Test setup & methodology

The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.

Recorded test conditions

Dry Braking: 62.1 → 0.0 mph
Wet Braking: 49.7 → 0.0 mph

The German publication ProMobil have tested eight summer tires in the popular 235/55 R17 size using a VW T 6.1 Camper!

This test is slightly more relevant than usual tests to Camper Van / SUV overs, as the magazine tested the "regular" 235/55 R17 tire option instead of the 215/65 R16 C commercial size with is often fitted to the VW Transporter the VW is based on.

This tire size isn't just limited to camper vans though, it's also on many large saloons and midsize crossover SUVs such as the BMW 7 Series, BMW X3, Audi Q3, Ford S-Max, Honda CRV, VW Tiguan, VW, California, VW Caravelle and many others!

As usual the eight sets of summer tires were put through the usual array of dry, wet, noise and rolling resistance tests to find out exactly what tire is best in each key area.

Dry

During dry braking testing the Bridgestone Turanza T005 and Michelin Primacy 4 had a small advantage over the rest of the group.

Dry Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Bridgestone Turanza T005	125 ft	Best	0 mph
2Michelin Primacy 4	125 ft	0 ft	4 mph
3Falken FK510 SUV	127 ft	+2 ft	11 mph
4Maxxis Premitra HP5	127 ft	+2 ft	11 mph
4Sava Intensa UHP 2	127 ft	+2 ft	11 mph
6Continental Premium Contact 6	128 ft	+3 ft	12 mph
7Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5	129 ft	+4 ft	14 mph
8Nokian Wetproof SUV	129 ft	+4 ft	15 mph

The difference between best and worst was 3.7% (4 ft ≈ 0.3 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Nokian Wetproof SUV would still be travelling at 15 mph when the Bridgestone Turanza T005 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Unusually the Falken FK510 SUV was the fastest over the dry handling lap, with the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 taking second place.

Dry Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Falken FK510 SUV	67.2 mph	Best
2Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5	66.5 mph	-0.7 mph
3Continental Premium Contact 6	66.3 mph	-0.9 mph
4Michelin Primacy 4	66.1 mph	-1.1 mph
5Bridgestone Turanza T005	65.9 mph	-1.3 mph
6Sava Intensa UHP 2	65.8 mph	-1.4 mph
6Nokian Wetproof SUV	65.8 mph	-1.4 mph
8Maxxis Premitra HP5	65.6 mph	-1.6 mph

All the tires in the Dry Handling test finished less than 3% apart.

Wet

Michelin and the Continental PremiumContact 6 tied for first place in the key wet braking test.

Wet Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Continental Premium Contact 6	102 ft	Best	0 mph
1Michelin Primacy 4	102 ft	Best	0 mph
3Bridgestone Turanza T005	105 ft	+3 ft	13 mph
4Nokian Wetproof SUV	106 ft	+4 ft	14 mph
5Falken FK510 SUV	107 ft	+5 ft	17 mph
6Maxxis Premitra HP5	109 ft	+7 ft	20 mph
7Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5	110 ft	+8 ft	21 mph
8Sava Intensa UHP 2	115 ft	+13 ft	26 mph

The difference between best and worst was 12.2% (13 ft ≈ 0.8 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Sava Intensa UHP 2 would still be travelling at 26 mph when the Continental Premium Contact 6 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

It was once again Falken with a clear advantage in the wet handling tests.

Wet Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Falken FK510 SUV	44.5 mph	Best
2Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5	43.9 mph	-0.6 mph
3Continental Premium Contact 6	43.8 mph	-0.7 mph
4Bridgestone Turanza T005	43.7 mph	-0.8 mph
5Maxxis Premitra HP5	43.4 mph	-1.1 mph
6Michelin Primacy 4	43.3 mph	-1.2 mph
6Nokian Wetproof SUV	43.3 mph	-1.2 mph
8Sava Intensa UHP 2	43.2 mph	-1.3 mph

All the tires in the Wet Handling test finished less than 3% apart.

Both aquaplaning tests were led by Goodyear, and, as we've seen before in testing, the Michelin Primacy 4 struggled in the deeper water.

