Pirelli Cinturato C3 vs Vredestein Ultrac+
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 91% · 19
- TR Score
- 8.4/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 8
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 finished ahead 3 times and the Ultrac+ not once. The Cinturato C3 stopped 7.6% shorter in the wet; the Ultrac+ had 6.7% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Pick the Pirelli Cinturato C3 for the best all-round summer touring tire: it delivers clearly better wet/dry braking, stronger overall handling confidence, and dramatically better predicted mileage. Consider the Vredestein Ultrac+ if you prioritize lower rolling resistance (and often lower noise) and you drive moderately-its aquaplaning can be a plus-but it gives up too much in braking/grip to be the default recommendation.
Where the Cinturato C3 is stronger
- Consistently class-leading braking (wins all 3 wet-braking comparisons and all 3 dry-braking comparisons; up to ~8-9% shorter stops vs Ultrac+ in 225/45 R17 tests)
- Strong, confidence-building wet and dry handling balance (front-running wet handling/circle and strong subjective scores in the 13-tire test)
- Excellent predicted longevity and lower wear impact (ADAC 48,600 km vs 30,600 km; lower abrasion 79 vs 97 mg/km/t)
Where the Ultrac+ is stronger
- Value 3/5 Had 6.7% lower rolling resistance (2 tests)
The measured tallies (wins out of measurements in the shared tests) come straight from the tables below. The written verdict and bullet points are analysis of those tests and of owner reviews; where they and the figures disagree, the figures are right.
Cinturato C3 vs Ultrac+ at a glance
| Category | Cinturato C3 | Gap | Ultrac+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 3 | 0 | |
| Dry7 measurements | 7 | The Cinturato C3 stopped 6.8% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 0 |
| Wet15 measurements | 13 | The Cinturato C3 stopped 7.6% shorter in the wet (3 tests) | 2 |
| Comfort4 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Value5 measurements | 2 | The Ultrac+ had 6.7% lower rolling resistance (2 tests) | 3 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.4/10 | The Cinturato C3 by 1.0 | 8.4/10 |
| Owner rating19 and 8 reviews | 91% | The Cinturato C3 by 8 points | 83% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | The Cinturato C3 by 12 points | 71% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 35 | 16 sizes made in both | 57 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 3 tests in 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Cinturato C3 | Field | Ultrac+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Motor Summer Tire Test | P1 of 9 | P9 of 9 | |
| The BEST Summer Tires for 2026 Tested and Rated | P1 of 12 | P10 of 12 | |
| 2026 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P2 of 16 | P12 of 16 |
Performance profile
10 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Cinturato C3
Ultrac+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 7 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Cinturato C3
Ultrac+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Cinturato C3
Ultrac+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Cinturato C3 91% from 19 reviews and the Ultrac+ 83% from 8. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Cinturato C3 | Gap | Ultrac+ | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 116 | 6.8% | 125 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 73.29 | 2.2% | 74.96 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| scored | 15.8% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 112 | 7.6% | 122 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 122 | 5.6% | 130 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 69.4 | 4.7% | 72.83 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| scored | 10.3% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 1.7 | 9% | 1.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 12.09 | 5% | 12.72 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 48.4 | 1.5% | 47.7 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 11.4 | 5.7% | 12.1 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| scored | 3.1% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 69.95 | 1.1 dB | 68.9 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 30,199 | 58.8% | 19,014 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 4.54 | 6.7% | 4.25 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 5.7 | 1.8% | 5.6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 79 | 18.6% | 97 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Cinturato C3 scores 9.4 and the Ultrac+ 8.4 out of 10.
| Cinturato C3 | Category | Ultrac+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | Dry | 60 | ||
| 94 | Wet | 74 | ||
| 28 | Comfort | 92 | ||
| 54 | Value | 53 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Cinturato C3 | Category | Ultrac+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.6 | Dry Grip | 8.9 | ||
| 9.6 | Wet Grip | 9.1 | ||
| 9.3 | Road Feedback | 7.9 | ||
| 9.3 | Handling | 7.9 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 7.7 | ||
| 8.3 | Comfort | 8.5 | ||
Owners rate the Cinturato C3 91% from 19 reviews and the Ultrac+ 83% from 8. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Pirelli Cinturato C3
- 91%from 19 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 76,500 milesdriven by reviewers
Across 19 reviews, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is described as a highly confidence-inspiring tire with standout grip, strong wet and dry braking, and sharp, sporty steering that makes cars feel more responsive and secure. Many drivers also report good stability and a generally refined ride, with several praising low wear early on and solid durability impressions. The most repeated drawbacks are higher road noise for some users and a firmer/less plush ride over poor surfaces, with a smaller minority noting worsened fuel economy; one review also flags inconsistent manufacturing finish/quality control.
- Excellent dry and wet grip
- Strong braking and high safety/confidence
- Sharp steering response and sporty handling/turn-in
- Stable, predictable handling and good feedback
- Road noise can be higher than expected (especially on some roads/at low speeds)
- Ride can feel firmer/less forgiving over bumps and potholes
- Some reports of reduced fuel economy/rolling resistance increase
Summarised by AI from 19 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 19 Cinturato C3 reviewsI can say that these tires are the best I have ever had! My previous tires were Bridgestone T001 and Falken FK 510. I am extremely impressed with the comfort and stability of the new Pirelli tires. Their wear in 6000 miles is only 0.7mm! When new the tread is 7.3mm.
