215/40 R18 - Best summer tyres 2026 - market overview, tests, reviews

1

Premium

Pilot Sport 4 S

'26#1

'26#1

'26#5

9.5

Price from

£158

Price from£158

Expert summary

Pilot Sport 4S is the sportier version of the Pilot Sports and the most sporty one that still cares about the wet performance, which is it's strong suite. It's usually expensive, but also a guarantee of a great performance tyre.

Recommended

#9

2026

theTire Lab.comRecommended#9 Summer tires 2026

Performance

Wet side guide

100%

Dry handling

92%

Dry steering response

85%

+10

Exterior noise

47%

Wet handling - objective

40%

Interior noise

14%

Test results

2026225/40 R18#1(-)

2026225/40 R18#1(Highly recommended)

2026255/35 R19#5(Good)

2025295/30 R20#2(Exemplary)

2025225/40 R18#3(Highly recommended)

2025245/35 R19#4(Exemplary)

2024265/35 R19#2(Exemplary)

2023225/40 R18#3(Very good)

2022255/35 R19#2(-)

2021255/35 R19#1(Very good)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 Y XL

B C 71dB

£158

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£158

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

mytyres.co.uk

£167

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

2

Premium

PremiumContact 7

'26#1

'26#1

'26#1

9.8

Price from

£137

Price from£137

Expert summary

Continental did it again with the PremiumContact 7. It’s an incredibly well balanced tire with just the right wet and dry grip and above average mileage. Since it’s launch in 2023 it got nothing but the best results in the tests, the only downside being it’s premium price.

Recommended

#5

2026

theTire Lab.comRecommended#5 Summer tires 2026

Performance

Wet side guide

100%

Wet safety

100%

Safety

100%

+16

Rolling resistance

53%

Exterior noise

41%

Cost per warranted mile

13%

Test results

2026205/55 R16#1(Highly recommended)

2026235/45 R18#1(Highly recommended)

2026235/55 R18#1(Good)

2026225/50 R17#1(Good)

2026225/45 R17#1(Test winner)

2026205/55 R16#2(Highly recommended)

2026205/45 R17#4(Very good)

2026245/45 R19#6(-)

2026245/45 R19#6(Good)

2025225/50 R17#1(Test winner)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 Y

A C 71dB

£137

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£137

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

mytyres.co.uk

£142

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

3

Premium

Blue Response TG

'26#1

9.8

Price from

£117

Price from£117

Expert summary

The Dunlop Blue Response TG is a new summer touring tyre from Dunlop, designed as the successor to the long-running Dunlop Sport BluResponse. Positioned in the mid-range segment, it targets drivers looking for a balanced combination of wet and dry performance with good fuel efficiency. The tyre made an impressive debut by winning the AMS 2026 summer tyre test in the 195/55 R16 size. In the AMS test, the Blue Response TG achieved outstanding scores across the board: 9.7/10 for dry performance and an exceptional 9.9/10 for wet performance, demonstrating Dunlop's focus on safety in all conditions. The tyre also scored well for environmental characteristics with a 7.2/10 rating, reflecting improvements in rolling resistance and noise levels compared to its predecessor. Currently available in 195/55 R16 and 205/55 R16 sizes with a V speed rating (up to 240 km/h), the Blue Response TG is expected to expand its size range as production ramps up. The TG designation signals a new generation in Dunlop's touring-focused Blue Response lineup.

Recommended

#4

2026

theTire Lab.comRecommended#4 Summer tires 2026

Performance

Wet braking

100%

Wet side guide

100%

Wet handling - objective

100%

+8

Dry steering response

86%

Comfort

86%

Rolling resistance

14%

Test results

2026195/55 R16#1(Outstanding)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 W £117

mytyres.co.uk

£117

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

4

Premium

Pilot Sport 5

'26#1

'26#2

8.8

Price from

£145

Price from£145

Expert summary

The Pilot Sport range from Michelin is now almost legendary, with the Cup variants being the fastest road legal tyres available. But the ‚ordinary‘ Pilot Sport 5 not as spory as it’s name suggest - it’s incredibly well balanced, with the priority being low rolling resistance and high mileage over sporty handling. It’s still a Michelin tire, so higher price is to be expected.

