Pirelli - summer tyres 2026 - market overview, tests, reviews
We have chosen just a few of the Pirelli summer tyres available, selecting models that appear most frequently and performed best in recent independent tests. The shortlist below is based on those recent test results and is not an exhaustive catalogue of Pirelli’s full summer range.
Pirelli P ZERO PZ4 — overall rating: 91 (UUHP)
The P Zero PZ4 is a top-performing ultra‑high‑performance summer tyre across multiple recent tests. Test results include an “exemplary” score from AutoBild (245/35 R19, 2025) which highlighted its balanced behaviour on wet and dry surfaces, precise turn‑in, stable lateral guidance and short braking distances, while noting it is the most expensive tyre in the comparison. Autozeitung (225/45 R18, 2025) and ACE (225/45 R18, 2023) both marked it “highly recommended,” and Sport Auto (225/40 R18, 2023) rated it “very good,” praising its steering precision, cornering balance and high lateral grip but pointing out relatively weak wet braking and higher rolling resistance. In short: an excellent performance tyre for drivers prioritising handling and precision, with a premium price and some compromise in wet braking/rolling resistance depending on size and test conditions.
Pirelli Cinturato (C3) — overall rating: 90
The Cinturato (C3) is the most recent Cinturato generation and has already claimed top honours in independent testing (Tyre Reviews 225/50 R17, 2025 — test winner). This model is presented as the successor to earlier Cinturato generations (listed previously as Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 / Pirelli P7 Cinturato), so if you are comparing generations be aware the C3 replaces those older Cinturato variants. The C3 is aimed at combining good wet and dry performance with low noise and efficiency improvements typical for a modern Cinturato family member; its high test score reflects strong overall balance in everyday driving.
Pirelli Cinturato P7 — overall rating: 75
The Cinturato P7 is an established touring summer tyre with mixed but generally acceptable results. ACE (225/45 R17, 2024) rated it “highly recommended,” while AutoBild (205/55 R16, 2024) and ADAC (205/55 R16, 2021) gave it a satisfactory rating. Test notes point to strengths in braking performance and dynamic steering/handling, but also call out only satisfactory durability and cost‑effectiveness, and a relatively higher price point. Manufacturing locations include Italy and Romania (IT; RO). The P7 remains a reasonable choice for drivers seeking a comfortable, competent touring tyre, but it does not match the sportier P Zero PZ4 or the newest Cinturato C3 in independent comparisons.
A few important notes
- Size, vehicle type and production year can change test outcomes: some tyres perform better in specific rim/tyre size combinations. The results above refer to the sizes and tests cited by the independent organisations.
- Pirelli frequently updates model lines; as noted, the Cinturato (C3) is the successor to earlier Cinturato P7 variants.
- This page highlights selected Pirelli summer tyres based on recent independent tests; it does not list every Pirelli summer tyre or every test. For buying decisions, check the exact test report for the tyre size that matches your vehicle and compare fuel/rolling resistance, wet braking and wear ratings for that size.
| Name | Rating | Type | Previous model | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Cinturato (C3) | Summer | Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 Pirelli P7 Cinturato | 2025 | |
| Pirelli Scorpion Elect | Summer | 2023 |
Tyres which were evaluated in tests from mostly European autoclubs.
| # | Name | Our rating | Test results | Achievements | Dimensions | Price from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pirelli P Zero PZ4 | 2025: 20. Autobild
5. Autozeitung
3. Autobild
5. SportAuto
3. Autobild
3. Autobild
5. ACE
11. Autobild
4. Autozeitung
2. Gute-Fahrt
2. Gute-Fahrt
| Wet circle cornering Wet handling Dry handling Aquaplaning - longitudal Dry braking …+1 |
| |||
| 2 | Pirelli Cinturato (C3) | 2025: 1. TYRE REVIEWS
| Aquaplaning - cross Dry braking Dry handling Wet braking |
| |||
| 3 | Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 ! Newer model available: Pirelli Cinturato (C3) | 2025: 3. Aftonbladet
2. Autozeitung
6. Autobild
17. ADAC
4. Autoklub ČR
2. Tyre Reviews
| Dry braking Aquaplaning - longitudal Wet braking Aquaplaning - cross Exterior noise …+1 |
| |||
| 4 | Pirelli P Zero (PZ5) ! Newer model available: 1 | 2026: 5. ACE
1. TYRE REVIEWS
| Aquaplaning - cross Aquaplaning - longitudal Dry handling Wet braking |
| |||
| 5 | Pirelli Cinturato P7 | 2024: 4. ACE
16. Autobild
9. Autobild
| Dry braking Dry handling Interior noise Aquaplaning - longitudal Comfort …+1 |
|
Tested 1x in 2026, 1x in total.
Tested 2x in 2026, 3x in total.
Tested 1x in 2026, 9x in total.
Tested 2x in 2026, 2x in total.
Tested 3x in 2026, 14x in total.
Tyres which were not featured in any test - new models, older models and non-mainstream models.