Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Vredestein Ultrac
- TR Score
- 9.0/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 129
- TR Score
- 8.7/10
- Owners say
- 78% · 24
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 finished ahead 7 times and the Ultrac 3 times. The EfficientGrip Performance 2 lasted 145.2% longer in the wear tests; the Ultrac resisted straight aquaplaning at a 5.6% higher speed.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 for high-mileage touring, fuel efficiency, and quiet, balanced road manners. Choose Vredestein Ultrac if your priority is wet-road confidence and aquaplaning security, especially in regions with frequent heavy rain, accepting higher rolling resistance and faster wear.
Where the EfficientGrip Performance 2 is stronger
- Outstanding wear life and abrasion (up to ~153%-194% higher mileage vs Ultrac in ADAC/AutoBild)
- Low rolling resistance and fuel use (often 10-17% lower RR; ~1.7% lower fuel consumption in ADAC)
- Balanced dry/wet handling with low noise and comfort stability
Where the Ultrac is stronger
- Exceptional aquaplaning resistance (wins most straight/curved tests)
- Strong wet dynamics and frequent short wet stops (notably in 205/55 R16)
- Competitive dry braking and lively steering feel in some sizes
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Ultrac at a glance
| Category | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Gap | Ultrac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won10 shared tests | 7 | 3 | |
| Dry16 measurements | 6 | The Ultrac stopped 1.2% shorter in the dry (9 tests) | 9 |
| Wet32 measurements | 8 | The Ultrac resisted straight aquaplaning at a 5.6% higher speed (7 tests) | 21 |
| Comfort8 measurements | 6 | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 was 1.1 dB quieter (7 tests) | 1 |
| Value11 measurements | 11 | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 lasted 145.2% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 0 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.0/10 | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 0.3 | 8.7/10 |
| Owner rating129 and 24 reviews | 85% | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 by 7 points | 78% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 81% | The Ultrac by 2 points | 83% |
| Pricein the 6 tests that listed prices | +16.8% | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 was dearer in 6 of 6 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 37 | 26 sizes made in both | 65 |
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 10 tests, 2022 to 2024
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 | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Field | Ultrac |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Motorhome Summer Tire Test | P5 of 10 | P7 of 10 | |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tire Test | P4 of 20 | P20 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P9 of 16 | P16 of 16 | |
| 2024 Summer Tire Market Overview | P13 of 55 | P3 of 55 | |
| 2023 Motor Summer Tire Test | P5 of 8 | P6 of 8 | |
| Tire Reviews Best Summer Touring Tires | P4 of 13 | P9 of 13 | |
| 2022 AZ SUV Tire Test | P3 of 10 | P2 of 10 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test | P1 of 21 | P14 of 21 | |
| 2022 ADAC Summer Tire Test - 15 Inch | P1 of 16 | P13 of 16 | |
| 2022 Summer Tire Market Overview | P16 of 50 | P3 of 50 |
Performance profile
12 measurements from the 10 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
EfficientGrip Performance 2
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
EfficientGrip Performance 2
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
EfficientGrip Performance 2
Ultrac
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the EfficientGrip Performance 2 85% from 129 reviews and the Ultrac 78% from 24. 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 | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Gap | Ultrac | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 122 | 1.2% | 121 | 1-8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 56.38 | 1.1% | 57 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 59.8 | = | 59.8 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.9% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 134 | 1.9% | 132 | 4-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 126 | 5.2% | 119 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 86.6 | 0.9% | 85.8 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 44.8 | 0.8% | 45.2 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.3% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 14 | 3.8% | 14.5 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.57 | 1.4% | 11.74 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.3 | 5.6% | 52 | 0-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 18.8 | 7.4% | 19.7 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.79 | 1.1 dB | 70.9 | 6-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 34,256 | 145.2% | 14,457 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.42 | 13.2% | 7.41 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | 1.7% | 5.9 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51.9 | 49.5% | 102.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 9 and the Ultrac 8.7 out of 10.
| EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Category | Ultrac | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | Dry | 75 | ||
| 75 | Wet | 89 | ||
| 86 | Comfort | 52 | ||
| 92 | Value | 18 | ||
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
| EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Category | Ultrac | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 8.6 | Wet Grip | 8.1 | ||
| 8 | Road Feedback | 7.5 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 7.6 | ||
| 9.1 | Wear | 6.4 | ||
| 8.5 | Comfort | 8 | ||
Owners rate the EfficientGrip Performance 2 85% from 129 reviews and the Ultrac 78% from 24. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
- 85%from 129 reviews
- 81%would buy again
- 1,831,837 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners largely describe the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 as a quiet, very comfortable touring tire with standout longevity, reflected in the strong average score (81.1%) and the high share of positive reviews (90 of 113). Around four in ten owners specifically praise its tread life, and many also report confident dry and wet grip for everyday road use. The main reservation is that a noticeable minority (around one in five) find the steering feel a bit vague, and a smaller group mention a soft sidewall or occasional stability/feedback issues at speed.
