Ranking of the best soft summer tires for 2022

Every year, with the arrival of spring and the onset of heat, when the temperature begins to exceed the optimum temperature range of + 7 ° C, car owners are forced to change winter tires for summer tires to ensure safety and save money. Choosing the right tire becomes a serious source of headache for drivers. After all, it is necessary to balance between the quality of grip and wear resistance, meet the affordable budget, while maintaining acceptable acoustic comfort, which is very important for budget cars with practically no sound insulation.

However, models from the expensive segment are not always among the best tires. Often inexpensive domestic products are no worse than advertised imported goods. This review, which has collected the most popular soft summer tires based on customer reviews, will provide quick assistance in choosing the best option.

General information

A summer tire is a kind of car tire for use in the warm season at a stable positive temperature.

It is designed to absorb vibrations due to the imperfection of the roadway and compensate for the discrepancy between the wheel trajectories.

It is made in the form of an elastic rubber-metal-fabric shell, which is installed on the rim of the rim to ensure contact between the car and the road surface.

Compound

Summer tires are used at elevated temperatures. In addition, heated asphalt enhances frictional heating. To achieve reliable wear resistance, the tire base contains up to 50% solid rubber. The artificial base differs from the natural counterpart in less plasticity, wear resistance, but it costs less.

In addition, the composition includes:

• silicic acid;
• soot or carbon black;
• sulfur;
• oils;
• resin additives.

The softness of a tire characterizes its cushioning ability. You can determine its value using a special device - a durometer (hardness tester) Shore.The indicators are affected by the composition of the rubber compound, the number and thickness of the layers, and the size of the tire.

As a rule, manufacturers keep the exact lists of the main elements and mixture recipes secret. The main task is the production of high-density rubber with effective aquaplaning and reliable traction.

Varieties

The distinctive parameters of the summer tread are:

• asymmetrical pattern;
• narrow grooves;
• lack of small lamellae.

according to drawing

1. Symmetrical:

• directional - high handling, excellent aquaplaning, maximum grip, for moderate driving in urban conditions;
• non-directional - universality of use, low cost, for trips around the city.

 

2. Asymmetrical:

• directional - increased safety at high speeds and maneuverability, for dry and wet asphalt;
• non-directional - improved handling and good grip, for wet asphalt and off-road.

By size

Provides a choice of model suitable for the installed rim. It is marked on the sidewall with a combination of numbers and Latin letters, which indicate:

• tire width in the range of 175 - 275;
• profile height (side rib) - the higher the value, the narrower the tire and the higher the profile;
• diameter;
• design: R - radial (for passenger cars), D - diagonal (rare), C - full-profile (for small trucks, minivans).

The most popular and popular sizes of summer tires are R14, R15, R16, R17 and R18.

By speed index

The parameter determines the maximum speed that ensures the safety of passengers and the driver. The values ​​are given in the table.

Speed ​​index	Maximum speed, km/h
M	130
N	140
P	150
Q	160
R	170
S	180
N	190
U	200
H	210
V	240
W	270
Y	300

By load index

The parameter determines the available load that the tire can withstand during the operation of the vehicle. The value must be equal to the total weight of all passengers including the driver and is calculated per wheel.

Load index	Maximum load, kg
70	335
75	387
80	450
85	516
90	600
95	690
100	800
105	925
110	1060
115	1215
120	1400

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of soft summer tires include:

• comfort of management;
• low noise level;
• reliable grip on wet and dry asphalt;
• controllability due to good grip with the road surface;
• excellent cornering;
• improved acceleration dynamics;
• shortening of the braking distance;
• softness to overcome small irregularities.

The cons are:

• quick "grinding";
• low speed indexes;
• rapid heating at high speeds;
• reduced exchange rate stability;
• increased fuel consumption;
• poor resistance to cuts and impacts;
• poor stability during sharp changes and turns.

Criterias of choice

In order not to make mistakes, soft summer tires should be chosen if the following conditions are preferred.

