Picture yourself cruising through winding roads, feeling the adrenaline rush as you effortlessly navigate sharp turns and breathtaking inclines. That’s the magic of canyon driving – and this article is here to help you elevate that experience to new heights.
Our top pick for canyon driving is the Yokohama ADVAN A052, delivering exceptional grip, precise handling, and superior cornering stability for an exhilarating driving experience.
Specifically designed for performance enthusiasts, these high-performance tires are the ultimate choice for drivers seeking excitement on curvy canyon roads without sacrificing overall performance and safety.
So, buckle up and prepare for an informative and engaging ride, as we delve into the world of canyon driving. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this.
Let’s take a closer look.
Yokohama ADVAN A052
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.5 of 10
Wet Weather
6.9 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
5.8 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 200
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
No Mileage Warranty
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 6.6 of 10
Wet Grip: 7.4 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.5 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.0 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 7.8 of 10
Road Noise: 7.7 of 10
Description
The Yokohama ADVAN A052 is an Extreme Performance Summer tire designed for high-performance driving in street-driven vehicles.
It offers excellent grip and durability with its MS Compound, asymmetric tread design, and wide center ribs.
However, it is not suitable for near- and below-freezing temperatures, snow, or ice.
The tire features a two-ply nylon cord casing and two wide steel belts for responsive handling, and two nylon reinforcement plies for high-speed durability.
Review
In my experience with the Yokohama ADVAN A052, I found this tire to have the best combination of dry traction, cornering stability, and steering response.
Its 9.5 dry traction rating provided me with excellent grip during canyon drives, and the 9.3 cornering stability offered great confidence when navigating through tight turns.
The 9.1 steering response ensured precise control of my vehicle, allowing me to tackle challenging roads with ease.
However, the tread wear was a bit low at 5.8, which might be a concern for some drivers in terms of longevity.
Pros
- Excellent corner stability
- Outstanding dry traction
- Excellent steering response
- Good ride quality
- Moderate noise
Cons
- Moderate hydroplaning resistance
- Average wet traction
- Below average tread wear
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
9.0 of 10
Wet Weather
6.9 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
6.8 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.4 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 180
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
No Mileage Warranty
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 6.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 7.0 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.2 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.5 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 8.1 of 10
Road Noise: 8.6 of 10
Description
The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 is a connected Extreme Performance Summer tire designed to enhance on-track performance and lower lap times.
Featuring Track Connect system compatibility, it provides personalized inflation recommendations based on various factors.
Its asymmetric tread design and Bi-Compound Technology offer exceptional grip and wet traction.
The tire’s internal structure combines twin steel belts, hybrid aramid and nylon reinforcement, Wavy Summit Architecture, and a high modulus rubber compound bead for improved handling, stability, and steering precision.
Not suitable for near-freezing temperatures, slush, snow, or ice.
Review
I had a great experience with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect.
Its 9.2 dry traction rating provided solid grip on dry roads, while the 9.3 cornering stability inspired confidence in tight corners.
The impressive 9.5 steering response made my car feel nimble and responsive.
I did notice that the 6.8 tread wear rating was slightly lower compared to some other options, which could impact the tire’s lifespan.
Pros
- Excellent corner stability
- Excellent dry traction
- Outstanding steering response
- Good ride quality
Cons
- Moderate hydroplaning resistance
- Average wet traction
- Moderate noise
- Below average tread wear
Dunlop Direzza ZIII
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.7 of 10
Wet Weather
7.0 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
7.1 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.6 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 200
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
No Mileage Warranty
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 6.9 of 10
Wet Grip: 7.2 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.3 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 7.8 of 10
Road Noise: 7.4 of 10
Description
The Direzza ZIII is Dunlop’s Extreme Performance Summer tire designed for sports cars, performance sedans, and track day vehicles.
It offers near motorsports levels of traction and handling for warm, dry, and damp conditions.
Not suitable for near- and below-freezing temperatures, snow, or ice.
The tire uses a high-performance compound and an updated tread pattern for enhanced grip and wear.
Its internal construction features a two-ply polyester casing, two wide steel belts, and two polyamide cap plies for optimized durability and maximum handling response.
Review
While using the Dunlop Direzza ZIII, I found that its 9.3 dry traction rating offered excellent grip and its 9.3 cornering stability gave me confidence when navigating winding canyon roads.
The 9.3 steering response contributed to the tire’s precise handling.
The tread wear rating of 7.1 was decent, but I would have liked it to be a bit higher for improved longevity.
