The 2023 Auto Zeitung Performance Summer Tire Test included nine of the very best UHP summer tires in the popular 235/35 R19 tire size, and also included the Michelin CrossClimate 2 all season / all weather tire so show us how one of the best all season tires compared to some of the best summer tires. The test car was a 280bhp Ford Focus ST which will give the summer tires a good stress test, let alone the all seasons!

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: 62.1 → 0.0 mph

Wet

The Continental SportContact 7 and Bridgestone Potenza Sport led the way in wet braking, with a small gap to the third placed Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

The magazine noted the overall group was very close with the worst summer tire 23 feet behind the best... which actually sounds like quite a gap, and the CrossClimate 2 was another half meter behind the best summer tire. We know from all season tests the CrossClimate 2 isn't the best all season tire in the wet, so it's fair to assume an all season tire with higher wet grip could have jumped the Giti.

Wet Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Bridgestone Potenza Sport	125 ft	Best	0 mph
1Continental SportContact 7	125 ft	Best	0 mph
3Pirelli P Zero PZ4	130 ft	+5 ft	16 mph
4Michelin Pilot Sport 5	131 ft	+6 ft	17 mph
5Falken Azenis FK520	132 ft	+7 ft	18 mph
6Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	133 ft	+8 ft	20 mph
7Kumho Ecsta PS91	138 ft	+13 ft	24 mph
8Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	144 ft	+19 ft	29 mph
9Giti GitiSportS2	153 ft	+28 ft	34 mph
10Michelin CrossClimate 2	155 ft	+30 ft	35 mph

The difference between best and worst was 23.9% (30 ft ≈ 2 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 would still be travelling at 35 mph when the Bridgestone Potenza Sport had stopped.

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

Wet handling had the Bridgestone back at the top, narrowly beating the Pirelli by just 0.2 seconds. Michelin, Goodyear and Kumho were next in line with the all season tire again at the back.

Wet Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Bridgestone Potenza Sport	66.5 s	Best
2Pirelli P Zero PZ4	66.7 s	+0.20 s
3Michelin Pilot Sport 5	67.9 s	+1.40 s
4Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	68.4 s	+1.90 s
5Kumho Ecsta PS91	68.8 s	+2.30 s
6Falken Azenis FK520	68.9 s	+2.40 s
7Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	69.2 s	+2.70 s
7Continental SportContact 7	69.2 s	+2.70 s
9Giti GitiSportS2	70.4 s	+3.90 s
10Michelin CrossClimate 2	71.9 s	+5.40 s

The difference between best and worst was 8.1% (5.4 s).

The all season tire again struggled during the aquaplaning tests, with the Giti the best of the summer tires.

Straight Aqua
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Giti GitiSportS2	51.8 mph	Best
2Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	50.3 mph	-1.5 mph
3Bridgestone Potenza Sport	49.9 mph	-1.9 mph
4Kumho Ecsta PS91	49.6 mph	-2.2 mph
5Continental SportContact 7	49.3 mph	-2.5 mph
6Pirelli P Zero PZ4	49.3 mph	-2.5 mph
6Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	49.3 mph	-2.5 mph
8Falken Azenis FK520	49.0 mph	-2.8 mph
9Michelin Pilot Sport 5	47.9 mph	-3.9 mph
10Michelin CrossClimate 2	47.2 mph	-4.6 mph

The difference between best and worst was 8.9% (4.6 mph).

Dry

Continental were back at the front for dry braking with the Falken Azenis FK520 and Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tied for second place. The CrossClimate 2, which IS the best all season tire in dry braking, again couldn't match any of the summer tires.

Dry Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Continental SportContact 7	104 ft	Best	0 mph
2Michelin Pilot Sport 5	107 ft	+3 ft	13 mph
2Falken Azenis FK520	107 ft	+3 ft	13 mph
4Bridgestone Potenza Sport	107 ft	+3 ft	14 mph
5Pirelli P Zero PZ4	107 ft	+3 ft	15 mph
6Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	108 ft	+4 ft	16 mph
7Kumho Ecsta PS91	110 ft	+6 ft	19 mph
8Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	111 ft	+7 ft	20 mph
9Giti GitiSportS2	116 ft	+12 ft	26 mph
10Michelin CrossClimate 2	117 ft	+13 ft	27 mph

The difference between best and worst was 13% (13 ft ≈ 0.9 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 would still be travelling at 27 mph when the Continental SportContact 7 had stopped.

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

The Potenza Sport was back in the lead for dry handling, with the Continental again close behind.