- Low road noise for a touring tire
- Comfortable, supple ride over bumps and poor surfaces
- Excellent tread life and slow wear rate
- Strong dry grip with a safe, dependable feel
- Vague or less direct steering feel
- Soft sidewalls can feel imprecise or allow more movement in corners
- Wet braking can be underwhelming for some drivers
Summarised by AI from 113 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 129 EfficientGrip Performance 2 reviewsThe Goodyear Efficientgrip Performance 2’s were excellent. I like them so much that I’m onto my third pair across two cars. They improved my fuel efficiency significantly, were stubborn to wear away, all while providing reassuring grip whatever the weather. I’d driven over 40k miles on this set and have only just replaced them due to shoulder wear from needing an alignment. No doubt they’d have lasted over 50k miles otherwise! They’re not a budget tire but you soon recoup the added purchase cost through not having to replace as frequently and saving on fuel.
Vredestein Ultrac
- 78%from 24 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 311,516 milesdriven by reviewers
Most drivers rate the Vredestein Ultrac highly, praising its confident wet grip (including aquaplaning resistance), solid dry performance, and comfortable, quiet ride. Handling is described as predictable and safe, with several noting good value versus premium rivals. A minority report faster-than-expected tread wear, and a few mention noise or steering feel, but these are less common. Overall sentiment skews positive given the high number of strong reviews.
- wet grip and aquaplaning resistance
- comfortable ride
- dry grip
- predictable handling/steering
- faster tread wear for some users
Summarised by AI from 20 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 24 Ultrac reviewsThese tires came as stock on my Audi A1. After 40,000 miles and 2 years I have replaced 3 corners with what was my preferred tire, but the rear drivers side still has 4mm of tread left, whereas the rear passenger (this tire) has 3mm left after 1 year and 18k. I would definitely buy these again
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 37 sizes of the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 65 of the Ultrac, 26 of them made in both.
| Category | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Ultrac |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 37 sizes, 15 to 21 inch | 65 sizes, 15 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 26 sizes 185/65 R15195/65 R15195/50 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/45 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/45 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16and 14 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A88%B12% | A85%B15% |
| EU label rolling resistance | A53%B34%C13% | C46%A26%B26%D2% |
| EU label noise | 67-71 dB B52%A48% | 69-71 dB B89%A11% |
| On the market since | - | 2020 |
| Replaced | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance (2021) | - |
| Replaced by | - | Vredestein Ultrac Cento |
| Awards | Highly Recommended: Best Tires for Large Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Commended: Best Tires for Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Summer Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2022) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The EfficientGrip Performance 2 was the dearer tire in 6 of the 6 tests that listed prices, by 16.8% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
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.
This head-to-head puts Goodyear's EfficientGrip Performance 2, a premium touring tire, against Vredestein's Ultrac, a high-performance summer option. Across six shared tests from 2023-2024 in core sizes (205/55 R16 to 225/55 R17), the two tires trade blows in dry and wet, but with distinct philosophies: Goodyear prioritizes balance, efficiency, and longevity; Vredestein leans into dynamic wet grip and aquaplaning security.
Expect the Ultrac to shine when water is deep and speeds are high, with repeated wins in straight and curved aquaplaning and frequent wet-lap pace advantages. Conversely, Goodyear consistently counters with markedly lower rolling resistance, much longer tread life, quieter results in most tests, and strong handling coherence, translating to better overall placements in 5 of 6 tests.
Conclusion
Synthesis across tests shows a clear split: the Ultrac is the wet-weather aggressor, repeatedly excelling in aquaplaning and often in wet braking and handling; the Goodyear is the long-haul specialist, delivering class-leading mileage, low fuel consumption, and balanced control with lower noise. When weighted by overall results, Goodyear comes out ahead in five of six shared tests despite the Ultrac's occasional wet braking wins.
If you drive high annual mileage or value cost-per-kilometer, Goodyear is the standout-AutoBild and ADAC show 2-3x the projected mileage and substantially better efficiency. If your priority is confidence in heavy rain and fast, secure progress through standing water, Vredestein's aquaplaning resistance and wet dynamics give it the edge. The practical takeaway: choose Goodyear for efficiency and longevity without major performance compromises; choose Vredestein for wet-road assurance and driver-focused feel, accepting higher running costs.
EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Ultrac: your questions
Is the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 or the Vredestein Ultrac the better tire?
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 finished ahead 7 times and the Ultrac 3 times. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 9 and the Ultrac 8.7 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 or the Ultrac?
The Ultrac led 21 of the 32 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it resisted straight aquaplaning at a 5.6% higher speed across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Ultrac led 9 of the 16 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.2% shorter in the dry across 9 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The EfficientGrip Performance 2 lasted 145.2% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) and had 13.2% lower rolling resistance (6 tests). Owners rate wear 9.1/10 for the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 6.4/10 for the Ultrac.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The EfficientGrip Performance 2 was 1.1 dB quieter (7 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.5/10 for the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and 8/10 for the Ultrac.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the EfficientGrip Performance 2 85% from 129 reviews and the Ultrac 78% from 24. 81% of EfficientGrip Performance 2 owners would buy it again, against 83% for the Ultrac.
Which is more expensive?
In the 6 tests that listed prices, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 was the dearer tire in 6 of them, by 16.8% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The EfficientGrip Performance 2 is made in 37 sizes (15 to 21 inch) and the Ultrac in 65 (15 to 21 inch). 26 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the EfficientGrip Performance 2 is graded A for wet grip and A for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Ultrac A and C.
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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.
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