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Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: the Definitive Test Analysis

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This tire isn't designed to be a record-breaking champion in any single category. Instead, as our analysis of 10+ tests confirms, it's engineered for something more important: flawlessly balanced performance. It has no significant weaknesses, delivering a high level of safety on wet, dry, and snowy roads.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Contents
  1. Summary
  2. Key performance
  3. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Competitors
  4. Analytical review
  5. Overall
  6. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 Test History

Summary

Category Details
General An Ultra-High-Performance winter tire with a directional tread pattern designed for Passenger cars and SUVs.

The tire replaced both the UltraGrip Performance+ and UltraGrip 9+.
Testing History

2.3

Average
place

1

Best
place

5

Worst
place

18

times
tested

2023-2025

test
years
✅ Key Strengths Wet Performance. The top 3 for braking and handling in 70% of tests.
Aquaplaning Resistance. No results below an average; top-3 ranking in half of all tests.
Dry Performance. It has been consistently ranking in the top three for both braking and handling.
High Comfort & Longevity. It is among the quietest in its segment and has excellent wear resistance.
⚠️ Strong, But Not Always Snow Performance. Competent with excellent traction and handling, it is designed for confident snow travel rather than speed in deep powder.
Fuel Efficiency. Mostly good or excellent, but three below-average results indicate slightly higher fuel consumption in specific scenarios.
❌ Weaknesses No systemic or critical.
Overall A textbook example of a modern Central European winter tire. It is a perfectly balanced “asphalt fighter,” designed to deliver outstanding performance in mild winter conditions, especially on wet and cold dry roads.
The best for The perfect choice for drivers of modern passenger cars or SUVs in regions with mild, mostly asphalt-based winters.

Key performance

Overall rating: 96.8% (199 measurements from 18 independent tests)
ⓘ The overall rating is calculated as the arithmetic average of the average scores for each discipline, to eliminate bias towards disciplines with a large number of tests.

Dry Performance

  • Dry braking

    (4.5/5)
    Exemplary
    Based on 18 tests|1 wins|Avg. pos. 3.6th|1-13th range|Rating: 98%

    The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 delivers exceptionally strong and consistent dry braking performance, making it one of the standout central-European winter tires on the market. In 10 independent tests, it achieved top-quartile (“Excellent” or “Good”) ratings 90% of the time, with no poor results at all — a clear indication that it was engineered to maximize safety on cold, dry asphalt, its primary operating surface.

    • Excelling at its core mission
      Unlike Nordic or studded tires, where asphalt grip is a secondary priority, European winter tires are expected to perform at their best on road surfaces. The UltraGrip Performance 3 meets this requirement with confidence and precision.
    • Leader-class performance
      • 1 outright victory (Auto Bild Sportscars)
      • 7 podium finishes (1st–3rd place) out of 10 tests
      • “Worst” result: 4th of 6
      Such consistency places it firmly among the benchmarks for its class.
    • High safety margins
      Even in its least favorable result, the tire maintained a competitive ranking, ensuring that drivers can rely on stable, predictable braking across a range of winter conditions.
    Performance Chart
    • Good: 12 (67%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 6 (33%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 18 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 75.8% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 1 of 18
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 12 of 18
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 2 of 18
    • ✅ No worst-3 finishes
    • ✅ No last-place finishes
    Results in numbers
    • Best result:40.8 m (2024 Auto Bild SUV)
    • Worst result:45.7 m (2025 Auto Bild)
    • Average result:43 m
    • Typical gap to leader:+0.45 – +1.2 m
    • Max gap to leader:+3.1 m (2025 Auto Bild)

  • Dry handling

    (4/5)
    Good
    Based on 15 tests|1 wins|Avg. pos. 5.2th|1-13th range|Rating: 99.1%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 1 (7%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 7 (47%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 6 (40%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    • Weak: 1 (7%) i The result is noticeably below the average.
    Detailed Test Results: 15 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 63.3% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 1 of 15
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 8 of 15
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 3 of 15
    • ⚠️ Worst-3 finishes: 1 of 15
    • ✅ No last-place finishes

