The 2023 Auto Zeitung Performance Summer Tyre Test included nine of the very best UHP summer tyres in the popular 235/35 R19 tyre size, and also included the Michelin CrossClimate 2 all season / all weather tyre so show us how one of the best all season tyres compared to some of the best summer tyres. The test car was a 280bhp Ford Focus ST which will give the summer tyres a good stress test, let alone the all seasons!

Test setup & methodology

The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.

Recorded test conditions

Dry Braking: 100 → 0 km/h
Wet Braking: 100 → 0 km/h

Wet

The Continental SportContact 7 and Bridgestone Potenza Sport led the way in wet braking, with a small gap to the third placed Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

The magazine noted the overall group was very close with the worst summer tyre 7.1 meters behind the best... which actually sounds like quite a gap, and the CrossClimate 2 was another half meter behind the best summer tyre. We know from all season tests the CrossClimate 2 isn't the best all season tyre in the wet, so it's fair to assume an all season tyre with higher wet grip could have jumped the Giti.

Wet Braking
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Bridgestone Potenza Sport	38.1 m	Best	0 km/h
1Continental SportContact 7	38.1 m	Best	0 km/h
3Pirelli P Zero PZ4	39.6 m	+1.50 m	25 km/h
4Michelin Pilot Sport 5	39.9 m	+1.80 m	28 km/h
5Falken Azenis FK520	40.1 m	+2.00 m	29 km/h
6Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	40.6 m	+2.50 m	32 km/h
7Kumho Ecsta PS91	42 m	+3.90 m	40 km/h
8Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	43.8 m	+5.70 m	47 km/h
9Giti GitiSportS2	46.6 m	+8.50 m	56 km/h
10Michelin CrossClimate 2	47.2 m	+9.10 m	57 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 23.9% (9.1 m ≈ 2 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 would still be travelling at 57 km/h when the Bridgestone Potenza Sport had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Wet handling had the Bridgestone back at the top, narrowly beating the Pirelli by just 0.2 seconds. Michelin, Goodyear and Kumho were next in line with the all season tyre again at the back.

Wet Handling
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best
1Bridgestone Potenza Sport	66.5 s	Best
2Pirelli P Zero PZ4	66.7 s	+0.20 s
3Michelin Pilot Sport 5	67.9 s	+1.40 s
4Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	68.4 s	+1.90 s
5Kumho Ecsta PS91	68.8 s	+2.30 s
6Falken Azenis FK520	68.9 s	+2.40 s
7Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	69.2 s	+2.70 s
7Continental SportContact 7	69.2 s	+2.70 s
9Giti GitiSportS2	70.4 s	+3.90 s
10Michelin CrossClimate 2	71.9 s	+5.40 s

The difference between best and worst was 8.1% (5.4 s).

The all season tyre again struggled during the aquaplaning tests, with the Giti the best of the summer tyres.

Straight Aqua
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best
1Giti GitiSportS2	83.3 km/h	Best
2Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	80.9 km/h	-2.40 km/h
3Bridgestone Potenza Sport	80.3 km/h	-3.00 km/h
4Kumho Ecsta PS91	79.8 km/h	-3.50 km/h
5Continental SportContact 7	79.4 km/h	-3.90 km/h
6Pirelli P Zero PZ4	79.3 km/h	-4.00 km/h
6Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	79.3 km/h	-4.00 km/h
8Falken Azenis FK520	78.8 km/h	-4.50 km/h
9Michelin Pilot Sport 5	77.1 km/h	-6.20 km/h
10Michelin CrossClimate 2	75.9 km/h	-7.40 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 8.9% (7.4 Km/H).

Dry

Continental were back at the front for dry braking with the Falken Azenis FK520 and Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tied for second place. The CrossClimate 2, which IS the best all season tyre in dry braking, again couldn't match any of the summer tyres.

