Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Michelin Primacy 4
- TR Score
- 9.0/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 129
- TR Score
- 8.8/10
- Owners say
- 78% · 207
In the 14 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin Primacy 4 finished ahead 8 times and the EfficientGrip Performance 2 5 times, with one level. The EfficientGrip Performance 2 lasted 11.4% longer in the wear tests; the Primacy 4 stopped 1.9% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Michelin Primacy 4 if you prioritize shortest braking distances and straight-line aquaplaning safety, especially for mixed weather and urban stop-start driving. Choose Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 if you value quiet comfort, long life and lower running costs, with confident wet handling for motorway and high-mileage use.
Where the EfficientGrip Performance 2 is stronger
- Outstanding wear and value (e.g., +14% longer wear vs Michelin in Auto Bild; test wins on cost-per-1000 km)
- Refined ride with low exterior noise; frequent noise wins
- Strong wet handling and wet circle performance; predictable balance
Where the Primacy 4 is stronger
- Class-leading dry and wet braking in most tests (11/11 category wins in dry braking summary)
- Good straight-line aquaplaning resistance and balanced handling
- Low rolling resistance with high comfort in some sizes
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Primacy 4 at a glance
| Category | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Gap | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won14 shared tests | 5 | 1 level | 8 |
| Dry19 measurements | 5 | The Primacy 4 stopped 1.9% shorter in the dry (11 tests) | 13 |
| Wet35 measurements | 16 | The Primacy 4 stopped 1.6% shorter in the wet (11 tests) | 19 |
| Comfort13 measurements | 5 | Level between the two. | 5 |
| Value12 measurements | 8 | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 lasted 11.4% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 4 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.0/10 | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 0.2 | 8.8/10 |
| Owner rating129 and 207 reviews | 85% | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 7 points | 78% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 81% | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 16 points | 65% |
| Pricein the 7 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Primacy 4 was dearer in 7 of 7 | +13.4% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 37 | 24 sizes made in both | 57 |
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 14 tests, 2020 to 2022
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 AZ SUV Tyre Test | P3 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2022 ViBilagare Eco vs Normal Tyre Test | P6 of 10 | P5 of 10 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | P1 of 21 | P3 of 21 | |
| 2022 ADAC Summer Tyre Test - 15 Inch | P1 of 16 | P3 of 16 | |
| 2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview | P16 of 50 | P8 of 50 | |
| 2021 ACE / GTU Summer Tyre Test | P9 of 9 | P5 of 9 | |
| 2021 ViBilagare Summer Tyre Test | P2 of 8 | P5 of 8 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild 16 Inch Summer Tyre Test | P9 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2021 Sport Auto Summer Tyre Test | P4 of 11 | P1 of 11 | |
| 2021 53 Summer Tyre Braking Test | P13 of 53 | P5 of 53 | |
| 2020 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test | P1 of 10 | P2 of 10 | |
| 2020 Tyre Reviews Ultimate Summer Tyre Test | P2 of 12 | P7 of 12 | |
| 2020 New 17 Inch Summer Tyre Test | P6 of 10 | P4 of 10 | |
| 2020 Teknikens 17 Inch Summer Tyre Test | P2 of 10 | P1 of 10 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 14 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 96%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 4 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 78% from 207. 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35.27 | 1.9% | 34.6 | 0-11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 92.72 | 0.4% | 93.14 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 102.4 | = | 102.4 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 4.7% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36.68 | 1.6% | 36.03 | 2-9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.34 | 0.7% | 73.9 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.67 | 0.1% | 73.6 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 7% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 6.64 | 7.1% | 6.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 17.76 | 1.4% | 17.98 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 78.62 | 2.1% | 80.32 | 2-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36.22 | 4% | 36.53 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.1% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 66.7% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 68.25 | 0.1 dB | 68.35 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.62 | 1.8% | 8.77 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49,640 | 11.4% | 44,540 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.12 | 2.4% | 7.31 | 5-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.29 | 0.8% | 5.33 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 | 78 | ||
| 86 | Comfort | 76 | ||
| 92 | Value | 90 | ||
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 | 8.4 | ||
| 8.6 | Wet Grip | 8 | ||
| 8 | Road Feedback | 7.4 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 7.6 | ||
| 9.1 | Wear | 8.1 | ||
| 8.5 | Comfort | 8.2 | ||
Owners rate the EfficientGrip Performance 2 85% from 129 reviews and the Primacy 4 78% from 207. 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
- 78%from 207 reviews
- 65%would buy again
- 3,399,988 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally rate the Michelin Primacy 4 as a quiet, comfortable touring tyre with strong dry grip, with 113 positive reviews out of 173 and an average score of 73.5%. Around half of owners praise its ride comfort and low road noise, and many also report reassuring dry performance and good overall longevity. The most common drawback is steering feel: around one in four owners describe the response as vague or “floaty”, with a smaller group also finding it pricey for the level of feedback. A small but notable minority (around one in twenty) say road noise increases as the tyre wears.