1. Calm driving style.
2. A small driving experience or uncertainty when driving a vehicle.
3. Road versatility – wet, slippery, muddy or predominantly dry.
4. Moderate climate with early frosts, frequent rains.
5. Reliable grip, precise handling, no noise and driving comfort.
6. For trips around the city, the best product option is with a profile of at least 60%, speed index T or S, asymmetric or non-directional symmetrical tread pattern.
7. For off-road driving, a suitable solution with a high profile, deep channels, high load index.
8. For high-speed driving, the profile is not more than 55%, asymmetric or directional symmetrical pattern, speed index V or W.

Where could I buy

A large number of domestic and foreign brands allows you to find and order goods online in online stores for every taste, depending on financial capabilities. When choosing, you should pay attention not only to the technical requirements of the car, but also the needs and habits of the car owner. Many companies today produce good tires, not only in the premium class, but also budget ones. The best manufacturers include GoodYear, Continental, Michelin, Nokian, Bridgestone, which use innovative technologies in their work to meet current trends in the automotive market.

In addition, before buying the right model, it will be useful to read reviews from other users who can already evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of specific tires. In addition, you can always find second-hand tires at a low price on the Internet, but their quality will be appropriate.

Soft summer tires in Moscow can be bought:

• for a passenger car at a price of 3,380 rubles. (Ovation Tires Ecovision VI-682) up to 59,000 rubles. (Pirelli P Zero);
• for an SUV - from 4,660 rubles. (GOODYEAR Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV) up to 65,000 rubles. (Pirelli P Zero SUV);
• for commercial vehicles - from 4,347 rubles. (Torque TQ02) up to 30,680 rubles. (Michelin Agilis 3).

Safety on the track largely depends on the right choice of summer tires!

The best soft summer tires

The rating of high-quality models was developed based on the opinions of users who bought and installed the listed tires on their cars. The popularity of products is due to efficiency, durability, availability, price.

The review includes ratings among the best brands of soft summer tires for cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles.

TOP 3 best soft summer tires for passenger cars

Michelin Energy XM2+

Brand - Michelin (France).
Producing countries - Russia, China, Thailand, Serbia, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Germany, Italy, Great Britain, France, USA.

A wide range of large standard sizes for compact and medium-sized passenger cars. It is an improved version of the XM2 model with a “borrowed” tread surface design, but a modified internal structure and a new rubber compound. As a result, key performance parameters have improved significantly. Thanks to the variable depth sipes, the grip properties on wet roads remain virtually unchanged throughout the entire service life. Strengthening the sidewalls contributed to increased durability when traveling on bad roads and in the city. Warranty for manufacturing defects is 5 years.

Price - from 5 610 rubles.

• maximum strength and wear resistance;
• effective water drainage;
• reliable grip on wet surfaces;
• stable operational properties throughout the entire service life;
• increased levels of silicon dioxide in the proprietary rubber compound;
• improved tenacity on the road;
• reinforced sidewalls;
• low noise level;
• protector with special design.

• cornering due to softness can be rolls.

Comparison of XM2 and XM2+:

Landsail LS388

Brand - Landsail (China).
Producing countries - China, Thailand.

Large model range for use on various budget passenger cars operated in cities.Modern technologies borrowed by the Chinese manufacturer from leading companies have made it possible to achieve good handling combined with stable behavior when traveling on wet roads. The stability of the quality of manufactured products is guaranteed by electronic control.

Price - from 3,090 rubles.

• confident road holding;
• good smoothing of surface irregularities;
• good track retention;
• low noise and vibration levels;
• effective water disposal;
• minimal aquaplaning;
• long service life;
• attractive price.

• sometimes at 70-90 km / h a slight buzz can be heard.

Chinese normal budget tires:

Yokohama Advan A10E

Brand - Yokohama (Japan).
Producing countries - Russia, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, USA, Japan.

