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Firestone RoadHawk vs Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 — Compared

Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 17 + 25 road tests and 644 + 5,956 owner reviews. How we score

EfficientGrip Performance 2 is ahead, 84–57

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Firestone RoadHawk
Tire AFirestone

RoadHawk

Summer

± 6

Tests 70 · 17 tests Owners 40 · 644 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 15 in 2019 Summer and All Season Tyre Test (wet handling)

“Not sure if it is what you are looking for. I am Polish but I live in the USA. I am still following info from Poland but I am not buying tires there anymore. A magazine Motor tests tires. magazynauto.pl Firestone was included in their "accessibly priced" summer tires: Firestone Roadhawk. They lost to Uniroyal, Semperit, Dębica but were ahead of Kumho, Apollo, Tomket, Imperial and Double Coin. They were not included in their premium and middle priced test. German based Auto Bild (and its Polish version Auto Świat) did a test in 2019 and the same Roadhawk passed the elimination test (53 down to 20: wet and dry braking distances added together as #13) and finished #18 in detailed test. So Firestone is present in Poland and Europe as a cheaper brand from Bridgestone but how popular it is I do not know. Krzyś”

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
Tire BGoodyear

EfficientGrip Performance 2

Summer

± 4

Tests 87 · 25 tests Owners 83 · 5,956 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 21 in 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test (wear)

“Hankook ventus prime 4 VS Goodyear efficientgrip performance 2 I cannot decide between these two tires for ages now. Customer reviews seem all over the place. I drive a tuned volkswagen polo mk6 2020. I need something that inspires confidence for spirited driving in corners with good stability, mainly dry handling and braking but also relatively comfortable. So far I've learned that the goodyear is more comfortable, better in the wet, better at braking but extremely lousy in handling because of the soft sidewalls. Can someone that has used the EGP2 confirm those claims or are they exaggerating. Base spec polos are known for a harsh ride and I live in the balkans. The roads are full of potholes and sometimes you can't even drive around them. specs: 195/55R16 87V”

Category by category

Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.

Key facts

  • In 6 tests that measured dry braking for both, RoadHawk won 2 and EfficientGrip Performance 2 won 4 (average 96% vs 96% of the best).
  • In 6 tests that measured wet braking for both, RoadHawk won 4 and EfficientGrip Performance 2 won 2 (average 89% vs 91% of the best).
  • In 3 tests that measured straight aquaplaning for both, RoadHawk won 3 and EfficientGrip Performance 2 won 0 (average 97% vs 93% of the best).
  • In 3 tests that measured wear for both, RoadHawk won 0 and EfficientGrip Performance 2 won 3 (average 59% vs 97% of the best).
  1. 68

    Dry

    EfficientGrip Performance 2 +13
    81
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEfficientGrip Performance 2
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 16 / 22 tests8281
    Reviews found online4682
    Dry Braking (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 2–496%96%
    Dry Handling (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–0100%99%

    RoadHawk: 60% × 82.2 + 40% × 46 = 68

    EfficientGrip Performance 2: 60% × 81 + 40% × 82 = 81

  2. 65

    Wet

    EfficientGrip Performance 2 +17
    82
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEfficientGrip Performance 2
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 17 / 22 tests7682
    Reviews found online4783
    Curved Aquaplaning (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–092%88%
    Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 3–097%93%
    Wet Braking (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 4–289%91%
    Wet Braking (concrete) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–187%98%
    Wet Handling (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–0100%97%

    RoadHawk: 60% × 76.3 + 40% × 47.3 = 65

    EfficientGrip Performance 2: 60% × 82.1 + 40% × 82.9 = 82

  3. 50

    Comfort

    EfficientGrip Performance 2 +30
    80
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEfficientGrip Performance 2
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 2 / 4 tests6783
    Reviews found online3978

    RoadHawk: 40% × 67.1 + 60% × 39 = 50

    EfficientGrip Performance 2: 40% × 82.6 + 60% × 77.5 = 80

  4. 45

    Noise

    EfficientGrip Performance 2 +30
    75
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEfficientGrip Performance 2
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 8 / 13 tests3180
    Reviews found online≈ 66 (est.)≈ 66 (est.)
    Noise (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–296%99%

    RoadHawk: 60% × 30.6 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 45

    EfficientGrip Performance 2: 60% × 80.1 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 75

    No owner ratings of noise for RoadHawk or EfficientGrip Performance 2. The owner half is the owners’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.