Pros
- Excellent corner stability
- Excellent dry traction
- Excellent steering response
- Good ride quality
Cons
- Moderate hydroplaning resistance
- Average wet traction
- Moderate noise
- Average tread wear
Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
7.9 of 10
Wet Weather
5.5 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
6.7 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.6 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 200
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
No Mileage Warranty
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 5.2 of 10
Wet Grip: 5.8 of 10
Cornering: 9.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.2 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 7.7 of 10
Road Noise: 7.6 of 10
Description
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 is an Extreme Performance Summer tire designed for enthusiast drivers with high-performance vehicles.
It performs well in warm, dry, and wet conditions, but is unsuitable for near- and below-freezing temperatures, snow, or ice.
The tire features a high-grip, race-inspired tread compound, an asymmetric pattern for optimal performance, and a racing-derived construction for enhanced steering and handling precision.
Its lightweight design improves temperature stability and high-speed capability.
Review
I had a positive experience with the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3, as it provided excellent dry traction with a 9.2 rating, making my canyon drives enjoyable.
The 9.2 cornering stability and steering response made me feel in control of my vehicle through sharp turns.
I did notice the tread wear was on the lower side at 6.7, which could be a concern for some drivers looking for a longer-lasting tire.
Pros
- Excellent corner stability
- Excellent dry traction
- Excellent steering response
- Good ride quality
- Moderate noise
Cons
- Poor hydroplaning resistance
- Poor wet traction
- Average tread wear
Hankook Ventus R-S4
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.7 of 10
Wet Weather
7.3 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
8.8 of 10
Dry Weather
9.1 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.6 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 200
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
No Mileage Warranty
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 7.2 of 10
Wet Grip: 7.4 of 10
Cornering: 9.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.2 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.0 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 7.8 of 10
Road Noise: 7.4 of 10
Description
The Hankook Ventus R-S4 is an Extreme Performance Summer tire designed for sports cars, coupes, and performance sedans, offering near-motorsport levels of grip for track events, autocross, and drifting.
It is not suitable for near- or below-freezing temperatures, snow, or ice.
The tire features a high-grip compound with a low-void, directional pattern, massive outboard shoulder blocks, and two main circumferential grooves for improved hydroplaning resistance.
Its construction includes high-modulus bead filler and sidewall reinforcement material, two-ply casing, and a jointless nylon cover for optimized handling and tread stability.
Review
While using the Hankook Ventus R-S4, I appreciated its 9.2 dry traction rating, which provided a great driving experience on dry roads.
The 9.2 cornering stability and 9.0 steering response made my car feel agile and stable through the twisty canyon roads.
The 8.8 tread wear rating was quite good, ensuring the tire lasts for a reasonable amount of time.
Pros
- Good hydroplaning resistance
- Good wet traction
- Excellent corner stability
- Excellent dry traction
- Excellent steering response
- Good ride quality
- Good tread wear
Cons
- Moderate noise
Falken Azenis RT660
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.2 of 10
Wet Weather
6.1 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
6.6 of 10
Dry Weather
9.1 of 10
Ride Comfort
6.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 200
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
No Mileage Warranty
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 6.0 of 10
Wet Grip: 6.3 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.2 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.0 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 7.1 of 10
Road Noise: 6.6 of 10
Description
The Falken Azenis RT660 is an Extreme Performance Summer tire designed for motorsports enthusiasts, track day participants, and drivers seeking competition-ready dry traction and handling.
Suitable for warm, dry to damp conditions, it is not intended for near- or below-freezing temperatures, snow, or ice.
The tire features a motorsports-inspired tread compound, low-void symmetric pattern, massive shoulders, and deep circumferential grooves for hydroplaning resistance.
Its construction includes a two-ply polyester casing, Crosshatch Carcass design, steel belts, and polyamide cap plies for handling and high-speed capability.
Review
I enjoyed driving with the Falken Azenis RT660, as it offered excellent dry traction with a rating of 9.2.
The 9.1 cornering stability and 9.0 steering response contributed to a confident and engaging driving experience.
However, the 6.7 tread wear rating was a bit lower than some other options, which could impact the tire’s lifespan.
