Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Michelin Primacy 5
- TR Score
- 9.0/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 129
- TR Score
- 8.8/10
- Owners say
- 82% · 62
The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 and the Michelin Primacy 5 have met in 4 independent tests and the record is level at 2-2. The EfficientGrip Performance 2 stopped 1.4% shorter in the dry; the Primacy 5 lasted 26% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 if you want the better all-round premium touring summer tyre-more consistent top-tier test finishes, stronger overall wet/dry balance, and excellent efficiency. Choose the Michelin Primacy 5 if your main priority is wet motorway confidence in standing water (straight-line aquaplaning) and you're willing to accept less precise handling/feedback for that extra hydroplaning margin.
Where the EfficientGrip Performance 2 is stronger
- More consistent overall test performance (3rd/10 autozurnal; 3rd/16 ADAC) with broad competence across dry and wet disciplines
- Stronger day-to-day dynamics in the shared data (e.g., autozurnal subjective dry handling 7.438 vs 6.688; wet circle 11.59 s vs 12.1 s)
- Efficiency standout in autozurnal: much lower rolling resistance (0.536 vs 0.677 kg/t) and lower energy use (12.86 vs 13.78 kWh/100 km)
Where the Primacy 5 is stronger
- Best repeatable advantage is straight-line aquaplaning (wins both tests: 77.8 vs 72.9 km/h; 76.5 vs 75.7 km/h)
- Strong aquaplaning competence overall, including a big win in autozurnal curved aquaplaning (3.21 vs 2.77 m/s²)
- Competitive braking performance even when overall handling is criticized (e.g., autozurnal wet braking 47.8 vs 48.7 m)
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 5 at a glance
| Category | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Gap | Primacy 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 2 | 2 | |
| Dry4 measurements | 3 | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 stopped 1.4% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 0 |
| Wet10 measurements | 5 | Level between the two. | 5 |
| Comfort2 measurements | 1 | 0 | |
| Value10 measurements | 3 | The Primacy 5 lasted 26% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 7 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.0/10 | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 0.2 | 8.8/10 |
| Owner rating129 and 62 reviews | 85% | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 3 points | 82% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 81% | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 3 points | 78% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 37 | 22 sizes made in both | 88 |
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 4 tests, 2024 to 2026
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 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 autozurnal Eco Summer Tyre Test | P3 of 10 | P4 of 10 | |
| 2026 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | P3 of 16 | P7 of 16 | |
| 2025 DEKRA Wear Test of Michelin Primacy 5 Energy vs Rivals | P7 of 8 | P1 of 8 | |
| 2024 TUV and DEKRA Test of Michelin Primacy 5 vs Rivals | P3 of 5 | P1 of 5 |
Performance profile
7 measurements from the 4 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
EfficientGrip Performance 2
Primacy 5
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. 9 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 5
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 5
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 5 82% from 62. 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 5 | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36.33 | 1.4% | 36.87 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 11.2% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 35.23 | 1% | 34.93 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 38.1 | 1.8% | 38.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 86.4 | 1% | 87.3 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 11.59 | 4.2% | 12.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 74.3 | 3.9% | 77.15 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 3.09 | 6.4% | 3.26 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 72.2 | 0.5 dB | 72.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 36,733 | 26% | 42,633 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 4.06 | 9.9% | 4.09 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.5 | 1.8% | 5.4 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 12.86 | 6.7% | 13.78 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 69.4 | 14.1% | 59.5 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 1,885 | 34.1% | 1,243 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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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 5 8.8 out of 10.
| EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Category | Primacy 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | Dry | 62 | ||
| 75 | Wet | 77 | ||
| 86 | Comfort | 76 | ||
| 92 | Value | 92 | ||
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 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 8.6 | Wet Grip | 8.7 | ||
| 8 | Road Feedback | 7.6 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 7.8 | ||
| 9.1 | Wear | 9.1 | ||
| 8.5 | Comfort | 8.4 | ||
Owners rate the EfficientGrip Performance 2 85% from 129 reviews and the Primacy 5 82% from 62. 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 5
- 82%from 62 reviews
- 78%would buy again
- 378,963 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally rate the Michelin Primacy 5 highly (82% average), most often praising its notably comfortable, refined ride and strong wet-weather confidence. Around three quarters of reviewers mention noise, and while many find it very quiet, a sizeable minority report intrusive droning on certain road surfaces. Grip and efficiency are commonly highlighted as strengths (especially in the wet and for rolling resistance), but around one in five owners feel it sacrifices dry handling and steering precision compared with sportier alternatives.
