General AltiMax GS6 vs Toyo Proxes CR1: When it comes to budget-friendly touring tires, two names stand out: the General AltiMax GS6 and the Toyo Proxes CR1. I tested both back-to-back in wet, dry, and comfort conditions to see which delivers the best balance of safety, performance, and value. The results show clear strengths on each side — but also a decisive winner if stopping power is your priority.
Table of Contents
Test Setup
For this evaluation, a set of fresh 215/55R17 tires was mounted on a Volkswagen Tiguan. Tire pressures were adjusted evenly to 2.5 bar at both the front and rear axles. In the subjective scoring system, every single point represents roughly a 10% swing in performance. To illustrate, if Tire A earns a score of 7 while Tire B reaches 8, Tire B is interpreted as delivering around 10% better performance.
Wet
In Asia’s touring tire segment, wet performance is especially important, as drivers frequently encounter heavy rain, standing water, and varied road surfaces where grip and confidence matter most.
Wet Braking Results
In wet braking, the General AltiMax GS6 clearly outperforms the Toyo Proxes CR1. The GS6 comes to a stop in 31.5 meters, while the CR1 requires 37.4 meters. This 5.9-meter difference translates to roughly 16% longer braking distance for the Toyo — a gap that, in real-world traffic, could mean the GS6 is already stationary while the CR1 is still moving at city speeds.
Wet Handling Results
Results are separated by objective metrics (lap time) & subjective perceptions.
When it comes to wet handling lap times, the balance shifts slightly. The GS6 completes a lap in 92.5 seconds, while the CR1 posts a slightly quicker 91.5 seconds. This gives the Toyo a small 1% advantage in lap pace, though this comes at the cost of its weaker braking.
Subjectively, however, testers rated both tires equally with a score of 6.5/10. Behind the wheel, there was no discernible difference in steering feel or balance between the two in wet conditions.
Dry
For touring tires, dry performance comes just behind wet, but it remains vital for daily use, ensuring smooth stability and safe control in routine driving.
Dry Braking Results
On dry surfaces, the GS6 once again demonstrates its strength in braking. It stops in 40.4 meters, compared with 42.5 meters for the CR1. The difference of 2.1 meters, or about 5%, reinforces the GS6’s stronger safety credentials.
Dry Handling Results
For subjective dry handling, the GS6 earns a rating of 7/10, slightly ahead of the CR1 at 6.7/10. Though a small margin — roughly a 3% difference — testers found the GS6 to inspire greater confidence in high-speed cornering and steering response.
Comfort
In the Asia region, comfort remain significant factors for Touring tires, as drivers prioritize a balanced experience that combines performance with everyday comfort on varying road surfaces.
Subjective comfort results
In terms of ride comfort, the GS6 maintains its advantage. Testers rated it at 7/10, compared with the CR1’s 6.7/10. While the difference is marginal, it reflects a slightly smoother and more composed ride quality in everyday driving conditions.
Price
For the 215/55 R17 size, the General AltiMax GS6 is priced at RM361, while the Toyo Proxes CR1 costs RM421 — making the Toyo about 17% more expensive.
Tire size: 215/55 R17
- AltiMax GS6 : RM 361
- Proxes CR1 : RM 421
Difference: +17% more expensive for Proxes CR1
Summary
Taken as a whole, the General AltiMax GS6 emerges as the more balanced and safety-focused tire. It consistently delivers shorter stopping distances in both wet and dry conditions and offers marginally better comfort and handling confidence.
The Toyo Proxes CR1 finds its only advantage in wet handling lap times, where it was a fraction quicker. However, this does little to outweigh its longer braking distances.
From a tire expert’s perspective, the General AltiMax GS6 is the clear all-round performer, especially for drivers who prioritize safety and reliable stopping power.
Dr Edwin Pang.