Looking for a tire that offers spirited performance without sacrificing all-season capability? The Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 is an option, though its ratings suggest some important trade-offs. But how does it measure up against other high performance all-season tires, and what trade-offs should you expect?
Rated a Tire Grade of 5.9/10, the Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 offers responsive dry cornering, and budget-friendly pricing. That said, reduced cold-weather confidence and less confident rain performance may factor into your decision.
Let’s examine the Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 in detail to see if it’s the right choice for you. Our comparison includes the high-end Goodyear Eagle GT II, the mid-range Firestone Firehawk GT, and the value-oriented Hankook Ventus V2 concept2. Finally, we look at reported problems and lay out the performance metrics you need to know.
Tire Owner Feedback
Side-by-Side Comparison
Below, we compare the Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 against the top-rated alternatives in the High Performance All-Season category. For a deeper look at each alternative, see the Recommended Alternatives section further down.
Detailed Review
Our ratings are based on aggregated feedback from real-world drivers. Each tire’s Tire Grade reflects thousands of miles of owner-reported data — the more miles driven, the higher our confidence in the score.
Goodyear Eagle RS-A2
Customer Ratings
Wet Weather
7.5 of 10
Winter Weather
5.6 of 10
Dry Weather
8.4 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.7 of 10
Tread Wear
7.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 440
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
Contact manufacturer for warranty details
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 7.7 of 10
Wet Grip: 7.3 of 10
Cornering: 8.4 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.5 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 6.5 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 5.4 of 10
Ice Grip: 4.9 of 10
Comfort Level: 7.9 of 10
Road Noise: 7.5 of 10
The Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 competes in the high performance all-season segment but falls short of top performers in key areas. It may suit budget-conscious drivers willing to accept trade-offs in grip, comfort, or longevity compared to higher-rated alternatives.
Dry Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 performs well on dry pavement with predictable handling and good traction. Steering response is confident, and the tire maintains composure through corners. Most drivers will find the dry performance more than adequate for daily driving. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger dry traction and handling than most of the competition.
Wet Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Wet performance is adequate but not a standout strength of this tire. While it handles light rain reasonably well, extra caution is advised in heavy downpours or standing water situations. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger wet traction and hydroplaning resistance than most of the competition.
Ride Comfort and Noise Level
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 provides a comfortable ride for most drivers. However, some users have noticed that the tire produces a slightly higher level of road noise, especially on paved surfaces. While the ride remains smooth, this extra noise might be noticeable on longer highway trips. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger ride comfort and noise control than most of the competition.
Winter/Snow Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Winter performance is limited with this tire. While it can handle light dustings, it struggles in deeper snow and icy conditions. Drivers in areas with regular winter weather should consider dedicated snow tires or a more winter-capable all-season option. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger winter and snow traction than most of the competition.
Treadwear and Longevity
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Treadwear is respectable for this tire category. With proper maintenance including regular rotations and correct inflation, you can expect reasonable longevity. Driving style and road conditions will naturally affect how long the tires last. Within its category, it stands out as one of the top performers for tread life and longevity.
Pros
- Responsive steering and stable handling
- Budget-friendly price point
- Widely available tire sizes
- Backed by manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Slightly elevated road noise on paved surfaces
- Less effective traction in light snow and icy conditions
- Tread life may be shorter than touring alternatives
- Higher price point than budget alternatives
Value Analysis
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 offers good value as a premium tire. Its performance in key areas is stronger than most of the competition at a similar price, and reasonable longevity when properly maintained rounds out the package. While some rivals may edge it out in specific metrics, the overall balance of performance and cost makes it a worthwhile consideration for high performance all-season drivers.
The Verdict
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 is a budget option with notable trade-offs in balanced performance and reliability. However, if you are sensitive to road noise or often drive in light snow and icy conditions, you might want to consider other alternatives. Overall, this tire may leave you wanting more. Consider the alternatives discussed above before committing, especially if well-rounded performance is a priority.
Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 Problems
While the Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 is a capable tire, some drivers have reported a few issues that might affect their overall experience. These include a bit more road noise, challenges in light snow, ice, or slush, and a higher price point. It’s good to know that many of these problems are from isolated reports or can be helped with proper maintenance like keeping the right air pressure, regular rotations, and proper alignment.
Understanding these concerns can help you decide if this tire is the right choice for your driving needs.
