Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Vredestein Ultrac
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.
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been ten tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 | seven | |
| Vredestein Ultrac | three |
While it might look like the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is better than the Vredestein Ultrac purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- 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
- Consistent overall test results (5 of 6 higher placements)
- 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
- Lower purchase price in several markets/sizes
Dry Braking
Looking at data from nine tire tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during eight dry braking tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac stopped the vehicle in 1.18% less distance than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Dry Braking: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during three dry handling [s] tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was 1.09% faster around a lap than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac was 0.07% faster around a lap than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 scored 5.56% more points than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from nine tire tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during five wet braking tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac stopped the vehicle in 1.59% less distance than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Wet Braking: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac stopped the vehicle in 5.22% less distance than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac was 0.92% faster around a wet lap than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac was 0.87% faster around a wet lap than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac scored 5% more points than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was 1.45% faster around a wet circle than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Wet Circle: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during seven straight aqua tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac floated at a 5.2% higher speed than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Straight Aqua: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during four curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac slipped out at a 4.5% higher speed than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 and Vredestein Ultrac performed equally well in subj. comfort tests.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during six noise tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 measured 1.57% quieter than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Noise: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during three wear tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is predicted to cover 57.8% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Wear: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during one value tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 has a 52.45% better value based on dollars per 1000 warranted miles than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Value: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during six price tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac cost 11.6% less than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
Best In Price: Vredestein Ultrac
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during six rolling resistance tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 had a 13.36% lower rolling resistance than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 used 1.69% less fuel than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 emitted 49.46% less particle wear matter than the Vredestein Ultrac.
Best In Abrasion: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 Driver Reviews
Across 101 reviews, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is most often praised as a premium touring tire with outstanding longevity, strong day-to-day grip (dry and frequently wet), and a noticeably quiet, comfortable ride with good fuel economy. Many drivers report very high mileages with slow, even wear and stable motorway manners, making it especially popular for high-mileage commuting and taxi/fleet use. A smaller but recurring set of complaints centers on a soft sidewall feel (vague/"spongy" steering, tramlining or less confidence when pushed) and, for some users, increased or unusually high road noise as the tire ages; a minority also note weaker wet braking/traction than expected.
Based on 112 reviews with an average rating of 85%
Vredestein Ultrac Driver Reviews
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.
Based on 23 reviews with an average rating of 77%
Conclusion
If you drive high annual mileage or value cost-per-kilometre, 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.
Key Differences
- Longevity: Goodyear's projected mileage is 2-3x Vredestein in major tests (AutoBild/ADAC).
- Efficiency: Goodyear repeatedly posts lower rolling resistance (≈10-17%) and slightly lower fuel use.
- Aquaplaning: Vredestein clearly leads in straight and curved aquaplaning across tests.
- Wet performance nuance: Vredestein often stops shorter and laps faster in 205/55 R16; Goodyear is closer or ahead in some mixed metrics and sizes.
- Noise/comfort: Goodyear is typically quieter; Vredestein can be louder externally.
- Value profile: Despite a higher purchase price at times, Goodyear's cost-per-1,000 km is far lower; Vredestein's lower upfront price comes with higher running costs.
Overall Winner: Vredestein Ultrac
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Vredestein Ultrac has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Vredestein Ultrac Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Footnote
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.