I would say this is the perfect road enthusiasts tire you could get. Grips well, quick warm ups, track ready tire (which i do 1-2 a year), and surprisingly good wet performance. My car is 380hp FWD, and I drive hard every single time. The tires never failed me. Rotation every 6 months and it’s already been 2 years and the tread is still at 60-65% left (always with Hondata Traction Control). The climate im in is in west Australia so the tires is used on various temperatures from 1c right down to 44c, rain or shine. Ive yet to try the RZ perhaps when this is done, i will..
265/35 R18 Tires
Everything we know about the 265/35 R18 tire size: 146 owner reviews covering 1,210,842 miles of driving, and EU label data for the tires you can actually buy in it.
- 146owner reviews
- 1,210,842 milescovered on them
- 292tires made in this size
The quick answer
| Season | Owners' pick | Owner rating | Latest test winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta 9.2 Current version: Vredestein Ultrac Pro | 93% from 5 reviews | - |
Owner picks are the highest weighted owner score in 265/35 R18; test winners come from the most recent independent test conducted in this size. The full evidence is below.
The best rated 265/35 R18 tires
Rated only by drivers running this size. Each tire needs at least 3 reviews in 265/35 R18 to be ranked; the order weights a tire's score by how many reviews back it, so one glowing review cannot top a table.
Summer tires
The highest rated Summer tire in 265/35 R18 is the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta - 93% from 5 owner reviews in this size. The current tire in that line is now the Vredestein Ultrac Pro.
| # | Tire | Owner rating | Reviews | Distance reviewed | TR Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta
Replaced by Vredestein Ultrac Pro
|
93% | 5 | 25,020 miles | 9.2 |
| 2 |
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
Replaced by Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
|
98% | 3 | 11,750 miles | 8.5 |
| 3 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Replaced by Michelin Pilot Sport 5
|
92% | 5 | 10,000 miles | 9.3 |
| 4 |
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
Replaced by Michelin Pilot Sport S 5
|
89% | 7 | 280,000 miles | 9.2 |
| 5 |
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric
Replaced by Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
|
89% | 4 | 38,000 miles | 8.9 |
| 6 |
Hankook Ventus RS4
|
91% | 3 | 11,260 miles | 7 |
| 7 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3
Replaced by Michelin Pilot Sport 5
|
88% | 3 | 26,000 miles | 8.1 |
| 8 |
Pirelli P Zero
Replaced by Pirelli P Zero PZ5
|
83% | 4 | 48,011 miles | 8.8 |
| 9 |
Nankang AR 1
|
79% | 6 | 2,146 miles | 6.5 |
| 10 |
Falken FK452
Replaced by Falken Azenis FK520
|
75% | 4 | 19,100 miles | 7.8 |
| 11 |
Continental Sport Contact 2
Replaced by Continental SportContact 7
|
67% | 3 | 20,500 miles | 7.5 |
| 12 |
Kenda KAISER KR20
|
63% | 3 | 20,000 miles | 5.7 |
Want test data as well as owner opinion? Best Summer Tires →
TR Score is the tire's overall Tire Reviews rating out of 10, built from independent test results and every owner review of that tire - not just the reviews from this car. The owner rating column is this car only.
265/35 R18 EU tire label data
EU label values are declared for each individual size, so the figures here are exact for 265/35 R18 rather than a range across a model. 174 tires carry label data in this size. The most common load index is 97 (up to 730 kg per tire). Speed ratings on offer: (Y) (301 km/h), Y (300 km/h), W (270 km/h), V (240 km/h), T (190 km/h). 16 tires in this size carry the 3PMSF severe snow marking.
A Best wet grip
50 tires in this size hold the top EU wet grip rating, class A. The highest scoring on Tire Reviews:
- Continental SportContact 7 Summer 9.7
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 Summer 9.7
- Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo Summer 9.5
- Hankook Ventus Evo Summer 9.4
- Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Summer 9.4
- Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 Summer 9.3
B Lowest rolling resistance
The most fuel efficient choice: 12 tires in this size reach rolling resistance class B. The highest scoring on Tire Reviews:
- Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4 Winter 9.6
- Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2 Summer 8.9
- Bridgestone Turanza T005 Summer 8.6
- Firestone Firehawk Sport Summer 8.6
- Vitour Tempesta P1 Summer 8.5
- Bridgestone Turanza 6 Summer 8.4
69dB Quietest tires
The quietest 265/35 R18 tires are labelled at 69 dB external noise:
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 Summer 9.7
- Falken Azenis FK520 Summer 9.1
- Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2 Summer 8.9
- Linglong Sport Master Summer 8.9
- Bridgestone Potenza Race Summer 8.7
- Firestone Firehawk Sport Summer 8.6
Label values come from the EU EPREL database and apply to the EU market versions of each tire. Wet grip and rolling resistance run from class A (best) to E; noise is the measured drive-by figure. A good label is a floor, not a verdict - the tests and owner ratings above tell you far more.