Wet Performance

  • Wet braking

    (4/5)
    Good
    Based on 18 tests|4 wins|Avg. pos. 3.9th|1-10th range|Rating: 96.5%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 1 (6%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 10 (56%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 6 (33%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    • Weak: 1 (6%) i The result is noticeably below the average.
    Detailed Test Results: 18 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 71.9% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 4 of 18
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 9 of 18
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 5 of 18
    • ✅ No worst-3 finishes
    • ✅ No last-place finishes
    Results in numbers
    • Best result:27.6 m (2024 Tyre Reviews)
    • Worst result:57.7 m (2024 Auto Bild)
    • Average result:41.6 m
    • Typical gap to leader:+1 – +3.5 m
    • Max gap to leader:+4.1 m (2025 Auto Bild Sportscars)

  • Wet handling

    (5/5)
    Elite
    Based on 15 tests|5 wins|Avg. pos. 2.3th|1-6th range|Rating: 99.4%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 2 (13%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 11 (73%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 2 (13%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 15 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 86.9% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 5 of 15
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 12 of 15
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 1 of 15
    • ✅ No worst-3 finishes
    • ✅ No last-place finishes

  • Wet lateral handling

    (4.5/5)
    Exemplary
    Based on 7 tests|0 wins|Avg. pos. 3.9th|2-8th range|Rating: 98.9%
    Performance Chart
    • Good: 4 (57%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 3 (43%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 7 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 70.6% of competitors per test
    • ➖ No first-place finishes
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 3 of 7
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 1 of 7
    • ✅ No worst-3 finishes
    • ✅ No last-place finishes

Aquaplaning resistance

  • Straight aqua

    (4.5/5)
    Exemplary
    Based on 18 tests|1 wins|Avg. pos. 4th|1-8th range|Rating: 97.1%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 1 (6%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 10 (56%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 7 (39%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 18 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 71.4% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 1 of 18
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 8 of 18
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 2 of 18
    • ✅ No worst-3 finishes
    • ✅ No last-place finishes
    Results in numbers
    • Best result:100.1 km/h (2023 Auto Bild Sports Cars)
    • Worst result:72 km/h (2024 Tyre Reviews)
    • Average result:81.5 km/h
    • Typical gap to leader:-3 – -1.65 km/h
    • Max gap to leader:-6.6 km/h (2025 Auto Bild Sportscars)

  • Lateral aqua

    (4.5/5)
    Exemplary
    Based on 10 tests|1 wins|Avg. pos. 3.4th|1-5th range|Rating: 91.8%
    Performance Chart
    • Good: 6 (60%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 4 (40%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 10 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 72.7% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 1 of 10
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 5 of 10
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 2 of 10
    • ⚠️ Worst-3 finishes: 1 of 10
    • ✅ No last-place finishes

Snow Performance

  • Snow braking

    (4/5)
    Good
    Based on 18 tests|0 wins|Avg. pos. 4.7th|2-13th range|Rating: 96.8%
    Performance Chart
    • Good: 10 (56%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 6 (33%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    • Weak: 2 (11%) i The result is noticeably below the average.
    Detailed Test Results: 18 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 66.6% of competitors per test
    • ➖ No first-place finishes
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 7 of 18
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 3 of 18
    • ⚠️ Worst-3 finishes: 2 of 18
    • ✅ No last-place finishes
    Results in numbers
    • Best result:9.7 m (2025 ADAC)
    • Worst result:31.6 m (2024 Auto Bild Sportcars)
    • Average result:23.7 m
    • Typical gap to leader:+0.3 – +0.9 m
    • Max gap to leader:+2.3 m (2025 Auto Bild Sportscars)

  • Snow handling

    (4.5/5)
    Exemplary
    Based on 15 tests|2 wins|Avg. pos. 4.2th|1-9th range|Rating: 98.5%
    Performance Chart
    • Good: 8 (53%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 7 (47%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 15 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 67.7% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 2 of 15
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 6 of 15
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 3 of 15
    • ⚠️ Worst-3 finishes: 2 of 15
    • ✅ No last-place finishes

  • Snow lateral handling

    (3/5)
    Average
    Based on 6 tests|0 wins|Avg. pos. 5.2th|3-7th range|Rating: 95.1%
    Performance Chart
    • Good: 3 (50%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 2 (33%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    • Poor: 1 (17%) i A poor result, significantly worse than the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 6 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 50.2% of competitors per test
    • ➖ No first-place finishes
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 1 of 6
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 3 of 6
    • ⚠️ Worst-3 finishes: 2 of 6
    • ❌ Last-place finish: 1 of 6

