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GT Radial SportActive

Ultra High Performance Summer

Replaced by the SportActive 2 Replaces the Champiro HPY

The GT Radial SportActive is a mid-range ultra high performance summer tyre with favourable owner reports for dry grip, handling and tread life. Wet-road confidence is divided, while braking tests show repeated wet-stopping deficits and more variable dry performance.

The quick answer

Owners say 66% from 19 owner reviews 42% would buy again Read the reviews
Tests say 28th average finish across 3 independent tests Latest: P47 of 50 · 2020 See every test
Strengths & weaknesses Owner-reported tread life Dry grip Wet braking Wet-cornering concerns Summarised from the tests and owner reviews

Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tyre - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated September 2026.

  • 19owner reviews
  • 197,808miles driven
  • 3professional tests
GT Radial SportActive 3 photos

Tyre Reviews Score

GT Radial SportActive

6.2/10

Better than 31% of summer tyres

  • Medium Confidence
  • 2 tests
  • 19 owner reviews
Scores of the 406 summer tyres we have tested

How this score is built

Better than Weight
Independent tests2 tests · 1 publication · 2019-2020 30% 88%
Owner reviews19 owner reviews · rated 66% 39% 12%
Combined 31% 6.2

A fixed curve turns the combined figure into the 0 to 10 score, so roughly the top 10% of a group score 9 or more.

Category by category

How it compares with other summer tyres in each area, and how much each area counts. 50 is the middle of the group.

Category Better than Weight Tests
WetBraking, handling and aquaplaning in the wet 21% 53% 2
DryBraking and handling on dry roads 49% 47% 2

Weights are shares of the test result. Owner reviews are blended in afterwards. Faded bars rest on one or two tests.

By discipline

The same results grouped by what the tyre was doing. They are not counted a second time.

BrakingEvery braking test, on any surface 29% 2

Confidence

  1. Limited
  2. Medium
  3. High

Its own test results decide 85% of the test figure. The other 15% is the average for its group, and it shrinks as more tests arrive.

High needs at least 3 tests, with its own results deciding 90% or more. Medium needs 2 tests and 70%. Anything less is Limited: expect the number to move as tests arrive.

The tests behind it

Only measured results count. A test that published its placings alone is listed, but not scored.

  1. 2020 2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test Auto Bild · 245/45 R18 P47 / 50
  2. 2019 2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout Auto Bild · 225/45 R17 P26 / 53
  3. 2016 2016 GTU Performance Summer Tyre Test 225/45 R17 P12 / 14 Placing only
All Tests
View Test Results

Tested 3 times by independent publications, the GT Radial SportActive averages a finish of 28th.

3 Tests
0 Test Wins
28th Average
12th Best
47th Worst
Finishing position in each test1stLast20162020

Finishing position in each test

YearTestResultAward
20202020 Tyre Market Overview Braking TestAuto Bild · 245/45 R18P47 / 50
20192019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking ShootoutAuto Bild · 225/45 R17P26 / 53
20162016 GTU Performance Summer Tyre TestGTU · 225/45 R17P12 / 14

On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict

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Dimensions & Label Scores
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Size Range44 sizes available

195-275Width35-60Profile16-20Rim84-111 V-YLoad/Speed Index2015First On Market

EU LabelAcross 44 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.

