Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Falken Azenis FK520
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 82% · 71
- TR Score
- 9.1/10
- Owners say
- 82% · 55
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Continental PremiumContact 7 finished ahead 6 times and the Azenis FK520 once. The PremiumContact 7 stopped 4.8% shorter in the wet; the Azenis FK520 had 1.2% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Continental PremiumContact 7 if you want the most dependable all-round summer tyre-especially for frequent wet driving, confident handling, and longer life. Choose the Falken Azenis FK520 if budget and low noise are top priorities and you're willing to accept less precise steering and less consistent wet performance, despite its generally good straight-line aquaplaning results.
Where the PremiumContact 7 is stronger
- Consistently superior wet safety: wins 6/7 wet braking comparisons and all measured wet-handling matchups (e.g., 41.8 m vs 48.2 m wet braking in AZ 2025)
- More precise, confidence-inspiring dynamics: repeatedly higher dry-handling performance and much better subjective handling (AutoBild subjective dry 6.7 vs 5.3)
- Strong aquaplaning protection overall, particularly in curved/lateral aquaplaning (e.g., +15.35% advantage in Sport Auto 2026 curved aquaplaning)
Where the Azenis FK520 is stronger
- Better value proposition: consistently lower price/price-per-1000 km (value wins 3/3; e.g., 12.86 vs 17.39 in AutoBild 2026; lower purchase price in AutoBild UHP 2023: 510 vs 625)
- Lower external and cabin noise in most tests (noise wins 5/5 where measured head-to-head)
- Often slightly lower rolling resistance (wins 3/5 rolling-resistance comparisons), supporting efficiency-minded buyers
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.
PremiumContact 7 vs Azenis FK520 at a glance
| Category | PremiumContact 7 | Gap | Azenis FK520 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 6 | 1 | |
| Dry14 measurements | 10 | The PremiumContact 7 stopped 1.1% shorter in the dry (7 tests) | 1 |
| Wet27 measurements | 19 | The PremiumContact 7 stopped 4.8% shorter in the wet (7 tests) | 7 |
| Comfort8 measurements | 1 | The Azenis FK520 was 1.3 dB quieter (5 tests) | 5 |
| Value10 measurements | 6 | The PremiumContact 7 lasted 9.9% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 4 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.5/10 | The PremiumContact 7 by 0.4 | 9.1/10 |
| Owner rating71 and 55 reviews | 82% | Too close to call | 82% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 74% | The Azenis FK520 by 2 points | 76% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +31.1% | The PremiumContact 7 was dearer in 4 of 4 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 56 | 42 sizes made in both | 133 |
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 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 | PremiumContact 7 | Field | Azenis FK520 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sport Auto Summer Tyre Test | P4 of 7 | P3 of 7 | |
| 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test | P6 of 20 | P13 of 20 | |
| 2026 Summer Braking Super Tyre Test - How do 52 Tyres Perform in Wet and Dry Braking? | P6 of 50 | P14 of 50 | |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test | P2 of 10 | P8 of 10 | |
| 2024 AMS Summer SUV Tyre Test | P1 of 8 | P7 of 8 | |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test | P3 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2023 Summer Tyre Market Overview | P5 of 50 | P8 of 50 |
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
PremiumContact 7
Azenis FK520
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. 4 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
PremiumContact 7
Azenis FK520
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
PremiumContact 7
Azenis FK520
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the PremiumContact 7 82% from 71 reviews and the Azenis FK520 82% from 55. 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 | PremiumContact 7 | Gap | Azenis FK520 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34.04 | 1.1% | 34.43 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.3 | 0.1% | 69.4 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 106.7 | 0.8% | 105.9 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 13.2% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 33.97 | 4.8% | 35.84 | 6-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.2 | 5.1% | 74 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.48 | 2.2% | 70.88 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 4.8% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.51 | 1.4% | 8.4 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 13.12 | 0.9% | 13.26 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 85.2 | 1.3% | 86.1 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 4.45 | 7.7% | 4.26 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 8.3% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.24 | 1.3 dB | 70.96 | 0-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50,150 | 9.9% | 45,627 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.16 | 1.2% | 8.26 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1,302 | 0.2% | 1,305 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 0.11 | 8.4% | 0.1 | 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 PremiumContact 7 scores 9.5 and the Azenis FK520 9.1 out of 10.
