11 softest summer tires

Ratings of auto and moto goods

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

In order to make the rubber on wheels less deformed from hot asphalt in summer, manufacturers make it more rigid. But this increases vibration when driving over bumps. These tires also buzz a lot. For those who want to drive quietly and drive through bumps without rattling in the cabin, we have prepared TOP-11 softest summer tires. When compiling the review, the experts paid attention to the characteristics of the car product and the reviews of the drivers.

Rating of the softest summer tires

Nomination a place Name of product price
The softest summer tires for passenger cars 1 Michelin primacy 4 RUB 4,050
2 Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance RUB 3,034
3 Hankook Optimo K415 RUB 2,013
4 Continental ContiEcoContact 5 RUB 2,930
5 Bridgestone Weather Control A005 RUB 7,920
6 Toyo Proxes CF2 2 367 rub.
The softest summer tires for crossovers and SUVs 1 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV RUB 7,970
2 Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 SUV RUB 14,500
3 Toyo Proxes CF2 SUV RUB 2,910
4 Yokohama BluEarth RV-02 RUB 3 600
5 Bridgestone Turanza ER300 Ecopia RUB 3,250

The softest summer tires for passenger cars

Passenger cars, depending on the class, are equipped with wheel rims with diameters from R13 to R20. The load index for such rubber varies from 350 to 650 kg. Here are six of the best summer tire options for extra softness.

Michelin primacy 4

Rating: 4.9

Michelin primacy 4

In the first place, the experts put summer tires from the French manufacturer, which were presented in 2018. Despite the composition with elastic elastomers, which impart softness, tires are characterized by relatively slow abrasive wear. Drivers in the reviews confirm the increased wear resistance of the rubber, reporting that it lasts 18,000 km longer than competitors. Feature of the soft tread are two types of grooves – with a flat and tapered base. This ensures reliable grip on the road, regardless of the presence of water on it.

A summer tire is notable not only for its softness, but also for its deep tread grooves. This preserves all the driving properties of the tire throughout its entire service life. In other summer tires, after 50-70% wear, almost all characteristics (water drainage, braking distance, directional stability) are reduced. The manufacturer claims that with a residual tread depth of 2 mm (minimum allowable 1.6 mm), the car will move as on new tires.

Advantages

  • suitable for speeds of 240 km / h;
  • withstand loads up to 615 kg;
  • developed drainage system;
  • reliable grip on dry and wet asphalt.

disadvantages

  • high price;
  • the minimum disc size must be R15;
  • with the wrong similarity collapse begin to make noise.

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance

Rating: 4.8

GOODYEAR EFFICIENTGRIP PERFORMANCE

The second place is taken by summer soft tires from an American manufacturer, which are produced for Europe at factories in Poland and Germany. The tires have been created using the patented Wear Control technology. Summer tires turned out to be two-layer. Inside there is a rigid compound that ensures that the wheel remains in the correct shape, despite the stress. Outside, softer rubber is used to help reduce vibration from bumps. This layer also improves the grip of the tires on wet surfaces.

Experts considered soft tires to be the best in terms of braking performance. As you know, tires with elastic compound lengthen the braking distance, but in the case of EfficientGrip Performance, the American manufacturer used 3D blocks. When braking, they press in and 'open', increasing the contact patch. We especially recommend taking a closer look at this soft rubber for beginners to increase the safety of driving in the summer.

Advantages

  • 'keep' the road on wet asphalt;
  • designed for a speed of 240 km / h;
  • withstand 615 kg;
  • four elliptical drainage grooves quickly drain water.

disadvantages

  • it is difficult to find sizes R14 on sale;
  • you will not be able to accelerate quickly.

Hankook Optimo K415

Rating: 4.7

Hankook Optimo K415

Hankook manufactures the Optimo K415 summer tires for R13-19 rims, which makes them suitable for all passenger cars. There are 64 options for profile height and tire width. The tire's load index is 475 kg, and the maximum speed is allowed up to 210 km / h. To make the tires softer, the manufacturer used a higher silica content in them. In the reviews, buyers confirm both the acoustic and mechanical comfort from the operation of Hankuk summer tires. Drivers also like the behavior of the car when coasting without the slightest braking. Despite the softness of the rubber, the tread is durable. When the tires wear off to the mark, the car has time to drive 40-45 thousand km.

Experts considered summer tires to be the best because of the accelerated drainage of water from the contact patch. For this, transverse grooves are provided both in the central ribs and in the shoulder area. The drainage systems do their job well and getting into a 5 mm deep puddle at a speed of 100 km / h will not end with the car turning.

Advantages

  • the braking distance is almost not lengthened;
  • no need to 'catch' the car after maneuvers;
  • no aquaplaning even at a speed of 120 km / h;
  • silica provides softness of the composition and traction and grip properties on wet roads.

disadvantages

  • easily clogged with liquid mud;
  • 'catch' screws and nails.