Noise

71-72dB

Popular sizes225/45 R17225/40 R18215/45 R17215/40 R17225/45 R18225/45 R19
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the GT Radial SportActive in the wet?
Across the 2 wet-braking tests it has featured in, the GT Radial SportActive stops 21.4% longer than premium rivals, 12.7% longer than mid-range rivals and 3.8% longer than budget rivals. It has a Tyre Reviews wet score of 21/100, and owners rate it 6.1/10 in the wet from 19 reviews.
How good is the GT Radial SportActive in the dry?
Across the 2 dry-braking tests it has featured in, the GT Radial SportActive stops 6.1% longer than premium rivals, 2% longer than mid-range rivals and 1.1% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tyre Reviews dry score of 49/100, and owners rate it 7.5/10 in the dry from 19 reviews.
How many miles does the GT Radial SportActive last?
Based on test and owner data, the GT Radial SportActive is expected to last around 29,333 miles (47,207 km).
What do owners say about the GT Radial SportActive?
Across 19 owner ratings the GT Radial SportActive averages 66%. Owners rate Wear highest at 7.7 out of 10 and Wet Grip lowest at 6.1. 7 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles. 59% of owners score it 70% or better.
What is the GT Radial SportActive's EU tyre label rating?
Across its range, the GT Radial SportActive most commonly carries EU label ratings of C for fuel efficiency, B for wet grip and 72 dB for noise.
More questions about the GT Radial SportActive (8)
How comfortable and quiet are the GT Radial SportActive?
Owners rate the GT Radial SportActive 6.7 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 17 reviews.
How well do the GT Radial SportActive wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the GT Radial SportActive 7.7 out of 10 for wear across 17 reviews. 7 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles, and the typical review covers 8,000 miles.
Would owners buy the GT Radial SportActive again?
42% of owners say they would buy the GT Radial SportActive again, based on the 19 owner reviews that answered the question. 21% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
What do owners say about the GT Radial SportActive's tread life?
Of the 18 owner reviews analysed for the GT Radial SportActive, 9 mention tread life: 9 praise it (long-lasting) and 0 criticise it (wears quickly). One owner wrote: "I have now driven over 7.000 miles and has used LESS than 1MM !!! Expected life OVER 30.000 MILES!!!". Read those reviews
What do owners say about the GT Radial SportActive's wet grip?
Of the 18 owner reviews analysed for the GT Radial SportActive, 8 mention wet grip: 4 praise it (confident wet grip) and 4 criticise it (weak wet grip). Read those reviews
What does the GT Radial SportActive replace?
The GT Radial SportActive is the successor to the GT Radial Champiro HPY in GT Radial's range.
Has the GT Radial SportActive been replaced?
The GT Radial SportActive has been replaced by the GT Radial SportActive 2.
What sizes does the GT Radial SportActive come in?
The GT Radial SportActive is available in 108 sizes, ranging from 195-275/35-60 R16-20.
Owner Questions (3)
Ask a question
Is sportactive suitable for tpms systems ?
August 13, 2022
Yes, TPMS sensors attach to the wheel not the tyre so they will be fine.
Show all questions (3)
A couple of months ago I bought a BMW Z4 privately and it has Giti SportActive GT Radial tyres size 225/40 R18 92Y XL on the front. Show more A couple of months ago I bought a BMW Z4 privately and it has Giti SportActive GT Radial tyres size 225/40 R18 92Y XL on the front. Having no spare wheel the car tyres should be run-flat. Are the fitted tyres run-flat? Show less
October 20, 2019
If the SportActive fitted is a runflat version, it will have a marking on the side indicating it. It would usually say "runflat", ROF, RF, ZP or a similar marking.
Is the sport active SUV 235/55R19 suitable for my 2017 Ford Edge , the recommended pressure when towing is 45 psi but the writing on the tyre wall states not to… Show more Is the sport active SUV 235/55R19 suitable for my 2017 Ford Edge , the recommended pressure when towing is 45 psi but the writing on the tyre wall states not to inflate above 41psi with a maximum inflation pressure of 50psi cane you help . Show less
June 15, 2019
Here's an answer from GT: Although I don’t have the tyre in front of me, I will assume the 41psi figure references bead seating, it will probably have more text before and after the figure that refers to this process. It does have a max inflation pressure of 50psi to carry 925kgs.

GT Radial SportActive Owner Reviews

Review this tyre

What owners say summarised from 18 reviews

The GT Radial SportActive is most consistently praised for tread life, dry grip and dry handling, with some owners also favouring its value. Mid-life and end-of-life accounts support slow wear or useful mileage, although many reviews are initial impressions. Wet grip is evenly divided between praise and criticism, with around one in five reviews raising concerns and several describing weaker confidence in wet corners. Half the 18 reviews are positive overall, so the picture is mixed rather than uniformly favourable. The repeat accounts include a size correction and differing experiences, without a consistent ageing trend.