Dry Braking
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Continental SportContact 7	31.6 m	Best	0 km/h
2Michelin Pilot Sport 5	32.5 m	+0.90 m	22 km/h
2Falken Azenis FK520	32.5 m	+0.90 m	22 km/h
4Bridgestone Potenza Sport	32.6 m	+1.00 m	23 km/h
5Pirelli P Zero PZ4	32.7 m	+1.10 m	24 km/h
6Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	33 m	+1.40 m	27 km/h
7Kumho Ecsta PS91	33.4 m	+1.80 m	30 km/h
8Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	33.8 m	+2.20 m	33 km/h
9Giti GitiSportS2	35.4 m	+3.80 m	43 km/h
10Michelin CrossClimate 2	35.7 m	+4.10 m	44 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 13% (4.1 m ≈ 0.9 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 would still be travelling at 44 km/h when the Continental SportContact 7 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

The Potenza Sport was back in the lead for dry handling, with the Continental again close behind.

Dry Handling
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best
1Bridgestone Potenza Sport	98.4 s	Best
2Continental SportContact 7	98.5 s	+0.10 s
3Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	99.1 s	+0.70 s
4Falken Azenis FK520	99.4 s	+1.00 s
5Pirelli P Zero PZ4	100.1 s	+1.70 s
5Michelin Pilot Sport 5	100.1 s	+1.70 s
7Kumho Ecsta PS91	100.8 s	+2.40 s
8Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	101 s	+2.60 s
9Giti GitiSportS2	101.1 s	+2.70 s
10Michelin CrossClimate 2	102.6 s	+4.20 s

The difference between best and worst was 4.3% (4.2 s).

Environment

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 was the quietest tyre of the group, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 posting a rather high external noise figure.

Noise
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best
1Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	67 dB	Best
2Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	68 dB	+1.00 dB
3Giti GitiSportS2	69 dB	+2.00 dB
3Continental SportContact 7	69 dB	+2.00 dB
3Falken Azenis FK520	69 dB	+2.00 dB
6Pirelli P Zero PZ4	70 dB	+3.00 dB
6Michelin CrossClimate 2	70 dB	+3.00 dB
8Kumho Ecsta PS91	71 dB	+4.00 dB
8Bridgestone Potenza Sport	71 dB	+4.00 dB
10Michelin Pilot Sport 5	72 dB	+5.00 dB

The difference between best and worst was 7.5% (5 dB).

The CrossClimate 2 had a huge advantage during the rolling resistance test, with the Giti GitiSportS2 the best of the summer tyres, 12% off the all season tyre.

Rolling Resistance
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best	Extra fuel / year
1Michelin CrossClimate 2	7.2 kg/t	Best	£0
2Giti GitiSportS2	8.12 kg/t	+0.92 kg/t	£56
3Continental SportContact 7	8.26 kg/t	+1.06 kg/t	£65
4Michelin Pilot Sport 5	8.37 kg/t	+1.17 kg/t	£72
5Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	8.39 kg/t	+1.19 kg/t	£73
6Falken Azenis FK520	8.48 kg/t	+1.28 kg/t	£78
7Nexen N Fera Sport SU2	8.81 kg/t	+1.61 kg/t	£99
8Kumho Ecsta PS91	9.29 kg/t	+2.09 kg/t	£128
9Pirelli P Zero PZ4	9.46 kg/t	+2.26 kg/t	£138
10Bridgestone Potenza Sport	9.47 kg/t	+2.27 kg/t	£139

The difference between best and worst was 31.5% (2.27 kg / t). Over 19,000 km a year at £1.45/L, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport uses about 96 L (£139) more fuel than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.

Adjust the assumptions

Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.

Petrol/Diesel Electric

Annual Mileage

19,000 km

km (L)

miles (US gal)

Fuel Price

£1.45/L

GBP (£)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Set my vehicle consumption

Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tyre age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

There was a significant premium for the all season tyre in the purchase prices.

Results

The new Continental SportContact 7 wins with balanced properties that very convincingly solve the balancing act between sportiness and efficiency. Safe when wet.

