Skip advert
Advertisement

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 review

There’s no repeat win this time around, but the EfficientGrip still delivers a balanced performance and impressive fuel economy

This was our winner when we last tested this size in 2020 shortly after its launch, and it was runner-up in this year’s mini test. But it was a bit further away from the PremiumContact this time. 

Joint fifth might look like a big drop, but the performance differences behind the Continental are tiny and minor changes have a major effect on the overall ranking. While the position has changed, the EfficientGrip displayed the same qualities as before. It might not have the Continental’s sharpness, but it is still one of the better tyres to drive on the wet handling circuit.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It had more front grip than most, yet needed a little more lock than the winner, while the rear was well controlled. It wasn’t quite as at home in the other wet tests and struggled particularly in aquaplaning. It was mid-pack across the wet tests. In the dry, the EfficientGrip had a good feel, with a little rear movement helping it with the direction changes. But it needed two metres more than the brake-test winner, leaving it last.

The Performance 2 again showed good fuel efficiency, which may be a spin-off of Goodyear’s ambition to increase the tyre’s life over its predecessor’s. It couldn’t match the Bridgestone, but had a clear margin over the rest of the field.

Blackcircles.com says…

"Rated 4.7/5, this is another customer favourite. Review praise its overall performance, the grip in wet and dry, reduced noise, and good wear."

Results

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2  
Overall98.5% 
Price£86.41 
Wet braking94.0%6th
Wet handling98.9%3rd
Wet cornering98.7%7th
Curved aquaplaning86.2%8th
Straight aquaplaning93.5%9th
Dry braking94.4%11th
Dry handling99.4%=4th
Cabin noise99.2%=6th
Rolling resistance85.2%2nd

Buy the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 from Blackcircles.com...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Products editor

Kim has worked for Auto Express for more than three decades and all but a year of that time in the Products section. His current role as products editor involves managing the section’s content and team of testers plus doing some of the tests himself. 

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,270Avg. savings £1,949 off RRP*Used from £7,995
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,050Avg. savings £3,411 off RRP*Used from £26,849
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,840Avg. savings £5,624 off RRP*Used from £12,284
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,175Avg. savings £2,819 off RRP*Used from £7,495
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Jaecoo 9 flagship SUV coming to the UK to target the Range Rover
Chery Fullwin T11 - front

New Jaecoo 9 flagship SUV coming to the UK to target the Range Rover

The new six-seat Jaecoo 9 SUV will be based on the Chery Fulwin T11, and it's coming to the UK
News
28 May 2026
Tiny new Honda Super-N has made it to the UK and will start from just £18,995
Honda Super-N - front static

Tiny new Honda Super-N has made it to the UK and will start from just £18,995

Quirky electric city car is nearly half the price of the old Honda e, but it’s also much slower with 0-62mph in 14.5 seconds
News
29 May 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Superb Estate for just 18p more a month than smaller Octavia
Skoda Superb Estate - front full width image

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Superb Estate for just 18p more a month than smaller Octavia

The Skoda Superb is one of the finest family cars money can buy. It’s our Deal of the Day for 28 May.
News
28 May 2026