Vi Bilägare magazines summer tire test features eight tires in size 235/55 R19, focusing on performance for EV SUVs. Testing took place in unusually cold conditions near Madrid, Spain, where temperatures hovered around 10°C - similar to Scandinavian spring or autumn weather.
4 categories (9 tests)
| Test Category | Best Performer | Worst Performer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry (2 tests) | |||
| Dry Braking | ▲ Nokian Hakka Black 3: 42 M | ▼ Hifly HP801: 46.6 M | 4.6 M (9.9%) |
| Subj. Dry Handling | ▲ Continental PremiumContact 7: 5 Points | ▼ Hifly HP801: 1 Points | 4.0 Points (400.0%) |
| Wet (4 tests) | |||
| Wet Braking | ▲ Nokian Hakka Black 3: 41.6 M | ▼ Hifly HP801: 47.8 M | 6.2 M (13.0%) |
| Wet Handling | ▲ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 71.4 s | ▼ Hifly HP801: 73.8 s | 2.4 s (3.3%) |
| Wet Circle | ▲ Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6: 11.3 s | ▼ Hifly HP801: 12 s | 0.7 s (5.8%) |
| Straight Aqua | ▲ Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 91.7 Km/H | ▼ Continental PremiumContact 7: 81.6 Km/H | 10.1 Km/H (12.4%) |
| Comfort (2 tests) | |||
| Subj. Comfort | ▲ Hifly HP801: 5 Points | ▼ Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6: 2 Points | 3.0 Points (150.0%) |
| Subj. Noise | ▲ Nokian Hakka Black 3: 5 Points | ▼ Continental PremiumContact 7: 2 Points | 3.0 Points (150.0%) |
| Value (1 tests) | |||
| ▲ Continental PremiumContact 7: 417 km | ▼ Hifly HP801: 379 km | 38.0 km (10.0%) | |
The test featured six standard aftermarket tires from premium and budget manufacturers, alongside two OE (Original Equipment) tires specifically designed for Volkswagen and Volvo vehicles. The testing vehicle was a Kia EV6, a battery-electric SUV weighing 2,031kg, with some measurements also taken using a Tesla Model Y.
Standard Aftermarket Tires vs OE Specifications
One of the most significant findings of this test was the big difference in performance between standard aftermarket tires and those designed to OE specifications for car manufacturers.
The test deliberately included two OE tires - one for Volkswagen and one for Volvo - to investigate the performance differences between these manufacturer-specific tires and standard aftermarket options. Vi Bilägare deliberately chose not to name the tire manufacturers of these OE products, stating that since the car manufacturers dictate the specifications and requirements, they should be held responsible for the resultant performance.
The test revealed that both OE tires prioritize low rolling resistance and energy efficiency at a serious cost to safety performance. While the OE tires delivered 9-10% better range than the average aftermarket tire, they showed significantly compromised wet grip, braking distances, and aquaplaning resistance.
The Volvo OE tire featured an "AA" EU label rating (A for rolling resistance, A for wet grip), yet the actual testing found its wet grip performance to be substantially below that of non-OE tires. Similarly, the Volkswagen OE tire demonstrated poor wet handling characteristics and early aquaplaning. Both OE tires began to lose grip in standing water at speeds 10-12 km/h lower than the best-performing aftermarket tires.
Of the two OE options, the Volvo specification performed marginally better in most tests, though still far below the premium aftermarket alternatives. The Volkswagen tire lost rear grip more suddenly when pushed to its limits, though the testers noted this behavior should be considered with caution as the tire wasn't designed specifically for the Kia test vehicle.
Sadly both OE tires scored embarrassingly close to the budget Hifly tire in total points, despite costing nearly twice as much. This led Vi Bilägare to conclude that consumers should avoid manufacturer-specific tires when replacing their tires, and instead choose standard aftermarket options with better safety credentials.
The test makes it clear that as vehicles become heavier with the integration of battery technology, the importance of high-quality tires increases. The differences in handling characteristics become even more pronounced in emergency situations with heavier vehicles, making the compromised performance of the OE tires particularly concerning.
Dry
In the dry braking test, both the Pirelli Scorpion and Nokian Hakka Black 3 led the pack with identical stopping distances of 42 meters. The OE tires showed their compromise on safety, with the Volkswagen-specified tire needing 44.4 meters to stop (2.4 meters longer than the best performers) while the Volvo-specific tire (not shown in graph) performed slightly better but still lagged behind the premium offerings.
When it came to subjective dry handling, Continental PremiumContact 7 and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tied for first place with perfect scores of 5 points. The manufacturer-specific tires showed significant shortcomings here, with the Volkswagen OE tire scoring just 2 points and the Volvo OE tire (not shown in graph) scoring 3 points, highlighting how much handling capability is sacrificed for efficiency in OE specifications.
Wet
The wet braking test revealed the Finnish Nokian Hakka Black 3 as the clear winner with a stopping distance of 41.6 meters. Both OE tires struggled dramatically here, with the Volkswagen-specified tire requiring 47.1 meters (5.5 meters longer than the Nokian) while the Volvo OE tire (not shown in graph) needed 44.8 meters - demonstrating just how much wet safety is compromised for fuel efficiency.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV dominated the wet handling lap times with 71.4 seconds. This test showed another significant gap for the OE tires, with the Volkswagen-specified tire posting the slowest time at 74.2 seconds (2.8 seconds slower than the Michelin). The Volvo OE tire (not shown in graph) managed 73.0 seconds, slightly better than the VW but still well behind the premium options.
