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 Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,020Avg. savings £3,270 off RRP*Used from £23,662
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £18,205Avg. savings £5,129 off RRP*Used from £6,390
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £25,250Avg. savings £2,469 off RRP*Used from £10,995
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,863 off RRP*Used from £17,495
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BMW iX3 40 M Sport 2026 review: entry-level SUV isn't a compromise
New BMW iX3 40 M Sport - front tracking

New BMW iX3 40 M Sport 2026 review: entry-level SUV isn't a compromise

Practical, efficient and much cheaper than the xDrive50, we think the base-level BMW iX3 40 is the pick-of-the-range.
Road tests
24 Sep 2026
Audi A6 e-tron breaks EV range record with massive 831 miles on a single charge
Audi A6 e-tron breaks massive EV range record

Audi A6 e-tron breaks EV range record with massive 831 miles on a single charge

Rally driver Miko Marczyk managed to cover over 360 miles further than the A6 e-tron’s official claimed range
News
24 Sep 2026
Refreshed Geely EX5 now boasts the world’s fastest charging
Refreshed Geely EX5 - front

Refreshed Geely EX5 now boasts the world’s fastest charging

Family SUV has been given some important upgrades, although there’s no word yet if revised model will come to UK
News
25 Sep 2026