- Very comfortable, smooth ride quality
- Low road noise for a touring tyre (especially at speed)
- Strong wet grip and reassuring wet traction
- Low rolling resistance / good efficiency
- Can be noisy or drone on rougher road surfaces
- Soft, less confident dry handling in corners
- Less direct steering feel / reduced precision
Summarised by AI from 62 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 62 Primacy 5 reviewsThe tires are very silent and comfortable. Despite this they are very grippy in the dry and wet and give a good feedback. Driven in 40+ degrees in summer until now in rainy 5 degrees autumn and they make the drive 100% secure.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 37 sizes of the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 88 of the Primacy 5, 22 of them made in both.
| Category | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Primacy 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 37 sizes, 15 to 21 inch | 88 sizes, 16 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 22 sizes 195/55 R16195/60 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16205/50 R17205/55 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17215/60 R17and 10 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A88%B12% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | A53%B34%C13% | B88%C12% |
| EU label noise | 67-71 dB B52%A48% | 70-72 dB B95%A5% |
| On the market since | - | 2025 |
| Replaced | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance (2021) | Michelin Primacy 4+ (2022) |
| 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, 2026/27) Winner: Best Tyres for Large Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) |
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+ (7 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.
Goodyear's EfficientGrip Performance 2 and Michelin's Primacy 5 sit in the same premium-touring summer lane: quiet, comfortable, efficient tyres aimed at everyday drivers who still want trustworthy wet and dry safety. Because they're direct rivals, the interesting question isn't whether they're “good” (they are), but where each one compromises-particularly between efficiency, aquaplaning security, and steering/handling precision.
Across the two shared 2026 group tests (autozurnal in 215/55 R18 and ADAC in 225/50 R17), the Goodyear is the more consistently high finisher (3rd/10 and 3rd/16), while the Michelin lands a step back overall (4th/10 and 7th/16). The data shows a clear pattern: Goodyear tends to win on all-round dynamics and lab/real-world efficiency, while Michelin's biggest measurable edge is straight-line aquaplaning resistance-plus a narrow fuel-consumption win in ADAC.
Conclusion
If you want the more complete “do-everything well” premium touring tyre, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 comes out ahead on the shared evidence. It beats the Primacy 5 on most dynamic metrics in autozurnal (dry braking 37.1 m vs 38.3 m; wet circle 11.59 s vs 12.1 s) and matches or improves on key ADAC safety checks (notably wet braking 31.3 m vs 32.7 m). It also posts standout efficiency in autozurnal (rolling resistance 0.536 vs 0.677 kg/t; energy consumption 12.86 vs 13.78 kWh/100 km), and it slightly leads predicted wear life in ADAC (57,800 km vs 56,000 km). In other words: better day-to-day balance with fewer question marks.
The Primacy 5's strongest, most repeatable advantage is hydroplaning at higher water depths/speeds: it wins straight aquaplaning in both tests (77.8 vs 72.9 km/h in autozurnal; 76.5 vs 75.7 km/h in ADAC) and also leads curved aquaplaning in autozurnal (3.21 vs 2.77 m/s²). However, the same reports flag handling/steering shortcomings (ADAC notes imprecise steering and thermal sensitivity), which helps explain why its overall placements trail despite decent braking. Practical takeaway: pick Michelin when your priority is motorway wet-weather security in standing water; pick Goodyear when you want the better all-rounder with stronger efficiency and more convincing overall test results.
EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Primacy 5: your questions
Is the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 or the Michelin Primacy 5 the better tyre?
The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 and the Michelin Primacy 5 have met in 4 independent tests and the record is level at 2-2. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 9 and the Primacy 5 8.8 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 or the Primacy 5?
Across the shared tests the wet measurements are split 5-5 between the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and the Primacy 5.
Which is better in the dry?
The EfficientGrip Performance 2 led 3 of the 4 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.4% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Primacy 5 lasted 26% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) and shed 14.1% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests). Owners rate wear 9.1/10 for the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 9.1/10 for the Primacy 5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.5/10 for the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 8.4/10 for the Primacy 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the EfficientGrip Performance 2 85% from 129 reviews and the Primacy 5 82% from 62. 81% of EfficientGrip Performance 2 owners would buy it again, against 78% for the Primacy 5.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The EfficientGrip Performance 2 is made in 37 sizes (15 to 21 inch) and the Primacy 5 in 88 (16 to 22 inch). 22 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 5 A and B.
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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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