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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.

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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...

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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. 

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