Vredestein Ultrac+
- 83%from 8 reviews
- 71%would buy again
- 35,000 milesdriven by reviewers
Across seven reviews, the Vredestein Ultrac+ is described as a strong all-rounder with standout wet-weather security, including very high confidence in heavy rain and good resistance to aquaplaning. Drivers also commonly praise its comfortable ride, generally low cabin noise, and precise, planted handling/steering. Value for money is repeatedly highlighted as a major strength. A smaller subset of users report slightly worse fuel economy/rolling resistance versus some alternatives, and isolated feedback notes higher noise at high motorway speeds on coarse surfaces.
- Excellent wet grip and high-speed rain stability/aquaplaning resistance
- Comfortable ride and good bump absorption
- Generally quiet/low noise (often described as a low hum)
- Precise steering and stable handling
- Slight fuel economy/rolling resistance penalty versus some competitors
Summarised by AI from 7 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 8 Ultrac+ reviewsI xannot recommend these vrederstein tires higly enough. On safety ,fuel economy and dry and wet weather handling and safety . If they have any weakness it would be on tred wear. But at 90 pounds a tire i wil never drive on anything else.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 35 sizes of the Cinturato C3 and 57 of the Ultrac+, 16 of them made in both.
| Category | Cinturato C3 | Ultrac+ |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 35 sizes, 16 to 20 inch | 57 sizes, 15 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 16 sizes 205/55 R16205/55 R17215/55 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17225/60 R17225/65 R17235/65 R17215/50 R18215/55 R18225/55 R18and 4 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | B40%A35%C25% | B50%C45%A3%D1% |
| EU label noise | 66-72 dB B80%A20% | 69-70 dB B100% |
| On the market since | - | 2024 |
| Replaced | Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 (2026) | - |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
Pirelli's Cinturato C3 and Vredestein's Ultrac+ sit in the same “premium touring summer” space on paper, aimed at drivers who want a comfortable, safe tire for everyday use rather than a hardcore UHP track-focused option. The interesting part is that in multiple independent 2026 group tests, they don't perform like near-peers: the Pirelli consistently runs at the front, while the Vredestein tends to land in the lower half or last.
Across three shared tests (Motor, a 13-tire comparative, and ADAC), the pattern is clear: Cinturato C3 is the more complete tire for grip and braking-especially in the wet-whereas the Ultrac+ leans more toward efficiency/refinement metrics (lower rolling resistance and often lower measured noise) and shows flashes of strength in aquaplaning resilience. If your priority is maximum safety margin and all-round pace, this comparison is largely about how much you're willing to trade for comfort/efficiency gains.
Conclusion
If you're buying on objective performance and safety margins, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is the decisive winner. It tops both non-ADAC tests (1/9 and 1/13) and places 2/16 in ADAC, driven by consistently shorter braking distances and higher wet/dry grip. The headline numbers are hard to ignore: in Motor's 225/45 R17 test it stops in 35.7 m vs 39.3 m for the Ultrac+ in dry braking (~9% shorter), and in wet braking it's 43.3 m vs 47.2 m (~8% shorter). ADAC reinforces that advantage while adding a major ownership benefit: predicted wear of 48,600 km for the Pirelli vs 30,600 km for the Vredestein (~59% higher mileage), alongside lower abrasion (79 vs 97 mg/km/t).
The Vredestein Ultrac+ isn't unsafe-it's repeatedly described as acceptable/solid for everyday use-but it's outgunned in the core performance areas that matter most in emergency situations and spirited driving. Its main wins come in measured noise and rolling resistance (e.g., Motor rolling resistance 0.762 vs 0.818 kg/t; the 13-tire test 7.73 vs 8.27 kg/t), and it performs well in curved aquaplaning in the two 225/45 R17 datasets (3.76 vs 3.42 m/s²). However, the same tests highlight weaker lateral wet grip and longer wet braking, and the 13-tire test notes it can overheat and understeer when pushed.
Practical takeaway: choose the Cinturato C3 if you want a “set-and-forget” touring summer tire with top-tier wet/dry stopping power and notably better longevity; choose the Ultrac+ mainly if your priorities skew toward efficiency and potentially quieter running and you drive in a calmer, less demanding style-while accepting a clear reduction in ultimate grip and braking performance.
Cinturato C3 vs Ultrac+: your questions
Is the Pirelli Cinturato C3 or the Vredestein Ultrac+ the better tire?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 finished ahead 3 times and the Ultrac+ not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Cinturato C3 scores 9.4 and the Ultrac+ 8.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Cinturato C3 or the Ultrac+?
The Cinturato C3 led 13 of the 15 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 7.6% shorter in the wet across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Cinturato C3 led 7 of the 7 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 6.8% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Ultrac+ had 6.7% lower rolling resistance (2 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the Cinturato C3 and 7.7/10 for the Ultrac+.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Ultrac+ was 1.1 dB quieter (2 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.3/10 for the Cinturato C3 and 8.5/10 for the Ultrac+.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Cinturato C3 91% from 19 reviews and the Ultrac+ 83% from 8. 83% of Cinturato C3 owners would buy it again, against 71% for the Ultrac+.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Cinturato C3 is made in 35 sizes (16 to 20 inch) and the Ultrac+ in 57 (15 to 20 inch). 16 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Cinturato C3 is graded A for wet grip and B for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Ultrac+ A and B.
More comparisons with these tires
vs
Michelin Primacy 5 vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
1-8 in 9 shared tests
vs
Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
6-3 in 12 shared tests
vs
Michelin Primacy 5 vs Vredestein Ultrac+
3-1 in 4 shared tests
vs
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
2-2 in 4 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
1-4 in 5 shared tests
vs
Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Vredestein Ultrac+
3-0 in 3 shared tests
vs
Falken ZIEX ZE320 vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
2-3 in 5 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs Vredestein Ultrac+
3-0 in 3 shared tests
Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
Discussion