215/55 R18 - Best summer tyres 2026 - market overview, tests, reviews

The Dunlop Blue Response TG is a new summer touring tyre from Dunlop, designed as the successor to the long-running Dunlop Sport BluResponse. Positioned in the mid-range segment, it targets drivers looking for a balanced combination of wet and dry performance with good fuel efficiency. The tyre made an impressive debut by winning the AMS 2026 summer tyre test in the 195/55 R16 size. In the AMS test, the Blue Response TG achieved outstanding scores across the board: 9.7/10 for dry performance and an exceptional 9.9/10 for wet performance, demonstrating Dunlop's focus on safety in all conditions. The tyre also scored well for environmental characteristics with a 7.2/10 rating, reflecting improvements in rolling resistance and noise levels compared to its predecessor. Currently available in 195/55 R16 and 205/55 R16 sizes with a V speed rating (up to 240 km/h), the Blue Response TG is expected to expand its size range as production ramps up. The TG designation signals a new generation in Dunlop's touring-focused Blue Response lineup.

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.

Despite its name, this tyre is focused mainly on efficiency and comfort, which is where it excels. It has got a great mileage, while maintaining very safe characteristics and therefore is recommended for drivers that value comfort over sportiness.

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.

Comfortable and quiet SUV tyre that is very well balanced with a lean towards durability

The ZE320 is Falken's follow-up to the ZE310, and in some areas it's a clear step forward — dry handling is strong, and it's one of the quietest tyres in its class. Tyre Reviews even rated it highly recommended with top marks in wet handling. That said, wet braking is a real weak spot, especially in cooler conditions, and cross aquaplaning protection is poor. Higher rolling resistance and limited mileage are familiar problems carried over from the predecessor. Available in only 52 sizes, it's still a decent pick if you prioritize a quiet, composed ride and don't push hard in the wet.

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.

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.

If you care about the range of your electric vehicle, there are now non-premium options that are more than good enough for daily driving. The Falken e.Ziex delivers top-tier rolling resistance and some of the shortest braking distances in test, both wet and dry. It rides comfortably and stays quiet, though aquaplaning safety in corners and overall wet grip leave room for improvement.

Built for comfort and longevity. The Primacy 4+ delivers outstanding mileage, low noise, and a smooth ride — all backed by short braking distances. Aquaplaning reserves and wet grip are modest, but if you value a quiet, comfortable ride with low running costs, this is the Michelin to get.

Being usually one of the cheaper tyres in the test, the japanese Falken still delivers very safe characteristics for everyday driving. It suffers a bit in the efficiency department, with higher rolling resistance and limited mileage.

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.

Ventus Prime 4 Is our favorite every day tyre, as it offers premium safety at an affordable price. Short braking distances, good handling, but slightly worse at aquaplaning and comfort.

The Premitra HP6 is Maxxis's latest summer touring tire, replacing the HP5 with meaningful improvements in longevity and wet safety. It delivers 10-15% better mileage and over 7% shorter wet braking distances thanks to connecting bridge sipes and four optimized longitudinal grooves. A 2025 Red Dot Design Award winner, it punches well above its budget positioning with A-rated wet grip across the 70-size lineup.

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.

A very cheap tyre made in Europe with sufficient grip, but very short life. Not sporty. Good for people that don't drive just occasionally.

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The P Zero range is with us for a long time, also being a favorite choice for car manufacturers as first equipment. It’s a good, well balanced and enjoyable tyre. It tends to get quite a few mid-life updates so make sure you get the latest one.

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.

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