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN and 8.4/10 for the Primacy 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN 88% from 11 reviews and the Primacy 5 82% from 62. 100% of Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN owners would buy it again, against 78% for the Primacy 5.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Primacy 5 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 24.9% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN is made in 110 sizes (16 to 22 inch) and the Primacy 5 in 88 (16 to 22 inch). 68 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN is graded A for wet grip and B for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Primacy 5 A and B.
Which is the newer tire?
The Primacy 5 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2025, the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN in 2022. The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN replaced the Firestone RoadHawk. The Primacy 5 replaced the Michelin Primacy 4+.
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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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