Die Reifentester have put five premium summer tires through a full test in 235/55 R18, one of the most common sizes on compact SUVs such as the Audi Q3 and VW Tiguan. The test car was an Audi Q3 2.0 TDI, the venue was Bridgestone's proving ground at Aprilia south of Rome, and Bridgestone's Turanza All Season 6 ran alongside outside the classification to show what an all-season tire gives up in summer.

It was the closest of finishes. The Continental PremiumContact 7 won by the smallest of margins, with the Falken Ziex ZE320 and the new Nokian Powerproof 2 tied in second, the Michelin Primacy 5 fourth and the Bridgestone Turanza 6 fifth, so the host brand's own summer tire finished last of the ranked five on its home track. All five summer tires were rated good. The all-season was clearly the weakest braking tire in the dry and the wet, yet it was the quietest tire in the test and beat several of the summer tires for aquaplaning resistance.

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

This is our summary of the headline findings. For every measurement, the scoring and the full methodology, see Die Reifentester's original test.

Wet

Wet braking was won by the Continental, with the Nokian a hair behind and the Michelin close to both. The Falken and the Turanza 6 needed noticeably more distance, and the all-season was longest of all.

Wet Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Continental PremiumContact 7	111 ft	Best	0 mph
2Nokian Powerproof 2	112 ft	+1 ft	3 mph
3Michelin Primacy 5	115 ft	+4 ft	14 mph
4Falken ZIEX ZE320	119 ft	+8 ft	20 mph
5Bridgestone Turanza 6	120 ft	+9 ft	21 mph
6Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6	124 ft	+13 ft	25 mph

The difference between best and worst was 11.3% (13 ft ≈ 0.8 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 would still be travelling at 25 mph when the Continental PremiumContact 7 had stopped.

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

The testers scored wet handling subjectively. The Continental and the Nokian shared the top score for their predictable grip and precise steering, the Falken was close behind, and the Turanza 6 and Michelin followed together. The all-season was the weakest here, quickly overwhelmed in tight corners on the wet track.

Subj. Wet Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Continental PremiumContact 7	8.2 Points	Best
1Nokian Powerproof 2	8.2 Points	Best
3Falken ZIEX ZE320	7.9 Points	-0.30 Points
4Bridgestone Turanza 6	7.6 Points	-0.60 Points
4Michelin Primacy 5	7.6 Points	-0.60 Points
6Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6	7.1 Points	-1.10 Points

The difference between best and worst was 13.4% (1.1 Points).

In straight-line aquaplaning the Falken held on to the highest speed with the Nokian right behind it, while the Turanza 6 was the first to float. The all-season split the field, ahead of three of the summer tires.

Straight Aqua
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Falken ZIEX ZE320	50.2 mph	Best
2Nokian Powerproof 2	50.0 mph	-0.2 mph
3Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6	48.8 mph	-1.4 mph
4Michelin Primacy 5	48.3 mph	-1.9 mph
5Continental PremiumContact 7	48.2 mph	-2.0 mph
6Bridgestone Turanza 6	47.7 mph	-2.5 mph

The difference between best and worst was 5% (2.5 mph).

Curved aquaplaning was a clear win for the Nokian, comfortably ahead of the Turanza 6. The Falken, so strong in a straight line, was the weakest tire in the curve, and the all-season again finished mid-field.

Curved Aquaplaning
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Nokian Powerproof 2	8.1 ft/s²	Best
2Bridgestone Turanza 6	7.2 ft/s²	-0.9 ft/s²
3Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6	7.1 ft/s²	-1.0 ft/s²
4Continental PremiumContact 7	6.9 ft/s²	-1.2 ft/s²
4Michelin Primacy 5	6.9 ft/s²	-1.2 ft/s²
6Falken ZIEX ZE320	6.6 ft/s²	-1.5 ft/s²

The difference between best and worst was 18.3% (1.5 ft/s²).

Dry

The Falken stopped shortest in the dry, ahead of the Continental. The Turanza 6 and Nokian were almost inseparable behind them, the Michelin was the longest-stopping summer tire, and the all-season needed several meters more than the best tire to stop. That is the clearest cost of the all-season compromise in this test.

Dry Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Falken ZIEX ZE320	110 ft	Best	0 mph
2Continental PremiumContact 7	112 ft	+2 ft	11 mph
3Bridgestone Turanza 6	117 ft	+7 ft	19 mph
4Nokian Powerproof 2	117 ft	+7 ft	19 mph
5Michelin Primacy 5	122 ft	+12 ft	25 mph
6Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6	128 ft	+18 ft	30 mph

The difference between best and worst was 15.8% (18 ft ≈ 1.2 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 would still be travelling at 30 mph when the Falken ZIEX ZE320 had stopped.

