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

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,588 off RRP*
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £6,762 off RRP*Used from £9,574
Toyota Yaris Cross
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,528 off RRP*Used from £11,213
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely Galaxy Battleship 700 is an AI-powered behemoth aiming to sink the Land Rover Defender
New Geely Galaxy Battleship - front static

New Geely Galaxy Battleship 700 is an AI-powered behemoth aiming to sink the Land Rover Defender

Auto Express has confirmed the hulking hybrid 4x4 is coming to the UK
News
25 Mar 2026
New MG4 Urban will be the UK’s first EV with semi-solid-state batteries
MG4 Urban - front cornering

New MG4 Urban will be the UK’s first EV with semi-solid-state batteries

Industry-first semi-solid-state batteries will be available from the end of this year in new MG4 Urban
News
23 Mar 2026
The Freelander returns, but it's not a Land Rover...
Freelander teaser

The Freelander returns, but it's not a Land Rover...

The Freelander name will be used for new range of electric cars, but UK sales aren’t likely for a little while yet
News
24 Mar 2026