What owners mention most counted across 18 reviews

Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.

Owner ratings averaged from 19 ratings

  • Owner score 66%
  • Wear 77%
  • Dry Grip 75%
  • Comfort 67%
  • Handling 66%
  • Road Feedback 63%
  • Wet Grip 61%

Featured reviews

Most helpful 37%

“Hi,so had these tyres put on my Abarth595 and in the wet they 'let go',over large drain covers at town speeds.The road was damp/wet and i use the road often it was a little worrying.Cornering was OK but if you push them...”

  • Fiat 500 Abarth
  • 4,500 miles
Read full review → 949 found this helpful
Most critical 31%

“For a cheapie tyre I can't complain about grip on wet or dry, but excessive side swaying and increasing tyre pressures don't help. Biggest problem is the blowouts and side wall cracks in exactly the same places with all...”

  • Ford Sierra Sapphire
  • 12,000 miles
Read full review → 10 found this helpful
Longest term 74%

“Very good dry grip but when it's gets wet no so great. The tire lift however is excellent done over 38000 on a negative camber adjustment on a 320d. I would recommend for the money but if wet grip is more of a concern...”

  • BMW 320 d
  • 38,000 miles
Read full review → 1,061 found this helpful

All 17 GT Radial SportActive reviews

Score spread across 17 written reviews
31%
Member
Mid-Life

For a cheapie tyre I can't complain about grip on wet or dry, but excessive side swaying and increasing tyre pressures don't help. Biggest problem is the blowouts and side wall cracks in exactly the same places with all four tyres on such very low mileage. I will stay very far away from these tyres, unless you are driving a very small lightweight car that doesn't have much top speeds.

GT Radial SportActive owner photo GT Radial SportActive owner photo GT Radial SportActive owner photo GT Radial SportActive owner photo GT Radial SportActive owner photo
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 3
  • Wet Grip 3
  • Road Feedback 3
  • Handling 1
  • Wear 7
  • Comfort 4
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 10
  1. Initial Impressions23%
    I bought these tires from a so called reputable tire dealer, ( Tiger Wheel and Tire) I originally bought Wanley tires from them and were very disappointed so I immediately returned them and was offered the 215/40/17 GT Radial Sportactive tires. They weren't very good or better than the Wanley but I decided to keep them as my budget was limited. But 2 years later with very low mileage one tire blowout for no reason. Inner side wall failure. Another year later another tire blowout exactly the same story. On both occasions all my other tires were fully inflated and tire pressures were checked regularly. Another year later the last two remaining tires I purchased had wall cracks on the inside walls. Clearly another two blowouts waiting to happen on the remaining two tires and also on the remaining Inner walls side and both tires had cracks at exactly the same locations at the tires stamped section. Tire suppliers Tiger Wheel and Tire N1 City and there Supplier are claiming that my tires were under inflated and I drove the car with heavy loads. So not honoring there services. Tire pressure is at 220 kpa on this tires. So basically I will not use there services or dealerships again. I will definitely not buy Wanley or GT Radial sportactive tires ever again as they lack integrity on the whole. Not fit for the road and just cheap cosmetic trash tires.
97%
Member
Initial Impressions
  • BMW
  • 245/40 R18
  • 16,000 miles
Actualy a great tire no complaints whatsoever. they do feel sporty as the name suggests.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 10
  • Road Feedback 10
  • Handling 10
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 10
Helpful 36
37%
Member
Hi,so had these tyres put on my Abarth595 and in the wet they 'let go',over large drain covers at town speeds.The road was damp/wet and i use the road often it was a little worrying.Cornering was OK but if you push them you can feel there about to steer you into a hedge.In the dry i think there ok but wet conditions make the car nervous.Wouldn't recommend for any sporty car,there cheap and should last a while but i want to replace them as just not good in the wet.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 4
  • Wet Grip 3
  • Road Feedback 3
  • Handling 3
  • Wear 6
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 949