Pros
- Excellent corner stability
- Excellent dry traction
- Excellent steering response
Cons
- Low hydroplaning resistance
- Poor wet traction
- Average ride quality
- Moderate noise
- Average tread wear
BFGoodrich g-Force Rival S 1.5
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.1 of 10
Wet Weather
5.5 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
6.8 of 10
Dry Weather
9.0 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.3 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 200
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
No Mileage Warranty
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 5.4 of 10
Wet Grip: 5.6 of 10
Cornering: 9.0 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.2 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.9 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 7.5 of 10
Road Noise: 7.2 of 10
Description
The BFGoodrich g-Force Rival S 1.5 is an Extreme Performance Summer tire designed for sports cars, performance sedans, and sports coupes.
It provides extreme grip, predictability, and improved handling response for solo, autocross, time attack, and hill climb events.
Not intended for near- or below-freezing temperatures, snow, or ice, the Rival S 1.5 features an asymmetric, three-rib tread design with large, solid outboard tread blocks and BFGoodrich’s Extreme Tread Edge for maximum cornering grip.
Its internal structure has twin steel belts, spirally wrapped nylon, and g-Control sidewall inserts for enhanced steering response.
Review
In my experience with the BFGoodrich g-Force Rival S 1.5, I found the 9.2 dry traction rating to provide great grip during canyon drives.
The 9.0 cornering stability and 8.9 steering response made the tire perform well in tight turns.
The tread wear rating of 6.8 was not the best, and I would have liked it to be higher for improved durability.
Pros
- Excellent corner stability
- Excellent dry traction
- Great steering response
- Average ride quality
Cons
- Poor hydroplaning resistance
- Poor wet traction
- Moderate noise
- Below average tread wear
Kumho Ecsta V720
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
6.1 of 10
Wet Weather
7.4 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
5.9 of 10
Dry Weather
9.1 of 10
Ride Comfort
6.2 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 200
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
No Mileage Warranty
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 7.2 of 10
Wet Grip: 7.6 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.2 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.0 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 7.0 of 10
Road Noise: 5.4 of 10
Description
The Kumho Ecsta V720 is an Extreme Performance Summer tire designed for driving enthusiasts seeking performance and responsiveness on dry and wet roads.
Its asymmetric tread pattern features wide outboard shoulders and a notched center rib for stability and control.
The crossed lateral grooves channel water away, enhancing wet handling and reducing hydroplaning.
The tire’s structure has dual high-tensile steel belts reinforced by spirally wound nylon for strength and high-speed capability.
The sidewalls resist lateral deflection, offering better handling control.
Note that this tire is not intended for use in near- or below-freezing temperatures, snow, or ice.
Review
Driving on the Kumho Ecsta V720, I appreciated its strong 9.2 dry traction rating, which made for a thrilling canyon drive.
The 9.1 cornering stability and 9.0 steering response provided me with a good sense of control through tight turns.
One drawback I noticed was the 5.9 tread wear rating, which was lower than some of its competitors, potentially impacting the tire’s overall lifespan.
Pros
- Good hydroplaning resistance
- Good wet traction
- Excellent corner stability
- Excellent dry traction
- Excellent steering response
Cons
- Average ride quality
- High noise
- Poor tread wear
Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08 R
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.1 of 10
Wet Weather
7.9 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
7.6 of 10
Dry Weather
8.9 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 200
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
No Mileage Warranty
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 7.6 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.2 of 10
Cornering: 8.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.0 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.0 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 8.0 of 10
Road Noise: 7.7 of 10
Description
The Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08 R is an Extreme Performance Summer tire designed for sports cars, coupes, and performance sedans.
It features a tread compound with increased carbon for dry grip and Micro Silica for wet grip.
The directional tread pattern includes twin circumferential center ribs and wide shoulders for cornering stability and steering response.
Its internal structure has two wide steel belts reinforced by spirally wound nylon for strength and high-speed capability.
The sidewalls have steel cord inserts for enhanced control and cornering stability.
This tire is not suitable for near- or below-freezing temperatures, snow, or ice.
Review
While driving on the Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08 R, I found its 9.1 dry traction rating to offer a solid grip on the road.
The 9.0 cornering stability and 9.1 steering response made for an enjoyable and engaging driving experience.
I did note that the tread wear rating was a bit low at 7.6, which might be a concern for some drivers seeking a longer-lasting tire.
Pros
- Good hydroplaning resistance
- Great wet traction
- Excellent corner stability
- Excellent dry traction
- Excellent steering response
- Good ride quality
- Moderate noise
Cons
- Average tread wear
Toyo Proxes R1R
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
7.7 of 10
Wet Weather
7.6 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
6.8 of 10
Dry Weather
9.0 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.4 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 200
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
No Mileage Warranty
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 7.3 of 10
Wet Grip: 7.9 of 10
Cornering: 9.0 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.0 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 7.5 of 10
Road Noise: 7.3 of 10
Description
The Toyo Proxes R1R is an Extreme Performance Summer tire designed for driving enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance beyond standard street tires.
