WhatTyre’s top rated tyres for your compact, commuter, or family car
Young George’s eyes widened as he glanced at the unattended laptop screen. His father had been looking at that site again, the same one he’d visited every day this week. Mesmerised by the images before him, George didn’t notice the growing shadow of his returning father. “Snooping again?” quizzed the towering figure. When George finally broke the silence that followed, it was with a question.
His father grinned and nodded. “Yes, tyres,” he replied. “I want a new set for the car, and I’m looking on WhatTyre to find which ones are best before I buy them tomorrow. You can come with me if you want.” George was delighted. There was nothing he loved more in the world than tyres.
We can only hope that George finds new hobbies as he grows older, but his father is far from alone in his quest to make an informed choice when buying tyres. That’s why we started WhatTyre in 2019 and it is also why we name our favourite products every year. Welcome to the WhatTyre Summer Tyre of the Year 2025 finalists’ list.
Figures vary depending on source and the metrics considered, but we can say that around 30 million aftermarket passenger car tyres are sold in the UK each year. Although the all-season tyre segment has steadily grown in recent years, most of these 30 million are summer tyres – products which, despite their name and design for optimal performance in warmer conditions, are typically used year-round. It is therefore important to select tyres that provide excellent performance come rain, hail or shine, along with durability and efficiency. Both the European tyre label and various magazine and motoring club tests are a serve as a useful aid for tyre buyers here.
What’s a Tyrescore?
To identify the best summer tyres for 2025, we leveraged our extensive Tyrepedia database, which houses performance data on hundreds of thousands of tyres from around 700 brands. We then applied our proprietary Tyrescore algorithm to narrow down the top contenders based on key performance indicators. We don’t want to elevate George’s blood pressure, so we’ll make our peak behind the Tyrescore curtain a brief one.
The Tyrescore begins with an analysis of the EU-mandated tyre label, which includes ratings for wet grip, fuel efficiency (measured via rolling resistance), and external pass-by noise. These letter-based ratings are converted into numerical scores, with greater weight given to wet grip and fuel efficiency, reflecting their higher relevance to most drivers.
However, tyre labels provide only part of the picture. To deliver a more robust evaluation, Tyrescore also incorporates data from thousands of independent European magazine tyre tests. These tests assess a broader range of real-world performance factors – such as braking and handling in both wet and dry conditions, traction, and aquaplaning resistance – providing valuable insights beyond the basic label ratings.
Sustainability is another key component of our evaluation. We monitor each manufacturer’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, consolidating third-party accreditations into a single score that reflects their commitment to sustainable practices. We also award additional points for Original Equipment (OE) homologation, where tyres are approved by vehicle manufacturers for specific models—an endorsement of their quality and reliability.
As new data is continuously added to Tyrepedia, the Tyrescore algorithm and its results are constantly refined – ensuring our rankings remain accurate, up-to-date, and relevant for today’s drivers.
The summer tyre category, focusing on everyday driving, is highly prevalent in the market. Consequently, our analysis centred on the leading tyre sizes in the UK, 205/55 R16 V and 225/45 R17 W/Y. The first size is commonly fitted to vehicles such as the VW Golf, Ford Focus, and Vauxhall Corsa; the second is used by cars like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The V/W/Y speed ratings indicate a capability of up to 149, 168, and 186 miles per hour, reflecting not only speed but also the power capability needed for modern internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, as well as the increasing number of hybrid and electric vehicles with their additional torque and weight. To qualify, tyres needed a TyreScore of at least eight, or a minimum of seven with a recommendation from a reputable third-party magazine or motoring club test in our database. We only included tyres tested in or since 2023 and excluded any product explicitly non-recommended in tests during this period.
Keeping in mind the cost-of-living concerns that continue to affect many, our analysis also considered the affordability of tyres. We looked for products offering a balance of performance and cost, making them accessible to price-conscious drivers without significant compromises in everyday driving performance. However, safety performance remains the priority.
WhatTyre Summer Tyre of the Year
Bridgestone Turanza 6
(Photo: Bridgestone)
Arriving in the market two years ago and securing our ‘commended’ status upon its first WhatTyre awards appearance in 2024, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 has gone from strength to strength and has gained praise in multiple comparative tests.
The Bridgestone Turanza 6 tyre is a premium touring tyre engineered for outstanding performance, comfort, and safety. Designed with Bridgestone’s proprietary Enliten technology, the tyre delivers exceptional wet-weather grip, ensuring confident handling and shorter braking distances even in challenging conditions. The Turanza 6 also offers impressive longevity and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for drivers seeking a balance between performance and sustainability. With low rolling resistance and enhanced ride comfort, it provides a smooth, quiet driving experience, reaffirming Bridgestone’s commitment to innovation and quality in every journey.
