“These tires fitted to a Toyota Corolla Estate (hybrid) do well in reviews and they are good to drive on very predictable, road noise is average, handling is good in wet and dry. Fuel economy seems good too. Tread wear...”
Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2
Replaced by the Cinturato C3 Replaces the Cinturato P7 Blue
A refined, quiet premium touring summer tire with standout comfort and strong dry-road manners, backed up by consistently quick braking in group tests. Best suited to drivers prioritising smoothness and confidence on everyday roads over ultimate longevity and economy scores.
The Cinturato P7 C2 majoring on refinement comes through clearly: it delivers a notably supple ride and a quieter cabin, and it still feels composed when you press on. In the dry it's a genuine strength, combining strong grip with secure, predictable handling and consistently short dry braking in comparative tests. That “easy to drive” character is a recurring theme, making it a natural fit for premium saloons and family cars where comfort and stability matter as much as outright sportiness.
In the wet it's generally capable, with plenty of results placing it near the front for wet handling and braking, but it isn't universally confidence-inspiring: a meaningful minority of owners describe wet grip as merely average, and wet braking is one of the more mixed areas across test write-ups. There's also a notable split on steering feel-testers often praise feedback, while several owners find it a touch numb. Longer-term running costs are the other watch-out: wear tends to come out below average in major tests (hurting value scores), and rolling resistance/efficiency results are inconsistent (despite some owners seeing good fuel economy). As a summer tire it's also not at its best when temperatures drop, so it's better kept to mild-to-warm conditions or paired with a proper winter set.
The quick answer
Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tire - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated September 2026.
- 39owner reviews
- 318,600miles driven
- 18professional tests
All Tests
View Test ResultsTested 18 times by independent publications, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 averages a finish of 7th.
Finishing position in each test
2025 Summer and All Season Combined Tire Test P3 of 14
The Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 is easy to drive with excellent grip on wet asphalt, though it can suddenly lose some grip in extreme situations without losing control. Aquaplaning resistance is not the best side of the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2. On dry roads, the Pirelli is predictable and easy to drive, with a slight tendency to oversteer (skidding with the rear) during evasive maneuvers, which is described as traditional Pirelli fashion. The Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 is quiet but somewhat sluggish in terms of rolling resistance. It scored 9.0 points, sharing second place with the Continental.
| Year | Test | Result | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2025 Summer and All Season Combined Tire TestUTAC · 225/45 R17 | P3 / 14 | |
| 2024 | 2024 Motorhome Summer Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/55 R17 | P5 / 10 | |
| 2024 | 2024 AZ Summer Tire TestAuto Zeitung · 225/45 R17 | P2 / 9 | |
| 2024 | 2024 AutoBild Summer Tire TestAuto Bild · 205/55 R16 | P16 / 20 | |
| 2024 | 2024 Summer Tire Market OverviewAuto Bild · 205/55 R16 | P9 / 55 | |
| 2023 | 2023 Motor Summer Tire TestMotor · 205/55 R16 | P4 / 8 | |
| 2023 | 2023 ADAC Summer Tire TestADAC · 205/55 R16 | P17 / 50 | |
| 2023 | Tire Reviews Best Summer Touring TiresTire Reviews · 205/55 R16 | P2 / 13 | Tested by Tire Reviews Highly Rec. |
| 2022 | 2022 Auto Express Summer Tire TestAuto Express · 225/40 R18 | P6 / 7 | |
| 2021 | 2021 Auto Express Summer Tire TestAuto Express · 225/45 R17 | P8 / 10 | |
| 2021 | 2021 ViBilagare Summer Tire Test Vi Bilagare · 225/45 R17 | P6 / 8 | |
| 2021 | 2021 Auto Bild 16 Inch Summer Tire TestAuto Bild · 205/55 R16 | P7 / 20 | |
| 2021 | 2021 ADAC Summer Tire Test - 225/50 R17ADAC · 225/50 R17 | P9 / 17 | |
| 2021 | 2021 ADAC Summer Tire Test - 205/55 R16ADAC · 205/55 R16 | P12 / 15 | |
| 2021 | 2021 53 Summer Tire Braking TestAuto Bild · 205/55 R16 | P2 / 53 | |
| 2020 | 2020 Auto Express Summer Tire TestAuto Express · 205/55 R16 | P10 / 10 | |
| 2020 | 2020 Tire Reviews Ultimate Summer Tire TestTire Reviews · 205/55 R16 | P10 / 12 | Tested by Tire Reviews |
| 2020 | 2020 New 17 Inch Summer Tire TestAl Volante · 225/45 R17 | P2 / 10 |
On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict
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Awards
Running Costs
View TestIn 205/55 R16, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 is projected to cost €32.79 per 1,000 miles to buy and run - about €820 over 25,000 miles - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2024 AutoBild Summer Tire Test.