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

Subjective dry handling went to the Nokian, with the Falken and Michelin close behind and the Continental next. The Turanza 6 and the all-season shared the lowest score, and the testers were positively surprised that the all-season felt so close to its summer sibling here.

Subj. Dry Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Nokian Powerproof 2	7.9 Points	Best
2Falken ZIEX ZE320	7.8 Points	-0.10 Points
3Michelin Primacy 5	7.7 Points	-0.20 Points
4Continental PremiumContact 7	7.6 Points	-0.30 Points
5Bridgestone Turanza 6	7.3 Points	-0.60 Points
5Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6	7.3 Points	-0.60 Points

The difference between best and worst was 7.6% (0.6 Points).

Comfort

The Falken was the most comfortable tire over broken surfaces, followed by the Michelin. The all-season sat close behind, the Continental and Turanza 6 were scored equally, and the Nokian was the firmest of the group.

Subj. Comfort
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Falken ZIEX ZE320	8.1 Points	Best
2Michelin Primacy 5	7.9 Points	-0.20 Points
3Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6	7.8 Points	-0.30 Points
4Continental PremiumContact 7	7.7 Points	-0.40 Points
4Bridgestone Turanza 6	7.7 Points	-0.40 Points
6Nokian Powerproof 2	7.3 Points	-0.80 Points

The difference between best and worst was 9.9% (0.8 Points).

Inside the car the all-season was the quietest tire in the test. Of the summer tires the Turanza 6 was quietest, the Falken and Michelin tied just behind, and the Nokian was the loudest.

Subj. Noise
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6	8.2 Points	Best
2Bridgestone Turanza 6	7.9 Points	-0.30 Points
3Falken ZIEX ZE320	7.8 Points	-0.40 Points
3Michelin Primacy 5	7.8 Points	-0.40 Points
5Continental PremiumContact 7	7.6 Points	-0.60 Points
6Nokian Powerproof 2	7.3 Points	-0.90 Points

The difference between best and worst was 11% (0.9 Points).

Value

The Turanza 6 and Michelin shared the lowest rolling resistance, ahead of the Falken and Nokian. The Continental had the highest rolling resistance in the test, higher even than the all-season.

Rolling Resistance
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Extra fuel / year
1Bridgestone Turanza 6	6.3 kg/t	Best	$0
1Michelin Primacy 5	6.3 kg/t	Best	$0
3Falken ZIEX ZE320	6.7 kg/t	+0.40 kg/t	$19
4Nokian Powerproof 2	6.8 kg/t	+0.50 kg/t	$23
5Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6	7.2 kg/t	+0.90 kg/t	$42
6Continental PremiumContact 7	7.3 kg/t	+1.00 kg/t	$47

The difference between best and worst was 15.9% (1 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Continental PremiumContact 7 uses about 13 gal ($47) more fuel than the Bridgestone Turanza 6.

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.

Results

The Continental PremiumContact 7 is a deserving winner for its wet braking and wet handling, but the gap to the Falken and the Nokian is tiny and each of the three has its own strengths: the Falken for dry braking, straight aquaplaning and comfort, the Nokian for wet grip and curved aquaplaning. The Michelin and Turanza 6 are both good tires with low rolling resistance, held back by the Michelin's dry braking and by the Turanza 6's wet braking and straight-line aquaplaning. The Turanza All Season 6 shows the trade-off plainly: quiet and comfortable, but with the longest stops in the dry and the wet.

The Continental PremiumContact 7 is the test winner and was recommended by the testers. Its wet braking and wet handling decided a very close result, with the Falken and Nokian only just behind.

Dry97.9%

Wet96.3%

Comfort93.9%

Rolling Resistance86.3%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (9)

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 / 6	112 ft	+2 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	4^th / 6	7.6 Points	-0.30 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	1^st / 6	111 ft	Best in this discipline
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	1^st / 6	8.2 Points	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	5^th / 6	48.2 mph	-2.0 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	4^th / 6	6.9 ft/s²	-1.2 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	4^th / 6	7.7 Points	-0.40 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	5^th / 6	7.6 Points	-0.60 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	6^th / 6	7.3 kg/t	+1.00 kg/t

Origin: France
Shore: 73.7
Weight: 11.7 kgs
Price: 145.00

Die Reifentester Good / Recommended gut / Empfehlung

The Falken Ziex ZE320 shared second place overall and was recommended by the testers. Strong dry braking, aquaplaning resistance in a straight line and a comfortable ride make it a well-rounded choice.

