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2026 Die Reifentester Summer Tyre Test - 235/55 R18

Overall test winnerContinental PremiumContact 7

Die Reifentester have put five premium summer tyres through a full test in 235/55 R18, one of the most common sizes on compact SUVs such as the Audi Q3 and VW Tiguan.

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson
6 min read
Tyre shortlist Read the test
Tyres tested
6
Tested size
235/55 R18
Test vehicle
Audi Q3 2.0 TDI
Disciplines
9

At a glance

Tyre shortlist

6 Tyres tested

Published finishing positions, with the strengths and considerations from this test. Owner reviews cover other sizes and driving conditions.

1st

Continental PremiumContact 7

+The Continental PremiumContact 7 had the shortest wet braking in the test and shared the best wet handling score, with predictable grip and precise steering on the wet track. It was also second best for dry braking.

−The Continental PremiumContact 7 had the highest rolling resistance in the test and was below the best for aquaplaning, both in a straight line and in the curve. Only the Nokian was louder inside the car.

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72 owner reviews Test Results
Joint2nd

Falken ZIEX ZE320

+The Falken Ziex ZE320 stopped shortest in the dry, resisted straight-line aquaplaning best and was the most comfortable tyre over poor surfaces. It was also among the quieter summer tyres and close to the leaders for dry and wet handling.

−The Falken Ziex ZE320 was the weakest tyre in the test for curved aquaplaning, and its wet braking was only fourth, noticeably behind the best.

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18 owner reviews Test Results
Joint2nd

Nokian Powerproof 2

+The Nokian Powerproof 2 was second for wet braking by a whisker and shared the best wet handling score. It won curved aquaplaning clearly, was second for straight aquaplaning and had the best subjective dry handling.

−The Nokian Powerproof 2 was the firmest and the loudest tyre in the test, and its dry braking was only mid-field.

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1 owner review Test Results
4th

Michelin Primacy 5

+The Michelin Primacy 5 shared the lowest rolling resistance, was third for wet braking and was among the more comfortable and quieter tyres. Its dry handling was balanced and easy to control.

−The Michelin Primacy 5 had the longest dry braking of the summer tyres, was only mid-field for wet handling and was below the best for aquaplaning in both directions. It was also the most expensive tyre in the test.

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64 owner reviews Test Results
5th

Bridgestone Turanza 6

+The Bridgestone Turanza 6 shared the lowest rolling resistance, was the quietest of the summer tyres and was second for curved aquaplaning. It was third for dry braking.

−The Bridgestone Turanza 6 was the first tyre to aquaplane in a straight line and fifth for wet braking. The testers found it a little hesitant in wet handling, and it shared the lowest dry handling score.

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73 owner reviews Test Results
6th

Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6

+The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 was the quietest tyre in the test, comfortable over poor surfaces, and ahead of three of the summer tyres for straight-line aquaplaning. Its dry handling was close to the Turanza 6.

−The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 had the longest braking distances in both the dry and the wet, and the weakest wet handling, where it was quickly overwhelmed in tight corners.

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44 owner reviews Test Results

Tyre shortlist

Compare selected tyres

2026 Die Reifentester Summer Tyre Test - 235/55 R18 · 235/55 R18

TyreContinental PremiumContact 7Falken ZIEX ZE320Nokian Powerproof 2Michelin Primacy 5Bridgestone Turanza 6Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
Position1stJoint 2ndJoint 2nd4th5th6th
Category scores (% of best)
Dry97.9%99.8%95.1%91.6%94%87.4%
Wet96.3%93%99.8%94%92.5%90.5%
Comfort93.9%97.6%89.6%96.3%95.7%98.2%
Rolling Resistance86.3%94%92.7%100%100%87.5%
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The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

Die Reifentester have put five premium summer tyres through a full test in 235/55 R18, one of the most common sizes on compact SUVs such as the Audi Q3 and VW Tiguan. The test car was an Audi Q3 2.0 TDI, the venue was Bridgestone's proving ground at Aprilia south of Rome, and Bridgestone's Turanza All Season 6 ran alongside outside the classification to show what an all-season tyre gives up in summer.

It was the closest of finishes. The Continental PremiumContact 7 won by the smallest of margins, with the Falken Ziex ZE320 and the new Nokian Powerproof 2 tied in second, the Michelin Primacy 5 fourth and the Bridgestone Turanza 6 fifth, so the host brand's own summer tyre finished last of the ranked five on its home track. All five summer tyres were rated good. The all-season was clearly the weakest braking tyre in the dry and the wet, yet it was the quietest tyre in the test and beat several of the summer tyres for aquaplaning resistance.