Continental ContiEcoContact 5

Rating: 4.6

CONTINENTAL CONTIECOCONTACT 5

German manufacturer Continental produces its version of the soft summer tires ContiEcoContact 5. They are initially installed on some models Opel, Mercedes and other brands produced in Germany. To impart softness, a high content of silicon is added to the compound. This allows hot tires to retain their elasticity and grip when hit by a cold puddle. In the reviews, drivers praise the tires for directional stability. For this, the manufacturer has provided three solid ribs in the running area, equipped with many transverse grooves. Buyers also like the relatively low cost compared to other branded models.

Our experts have singled out these soft tires as the best for those who often travel long distances in summer. The tires have sipes, which, when opened, expose additional edges. This provides excellent road holding, steering responsiveness and reduced rolling resistance. With these tires the fuel consumption will be closer to the declared one.

Advantages

  • elastic compound with low noise effect;
  • flexible sidewalls improve handling when maneuvering;
  • increased contact patch;
  • reduced rolling resistance.

disadvantages

  • you cannot move over 190 km / h;
  • when the temperature drops, they become tanned.

Bridgestone Weather Control A005

Rating: 4.5

BRIDGESTONE WEATHER CONTROL A005

Japanese manufacturer Bridgestone produces soft tires with Z-shaped sipes that offer excellent traction. The V-shaped tread pattern provides directional action and acceleration on these tires is carried out according to the factory characteristics of the vehicle over time. The soft compound 'works out' well the unevenness of the track, complementing the work of the suspension. The noise from them is much less than from summer tires from other manufacturers. In the reviews, drivers are pleased with the reaction of the wheels to maneuvering. If the car gets into a puddle, then the water will quickly be removed from the contact patch due to additional grooves on the sides of the center rib and in the shoulder area. It is very difficult to break into a skid on such rubber.

The main advantage of Bridgestone's soft Weather Control A005 tires is their all-season capability, which can be used in both summer and winter. Tires do not have to be changed every six months, which will save time and money. This is especially practical in the autumn-spring period, when there are days with a temperature of +18 degrees and frosts during the week.

Advantages

  • good grip on wet and dry surfaces;
  • resistance to slashing;
  • it is difficult to puncture or cut the sidewall;
  • no aquaplaning when hitting a puddle.

disadvantages

  • poor handling in the snow;
  • difficult to find on sale;
  • long braking distance.

Toyo Proxes CF2

Rating: 4.4

Toyo Proxes CF2

Japanese manufacturer Toyo offers the new generation Proxes CF2 summer tires. Unlike the previous version, the silicon composition here is even higher, which not only made the rubber softer, but also improved grip by 15%. In addition, acoustic comfort has also increased, since even at a speed of 120 km / h, no noise from the wheels is heard in the cabin. The maximum speed index for summer tires is 210 km / h. Pay attention to the four wide grooves in the treadmill – they effectively wick away any moisture, quickly drying the contact patch. Small bridges in the grooves push the dirt out already at a speed of 40 km / h.

This summer tire has been specially developed for vehicles capable of intense acceleration. For this, the pattern has a minimum of transverse elements that create rolling resistance. Soft tires also have a chamfered shoulder area to facilitate sharp turns and directional changes. On such tires you will be able to quickly rearrange in the stream and overtake without noise.

Advantages

  • reduction in fuel consumption;
  • improved rolling;
  • 15% higher grip than the previous generation;
  • effective braking.

disadvantages

  • few standard sizes on sale;
  • at a temperature of +3 degrees, they already break into a skid.

The softest summer tires for crossovers and SUVs

For crossovers and SUVs, tire softness plays an increased role due to the mass of cars 1.5-3.0 tons. Special summer tires with an increased load index of 500 kg are produced for them. Here are 5 of the best soft models hand-picked by experts.

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV

Rating: 4.9

MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4 SUV

The first place in the category of experts was given to the products of the French manufacturer. To make the tires softer, the developers have added silica, which has hydrophobic properties. This increased the elasticity of the compound and improved grip on wet asphalt. The composition also contains functional elastomers that affect rubber at the molecular level. As the compound heats up, they adapt the tire to different driving conditions and reduce rolling resistance and sound effects. Despite the softness of the composition, the drivers in the reviews share that it feels like they've removed 300 kg from the car.

As the name suggests, Pilot Sport summer tires are made for those who like to ride fast. Their speed index is 240 km / h. The rubber is suitable for the most dynamic crossovers and SUVs with 4.0 and 5.0 liter turbo engines. The tires are manufactured using Dynamic Response technology, which implies the presence of additional nylon fibers over the carcass. This solution gives strength to the wheel, increases form rigidity and control precision at high speed.

Advantages

  • good braking;
  • the car reacts exactly to the driver's actions;
  • gives lightness to the car;
  • provides accelerated acceleration.

disadvantages

  • high price;
  • only from size R17;
  • the protector collects small stones in itself.

Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 SUV

Rating: 4.8

Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 SUV

The Korean manufacturer Hankook produces summer tires with natural resins for SUVs. This helps to increase the softness of the compound and the quietest ride possible. In the reviews, drivers share that on a crossover weighing up to 2 tons, you can drive silently with open windows and have a conversation with your interlocutor without raising your voice. Special polymers in the composition increase the wear resistance of the soft tire, so the declared rubber serves for 50,000 km. To prevent elastic tires from 'throwing' the car on the sides, transverse jumpers are used in the tread, which do not allow the pattern to deform under load.

This is another of the best summer tires for real racers. Its speed index exceeds that of all other participants in the review and is 300 km / h. Only a few crossovers and SUVs from Porsche, Maserati, Jaguar and AMG are capable of this. During the manufacture, an advanced technology of winding fibers without joints and seams was used, which made it possible to reduce rolling resistance. Also, these summer tires do not deform from the heat of +50 degrees.

Advantages

  • acoustic comfort;
  • precise control;
  • stable exchange rate stability;
  • withstand loads up to 670 kg.

disadvantages

  • high price;
  • 'get washed out' in the mud.

Toyo Proxes CF2 SUV

Rating: 4.7

TOYO PROXES CF2 SUV

These are summer tires that are suitable even for compact crossovers ranging from Renault Duster or Mazda CX3. The minimum size of disks starts from R15. The maximum is 18 inches. The Nano Balance technology was used in the manufacture, which is a proprietary development of the Toyo company. The high content of silica in the composition allowed to reduce rolling resistance and improve wheel grip on summer wet asphalt. Even when switching to these tires, fuel savings of 4% are achieved.

In the reviews, drivers share that summer tires really live up to their advertised soft properties – driving through gravel or driving in a rut almost does not transmit vibration to the interior. At the same time, the frame with steel fibers prevents the wheel from losing its shape from the asphalt heated in summer. This combination of stiffness and softness makes the wheels the best for comfortable travel on suburban roads, for example, for regular trips to the country.

Advantages

  • speed index up to 240 km / h;
  • wheel load up to 630 kg;
  • driving a track, 3-5 cm high, is almost not felt;
  • not prone to rapid wear.

disadvantages

  • few models on sale;
  • high price;
  • it is better not to go on open off-road;
  • drivers in reviews complain about noise after 110 km / h.

Yokohama BluEarth RV-02

Rating: 4.6

Yokohama BluEarth RV-02

The Japanese concern Yokohama has in its catalog BluEarth RV-02 summer tires for crossovers with R15-18 inch wheels. The tires carry up to 710 kg and are designed for a speed of 210 km / h. The tread design was borrowed from the sports version of the AdvanV105. As a result, the drawing received a dense arrangement of elements that increase the area of ​​the contact patch. The tires are also distinguished by a more even distribution of the load of the vehicle's mass, which increases stability during longitudinal or lateral acceleration. The manufacturer used a NanoBlend blend of orange oil and silica to give it a soft and firm consistency for puncture resistance. This simultaneously increased the tensile strength of the rubber.

Experts considered the tires to be the best in rolling resistance. Take a closer look at the tread pattern. Apart from the four deep longitudinal grooves, all the transverse grooves are very narrow. This reduces the contact resistance of the rubber to the road, without losing traction. As a result, these tires save even better fuel, and when coasting, the car will go further.

Advantages

  • there is no strong noise on the track;
  • good road holding;
  • easy to get out of a rut;
  • small stones and pits are 'swallowed'.

disadvantages

  • high cost, despite the manufacture in Russia;
  • less water drain from the contact spot.

Bridgestone Turanza ER300 Ecopia

Rating: 4.5

BRIDGESTONE TURANZA ER300 ECOPIA

Rounding out the review are Japanese summer tires 'Bridgestone', which have been in production for 5 years. During this time, the model has collected more than 3,000 positive reviews from crossover and SUV owners. Drivers praise her for its speed performance, quick braking and precise handling. This is achieved through three solid ribs in the running zone, two of which are wavy. This technological solution provides better grip and maintains the correct wheel shape during a sharp change in course. You can choose tires for any crossover model thanks to more than 120 standard sizes. The increased silica content contributes to the smooth passage of irregularities, including iron girder seams on bridge connections.

These summer tires are recognized by the experts as the best for their reinforced sidewalls. This design, despite the soft compound, protects the tires from cuts when parking next to a curb. Driving off the road on the crossover, the rubber will not cut itself on the stones.

Advantages

  • wheels ensure the stability of the SUV in turns;
  • low noise level;
  • efficiency in all weather conditions in summer;
  • easy maneuvering.

disadvantages

  • you can buy Japanese tires made in Turkey;
  • high price;
  • when hitting a puddle at a speed of 80-100 km / h, a sharp jerk is felt on the steering wheel.


Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

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