5 Best summer tires 2026: ADAC and ACE test results

Results of the latest ADAC and ACE auto club tests for 2026 have brought clear winners, but also several shocking surprises. If you are looking for maximum safety and balanced driving characteristics, take a look at our selection of the five best models dominating the market this year.

In this year's tests, dozens of samples in sizes ranging from 225/50 R17 to the sportier 225/40 R18 went head-to-head. Which models are the best?

1. Continental PremiumContact 7 - Absolute winner 🥇

This model became the overall winner of the ADAC test with a score of 1.9 (good). If you are looking for the ideal compromise between comfort, safety, and price without the need to pay extra for purely sporting parameters, this is the number one choice.

• Main advantages: Highly balanced characteristics, great handling on wet and dry surfaces, and low wear.

• For whom: Average drivers looking for maximum efficiency.

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S - King of the road 👑

In the ACE club test, this model took first place with 141 points. Michelin once again confirmed its dominance thanks to the incredible balance of all monitored parameters.

• Main advantages: Top-tier handling and long service life. Tests proved it has no significant weakness.

• For whom: Demanding drivers who are not concerned with budget and want the best on the market.

3. Pirelli Cinturato C3 - Ecological safety 🌿

With the Cinturato C3 model, Pirelli jumped to second place in the ADAC test (score 2.2). The auto club particularly highlighted the significant improvement over the previous generation.

• Main advantages: Good safety performance and excellent eco-balance (low rolling resistance and consumption).

• For whom: Drivers looking for a safe ride with regard to fuel consumption.

4. Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 - Record holder 🏁

Third place in the ADAC testing (score 2.3) belongs to a tire that targets operational economy through its durability.

• Main advantages: Extremely high expected service life while maintaining a high safety standard.

• For whom: Drivers with high annual mileage.

5. Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo - Master on dry surfaces ☀️

In the ACE test, this model fought its way onto the podium (3rd place) mainly thanks to its performance in the summer sun.

• Main advantages: Absolutely the best dry braking discipline of the entire tested field.

• For whom: Fans of dynamic driving who prefer stability at high speeds.

What to watch out for?

This year's tests also warn against some models that fail in certain conditions. For example, the Chinese Linglong Sport Master shocked with a victory in wet handling, but its characteristics deteriorate significantly on dry surfaces as the temperature rises, and it suffers from high wear. Conversely, tires like the Lassa Revola or Leao Nova-Force Acro finished with a "sufficient" rating in the ADAC assessment due to uncertain behavior during evasive maneuvers.

👉 Cebia Tip: When choosing, do not be tempted only by a well-known name. As the ACE test showed, even premium models like the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport can end up in the middle of the pack in normal wet traffic because they are too focused on a racing line on dry surfaces.

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