Tire Scouter

Best max performance summer tires

Max performance summer tires are the top of the street-tire pyramid — the category fitted to serious sports cars and used by drivers who prioritize outright grip above every other trait. Compounds are softer and more aggressive than UHP summer tires, tread-to-void ratios are higher, and many models trace their design directly to manufacturers' racing programs.

Spec scores are our estimates from five manufacturer specs, not road tests. Severe-snow rated models carry the three-peak mountain snowflake on at least one size. How we score

Models
56
Sizes
164
Spec score range
42–81
Severe-snow rated
3

Top 30 max performance summer tires by spec score

Highest estimated spec score first. Each scale runs from the lowest to the highest score among the 36 scored max performance summer tires (42 to 81).

How we score

  1. General G-MAX RS

    Best for wet-weather enthusiasts.

    81StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    360
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 surpasses the category average of 7.9, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Treadwear rating of 360 is above the category average of 302, suggesting longer life than many max performance summer tires.
    • Lack of a treadwear warranty could be a concern for those seeking predictable long-term costs.

  2. Goodyear Eagle F1 GS EMT

    Best for wet-weather enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 exceeds the category average of 7.9, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Treadwear rating of 300 is right in line with the category average, suggesting reasonable longevity for a max performance summer tire.
    • Lacks a treadwear warranty, which may deter budget-conscious buyers looking for guaranteed mileage.

  3. Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-2 EMT

    Best for performance-focused drivers.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Dry grip score of 5.5 is above the category average of 5.1, providing reliable traction on hot pavement.
    • Handling score of 6 ensures responsive steering and control, enhancing the driving experience for performance enthusiasts.
    • Lack of wet grip data makes it a risky choice for those who frequently drive in rainy conditions.

  4. Pirelli Cinturato P7 Run Flat (P7C2)

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    320
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 outshines the category average of 7.9, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Treadwear rating of 320 exceeds the category average UTQG of 302, suggesting better longevity than many max performance summer tires.
    • The unusual 'R' speed rating may not meet the expectations of drivers seeking high-speed capability typical of max performance summer tires.

  5. Continental PremiumContact 6

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    79StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Dry grip score of 9, which is above the category average of 8.2, making it a strong performer in dry conditions.
    • Wet grip also scores a 9, exceeding the average of 7.9, ensuring reliable performance during rain.
    • Average comfort and noise scores may deter those looking for a quieter, more comfortable ride in a max performance summer tire.

  6. Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    78StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    260
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 outshines the category average of 7.9, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Dry grip and handling both score 8, aligning well with the category's performance expectations.
    • The R speed rating is a mismatch for those expecting the high-speed capabilities typical of max performance summer tires.

  7. Pirelli Cinturato P7 Run Flat

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    78StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    260
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 surpasses the category average of 7.9, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Dry grip score of 8 is competitive, although slightly below the segment's average of 8.2.
    • The lack of a treadwear warranty and a lower treadwear rating of 260 could lead to more frequent replacements than some competitors.

  8. Pirelli Cinturato P7 Run Flat (W- or Y-Speed Rated)

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    78StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    260
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 surpasses the category average of 7.9, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Dry grip rating of 8 aligns well with the category average of 8.2, ensuring reliable traction on dry roads.
    • The lack of a treadwear warranty and lower treadwear rating of 260 could lead to more frequent replacements compared to some rivals.

  9. Toyo Proxes Sport

    Best for wet-weather enthusiasts.

    78StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    240
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 outshines the category average of 7.9, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Dry grip and handling both score 8, aligning well with the needs of spirited drivers looking for responsive performance.
    • With no treadwear warranty and a lower treadwear rating, it's not the best choice for those seeking long-term durability.

  10. Yokohama ADVAN Fleva V701

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    77StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 surpasses the category average of 7.9, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Treadlife score of 7.3 is slightly above the category average, suggesting a bit more longevity than typical max performance summer tires.
    • The 'R' speed rating is lower than typical for max performance summer tires, which could be a limitation for high-speed enthusiasts.

Found the right type of tire?

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  1. Hankook Ventus Prime 2

    Best for wet-weather enthusiasts.

    75StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph

  2. BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A

    Best for budget-conscious performance drivers.

    74StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    380
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  3. Hankook Ventus Prime4

    Best for budget-conscious performance drivers.

    72StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    340
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  4. Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 ev

    Best for drivers seeking longevity.

    72StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    340
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  5. Bridgestone Potenza S001

    Best for enthusiastic drivers.

    71GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  6. Bridgestone Potenza S001 I

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    71GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  7. Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    71GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  8. Hankook Ventus S1 evo2

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    71GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  9. Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 HRS

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    71GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  10. Bridgestone Potenza S007 RFT

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    70GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    240
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  11. Hankook Ventus Prime3

    Best for budget-conscious performance drivers.

    70GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    240
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  12. Hankook Ventus Prime3 HRS

    Best for budget-conscious performance drivers.

    70GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    240
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  13. Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 HRS

    Best for performance enthusiasts on a budget.

    70GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    260
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  14. Yokohama A-008P

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    70GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    240
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  15. Yokohama ADVAN A10A

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    68Good
    Warranty
    55k mi
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  16. Bridgestone Potenza Race

    Best for track enthusiasts.

    68GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    200
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  17. Bridgestone RE71 Denloc

    Best for weekend track enthusiasts.

    68GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    140
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Z · 149+ mph

  18. Yokohama ADVAN A83A

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    68GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph

  19. Toyo Proxes Sport 2

    Best for wet-weather enthusiasts.

    67Good
    Warranty
    25k mi
    Treadwear
    240
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  20. Michelin XAS

    Best for dry weather enthusiasts.

    66GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    180
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph

Popular brands in max performance summer

The number beside each brand is how many of its models we analyze in this category.

About max performance summer tires

Expect the shortest stopping distances and sharpest turn-in available on a street-legal tire, along with the steepest tradeoffs: UTQG treadwear ratings around 200–300, little or no mileage warranty, elevated road noise, and pronounced cold-weather grip loss. Some models in this category are also notably sensitive to wear — wet grip can fall off significantly as the tread depth drops.

These make sense on a dedicated performance car, a weekend machine, or a car that sees occasional track days. For a daily driver, the UHP summer or performance all-season categories deliver most of the capability with far fewer compromises.

Frequently asked questions

What are max performance summer tires best for?

Max Performance Summer tires are best for drivers who want the highest street-legal dry and wet grip, accepting short tread life. The right choice still depends on your climate, vehicle, and whether you value comfort, tread life, or maximum traction most.

How do I choose the right max performance summer tire?

Start with your vehicle fitment and climate, then compare price, warranty, category strengths, and special ratings like 3PMSF for snow use. Tire Scouter helps narrow the best max performance summer options once you know your size or vehicle.

Are premium max performance summer tires worth it?

Premium max performance summer tires can be worth it if you care about wet braking, quieter ride quality, longer warranty coverage, or better cold-weather performance. Budget options can still make sense when price matters most, but they usually involve tradeoffs.

Max performance summer buying guides

Summer vs all-season tires

Where summer tires lose grip, the cold-cracking risk, and what all-season tires trade for their range.

Read the guide

Speed rating chart

A practical chart for common tire speed ratings and what they mean for everyday driving.

Read the guide

Changing tire size

Plus-sizing and alternate sizes: diameter limits, load and speed ratings, and speedometer error.

Read the guide

Find max performance summer tires for your vehicle

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