  5. 50

    Treadwear

    EfficientGrip Performance 2 +44
    94
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEfficientGrip Performance 2
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 6 / 9 tests64100
    Reviews found online2985
    Abrasion (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–151%57%
    Wear (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 0–359%97%

    RoadHawk: 60% × 64.3 + 40% × 28.9 = 50

    EfficientGrip Performance 2: 60% × 100 + 40% × 84.6 = 94

  6. 35

    Handling (owners)

    EfficientGrip Performance 2 +46
    81
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEfficientGrip Performance 2
    Reviews found online3581
  7. 72

    Efficiency

    EfficientGrip Performance 2 +18
    90
    Why this score
    SourceRoadHawkEfficientGrip Performance 2
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 18 tests7290
    Fuel Consumption (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–193%97%
    Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–290%98%
Scores at a glance
CategoryFirestone RoadHawkGoodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
Relative Score 57 84
Dry 68 81
Wet 65 82
Comfort 50 80
Noise 45 75
Treadwear 50 94
Handling (owners) 35 81
Efficiency 72 90

Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.

Weight the categories that matter to you

Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.

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Recomputed
Headline score
± 6

RoadHawk

± 4

EfficientGrip Performance 2

The professional test results behind the scores

Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.

In the overall rankings of 7 tests that ran both, Firestone RoadHawk finished ahead 3 times and Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 4 times.

DisciplineCategoryRoadHawkEfficientGrip Performance 2ΔHead-to-head
Dry Braking Dry 96% 96% −0.3 2–4 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2024 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 205/55 R16
Dry Handling Dry 100% 99% +0.9 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Curved Aquaplaning Wet 92% 88% +4.5 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Straight Aquaplaning Wet 97% 93% +4.3 3–0 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Wet Braking Wet 89% 91% −2.4 4–2 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2024 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 205/55 R16
Wet Braking (concrete) Wet 87% 98% −11.1 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Wet Handling Wet 100% 97% +2.4 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Noise Noise 96% 99% −2.3 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Abrasion Treadwear 51% 57% −6.1 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Wear Treadwear 59% 97% −38.1 0–3 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Fuel Consumption Efficiency 93% 97% −3.3 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 90% 98% −7.6 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Also published by the testers (not in the score)
Total Cost of Ownership Cost #3/20 #1/20 – 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Value Cost 61% 84% −23.3 0–3 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Overall Ranking Overall #12/55 #13/55 – 3–4 in 7 shared tests Newest: 2024 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 205/55 R16

Pros, cons & observations

Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.

Tire A RoadHawk

Pros

  • Exceptional wet weather performance, particularly in standing water and heavy rain
  • Strong dry grip and confident cornering for daily driving
  • Comfortable ride quality with good bump absorption

Cons

  • Accelerated and sometimes uneven tread wear, resulting in shorter-than-expected lifespan
  • Soft sidewalls that can cause a visual 'under-inflated' bulge and spongy cornering response
  • Limited steering feedback and precision during spirited driving
All owner themes in the RoadHawk review

Tire B EfficientGrip Performance 2

Pros

  • Exceptional tread longevity and mileage capability
  • Quiet operation and high cabin comfort
  • Strong grip and predictable handling in both wet and dry conditions

Cons

  • Soft sidewalls can cause steering vagueness or body roll during aggressive cornering
  • Some users report increased tire noise or resonance as the tread wears down
  • Occasional complaints regarding weaker wet braking or traction compared to dedicated sports tires
All owner themes in the EfficientGrip Performance 2 review

What real owners are saying

From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score

Tire A

Firestone RoadHawk

Mixed

Community discussions reflect mixed perspectives on the Firestone Roadhawk, noting reasonable reviews alongside concerns regarding tread wear. While some test results place it competitively among budget-friendly summer options, owners also discuss practical issues such as unusual noises, generational replacement difficulties, and overall value.

r/automobil ·2025-11-20

“sind diese Sommerreifen noch okay? Im August 2023 gekauft und circa 25 tausend km gefahren. Firestone Roadhawk, DOT 4922. Habe an meinem Opel Meriva beim Anfahren nach links, zB beim Ausparken oder beim Anfahren in einer engen Linkskurve von vorne rechts ein mehrmaliges Poltern gehört. Habe ein bisschen gegoogelt und von ausgeschlagenem Querlenker gelesen. Im Oktober 2022 hat das Auto einen neuen Vorderachsträger und neue Querlenker bekommen. Nun habe ich Winterräder montiert und das Poltern beim Anfahren nach links ist weg. Was kann das sein? Read more”
r/tires ·2026-04-22

“I cant for the life of me find a Firestone Roadhawk (gen1) 205/50 R17 93W XL anywhere in Europe. The problem is GEN 1 is over, and all they have is GEN 2, aka Roadhawk 2. And i have 3 perfectly good Roadhawk (GEN 1), and no tire to make a set. Some sellers even post pictures of GEN 1, but they actually send you GEN 2. Which im pretty sure have a different profile, and markings. Any ideas ?”
Top themes
#tread wear concerns#budget tire test results#replacement availability issues#generation differences#driving noise symptoms

