The German automobile club AVD (Automobilclub von Deutschland) has released its 2026 summer tyre test, evaluating 15 tyres in the popular 215/55 R17 size on a VW T-Roc. The tyres were tested across 13 disciplines covering dry performance, wet safety, aquaplaning, comfort, noise, and economy. AVD uses a star-based rating system (1.0 = worst, 5.0 = best) with a final recommendation verdict.
The result: Pirelli takes the crown with outstanding wet performance, while two budget tyres receive a “not recommended” verdict due to dangerous wet braking.
☰
Top 3 comparison
Test winner: Pirelli Cinturato (C3) (★97) — Highly Recommended
The Pirelli Cinturato (C3) (★97) dominates this test with the best wet performance overall. It recorded the highest wet braking score (4.8) and best wet handling (4.8 subjective, 4.7 measured) in the entire field. On dry roads it excels too, with the best measured dry handling (4.7) tied with Michelin, and the strongest dry braking (4.7). Good mileage (4.6) and comfort (4.4) round out an impressive package. The only minor weakness is a slightly below-average rolling resistance (3.9).
/pirelli-cinturato-(c3)_27642_thumb.webp)
Pirelli Cinturato (C3)
Dimensions: 205/35R16 - 265/65R20
Number of sizes: 31
Number of tests: 5
Runner-up: Continental UltraContact NXT (★99) — Highly Recommended
The Continental UltraContact NXT (★99) finishes 2nd with the best rolling resistance (4.8) and best fuel economy (4.7) in the test. Made with 65% recycled materials, it earns AVD’s Greenovation award. Dry performance is strong with excellent handling (4.6) and braking (4.5). It’s also the quietest tyre in the test (4.6 noise). The trade-off: weakest aquaplaning protection among the top-rated tyres (4.0 in both directions).
Continental UltraContact NXT
Dimensions: 205/45R16 - 255/55R20
Number of sizes: 19
Number of tests: 3
Third place: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 — Highly Recommended
The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 takes 3rd with the perfect mileage score (5.0) — the only tyre to achieve this. It also wins the Greenovation award for its overall environmental profile. Wet performance is a highlight, with the best measured wet handling (4.7) and excellent wet braking (4.5). Dry braking (4.2) is its relative weakness, sitting below the premium competition.
GoodYear Efficientgrip Performance 2
Dimensions: 175/40R15 - 255/65R21
Number of sizes: 28
Number of tests: 4
Best value: Maxxis Premitra HP6 (★52)
The Maxxis Premitra HP6 (★52) wins AVD’s best price-performance award. As the cheapest recommended tyre in the test, it delivers a solid all-round performance with good subjective dry handling (4.4) and respectable mileage (4.4). Its aquaplaning protection (4.0/4.1) and dry braking (4.0) are slightly behind the premiums, but for budget-conscious drivers it’s the clear pick.
Maxxis Premitra HP6
Dimensions: 185/40R15 - 255/65R18
Number of sizes: 40
Number of tests: 5
Wet braking: the safety gap
The most critical safety finding is in wet braking. Pirelli leads with a score of 4.8, while the Autogreen Smart Chaser SC1 scores a catastrophic 1.0 and the Sunfull SF-888 manages only 2.0. Both received a “not recommended” verdict, with the Autogreen also showing dangerous wet handling behaviour. This gap between premium and ultra-budget tyres in wet conditions is a stark safety warning.
The middle field
Several well-known brands land in the “recommended” category. Falken ZIEX ZE320 (★74) (5th) impresses with the best aquaplaning scores (4.4/4.5) and top wet braking (4.6), but weaker rolling resistance (3.9) holds it back. Bridgestone Turanza 6 (★78) (6th) offers excellent mileage (4.7) and comfort (4.5) with a Greenovation award, though dry braking (4.0) is average. Michelin Primacy 5 (★84) (4th) has the best subjective dry handling in the test (4.7) but slightly weaker wet handling (4.2).
Conditionally recommended
Linglong Sport Master (★67) (12th) and Nexen N’Fera Primus (13th) both received conditional recommendations. The Linglong shows decent wet braking (4.5) but suffers from the worst rolling resistance (3.2) and poor mileage (3.6). The Nexen’s biggest issue is weak dry handling (3.7 in both subjective and measured assessments).
Bottom line
Pirelli’s Cinturato (C3) is the standout performer — dominant in wet conditions and strong everywhere else except rolling resistance. Continental and Goodyear complete a top 3 focused on sustainability and efficiency. The test clearly exposes the risks of ultra-budget tyres: Autogreen and Sunfull are not recommended due to dangerous wet braking performance. For the 215/55 R17 size, AVD’s message is clear — invest in at least a mid-range tyre for safe driving in all conditions.