How long do 265/35 R18 tires last?
Across 24 end of life reviews in this size, a typical set of tires was worn out after 9,000 miles. Half of all worn-out sets lasted between 4,000 miles and 15,000 miles.
Distances are self-reported by drivers whose review marked the set as worn out; figures are medians, so a single unusual report cannot move them. Driving style and the car matter more than the size itself.
What does 265/35 R18 mean?
A 265/35 R18 tire is 265 mm wide, its sidewall is 35% of that width (93 mm) tall, and it fits a 18 inch wheel. That gives an overall diameter of roughly 643 mm.
| Section width | 265 mm |
|---|---|
| Sidewall height | 93 mm |
| Rim diameter | 18" (457 mm) |
| Overall diameter | ≈ 643 mm |
| Circumference | ≈ 2,019 mm |
| Revolutions per km | ≈ 495 |
| Revolutions per mile | ≈ 797 |
Also written as
265/35R18 265/35 ZR18 265-35-18 265 35 18
Figures are calculated from the nominal size. A loaded, rolling tire runs a few percent smaller, and true widths vary slightly between makes.
What cars use 265/35 R18 tires?
The cars most often running this size in our owner reviews. Each links to the best rated tires for that exact car.
Mercedes Benz E350
10 reviews in this size
BMW E39 5 series
7 reviews in this size
Honda Civic Type R
5 reviews in this size
Porsche 996 911 Carrera 2
4 reviews in this size
Toyota Supra turbo
4 reviews in this size
Mercedes Benz E320 CDI Sport
4 reviews in this size
Mercedes Benz E280 Sport
4 reviews in this size
Porsche 986 Boxster S
4 reviews in this size
Mercedes Benz E250 CDI
3 reviews in this size
Mercedes Benz E Class
3 reviews in this size
Every tire reviewed in 265/35 R18
The complete record, including discontinued tires and tires with too few reviews to rank, ordered by the amount of evidence. A further 60 tires have a single review each; they count toward the totals but are not listed.
| Tire | Season | Owner rating | Reviews | Distance reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Replaced by Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 | Summer | 89% | 7 | 280,000 miles |
| Nankang AR 1 | Summer | 79% | 6 | 2,146 miles |
| Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta Replaced by Vredestein Ultrac Pro | Summer | 93% | 5 | 25,020 miles |
| Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Replaced by Michelin Pilot Sport 5 | Summer | 92% | 5 | 10,000 miles |
| Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric Replaced by Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 | Summer | 89% | 4 | 38,000 miles |
| Pirelli P Zero Replaced by Pirelli P Zero PZ5 | Summer | 83% | 4 | 48,011 miles |
| Falken FK452 Replaced by Falken Azenis FK520 | Summer | 75% | 4 | 19,100 miles |
| Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 Replaced by Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 | Summer | 98% | 3 | 11,750 miles |
| Hankook Ventus RS4 | Summer | 91% | 3 | 11,260 miles |
| Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3 Replaced by Michelin Pilot Sport 5 | Summer | 88% | 3 | 26,000 miles |
| Continental Sport Contact 2 Replaced by Continental SportContact 7 | Summer | 67% | 3 | 20,500 miles |
| Kenda KAISER KR20 | Summer | 63% | 3 | 20,000 miles |
| Petlas Velox Sport PT741 | Summer | 96% | 2 | 9,000 miles |
| Continental Sport Contact 3 Replaced by Continental SportContact 7 | Summer | 92% | 2 | 32,000 miles |
| Nankang NS2 Replaced by Nankang Noble Sport NS20 | Summer | 92% | 2 | 500 miles |
| Bridgestone Potenza RE 71RS Replaced by Bridgestone Potenza RE 71 RZ | Summer | 89% | 2 | 20,300 miles |
| Pirelli PZero Rosso | Summer | 87% | 2 | 32,000 miles |
| Yokohama Advan Neova AD09 | Summer | 87% | 2 | 3,500 miles |
| Michelin Pilot Sport 5 | Summer | 82% | 2 | 31,000 miles |
| Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08R Replaced by Yokohama Advan Neova AD09 | Summer | 82% | 2 | 30,000 miles |
| Debica Presto UHP2 | Summer | 81% | 2 | 13,000 miles |
| Bridgestone Turanza T005 Replaced by Bridgestone Turanza 6 | Summer | 79% | 2 | 21,500 miles |
| Avon ZZ5 | Summer | 77% | 2 | 6,800 miles |
| Continental SportContact 7 | Summer | 75% | 2 | 4,875 miles |
| Sailun Atrezzo ZSR Replaced by Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2 | Summer | 70% | 2 | 13,000 miles |
| Falken ZIEX ZE914 EcoRun Replaced by Falken ZIEX ZE320 | Summer | 54% | 2 | 18,000 miles |
| Bridgestone Potenza Sport Replaced by Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo | Summer | 49% | 2 | 11,500 miles |
| Maxtrek INGENS A1 | Summer | 46% | 2 | 35,000 miles |
| Accelera PHI Replaced by Accelera PHI 2 | Summer | 43% | 2 | 14,000 miles |
| Fullrun HP199 | Summer | 32% | 2 | 15,000 miles |
Reviews only cover part of the market: 292 tires are made in 265/35 R18. Browse every 265/35 R18 tire →
What drivers say about their 265/35 R18 tires
The most recent owner reviews fitted in this size, in their own words.