Performance

Wear

100%

Mileage

97%

Dry steering response

88%

+15

Dry handling - objective

50%

Cost per warranted mile

37%

Exterior noise

33%

Test results

2026225/45 R18#1(-)

2026225/45 R18#2(-)

2026225/40 R18#2(-)

2026245/45 R19#3(Exemplary)

2026205/45 R17#5(Good)

2026245/45 R19#9(-)

2025225/40 R18#2(-)

2025225/40 R18#2(Exemplary)

2025235/40 R18#3(-)

2025225/40 R18#3(Good)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 Y

A C 72dB

£145

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£145

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

mytyres.co.uk

£157

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

5

Premium

Ventus evo

'26#1

'26#2

7.7

Price from

£111

Price from£111

Expert summary

Hankook tyres are getting better with every new generation and the Ventus Evo is the latest evolution. It aims for the stars with excellent dry and wet handling, best-in-test wet braking and top aquaplaning speed, while producing very low exterior noise. The only notable weakness is higher rolling resistance. Still, it is a premium tyre for slightly less than a premium price.

Performance

Grass traction

100%

Gravel traction

100%

Wet circle cornering

100%

+14

Price/value

50%

Sand traction

25%

Dry circle speed

0%

Test results

2026245/45 R19#1(Exemplary)

2026255/45 R19#1(Exemplary (test winner))

2026245/45 R19#2(-)

2026225/45 R17#3(Highly recommended)

2026225/45 R18#6(-)

2025225/40 R18#3(-)

2025235/40 R18#4(-)

2025225/40 R18#5(Exemplary)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 Y

A C 71dB

£111

mytyres.co.uk

£111

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£145

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

6

Upper-middle

Ecsta Sport (PS72)

'26#4

7.7

Price from

£90

Price from£90

Expert summary

A solid all-rounder at a fair price. The Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 blends dry and wet grip with sporty, predictable steering and offers no dramatic weaknesses. Aquaplaning resistance and comfort are its weaker spots, but you're getting upper-middle performance for less than you'd expect.

Performance

Cost per warranted mile

90%

Dry lane changing

89%

Gravel traction

88%

+14

Dry braking

50%

Aquaplaning - cross

33%

Dry handling

30%

Test results

2026225/45 R17#4(Recommended)

2026225/45 R18#4(-)

2026245/45 R19#4(-)

2026245/45 R19#6(Good)

2026255/45 R19#6(Good)

2026225/40 R18#7(Recommended)

2025225/40 R18#1(Very good)

2025235/40 R18#2(-)

View full review

Price variants (2)

215/40 R18 89 Y

A C 72dB

£102

mytyres.co.uk

£102

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£103

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

215/40 R18 89 Y

A C 72dB

£90

mytyres.co.uk

£90

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

7

Upper-middle

ZIEX ZE320

'26#1

'26#2

'26#5

8.0

Price from

£105

Price from£105

Expert summary

The ZE320 is Falken's follow-up to the ZE310, and in some areas it's a clear step forward — dry handling is strong, and it's one of the quietest tyres in its class. Tyre Reviews even rated it highly recommended with top marks in wet handling. That said, wet braking is a real weak spot, especially in cooler conditions, and cross aquaplaning protection is poor. Higher rolling resistance and limited mileage are familiar problems carried over from the predecessor. Available in only 52 sizes, it's still a decent pick if you prioritize a quiet, composed ride and don't push hard in the wet.

Performance

Exterior noise

92%

Dry braking

90%

Wet handling

89%

+9

Aquaplaning - cross

36%

Price/value

25%

Mileage

15%

Test results

2026205/55 R16#1(Test winner)

2026235/55 R18#2(Good)

2026215/55 R17#5(Highly recommended)

2026225/50 R17#5(Satisfactory)

2025225/50 R17#3(Highly recommended)

2025225/40 R18#7(Good)

2025225/40 R18#7(-)

2025225/45 R17#10(-)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 W £105

mytyres.co.uk

£105

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

8

Premium

Primacy 5

'26#3

'26#4

8.1

Price from

£144

Price from£144

Expert summary

The previous model was already a good, economy-focused model and the Primacy 5 is expected to take it even further with 18% better mileage. But Michelin said also the wet performance is improved, which is something we are looking forward to see in the tests.