Road Noise
Typical
While many say the tire is quiet for its design, a few drivers have reported that it makes more road noise than factory tires or some premium options. This can be especially noticeable on paved roads.
Light Snow, Ice, and Slush Performance
Typical
The tire performs very well in deep snow, but some drivers have found that it does not grip as well in light snow, slush, or on icy roads. This can sometimes lead to slipping or less stable cornering in those conditions.
Premium Pricing
Typical
As a premium-tier tire, the Eagle RS-A2 comes with a higher price tag than budget alternatives. While the quality and performance generally justify the cost, budget-conscious buyers should weigh this against their specific needs and driving habits.
Limited Long-Term Data
Typical
As a relatively newer tire in the market, the Eagle RS-A2 has a shorter track record compared to established models. While initial feedback is positive, long-term durability data is still accumulating. This is worth considering if proven longevity is a top priority.
The Bottomline
While the Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 is a strong tire overall, it is not without its concerns. Issues such as higher road noise, reduced traction in light snow, ice, or slush, reduced traction in light snow, ice, or slush have been noted by some drivers. If these problems worry you, consider looking into our recommended alternatives.
Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 Alternatives
While the Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 is a strong tire overall, some drivers have noted its extra road noise and lower performance in light snow or icy conditions. If these issues are a concern for you, consider these recommended alternatives.
Goodyear Eagle GT II
Goodyear Eagle GT II
Overall: A premium high performance all-season tire known for its proven durability and high performance, the Goodyear Eagle GT II is built for drivers who demand the best. It offers a robust performance package that can address some of the Eagle RS-A2’s concerns.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Delivers adequate wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, though it doesn’t quite match the Eagle RS-A2’s exceptional wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Provides dependable dry traction and stable handling for everyday driving.
- Winter Performance: Offers adequate winter performance, though its snow and ice traction are lower than the Eagle RS-A2’s ratings.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Delivers a comfortable ride with solid treadwear, performing similarly to the Eagle RS-A2 in day-to-day driving.
Firestone Firehawk GT
Firestone Firehawk GT
Overall: The Firestone Firehawk GT is a well-balanced, average-priced tire that offers a good mix of performance and value. It delivers solid traction in most conditions and represents a strong alternative at its price point.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Delivers adequate wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, though it doesn’t quite match the Eagle RS-A2’s exceptional wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Provides dependable dry traction and stable handling for everyday driving.
- Winter Performance: Offers adequate winter performance, though its snow and ice traction are lower than the Eagle RS-A2’s ratings.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Delivers a comfortable ride with solid treadwear, performing similarly to the Eagle RS-A2 in day-to-day driving.
Hankook Ventus V2 concept2
Hankook Ventus V2 concept2
Overall: A budget-friendly option, the Hankook Ventus V2 concept2 offers good value for drivers who want reliable performance without a high price tag. While it may not match the Eagle RS-A2 in every area, it stands out as a strong performer for its cost.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the Eagle RS-A2’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the Eagle RS-A2’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Handles winter conditions capably with good snow traction, performing similarly to the Eagle RS-A2 in cold weather.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the Eagle RS-A2.
Each of these alternative tires brings its own strengths to the table.
- The Goodyear Eagle GT II is a premium choice with proven durability and strong performance in many conditions.
- The Firestone Firehawk GT offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort at a solid average price.
- The Hankook Ventus V2 concept2 is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Depending on your driving needs and what matters most to you, these tires can be great alternatives to the Goodyear Eagle RS-A2.
Resources
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Final Thoughts
The Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 falls short of category leaders, with its strongest showing in balanced performance across categories. Drivers on a tight budget may find it serviceable, but those who prioritize all-around dependability should weigh the trade-offs carefully.
However, it’s important to note some of its drawbacks. Some drivers have also reported increased road noise Less reliable traction in light snow or on icy roads. While these issues are not widespread, they are worth considering if you have specific performance needs.
In the end, the Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 sits near the bottom of its category in overall ratings. Consider alternatives like the Goodyear Eagle GT II, Firestone Firehawk GT, and the Hankook Ventus V2 concept2 before committing, as they offer meaningfully better performance in key areas. If budget is the deciding factor, this tire may still work for light-duty use — but go in with realistic expectations about the issues mentioned above.
Good luck and happy motoring.
