2026 ADAC Summer Tyre Test

Even though summer is much more driver-friendly than winter, good tyres are still essential for safe and comfortable driving. The ADAC 2026 summer tyre test will help you choose the ideal model. This year, specialists tested tyres in the popular size 225/50/R17. Let’s take a look at the results!

Brief information about ADAC

ADAC is both an independent German motoring club and one of the largest and most important automotive organisations in the world.   Among other things, ADAC is known for its reliable annual tyre tests. Both summer and winter models are tested, as well as all-season tyres. Tyres are tested in accordance with the conditions they were designed for. The accuracy and impartiality of the specialists involved in testing means that both drivers and tyre manufacturers look forward to ADAC test results.

How were this year’s ADAC summer tests carried out?

The method used for this year’s tests was analogous to last year’s. ADAC specialists focused on tyres in the popular size 225/50 R17, which can be found on many common cars such as the Audi A4 and A5, Peugeot 3008, Opel Zafira, and Volvo V70. Testers checked the performance of individual models in dry conditions and on wet surfaces.

As usual, ADAC included models from every price bracket: premium, mid-range, as well as budget. As a result, the findings should appeal both to drivers seeking the very best performance and to those for whom the key consideration when buying tyres is the best value for money. 

Why are ADAC tests so reliable? Largely because they are completely independent. Manufacturers cannot influence the results in any way. Above all, however, ADAC tests are advanced and check several criteria that affect different aspects of driving.

Where were the ADAC 2026 summer tests carried out?

Tyres were tested in various places, depending on which parameter specialists wanted to check. Tests concerning tyre behaviour on wet surfaces were carried out in Germany at Continental’s test track.

Two factors in the dry-handling category – fuel consumption and noise level – were also checked there. Remaining dry-handling characteristics were examined at the ADAC track in Bavaria and at Bridgestone’s test track in Italy.

Tyre wear was checked in Germany in the vicinity of the town of Landsberg am Lech.

ADAC 2026 summer tyre test – assessment criteria

This year’s test checked several main criteria. The most important was, of course, safety. After all, safety is what should determine the choice of a specific tyre model. The assessors also took environmental issues into account, which affect not only the environment but also driver comfort and savings.

Main evaluation categories: 

Driving safety (70% of the final score), including: 

• dry handling (40% of the category score), and
• wet handling (60% of the category score).

Environmental balance (30% of the final score), which includes:

• mileage (40% of the category score),
• tyre wear (20% of the category score),
• performance (20% of the category score),
• noise generation (10% of the category score), and 
• sustainability (10% of the category score).

Let’s briefly discuss each factor that influenced the overall final score of each tyre tested.

Dry handling – testers checked how tyres cope on dry surfaces. To make the assessment reliable, they tested performance during manoeuvres such as straight-line driving and cornering, grip during lane changes, ride comfort, stability in bends, and responses to steering inputs . Emphasis was also placed on braking distance. Cars were equipped with an ABS system, and the brakes were applied at a speed of 62 mph.

Wet handling – in this part, resistance to aquaplaning, both longitudinal and lateral, was very important. In addition, braking distance with ABS from 50 mph was checked. Testers also drove at high speed on a winding road to check grip and stability in wet conditions.

Mileage – besides safety, mileage is also important for most drivers. To reliably check what distance a given model can cover, tyres were fitted to identical cars travelling in convoy over a distance of 9,300 miles. ADAC specialists took laser measurements of tread depth six times (exactly every 1,550 miles). The test was conducted until the set distance was covered or until the tread of a given tyre reached the minimum permissible depth, i.e. 1.6 mm.

Tyre wear – this criterion assesses tyre durability. The score is based on the rate at which the rubber compound wears down. 

Efficiency – this factor was assessed based on the effect of tyre mass on acceleration. Fuel consumption while driving at a constant speed of 62 mph was also taken into account.

Generated noise – tyre loudness is a parameter that strongly affects the comfort of the driver and passengers, but also the environment. To accurately measure the noise generated by tyres while driving, two measurements were taken. The first concerned the sound level inside the car while driving at speeds between 20 mph and 80 mph. The second measurement was taken outside, carried out in accordance with ISO 362 at a speed of approximately 50 mph and while the car was rolling at 50 mph with the engine running (ISO 10844).

Sustainability – this criterion includes many factors. ADAC specialists take into account the country of manufacture and how its geographical location affects the delivery route and delivery times, as well as the possibility of returning tested tyre models and even any production residues on the tyres. Compliance with certifications is also taken into account, including ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 14025, and ISO 14040/44 (life cycle). The manufacturer’s membership in the UN Global Compact, Ecovadis sustainability certification, and the possibility of contactless identification (such as via RFID) also play an important role.

ADAC rating system

After tallying the results from all categories, final scores were awarded. ADAC has used the same clear system for years, in which ratings are assigned to defined score ranges. 

ADAC classification table

Winner of the ADAC 2026 tyre test – Continental PremiumContact 7 

ContinentalPremiumContact 7

First place went to the Continental PremiumContact7 tyre. This is a premium-class model that performed excellently on both wet and dry surfaces, guaranteeing the highest level of safety. Such good performance is ensured by an adaptive tread pattern that adjusts to conditions, providing the best driving parameters.

The tyre also performed well in terms of durability, undoubtedly thanks to use of the modern RedChili compound. It provides a short braking distance even when it is not warmed up. This translates into much better control over the car. It is worth noting that the same model won the ADAC summer test in 2024!

Second place – Pirelli Cinturato (C3) 

PirelliCinturato (C3)

Second place was taken by the Cinturato (C3) model from the Italian brand Pirelli. This is a premium tyre with an optimised tread design featuring wider central ribs and deep sipes, made from an advanced compound incorporating new mobile polymer and plasticiser technology. The modern design means that pressure is distributed better internally, which translates into lower rolling resistance and better durability, as confirmed by test results.

The product performed well in both dry and wet tests, providing excellent grip. It also performed just as well in terms of durability. This means that the Cinturato (C3) not only provides safety and sporty performance but is also a tyre that will last for a long time. 

Third place on the podium – Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 

GoodyearEfficientgrip Performance 2

The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 premium tyre took third place. Its results are impressive. This tyre performed well on both wet and dry surfaces, undoubtedly thanks to modern technologies. Confident control on wet roads is provided by Wet Braking technology, while excellent grip on dry surfaces is guaranteed by the Dry Stability Plus system, i.e. wide ribs that increase structural stiffness.

The tread with Mileage Plus technology maintains flexibility regardless of conditions, meaning it wears slowly. The test results confirm this – the model from the American manufacturer achieved the best scores in the mileage and tyre wear categories.

Results of the ADAC 2026 summer tyre test in individual categories

Although the overall scores clearly indicate the winners of this year’s ADAC summer test, it is also worth paying attention to the detailed results achieved by individual models. By analysing the table with partial ratings, you can learn all the features of the tyres. This makes it easier to choose the model that best meets your expectations. For example, the last in the ranking, the Linglong Sport Master, achieved the best wet-driving result of all, almost outclassing its rivals. Only the winning Continental achieved a similar score. 

The detailed results show why specific products received higher final scores than others and make it possible to notice differences in road behaviour under specific conditions.

Summer tyre test – table with scores by criterion