Performance

Rolling resistance

95%

Mileage

86%

Dry steering response

86%

+11

Dry lane changing

43%

Dry braking

35%

Wet side guide

29%

Test results

2026195/55 R16#3(Good)

2026225/40 R18#3(-)

2026215/55 R17#4(Highly recommended)

2026235/55 R18#4(Good)

2026205/55 R16#6(Recommended)

2026225/45 R17#6(Recommended)

2026235/45 R18#6(Recommended)

2026225/50 R17#7(Satisfactory)

2025225/45 R17#1(Test winner)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 Y

A C 70dB

£144

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£144

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

mytyres.co.uk

£149

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

9

Upper-middle

Roadhawk 2

'26#3

'26#4

8.3

Price from

£100

Price from£100

Expert summary

Firestone, the affordable brand belonging to the Bridgestone group, has a fresh addition to their lineup - the Roadhawk 2. And it seems like it’s set off for success - it offers the Bridgestone’s ENLITEN technology, which makes the rolling resistance and mileage exceptional for a budget tyre and it combines it with safe behavior on wet and dry.

Performance

Interior noise

100%

Wet side guide

86%

Aquaplaning - cross

79%

+14

Dry steering response

23%

Exterior noise

10%

Mileage

0%

Test results

2026205/55 R16#3(Highly recommended)

2026205/55 R16#3(Recommended)

2026225/50 R17#4(Satisfactory)

2026235/45 R18#4(Recommended)

2026195/55 R16#5(Good)

2026205/45 R17#7(Sufficient)

2025215/55 R18#6(Satisfactory)

2025225/50 R17#6(Satisfactory)

2024225/45 R17#5(Highly recommended)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 Y XL Enliten / EV

A C 71dB

£100

mytyres.co.uk

£100

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

10

Premium

Cinturato P7 C2

'25#3

'24#2

'24#6

8.8

Price from

£121

Price from£121

Expert summary

The upgraded version of the legendary P7 has a good steering response and low rolling resistance, which makes sense as it's often a first equipment of many car manufacturers.

Performance

Wet handling - objective

88%

Wet safety

88%

Safety

88%

+13

Aquaplaning - cross

47%

Mileage

37%

Price/value

32%

Test results

2025225/45 R17#3(Outstanding)

2024225/45 R17#2(Highly recommended)

2024225/55 R17#6(Good)

2023205/55 R16#2(Highly recommended)

2023205/55 R16#4(-)

2023205/55 R16#17(Good)

2021205/55 R16#2(-)

2021205/55 R16#7(Good)

2021225/50 R17#9(Satisfactory)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 Y XL *

B A 71dB

£121

mytyres.co.uk

£121

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£129

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

11

Premium

Turanza T005

'25#4

'24#3

'23#3

8.8

Price from

£128

Price from£128

Expert summary

The Turanza T005 was introduced in 2018, but still stands as a great tyre, offered in incredible 350 different sizes. It’s universal also in it’s properties - it’s a balanced mix of wet and dry performance with above-average rolling resistance.

Performance

Rolling resistance

95%

Dry driving behavior

84%

Wet handling - objective

83%

+21

Price/value

29%

Exterior noise

25%

Grass traction

11%

Test results

2025205/55 R16#4(Recommended)

2024215/40 R18#3(Very good)

2023205/55 R16#3(-)

2023205/55 R16#3(Highly recommended)

2023205/55 R16#4(Good)

2022215/55 R17#1(-)

2022215/55 R17#1(Highly recommended)

2022245/45 R19#2(Very good)

2022185/65 R15#2(Good)

2022215/60 R16#3(Good)

View full review

Price variants (7)

215/40 R18 89 Y

A C 72dB

£133

mytyres.co.uk

£133

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£155

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

215/40 R18 89 Y

A C 72dB

£128

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£128

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

mytyres.co.uk

£133

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

215/40 R18 89 Y mfs XL£144

mytyres.co.uk

£144

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

215/40 R18 89 Y mfs XL

A B 71dB

£133

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£133

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

mytyres.co.uk

£138

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

215/40 R18 89 Y XL

A D 71dB

£134

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£134

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

mytyres.co.uk

£140

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

12

Premium

Ventus S1 evo3 K127

'25#4

'24#3

'23#1

8.1

Price from

£104

Price from£104

Expert summary

Hankook Ventus tyres are designed to offer a very sporty experience for affordable price, which is also the case for evo3. It’s also safe on wet and got short braking distances, the only drawback being lower mileage.