Straight Aqua
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5	53.3 mph	Best
2Sava Intensa UHP 2	50.8 mph	-2.5 mph
2Bridgestone Turanza T005	50.8 mph	-2.5 mph
4Falken FK510 SUV	50.5 mph	-2.8 mph
5Nokian Wetproof SUV	50.1 mph	-3.2 mph
6Maxxis Premitra HP5	50.0 mph	-3.3 mph
7Continental Premium Contact 6	49.8 mph	-3.5 mph
8Michelin Primacy 4	49.2 mph	-4.1 mph

The difference between best and worst was 7.7% (4.1 mph).

Curved Aquaplaning
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5	13.1 ft/s²	Best
2Sava Intensa UHP 2	13.0 ft/s²	-0.1 ft/s²
3Bridgestone Turanza T005	12.6 ft/s²	-0.5 ft/s²
4Falken FK510 SUV	12.0 ft/s²	-1.1 ft/s²
5Maxxis Premitra HP5	11.8 ft/s²	-1.3 ft/s²
5Continental Premium Contact 6	11.8 ft/s²	-1.3 ft/s²
7Nokian Wetproof SUV	11.5 ft/s²	-1.6 ft/s²
8Michelin Primacy 4	9.8 ft/s²	-3.3 ft/s²

The difference between best and worst was 25% (3.3 ft/s²).

Environment

The Michelin was the quietest tire on test, with the Bridgestone Turanza T005 unusually loud.

Noise
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Michelin Primacy 4	71.8 dB	Best
2Continental Premium Contact 6	71.9 dB	+0.10 dB
3Falken FK510 SUV	72.4 dB	+0.60 dB
4Nokian Wetproof SUV	72.9 dB	+1.10 dB
5Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5	73 dB	+1.20 dB
6Sava Intensa UHP 2	73.2 dB	+1.40 dB
7Maxxis Premitra HP5	73.4 dB	+1.60 dB
8Bridgestone Turanza T005	74.9 dB	+3.10 dB

The difference between best and worst was 4.3% (3.1 dB).

The Bridgestone and Michelin led the way in the rolling resistance test, having the lowest fuel use.

Rolling Resistance
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Extra fuel / year
1Bridgestone Turanza T005	6.7 kg/t	Best	$0
2Michelin Primacy 4	6.8 kg/t	+0.10 kg/t	$4
3Sava Intensa UHP 2	7 kg/t	+0.30 kg/t	$13
4Continental Premium Contact 6	7.4 kg/t	+0.70 kg/t	$31
5Nokian Wetproof SUV	7.8 kg/t	+1.10 kg/t	$48
6Maxxis Premitra HP5	7.9 kg/t	+1.20 kg/t	$53
7Falken FK510 SUV	8 kg/t	+1.30 kg/t	$57
8Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5	8.6 kg/t	+1.90 kg/t	$83

The difference between best and worst was 28.4% (1.9 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 uses about 23 gal ($83) more fuel than the Bridgestone Turanza T005.

Adjust the assumptions

Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.

Gas/Diesel Electric

Annual Mileage

12,000 mi

km (L)

miles (US gal)

Fuel Price

$3.60/gal

GBP (£)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Set my vehicle consumption

Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tire age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

The spread of pricing was fairly high, with the most expensive Michelin almost twice as expensive as the cheapest Maxxis.

Results

Michelin impresses with its top performance, but makes you pay for it.

Dry99.1%

Wet94.2%

Comfort100%

Rolling Resistance98.5%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	2^nd / 8	125 ft	0 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	4^th / 8	66.1 mph	-1.1 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	1^st / 8	102 ft	Best in this discipline
Wet HandlingHigher is better	6^th / 8	43.3 mph	-1.2 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	8^th / 8	49.2 mph	-4.1 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	8^th / 8	9.8 ft/s²	-3.3 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better	1^st / 8	71.8 dB	Best in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	2^nd / 8	6.8 kg/t	+0.10 kg/t

EU Label: B/A/70
Production: 0821
Tread: 6.5 mm
Price: 174.00

Extra comfortable premium tire with a safety bonus.