  • Snow traction

    (4.5/5)
    Exemplary
    Based on 17 tests|3 wins|Avg. pos. 4th|1-16th range|Rating: 97.5%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 1 (6%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 11 (65%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 4 (24%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    • Weak: 1 (6%) i The result is noticeably below the average.
    Detailed Test Results: 17 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 74.4% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 3 of 17
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 10 of 17
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 3 of 17
    • ⚠️ Worst-3 finishes: 1 of 17
    • ✅ No last-place finishes

Secondary

  • Rolling resistance

    (3.5/5)
    Good
    Based on 18 tests|2 wins|Avg. pos. 6.2th|1-18th range|Rating: 92.2%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 2 (11%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 3 (17%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 10 (56%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    • Weak: 3 (17%) i The result is noticeably below the average.
    Detailed Test Results: 18 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 57% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 2 of 18
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 5 of 18
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 8 of 18
    • ⚠️ Worst-3 finishes: 1 of 18
    • ✅ No last-place finishes
    Results in numbers
    • Best result:5.2 kg/t (2024 ADAC R16)
    • Worst result:9.2 kg/t (2023 Auto Bild Sports Cars)
    • Average result:7.8 kg/t
    • Typical gap to leader:+0.24 – +1.15 kg/t
    • Max gap to leader:+1.39 kg/t (2025 Auto Bild)

  • Noise

    (4.5/5)
    Exemplary
    Based on 17 tests|4 wins|Avg. pos. 3.4th|1-8th range|Rating: 99.2%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 1 (6%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 10 (59%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 6 (35%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 17 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 76.8% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 4 of 17
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 10 of 17
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 3 of 17
    • ✅ No worst-3 finishes
    • ✅ No last-place finishes
    Results in numbers
    • Best result:65.6 dB (2025 Auto Bild)
    • Worst result:73.8 dB (2024 Auto Bild SUV)
    • Average result:71.2 dB
    • Typical gap to leader:+0.4 – +1.05 dB
    • Max gap to leader:+1.4 dB (2025 Auto Zeitung)

  • Wear resistance

    (5/5)
    Elite
    Based on 7 tests|3 wins|Avg. pos. 2.3th|1-6th range|Rating: 95.5%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 2 (29%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 5 (71%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    Detailed Test Results: 7 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 91% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 3 of 7
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 6 of 7
    • ✅ No bottom-half finishes
    • ✅ No worst-3 finishes
    • ✅ No last-place finishes
    Results in numbers
    • Best result:76500km (2025 ADAC)
    • Worst result:43750km (2025 Auto Zeitung)
    • Average result:53264.3km
    • Typical gap to leader:-5850 – -3000km
    • Max gap to leader:-7600km (2024 ADAC R17)

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Competitors

Compared to competitors, Goodyear demonstrates outstanding performance across multiple key categories. It secures the top positions in wear resistance and shows remarkable consistency in dry braking, wet performance, aquaplaning resistance, and snow traction. The tire maintains strong capability across all conditions, with top-four positions in dry handling, snow braking, and efficiency. It also delivers excellent comfort with low noise levels.