Performance

Fuel efficiency

87%

Wet safety

75%

Wet braking

75%

+17

Aquaplaning - cross

24%

Dry handling - objective

11%

Dry steering response

11%

Test results

2025225/40 R18#4(Good)

2024225/45 R17#3(-)

2023225/45 R18#1(-)

2023225/40 R18#4(Recommended)

2023225/40 R18#6(Good)

2023225/45 R18#7(Highly recommended)

2023225/45 R18#12(Satisfactory)

2022245/45 R19#3(Very good)

2022225/45 R17#3(Recommended)

2022245/40 R19#3(Exemplary)

View full review

Price variants (3)

215/40 R18 89 Y

A C 72dB

£110

mytyres.co.uk

£110

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£124

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

215/40 R18 89 Y £150

mytyres.co.uk

£150

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

215/40 R18 89 Y XL

A A 68dB

£104

mytyres.co.uk

£104

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£117

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

13

Premium

Pilot Sport CUP 2

'26#4

4.9

Price from

£161

Price from£161

Performance

Dry handling

100%

Exterior noise

100%

Dry braking

93%

+5

Aquaplaning - cross

25%

Wet braking

20%

Comfort

0%

Test results

2026225/40 R18#4(-)

2026235/35 R19#4(Recommended)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 Y

C D 70dB

£161

mytyres.co.uk

£161

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£219

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

14

Premium

Ultrac Pro

'26#3

'26#9

7.9

Price from

£118

Price from£118

Expert summary

The Ultrac Pro is very well balanced tyre for every day driving made mainly for larger wheel sizes.

Performance

Sand traction

88%

Handling on gravel

88%

Exterior noise

87%

+10

Cost per warranted mile

37%

Mileage

16%

Gravel traction

13%

Test results

2026255/45 R19#3(Exemplary)

2026255/35 R19#3(Good)

2026245/45 R19#9(Good)

2026245/45 R19#13(-)

2025245/35 R19#5(Good)

2025225/40 R18#5(Good)

2025225/45 R18#6(-)

2025295/30 R20#6(Satisfactory)

2025225/40 R18#8(Satisfactory)

2025225/40 R18#18(-)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 Y £118

mytyres.co.uk

£118

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£153

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

15

Upper-middle

Ecsta PS71

'25#4

'25#6

'25#13

8.6

Price from

£93

Price from£93

Expert summary

The Kumho Ecsta PS71 has been around for a while and keeps showing up well in tests. Strong aquaplaning resistance, short braking distances, and balanced handling across conditions make it a dependable choice. Comfort and noise are where it compromises.

Performance

Aquaplaning - longitudal

91%

Sand traction

90%

Aquaplaning - cross

87%

+17

Dry driving behavior

28%

Exterior noise

27%

Interior noise

23%

Test results

2025225/40 R18#4(-)

2025225/40 R18#6(Exemplary)

2025225/40 R18#13(Satisfactory)

2023225/45 R18#5(Good)

2023225/45 R18#7(Highly recommended)

2023225/45 R18#12(-)

2022255/35 R19#6(-)

2021225/50 R17#3(Good)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 Y £93

mytyres.co.uk

£93

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£111

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

16

Budget

Victra Sport 5

'25#4

'25#10

'25#12

8.1

Price from

£92

Price from£92

Expert summary

A budget tyre with real wet grip — that's rare. The Maxxis Victra Sport 5 handles wet roads confidently, brakes well, and stays quiet. The delayed steering response takes getting used to, but at this price point, the overall safety package is hard to argue with.

Performance

Mud traction

100%

Handling on gravel

95%

Wet side guide

92%

+20

Rolling resistance

44%

Sand traction

33%

Fuel efficiency

20%

Test results

2025225/40 R18#4(Good)

2025225/40 R18#10(-)

2025225/40 R18#12(Satisfactory)

2024215/40 R18#4(Very good)

2024225/45 R17#7(Recommended)

2023235/35 R19#4(Good)

2023225/45 R18#6(Highly recommended)

2023225/45 R18#9(-)

2023225/40 R18#9(Good)

2023225/40 R18#10(Satisfactory)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 Y XL £92

mytyres.co.uk

£92

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£101

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

17

Premium

P Zero PZ4

'25#3

'25#5

'25#20

8.9

Price from

£122

Price from£122

Expert summary

The P Zero range is with us for a long time, also being a favorite choice for car manufacturers as first equipment. It’s a good, well balanced and enjoyable tyre. It tends to get quite a few mid-life updates so make sure you get the latest one.