Dry100%

Wet98.2%

Comfort97.1%

Rolling Resistance87.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	1^st / 10	31.6 m	Best in this discipline
Dry HandlingLower is better	2^nd / 10	98.5 s	+0.10 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	1^st / 10	38.1 m	Best in this discipline
Wet HandlingLower is better	7^th / 10	69.2 s	+2.70 s
Wet CircleLower is better	2^nd / 10	13.45 s	+0.04 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	5^th / 10	79.4 km/h	-3.90 km/h
NoiseLower is better	3^rd / 10	69 dB	+2.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	3^rd / 10	8.26 kg/t	+1.06 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/72
Weight: 10 kgs
Tread: 6.9 mm
Price: 750.00

Outstanding on wet roads, great performance in the dry - this is how the Bridgestone Potenza Sport brought the test win. Slightly more expensive than the Conti with the same points and worse in terms of rolling resistance.

Dry98.5%

Wet98.9%

Comfort94.4%

Rolling Resistance76%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	4^th / 10	32.6 m	+1.00 m
Dry HandlingLower is better	1^st / 10	98.4 s	Best in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better	1^st / 10	38.1 m	Best in this discipline
Wet HandlingLower is better	1^st / 10	66.5 s	Best in this discipline
Wet CircleLower is better	6^th / 10	13.72 s	+0.31 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	3^rd / 10	80.3 km/h	-3.00 km/h
NoiseLower is better	8^th / 10	71 dB	+4.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	10^th / 10	9.47 kg/t	+2.27 kg/t

EU Label: D/A/72
Weight: 9.9 kgs
Tread: 6.5 mm
Price: 760.00

Second place for the current, sixth generation of the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric, which shines as a dynamic all-rounder with remarkable driving comfort. Not a pure racer, but very harmonious.

Dry97.5%

Wet96.2%

Comfort100%

Rolling Resistance85.8%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	6^th / 10	33 m	+1.40 m
Dry HandlingLower is better	3^rd / 10	99.1 s	+0.70 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	6^th / 10	40.6 m	+2.50 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	4^th / 10	68.4 s	+1.90 s
Wet CircleLower is better	5^th / 10	13.67 s	+0.26 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	6^th / 10	79.3 km/h	-4.00 km/h
NoiseLower is better	1^st / 10	67 dB	Best in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	5^th / 10	8.39 kg/t	+1.19 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/69
Weight: 9.5 kgs
Tread: 6.9 mm
Price: 700.00

Once again the Pirelli P Zero, this time in the PZ4 S.C. version, can establish itself at the forefront with its dynamic talents and its meticulously balanced steering characteristics. Level on points with Goodyear.

Dry97.5%

Wet98.2%

Comfort95.7%

Rolling Resistance76.1%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	5^th / 10	32.7 m	+1.10 m
Dry HandlingLower is better	5^th / 10	100.1 s	+1.70 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	3^rd / 10	39.6 m	+1.50 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	2^nd / 10	66.7 s	+0.20 s
Wet CircleLower is better	1^st / 10	13.41 s	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	6^th / 10	79.3 km/h	-4.00 km/h
NoiseLower is better	6^th / 10	70 dB	+3.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	9^th / 10	9.46 kg/t	+2.26 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/71
Weight: 10.4 kgs
Tread: 7.4 mm
Price: 745.00

In the end, the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is only missing a single point for second place. He only performs worse in aquaplaning than the tyre before him. Low rolling resistance, but high price level.

Dry97.8%

Wet96.9%

Comfort93.1%

Rolling Resistance86%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	2^nd / 10	32.5 m	+0.90 m
Dry HandlingLower is better	5^th / 10	100.1 s	+1.70 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	4^th / 10	39.9 m	+1.80 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	3^rd / 10	67.9 s	+1.40 s
Wet CircleLower is better	3^rd / 10	13.52 s	+0.11 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	9^th / 10	77.1 km/h	-6.20 km/h
NoiseLower is better	10^th / 10	72 dB	+5.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	4^th / 10	8.37 kg/t	+1.17 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/72
Weight: 10.3 kgs
Tread: 6.4 mm
Price: 825.00

The price-performance tip: Falken Azenis FK520. Although no longer fresh as a dew, the fairly priced tire remains within striking distance of the top products in the dry and masters the wet without any problems.