The wet circle test measures lateral grip in wet conditions, with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 performing best at 11.3 seconds. The OE tires again couldn't match the premium offerings, with the Volkswagen-specified tire needing 11.8 seconds and the Volvo OE tire (not shown in graph) requiring 11.6 seconds - reflecting their compromised wet handling capabilities.
The aquaplaning test revealed perhaps the most concerning safety deficit for OE tires. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV maintained traction up to 91.7 km/h, while the Volkswagen OE tire lost grip at just 81.0 km/h - a critical 10.7 km/h difference. The Volvo OE tire (not shown in graph) performed marginally better at 79.5 km/h but was actually the worst overall, highlighting a serious safety compromise in wet conditions.
Comfort
In the subjective comfort assessment, both the Pirelli Scorpion and budget Hifly HP801 achieved top scores of 5 points thanks to their softer constructions. The OE tires performed reasonably well here, with the Volkswagen-specified tire scoring 4 points and the Volvo OE tire (not shown in graph) also scoring 4 points - one area where the manufacturer-specific designs didn't compromise as significantly.
The Nokian Hakka Black 3 with its special SilentDrive technology dominated the noise test with a perfect 5-point score. The Volkswagen OE tire performed well with 4 points, while the Volvo OE tire (not shown in graph) scored 3 points. This is one aspect where OE tires tend to offer reasonable performance, as cabin comfort is also a priority for car manufacturers.
Value
The range test was where the OE tires demonstrated their one key advantage, with the Volkswagen-specified tire achieving the best range at 432 km and the Volvo OE tire (not shown in graph) closely behind at 435 km. This represents approximately 9-10% better range than the average premium tire, showing clearly what car manufacturers prioritize when specifying OE tires - efficiency over safety.
Results
1st: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV emerged as the overall test winner, displaying consistently high performance across wet and dry conditions. It excelled particularly in wet handling and aquaplaning resistance, where it achieved the best results in the test. The tire offers precise steering feedback and excellent control during emergency maneuvers, making it easy for drivers to place the car exactly where intended. Though it comes with a relatively high price point, its superior grip and safety features justify the cost. The main drawbacks include somewhat limited comfort over rough surfaces and average rolling resistance. Michelin's victory in this test mirrors its previous win in SUV tire testing, confirming its reliable performance regardless of whether it's fitted to diesel or electric vehicles. Read Reviews Buy from £296.99 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2nd: Nokian Hakka Black 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Nokian Hakka Black 3 SilentDrive stands out as the quietest tire in the test, featuring a special noise-dampening felt mat inside the tire. With the best wet braking performance and strong wet grip properties, the Finnish tire handled the unusually cool test temperatures with ease. It tends to lose grip at the rear first, but does so predictably and remains easy to control. The Nokian comes well-equipped with aramid reinforcement to resist punctures, making it particularly suitable for SUVs, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles. Its combination of grip level and comfort earned it the same total score as the Michelin (86 points), but the testers prioritized safety over comfort, placing it second overall. It's among the more expensive options but delivers excellent value. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3rd: Pirelli Scorpion | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Pirelli Scorpion, classified as a "High Performance" rather than "Ultra High Performance" tire, emphasizes comfort and durability over maximum grip. This approach pays off with the highest comfort rating in the test and impressive tread wear rating of 400. The Pirelli rolls pleasantly over road imperfections and maintains a low noise level. While its steering response is slightly more relaxed than sportier alternatives, it still provides good, linear steering feel. Both in wet and dry conditions, the Scorpion behaves predictably under pressure with mild understeer, though its grip level is a step below the best performers. With good aquaplaning resistance and strong braking performance in the cool test temperatures, the Pirelli offers a harmonious driving experience at a reasonable price, earning it a bronze medal in the test. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4th: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5th: Continental PremiumContact 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Continental PremiumContact 7, which won last year's summer tire test, continues to show good performance in SUV dimensions, though like the Goodyear, it appears to lose some grip in the low test temperatures. Its steering is responsive with exemplary linear behavior, making it easy to position precisely during sudden maneuvers while maintaining control. The Continental recorded the lowest rolling resistance among non-manufacturer-specific tires, making it the best at combining low energy consumption with high grip levels. Unfortunately, its aquaplaning properties are below average, and comfort is similarly lacking. These deficiencies result in a fifth-place finish with 72 points, despite its impressive handling characteristics and fuel efficiency. It represents a good balance of economy and performance. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7th: Hifly HP801 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Chinese Hifly Vigorous HP801 attracts with its low price, but the test reveals significant safety compromises. Its most concerning weakness is poor lateral stability, making it unable to maintain control during sudden maneuvers with a heavy electric vehicle. The tire lacks the side stability needed for heavier cars, resulting in difficult handling under pressure with severe fishtailing. Braking performance is limited, though not as poor as might be expected from a budget brand. The soft carcass does provide good rolling comfort, and the tire scores well in aquaplaning resistance, with wet grip that's not as poor as seen in other budget tires in previous years. Despite these few positive points, the Hifly is deemed directly unsuitable for heavy vehicles, even though it carries the correct weight rating. The test ranks it last with just 54 points, emphasizing that the low price comes with serious safety compromises. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best UUHP Tires
Best All Season Tires
Best Winter Tires