Key Statistics

  • ✅ Dry braking #4 of 11
  • ✅ Dry handling #4 of 11
  • 🏆 Wet braking #1 of 11
  • 🏆 Wet handling #1 of 11
  • ✅ Straight aqua #2 of 11
  • ✅ Lateral aqua #4 of 10
  • ✅ Snow braking #4 of 11
  • ✅ Snow handling #2 of 11
  • ⚠️ Snow lateral handling #7 of 10
  • ✅ Snow traction #2 of 11
  • ✅ Noise #3 of 11
  • ✅ Rolling resistance #5 of 11
  • 🏆 Wear resistance #1 of 10
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 1.9%
99.85%
1.9%
-0.74 m
2
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 0.6%
98.56%
0.6%
-0.22 m
3
Nokian Snowproof P 0.1%
98.09%
0.1%
-0.04 m
4
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
98.00%
—
—
5
Continental WinterContact TS 870P 0.3%
97.67%
0.3%
+0.13 m
6
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 0.8%
97.23%
0.8%
+0.31 m
7
Toyo Snowprox S954 0.9%
97.11%
0.9%
+0.36 m
8
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V905 1.4%
96.64%
1.4%
+0.54 m
9
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 W330 1.6%
96.39%
1.6%
+0.64 m
10
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 2.2%
95.78%
2.2%
+0.89 m
11
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 2.5%
95.50%
2.5%
+1.00 m
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 0.6%
99.77%
0.6%
+0.64 km/h
2
Continental WinterContact TS 870P 0.3%
99.40%
0.3%
+0.27 km/h
3
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 0.2%
99.31%
0.2%
+0.18 km/h
4
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
99.13%
—
—
5
Nokian Snowproof P 0.1%
99.03%
0.1%
-0.10 km/h
6
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V905 0.2%
98.89%
0.2%
-0.24 km/h
7
Toyo Snowprox S954 0.3%
98.79%
0.3%
-0.34 km/h
8
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 0.4%
98.77%
0.4%
-0.36 km/h
9
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 W330 0.5%
98.64%
0.5%
-0.49 km/h
10
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 0.8%
98.31%
0.8%
-0.82 km/h
11
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 0.8%
98.30%
0.8%
-0.82 km/h
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
96.53%
—
—
2
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 1.0%
95.48%
1.0%
+0.52 m
3
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 W330 1.2%
95.33%
1.2%
+0.60 m
4
Continental WinterContact TS 870P 1.2%
95.30%
1.2%
+0.61 m
5
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 1.5%
94.98%
1.5%
+0.77 m
6
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 2.1%
94.43%
2.1%
+1.05 m
7
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 2.2%
94.29%
2.2%
+1.12 m
8
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V905 2.6%
93.97%
2.6%
+1.28 m
9
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 2.7%
93.85%
2.7%
+1.34 m
10
Nokian Snowproof P 6.1%
90.47%
6.1%
+3.03 m
11
Toyo Snowprox S954 8.1%
88.43%
8.1%
+4.05 m
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
99.35%
—
—
2
Continental WinterContact TS 870P 0.9%
98.45%
0.9%
-0.73 km/h
3
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 1.0%
98.40%
1.0%
-0.77 km/h
4
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 1.0%
98.38%
1.0%
-0.78 km/h
5
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 1.3%
98.09%
1.3%
-1.01 km/h
6
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V905 1.6%
97.79%
1.6%
-1.25 km/h
7
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 1.6%
97.73%
1.6%
-1.30 km/h
8
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 1.7%
97.69%
1.7%
-1.33 km/h
9
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 W330 1.7%
97.61%
1.7%
-1.39 km/h
10
Toyo Snowprox S954 3.3%
96.08%
3.3%
-2.62 km/h
11
Nokian Snowproof P 3.5%
95.90%
3.5%
-2.76 km/h
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 W330 0.3%
97.42%
0.3%
+0.25 km/h
2
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
97.11%
—
—
3
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 0.7%
96.39%
0.7%
-0.57 km/h
4
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 0.7%
96.36%
0.7%
-0.60 km/h
5
Continental WinterContact TS 870P 1.1%
95.99%
1.1%
-0.89 km/h
6
Toyo Snowprox S954 1.7%
95.41%
1.7%
-1.36 km/h
7
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 1.8%
95.29%
1.8%
-1.45 km/h
8
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 2.8%
94.30%
2.8%
-2.24 km/h
9
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 3.1%
94.00%
3.1%
-2.49 km/h
10
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V905 8.6%
88.47%
8.6%
-6.91 km/h
11
Nokian Snowproof P 8.9%
88.21%
8.9%
-7.12 km/h
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 3.2%
94.94%
3.2%
+2.54 km/h
2
Toyo Snowprox S954 3.1%
94.85%
3.1%
+2.47 km/h
3
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 W330 0.5%
92.30%
0.5%
+0.43 km/h
4
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
91.76%
—
—
5
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 1.3%
90.48%
1.3%
-1.02 km/h
6
Continental WinterContact TS 870P 3.0%
88.78%
3.0%
-2.39 km/h
7
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 9.7%
82.06%
9.7%
-7.77 km/h
8
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 11.3%
80.43%
11.3%
-9.07 km/h
9
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 15.1%
76.64%
15.1%
-12.10 km/h
10
Nokian Snowproof P 25.1%
66.67%
25.1%
-20.08 km/h
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 2.4%
99.19%
2.4%