Dry98.1%

Wet96.4%

Comfort97.1%

Rolling Resistance84.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	2^nd / 10	32.5 m	+0.90 m
Dry HandlingLower is better	4^th / 10	99.4 s	+1.00 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	5^th / 10	40.1 m	+2.00 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	6^th / 10	68.9 s	+2.40 s
Wet CircleLower is better	4^th / 10	13.63 s	+0.22 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	8^th / 10	78.8 km/h	-4.50 km/h
NoiseLower is better	3^rd / 10	69 dB	+2.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	6^th / 10	8.48 kg/t	+1.28 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/70
Weight: 10.1 kgs
Tread: 6.5 mm
Price: 595.00

The Nexen N'Fera Sport SU2 doesn't set any highlights, but it delivers decent results and shows no major weaknesses. That's not enough for a good placement, but considering the price it's ok.

Dry95.5%

Wet93.6%

Comfort98.5%

Rolling Resistance81.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	8^th / 10	33.8 m	+2.20 m
Dry HandlingLower is better	8^th / 10	101 s	+2.60 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	8^th / 10	43.8 m	+5.70 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	7^th / 10	69.2 s	+2.70 s
Wet CircleLower is better	8^th / 10	13.95 s	+0.54 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	2^nd / 10	80.9 km/h	-2.40 km/h
NoiseLower is better	2^nd / 10	68 dB	+1.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	7^th / 10	8.81 kg/t	+1.61 kg/t

EU Label: E/A/69
Weight: 9.9 kgs
Tread: 7.3 mm
Price: 565.00

The Kumho Ecsta PS91 SC doesn't do anything wrong, but it's no longer up to date - a successor is in the works. Currently, however, the low price is the strongest argument for this tire.

Dry96.1%

Wet94.8%

Comfort94.4%

Rolling Resistance77.5%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	7^th / 10	33.4 m	+1.80 m
Dry HandlingLower is better	7^th / 10	100.8 s	+2.40 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	7^th / 10	42 m	+3.90 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	5^th / 10	68.8 s	+2.30 s
Wet CircleLower is better	7^th / 10	13.91 s	+0.50 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	4^th / 10	79.8 km/h	-3.50 km/h
NoiseLower is better	8^th / 10	71 dB	+4.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	8^th / 10	9.29 kg/t	+2.09 kg/t

EU Label: D/A/72
Weight: 10.2 kgs
Tread: 7.2 mm
Price: 540.00

Best in aquaplaning, low rolling resistance. But those who opt for the Giti Sport S2 have to accept compromises in wet performance. The latest update is said to offer noticeably more grip.

Dry93.3%

Wet91.1%

Comfort97.1%

Rolling Resistance88.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	9^th / 10	35.4 m	+3.80 m
Dry HandlingLower is better	9^th / 10	101.1 s	+2.70 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	9^th / 10	46.6 m	+8.50 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	9^th / 10	70.4 s	+3.90 s
Wet CircleLower is better	9^th / 10	14.41 s	+1.00 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	1^st / 10	83.3 km/h	Best in this discipline
NoiseLower is better	3^rd / 10	69 dB	+2.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	2^nd / 10	8.12 kg/t	+0.92 kg/t

EU Label: D/A/70
Weight: 10.5 kgs
Tread: 7.6 mm
Price: 670.00

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 gets the fewest points. But a direct comparison with UHP summer pros would be unfair, so no placement. But: It is fast, very economical and suitable for winter!