Dry Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Bridgestone Potenza Sport	98.4 s	Best
2Continental SportContact 7	98.5 s	+0.10 s
3Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	99.1 s	+0.70 s
4Falken Azenis FK520	99.4 s	+1.00 s
5Pirelli P Zero PZ4	100.1 s	+1.70 s
5Michelin Pilot Sport 5	100.1 s	+1.70 s
7Kumho Ecsta PS91	100.8 s	+2.40 s
8Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	101 s	+2.60 s
9Giti GitiSportS2	101.1 s	+2.70 s
10Michelin CrossClimate 2	102.6 s	+4.20 s

The difference between best and worst was 4.3% (4.2 s).

Environment

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 was the quietest tire of the group, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 posting a rather high external noise figure.

Noise
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	67 dB	Best
2Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	68 dB	+1.00 dB
3Giti GitiSportS2	69 dB	+2.00 dB
3Continental SportContact 7	69 dB	+2.00 dB
3Falken Azenis FK520	69 dB	+2.00 dB
6Pirelli P Zero PZ4	70 dB	+3.00 dB
6Michelin CrossClimate 2	70 dB	+3.00 dB
8Kumho Ecsta PS91	71 dB	+4.00 dB
8Bridgestone Potenza Sport	71 dB	+4.00 dB
10Michelin Pilot Sport 5	72 dB	+5.00 dB

The difference between best and worst was 7.5% (5 dB).

The CrossClimate 2 had a huge advantage during the rolling resistance test, with the Giti GitiSportS2 the best of the summer tires, 12% off the all season tire.

Rolling Resistance
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Extra fuel / year
1Michelin CrossClimate 2	7.2 kg/t	Best	$0
2Giti GitiSportS2	8.12 kg/t	+0.92 kg/t	$38
3Continental SportContact 7	8.26 kg/t	+1.06 kg/t	$43
4Michelin Pilot Sport 5	8.37 kg/t	+1.17 kg/t	$48
5Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	8.39 kg/t	+1.19 kg/t	$49
6Falken Azenis FK520	8.48 kg/t	+1.28 kg/t	$52
7Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	8.81 kg/t	+1.61 kg/t	$66
8Kumho Ecsta PS91	9.29 kg/t	+2.09 kg/t	$85
9Pirelli P Zero PZ4	9.46 kg/t	+2.26 kg/t	$92
10Bridgestone Potenza Sport	9.47 kg/t	+2.27 kg/t	$93

The difference between best and worst was 31.5% (2.27 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport uses about 26 gal ($93) more fuel than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.

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.

There was a significant premium for the all season tire in the purchase prices.

Results

The new Continental SportContact 7 wins with balanced properties that very convincingly solve the balancing act between sportiness and efficiency. Safe when wet.

Dry100%

Wet98.2%

Comfort97.1%

Rolling Resistance87.2%

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 / 10	104 ft	Best in this discipline
Dry HandlingLower is better	2^nd / 10	98.5 s	+0.10 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	1^st / 10	125 ft	Best in this discipline
Wet HandlingLower is better	7^th / 10	69.2 s	+2.70 s
Wet CircleLower is better	2^nd / 10	13.45 s	+0.04 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	5^th / 10	49.3 mph	-2.5 mph
NoiseLower is better	3^rd / 10	69 dB	+2.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	3^rd / 10	8.26 kg/t	+1.06 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/72
Weight: 10 kgs
Tread: 6.9 mm
Price: 750.00

Outstanding on wet roads, great performance in the dry - this is how the Bridgestone Potenza Sport brought the test win. Slightly more expensive than the Conti with the same points and worse in terms of rolling resistance.

Dry98.5%

Wet98.9%

Comfort94.4%

Rolling Resistance76%

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 / 10	107 ft	+3 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	1^st / 10	98.4 s	Best in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better	1^st / 10	125 ft	Best in this discipline
Wet HandlingLower is better	1^st / 10	66.5 s	Best in this discipline
Wet CircleLower is better	6^th / 10	13.72 s	+0.31 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	3^rd / 10	49.9 mph	-1.9 mph
NoiseLower is better	8^th / 10	71 dB	+4.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	10^th / 10	9.47 kg/t	+2.27 kg/t

EU Label: D/A/72
Weight: 9.9 kgs
Tread: 6.5 mm
Price: 760.00

Second place for the current, sixth generation of the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric, which shines as a dynamic all-rounder with remarkable driving comfort. Not a pure racer, but very harmonious.

