Overview
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is a premium summer tyre designed for drivers who value high levels of grip, precise steering, and confident braking in warm weather. Targeted at midsize sedans, compacts, and sporty hatchbacks—including popular US models like the Honda Civic, Volkswagen Jetta, and Toyota Corolla—this tyre sits at the upper end of the Ultra High Performance (UHP) segment. Its performance focus is clear: deliver sharp handling and maximum safety on both dry and wet roads, making it a strong choice for enthusiasts and everyday drivers who enjoy spirited driving, but don’t venture out in snow or freezing conditions.
Key Specs
| Type | Summer Ultra High Performance (UHP) |
| Available sizes range | 17″–21″ (select sizes in 16″ incl. 205/55 R16) |
| Speed rating examples | V, W, Y |
| Load index examples | 91, 94 |
| Tread pattern | Asymmetric with wide outer shoulder blocks |
| Technology highlights | Adaptive Contact Patch, Wet Braking Pro compound, Noise Cancelling Tread Design |
Performance: Dry
On dry pavement, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 stands out for its sharp steering response and excellent cornering grip. The asymmetric tread design, with its robust outer shoulder blocks, provides reassuring lateral stability, allowing drivers to confidently take on twisty roads and highway ramps. Braking distances are short for the segment, offering safety margins in sudden stops. The tyre communicates well through the steering wheel, giving enthusiasts the feedback they crave, but remains stable enough for less aggressive drivers. Compared to rivals, the Asymmetric 6 ranks among the best for dry traction and sporty feel in the 205/55 R16 size.
Performance: Wet
Wet weather is often where summer tyres can falter, but the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 excels thanks to its advanced Wet Braking Pro compound and efficient water-evacuating tread channels. Hydroplaning resistance is impressive, even during heavy downpours, and the tyre maintains strong grip under both gentle and abrupt maneuvers. Braking remains predictable and secure, with little loss of confidence when transitioning from dry to wet conditions. While some ultra-sticky competitors may edge it out in ultimate wet grip, the Goodyear’s balance of safety and control is top-tier for daily use.
Performance: Snow & Ice
N/A – The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is a dedicated summer tyre and does not provide safe traction on snow or ice. Drivers in regions with winter conditions should switch to specialized winter or all-season tyres as temperatures approach freezing.
Comfort & Noise
Despite its performance credentials, the Asymmetric 6 offers a relatively refined ride for the UHP class. Impact absorption over minor road imperfections is well controlled, though larger potholes can still be felt, as is typical for sporty tyres. Goodyear’s Noise Cancelling Tread Design helps reduce road noise, resulting in a composed and quiet experience at highway speeds—noticeably better than some older-generation UHP models. Overall, it strikes a good balance between firmness (for handling) and comfort (for daily driving).
Durability & Economy
For a UHP summer tyre, treadwear is competitive. Goodyear lists a UTQG rating of 300 AA A for the Asymmetric 6 in North America, reflecting a focus on grip over ultimate longevity but still delivering respectable mileage for the segment. Rolling resistance is moderate—certainly higher than a touring tyre, but on par with most direct competitors. Fuel efficiency is not the primary concern for buyers in this class, but the Asymmetric 6 does not impose a significant penalty. Regular rotation and proper inflation will help drivers maximize the tyre’s lifespan and performance.
Sizes & Alternatives
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is available in a wide range of popular fitments, including:
- 205/55 R16 91W
- 225/45 R17 94Y
- 235/40 R18 95Y
Key rivals in the US summer UHP segment include:
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4
- Continental ExtremeContact Sport
- Pirelli P Zero PZ4
- Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS
- Falken Azenis FK510
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outstanding dry grip and cornering stability
- Confident wet handling and braking
- Refined ride quality for a UHP tyre
- Low road noise for the segment
- Available in several common sizes
Cons
- Not suitable for any snow or ice
- Wear rate is average for a performance tyre (not a touring tyre)
- Rolling resistance higher than non-UHP tyres
- Premium pricing compared to some alternatives
- Limited protection against pothole damage
Verdict
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is a compelling choice for US drivers who want to enhance their car’s summer handling without sacrificing everyday comfort. Its blend of dry and wet performance, combined with low noise and reasonable tread life for the category, make it a standout in the UHP segment—especially in popular sizes like 205/55 R16. While it’s not the answer for winter driving or those seeking maximum mileage, its strengths align perfectly with those who value precision, safety, and a touch of driving excitement during the warmer months. For drivers of sedans, compacts, and sporty hatchbacks who want to unlock their car’s potential, the Asymmetric 6 is easy to recommend—provided you swap to winter tyres when the temperatures drop.
Does the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 tend to wear down quickly if used on daily commutes or is it mainly optimized for occasional spirited driving?
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is engineered for strong summer performance but also balances daily usability. While its grip and handling shine during spirited driving, Goodyear has designed its tread compound for decent wear in everyday commuting. You can expect reasonable tread life for normal daily use, though aggressive driving will naturally shorten its lifespan.
Are there any potential drawbacks to choosing the 205/55 R16 size for a VW Jetta, such as a compromise in wet braking or lateral stability?
Choosing the 205/55 R16 size for a VW Jetta generally aligns with the manufacturer’s recommendations, so major drawbacks are unlikely. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 performs well in wet braking and lateral stability for this size. However, compared to wider or sportier tire sizes, you might notice slightly less grip during aggressive cornering, but for typical driving, it remains a solid choice.
Does the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6’s Noise Cancelling Tread Design noticeably reduce cabin noise at highway speeds compared to other UHP summer tyres in the same size range?
Yes, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6’s Noise Cancelling Tread Design does offer a quieter ride at highway speeds compared to many other ultra-high-performance summer tires in its class. Testers noticed lower road noise levels, making the cabin feel more comfortable, especially on smoother surfaces.
Are there any recommendations for all-season alternatives if I live somewhere with occasional light snow but still want similar performance?
If you want performance similar to the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 but need all-season capability for occasional light snow, consider the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 or Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus. Both offer sporty handling with better traction in light winter conditions than summer tires.
The review mentions impressive hydroplaning resistance, but do these tires retain good wet grip as they start to wear down?
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is designed to maintain strong wet grip even as the tread wears, thanks to its advanced tread compound and pattern. However, like all tires, wet performance will gradually decrease with continued wear, especially as tread depth drops below 4/32 inch. Regularly checking tread depth helps ensure safe wet traction.
Is the 205/55 R16 size a good fit for older Civic models, or would you recommend a different size for handling and comfort?
The 205/55 R16 size can work well for many older Civic models, especially if you’re looking for a balance between handling and comfort. It offers good sidewall height for ride quality and enough width for grip. Just double-check your specific model’s recommended tire size, as some trims may come with smaller wheels originally.
I’m interested in the 205/55 R16 size for my Jetta. Can you clarify if all the advanced technologies like Wet Braking Pro are available in every size or only the larger options?
Wet Braking Pro and most core technologies in the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 are generally available across all sizes, including 205/55 R16. However, some advanced features may be more optimized in wider or larger sizes. For your Jetta’s size, you can expect the primary performance benefits, including improved wet grip, to be present.