Tyre test results in 2025 include a ‘very good’ rating from Auto Motor und Sport (215/55 R17) and a ‘good’ result in the Auto Bild Allrad (225/55 R18) test. These build on solid performance in 2024 and 2023. Bridgestone Turanza 6 is a deserving winner of the WhatTyre Summer Tyre of the Year 2025 award.
Highly Recommended Tyres
New for 2025, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 hit the ground running with victories in both the Tyrereviews.com and the Al Volanti summer tyre tests. Tyrereviews.com described the Cinturato C3 as an “excellent upgrade to the P7 C2” that displayed no real weaknesses when evaluated, rather a “string of excellent performances across both wet and dry tests.”
Suited to saloons and CUVs and intended for both the original equipment and replacement markets, Pirelli says the Cinturato C3 exemplifies its commitment to its ‘eco-safety’ strategy, striking a fine balance between environmental performance and road safety. Developed using advanced virtual design techniques and proprietary materials, the tyre leads the way in braking performance and boasts a top-tier ‘A’ EU label rating for wet grip across all launch sizes. In terms of efficiency, it delivers a 20 per cent improvement in mileage over its predecessor and features reduced rolling resistance, resulting in lower fuel consumption.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
Goodyear launched its new EfficientGrip Performance 2 several years ago with a bold claim, positing that the new tyre could achieve around 50 per cent higher mileage than the first-generation product. Internal tests using 205/55R16 91V tyres fitted to a VW Golf supported this assertion. The manufacturer also stated that the new tyre achieved 20 per cent better mileage than the leading competitor of the time – the Michelin Primacy 4 – in a comparative test conducted by TÜV SÜD. The test, conducted on open roads in Germany, also found that the EfficientGrip Performance 2 had the shortest braking distances on wet and dry roads compared to leading competitors.
The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 has consistently ranked as a strong all-round summer touring tyre in comparative tests. It excels in comfort, low rolling resistance, and outstanding tread life, often leading in these areas. In wet conditions, it performs well in handling and control. Dry handling is sharp and responsive. While not always absolute top in any one category, it offers a well-balanced mix of safety, efficiency, and longevity.
Successor to the widely praised EfficientGrip Performance, the tyre is aimed at motorists with 15- to 21-inch rims looking for high mileage and high levels of performance across wet and dry braking. Like all current Goodyear tyres, EfficientGrip Performance 2 is optimised to provide exceptional performance for electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, as evidenced by the Goodyear EV-Ready logo on the sidewall.
The Continental PremiumContact 7 is engineered for drivers who expect safety and comfort in all weather conditions. Its adaptive pattern technology ensures precise handling on both wet and dry roads, so you can confidently face the elements without compromising on driving pleasure. Whether you’re setting off on a family holiday or enjoying a spirited drive in an electric vehicle, this tyre delivers consistently high levels of comfort, safety, and mileage – regardless of your car’s configuration. With its RedChili compound, the PremiumContact 7 offers optimal grip and braking performance straight from the start, eliminating the need for a warm-up phase.
Continental has also made the PremiumContact 7 ready for the demands of electric mobility, with an EV-compatible design that works just as well on hybrids and conventional combustion engines. Enhanced technologies like ContiSeal offer additional peace of mind by sealing 80 per cent of punctures instantly, helping you avoid unexpected stops. Awarded the 2025 Summer Test Winner by Tyre Reviews and named Summer Tyre of the Year by WhatTyre in 2024, this tyre stands out for its exceptional wet and dry performance, braking ability, and all-around driving balance.
Our 2025 finalists
The Falken Ziex ZE320 is engineered to deliver top standards in both comfort and safety, supported by state-of-the-art technology. Designed with the modern driver in mind, it offers a well-balanced performance that blends crisp, sporty handling with low rolling resistance for everyday use. Superb traction and control on wet roads are achieved through advanced tread design, while an aerodynamically optimised sidewall and premium styling elements enhance both performance and appearance.
Available at launch in 12 sizes, with a total of 60 dimensions planned for 15 to 18 inches and speed ratings of H, V, and W, the Ziex ZE320 features a lightweight casing for improved ride comfort and reduced rolling resistance. Noise levels are kept to a minimum thanks to a tread pattern with offset sipes, providing a quieter driving experience. Demonstrating Falken’s commitment to sustainability, the ZE320 incorporates silica sourced from renewable rice husk ash, reducing CO₂ emissions and increasing the use of natural resources. Backed by a five-year guarantee, this tyre combines innovation, environmental responsibility, and reliable performance.