Dimensions & Label Scores
View AllSize Range2 sizes available
205-215Width55Profile16Rim91-97 V-WLoad/
EU Label
Fuel
Wet
Noise
72dB C
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 in the wet?
How good is the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 in the dry?
How fuel efficient is the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2?
How many miles does the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 last?
What do owners say about the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2?
More questions about the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 (11)
How much does the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 cost to run?
What is the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2's EU tire label rating?
How comfortable and quiet are the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2?
How well do the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 wear, according to owners?
Would owners buy the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 again?
What do owners say about the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2's ride comfort?
What do owners say about the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2's road noise?
What do owners say about the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2's wet grip?
What does the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 replace?
Has the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 been replaced?
What sizes does the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 come in?
Owner Questions (1)
Ask a questionQuestions and Answers for the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2
I would like to know the performance difference between different tire sizes. Since P7C2 is manufactured for tailored needs of various OEM's (BMW, Mercedes, etc.)… Show more I would like to know the performance difference between different tire sizes. Since P7C2 is manufactured for tailored needs of various OEM's (BMW, Mercedes, etc.) there are many EU Ecolabel versions. Please can you share your expert opinion on what size and standard Ecolabel option would be the best choice ? Show less
Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 Owner Reviews
Review this tireWhat owners say summarised from 32 reviews
Owners rate the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 highly overall (83% average), most often praising its very comfortable, refined ride and low road noise. Dry performance is a clear strength, with many reporting strong dry grip and reassuring handling, plus good efficiency from low rolling resistance. Opinion is more mixed in the wet, with around one in five owners describing wet grip as mediocre or confidence-sapping, and a similar number noting steering feel can be a bit numb or lacking feedback.
What owners mention most counted across 32 reviews
Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.
Owner ratings averaged from 39 ratings
- Owner score 83%
- Dry Grip 89%
- Comfort 86%
- Handling 83%
- Road Feedback 83%
- Wear 81%
- Wet Grip 78%
Featured reviews
“When driven in warm temps, you get good grip on a spirited drive, but when it comes to the wet, the tires don't give you enough confidence as they lose their grip. Wear is OK and expect from a touring tire, but if you...”
“I can't fathom how some reviewers have commented on low tread life. Baffled. These were the OEM tires on a 1.5 MINI Cooper, and 40500 miles (!!) on, and pushing 5 years, they've still got ~2.8mm left on the front tires...”
All 31 Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 reviews
- Renault megane 4 hb
- 205/55 R16
- 21,300 miles
After the first negative impressions, i've got used to the difference in feeling and feedback they give in weather changes. Even when they feel soft, or rock hard (same pressure, different ambient temperature) they handle well and give adequate road feedback. You need to be aware when a cold, rainy day comes after a warm, sunny one, they will be terrible in the first wet drive. After that, they will be dependable and informative as usual.
- Skoda Superb MK3 (2015 Present)
- 235/45 R18
- 6,500 miles
Far better than the previous bridgstones
- Alfa Romeo Giuiletta
- 225/45 R17
- 11,000 miles
Very reliable, good performance in wet and dry, quiet and the wear is acceptable.
