Skip to content
Updated September 2026

Imperial Ecodriver 5 review

The Imperial Ecodriver 5 is viewed as a budget-tier tire that offers acceptable performance in dry, warm conditions but falls short in safety and durability. Users frequently report concerns regarding structural integrity and poor handling characteristics in cold or wet weather.

Relative score
52/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
51/100
2 reviews
Road tests
65/100
1 published test

Owners rate it 13.9 points lower than the instrumented road tests do — see the two score breakdowns below for where they disagree.

Imperial Ecodriver 5
Scores

Two scoring systems, side by side

Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.

By owner reviews

51%
Would buy again 30%
Dry
Overall dry
80%
Wet
Overall wet
55%
Comfort
Overall comfort
40%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
40%
Handling
Overall handling
70%

By road tests

64.9%
Dry
62.9%
Wet
48.6%
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 2 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Imperial Ecodriver 5 is viewed as a budget-tier tire that offers acceptable performance in dry, warm conditions but falls short in safety and durability. Users frequently report concerns regarding structural integrity and poor handling characteristics in cold or wet weather.

Pros

  • Adequate dry road performance in warm temperatures
  • Satisfactory grip during routine cornering and acceleration
  • Improved rolling resistance when inflated to higher pressures

Cons

  • Weak sidewall construction prone to tearing
  • Poor handling and lack of confidence in cold or wet conditions
  • Excessive road noise at standard pressures
  • Inferior braking performance compared to premium alternatives

Worth knowing

  • Professional drivers, such as taxi operators, report significant durability issues under daily high-mileage use
  • Users noted that road noise levels are highly sensitive to tire pressure adjustments
Test results

1 published test appearance

Placement within each field. Open a test for the discipline-by-discipline result.

2021 53 Summer tire Braking Test · 205/55 R16

32nd of 53
Best: Dry Braking · 23rd Weakest: Wet Braking · 34th
DisciplinePlacementField position
Wet Braking34th of 53
Dry Braking23rd of 53