Test setup & methodology

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

Recorded test conditions

Recorded test conditions

Dry Braking
100 → 0 km/h
Wet Braking
80 → 0 km/h

This is our summary of the headline findings. For every measurement, the scoring and the full methodology, see Die Reifentester's original test.

Wet

Wet braking was won by the Continental, with the Nokian a hair behind and the Michelin close to both. The Falken and the Turanza 6 needed noticeably more distance, and the all-season was longest of all.

Wet Braking

Wet braking in meters (80 - 0 km/h)

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Continental PremiumContact 7
 33.94 m Best 0 km/h
2Nokian Powerproof 2
 34 m +0.06 m 5 km/h
3Michelin Primacy 5
 34.94 m +1.00 m 22 km/h
4Falken ZIEX ZE320
 36.15 m +2.21 m 32 km/h
5Bridgestone Turanza 6
 36.55 m +2.61 m 35 km/h
6Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
 37.76 m +3.82 m 41 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 11.3% (3.82 m ≈ 0.8 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 would still be travelling at 41 km/h when the Continental PremiumContact 7 had stopped.

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

The testers scored wet handling subjectively. The Continental and the Nokian shared the top score for their predictable grip and precise steering, the Falken was close behind, and the Turanza 6 and Michelin followed together. The all-season was the weakest here, quickly overwhelmed in tight corners on the wet track.

Subj. Wet Handling

Subjective Wet Handling Score

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Continental PremiumContact 7
 8.2 Points Best
1Nokian Powerproof 2
 8.2 Points Best
3Falken ZIEX ZE320
 7.9 Points -0.30 Points
4Bridgestone Turanza 6
 7.6 Points -0.60 Points
4Michelin Primacy 5
 7.6 Points -0.60 Points
6Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
 7.1 Points -1.10 Points

The difference between best and worst was 13.4% (1.1 Points).

In straight-line aquaplaning the Falken held on to the highest speed with the Nokian right behind it, while the Turanza 6 was the first to float. The all-season split the field, ahead of three of the summer tyres.

Straight Aqua

Float Speed in Km/H

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Falken ZIEX ZE320
 80.8 km/h Best
2Nokian Powerproof 2
 80.4 km/h -0.40 km/h
3Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
 78.6 km/h -2.20 km/h
4Michelin Primacy 5
 77.8 km/h -3.00 km/h
5Continental PremiumContact 7
 77.5 km/h -3.30 km/h
6Bridgestone Turanza 6
 76.8 km/h -4.00 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 5% (4 Km/H).

Curved aquaplaning was a clear win for the Nokian, comfortably ahead of the Turanza 6. The Falken, so strong in a straight line, was the weakest tyre in the curve, and the all-season again finished mid-field.

Curved Aquaplaning

Remaining lateral acceleration

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Nokian Powerproof 2
 2.46 m/sec2 Best
2Bridgestone Turanza 6
 2.19 m/sec2 -0.27 m/sec2
3Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
 2.16 m/sec2 -0.30 m/sec2
4Continental PremiumContact 7
 2.1 m/sec2 -0.36 m/sec2
4Michelin Primacy 5
 2.1 m/sec2 -0.36 m/sec2
6Falken ZIEX ZE320
 2.01 m/sec2 -0.45 m/sec2

The difference between best and worst was 18.3% (0.45 m/sec2).

Dry

The Falken stopped shortest in the dry, ahead of the Continental. The Turanza 6 and Nokian were almost inseparable behind them, the Michelin was the longest-stopping summer tyre, and the all-season needed several metres more than the best tyre to stop. That is the clearest cost of the all-season compromise in this test.

Dry Braking

Dry braking in meters (100 - 0 km/h)

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Falken ZIEX ZE320
 33.65 m Best 0 km/h
2Continental PremiumContact 7
 34.27 m +0.62 m 17 km/h
3Bridgestone Turanza 6
 35.67 m +2.02 m 31 km/h
4Nokian Powerproof 2
 35.74 m +2.09 m 31 km/h
5Michelin Primacy 5
 37.23 m +3.58 m 40 km/h
6Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
 38.98 m +5.33 m 48 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 15.8% (5.33 m ≈ 1.2 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 would still be travelling at 48 km/h when the Falken ZIEX ZE320 had stopped.

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

Subjective dry handling went to the Nokian, with the Falken and Michelin close behind and the Continental next. The Turanza 6 and the all-season shared the lowest score, and the testers were positively surprised that the all-season felt so close to its summer sibling here.

