245/50 R18 - Best summer tyres 2026 - market overview, tests, reviews

1

Premium

Potenza Sport Evo

'26#1

'26#2

'26#2

9.3

Price from

£147

Price from£147

Expert summary

The Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo is the successor to the multi-award-winning Potenza Sport, featuring ENLITEN Technology for enhanced performance. It delivers 5% shorter wet braking, 2% shorter dry braking, and 15% greater mileage compared to its predecessor, while achieving EU label A-grade wet grip.

Recommended

#14

2026

theTire Lab.comRecommended#14 Summer tires 2026

Performance

Handling on gravel

100%

Wet circle cornering

96%

Dry lane changing

95%

+13

Gravel traction

38%

Sand traction

38%

Exterior noise

35%

Test results

2026205/45 R17#1(Outstanding)

2026235/35 R19#2(Highly recommended)

2026255/35 R19#2(Exemplary)

2026255/45 R19#2(Exemplary)

2026225/40 R18#3(Highly recommended)

2026245/45 R19#11(Good)

2026245/45 R19#11(-)

View full review

Price variants (1)

245/50 R18 104 Y

A C 72dB

£147

mytyres.co.uk

£147

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

2

Premium

Potenza Sport

'25#1

'25#2

8.7

Price from

£219

Price from£219

Expert summary

We really like the new Potenza Sport, as it’s more sporty and dynamic than the usual tyre in this category, but still perfectly usable and safe for everyday driving, which makes it unique. It’s rolling resistance, mileage and overall comfort are also on a good level, except for a slighty higher noise.

Performance

Mud traction

100%

Handling on gravel

100%

Wet safety

100%

+20

Exterior noise

30%

Rolling resistance

21%

Wear

0%

Test results

2025225/40 R18#1(Very good)

2025225/40 R18#1(-)

2025225/40 R18#2(Good)

2025225/45 R18#3(Highly recommended)

2025225/40 R18#3(Exemplary)

2025225/40 R18#6(-)

2024225/55 R17#1(Exemplary)

2024235/55 R19#3(Good)

2024265/35 R19#4(Good)

2023225/40 R18#2(Outstanding)

View full review

Price variants (1)

245/50 R18 104 Y

A C 72dB

£219

mytyres.co.uk

£219

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

3

Premium

PremiumContact 7

'26#1

9.8

Price from

£182

Price from£182

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

#7

2026

theTire Lab.comRecommended#7 Summer tires 2026

Performance

Wet side guide

100%

Wet safety

100%

Safety

100%

+15

Wear

60%

Rolling resistance

53%

Exterior noise

41%

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)

245/50 R18 100 Y

A B 71dB

£182

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£182

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

mytyres.co.uk

£186

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

4

Premium

Ventus Evo

'26#1

'26#2

9.9

Price from

£144

Price from£144

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.

Recommended

#2

2026

theTire Lab.comRecommended#2 Summer tires 2026

Performance

Grass traction

100%

Gravel traction

100%

Wet circle cornering

100%

+12

Handling on gravel

50%

Price/value

50%

Sand traction

25%

Test results

2026245/45 R19#1(Exemplary)

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

2026245/45 R19#2(-)

2026225/45 R17#3(Highly recommended)

2025225/40 R18#3(-)

2025225/40 R18#5(Exemplary)

View full review

Price variants (1)

245/50 R18 104 Y mfs XL

A C 70dB

£144

mytyres.co.uk

£144

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£186

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

5

Premium

Cinturato (C3)

'26#1

'26#2

9.5

Price from

£188

Price from£188

Expert summary

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.

Recommended

#10

2026

theTire Lab.comRecommended#10 Summer tires 2026

Performance

Dry braking

93%

Dry handling - objective

91%

Wet braking

91%

+8

Rolling resistance

47%

Interior noise

43%

Exterior noise

12%

Test results

2026215/55 R17#1(Highly recommended)

2026225/45 R17#1(Test winner)

2026225/50 R17#2(Good)

2026235/45 R18#3(Highly recommended)

2026245/45 R19#4(Exemplary)

2026205/55 R16#5(Recommended)

2026245/45 R19#7(-)

2025225/50 R17#1(Test winner)

View full review

Price variants (1)

245/50 R18 100 Y

A C 71dB

£188

mytyres.co.uk

£188

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£201

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

6

Premium

Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

'26#2

9.4

Price from

£145

Price from£145

Expert summary

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!

Recommended

#12

2026

theTire Lab.comRecommended#12 Summer tires 2026

Performance

Dry steering response

100%

Mileage

100%

Wet side guide

100%

+20

Sand traction

51%

Mud traction

50%

Interior noise

23%

Test results

2026235/45 R18#2(Highly recommended)

2026245/45 R19#2(Exemplary)

2026205/45 R17#2(Very good)

2026255/45 R19#4(Exemplary)

2026245/45 R19#8(-)

2025255/55 R18#1(Exemplary)

2025225/45 R18#1(Highly recommended)

2025225/40 R18#1(Exemplary)

2025245/35 R19#2(Exemplary)

2025225/40 R18#4(Highly recommended)

View full review

Price variants (2)

245/50 R18 104 H

A C 70dB

£145

mytyres.co.uk

£145

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£159

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

245/50 R18 104 Y

A C 69dB

£153

mytyres.co.uk

£153

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£180

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

7

Premium

Pilot Sport 5

'26#3

'26#5

'26#9

9.4

Price from

£201

Price from£201

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.

Recommended

#11

2026

theTire Lab.comRecommended#11 Summer tires 2026

Performance

Wear

100%

Mileage

97%

Dry steering response

88%

+13

Safety

50%

Wet handling - objective

49%

Exterior noise

29%

Test results

2026245/45 R19#3(Exemplary)

2026205/45 R17#5(Good)

2026245/45 R19#9(-)

2025225/40 R18#2(-)

2025225/40 R18#2(Exemplary)

2025225/40 R18#3(Good)

2025225/45 R18#4(Highly recommended)

2025225/40 R18#4(Good)

2024215/40 R18#2(Very good)

2023225/45 R18#2(Outstanding)

View full review

Price variants (1)

245/50 R18 104 Y

A C 72dB

£201

mytyres.co.uk

£201

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£208

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

8

Premium

Primacy 5

'26#3

'26#4

8.6

Price from

£193

Price from£193

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

94%

Mileage

86%

Dry steering response

86%

+11

Dry lane changing

43%

Dry braking

41%

Wet side guide

29%

Test results

2026195/55 R16#3(Good)

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)

245/50 R18 104 W

A B 70dB

£193

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£193

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

mytyres.co.uk

£218

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

9

Upper-middle

Ecsta Sport (PS72)

'26#4

'26#6

8.7

Price from

£125

Price from£125

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

Dry lane changing

89%

Gravel traction

88%

Sand traction

88%

+12

Exterior noise

39%

Dry handling

39%

Aquaplaning - cross

33%

Test results

2026225/45 R17#4(Recommended)

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)

View full review

Price variants (1)

245/50 R18 104 Y

A C 71dB

£125

mytyres.co.uk

£125

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£131

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

10

Upper-middle

Roadhawk 2

'26#3

'26#4

8.3

Price from

£115

Price from£115

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 (2)

245/50 R18 100 Y R18 1

A B 71dB

£141

mytyres.co.uk

£141

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

245/50 R18 100 Y

A B 71dB

£115

mytyres.co.uk

£115

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

11

Premium

e.Primacy

'25#3

'25#4

'23#3

7.4

Price from

£185

Price from£185

Expert summary

100 out of 100 in rolling resistance, mileage, and EV suitability — the e.Primacy is in a class of its own when it comes to efficiency. It's also one of the quietest tyres you can buy. Just know that braking and wet cornering are average at best. A tyre for maximising range, not fun.

Performance

Rolling resistance

100%

Fuel efficiency

100%

Wet side guide

85%

+10

Dry handling - objective

37%

Wet circle cornering

28%

Aquaplaning - cross

18%

Test results

2025205/55 R16#3(Recommended)

2025215/55 R17#4(Very good)

2023255/45 R20#3(Very good)

2023205/55 R16#38(Sufficient)

View full review

Price variants (1)

245/50 R18 104 H £185

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£185

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

mytyres.co.uk

£188

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

12

Premium

Turanza 6

'26#4

'26#5

8.1

Price from

£171

Price from£171

Expert summary

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.

