Comparison: Uniroyal RainSport 5 vs. Cooper Zeon CS8 vs. Goodyear Efficientgrip 2 SUV

Uniroyal RainSport 5 vs. Cooper Zeon CS8 – summer tyre comparison based on independent tests. If you’re choosing between the Uniroyal RainSport 5 and the Cooper Zeon CS8, both target drivers who value wet safety, but their overall test performance differs noticeably. Our aggregated rating reflects this: RainSport 5: 62% vs. Zeon CS8: 34%. Neither model has been officially replaced by a newer version at the time of writing.

Mutual test results: who finishes ahead?

• Auto Bild (53 tyres): RainSport 5 placed 19th, beating Zeon CS8 at 26th. The Uniroyal stood out with very strong aquaplaning resistance (both longitudinal and lateral).


• ADAC (50 tyres): RainSport 5 ranked 31st vs. Zeon CS8 at 33rd.


• Auto Bild 2024 qualitative verdicts: Both tyres are good on wet roads but unbalanced, with clear weaknesses on dry. The RainSport 5 was criticized for sustainability, low mileage and higher fuel consumption; the Zeon CS8 showed similar issues, with additional remarks about abrasion and efficiency.

What the tests say about each tyre

• Uniroyal RainSport 5 (UHP, summer):
  
  
  
  • Strengths: Excellent wet safety, especially aquaplaning resistance (a recurring best-in-discipline highlight). Predictable wet grip gives confidence in heavy rain.
  
  
  • Weaknesses: Dry handling and balance trail the class leaders; efficiency and sustainability are weak, with higher fuel consumption and lower projected mileage flagged by Auto Bild 2024.
  
  
  
  


• Cooper Zeon CS8 (summer, made in GB):
  
  
  
  • Strengths: Still good on wet roads for its category; generally safe in the rain.
  
  
  • Weaknesses: Even more unbalanced on dry than the Uniroyal in editorial remarks; environmental score, abrasion, and efficiency were criticized, alongside low mileage.
  
  
  
  

Overall verdict
Across the shared tests, the Uniroyal RainSport 5 consistently outperforms the Cooper Zeon CS8. It placed higher in both Auto Bild and ADAC, and it earns a much stronger aggregate rating. If your priority is maximum wet safety and aquaplaning resistance, the RainSport 5 is the safer bet. Just note its trade-offs: dry-road precision, rolling efficiency, and longevity are not its strong suits.
The Cooper Zeon CS8 remains a competent wet-weather tyre, but its overall test standing is lower and its dry performance and efficiency shortcomings are more pronounced. It’s hard to recommend over the Uniroyal unless pricing or availability strongly favors the Cooper.

Replacements and brand links
As of now, neither model has an official successor listed in our database. Learn more about the brands: Uniroyal and Cooper.

Bottom line: Choose the Uniroyal RainSport 5 if you frequently drive in heavy rain and want class-leading aquaplaning safety. Choose the Cooper Zeon CS8 only if wet grip at a lower price is your sole priority and you can accept compromises in dry handling, mileage, and efficiency.