The Firestone Roadhawk 2 Enliten summer touring tyre offers best-in-class wet grip and longer mileage and a greater than ten per cent reduction in rolling resistance, optimising fuel or energy consumption. Bridgestone’s Enliten technology reduces material consumption and tyre weight. The tyre also uses Bridgestone’s NanoPro-Tech high-silica compound for greater wear resistance, ensuring the Roadhawk 2 Enliten is compatible with electric vehicles.
This latest-generation Firestone tyre is targeted at motorists making everyday journeys, such as commuting, including the usual mix of heavy traffic, sudden braking and motorway speed all part of the daily mix of challenges on the roads. Bridgestone says the result is a tyre with significant performance upgrades from the original Firestone Roadhawk. The Firestone Roadhawk 2 Enliten launched with A-grade wet grip on the EU tyre label, achieving 20 per cent longer mileage than the original Firestone Roadhawk. This is combined with a 12 per cent rolling resistance reduction to optimise vehicle energy consumption.
The Toyo Proxes Comfort was developed to deliver exceptional stability and comfort for everyday driving. Designed for both cars and SUVs, it features a new tread compound and internal structure that enhance high-speed stability, confident handling, and excellent braking performance. Key tread design elements, such as an asymmetric rib pattern, high sipe density, and dynamic taper grooves, contribute to improved wet and dry grip, making the tyre well-suited for a variety of driving conditions. These qualities, combined with a quiet and smooth ride, position the Proxes Comfort as one of the most capable all-round tyres on the market
Since its launch in 2020, Proxes Comfort has continued to perform strongly in independent tests. Most recently, it was awarded a “Good” rating in Auto Bild’s 2025 summer tyre test, where it stood out among 52 competing brands. Its resistance to aquaplaning, short braking distances, and excellent value for money were particularly praised. With a consistent track record of recommendations from publications like Auto Bild, Auto Bild Allrad, ADAC, and Auto Express across multiple tyre sizes and vehicle types, the Proxes Comfort proves itself a dependable, high-performing choice even years after its release.
The Yokohama BluEarth-GT AE51 is aimed at drivers seeking a refined balance of comfort, performance, and fuel efficiency. Yokohama Rubber reports that the AE51 delivers impressive high-speed stability and confident wet grip performance. Its asymmetric tread pattern enhances ride comfort on the inner side while boosting steering precision on the outer shoulder. The tyre’s advanced construction features a lightweight yet highly durable build, including layered rubber compounds for improved fuel economy, a reinforced belt cover for straight-line stability, and bead fillers for optimised sidewall stiffness. With EU label grades ranging from B to C for fuel efficiency, A to C for wet grip, and external noise values as low as 67 dB, the BluEarth-GT AE51 strikes a balance between eco-consciousness, control, and driving pleasure.
Kumho Ecowing ES31 is a fuel-efficient summer tyre designed for compact and mid-sized vehicles. Its primary performance characteristics focus on delivering excellent rolling resistance, thereby enhancing fuel economy and reducing CO₂ emissions. The ES31 also offers reliable wet and dry traction, thanks to its optimised tread design and the use of a silica-based compound that improves grip in varying conditions. The tyre is engineered to ensure a quieter and more comfortable ride, making it a suitable choice for environmentally conscious drivers who still value on-road performance and comfort. Available in a wide range of sizes, the Kumho Ecowing ES31 caters to rim diameters from 13 to 18 inches, covering many popular passenger vehicle fitments. This breadth of options allows drivers to select the right specification to suit their car and driving needs, whether prioritising economy, safety, or comfort.
The GT Radial FE2 is aimed primarily at compact and family passenger cars and small and crossover SUVs. The tyre registered a 15 per cent improvement in wet braking, 12 per cent upgrade in wet handling and a seven per cent increase in aquaplaning resistance against the original GT Radial Champiro FE1 pattern. It also delivers around five per cent more mileage.
GT Radial achieved these targets with a new advanced tread compound which delivers high levels of grip on dry and wet roads across a wide range of temperatures. An advanced tyre profile with optimal pressure distribution and a multi-parameter tread contour ensures even wear and high mileage. Other developments include an optimised lightweight casing to lower rolling resistance and fuel consumption as well as stiff ribs to deliver precise steering and stable braking. The GT Radial FE2 was designed and engineered at Giti Tire’s European Research & Development Centre in Germany and tested at MIRA in the UK, alongside other key European testing circuits.