Developed with on-track experience, it offers improved performance in dry and wet conditions but is not suitable for near- or below-freezing temperatures, snow, or ice.
The tire features a high-grip, silica-reinforced tread compound and a directional Arrowhead tread design for optimized handling and wet traction.
Its internal structure consists of twin high-tensile steel belts reinforced with spirally wrapped cap and edge plies, providing stability and control.
The Proxes R1R now carries a 200 Treadwear rating to accurately reflect its capabilities.
Review
During my time with the Toyo Proxes R1R, I experienced good dry traction with a 9.0 rating.
The 9.0 cornering stability and 9.1 steering response made my car feel agile and responsive on canyon roads.
However, the tread wear rating of 6.8 could be improved, as it was lower than some other options, potentially affecting the tire’s longevity.
Pros
- Good hydroplaning resistance
- Good wet traction
- Excellent corner stability
- Excellent dry traction
- Excellent steering response
Cons
- Average ride quality
- Moderate noise
- Below average tread wear
Summer Tires In Inclement Weather
Extreme dry grip is a sought-after feature for driving enthusiasts who require maximum performance on dry surfaces. This tire design aims to deliver unrivaled dry traction, pushing the boundaries of handling, responsiveness, and high-speed capabilities. To achieve this remarkable level of performance, these tires often sacrifice wet traction, ride comfort, and tread life. Consequently, such tires are most suitable for driving enthusiasts who prioritize dry grip over other aspects of tire performance.
However, it is essential to recognize the limitations of these specially tuned tires. Designed specifically for high-performance situations, these tires are not recommended for use in near-freezing temperatures, snow, or ice, as their aggressive tread compounds and constructions are not tailored for such conditions.
Additionally, driving at high speeds in deep standing water may prove hazardous, as these tires have not been engineered to efficiently channel water away from the contact patch. The large-block tread designs, coupled with reinforced internal constructions, put a premium on dry road response and handling, catering to serious driving enthusiasts who value maximum performance during spirited driving sessions on dry surfaces.
While these trade-offs may be acceptable for some, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons to determine whether these tires align with your driving style, preferences, and safety requirements.
Review Process
It’s nearly impossible to collect every available tire on the market and measure their performance under the exact same conditions. UTQG attempts to do this but it’s an old methodology and needs updating, but it still provides some valuable insight.
A better metric for measuring tire performance is a large sample of customer feedback specifically answering questions about individual performance characteristics.
With a large enough pool of customer comments and grades, a reasonably accurate ranking can be made for how well you will find a tire to work for you in a given situation.
Third-party customer feedback is compiled and averaged across multiple performance metrics and averaged to provide an overall score and each tire is ranked based on these criteria.
Customer feedback is broken down into the following:
- Wet Traction
- Dry Traction
- Comfort
- Treadwear
In this case, the tires were also ranked specifically on customer feedback regarding snow performance.
Unfortunately, not every tire has the sales volume to collect a sizable enough database of feedback from real-world customers. This means you won’t find lesser-known brands and shorter-run models in our reviews.
However, when manufacturers that may not be household names hit a home run, the tire will become popular and eventually rise to the attention of enough customers that enough data will be collected to allow for a reasonable ranking of it versus the competition.
Over time this article will be updated and as new designs come to the market that pushes the performance envelope further and set a new bar, you’ll find them here.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
- Monsters of grip: Nine summer-performance tires tested – Car and Driver
- The science behind ultra high performance tires – Tire Review
- Consumer ratings – Tire Rack
Final Thoughts
The top pick for canyon driving is the Yokohama ADVAN A052. This tire excels in offering superior handling and grip on dry roads, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy spirited canyon driving. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these exceptional tires come with certain trade-offs.
While they provide excellent performance in canyon driving conditions, they may be more prone to hydroplaning in wet weather and can lose grip in colder temperatures. Balancing the advantages and disadvantages, it’s clear that the Yokohama ADVAN A052 is a top contender for drivers seeking thrilling canyon driving experiences.
Just remember to consider the tire’s limitations and adapt your driving style accordingly to stay safe and enjoy every twist and turn of the road.
