2019 Auto Express SUV Tyre Test

For the 2019 Auto Express summer tyre test, the UK based magazine have tested eight SUV tyres in the popular 235/50 R18 size.

As always, we'll leave the Auto Express website to go into all the detail, and just make a brief summary below.

The Test of Surprises

The biggest surprise result from the test was... everything! Nokian and Falken took first and second place respectively with the new Nokian PowerProof, and the Falken FK510. Both tyres proved to have a balanced blend of performances, with no major weakness in any area.

Third place was joint awarded to the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 and the older cousin, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT2 SUV, while the usual test winning Continental Premium Contact 6 could only manage fifth place overall, struggling with wet grip.

The Hankook Ventus S1 Evo2 SUV seemed to have issues with dry grip, relegating it to sixth, and the final premium brand, Michelin, struggled in the wet, tying last with Cooper.

Is this a turning point for the Falken and Nokian brands, or is this just an oddity of the SUV size and VW Tiguan test vehicle? As this is the last of the major summer tyre tests for 2019, 2020 will certainly be an interesting year for tyre testing!

Results

1st: Nokian PowerProof

Nokian PowerProof
  • 235/50 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 100
  2. Overall: 100
A deserved win due to a balanced performance in the key wet and dry tests.

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2nd: Falken FK510 SUV

Falken FK510 SUV
  • 235/50 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 99.8
  2. Overall: 99.8
Impressive all round performance, with good steering feel. Slightly high fuel use.

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3rd: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
  • 235/50 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 99.5
  2. Overall: 99.5
Like the Falken, good in the dry and wet but slightly higher fuel use than best on test.

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3rd: Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV

Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV
  • 235/50 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 99.5
  2. Overall: 99.5
Not as sharp as the Continental or Goodyear, but still a great all round tyre.

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5th: Continental Premium Contact 6

Continental Premium Contact 6
  • 235/50 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 99.1
  2. Overall: 99.1
Lowest fuel use, but average wet grip.

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6th: Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 SUV

Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 SUV
  • 235/50 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 99
  2. Overall: 99
Low noise and good in the wet, the dry grip could do with improving.

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7th: Cooper Zeon 4XS Sport

Cooper Zeon 4XS Sport
  • 235/50 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 98.3
  2. Overall: 98.3
Poor in the wet and highest fuel consumption on test.

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7th: Michelin Primacy 4

Michelin Primacy 4
  • 235/50 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 98.3
  2. Overall: 98.3
Low fuel use, but low wet grip.

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