Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Michelin Primacy 4+
- TR Score
- 9.0/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 129
- TR Score
- 8.8/10
- Owners say
- 79% · 40
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin Primacy 4+ finished ahead 5 times and the EfficientGrip Performance 2 twice. The EfficientGrip Performance 2 lasted 12.5% longer in the wear tests; the Primacy 4+ stopped 4.6% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Michelin Primacy 4 Plus if wet safety is your top priority or you frequently drive in heavy rain. Choose Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 if you want the best long-term value, lower fuel use, and high mileage with refined comfort and confident handling.
Where the EfficientGrip Performance 2 is stronger
- Outstanding mileage and value (frequent wins in wear and price/value metrics)
- Lowest rolling resistance across tests, aiding fuel economy
- Quiet, comfortable ride with stable, precise handling
Where the Primacy 4+ is stronger
- Dry 7/12 Stopped 1% shorter in the dry (7 tests)
- Wet 20/27 Stopped 4.6% shorter in the wet (7 tests)
The measured tallies (wins out of measurements in the shared tests) come straight from the tables below. The written verdict and bullet points are analysis of those tests and of owner reviews; where they and the figures disagree, the figures are right.
EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Primacy 4+ at a glance
| Category | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Gap | Primacy 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 2 | 5 | |
| Dry12 measurements | 5 | The Primacy 4+ stopped 1% shorter in the dry (7 tests) | 7 |
| Wet27 measurements | 6 | The Primacy 4+ stopped 4.6% shorter in the wet (7 tests) | 20 |
| Comfort8 measurements | 4 | 3 | |
| Value11 measurements | 8 | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 lasted 12.5% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 2 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.0/10 | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 0.2 | 8.8/10 |
| Owner rating129 and 40 reviews | 85% | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 6 points | 79% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 81% | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 13 points | 68% |
| Pricein the 5 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Primacy 4+ was dearer in 3 of 5 | +5% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 37 | 27 sizes made in both | 66 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 7 tests, 2023 to 2024
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Field | Primacy 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Motorhome Summer Tyre Test | P5 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | P4 of 20 | P1 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | P9 of 16 | P2 of 16 | |
| 2024 Summer Tyre Market Overview | P13 of 55 | P5 of 55 | |
| 2023 Motor Summer Tyre Test | P5 of 8 | P2 of 8 | |
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | P1 of 50 | P3 of 50 | |
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres | P4 of 13 | P5 of 13 |
Performance profile
14 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
EfficientGrip Performance 2
Primacy 4+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 94%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 6 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
EfficientGrip Performance 2
Primacy 4+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
EfficientGrip Performance 2
Primacy 4+
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the EfficientGrip Performance 2 85% from 129 reviews and the Primacy 4+ 79% from 40. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tyres posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Gap | Primacy 4+ | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37.24 | 1% | 36.87 | 1-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 53.78 | 1.6% | 54.65 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 96.8 | 0.2% | 96.95 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.9% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 40.29 | 4.6% | 38.35 | 0-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 37.15 | 0.7% | 37.4 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 84.76 | 1.1% | 85.66 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.95 | 0.6% | 71.35 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.92 | 5.4% | 6.24 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.57 | 2.7% | 11.89 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 79.78 | 2.9% | 82.1 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.52 | 0.1% | 5.46 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.05 | = | 70.05 | 3-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.3 | 3.5% | 8.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 59,917 | 12.5% | 53,517 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.06 | 4.8% | 6.4 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.75 | 0.9% | 5.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 56.6 | 9.9% | 50.9 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tyres shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 9 and the Primacy 4+ 8.8 out of 10.
| EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Category | Primacy 4+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | Dry | 77 | ||
| 75 | Wet | 74 | ||
| 86 | Comfort | 81 | ||
| 92 | Value | 84 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Category | Primacy 4+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 8.6 | Wet Grip | 8.1 | ||
| 8 | Road Feedback | 7.3 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 7.2 | ||
| 9.1 | Wear | 8 | ||
| 8.5 | Comfort | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the EfficientGrip Performance 2 85% from 129 reviews and the Primacy 4+ 79% from 40. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
- 85%from 129 reviews
- 81%would buy again
- 1,831,837 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners largely describe the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 as a quiet, very comfortable touring tyre with standout longevity, reflected in the strong average score (81.1%) and the high share of positive reviews (90 of 113). Around four in ten owners specifically praise its tread life, and many also report confident dry and wet grip for everyday road use. The main reservation is that a noticeable minority (around one in five) find the steering feel a bit vague, and a smaller group mention a soft sidewall or occasional stability/feedback issues at speed.
- Low road noise for a touring tyre
- Comfortable, supple ride over bumps and poor surfaces
- Excellent tread life and slow wear rate
- Strong dry grip with a safe, dependable feel
- Vague or less direct steering feel
- Soft sidewalls can feel imprecise or allow more movement in corners
- Wet braking can be underwhelming for some drivers
Summarised by AI from 113 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 129 EfficientGrip Performance 2 reviewsThe Goodyear Efficientgrip Performance 2’s were excellent. I like them so much that I’m onto my third pair across two cars. They improved my fuel efficiency significantly, were stubborn to wear away, all whilst providing reassuring grip whatever the weather. I’d driven over 40k miles on this set and have only just replaced them due to shoulder wear from needing an alignment. No doubt they’d have lasted over 50k miles otherwise! They’re not a budget tyre but you soon recoup the added purchase cost through not having to replace as frequently and saving on fuel.