Dry92.2%

Wet88.8%

Comfort95.7%

Rolling Resistance100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (8)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	10^th / 10	35.7 m	+4.10 m
Dry HandlingLower is better	10^th / 10	102.6 s	+4.20 s
Wet BrakingLower is better	10^th / 10	47.2 m	+9.10 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	10^th / 10	71.9 s	+5.40 s
Wet CircleLower is better	10^th / 10	14.58 s	+1.17 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	10^th / 10	75.9 km/h	-7.40 km/h
NoiseLower is better	6^th / 10	70 dB	+3.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	1^st / 10	7.2 kg/t	Best in this discipline

EU Label: C/B/71
Weight: 10.2 kgs
Tread: 6.8 mm
Price: 975.00

Discussion

12 comments

Saeed Piroozfard Dec 9, 2023 archived

Hey guys, I wanna buy tyres for my crossover (255/45/R20) and have three options:
Nexen nfera Supreme (N5000 Platinum) : $175 each,
Nankang SP-9 Cross-Sport : $115,
Giti Sport S2 SUV :$125
I can’t decide which one should I go with, as comfort and smooth driving is the number one priority for me.

#9262
Akis Sakellariou Aug 28, 2023 archived

In your opinion, at a ford focus 2019 st line with 155 ps, you will notice the performance difference if you put michelin crossclimate 2 tyres instead of for example a Continental SportContact 7?
I am asking about a subjective score, because I am thinking if it is worth having all season tyres for just 10 times a year that I go skiing. I like driving fast as well (I dont do track days).
PS. Now I am in Continental SportContact 5.

#9055
1. TyreReviews Akis Sakellariou Aug 28, 2023 archived
  
  Yes for sure you would.
  
  #9058
  1. Akis Sakellariou TyreReviews Aug 30, 2023 archived
    
    Is there an all season tyre for my case? Sportly handling (ok, I have just 155 ps, I dont drive a lamborghini) with as little as possible snow performance. Out of 10 times that I go skiing, maybe 1 of them it is required to put snow chains.
    How big the compromise (of the sport performance) will be with an all season tyre? (Again, subjectively)
    
    #9060
Tom Jun 1, 2023 archived

My new (less than 300 miles) Michelin Crossclimate2 235/55R18 100V tire on my 2014 RAV-4 tire split between the treads and went flat. It could not have been repaired and I had to buy a new one. Is this common for this tire? Costco replaced it but charged me $69 to replace it. Are there any reports of similar tires failures? I did not pick up a nail or run over a sharp object. I am a senior and drive conservatively.

#8969
1. TyreReviews Tom Jun 1, 2023 archived
  
  Got any pictures so I can see what you mean? I've never heard of that with a CrossClimate product. Very strange.
  
  #8970
Steven Baker Mar 30, 2023 archived

Ambient temperature would have been interesting in respect of inclusion of the CC2. I use CC2 in this size as winter tyres in UK and find traction levels are much higher than PZ4 summer tyres at temps below 10C especially when also wet

#8817
4cvg Mar 7, 2023 archived

SC7's wet handling score is a bit of a surprise.

#8715
1. TyreReviews 4cvg Mar 10, 2023 archived
  
  Agreed. I wonder if the PG had a high level of water on wet handling, the SC7 generally has quite low starting tread depth.
  
  #8717
  1. 4cvg TyreReviews Mar 11, 2023 archived
    
    Yes. I do will testers would stipulate water depth to make it easier to distinguish pattern sensitive situations from merely compound sensitive ones.
    
    #8720
    1. TyreReviews 4cvg Mar 11, 2023 archived
      
      It's quite hard to do. Most tracks aim for just under 1mm consistent, but over time things wear and change and some tracks end up with deeper parts that upset some tyres more than others.
      
      #8725
      1. 4cvg TyreReviews Mar 12, 2023 archived
        
        Noted; but more could be done re advice, even if with caveats. I look forward to reform with Tyre Reviews' tests :-)
        
        #8728

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