The year 2026 opens with strong results for the new Cinturato: two wins and three podium finishes across six tests recognise it as one of the stars of the first comparative evaluations of the year, conducted by specialist publications and independent European organisations. In the tests run by Tyre Reviews and the Automobilclub von Deutschland (AvD), it secured the top step of the podium, alongside outstanding placements in the test carried out by Europe's largest automobile club, ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club), in the German magazine Auto Zeitung, and in Swedish magazine Vi Bilägare. These excellent results are complemented by the “exemplary” rating awarded by Auto Bild.
These achievements build on a record-breaking 2025 for Pirelli, a year marked by multiple wins and podiums across all product families and the Cyber Tyre technology. Launched in 2025, the tyre for premium-segment saloons and CUVs has established itself as a benchmark for safety, dry and wet performance, durability and well-balanced dynamic behaviour.
Tyre Reviews' verdict: “the best summer tyre of 2026”
In the Tyre Reviews comparison test titled The BEST Summer Tyres for 2026, the Cinturato claimed joint first place, standing out for the shortest dry braking distance among all tyres tested. The review, which names the product “the best summer tyre of 2026”, highlights its optimal dynamic balance and precise steering response, offering drivers a strong sense of control. The publication also emphasised its excellent wet performance, where Cinturato consistently remained at the top of the rankings, confirming its all round capability.
“Excellent” in safety across all surfaces
Top level results also came from the summer test conducted by the Automobilclub von Deutschland (AvD) on the 215/55 R17 size. In this evaluation, the Cinturato earned an overall rating of “excellent”, with particularly notable achievements in terms of safety. It recorded the best results in dry braking and lateral aquaplaning resistance, demonstrating superior stability even in adverse weather conditions and offering an ideal balance across all test disciplines.
International podium finishes: ADAC, Auto Zeitung and Vi Bilägare
The Cinturato's technological strength was also confirmed by ADAC in the 225/50 R17 test, where it secured second place with the rating “highly recommended”. In this evaluation, the tyre was recognised not only for its safe performance on both wet and dry surfaces - showing a very well balanced behaviour - but also for its efficiency, thanks to its longer mileage compared with other products. This is enabled by its highly wear resistant compound, which also reduces environmental impact.
The magazine Auto Zeitung awarded the Cinturato a podium finish in the 235/45 R18 size, describing it as “a tyre with no weaknesses”, extremely safe in handling and delivering impressive mileage.
Finally, Swedish publication Vi Bilägare placed the Pirelli product in second position in the 205/55 R16 test, highlighting its agility, precise cornering behaviour and short braking distances.
“Exemplary” according to Auto Bild
Rounding off an outstanding start to the season is the result achieved in Auto Bild's major test on the 245/45 R19 size. After a qualification phase in which the Cinturato ranked among the best for braking distances out of a field of 50 candidates, the tyre confirmed its capabilities. Testers highlighted its balanced behaviour and precise handling, particularly on wet surfaces, with very high levels of grip and braking performance.
A completely renewed summer range
The Cinturato is just one of the protagonists of Pirelli's recent refresh of its summer range. Over the past year, the brand has fully renewed its offering with the introduction of the fifth generation of Pirelli P Zero, its flagship tyre for sports cars—and the third generation of Pirelli Scorpion, designed for SUVs and developed to deliver safety, comfort and long lasting performance.
