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

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,275Avg. savings £2,588 off RRP*Used from £6,795
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £11,990Avg. savings £586 off RRP*Used from £9,495
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,840Avg. savings £6,187 off RRP*Used from £11,658
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £4,673 off RRP*Used from £12,390
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Electricity VAT axe to make EV charging cheaper, just not if you can’t charge at home
Vauxhall Astra GSE connected to a home wallbox charger

Electricity VAT axe to make EV charging cheaper, just not if you can’t charge at home

VAT on domestic electricity will be scrapped from October, thus widening the gap between home and public charging
News
23 Jul 2026
New Dacia Spring confirmed for September reveal and super low price
New Dacia Spring - rear teaser

New Dacia Spring confirmed for September reveal and super low price

The new Spring will be based on the adorable Renault Twingo and built here in Europe
News
22 Jul 2026
New Ford Kuga flagship family crossover coming 2029
Ford Kuga - main image

New Ford Kuga flagship family crossover coming 2029

The new electric and hybrid powered family crossover will be built in Valencia, Spain
News
23 Jul 2026