Dry98.2%

Wet97%

Comfort99.9%

Rolling Resistance90.5%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	6^th / 8	128 ft	+3 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 8	66.3 mph	-0.9 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	1^st / 8	102 ft	Best in this discipline
Wet HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 8	43.8 mph	-0.7 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	7^th / 8	49.8 mph	-3.5 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	5^th / 8	11.8 ft/s²	-1.3 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better	2^nd / 8	71.9 dB	+0.10 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	4^th / 8	7.4 kg/t	+0.70 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/72
Production: 4920
Tread: 7.9 mm
Price: 154.00

Low-priced newcomer with excellent wet grip.

Dry99.1%

Wet96.4%

Comfort99.2%

Rolling Resistance83.8%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	3^rd / 8	127 ft	+2 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	1^st / 8	67.2 mph	Best in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better	5^th / 8	107 ft	+5 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	1^st / 8	44.5 mph	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	4^th / 8	50.5 mph	-2.8 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	4^th / 8	12.0 ft/s²	-1.1 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better	3^rd / 8	72.4 dB	+0.60 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	7^th / 8	8 kg/t	+1.30 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/70
Production: 0221
Tread: 7.7 mm
Price: 113.00

A top performer with noise issues.

Dry99.1%

Wet97%

Comfort95.9%

Rolling Resistance100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	1^st / 8	125 ft	Best in this discipline
Dry HandlingHigher is better	5^th / 8	65.9 mph	-1.3 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	3^rd / 8	105 ft	+3 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	4^th / 8	43.7 mph	-0.8 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	2^nd / 8	50.8 mph	-2.5 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	3^rd / 8	12.6 ft/s²	-0.5 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better	8^th / 8	74.9 dB	+3.10 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	1^st / 8	6.7 kg/t	Best in this discipline

EU Label: A/A/72
Production: 1321
Tread: 7.2 mm
Price: 143.00

Dry97.2%

Wet95.2%

Comfort98.5%

Rolling Resistance85.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	8^th / 8	129 ft	+4 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	6^th / 8	65.8 mph	-1.4 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	4^th / 8	106 ft	+4 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	6^th / 8	43.3 mph	-1.2 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	5^th / 8	50.1 mph	-3.2 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	7^th / 8	11.5 ft/s²	-1.6 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better	4^th / 8	72.9 dB	+1.10 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	5^th / 8	7.8 kg/t	+1.10 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/71
Production: 1021
Tread: 8.0 mm
Price: 108.00

Dry98%

Wet97.2%

Comfort98.4%

Rolling Resistance77.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	7^th / 8	129 ft	+4 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	2^nd / 8	66.5 mph	-0.7 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	7^th / 8	110 ft	+8 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	2^nd / 8	43.9 mph	-0.6 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	1^st / 8	53.3 mph	Best in this discipline
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	1^st / 8	13.1 ft/s²	Best in this discipline
NoiseLower is better	5^th / 8	73 dB	+1.20 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	8^th / 8	8.6 kg/t	+1.90 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/71
Production: 1021
Tread: 7.7 mm
Price: 151.00

Dry97.8%

Wet94.5%

Comfort97.8%

Rolling Resistance84.8%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	4^th / 8	127 ft	+2 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	8^th / 8	65.6 mph	-1.6 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	6^th / 8	109 ft	+7 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	5^th / 8	43.4 mph	-1.1 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	6^th / 8	50.0 mph	-3.3 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	5^th / 8	11.8 ft/s²	-1.3 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better	7^th / 8	73.4 dB	+1.60 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	6^th / 8	7.9 kg/t	+1.20 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/70
Production: 0721
Tread: 7.6 mm
Price: 96.00

Dry98%

Wet94.4%

Comfort98.1%

Rolling Resistance95.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	4^th / 8	127 ft	+2 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	6^th / 8	65.8 mph	-1.4 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	8^th / 8	115 ft	+13 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	8^th / 8	43.2 mph	-1.3 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	2^nd / 8	50.8 mph	-2.5 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	2^nd / 8	13.0 ft/s²	-0.1 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better	6^th / 8	73.2 dB	+1.40 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	3^rd / 8	7 kg/t	+0.30 kg/t

EU Label: B/B/71
Production: 0421
Tread: 7.0 mm
Price: 108.00

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The evidence behind the verdict

Test setup & methodology

Recorded test conditions

Dry

Wet

Environment

Results

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