Which tires do you drive?
Researching the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2? Rate the tires you actually drive - and help the next buyer choose.
- Honda Accord
- 235/45 R18
- 5,000 miles
Great tire, quiet, smooth, comfortable and sporty. Steering isn't perfect but really good. Easy to drive. Sportier than nearly all other tires call Touring, not as sporty as Michelin PS 4S, but a lot more quiet and comfortable. Great tire for 99% of when you're driving the car rather than being overly specialized. Was disappointed that the C3 improved in nearly all areas but sacrifices noise to improve performance, at least thats my initial read on that tire. I would defiantly buy these again, they love high speed cruising, control under breaking is great. A tad lighter in the steering department then I like, but it does feel precise. Like this tire a lot.
- 225/50 R18
- 11,000 miles
My BYD SEAL originally came with Continental EcoContact 6 tires, but they felt so unsafe and hard that I quickly replaced them with a set of P7C2 with the label 225/50R18 95W.
While these feel softer than EcoContact 6, the wet grip didn't improve that much, but the steering response and the dry grip was significantly improved. While they are not dead quiet like EcoContact, these are definitely one of the quietest tires I've ever driven.
Nevertheless I was expecting the P7C2 to feel much softer, but they didn't feel that much more comfortable than EcoContact 6.
The positive points I can summarize as a sporty steering feel, quietness and progressive grip in the dry.
Unfortunately the negative points heavily impact my experience because I find the wet grip mediocre and also in colder conditions below 10°C the tires loose grip early and unexpectedly, even in the dry. Since my car is RWD I experienced too much skidding and sliding in bad weather conditions, not providing enough safety for mild winter conditions.
As a result, about 8 months ago, in the middle of the winter, I've replaced the rear tires with Michelin Primary 5 in the same size and load rating, and I could directly compare the rear grip against the P7C2:
Surprisingly, the new Primacy generally performed much better on my car and the wet / cold grip was greatly improved. The Primacy feels better under my car at every aspect, but I think the P7C2 is a little quieter, while the Michelin feels softer and more comfortable.
The wear rate on the P7C2 seems really good.
- MINI Cooper
- 205/45 R17
- 40,000 miles
- BMW 330i
- 225/45 R18
- 4,500 miles
- A Combination of Roads
- Spirited
The comfort, rolling resistance and noise are very good.
In the dry the grip is good, breaking is also pretty good, but the handling and road feedback is poor. The car doesn’t feel sharp entering the corners and in the middle of the turn.
In the wet I loose all confidence with this tire.
Traction, cornering, breaking are really poor once the road is even a little bit wet.
Can’t wait to put some Michelins on.
- BMW 330e
- 225/45 R18
- 11,000 miles
- Mostly Country Roads
- Spirited
- Renault Megane
- 205/55 R16
- 14,000 miles
- A Combination of Roads
- Average
However, things aren’t as positive when it comes to wet conditions. The wet grip is far from reassuring and, honestly, quite unpredictable at times. For tires that are marketed as a top-shelf choice, the wet handling is disappointing and, in my opinion, unacceptable, especially considering that even some budget brands I’ve tried in the past performed better in the rain.
The other major issue I’ve observed is their sensitivity to temperature changes. It’s unsettling how much the tires’ handling and grip can change throughout a drive—sometimes they feel very different at the end of a journey compared to the start. This inconsistency undermines my confidence in them and is the biggest reason I can’t give a strong recommendation.
In summary, these tires deliver satisfactory performance in dry conditions and hold up well over time, but their wet handling and temperature sensitivity are major drawbacks. If reliable wet performance is a priority for you, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.
- Toyota Corolla
- 225/45 R17
- 7,000 miles
- Mostly Town
- Average
- BMW 330e
- 225/45 R19
- 1,000 miles
- A Combination of Roads
- Average
- BMW 318
- 205/55 R16
- 25,000 miles
- A Combination of Roads
- Average
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