Specially designed summer tires for installation on middle-class sedans, including for original equipment of Japanese passenger car models. In production, modern materials and innovative computer modeling technologies are used to give excellent technical characteristics and eliminate “weak points” identified during operation. High maneuverability, cross-country ability and handling are achieved by electronic quality control and proprietary rubber composition. Stability on difficult road sections is ensured by a special cord design.

Price - from 11,490 rubles.

• stable stability at any speed;
• well kept dry and wet road;
• reliable grip when cornering;
• effective deceleration with a short braking path;
• shoulder zones with extended blocks;
• fast and accurate response to steering wheel turns;
• high comfort;
• low noise;
• good wear resistance;
• excellent value for money.

• sometimes clogged with small stones.

Yokohama Advan A10E video review:

comparison table

	MICHELIN Energy XM2+	Landsail LS388	Yokohama Advan A10E
Tread pattern	asymmetric	symmetric	symmetric
Class	BUT	D	AT
Diameter	R13; R14; R15; R16	R13; R14; R15; R16; R17; R18	R16; R17; R18
Profile:
width	165; 175; 185; 195; 205; 215	155; 175; 185; 195; 205; 215; 235	195; 205; 215; 225; 245
height	55; 60; 65; 70	45; 50; 55; 60; 65; 70	40; 50; 55
Load index	81; 82; 84; 86; 88; 91; 92; 94; 95; 96; 98	73; 82; 84; 86; 88; 91-93; 95; 97-102; 104	87; 89; 91
Speed ​​index	H; T; V	H; T; V; W	V
Noise, db	69	68…71	70

TOP 3 best soft summer tires for SUVs

Nexen Roadian 581

Brand - Nexen (Republic of Korea).
Producing countries - Republic of Korea, China.

A popular model range with a wide range of sizes for various SUVs. The use of the latest equipment and modern materials in the production ensures high quality and the absence of defects. Thanks to the universal tread design and the use of a new carcass with steel inserts, they are characterized by increased stability and reliable protection against damage. The product confidently holds the road on any surface, provides reliable control and safety.

Price - from 5,200 rubles.

• excellent course stability;
• increased maneuverability;
• easily balanced;
• good road grip;
• dynamic acceleration;
• without planing and aquaplaning;
• good braking performance with a short path;
• reinforced frame;
• low noise level and sound comfort;
• wear resistance;
• great price.

• not sold everywhere.

Video review Nexen Roadian 581:

Crossleader T01

Brand - Crossleader (China).
The country of origin is China.

A versatile range for crossovers, SUVs, pickups with good grip on various dirt surfaces as well as on paved roads. The tread pattern has a non-directional design, having a symmetrical arrangement of blocks with the distribution of elements over functional areas. Longitudinal staggered placement forms a wide double rib in the central part to reduce rolling resistance and improve directional stability. Excellent traction on unpaved roads is achieved by shoulder areas that provide a contact patch with long and high transverse edges.

Price - 12,990 rubles.

• versatility of application;
• reliable adhesion to various types of coatings;
• exchange rate stability;
• low rolling resistance;
• good traction on rough terrain;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• wear resistance.

• not detected.

BFGoodrich Advantage SUV

Brand - BFGoodrich (USA)
Producing countries - Poland, Romania.

A model range for SUVs and urban crossovers with an asymmetric tread pattern with wide drainage grooves and reinforced shoulder blocks. They have improved handling on dry and wet paved roads. Proprietary optimized rubber compound formulation provides high wear resistance.

Price - from 9 620 rubles.

• increased braking intensity on wet surfaces;
• precision in high speed control;
• comfortable ride on bumps;
• balance of operational properties;
• minimal aquaplaning;
• optimized tread pattern and profile;
• increased contact patch with the surface;
• low noise;
• famous brand.

• not identified.