Subj. Dry Handling

Subjective Dry Handling Score

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Nokian Powerproof 2
 7.9 Points Best
2Falken ZIEX ZE320
 7.8 Points -0.10 Points
3Michelin Primacy 5
 7.7 Points -0.20 Points
4Continental PremiumContact 7
 7.6 Points -0.30 Points
5Bridgestone Turanza 6
 7.3 Points -0.60 Points
5Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
 7.3 Points -0.60 Points

The difference between best and worst was 7.6% (0.6 Points).

Comfort

The Falken was the most comfortable tyre over broken surfaces, followed by the Michelin. The all-season sat close behind, the Continental and Turanza 6 were scored equally, and the Nokian was the firmest of the group.

Subj. Comfort

Subjective Comfort Score

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Falken ZIEX ZE320
 8.1 Points Best
2Michelin Primacy 5
 7.9 Points -0.20 Points
3Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
 7.8 Points -0.30 Points
4Continental PremiumContact 7
 7.7 Points -0.40 Points
4Bridgestone Turanza 6
 7.7 Points -0.40 Points
6Nokian Powerproof 2
 7.3 Points -0.80 Points

The difference between best and worst was 9.9% (0.8 Points).

Inside the car the all-season was the quietest tyre in the test. Of the summer tyres the Turanza 6 was quietest, the Falken and Michelin tied just behind, and the Nokian was the loudest.

Subj. Noise

Subjective in car noise levels

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
 8.2 Points Best
2Bridgestone Turanza 6
 7.9 Points -0.30 Points
3Falken ZIEX ZE320
 7.8 Points -0.40 Points
3Michelin Primacy 5
 7.8 Points -0.40 Points
5Continental PremiumContact 7
 7.6 Points -0.60 Points
6Nokian Powerproof 2
 7.3 Points -0.90 Points

The difference between best and worst was 11% (0.9 Points).

Value

The Turanza 6 and Michelin shared the lowest rolling resistance, ahead of the Falken and Nokian. The Continental had the highest rolling resistance in the test, higher even than the all-season.

Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance in kg t

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to bestExtra fuel / year
1Bridgestone Turanza 6
 6.3 kg/t Best £0
1Michelin Primacy 5
 6.3 kg/t Best £0
3Falken ZIEX ZE320
 6.7 kg/t +0.40 kg/t £28
4Nokian Powerproof 2
 6.8 kg/t +0.50 kg/t £35
5Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
 7.2 kg/t +0.90 kg/t £63
6Continental PremiumContact 7
 7.3 kg/t +1.00 kg/t £70

The difference between best and worst was 15.9% (1 kg / t). Over 19,000 km a year at £1.45/L, the Continental PremiumContact 7 uses about 48 L (£70) more fuel than the Bridgestone Turanza 6.

Adjust the assumptions

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

19,000 km
£1.45/L
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.

Results

The Continental PremiumContact 7 is a deserving winner for its wet braking and wet handling, but the gap to the Falken and the Nokian is tiny and each of the three has its own strengths: the Falken for dry braking, straight aquaplaning and comfort, the Nokian for wet grip and curved aquaplaning. The Michelin and Turanza 6 are both good tyres with low rolling resistance, held back by the Michelin's dry braking and by the Turanza 6's wet braking and straight-line aquaplaning. The Turanza All Season 6 shows the trade-off plainly: quiet and comfortable, but with the longest stops in the dry and the wet.

1st

Continental PremiumContact 7

235/55 R18 100V
Continental PremiumContact 7
The Continental PremiumContact 7 is the test winner and was recommended by the testers. Its wet braking and wet handling decided a very close result, with the Falken and Nokian only just behind.
Dry97.9%
Wet96.3%
Comfort93.9%
Rolling Resistance86.3%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (9)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better2nd / 634.27 m+0.62 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better4th / 67.6 Points-0.30 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better1st / 633.94 mBest in this discipline
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better1st / 68.2 PointsBest in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better5th / 677.5 km/h-3.30 km/h
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better4th / 62.1 m/sec2-0.36 m/sec2
Subj. ComfortHigher is better4th / 67.7 Points-0.40 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better5th / 67.6 Points-0.60 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better6th / 67.3 kg/t+1.00 kg/t
Origin
France
Shore
73.7
Weight
11.7 kgs
Price
145.00
Joint 2nd

Falken ZIEX ZE320

235/55 R18 104V XL
Falken ZIEX ZE320
Die Reifentester Good / Recommended gut / Empfehlung
The Falken Ziex ZE320 shared second place overall and was recommended by the testers. Strong dry braking, aquaplaning resistance in a straight line and a comfortable ride make it a well-rounded choice.
Dry99.8%
Wet93%
Comfort97.6%
Rolling Resistance94%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (9)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better1st / 633.65 mBest in this discipline
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better2nd / 67.8 Points-0.10 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better4th / 636.15 m+2.21 m
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better3rd / 67.9 Points-0.30 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better1st / 680.8 km/hBest in this discipline
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better6th / 62.01 m/sec2-0.45 m/sec2
Subj. ComfortHigher is better1st / 68.1 PointsBest in this discipline
Subj. NoiseHigher is better3rd / 67.8 Points-0.40 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better3rd / 66.7 kg/t+0.40 kg/t
Origin
Turkey
Shore
68
Weight
11.8 kgs
Price
130.00
Joint 2nd

Nokian Powerproof 2

235/55 R18 104V XL
Nokian Powerproof 2
Die Reifentester Good / Recommended gut / Empfehlung
The Nokian Powerproof 2 shared second place overall and was recommended by the testers. It is one of the best tyres here in the wet, at the cost of some comfort and noise.
Dry95.1%
Wet99.8%
Comfort89.6%
Rolling Resistance92.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (9)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better4th / 635.74 m+2.09 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better1st / 67.9 PointsBest in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better2nd / 634 m+0.06 m
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better1st / 68.2 PointsBest in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better2nd / 680.4 km/h-0.40 km/h
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better1st / 62.46 m/sec2Best in this discipline
Subj. ComfortHigher is better6th / 67.3 Points-0.80 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better6th / 67.3 Points-0.90 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better4th / 66.8 kg/t+0.50 kg/t
Origin
Finland
Shore
65.7
Weight
12.8 kgs
Price
135.00
4th

Michelin Primacy 5

235/55 R18 100V
Michelin Primacy 5
Die Reifentester Good gut
The Michelin Primacy 5 finished fourth and was rated good. Low rolling resistance and comfort are its strengths, but dry braking holds it back.
Dry91.6%
Wet94%
Comfort96.3%
Rolling Resistance100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (9)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better5th / 637.23 m+3.58 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better3rd / 67.7 Points-0.20 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better3rd / 634.94 m+1.00 m
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better4th / 67.6 Points-0.60 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better4th / 677.8 km/h-3.00 km/h
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better4th / 62.1 m/sec2-0.36 m/sec2
Subj. ComfortHigher is better2nd / 67.9 Points-0.20 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better3rd / 67.8 Points-0.40 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better1st / 66.3 kg/tBest in this discipline
Origin
Spain
Shore
61.7
Weight
11.8 kgs
Price
160.00
5th

Bridgestone Turanza 6

235/55 R18 100V
Bridgestone Turanza 6
Die Reifentester Good gut
The Bridgestone Turanza 6 finished fifth of the ranked tyres and was rated good. It is efficient and quiet, but its wet braking and straight-line aquaplaning trail the leaders.
Dry94%
Wet92.5%
Comfort95.7%
Rolling Resistance100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (9)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better3rd / 635.67 m+2.02 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better5th / 67.3 Points-0.60 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better5th / 636.55 m+2.61 m
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better4th / 67.6 Points-0.60 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better6th / 676.8 km/h-4.00 km/h
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better2nd / 62.19 m/sec2-0.27 m/sec2
Subj. ComfortHigher is better4th / 67.7 Points-0.40 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better2nd / 67.9 Points-0.30 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better1st / 66.3 kg/tBest in this discipline
Origin
Spain
Shore
65.1
Weight
11.0 kgs
Price
130.00
6th

Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6

235/55 R18 104V XL
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 ran outside the classification as a benchmark and was rated satisfactory. It shows the summer cost of an all-season tyre: quiet and comfortable, but clearly longer braking than the summer tyres.
Dry87.4%
Wet90.5%
Comfort98.2%
Rolling Resistance87.5%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (9)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better6th / 638.98 m+5.33 m
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better5th / 67.3 Points-0.60 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better6th / 637.76 m+3.82 m
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better6th / 67.1 Points-1.10 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better3rd / 678.6 km/h-2.20 km/h
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better3rd / 62.16 m/sec2-0.30 m/sec2
Subj. ComfortHigher is better3rd / 67.8 Points-0.30 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better1st / 68.2 PointsBest in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better5th / 67.2 kg/t+0.90 kg/t
Origin
Poland
Shore
67.7
Weight
11.7 kgs
Price
140.00

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