Auto Express Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 2025
This is the second test for the new Pirelli P Zero PZ5 and a second victory ! This year's Auto Express summer tire test compared nine popular summer tires in the 225/40 R18 size and brought some very interesting results .
Top 3 from the test
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Braking distance in the wet m · ↓ lower is better 
Braking distance in the dry m · ↓ lower is better 
Aquaplaning km/h · ↑ higher is better 
Dry handling s · ↓ lower is better Test information
2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test – 225/40 R18 Summer Tyre Test Overview
The 2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test compared 9 popular summer tyres in size 225/40 R18, focusing on a combination of dry, wet and comfort parameters including aquaplaning, noise and rolling resistance. The tests were conducted on independently purchased tyres to reflect the real-world offering for drivers looking for a versatile UHP summer tyre.
Main test results:
- Pirelli P Zero PZ5 – excellent handling on both dry and wet roads and strong results in the wet circuit test.
- Bridgestone Potenza Sport – very good wet braking and high overall performance.
- Hankook Ventus Evo – stable performance in wet conditions and good aquaplaning.
- Michelin Pilot Sport 5 – excelled in aquaplaning, although dry results were rather average.
- Less successful models like Kumho, Goodyear, and Continental SportContact 7 achieved mixed results – they did not always dominate in key disciplines.
The winner is the new Pirelli P Zero PZ5 tire
Which claimed its second victory this season and dominated especially in dry and wet handling, thus securing the overall primacy in the test.
The test focuses on the practical driving characteristics of summer tires for more powerful hatchbacks and sports cars, and is a useful reference point when choosing tires for the 2025 season.
Auto Express Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 2025
9 products · click a column to sort| # | Tyre | Price from | Dry braking [m] ↕ | Dry manoeuvring [s] ↕ | Wet braking [m] ↕ | Wet manoeuvring [s] ↕ | Aquaplaning straight [km/h] ↕ | Aquaplaning cornering [m/s²] ↕ | Rolling resistance [kg/t] ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Pirelli P Zero PZ5 ✓ Available in size 225/40 R18 | from 38 356 Ft | 35.2 | 82 | 30.8 | 90 | 84.5 | 0.78 | 7.99 |
| 2. | Bridgestone Potenza Sport ✓ Available in size 225/40 R18 | from 40 705 Ft | 34.9 | 82 | 30 | 90.6 | 85.2 | 0.75 | 8.25 |
| 3. | Hankook Ventus Evo ✓ Available in size 225/40 R18 | from 34 141 Ft | 36.4 | 83.1 | 32.4 | 90.2 | 86.5 | 0.85 | 7.9 |
| 4. | Michelin Pilot Sport 5 ✓ Available in size 225/40 R18 | from 50 081 Ft | 36.8 | 83.1 | 31.6 | 91.1 | 88 | 0.85 | 7.45 |
| 5. | Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 ✓ Available in size 225/40 R18 | from 29 983 Ft | 36.8 | 82.8 | 35.9 | 90.9 | 83.6 | 0.7 | 7.36 |
| 6. | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 ✓ Available in size 225/40 R18 | from 36 178 Ft | 35.6 | 82.9 | 34.1 | 91.1 | 85.4 | 0.79 | 7.63 |
| 7. | Yokohama Advan Sport V107 ✓ Available in size 225/40 R18 | from 36 990 Ft | 34 | 82.8 | 33.2 | 91.8 | 83.8 | 0.83 | 8.97 |
| 8. | Continental SportContact 7 ✓ Available in size 225/40 R18 | from 39 184 Ft | 34.9 | 82.5 | 35 | 91.8 | 84.8 | 0.7 | 7.63 |
| 9. | Ceat SportDrive ✕ Unavailable in size 225/40 R18 | — | 38.3 | 83.8 | 36.8 | 97.7 | 81.3 | 0.77 | 7 |
Dry braking [m]
Dry manoeuvring [s]
Wet braking [m]
Wet manoeuvring [s]
Aquaplaning straight [km/h]
Aquaplaning cornering [m/s²]
Rolling resistance [kg/t]
This is the second test for the new Pirelli P Zero PZ5 and a second victory ! This year's Auto Express summer tire test compared nine popular summer tires in the 225/40 R18 size and brought some very interesting results .