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786 reviews submitted this month Earn your Contributor badge No account needed
62%
Member
Ford Falcon 2002 6 cylinder well looked after 300000 KMS. Three years old . ON REGO check cracked side walls on inside on all 4 never buy again
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Wear 4
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 1,028
83%
Member
Put in the wrong tyre size in my recent (2nd) review....actual size is 215/45 R17 Hyundai Coupe 2.0 GLS
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 7
Helpful 1,133
80%
Member
Left a review of these tyres March 2019 on this site so just a little update after reading another review on here about the tyres splitting, so went and checked mine DOT Code 5217, both sidewalls and tread, 3 and a half years on and about 15,000 miles later absolutely no signs of any cracks, spider cracks or splits or any such sort. In fact they look absolutely mint. Well happy and wear is amazing, even more so being on the rear. Rear feels confident and the tyres have stopped the slight tail happy character common with my model on tight wet greasy turns or roundabouts. IMO a very good mid segment tyre.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 7
Helpful 1,048
50%
Member
Had the tyres on about 2 years/20000 miles. They are wearing slowly but both front tyres have split badly and will need replacing. It looks like a manufacturing fault. Don't waste your time with these tyres, they shouldn't split to be dangerous after 2 years on a small car.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 1
  • Comfort 3
  • Buy again 2
Helpful 934
74%
Member
  • BMW 320 d
  • 225/45 R17 W
  • 38,000 miles
  • Mostly Motorways
  • Spirited
Very good dry grip but when it's gets wet no so great. The tire lift however is excellent done over 38000 on a negative camber adjustment on a 320d. I would recommend for the money but if wet grip is more of a concern buy a premium tyre brand.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 6
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 6
Helpful 1,061
64%
Member
Just not worth the money, they are at a price point where there is no significant saving over a premium tyre. These feel way too hard and have at times been a little frightening in the wet. Just cough up the extra and get yourself something which feels and handles better. Biggest pro would probably be that wear appears very slow, probably due to a hard compound.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 6
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 908
70%
Member
Been on the rear (non-driven) wheels for a year now. Its a bit harder to judge the rear tyres but I'll relay my impressions. This is a decent tyre for the price, feels safe in the wet though I'm not pushing it to extremes. It did seem to take a while to scrub in (suppose because its so hard wearing). So if the big tyre names were say segment A and this tyre a 'B' segment tyre then within that segment I would rank it A in the dry and B in the wet. If you're after a genuinely long lasting tyre thats cheap and performs well (actually in my view quite a bit better than magazine test GTU/AZ would have you believe as DEKRA retested it with better results) then I would definitely put this on your list. It is what it is ...competent, long lasting and inexpensive.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 6
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 6
Helpful 879
79%
Member
Had the tyres for approx 5000 miles now, they replaced some older Bridgestones. I'm sure they are not as good as a set if new premium tyres, but they do a good job at their price point. Sometimes struggle to put the power down in the wet. Wear seems good. Looks almost brand new after 5k
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 8
Helpful 988
47%
Member
  • Audi TT
  • 245/35 R19 W
  • 5,000 miles
  • A Combination of Roads
  • Average
These tyres came fitted to my 2015 TT TFSI Quattro when bought as an approved used car - They seem to be ok when the roads are dry and warm in these conditions the handling is reasonable. I have much less confidence in the wet though . In a straight line they are fine but are dreadful in corners. I'm not sure whether they do not suit my car with it being 4 wheel drive but they loose traction really easily in corners so much so I have no confidence in them when driving in damp/wet conditions. I think they must be a really hard compound as there are no visible signs of wear whatsoever and after 5000 miles are still showing 8mm on all 4 corners. According to the other reviews They appear to work well on other types of vehicles but recommend you don't use if you have a TT Quattro. Will be changing as soon as I can before winter sets in.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 2
  • Road Feedback 4
  • Handling 4
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 1,063
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