Based on 5 community posts

Tire B

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2

Positive

Community opinion on the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is largely positive, with users frequently praising its exceptional wet performance, high durability, and overall comfort. Some users note that its soft sidewalls can make it feel less sharp during spirited cornering, but it remains a top choice for efficiency, braking, and longevity.

r/tires ·1 upvote ·2024-11-10

“17" Goodyear efficient grip performance 2 small leak identified Hi, On my VW Touran 2019, 1.5 TSI, 17" alu oem wheels I have set Goodyear efficient grip performance 2 . There is a small leak lets say the pressure goes fro m 2.5psi to 2 psi in approx 7-10 days. The VW tpms warns me usually every 2-3 weeks. Im posting a new topic as I cant seem to upload pictures on the other one... Thanks to some help here I found the leak. See the pictures. I have no idea what is that roundish shape it seems smooth/rubbery and the hole clearly come from inside it. What now? Slime bottle? Glue? Or this thing that goes inside like a tire repair kit with the kind of rope thingy? Thanks!”
r/TyreReviews ·5 upvotes ·2026-08-23

“Advice on new tyres So my car got stolen (RIP) and I bought a 16' MB c200d with rears 245/40r18 Its time to change them and I don't know what to do. A/S are not needed because snow is very rare in central Spain. Winter temperatures range between 0-10°C and summer range from 30 to 40. As I drive 25-30000 km per year I especially value wet performance and durability (Minimum 35-40000 km). The problem is, the tyres that would fit perfectlly to me are not available in this size (GY efficient grip performance 2 -best tyres i've ever had- and Michelin Primacy 5). What i've seen is Firestone (both roadhawk 2 and roadhawk sport), continental PC7, GY assy 6, Michelin PS5, bridgestone T6, Dunlop sport TG, kormoran/tigar/Taurus summer 2, nexen sport, hancook (Ventus evo 137 and Ventus prime 4) and kumho ps72. Even though It would be nice to save some money, i'm worried about losing rear grip when wet (its my first rwd) so its not important. What would you pick? Read more”
r/tires ·1 upvote ·2024-11-10

“17" Goodyear efficient grip performance 2 small leak Hi, On my VW Touran 2019, 1.5 TSI, 17" alu oem wheels I have set Goodyear efficient grip performance 2 . There is a small leak lets say the pressure goes fro m 2.5psi to 2 psi in approx 7-10 days. The VW tpms warns me usually every 2-3 weeks. Those are summer tires, I just removed them for swapping with winter ones and I haven't cleaned them yet. They are quite dirty at the moment. The leaking one, pictured, was in the front this year, I switch them front/back every year. In my opinion it can do one last year (next summer) in the back. How would you fix the leak? I read those slime sprays damages the tire internally over time, but them its really approaching end of life fast in my opinion... I did visual inspection, I really dont see anything except maybe 1or two very tiny mark that could have been a nail puncture or something but its nothing sure... Maybe soap+ water? Thanks for hints. Ps: I have the tool somewhere for the indicator measurement, I cant find it right now.”
Top themes
#Wet performance and braking#High durability and longevity#Soft sidewalls and cornering handling#Comfort and low rolling resistance#Comparison with Michelin Primacy

Based on 9 community posts

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Firestone RoadHawk B · Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
CategorySummerSummer
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available11535
Rim diameters15″ – 21″15″ – 21″
Tread depth—8/32″
UTQG—300 A - AA A
Sidewall—Black Side Wall - Raised Black Lettering
Max pressure—50 psi
Sizes in common2121

Which one should you actually buy?

Firestone RoadHawk

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2

Winner: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 — better handling, treadwear and comfort. It leads or ties in every category we score.

Pick tire B You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 81 vs 35 on handling.

Pick tire B You want the longest tread life

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 94 vs 50 on treadwear.

Pick tire B You want the most comfortable ride

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 80 vs 50 on comfort.

Pick tire B You want a quieter cabin

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 75 vs 45 on noise.

Pick tire A Your priority is straight aquaplaning

Firestone RoadHawk won 3 of 3 shared straight aquaplaning tests.

Tire A · Firestone RoadHawk
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Tire B · Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
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RoadHawk or EfficientGrip Performance 2?

Which is better in the wet, RoadHawk or EfficientGrip Performance 2?

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2, 82 vs 65 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, RoadHawk or EfficientGrip Performance 2?

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2, 81 vs 68 on our dry score.

Which is quieter, RoadHawk or EfficientGrip Performance 2?

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2, 75 vs 45 on our noise score.

Which is more comfortable, RoadHawk or EfficientGrip Performance 2?

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2, 80 vs 50 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, RoadHawk or EfficientGrip Performance 2?

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2, 94 vs 50 on our treadwear score.

Which rolls more easily, RoadHawk or EfficientGrip Performance 2?

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2, 90 vs 72 on our efficiency score.

How do we compare tires?

Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.

Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.

Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology