Pirelli

Pirelli's summer tyre lineup covers a wide spectrum of vehicle types and driving demands, from everyday touring use to high-performance and SUV applications. From the full range of Pirelli summer tyres currently available, we have selected a handful that have appeared in the most recent independent test rounds — giving you a data-backed starting point whether you are shopping for a family hatchback, a large SUV, or a performance coupé.

**Pirelli Cinturato (C3)**
The Cinturato (C3) is Pirelli's latest generation of its long-running touring tyre, replacing the well-regarded Cinturato P7 C2, which itself succeeded the original Pirelli P7 Cinturato. The third generation arrives with a noticeably stronger test record than its predecessors. In the 2026 AvD summer tyre test (215/55 R17), it took the overall victory, earning praise for the best wet performance in the entire field — including outstanding wet handling and very short wet braking distances — alongside the best measured dry handling score. Tyre Reviews crowned it joint test winner in 225/45 R17 trim, recording the best dry braking distance in the test at 35.75 m and highlighting its confidence-inspiring handling balance on both surfaces, though it measured as the noisiest tyre in the group at 74.1 dB. ADAC rated it Good in 225/50 R17, underlining its strong wet performance and well-balanced overall package, while Autobild placed it fourth in the competitive 245/45 R19 segment but noted it as a value-for-money surprise with agile wet characteristics and notably low rolling resistance. Autozeitung also included it among its highly recommended picks. The recurring theme across all five 2026 tests is consistent wet-weather competence — a genuine strength for drivers in mixed climates.

**Pirelli SCORPION**
The Pirelli Scorpion is Pirelli's umbrella SUV and crossover summer tyre, consolidating what was previously a fragmented product line under a single name. It has accumulated results across multiple test rounds in 2024 and 2025. In the Autobild 2024 SUV tyre test (235/55 R19), it finished fifth overall but drew specific praise for very good traction on grass and loose surfaces, short dry braking distances, convincing ride comfort, and fuel-saving rolling resistance — with slightly vague dry handling as its main weakness. The 2025 Autobild test (255/55 R18) placed it second in its group with an exemplary rating, confirming an upward trajectory. Swedish publication Vibilagare also rated it Good in 235/55 R19 trim. For SUV and crossover owners, the Scorpion offers a broad size range and a progressively improving test record.

**Pirelli P Zero R**
At the performance end of the Pirelli range sits the P Zero R, an ultra-high-performance tyre aimed at sports cars and performance saloons. In the 2026 Tyre Reviews test conducted in 235/35 R19 — a demanding size typical of low-profile fitments — it took the overall test win. Its strengths were emphatic: best dry braking in the test at 31.7 m, best dry and wet handling scores, and wet braking very close to the leader. The trade-offs are typical of a performance-first compound: rolling resistance was not best-in-class at 9.8 kg/t, and ride comfort was rated only average. For drivers who prioritise outright grip and dynamic response over everyday efficiency, the P Zero R is one of the strongest performers currently available in the performance segment.

**Other Pirelli summer tyres**
Beyond the three models reviewed in detail above, Pirelli's summer range also includes the **Pirelli P ZERO PZ4**, which targets the premium performance and OE fitment segment and is commonly found as original equipment on high-end sports cars and saloons. It has not featured prominently in the most recent major test rounds covered here, but remains a relevant choice for vehicles that specify it as original equipment.