Tyre Reviews named Pirelli Cinturato summer tyre the best of 2026, citing dynamic balance, precise steering, and best-in-test dry braking.
Pirelli Cinturato Builds Unstoppable Test Record
Pirelli‘s new generation summer tyre Cinturato has won two independent tests, achieved three podium finishes, and received an “Exemplary” rating by Auto Bild in the first two months of 2026, building on two victories it had already secured in 2025 following its unveiling.
The tyre, designed for premium saloons and crossover utility vehicles, took first place in tests conducted by Tyre Reviews and the Automotive Club of Germany (AvD).
In Tyre Reviews‘ 2026 summer tyre comparative test, the Cinturato achieved joint first place, with the publication citing its dry braking performance as the best among all contestants. Tyre Reviews described it as the best summer tyre of 2026, highlighting its dynamic balance, precise steering response, and strong wet performance.
The AvD test, conducted in size 215/55 R17, rated the Cinturato‘s performance as “excellent”, with the tyre recording the best results for dry braking and lateral aquaplaning resistance.
Meanwhile, in evaluations by ADAC, Auto Zeitung, and Vi Bilägare, the Pirelli Cinturato finished within the top three.
ADAC tested the Cinturato in size 225/50 R17 and awarded it a “Highly Recommended” rating for its balanced handling on wet and dry surfaces and its durability relative to other products. The tyre ranked second in this test.
In the Auto Zeitung test, the Cinturato in size 235/45 R18 also achieved a podium finish thanks to its convincing mileage performance, with the publication describing it as “a tyre without weaknesses”. Sweden’s Vi Bilägare praised the tyre’s agile character, cornering precision, and short braking distances, good enough to finish second in overall ranking.
Lastly, the Pirelli Cinturato in size 245/45 R19 received an “Exemplary” rating by Auto Bild. The test began with 50 contenders competing in the qualifying round, with the Cinturato finishing among the best performers in braking distance. In the final round, the tyre’s balanced handling, precise wet-surface steering, and strong grip and braking performance drew praise from the jury.
The strong results for the Cinturato come as Pirelli has also recently introduced the fifth generation of the P Zero and the third generation of the Scorpion, completing a broad renewal of its summer product range over the past year.
