Best SUV tires in Asia Test: Asia’s SUV segment is growing faster than ever — and so is the competition to build the perfect tire for it. In Top Tire Review’s 2025/26 Best SUV Tire Test, five heavyweights go head-to-head to prove who truly rules the road: Continental UltraContact UX7, Michelin Primacy 5, Bridgestone Alenza 001, Yokohama Advan V61 E+, and Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV. From blazing highways to monsoon rain, this test is the ultimate showdown of grip, comfort, and technology to crown Asia’s best SUV tire of 2025/26.
Table of Contents
Test Setup
In this test, brand new tires sized 235/55 R19 were fitted onto a Volkswagen Tiguan. Tire pressures were set to 2.6 bar at the front and 2.6 bar at the rear. For subjective evaluations, each point difference equates to a 10% performance difference. For example, if Tire A scores a 7 and Tire B an 8, Tire B is considered 10% superior. In noise tests, an increase of 1 dB signifies a 10% rating change due to the logarithmic nature of decibel measurements.
Overall test scores are calculated using the following weight distribution: Wet Performance at 40%, Dry Performance at 30%, Noise & Comfort at 25%, and Rolling Resistance (RR) at 5%.
Wet
In Asia’s SUV tire segment, wet grip is king — the top priority for drivers facing frequent tropical rain and ever-changing road conditions.
Wet Braking Results
The Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV needed the longest distance to stop at 40.4 m (73%). The Bridgestone Alenza 001 improved to 38.1 m, 2.3 m shorter and 10% better, while the Yokohama Advan V61 E+ followed closely at 37.6 m, 0.5 m shorter and 2% ahead. The Michelin Primacy 5 made a stronger jump to 35.1 m, 2.5 m shorter and 9% better than Yokohama, but the Continental UltraContact UX7 led confidently at 31.8 m — 3.3 m shorter than Michelin, marking another 10% improvement in braking performance.
Wet Handling Results
Results are separated by objective metrics (lap time) & subjective perceptions.
The Goodyear MaxGuard SUV was slowest at 95.29 s (89%), while the Yokohama V61 E+ trimmed that to 91.98 s, 3.3 s faster and 5% better. The Bridgestone Alenza 001 improved to 90.25 s, 1.7 s quicker (+3%), followed by the Michelin Primacy 5 at 87.81 s, 2.4 s faster (+3%). The Continental UX7 again led the pack at 85.94 s — 1.9 s quicker than Michelin, giving it a 2% edge in overall wet pace.
The Goodyear MaxGuard SUV and Yokohama V61 E+ both started at 5–5.5/10 (78%), lacking steering precision. The Bridgestone Alenza 001 felt better balanced at 6/10 (86%), while the Michelin Primacy 5 achieved 7/10 (95%), +1 point and about 10% stronger. The Continental UX7 topped the group with 7.5/10 — 0.5 points higher than Michelin, a 5% edge in steering control and feedback.
The Goodyear MaxGuard SUV offered the least grip at 0.79 g, while the Yokohama V61 E+ and Michelin Primacy 5 improved slightly to 0.81 g (+3%) and 0.82 g (+1%), respectively. The Bridgestone Alenza 001 delivered stronger traction at 0.84 g, 3% higher than Michelin, but the Continental UltraContact UX7 led the pack with 0.88 g — 4% more cornering grip than Bridgestone, showcasing its superior wet-surface stability.
Aquaplaning Results
The Goodyear MaxGuard SUV lifted earliest at 72.7 km/h (97%), while the Yokohama V61 E+ improved slightly to 74.0 km/h (+2%). The Continental UX7 held out a bit longer at 74.9 km/h (100%), gaining 0.9 km/h (+1%), while both the Bridgestone Alenza 001 and Michelin Primacy 5 achieved the best results at 77.8–77.9 km/h (104%), around 3 km/h or 4% higher than Continental, proving their superior water clearance and hydroplaning resistance.
The Goodyear MaxGuard SUV showed the weakest lateral water dispersion at 2.61 m/s², while the Yokohama V61 E+ improved slightly to 2.80 m/s² (+7%). The Continental UltraContact UX7 offered stronger resistance at 2.90 m/s² (+4%), followed by the Michelin Primacy 5 at 3.10 m/s² (+7%). The Bridgestone Alenza 001 delivered the best stability in standing water at 3.24 m/s² — 5% higher than Michelin, providing the most confident lateral control in deep wet conditions.
Dry
For SUVs, dry performance comes just behind wet grip in importance — it’s essential for everyday driving, ensuring confident braking, stability, and control in all road conditions.
