In its 2026 summer tyre test with an Audi A4, ADAC tested 16 models. Below are the full 225/50 R17 results, our clear 1–10 scores, a safety comparison and links to the relevant models in the shop.
Why Continental PremiumContact 7 won
Continental PremiumContact 7 took first place and got the best driving safety score among all the 16 participants. It's the strongest overall choice for the driver who values predictive control and minimal compromise.
Best value for money: Pirelli Cinturato C3
Pirelli Cinturato C3 finished second and cost less than Continental when the catalogue was checked. Its score of 9/10 and lower price make it a strong alternative for buyers seeking near-leading performance at a lower cost.
Best budget choice: Firestone Roadhawk 2
The Firestone Roadhawk 2 took fourth place, equaled the third-placed Goodyear in terms of safety, and cost significantly less than the top-three models at the time of testing. It is a rational choice when the budget is important, but you do not want to fall into the weakest group of the test.
Which 225/50 R17 summer tyre to choose
- Continental PremiumContact 7 is the first choice if the top spot and the strongest safety score in this test are important.
- Pirelli Cinturato C3 is a clear runner-up with a balanced overall score.
- Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is the third place and a practical alternative when the first two models are not in the desired specification.
- Firestone Roadhawk 2 is the best budget option among the highest rated models found in the catalogue at that time.
What do 225/50 R17 98W and 98Y mean
225/50 R17 describes the tyre width, profile ratio and rim diameter. 98 is the load index and W or Y is the speed index. When choosing, it is necessary to comply with the requirements of the car manufacturer and separately check the homologation of XL, RunFlat, OEM and other markings.
What to check before buying
- Do the 225/50 R17 size and load and speed ratings match your vehicle manufacturer's requirements?
- Does your car require XL, RunFlat or a specific OEM approval? A test result does not automatically apply to a different construction.
- Is the selected item the same model and generation? A category link is not a claim that every SKU in it has been tested.
Frequently asked questions
Which 225/50 R17 summer tyres won the 2026 test?
Continental PremiumContact 7 came first, Pirelli Cinturato C3 second and Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 third.
Does the 225/50 R17 result apply to every variant of that size?
Not automatically. The model, generation, season, size, load and speed ratings, XL or other construction, and other important markings must match.
Which 225/50 R17 tyre offers the best price-performance ratio?
Using catalogue prices checked on 2026-08-07 and this test's results, Pirelli Cinturato C3 leads the price-performance comparison. Prices and stock may change.