Dry99.8%

Wet93%

Comfort97.6%

Rolling Resistance94%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (9)

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 / 6	110 ft	Best in this discipline
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	2^nd / 6	7.8 Points	-0.10 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	4^th / 6	119 ft	+8 ft
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 6	7.9 Points	-0.30 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better	1^st / 6	50.2 mph	Best in this discipline
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	6^th / 6	6.6 ft/s²	-1.5 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	1^st / 6	8.1 Points	Best in this discipline
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	3^rd / 6	7.8 Points	-0.40 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	3^rd / 6	6.7 kg/t	+0.40 kg/t

Origin: Turkey
Shore: 68
Weight: 11.8 kgs
Price: 130.00

Die Reifentester Good / Recommended gut / Empfehlung

The Nokian Powerproof 2 shared second place overall and was recommended by the testers. It is one of the best tires here in the wet, at the cost of some comfort and noise.

Dry95.1%

Wet99.8%

Comfort89.6%

Rolling Resistance92.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (9)

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 / 6	117 ft	+7 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	1^st / 6	7.9 Points	Best in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better	2^nd / 6	112 ft	+1 ft
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	1^st / 6	8.2 Points	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	2^nd / 6	50.0 mph	-0.2 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	1^st / 6	8.1 ft/s²	Best in this discipline
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	6^th / 6	7.3 Points	-0.80 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	6^th / 6	7.3 Points	-0.90 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	4^th / 6	6.8 kg/t	+0.50 kg/t

Origin: Finland
Shore: 65.7
Weight: 12.8 kgs
Price: 135.00

Die Reifentester Good gut

The Michelin Primacy 5 finished fourth and was rated good. Low rolling resistance and comfort are its strengths, but dry braking holds it back.

Dry91.6%

Wet94%

Comfort96.3%

Rolling Resistance100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (9)

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 / 6	122 ft	+12 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 6	7.7 Points	-0.20 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	3^rd / 6	115 ft	+4 ft
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	4^th / 6	7.6 Points	-0.60 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better	4^th / 6	48.3 mph	-1.9 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	4^th / 6	6.9 ft/s²	-1.2 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	2^nd / 6	7.9 Points	-0.20 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	3^rd / 6	7.8 Points	-0.40 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	1^st / 6	6.3 kg/t	Best in this discipline

Origin: Spain
Shore: 61.7
Weight: 11.8 kgs
Price: 160.00

Die Reifentester Good gut

The Bridgestone Turanza 6 finished fifth of the ranked tires and was rated good. It is efficient and quiet, but its wet braking and straight-line aquaplaning trail the leaders.

Dry94%

Wet92.5%

Comfort95.7%

Rolling Resistance100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (9)

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 / 6	117 ft	+7 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	5^th / 6	7.3 Points	-0.60 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	5^th / 6	120 ft	+9 ft
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	4^th / 6	7.6 Points	-0.60 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better	6^th / 6	47.7 mph	-2.5 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	2^nd / 6	7.2 ft/s²	-0.9 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	4^th / 6	7.7 Points	-0.40 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	2^nd / 6	7.9 Points	-0.30 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	1^st / 6	6.3 kg/t	Best in this discipline

Origin: Spain
Shore: 65.1
Weight: 11.0 kgs
Price: 130.00

The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 ran outside the classification as a benchmark and was rated satisfactory. It shows the summer cost of an all-season tire: quiet and comfortable, but clearly longer braking than the summer tires.

Dry87.4%

Wet90.5%

Comfort98.2%

Rolling Resistance87.5%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (9)

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 / 6	128 ft	+18 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	5^th / 6	7.3 Points	-0.60 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	6^th / 6	124 ft	+13 ft
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	6^th / 6	7.1 Points	-1.10 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better	3^rd / 6	48.8 mph	-1.4 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	3^rd / 6	7.1 ft/s²	-1.0 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	3^rd / 6	7.8 Points	-0.30 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	1^st / 6	8.2 Points	Best in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	5^th / 6	7.2 kg/t	+0.90 kg/t

Origin: Poland
Shore: 67.7
Weight: 11.7 kgs
Price: 140.00

Menu

2026 Die Reifentester Summer Tire Test - 235/55 R18

Tire shortlist

Continental PremiumContact 7

Falken ZIEX ZE320

Nokian Powerproof 2

Michelin Primacy 5

Bridgestone Turanza 6

Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6

Compare selected tires

The evidence behind the verdict

Test setup & methodology

Recorded test conditions

Wet

Wet Braking

Subj. Wet Handling

Straight Aqua

Curved Aquaplaning

Dry

Dry Braking

Subj. Dry Handling

Comfort

Subj. Comfort

Subj. Noise

Value

Rolling Resistance

Results

Continental PremiumContact 7

Falken ZIEX ZE320

Nokian Powerproof 2

Michelin Primacy 5

Bridgestone Turanza 6

Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6

Cross-check this test

2025 Summer and All Season Combined Tire Test

2026 Auto Express Summer Tire Test

2026 Vi Bilagare Summer Tire Test

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