Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV Review — Efficient Performance for NZ Family SUVs
Overall Rating: 8.7 / 10
Category: Grand Touring Performance SUV
Price in NZ: From $430 per tyre
Best for: Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson — performance family SUVs
Quick Verdict
The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV combines the EfficientGrip family’s fuel efficiency focus with genuine performance SUV characteristics — delivering a tyre that doesn’t force NZ SUV owners to choose between lower fuel costs and engaging handling. At $430, it sits in the mid-range of the NZ performance SUV tyre market, competing directly with the Continental CrossContact LX and Hankook Ventus Prime4 in the performance-touring SUV category. Its combination of EU Label A wet grip and EU Label B fuel efficiency — achieved simultaneously — makes it one of the more technically accomplished tyres at this price point.
For a full comparison of all performance SUV options in NZ, our best SUV tyres NZ guide covers every brand and price point.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Grand Touring Performance SUV |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | A (highest) |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | B |
| Speed Ratings | V (240), W (270 km/h) |
| Available Rim Sizes | 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″ |
| NZ Price Range | $430 – $620 (varies by size) |
| Key Technology | EfficientGrip compound adapted for SUV performance |
Performance Profile
Wet safety: EU Label A — Goodyear’s wet performance compound achieves the top wet grip rating in the EfficientGrip Performance SUV, directly addressing NZ’s most critical safety requirement for family SUV owners.
Fuel efficiency: EU Label B — the EfficientGrip compound reduces rolling resistance versus standard SUV tyres, delivering real-world fuel savings for high-mileage RAV4 and CX-5 owners. Over 20,000 km annually, the Label B rating vs a Label C tyre saves approximately $80–120 in fuel costs.
Dry handling: More engaging than a pure eco SUV tyre — the Performance variant’s compound and carcass deliver sharper steering response. Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5 AWD owners will find the EfficientGrip Performance SUV complements their vehicle’s handling credentials.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Auckland: Very good. RAV4, CX-5, and Tiguan owners in Auckland benefit from the dual A/B EU Label ratings — wet safety for Auckland’s constant rain, fuel efficiency for long Auckland commutes. See our best tyres for Auckland guide for a complete regional recommendation.
South Island: Good for coastal areas. For South Island all-season requirements, the Continental CrossContact RX with 3PMSF certification is more appropriate.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- EU Label A wet grip AND EU Label B fuel efficiency — strong dual credentials
- More engaging handling than eco-only SUV alternatives
- Goodyear brand reliability
Cons
- Not 3PMSF certified — not for South Island alpine year-round use
- Higher price than Continental CrossContact RX ($430 vs $267) without all-season benefit
Sources
- Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV — goodyear.com — accessed 2026-06-04
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/goodyear/ — accessed 2026-06-04
Related Pages
- Continental CrossContact RX — 3PMSF at lower price
- Hankook Ventus Prime4 — performance SUV competitor
- Best SUV Tyres NZ — full SUV buying guide
- Best Tyres for Auckland — Auckland-specific guide
- Goodyear Tyres NZ — full brand overview