I’ve put many miles on them but only in 2 seasons… i run staggered, 245 40 18 amd 265 35 18 on a E400. On the front they were amazing but on back they had a lot of wear… Buut, i would definitely buy them again, they are very good.
Got the normal PS72 for the front (235/40-18) and PS72 S for the rears without knowing. Apparently you can't get the normal PS72 in 265/35-18. The S has a much stiffer sidewall. So far very impressed by the comfort and wet grip. The combination works, but the fronts are definitely leaning more toward comfort with sluggish turn in as a result. The rears are good even in 5 c and rain. However one tire took 150 grams when balancing! Shop confirmed it is the tire and not wheel. Not noticing any vibrations as reported by others, but I will keep an eye on this and re balance in a couple of months. Might be due to improper storage (tires dated 47th week 2024). Feels like a solid tire, but Kumho quality control is still a valid concern.
While very good handling and grip, they are significantly and noticeably louder and less comfortable than previous tires (Pirelli cinturatos & budgets came on the car). Would recommend if your driving is entirely performance focused, but go for something else if you mainly do lots of normal driving (e.g Goodyear asym 6)
I am really dissapointed with these tires. I fitted some to the rear of my car in February 2025. I checked the depth in October 2025 and I am already under 3mm. I have done around 9500 miles in this time which I dont think is a particularly excessive amount. The tires now have poor wet grip and even worse now the weather is getting colder.
Overall these are not a patch on the Michelin Pilot Sport 5's that I had previously fitted and I wont be rushing to buy Bridgestones again any time soon.
Overall these are not a patch on the Michelin Pilot Sport 5's that I had previously fitted and I wont be rushing to buy Bridgestones again any time soon.
After 20,000km, the tire tread has worn down to less than 3mm. Mercedes Benz E430 V8 rear tires. Very good in terms of aquaplaning, even in size 265/35/18! The tire is quiet, does not make noise. It may be a bit soft for sporty driving, but very comfortable for everyday driving. Very good price-quality ratio!
When I first tried the Yokohama AD09s, I was running 245s on 18s — and they delivered a solid amount of grip right out of the gate. But then I decided to go all-in and throw on a set of 265s on the same wheels… and wow. The difference was night and day! The extra grip was incredible, and I even managed to knock out three PBs in the middle of the day — right after a major lock-up on these tires.
That alone says a lot: these tires are incredibly forgiving. As a semi-slick road tire, they’re fantastic on track, delivering excellent feedback and plenty of grip when you use them right.
Overall, I’d say they’re a brilliant choice if you love your track days and want great lap times without spending a fortune. Best of all, they hold their temperatures really well — no crazy heat spikes — but it’s still worth checking your temps as soon as you come off track.
That alone says a lot: these tires are incredibly forgiving. As a semi-slick road tire, they’re fantastic on track, delivering excellent feedback and plenty of grip when you use them right.
Overall, I’d say they’re a brilliant choice if you love your track days and want great lap times without spending a fortune. Best of all, they hold their temperatures really well — no crazy heat spikes — but it’s still worth checking your temps as soon as you come off track.
Great Tire but only lasted 7.000 km to completely bald.(5000 km to 1.6mm)
Tire wear is horrible.
Just did a 1500km trip on motorway, starting at 1.6mm and finishing bald.
Grip is not worth the wear in my opinion.
Great on track, both withholding temperature and grip.
Tire wear is horrible.
Just did a 1500km trip on motorway, starting at 1.6mm and finishing bald.
Grip is not worth the wear in my opinion.
Great on track, both withholding temperature and grip.
Drive on 265/35 R18 tires?
Review your tires and help the next driver choose. It takes about five minutes, and every review on this page came from a driver who took them.
Where this data comes from
Owner ratings are submitted through the review form on this site, naming the tire, the size and the distance covered, and are checked by hand before publication. Test results come from independent published tire tests indexed by size, and label values from the EU EPREL database.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 using independent test results and the full body of owner reviews, so you can check a car-specific ranking against the wider evidence.
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.