Review of Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate Tire
Deciding on a new set of tires can often feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re not in the market for specialized options like track or off-road tires. However, the recently launched Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate aims to change that perception. This tire is designed to meet the needs of drivers seeking an all-weather solution without compromising performance.
The Gritty Details
The Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate replaces the Goodyear Eagle F1 All-Season within the ultra-high-performance category. It’s important to note that while this is not a track tire, it does deliver spirited driving characteristics. This tire serves as an ideal solution for those who appreciate driving yet require practicality during daily commutes.
Equipped with innovative ActiveGrip Technology, the Eagle Exhilarate promises enhanced braking distances and handling in both wet and dry conditions. If you occasionally navigate through light snow, this tire can handle it; nonetheless, dedicated winter tires are recommended for severe winter conditions. The tire features a new all-season tread compound forged from high-performance polymers reinforced with traction resins for optimal handling.
A noteworthy aspect of the Eagle Exhilarate is its eco-friendly formulation, utilizing soybean oil rather than traditional petroleum oil, which marks a pioneering step in the ultra-high-performance tire segment. This shift not only promotes sustainability but also supports U.S. farmers as the majority of the soybeans are grown domestically.
What Sort of Cars Are They Made For?
The Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate is designed for a variety of vehicles, including the Porsche Cayman, BMW 3 Series, Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, Mazda6, Cadillac CTS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus LC. For our review, we procured a set of four 17-inch Eagle Exhilarate tires in size 225/45 specifically to mount on a 2001 Volvo S60 T5, a turbocharged sedan primarily used for commuting and spirited backroad trips. The installation was seamless at a local tire shop.
How Do They Drive?
After allowing the new tires a brief break-in period, we embarked on several hours of mixed driving—both on highways and winding backroads—in typical spring conditions of the Pacific Northwest. We quickly realized that, for an ultra-high-performance tire, the Eagle Exhilarate delivers substantial comfort on highways and city streets. The tires are remarkably quiet and do not transmit every surface imperfection to the cabin.
During rainy conditions, we maintained highway speeds without difficulty. Even when confronted with instances of standing water, the Volvo exhibited no signs of hydroplaning at speeds between 65-70 mph. Additionally, wet braking performance was robust, with no excessive wheel slippage observed at stoplights.
We reserved a spirited backroad drive for a dry day and found much to appreciate in the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate. While some tire squeal was noted compared to dedicated summer options, the Eagle Exhilarate proved capable of enhancing the driving experience of our sedan. We eagerly anticipate participating in local autocross events to further gauge the tire’s capabilities. As an enjoyable tire that combines all-weather versatility with performance, Goodyear indeed offers an impressive option.