—
2
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 1.0%
97.79%
1.0%
—
3
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 0.1%
96.91%
0.1%
—
4
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
96.82%
—
—
5
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 W330 0.2%
96.63%
0.2%
—
6
Nokian Snowproof P 0.7%
96.08%
0.7%
—
7
Continental WinterContact TS 870P 0.8%
95.99%
0.8%
—
8
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 1.1%
95.72%
1.1%
—
9
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 3.2%
93.67%
3.2%
—
10
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V905 4.0%
92.83%
4.0%
—
11
Toyo Snowprox S954 6.8%
89.99%
6.8%
—
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 0.7%
99.24%
0.7%
—
2
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
98.54%
—
—
3
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 0.1%
98.39%
0.1%
—
4
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 0.5%
98.02%
0.5%
—
5
Continental WinterContact TS 870P 0.8%
97.76%
0.8%
—
6
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 W330 0.8%
97.74%
0.8%
—
7
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 1.3%
97.27%
1.3%
—
8
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 2.1%
96.45%
2.1%
—
9
Nokian Snowproof P 2.2%
96.29%
2.2%
—
10
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V905 2.6%
95.94%
2.6%
—
11
Toyo Snowprox S954 3.6%
94.94%
3.6%
—
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 4.4%
99.57%
4.4%
—
2
Nokian Snowproof P 3.7%
98.81%
3.7%
—
3
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 2.2%
97.32%
2.2%
—
4
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 1.3%
96.46%
1.3%
—
5
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 0.8%
95.96%
0.8%
—
6
Continental WinterContact TS 870P 0.7%
95.83%
0.7%
—
7
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
95.13%
—
—
8
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 1.7%
93.43%
1.7%
—
9
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 W330 1.9%
93.19%
1.9%
—
10
Toyo Snowprox S954 3.1%
92.04%
3.1%
—
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 1.3%
98.83%
1.3%
—
2
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
97.49%
—
—
3
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 0.4%
97.07%
0.4%
—
4
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 0.5%
96.97%
0.5%
—
5
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 W330 2.0%
95.52%
2.0%
—
6
Continental WinterContact TS 870P 2.0%
95.46%
2.0%
—
7
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 2.2%
95.34%
2.2%
—
8
Nokian Snowproof P 2.3%
95.15%
2.3%
—
9
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 4.0%
93.45%
4.0%
—
10
Toyo Snowprox S954 5.3%
92.20%
5.3%
—
11
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V905 7.1%
90.36%
7.1%
—
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Nokian Snowproof P 0.5%
99.69%
0.5%
-0.36 dB
2
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 0.2%
99.44%
0.2%
-0.18 dB
3
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
99.19%
—
—
4
Continental WinterContact TS 870P 0.5%
98.69%
0.5%
+0.36 dB
5
Toyo Snowprox S954 1.3%
97.94%
1.3%
+0.90 dB
6
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 1.4%
97.82%
1.4%
+0.99 dB
7
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 1.5%
97.65%
1.5%
+1.11 dB
8
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 1.6%
97.55%
1.6%
+1.18 dB
9
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 2.7%
96.51%
2.7%
+1.93 dB
10
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V905 3.0%
96.17%
3.0%
+2.18 dB
11
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 W330 3.4%
95.76%
3.4%
+2.47 dB
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Continental WinterContact TS 870P 5.5%
97.69%
5.5%
-0.39 kg/t
2
Nokian Snowproof P 3.0%
95.27%
3.0%
-0.22 kg/t
3
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 1.4%
93.66%
1.4%
-0.10 kg/t
4
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 0.8%
93.01%
0.8%
-0.06 kg/t
5
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
92.23%
—
—
6
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 0.1%
92.14%
0.1%
+0.01 kg/t
7
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 0.6%
91.61%
0.6%
+0.04 kg/t
8
Toyo Snowprox S954 1.8%
90.40%
1.8%
+0.13 kg/t
9
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 W330 2.4%
89.85%
2.4%
+0.17 kg/t
10
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V905 5.0%
87.24%
5.0%
+0.36 kg/t
11
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 7.1%
85.17%
7.1%
+0.51 kg/t
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
95.47%
—
—
2
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 2.0%
93.51%
2.0%
-1174 km
3
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 W330 7.7%
87.79%
7.7%
-4605 km
4
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 8.4%
87.04%
8.4%
-5053 km
5
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 11.9%
83.56%
11.9%
-7142 km
6
Nokian Snowproof P 15.3%
80.13%
15.3%
-9199 km
7
Continental WinterContact TS 870P 18.5%
76.96%
18.5%
-11102 km
8
Vredestein Wintrac Pro 20.7%
74.76%
20.7%
-12423 km
9
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 24.0%
71.52%
24.0%
-14370 km
10
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V905 28.5%
66.95%
28.5%
-17112 km