- Comfortable, supple ride quality
- Low road noise and refined cruising
- Strong dry grip
- Long-lasting tread life for a summer touring tyre
- Vague or delayed steering response ("floaty" feel)
- Dry handling can feel soft or understeery when pushed
- Wet grip can be only average for some drivers
Summarised by AI from 173 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 207 Primacy 4 reviewsNot really sporty but reliable - in my opinion a perfect match to a car which isn't sporty but reliable.
After changing to Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 in 245/45 R19 I would prefer the GYs. Much more responsive and not more wear.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 37 sizes of the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 57 of the Primacy 4, 24 of them made in both.
| Category | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 37 sizes, 15 to 21 inch | 57 sizes, 15 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 24 sizes 185/65 R15195/65 R15195/55 R16205/45 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16225/50 R16205/50 R17205/55 R17and 12 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A88%B12% | A80%B20% |
| EU label rolling resistance | A53%B34%C13% | C40%B34%A26% |
| EU label noise | 67-71 dB B52%A48% | 68-72 dB B63%A38% |
| On the market since | - | 2017 |
| Replaced | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance (2021) | Michelin Primacy 3 (2012) |
| Replaced by | - | Michelin Primacy 4+ |
| 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) | Winner: SUV Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2022) Winner: Summer Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2021) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Primacy 4 was the dearer tyre in 7 of the 7 tests that listed prices, by 13.4% 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.
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.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 and Michelin Primacy 4 sit at the top of the premium-touring summer segment, built for everyday safety, comfort and efficiency rather than outright sport. Across 14 shared tests spanning 15-17-inch sizes, both have proven consistently competent, but they go about it differently. Michelin usually nails the braking-based safety metrics, while Goodyear often counters with lower noise, better value and standout wear.
Look closer and patterns emerge: Michelin dominates dry and wet braking almost across the board, and tends to resist straight-line aquaplaning better. Goodyear frequently feels more secure in wet handling laps and circles, keeps cabin noise down, and pairs very long tread life with strong value scores. If you're choosing between them, it's a question of immediate stopping security versus day-to-day refinement and running costs.
Conclusion
If your priority is shortest possible stopping distances and a classically secure, balanced feel, the Michelin Primacy 4 is the safer bet: it wins the majority of dry and wet braking contests and often edges straight aquaplaning. That said, it's usually pricier and doesn't match the Goodyear's longevity in most wear tests.
The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 delivers excellent wet handling consistency, notably low noise, very competitive rolling resistance and market-leading wear and value in multiple tests (e.g., Auto Bild and ADAC). For high-mileage drivers or anyone sensitive to refinement and cost-per-kilometer, it's the smarter buy. In short: Michelin for maximum braking-led safety emphasis, Goodyear for all-round comfort, economy and durability without sacrificing wet confidence.
EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Primacy 4: your questions
Is the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 or the Michelin Primacy 4 the better tyre?
In the 14 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin Primacy 4 finished ahead 8 times and the EfficientGrip Performance 2 5 times, with one level. 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 19 of the 35 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.6% shorter in the wet across 11 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Primacy 4 led 13 of the 19 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.9% shorter in the dry across 11 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The EfficientGrip Performance 2 lasted 11.4% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) and had 2.4% lower rolling resistance (8 tests). Owners rate wear 9.1/10 for the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 8.1/10 for the Primacy 4.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.5/10 for the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 8.2/10 for the Primacy 4.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the EfficientGrip Performance 2 85% from 129 reviews and the Primacy 4 78% from 207. 81% of EfficientGrip Performance 2 owners would buy it again, against 65% for the Primacy 4.
Which is more expensive?
In the 7 tests that listed prices, the Primacy 4 was the dearer tyre in 7 of them, by 13.4% 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 57 (15 to 20 inch). 24 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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Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
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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