| PremiumContact 7 | Category | Azenis FK520 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 90 | ||
| 97 | Wet | 83 | ||
| 36 | Comfort | 57 | ||
| 67 | Value | 54 | ||
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
| PremiumContact 7 | Category | Azenis FK520 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.2 | Dry Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 9.2 | Wet Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 8.3 | Road Feedback | 7.9 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 8.4 | ||
| 7.3 | Wear | 7.7 | ||
| 7.5 | Comfort | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the PremiumContact 7 82% from 71 reviews and the Azenis FK520 82% from 55. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental PremiumContact 7
- 82%from 71 reviews
- 74%would buy again
- 704,882 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners are largely impressed with the Continental PremiumContact 7, rating it 82.9% on average with no outright negative reviews, and the standout theme is strong, confidence-inspiring grip in both dry and wet conditions. Nearly half of owners mention excellent dry and wet grip, often backed up by praise for secure handling and stability. The main drawback is refinement: around a quarter to a third of owners report notable road noise, and a similar share are disappointed by tread life, with wear sometimes described as quicker than expected. Comfort is generally viewed positively overall, though opinions vary, and steering feel is more mixed than the outright grip levels suggest.
- Strong dry grip and traction
- Very confident wet grip
- Secure, planted handling in the dry
- Comfortable ride over bumps and on longer runs
- Noticeable road noise, especially on coarse surfaces
- Tread life can be disappointing for a premium tyre
- Steering feel/precision can be inconsistent (some find it vague)
Summarised by AI from 58 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 71 PremiumContact 7 reviewsThe PremiumContact 7 offers a great balance of touring longevity, comfort, and sufficiently precise handling to keep you safe at higher speeds and in unexpected situations. These tires provide near-perfect grip across various conditions, performing exceptionally well on both dry and wet roads. On the other hand, they can get a bit noisy on rough surfaces.
Falken Azenis FK520
- 82%from 55 reviews
- 76%would buy again
- 403,489 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally rate the Falken Azenis FK520 highly (average 79.6%), most often praising its strong dry grip and capable wet grip for the money. Comfort and refinement also come through well, with many describing it as quiet and compliant for a UHP-style tyre, and around one in five explicitly calling it great value. The main recurring drawbacks are mixed steering feel (some find it sharp, others a bit numb) and a smaller but notable group reporting vibration/balance issues; wet handling is also more divided than outright wet grip.
- Strong dry grip, comparable to premium brands
- Reassuring wet grip
- Comfortable ride despite sporty intent
- Low road noise on motorway speeds
- Occasional vibration or balancing issues at speed
- Steering feel can be a bit numb or lacking feedback
- Wet handling feels less confidence-inspiring for some
Summarised by AI from 49 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 55 Azenis FK520 reviewsFalken Azenis fk520 have been a great tyre, noise level is not intrusive and they give a good return on fuel economy. These tyres are very progressive and give good feed back. Having watched a back to back comparison with the Michelin PS4, the Falkens are punching way above their price range. If you want near PS4 performance at kumho prices, you won't go far wrong...will definitely try out the latest incarnation, Falken azenis R820 when the fk520's are done.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 56 sizes of the PremiumContact 7 and 133 of the Azenis FK520, 42 of them made in both.
| Category | PremiumContact 7 | Azenis FK520 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 56 sizes, 16 to 21 inch | 133 sizes, 17 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 42 sizes 205/45 R17215/45 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17235/45 R17205/40 R18215/50 R18215/55 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18225/50 R18and 30 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | A95%B5% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C74%B26% | C68%A12%B12%D8% |
| EU label noise | 71-73 dB B100% | 68-72 dB B51%A49% |
| On the market since | 2022 | - |
| Replaced | Continental Premium Contact 6 | Falken Azenis FK510 (2016) |
| Awards | Recommended: Best Tyres for Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Winner: Summer Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2024) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The PremiumContact 7 was the dearer tyre in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 31.1% 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.