Advantage compared to G-Grip:

comparison table

	Nexen Roadian 581	Crossleader T01	BFGoodrich Advantage SUV
Tread pattern	asymmetric	symmetric	asymmetric
Class	FROM	D	B
Diameter	R15; R16; R17; R18; R19	R15; R16; R17; R18	R16; R17; R18; R19; R20
Profile:
width	195; 205; 225; 235	215; 225; 235; 245; 265	215; 225; 235; 255; 265
height	45; 55; 60; 65	60; 65; 70; 75	45; 50; 55; 60; 65
Load index	91; 101; 103	103; 106; 107; 109; 110; 111; 114; 116; 117; 119; 120	96; 98-102; 105
Speed ​​index	H; V	N	H; V; W
Noise, db	69…71	71-73	71

TOP 3 best soft tires for commercial vehicles

Dunlop SP VAN01

Brand - Dunlop (Great Britain).
Producing countries - Great Britain, France, Germany, Thailand, Japan, Russia, Slovenia, Thailand, Indonesia.

A model range with a large range of standard sizes for completing small-capacity buses and trucks for operation in the city. It is characterized by smoothness on the go, silence, improved stability on wet roads. Thanks to its long service life before replacement, reliability and fuel efficiency, it can significantly reduce overall costs. Stable high-quality adhesion and improved wear resistance are achieved by an increased area of ​​the contact patch.

Price - from 7,630 rubles.

• optimized embossed tread pattern;
• stable grip properties;
• reduced wear;
• fuel efficiency;
• exchange rate stability;
• shortened braking distance;
• smooth running;
• thoughtful design;
• adequate price.

• no.

Video review Dunlop SP VAN01:

Continental ContiVanContact 100

Brand - Continental (Germany).
Producing countries - Germany, Russia, Romania, Slovakia, Portugal, France, etc.

A large range of German premium products for light trucks over long distances.They are characterized by excellent parameters that improve the overall driving performance of the car. It is installed as original equipment for various models of commercial vehicles. The symmetrical tread pattern performs well on both wet and dry surfaces. Reliable protection against aquaplaning is achieved by the presence of wide grooves. Prevention of small pebbles from getting stuck is ensured by a self-cleaning profile system. High flexibility over a wide temperature range is guaranteed by the rubber compound with the addition of silica.

Price - from 8460 rubles.

• versatility of operation on different types of coating;
• high efficiency;
• long service life;
• small rolling resistance;
• deformation resistance;
• strong frame;
• good carrying capacity;
• light weight;
• acceptable cost;
• recognized trademark.

• quality depends on the country of origin.

ContiVanContact 100:

MAXXIS Vansmart MCV3+

Brand - MAXXIS.
Producing countries - Taiwan, China, Southeast Asia.

A range of attractive summer tires with wavy sipes for light commercial vehicles. The products are characterized by reliability, good hydroplaning resistance, low noise level, high fuel efficiency. Thanks to the increased number of sipes, they provide maximum grip on wet roads. Optimized shoulder design provides high resistance to uneven wear and long service life.

Price - from 7,657 rubles.

• confident road holding;
• tight abutment to wet and dry surfaces;
• easy handling;
• effective braking and acceleration;
• significant fuel efficiency;
• high wear resistance;
• without hydroplaning;
• acoustic comfort;
• quality manufacturing;
• acceptable price;
• stylish design.

• not detected.

MAXXIS MCV3+ Vansmart Video Review:

comparison table

	Dunlop SP VAN01	Continental ContiVanContact 100	MAXXIS Vansmart MCV3+
Tread pattern	symmetric	symmetric	symmetric
Class	AT	BUT	FROM
Diameter	R14; R15; R16; R17	R14; R15; R16; R17	R14; R15; R16; R17
Profile:
width	185; 195; 205; 215; 225; 235	185; 195; 205; 215; 225; 235	175; 185; 195; 205; 215; 225; 235
height	60; 65; 70; 75; 80	55; 60; 65; 70; 75; 80	65; 70; 75; 80
Load index	102; 104; 106; 107; 109; 112; 113; 115; 116; 121	100-110; 112; 113; 115-118	98-100; 102-107; 109; 110; 112; 113; 115; 121
Speed ​​index	R; T	H; Q; R; T	Q; R; S; T
Noise, db	70	67…72	72

Happy travels. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!