Dry Braking Results
The Goodyear MaxGuard SUV stopped at 40.7 m (81%), the longest in the group. The Bridgestone Alenza 001 improved to 37.9 m, 2.8 m shorter (+8%), while the Yokohama V61 E+ followed at 36.9 m, 1.0 m shorter (+3%). The Michelin Primacy 5 edged closer at 36.6 m, 0.3 m shorter (+1%), and the Continental UX7 once again took the lead at 34.1 m — 2.5 m shorter than Michelin, about 7% better in dry braking performance.
Dry Handling Results
For SUVs, dry handling is just as vital as wet grip — it ensures stability, balance, and control in daily high-speed driving. In this test, performance is measured through both objective data like lap times and subjective feel, including steering response, precision, and overall driver confidence.
On the dry track, all tires were very closely matched. The Michelin Primacy 5 was slowest at 53.44 s (99%), followed by the Goodyear MaxGuard SUV at 53.27 s, 0.17 s quicker (+0%). The Continental UX7 clocked 52.78 s (100%), 0.5 s faster (+1%), while both the Bridgestone Alenza 001 (52.73 s) and Yokohama V61 E+ (52.71 s) shared the top pace — essentially identical in dry circuit performance.
The Yokohama V61 E+ scored lowest at 6.34/10 (93%), followed by the Michelin Primacy 5 at 6.40 (94%), +0.06 points higher (+1%). The Goodyear MaxGuard SUV rose to 6.82 (98%), +0.42 points (+4%), while the Bridgestone Alenza 001 performed slightly better at 6.91 (99%). The Continental UX7 stood at the top with 7.00 — 0.09 points higher than Bridgestone, around 1% advantage in steering feedback.
Noise
In the Asia region, noise and comfort remain significant factors for UHP tires, as drivers prioritize a balanced experience that combines performance with everyday comfort on varying road surfaces.
Interior Noise Results
The Yokohama Advan V61 E+ was the loudest at 66.6 dB, while the Bridgestone Alenza 001 followed closely at 66.5 dB, just 0.1 dB quieter. The Michelin Primacy 5 and Goodyear MaxGuard SUV tied near mid-pack at 66.3 and 66.1 dB, showing 0.4–0.5 dB improvement over Yokohama. The Continental UX7 was the quietest of all at 65.6 dB — 0.5 dB lower than Goodyear and nearly 1.0 dB quieter than Yokohama, confirming its refinement advantage.
Subjective comfort results
Comfort levels were closely grouped, with the Bridgestone Alenza 001 slightly firmer at 6.8/10, while Continental UX7, Michelin Primacy 5, and Goodyear MaxGuard SUV all tied at 7.0/10. The Yokohama V61 E+ stood out as the most comfortable with 7.5/10, offering a smoother, more cushioned ride overall.
Rolling Resistance
In efficiency, the Yokohama V61 E+ recorded the lowest rolling resistance at 6.25 N/kN, making it the most energy-efficient tire. The Michelin Primacy 5 followed at 6.83 N/kN, 0.58 N/kN higher (+9%), while the Goodyear MaxGuard SUV reached 8.27 N/kN, 1.44 N/kN higher (+21%). The Bridgestone Alenza 001 measured 8.36 N/kN, +0.09 N/kN (+1%), and the Continental UX7 had the highest at 8.72 N/kN — about 0.36 N/kN higher than Bridgestone, a 4% increase, trading efficiency for grip and braking power.
Best SUV tires in Asia Test 2025/26: Final Standings
1. Continental UltraContact UX7
| Ranking | % | |
| Wet Braking | 1st | 100% |
| Wet Handling (lap time) | 1st | 100% |
| Wet Handling (subj) | 1st | 100% |
| Aquaplaning (longitudinal) | 3rd | 100% |
| Aquaplaning (lateral) | 3rd | 100% |
| Wet Cornering | 1st | 100% |
| Dry Braking | 1st | 100% |
| Dry Handling (lap time) | 3rd | 100% |
| Dry Handling (subj) | 1st | 100% |
| Subjective Comfort | 2nd | 100% |
| Interior Noise | 1st | 100% |
| Rolling Resistance | 5th | 100% |
What we like:
- Exceptional wet and dry performance, ranking first in both braking and handling, with confident steering feel and excellent ride comfort. The quietest tire on test (65.6 dB) adds refinement to its dynamic strength.
What could be improved:
- A very balanced tire overall. If there’s room for improvement, slightly lower rolling resistance and stronger aquaplaning resistance would make it near perfect.