Head-to-head comparison

Analytical review

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is a textbook example of what a modern Central European winter tyre should be — a perfectly balanced asphalt fighter. It delivers outstanding performance in the disciplines that matter most for mild winters: wet and cold dry asphalt. Its snow capabilities are highly dependable, while comfort and tread life are surprisingly strong. This is an almost flawless product, excelling precisely in the role it was designed for.

Key Strengths

  • Reliable Wet Performance
    One of the class leaders, the UltraGrip Performance 3, consistently outperforms most rivals in every test. Its handling is especially impressive: not a single below-average result, and 7 out of 10 tests placed it in the top three — a clear sign of exceptional capability.
  • Aquaplaning Resistance
    While it has never taken first place, its aquaplaning resistance is steady and trustworthy. Across 10 straight-line aquaplaning tests, it has no average or poor scores; in half of them, it finished in the top three or placed high even in large fields (6th and 7th out of 20).
  • Stable Dry Performance
    On dry winter roads, the tyre shows a high, consistent level of grip. It nearly consistently ranks in the top three for braking (6 out of 10 tests) and handling (7 out of 10), ensuring safety and predictability on clear days.
  • High Comfort and Longevity
    A rare combination of performance and practicality. It’s among the quietest in its segment (6 podiums in 9 tests) and has excellent wear resistance, including a first-place finish for tread life in a 20-model comparison.

Strong, But Not Always

  • Snow Capability Without Racing Ambitions
    The UltraGrip Performance 3 is highly competent on snow, offering excellent traction and reliable handling. However, snow is not its headline discipline. A few weaker results in braking and lateral grip suggest it’s built for confident snow travel, not chasing speed records in deep powder — a completely reasonable trade-off for its class.
  • Fuel Efficiency
    A bit of a lottery, but with good odds. In 7 out of 10 tests, fuel economy was rated excellent or good, with only a small gap to the leaders. However, three below-average results (7/11, 8/11, 16/20) indicate slightly higher fuel consumption in specific scenarios.

Weaknesses

  • No systemic
    Any compromises are either the logical result of its design focus (asphalt over deep snow) or occasional, unpredictable variables (fuel economy).

Overall

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is the perfect choice for drivers of modern passenger cars or SUVs living in regions with mild, mostly asphalt-based winters. Its top priority is maximum safety in 90% of winter scenarios — especially on cold, wet roads.

By choosing it, drivers get a benchmark in asphalt performance that also handles occasional snowfalls with confidence. As a bonus, it offers excellent acoustic comfort and impressive tread life, making it not just a safe choice, but also a highly cost-effective one.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 Test History

Between 2023 and 2024, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 has been one of the most consistently high-ranking winter tyres in comparative tests, appearing in 10 independent magazines and organizations’ evaluations across a wide range of sizes — from compact 205/55 R16 fitments to large SUV 255/45 R20 formats.

The model’s standout victory came in Auto Bild Sports Cars 2023 (225/40 R18), where it secured 1st place out of 11 competitors and earned an “Excellent” rating. It has also recorded an impressive run of second-place finishes — seven in total — across respected publications including Auto Bild, Auto Zeitung, Auto Bild SUV, and AMS, often against huge fields (e.g., 2nd of 20 in Auto Bild 2024).

Even in its “weaker” outings, the tyre has remained competitive, such as 4th of 11 in Tyre Reviews 2023 and 3rd of 6 in Tyre Reviews 2024. This consistency across different test formats, sizes, and performance categories underscores its well-balanced design and ability to perform strongly in diverse winter conditions.

Year
Magazine
Size
Place
Score
2025
ADAC
225/40 R18
2025
Auto Zeitung
245/45 R19
1 (10)
2025
Auto Bild Sportscars
235/50 R19
4 (11)
2025
AMS
215/55 R17
2 (10)
2025
Auto Bild
225/40 R18
5 (20)
Very Good
2024
ADAC R16
205/55 R16
2024
ADAC R17
215/55 R17
2024
Tyre Reviews
235/35 R19
3 (6)
2024
Auto Zeitung
215/55 R17
2 (7)
2024
Auto Bild
205/55 R16
2 (20)
2024
Auto Bild SUV
245/45 R18
2 (12)
2024
Auto Bild Sportcars
235/35 R19
2 (10)
2023
Sport Auto
225/40 R18
2 (9)
2023
Auto Bild
225/45 R18
2 (20)
2023
Auto Bild Sports Cars
225/40 R18
1 (11)
Excellent
2023
AMS
255/45 R20
2 (7)
Very Good
2023
Tyre Reviews
225/45 R18
4 (11)
goodyear
alltyretests
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