Performance

Interior noise

93%

Gravel traction

93%

Rolling resistance

89%

+19

Price/value

26%

Grass traction

26%

Safety

13%

Test results

2026225/45 R17#4(Recommended)

2026235/55 R18#5(Good)

2026235/55 R18#5(Recommended)

2026215/55 R17#6(Highly recommended)

2026225/50 R17#6(Satisfactory)

2025215/55 R17#3(Very good)

2025225/45 R17#4(-)

2025255/55 R18#7(-)

2024205/55 R16#3(Exemplary)

2024235/55 R18#4(Good)

View full review

Price variants (1)

245/50 R18 100 Y

A B 69dB

£171

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£171

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

mytyres.co.uk

£175

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

13

Upper-middle

Hakka Black 3

'25#2

'25#5

5.4

Price from

£262

Price from£262

Expert summary

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Performance

Wet handling

100%

Wet braking

92%

Dry braking

92%

+5

Interior noise

46%

Wet circle cornering

40%

Aquaplaning - longitudal

39%

Test results

2025235/55 R19#2(-)

2025225/45 R17#5(-)

View full review

Price variants (1)

245/50 R18 104 Y £262

mytyres.co.uk

£262

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

14

Premium

Turanza T005

'25#4

'24#3

'23#3

8.8

Price from

£202

Price from£202

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 (1)

245/50 R18 100 Y £202

mytyres.co.uk

£202

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

15

Premium

Ventus S1 evo3 K127

'25#4

'24#3

'23#1

8.1

Price from

£182

Price from£182

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 (1)

245/50 R18 104 Y £182

mytyres.co.uk

£182

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

16

Upper-middle

ECSTA Sport S PS72

'26#5

7.8

Price from

£134

Price from£134

Expert summary

The Kumho ECSTA Sport S PS72 is a summer tyre aimed at good performance at an affordable price. It has been benchmarked against premium competitors, including the Continental SportContact 7. The model targets reliable performance while remaining a cost-effective option for drivers.

Performance

Comfort

71%

Rolling resistance

71%

Wet handling

43%

+2

Dry braking

43%

Dry handling

29%

Exterior noise

29%

Test results

2026255/35 R19#5(Good)

View full review

Price variants (1)

245/50 R18 104 Y

A C 71dB

£134

mytyres.co.uk

£134

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

17

Upper-middle

Azenis FK520

'26#3

'26#4

'26#8

8.0

Price from

£121

Price from£121

Expert summary

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.

Performance

Price/value

95%

Exterior noise

84%

Mileage

82%

+18

Gravel traction

35%

Wet handling

32%

Interior noise

17%

Test results

2026205/45 R17#3(Very good)

2026225/40 R18#4(Highly recommended)

2026255/45 R19#8(Satisfactory)

2026245/45 R19#13(Good)

2026245/45 R19#14(-)

2025255/55 R18#2(Exemplary)

2025225/40 R18#5(Recommended)

2025225/40 R18#8(Good)

2025225/45 R18#8(-)

2024235/55 R18#7(Good)

View full review

Price variants (2)

245/50 R18 104 Y £121

mytyres.co.uk

£121

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

245/50 R18 104 Y £167

mytyres.co.uk

£167

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

18

Upper-middle

Ecsta PS71

'25#4

'25#6

'25#13

8.6

Price from

£120

Price from£120

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 (2)

245/50 R18 100 Y

A C 71dB

£120

mytyres.co.uk

£120

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£128

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

245/50 R18 100 Y

B D 71dB

£171

mytyres.co.uk

£171

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

19

Budget

Victra Sport 5

'25#4

'25#10

'25#12

8.1

Price from

£150

Price from£150

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)

245/50 R18 100 W £150

mytyres.co.uk

£150

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

20

Upper-middle

Proxes Sport 2

'26#7

'26#16

'26#17

7.1

Price from

£146

Price from£146

Expert summary

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Performance

Comfort

80%

Dry braking

78%

Exterior noise

71%

+11

Mileage

24%

Handling on gravel

15%

Price/value

11%

Test results

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 (3)

245/50 R18 £146

mytyres.co.uk

£146

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

245/50 R18 104 Y W XL£160

mytyres.co.uk

£160

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

21

Upper-middle

Dynaxer HP5

'26#2

'26#7

'26#19

6.4

Price from

£177

Price from£177

Performance

Comfort

85%

Rolling resistance

78%

Exterior noise

71%

+7

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)

245/50 R18 100 W £177

mytyres.co.uk

£177

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

245/50 R18 100 Y £185

mytyres.co.uk

£185

In stock · Free shipping

Buy

22

Upper-middle

Goodrich Advantage 2

'26#5

'26#11

'26#27

6.7

Price from

£155

Price from£155

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