Dry97.5%

Wet96.2%

Comfort100%

Rolling Resistance85.8%

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	6^th / 10	108 ft	+4 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	3^rd / 10	99.1 s	+0.70 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	6^th / 10	133 ft	+8 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	4^th / 10	68.4 s	+1.90 s
Wet CircleLower is better	5^th / 10	13.67 s	+0.26 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	6^th / 10	49.3 mph	-2.5 mph
NoiseLower is better	1^st / 10	67 dB	Best in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	5^th / 10	8.39 kg/t	+1.19 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/69
Weight: 9.5 kgs
Tread: 6.9 mm
Price: 700.00

Once again the Pirelli P Zero, this time in the PZ4 S.C. version, can establish itself at the forefront with its dynamic talents and its meticulously balanced steering characteristics. Level on points with Goodyear.

Dry97.5%

Wet98.2%

Comfort95.7%

Rolling Resistance76.1%

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	5^th / 10	107 ft	+3 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	5^th / 10	100.1 s	+1.70 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	3^rd / 10	130 ft	+5 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	2^nd / 10	66.7 s	+0.20 s
Wet CircleLower is better	1^st / 10	13.41 s	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	6^th / 10	49.3 mph	-2.5 mph
NoiseLower is better	6^th / 10	70 dB	+3.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	9^th / 10	9.46 kg/t	+2.26 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/71
Weight: 10.4 kgs
Tread: 7.4 mm
Price: 745.00

In the end, the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is only missing a single point for second place. He only performs worse in aquaplaning than the tire before him. Low rolling resistance, but high price level.

Dry97.8%

Wet96.9%

Comfort93.1%

Rolling Resistance86%

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 / 10	107 ft	+3 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	5^th / 10	100.1 s	+1.70 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	4^th / 10	131 ft	+6 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	3^rd / 10	67.9 s	+1.40 s
Wet CircleLower is better	3^rd / 10	13.52 s	+0.11 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	9^th / 10	47.9 mph	-3.9 mph
NoiseLower is better	10^th / 10	72 dB	+5.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	4^th / 10	8.37 kg/t	+1.17 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/72
Weight: 10.3 kgs
Tread: 6.4 mm
Price: 825.00

The price-performance tip: Falken Azenis FK520. Although no longer fresh as a dew, the fairly priced tire remains within striking distance of the top products in the dry and masters the wet without any problems.

Dry98.1%

Wet96.4%

Comfort97.1%

Rolling Resistance84.9%

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	2^nd / 10	107 ft	+3 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	4^th / 10	99.4 s	+1.00 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	5^th / 10	132 ft	+7 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	6^th / 10	68.9 s	+2.40 s
Wet CircleLower is better	4^th / 10	13.63 s	+0.22 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	8^th / 10	49.0 mph	-2.8 mph
NoiseLower is better	3^rd / 10	69 dB	+2.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	6^th / 10	8.48 kg/t	+1.28 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/70
Weight: 10.1 kgs
Tread: 6.5 mm
Price: 595.00

The Nexen N'Fera Sport SU2 doesn't set any highlights, but it delivers decent results and shows no major weaknesses. That's not enough for a good placement, but considering the price it's ok.

Dry95.5%

Wet93.6%

Comfort98.5%

Rolling Resistance81.7%

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	8^th / 10	111 ft	+7 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	8^th / 10	101 s	+2.60 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	8^th / 10	144 ft	+19 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	7^th / 10	69.2 s	+2.70 s
Wet CircleLower is better	8^th / 10	13.95 s	+0.54 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	2^nd / 10	50.3 mph	-1.5 mph
NoiseLower is better	2^nd / 10	68 dB	+1.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	7^th / 10	8.81 kg/t	+1.61 kg/t

EU Label: E/A/69
Weight: 9.9 kgs
Tread: 7.3 mm
Price: 565.00

The Kumho Ecsta PS91 SC doesn't do anything wrong, but it's no longer up to date - a successor is in the works. Currently, however, the low price is the strongest argument for this tire.

Dry96.1%

Wet94.8%

Comfort94.4%

Rolling Resistance77.5%

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	7^th / 10	110 ft	+6 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	7^th / 10	100.8 s	+2.40 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	7^th / 10	138 ft	+13 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	5^th / 10	68.8 s	+2.30 s
Wet CircleLower is better	7^th / 10	13.91 s	+0.50 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	4^th / 10	49.6 mph	-2.2 mph
NoiseLower is better	8^th / 10	71 dB	+4.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	8^th / 10	9.29 kg/t	+2.09 kg/t

EU Label: D/A/72
Weight: 10.2 kgs
Tread: 7.2 mm
Price: 540.00

Best in aquaplaning, low rolling resistance. But those who opt for the Giti Sport S2 have to accept compromises in wet performance. The latest update is said to offer noticeably more grip.