This is an interesting head-to-head because, on paper, the Continental PremiumContact 7 (premium-touring) and the Falken Azenis FK520 (max-performance summer) should trade blows: the Falken should feel sportier and stop shorter, while the Continental should major on refinement, safety and consistency. The seven shared professional tests show a much clearer story than the labels suggest.
Across multiple sizes and test groups (including large AutoBild group tests and focused braking tests), the PremiumContact 7 repeatedly delivers the more complete performance envelope-especially in the wet and in objective/subjective handling metrics-while the FK520 tends to win on purchase value and comfort-adjacent criteria like noise. The key question for most buyers becomes: do you want the cheaper, quieter tyre with some dynamic compromises, or the pricier tyre that is consistently faster, safer and more confidence-inspiring?
Conclusion
Taken as a pattern across the shared tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 is the stronger tyre in the areas that most directly affect everyday safety and driver confidence. It wins 6 of the 7 shared overall comparisons and dominates wet performance (6/7 wet-braking wins and 5/5 wet-handling wins where measured). Some gaps are small, but several are meaningful: in the 2025 AZ test the Continental stops 13.3% shorter in the wet (41.8 m vs 48.2 m) and is quicker in wet handling (70.2 s vs 74.0 s). It also tends to feel more precise and stable: AutoBild's subjective dry score strongly favors the Continental (6.7 vs 5.3), aligning with comments about the Falken's vague turn-in and limited steering-angle reserves.
The Falken Azenis FK520's case is mainly value and refinement. It's typically quieter (it wins noise in 5 tests) and often shows slightly lower rolling resistance, plus it regularly tops straight-line aquaplaning speed (4 wins). It also has moments of real performance-most notably winning wet and dry braking in the 2026 Sport Auto test (32.2 m wet; 33.6 m dry)-but those peaks aren't consistent across the broader dataset, and multiple reports flag wet-cornering limitations and less precise steering.
Practical takeaway: if you drive in mixed weather, prioritize predictable handling, or want a tyre that repeatedly ranks near the top regardless of test size and format, the PremiumContact 7 justifies its premium. If your priorities are lower purchase price, lower noise, and decent all-round ability (and you're comfortable with less crisp steering and less consistent wet performance), the FK520 remains a rational budget-friendly pick-especially where straight-line aquaplaning resistance and price-per-km matter.
PremiumContact 7 vs Azenis FK520: your questions
Is the Continental PremiumContact 7 or the Falken Azenis FK520 the better tyre?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Continental PremiumContact 7 finished ahead 6 times and the Azenis FK520 once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the PremiumContact 7 scores 9.5 and the Azenis FK520 9.1 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the PremiumContact 7 or the Azenis FK520?
The PremiumContact 7 led 19 of the 27 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.8% shorter in the wet across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The PremiumContact 7 led 10 of the 14 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.1% shorter in the dry across 7 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The PremiumContact 7 lasted 9.9% longer in the wear tests (3 tests); the Azenis FK520 had 1.2% lower rolling resistance (5 tests). Owners rate wear 7.3/10 for the PremiumContact 7 and 7.7/10 for the Azenis FK520.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Azenis FK520 was 1.3 dB quieter (5 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.5/10 for the PremiumContact 7 and 8.1/10 for the Azenis FK520.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the PremiumContact 7 82% from 71 reviews and the Azenis FK520 82% from 55. 74% of PremiumContact 7 owners would buy it again, against 76% for the Azenis FK520.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the PremiumContact 7 was the dearer tyre in 4 of them, by 31.1% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The PremiumContact 7 is made in 56 sizes (16 to 21 inch) and the Azenis FK520 in 133 (17 to 22 inch). 42 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the PremiumContact 7 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Azenis FK520 A and C.
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Run either of these?
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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