235/50 R18 - Best summer tyres 2026 - market overview, tests, reviews

When safety meets sportiness, you get the Pirelli Cinturato C3. It posted the best dry braking distance in test and backs it up with excellent wet grip and handling. Low rolling resistance adds efficiency to the mix, though noise levels and aquaplaning in standing water are only average.

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.

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.

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.

The Asymmetric 6 is the latest addition in the Eagle F1 range, offering great compromise between every day comfort and sporty driving. While it has dynamic steering response, it’s also very good on wet and has a low rolling resistance. Definitely recommended!

While the Michelin PS4 SUV was introduced back in 2019, it still offers a top-notch performance for the SUVs which is difficult for it's competitors to match.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Turanza 6 is quite a new addition to Bridgestone’s lineup, being introduced in 2023. Featuring the new ENLITEN technology, it should be lighter and have positive effect on fuel efficiency. In the tests, the efficiency is confirmed alongside with higher mileage. That being said, it somehow lacks the performance of other premium tyres, so we would recommend it only when the price is lower.

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.

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.

One of the cheaper tyres that can be recommended as it hasn't failed a single test and is often rated as a economical choice. It's surprisingly quiet, so if you are looking for a good and comfortable tyre, Azenis FK520 could be a tyre for you.

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.

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.