The team behind Za Rulem magazine, long recognized as Russia’s leading automotive publication, conducted a comprehensive test of nine summer crossover tires sized 215/65 R16. The goal was to identify the best performers across different price brackets and provide readers with a practical, real-world assessment that aligns with typical shopping decisions. In addition to lab-like measurements, the test compared tires against their average street prices to reveal which models offer the best value as they move through the market. The findings show that five of the nine tires could justify higher price tags based on on-road abilities, even when their sticker price suggested otherwise.
viatti Bosco huht V—238
Among budget options, the viatti Bosco huht V—238 stood out as notably underestimated, with an average price of 5310 rubles. The test indicates a potential premium of about 19% could be warranted for better performance. The tire impressed with stable handling on both dry and wet surfaces, yet its susceptibility to lateral aquaplaning on standing water raised concerns about its resilience in more challenging conditions.
In dry grip and wet traction, the tire showed predictable responses, but the risk of hydroplaning during aggressive lane changes highlighted a trade-off often faced at the budget tier.
cordiant Comfort 2 SUV
Moving to the middle price segment, the cordiant Comfort 2 SUV emerged as one of the most undervalued options, with an average price of 6790 rubles and an estimated underpricing of around 16%. The tire demonstrated reliable wet handling but carried higher sliding resistance and did not rank as the most economical choice in terms of rolling resistance or long-term fuel impact. For consumers prioritizing grip in wet conditions with a sensible balance of cost, this model offered compelling value.
nordman s2 SUV
The nordman s2 SUV showed a modest underestimation, priced on average at 7160 rubles, roughly 3% below its inferred value. Its standout feature is a measure of resistance to transverse aquaplaning, giving it steadier performance during quick directional changes on wet roads. However, performance on dry pavement triggered some questions about steering behavior and tire response under high-load conditions, prompting readers to weigh dry-road confidence against other attributes.
good year EcientGrip 2 SUV
What surprised testers was the underappreciated strength of the good year EcientGrip 2 SUV. Although priced at 7820 rubles, market potential suggested could be priced up by about 17% without losing its appeal. It ranked as the softest tire in the test lineup and boasted the lowest rolling resistance, translating to potential savings on fuel and a quieter ride. Those qualities made the EcientGrip 2 SUV feel like a bridge between mid- and upper-price segments, especially for drivers who value comfort and efficiency alike.
Nokian Hakka Blue 3 SUV
The Nokian Hakka Blue 3 SUV, listed at 8330 rubles, was another model where price did not fully reflect the value offered. The test indicated a potential 19% underpricing, yet the tire delivered premier lateral grip in wet conditions, as well as superior braking performance in cold weather. It was also among the quietest options and provided exceptionally predictable handling, even when the road surface demanded the most from its tread design.
Read more about other characteristics of the tested summer tires 215/65 R16 for crossovers in the April issue of the magazine Behind the Wheel, which is currently on sale. The analysis presented here draws on a detailed examination by Sergey Mishin and Dmitry Testov, titled The Big Difference, originally published in Behind the Wheel No. 4/2022 and adapted for this comparison (attribution: Behind the Wheel).
The overall evaluation reflects a careful balance between price and performance, with several tires delivering more value than their cost would suggest. The test emphasizes how real-world factors such as wet handling, aquaplaning resistance, dry braking, steering precision, and rolling resistance interact to shape a tire’s useful value for crossover drivers. The insights aim to guide consumers toward models that maximize safety and efficiency across typical Canadian and American driving conditions, while recognizing that preference for ride comfort, noise level, and fuel economy can shift the optimal choice for each buyer. (attribution: Behind the Wheel).