Dry93.3%

Wet91.1%

Comfort97.1%

Rolling Resistance88.7%

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	9^th / 10	116 ft	+12 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	9^th / 10	101.1 s	+2.70 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	9^th / 10	153 ft	+28 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	9^th / 10	70.4 s	+3.90 s
Wet CircleLower is better	9^th / 10	14.41 s	+1.00 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	1^st / 10	51.8 mph	Best in this discipline
NoiseLower is better	3^rd / 10	69 dB	+2.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	2^nd / 10	8.12 kg/t	+0.92 kg/t

EU Label: D/A/70
Weight: 10.5 kgs
Tread: 7.6 mm
Price: 670.00

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 gets the fewest points. But a direct comparison with UHP summer pros would be unfair, so no placement. But: It is fast, very economical and suitable for winter!

Dry92.2%

Wet88.8%

Comfort95.7%

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	10^th / 10	117 ft	+13 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	10^th / 10	102.6 s	+4.20 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	10^th / 10	155 ft	+30 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	10^th / 10	71.9 s	+5.40 s
Wet CircleLower is better	10^th / 10	14.58 s	+1.17 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	10^th / 10	47.2 mph	-4.6 mph
NoiseLower is better	6^th / 10	70 dB	+3.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	1^st / 10	7.2 kg/t	Best in this discipline

EU Label: C/B/71
Weight: 10.2 kgs
Tread: 6.8 mm
Price: 975.00

Discussion

12 comments

Saeed Piroozfard Dec 9, 2023 archived

Hey guys, I wanna buy tires for my crossover (255/45/R20) and have three options:
Nexen nfera Supreme (N5000 Platinum) : $175 each,
Nankang SP-9 Cross-Sport : $115,
Giti Sport S2 SUV :$125
I can’t decide which one should I go with, as comfort and smooth driving is the number one priority for me.

#9262
Akis Sakellariou Aug 28, 2023 archived

In your opinion, at a ford focus 2019 st line with 155 ps, you will notice the performance difference if you put michelin crossclimate 2 tires instead of for example a Continental SportContact 7?
I am asking about a subjective score, because I am thinking if it is worth having all season tires for just 10 times a year that I go skiing. I like driving fast as well (I dont do track days).
PS. Now I am in Continental SportContact 5.

#9055
1. TireReviews Akis Sakellariou Aug 28, 2023 archived
  
  Yes for sure you would.
  
  #9058
  1. Akis Sakellariou TireReviews Aug 30, 2023 archived
    
    Is there an all season tire for my case? Sportly handling (ok, I have just 155 ps, I dont drive a lamborghini) with as little as possible snow performance. Out of 10 times that I go skiing, maybe 1 of them it is required to put snow chains.
    How big the compromise (of the sport performance) will be with an all season tire? (Again, subjectively)
    
    #9060
Tom Jun 1, 2023 archived

My new (less than 300 miles) Michelin Crossclimate2 235/55R18 100V tire on my 2014 RAV-4 tire split between the treads and went flat. It could not have been repaired and I had to buy a new one. Is this common for this tire? Costco replaced it but charged me $69 to replace it. Are there any reports of similar tires failures? I did not pick up a nail or run over a sharp object. I am a senior and drive conservatively.

#8969
1. TireReviews Tom Jun 1, 2023 archived
  
  Got any pictures so I can see what you mean? I've never heard of that with a CrossClimate product. Very strange.
  
  #8970
Steven Baker Mar 30, 2023 archived

Ambient temperature would have been interesting in respect of inclusion of the CC2. I use CC2 in this size as winter tires in UK and find traction levels are much higher than PZ4 summer tires at temps below 10C especially when also wet

#8817
4cvg Mar 7, 2023 archived

SC7's wet handling score is a bit of a surprise.

#8715
1. TireReviews 4cvg Mar 10, 2023 archived
  
  Agreed. I wonder if the PG had a high level of water on wet handling, the SC7 generally has quite low starting tread depth.
  
  #8717
  1. 4cvg TireReviews Mar 11, 2023 archived
    
    Yes. I do will testers would stipulate water depth to make it easier to distinguish pattern sensitive situations from merely compound sensitive ones.
    
    #8720
    1. TireReviews 4cvg Mar 11, 2023 archived
      
      It's quite hard to do. Most tracks aim for just under 1mm consistent, but over time things wear and change and some tracks end up with deeper parts that upset some tires more than others.
      
      #8725
      1. 4cvg TireReviews Mar 12, 2023 archived
        
        Noted; but more could be done re advice, even if with caveats. I look forward to reform with Tire Reviews' tests :-)
        
        #8728

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