Tire Price (235/55R19): RM 924
2. Michelin Primacy 5
| Ranking | % | |
| Wet Braking | 2nd | 90% |
| Wet Handling (lap time) | 2nd | 98% |
| Wet Handling (subj) | 2nd | 95% |
| Aquaplaning (longitudinal) | 2nd | 104% |
| Aquaplaning (lateral) | 2nd | 107% |
| Wet Cornering | 4th | 92% |
| Dry Braking | 2nd | 93% |
| Dry Handling (lap time) | 5th | 99% |
| Dry Handling (subj) | 4th | 94% |
| Subjective Comfort | 2nd | 100% |
| Interior Noise | 3rd | 93% |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd | 128% |
What we like
- Superb all-round balance — excellent comfort, low noise, and low rolling resistance, while still performing very well in wet braking and aquaplaning. A great blend of safety and efficiency.
What could be improved
- While stable and composed, it could use sharper steering feedback and a little more dry grip to match the sportier rivals.
Tire Price (235/55R19): RM 1185
3. Yokohama Advan V61 E+
| Ranking | % | |
| Wet Braking | 3rd | 82% |
| Wet Handling (lap time) | 4th | 93% |
| Wet Handling (subj) | 4th | 78% |
| Aquaplaning (longitudinal) | 4th | 99% |
| Aquaplaning (lateral) | 4th | 97% |
| Wet Cornering | 3rd | 93% |
| Dry Braking | 3rd | 92% |
| Dry Handling (lap time) | 1st | 100% |
| Dry Handling (subj) | 5th | 93% |
| Subjective Comfort | 1st | 105% |
| Interior Noise | 5th | 90% |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st | 140% |
What we like
- Excellent comfort and efficiency, delivering the lowest rolling resistance and smoothest ride on test — ideal for long-distance touring.
What could be improved
- Could benefit from tighter steering precision and shorter wet braking, as its performance lags behind the top performers in grip and response.
Tire Price (235/55R19): RM 661
4. Bridgestone Alenza 001
| Ranking | % | |
| Wet Braking | 4th | 80% |
| Wet Handling (lap time) | 3rd | 95% |
| Wet Handling (subj) | 3rd | 86% |
| Aquaplaning (longitudinal) | 1st | 104% |
| Aquaplaning (lateral) | 1st | 112% |
| Wet Cornering | 2nd | 96% |
| Dry Braking | 4th | 89% |
| Dry Handling (lap time) | 1st | 100% |
| Dry Handling (subj) | 2nd | 99% |
| Subjective Comfort | 5th | 98% |
| Interior Noise | 4th | 91% |
| Rolling Resistance | 4th | 104% |
What we like
- Strong aquaplaning resistance and stable highway manners. Feels planted and predictable in both dry and wet conditions, with a solid balance between touring comfort and handling.
What could be improved
- Wet braking and cornering grip could be better, and ride comfort slightly softer to compete with the newer generation of premium SUV tires.
Tire Price (235/55R19): RM 770
5. Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV
| Ranking | % | |
| Wet Braking | 5th | 73% |
| Wet Handling (lap time) | 5th | 89% |
| Wet Handling (subj) | 4th | 78% |
| Aquaplaning (longitudinal) | 5th | 97% |
| Aquaplaning (lateral) | 5th | 90% |
| Wet Cornering | 5th | 90% |
| Dry Braking | 5th | 81% |
| Dry Handling (lap time) | 4th | 99% |
| Dry Handling (subj) | 3rd | 98% |
| Subjective Comfort | 2nd | 100% |
| Interior Noise | 2nd | 95% |
| Rolling Resistance | 3rd | 105% |
What we like
- Refined ride comfort and quietness, making it pleasant for urban and highway use. Predictable in everyday driving with solid dry stability.
What could be improved
- Needs significant gains in wet braking and handling, where it trails the group, to better match the safety levels of its premium competitors.
Tire Price (235/55R19): RM 835
Test Summary
From weakest to strongest, the Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV struggled most in wet braking and handling. The Yokohama Advan V61 E+ and Bridgestone Alenza 001 held their ground mid-pack, with Yokohama offering the quietest comfort and lowest fuel consumption, and Bridgestone leading in aquaplaning stability. The Michelin Primacy 5 proved the best all-rounder for comfort, balance, and rolling resistance efficiency. But the Continental UltraContact UX7 emerged as the clear leader — stopping 3.3 m shorter than Michelin in the wet (10% better) and 2.5 m shorter in the dry (7% better), while remaining the quietest tire in the group and the most confidence-inspiring in both wet and dry control.