Michelin Primacy 4+
- 79%from 40 reviews
- 68%would buy again
- 365,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally describe the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus as a comfortable, confidence-inspiring touring tyre with strong grip, particularly in the dry and usually in the wet. Around two in five mention low road noise and good refinement, though noise is split and a noticeable minority find it loud or droning on rough surfaces. Where criticisms cluster, it's most often about a less sporty, slower steering response (around one in five owners), with a smaller group also disappointed by cold/damp performance and the tyre's price.
- Comfortable, compliant ride quality
- Strong dry grip
- Reassuring wet grip
- Generally quiet and refined for a touring tyre
- Dull or slow steering response (not very sporty)
- Can be noisy/drone on certain road surfaces
- Cold or damp-weather grip can feel weak
Summarised by AI from 34 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 40 Primacy 4+ reviewsAverage dry grip , super wet grip....very low wear.Good comfort, but quite noisy on rough asphalt...basicly my only complain.I have never drived more noisy tyres in my life.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 37 sizes of the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 66 of the Primacy 4+, 27 of them made in both.
| Category | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Primacy 4+ |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 37 sizes, 15 to 21 inch | 66 sizes, 16 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 27 sizes 185/50 R16195/50 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/45 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16225/50 R16175/65 R17and 15 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A88%B12% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | A53%B34%C13% | C63%B37% |
| EU label noise | 67-71 dB B52%A48% | 68-72 dB B100% |
| On the market since | - | 2022 |
| Replaced | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance (2021) | Michelin Primacy 4 (2017) |
| Replaced by | - | Michelin Primacy 5 |
| Awards | Highly Recommended: Best Tyres for Large Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Commended: Best Tyres for Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Summer Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2022) | Highly Recommended: Best Tyres for Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Highly Recommended: Best Tyres for Large Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Primacy 4+ was the dearer tyre in 3 of the 5 tests that listed prices, by 5% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Previous generation: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Michelin Primacy 4 (14 shared tests)
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits two flagship premium-touring summer tyres aimed at everyday comfort and safety: Goodyear's EfficientGrip Performance 2 and Michelin's Primacy 4 Plus. Across seven shared professional tests from 2023-2024, both deliver balanced road manners, but they take different routes to the same brief.
Michelin consistently edges objective safety metrics-especially in wet braking and aquaplaning-translating into more top placements overall. Goodyear counters with standout efficiency, value and longevity, frequently topping wear, rolling resistance and price-based metrics while remaining composed in handling. Drivers choosing between them are essentially prioritizing either maximum wet-braking confidence (Michelin) or long-term cost-efficiency and comfort (Goodyear).
Conclusion
Across the test set, Michelin Primacy 4 Plus proves the safer bet in adverse weather: it wins all seven wet-braking comparisons, often by meaningful margins (circa 4-8%), and shows stronger aquaplaning resistance. That consistent wet advantage, plus slightly shorter dry stops in most tests, explains its five overall test wins.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 excels on total ownership: lower rolling resistance, lower purchase price in most sizes tested, and materially higher predicted mileage (often 7-16%+), delivering leading value scores. It also runs quietly and handles with precision, occasionally beating Michelin on dry and subjective handling. If you drive mostly in mixed urban/highway conditions and value long life and economy, Goodyear is compelling. If you regularly face heavy rain or want the shortest possible stops, Michelin is the confident, safety-first choice. The practical takeaway: Michelin for maximum wet safety, Goodyear for the best long-term value without major compromises.
EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Primacy 4+: your questions
Is the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 or the Michelin Primacy 4+ the better tyre?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin Primacy 4+ finished ahead 5 times and the EfficientGrip Performance 2 twice. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 9 and the Primacy 4+ 8.8 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 or the Primacy 4+?
The Primacy 4+ led 20 of the 27 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.6% shorter in the wet across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Primacy 4+ led 7 of the 12 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1% shorter in the dry across 7 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The EfficientGrip Performance 2 lasted 12.5% longer in the wear tests (3 tests), had 4.8% lower rolling resistance (4 tests) and used 0.9% less fuel (2 tests); the Primacy 4+ shed 9.9% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests). Owners rate wear 9.1/10 for the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 8/10 for the Primacy 4+.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.5/10 for the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 8.1/10 for the Primacy 4+.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the EfficientGrip Performance 2 85% from 129 reviews and the Primacy 4+ 79% from 40. 81% of EfficientGrip Performance 2 owners would buy it again, against 68% for the Primacy 4+.
Which is more expensive?
In the 5 tests that listed prices, the Primacy 4+ was the dearer tyre in 3 of them, by 5% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The EfficientGrip Performance 2 is made in 37 sizes (15 to 21 inch) and the Primacy 4+ in 66 (16 to 21 inch). 27 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the EfficientGrip Performance 2 is graded A for wet grip and A for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Primacy 4+ A and C.
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Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tyres ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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