A few years ago, testing a 255/55 R18 tire on a Porsche Cayenne would have been classed as a niche, but with the rise of the "Chelsea tractors" using larger and larger tire sizes, 255/55 R18 is now a common size.
This year, Russian magazine Auto Review tested eleven different tires using a first generation V6 Porsche Cayenne producing 250 hp through its four wheel drive system. As usual with tire tests, the results were weighted towards the wet performance, but the subjective dry handling got good commentary (below) and they even did limited testing of the tires in sand.
The Results
Continental win the test with the new Sport Contact 5 SUV. The tire offered an excellent balance in all areas, and was the strongest in the wet giving excellent traction and a nice progressive slide at the limit. In the dry, the grip was strong with good braking. High levels of comfort, low fuel use and a nice quiet ride rounded out the Continentals excellent result.
Total: 109
Dry
35
Wet
46
Comfort
9
Rolling Resistance
10
Noise
9
Goodyear are traditionally strong in the wet, and the Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV is no exception, scoring the shortest stopping distance in wet braking. The Cayenne had a nice balance during wet handling, but started to aquaplane earlier than the other leading competitors. During dry handling the Goodyear feels a little numb compared to some of the other tires. Recommended for those who are looking for a safe and comfortable tire opposed to a sporty drive.
Total: 107
Dry
32
Wet
46
Comfort
10
Rolling Resistance
10
Noise
9
The Michelin Latitude Sport was the only N rated tire on test, meaning it is approved by Porsche for OE fitment on the Cayenne in the test. In the dry the handling is excellent, with quick steering and good traction. Handling in the wet is a little behind the top two, but good aquaplaning results keep the wet score high. Moderate comfort, these tires are for those who want to get the most out of dynamic driving.
Total: 106
Dry
35
Wet
45
Comfort
8
Rolling Resistance
10
Noise
8
The Pirelli Scorpion Verde (Green) has good braking performance and well balanced handling on wet roads. Good in the dry, the Pirellis don't like going past their limit and are quickest when driven just under. Strong in the sand, but only average comfort leave the Scorpion Verde in fourth.
Total: 103
Dry
33
Wet
44
Comfort
8
Rolling Resistance
9
Noise
9
Bridgestone road tires have been lacking a little in recent years, but the Dueler H/P Sport puts on a strong showing. While it can't quite match the top four in the wet, it's very confident in the dry, and fairly quiet. Average comfort, and lacks a little in rolling resistance.
Total: 102
Dry
34
Wet
43
Comfort
8
Rolling Resistance
8
Noise
9
The Dunlop Quattromaxx continues Dunlops run of high grip tires with strong dry and wet lap times. Subjectively, the steering is slow to react in the dry, meaning you have to turn early compared to some of the other tires. Well balanced, the comfort level is compromised compared to the top tires.
Total: 101
Dry
32
Wet
46
Comfort
7
Rolling Resistance
8
Noise
8
The Nokian Hakka Z SUV is primarily designed for cooler summers, so when tested between 22 and 28c the tire struggled a little. Confident under wet braking, but aquaplaned early. Like the Dunlop, in the dry the Nokian had a lag to the steering which made it hard to place the Porsche during wet handling. Average comfort, but good rolling resistance.
Total: 102
Dry
33
Wet
43
Comfort
8
Rolling Resistance
9
Noise
9
The Toyo SUV tire offers excellent dry handling, but is seriously compromised by its wet performance, characterised by long slides and a poor balance. Poor aquaplaning results round out the bad wet result (not surprising considering they start with 6.3mm of tread compared to 7.8mm) and have poor comfort and noise scores. Not the best option.
Total: 94
Dry
33
Wet
38
Comfort
7
Rolling Resistance
9
Noise
7
While it's unlikely a Porsche owner would fit a Federal tire, the Federals are half the price of the Michelin and Bridgestone. Are they half the tire? The Federal has poor wet grip, but a very good aquaplaning result. In the dry the grip isn't much better, with long, difficult to recover slides and lots of understeer. Average comfort, noise and rolling resistance.
Total: 88
Dry
30
Wet
34
Comfort
8
Rolling Resistance
8
Noise
8
The Kumho has poor wet grip, both in traction and cornering, but the good news is the car still remains predictable. In the dry this predictability disappears, with the Porsche often falling into long slides which are difficult to predict. Poor comfort and noise, combined with the worst rolling resistance give you plenty of reasons to avoid this tire for powerful 4x4s.
Total: 86
Dry
29
Wet
36
Comfort
7
Rolling Resistance
7
Noise
7
The Hankook RH06 has the worst wet grip in the test, with wet braking increased by over 10 meters from 50 mph and a poor balance. In the dry the grip is ok, but the tire often has a double stab at the corner leading to unpredictability. Unpleasant and unsafe. Best traction in the sand, but they're the only tire marked M+S in the test.
Total: 86
Dry
33
Wet
29
Comfort
8
Rolling Resistance
8
Noise
8