Performance

Wet handling - objective

97%

Wet circle cornering

95%

Wet handling

89%

+12

Rolling resistance

37%

Mileage

37%

Price/value

0%

Test results

2025245/35 R19#3(Exemplary)

2025225/45 R18#5(Highly recommended)

2025225/40 R18#20(-)

2023235/35 R19#2(Very good -)

2023225/40 R18#3(Outstanding)

2023225/45 R18#3(-)

2023235/35 R19#4(Highly recommended)

2023225/40 R18#5(Very good)

2023225/45 R18#5(Highly recommended)

2023225/45 R18#11(Satisfactory)

View full review

Price variants (2)

215/40 R18 89 Y

A D 68dB

£122

mytyres.co.uk

£122

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£127

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

215/40 R18 89 Y mfs XL *£165

mytyres.co.uk

£165

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

18

Upper-middle

Proxes Sport 2

'26#5

'26#7

'26#16

6.7

Price from

£110

Price from£110

Expert summary

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Performance

Comfort

81%

Exterior noise

71%

Mud traction

70%

+14

Cost per warranted mile

11%

Price/value

11%

Dry handling - objective

0%

Test results

2026225/45 R18#5(-)

2026255/45 R19#7(Good)

2026245/45 R19#16(-)

2026245/45 R19#17(Satisfactory)

2025225/45 R18#7(-)

2025225/40 R18#11(Good)

2024235/55 R19#7(Good)

2023225/40 R18#7(Good)

2023225/45 R18#10(-)

2023225/45 R18#14(Satisfactory)

View full review

Price variants (2)

215/40 R18 £118

mytyres.co.uk

£118

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

215/40 R18 89 Y £110

mytyres.co.uk

£110

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£146

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

19

Upper-middle

Dynaxer HP5

'26#2

'26#7

'26#19

6.4

Price from

£111

Price from£111

Performance

Cost per warranted mile

90%

Comfort

85%

Rolling resistance

78%

+8

Wet handling - objective

27%

Dry handling - objective

27%

Dry handling

20%

Test results

2026235/55 R18#2(Recommended)

2026225/45 R17#7(-)

2026245/45 R19#19(Satisfactory)

2026245/45 R19#19(-)

View full review

Price variants (2)

215/40 R18 89 W £118

mytyres.co.uk

£118

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

215/40 R18 89 Y £111

mytyres.co.uk

£111

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

20

Upper-middle

Goodrich Advantage 2

'26#5

'26#11

'26#27

6.7

Price from

£106

Price from£106

Expert summary

The BFGoodrich Advantage 2 is a well-rounded summer touring tire that benefits from Michelin group technology and a completely redesigned tread pattern. It improves on its predecessor with 5% better longevity and 1.6 meters shorter wet braking distances while maintaining consistent performance across all disciplines. Available in an exceptionally wide 288-size range spanning 16 to 21 inches, it covers nearly every modern passenger car and SUV fitment.

Performance

Comfort

100%

Dry braking

93%

Aquaplaning - cross

86%

+6

Dry handling

29%

Wet handling - objective

14%

Wet handling

14%

Test results

2026235/45 R18#5(Recommended)

2026215/55 R17#11(Recommended)

2026245/45 R19#27(-)

View full review

Price variants (1)

215/40 R18 89 Y 0£106

mytyres.co.uk

£106

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

21

Premium

Sport Maxx RT2

'26#13

'26#17

6.7

Price from

£109

Price from£109

Performance

Comfort

100%

Aquaplaning - longitudal

84%

Aquaplaning - cross

84%

+6

Dry braking

26%

Mileage

26%

Wet braking

21%

Test results

2026245/45 R19#13(Good)

2026245/45 R19#17(-)

View full review

Price variants (2)

215/40 R18 89 W £109

mytyres.co.uk

£109

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

215/40 R18 89 W

A C 72dB

£111

mytyres.co.uk

£111

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

22

Upper-middle

RainSport 5

'26#4

'26#24

'25#23

6.9

Price from

£116

Price from£116

Expert summary

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Performance

Wet handling - objective

100%

Aquaplaning - cross

95%

Interior noise

93%

+16