GT - summer tyres 2026 - market overview, tests, reviews
We selected just a few of the many GT summer tyres on the market to profile here, choosing models that appear in recent independent tests so you get a compact, evidence‑based view rather than a long catalogue entry. The two variants covered below (the GT Radial Sport Active 2 for passenger cars and the Sport Active 2 SUV) have been tested by Auto Bild, AutoMotorSport and AutoMotorSport; their results show clear strengths and important weaknesses you should consider before buying.
GT Radial Sport Active 2 (passenger car)
- Summary of test findings: Recent Auto Bild results (225/45 R18) are mixed — in 2023 the tyre finished well (4th, rated “good”) with praise for secure dry and wet handling, very good aquaplaning resistance and a strong price–performance ratio, while Auto Bild’s 2022 test judged the same model harshly (not recommended) because of low wet grip, markedly longer wet braking distances, understeer in wet conditions and delayed steering response. AutoMotorSport (245/45 R19) also flagged very long wet and dry braking distances and limited stability in wet curves, concluding the tyre is more suitable for lighter, less powerful cars.
- What this means in practice: The Sport Active 2 proves strong at aquaplaning prevention and delivers confident dry handling and a good value point. However, wet‑weather performance is inconsistent across tests — drivers who regularly encounter heavy rain or make spirited wet‑road driving should be cautious. The model‑level score from the compiled data is modest (around 61), reflecting these trade‑offs.
- Best use: Budget‑conscious drivers and owners of lighter vehicles who mainly drive in dry conditions, or those who accept some compromise on wet braking for a lower price. If wet stopping distances are critical for you, consider higher‑ranked alternatives from recent comparative tests.
GT Radial Sport Active 2 SUV
- Summary of test findings: In the 255/45 R20 tyre test by AutoMotorSport the SUV version was rated “sufficient.” Positives were good aquaplaning protection, safe lane‑change behavior on dry roads and a quiet, comfortable on‑board feel. Negatives included excessively long wet braking distances (which triggered a penalty), unbalanced wet handling (tendency to either over‑ or understeer) and a tendency to be overwhelmed during sporty driving when fitted to heavier vehicles.
- What this means in practice: The SUV variant aims at comfort and low noise but loses out where wet braking and dynamic stability matter, particularly under the higher loads of larger SUVs. Its compiled score is low (data shows a much weaker overall rating than the passenger‑car version).
- Best use: Drivers who prioritize ride comfort and low noise on mainly dry roads and who use modestly powered SUVs. Not recommended for heavy or high‑performance SUVs or for drivers who need the shortest possible wet braking distances.
Replacement / generational notes
- The test materials we reviewed do not indicate that either tyre was formally replaced or superseded by a newer generation in the tested period. The passenger‑car Sport Active 2 shows differing outcomes between 2022 and 2023 tests (worse in 2022, better in 2023), which can reflect either minor production updates, batch differences or test‑to‑test variability — but no documented new generation or name change was listed in the reports we used.
Short buying guidance
- If you mainly drive in dry conditions and want an economical tyre with strong aquaplaning resistance and good dry handling, the GT Radial Sport Active 2 can be a reasonable budget choice — just be aware of uncertain wet braking and lateral grip. For SUV buyers, the Sport Active 2 SUV emphasizes comfort and low cabin noise but shows clear weaknesses in wet braking and dynamic balance under load; consider higher‑ranked SUV tyres if safety in wet conditions or sporty handling is a priority. Always check the specific size tests and the most recent comparative reviews for your tyre dimension before purchasing.
| Name | Rating | Type | Previous model | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT radial Sport Active 2 SUV |
1.1/5
| Summer | 2023 | |
| GT radial Sport Active 2 |
3.05/5
| Summer | 2022 |
Tyres which were evaluated in tests from mostly European autoclubs.
| # | Name | Our rating | Test results | Achievements | Dimensions | Price from |
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Tested 1x in 2026, 1x in total.
Tyres which were not featured in any test - new models, older models and non-mainstream models.
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