Barum Polaris 6 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
- TR Score
- 8.6/10
- Owners say
- 81% · 6
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 90% · 15
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 4 times and the Polaris 6 once. The Polaris 6 stopped 1% shorter on snow; the UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 12.8% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 for the safest, most confidence-inspiring winter tire in wet/slushy climates and for higher-mileage drivers who value aquaplaning resistance and consistent wet braking. Choose the Barum Polaris 6 if you're on a tighter budget, regularly face packed snow/ice, and can accept weaker wet/dry dynamics in exchange for strong wintry traction, lower upfront cost, and low rolling resistance.
Where the Polaris 6 is stronger
- Strong snow performance: wins snow braking in all shared tests and leads snow traction where measured
- Better ice braking in ADAC 2026 (20.2 m vs 22.6 m)
- Lower purchase-price/value metrics in both ADAC and AutoBild (better cost per performance/km)
Where the UltraGrip Performance 3 is stronger
- Class-leading wet safety: consistently shorter wet braking (e.g., 36.5 vs 39.8 m in ADAC; 32.6 vs 35.1 m in braking mega-test)
- Much stronger aquaplaning resistance (e.g., +14.8% straight aquaplaning and +30% curved in ADAC)
- Typically longer wear life and lower environmental wear/abrasion (e.g., 53,000 vs 45,050 km in AutoBild; 77 vs 108 mg/km/t in ADAC)
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.
Polaris 6 vs UltraGrip Performance 3 at a glance
| Category | Polaris 6 | Gap | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won5 shared tests | 1 | 4 | |
| Dry5 measurements | 1 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 4.5% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 4 |
| Wet16 measurements | 0 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 4.6% shorter in the wet (5 tests) | 16 |
| Snow12 measurements | 8 | The Polaris 6 stopped 1% shorter on snow (5 tests) | 4 |
| Ice1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Comfort5 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Value7 measurements | 2 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 12.8% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 5 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.6/10 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 0.9 | 9.5/10 |
| Owner rating6 and 15 reviews | 81% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 9 points | 90% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 60% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 40 points | 100% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was dearer in 4 of 4 | +28.8% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 92 | 63 sizes made in both | 175 |
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 5 tests, 2025 to 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 | Polaris 6 | Field | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P10 of 20 | P5 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P7 of 50 | P9 of 50 | |
| 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 | P8 of 16 | P6 of 16 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P8 of 20 | P5 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P10 of 51 | P3 of 51 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 5 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Polaris 6
UltraGrip Performance 3
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. 4 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Polaris 6
UltraGrip Performance 3
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
Polaris 6
UltraGrip Performance 3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15. 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 | Polaris 6 | Gap | UltraGrip Performance 3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 153 | 4.5% | 146 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.7 | 0.1% | 69.8 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 149 | 4.6% | 143 | 0-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 146 | 10.1% | 132 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.4 | 4.5% | 51.6 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.76 | 4.3% | 12.21 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51.1 | 7.6% | 54.9 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.5 | 20.9% | 10.4 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 82 | 1% | 83 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 788 | 1.7% | 782 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 35.4 | 1.7% | 36 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.2 | 1.2% | 10.3 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 66 | 10.6% | 74 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 7.1% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 68.73 | 0.3 dB | 69.03 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 25,901 | 12.8% | 29,267 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.22 | 2.3% | 8.46 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.3 | 3.6% | 5.5 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 108 | 28.7% | 77 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Polaris 6 scores 8.6 and the UltraGrip Performance 3 9.5 out of 10.
| Polaris 6 | Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Dry | 89 | ||
| 61 | Wet | 95 | ||
| 87 | Comfort | 85 | ||
| 77 | Value | 70 | ||
| 80 | Snow | 87 | ||
| 79 | Ice | 22 | ||
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
| Polaris 6 | Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.8 | Dry Grip | 8.6 | ||
| 8.5 | Wet Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 8.5 | Road Feedback | 8.6 | ||
| 8.5 | Handling | 8.1 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 8.5 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 9.5 | ||
| 8 | Ice Grip | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Barum Polaris 6
- 81%from 6 reviews
- 60%would buy again
- 21,100 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report that the Barum Polaris 6 offers excellent value, with notably low noise levels and a very comfortable, smooth ride. High-scoring reviews also praise its generally confident on-road behavior and good overall performance for the price. A recurring minority concern is a very soft, wobbly/bouncy feel that can reduce confidence compared with firmer, sportier tires.
- very quiet/low road noise
- comfortable, smooth ride quality
- strong value for money/affordability
- generally stable and precise enough in normal driving
- soft, wobbly/bouncy feel that can reduce confidence
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 6 Polaris 6 reviewsThis year I decided to replace my original Michelin CrossClimates in the front axel, since the CCs started to crack at the edges, as many have reported. I also wanted a more winter biased tire, since I live in a Nordic country. I chose BP 6 after reading many reviews and because they seemed to have a good price/performance ratio. I haven't had a chance to drive a lot, so I can't give a very detailed analyzes. My first impressions are pretty good. There is more grip on snow and ice compared to CC. However the tire is softer than CC, but also wierdly bouncier. Since I drive a rear driven car, I don't feel comfortable inflating fronts more, than rears, but this is something I am considering in order to make the tire more drivable.
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
- 90%from 15 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 62,800 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers rate the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 very highly, praising its excellent grip and braking on dry and wet roads, strong traction in snow, and a quiet, comfortable, and predictable ride. Handling is often described as stable and confidence-inspiring, with several noting good highway manners. A minority mention weaker performance on pure ice and a softer, less sporty steering feel at the limit. Overall sentiment is strongly positive with only a few caveats.
- strong dry grip and braking
- excellent wet grip and braking
- very good snow traction
- quiet and comfortable ride
- limited grip on pure ice compared to some rivals
- softer steering feel and less sporty lateral grip at high speeds
Summarised by AI from 12 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 15 UltraGrip Performance 3 reviewsThis is exceptional tire in winter i swapped it now with Michelin PA 5 which is even better on snow but lucks a bit on wet. But you cant go wrong with niether of those. I cant wait Michelin s to worn out so i can try pirelli.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 92 sizes of the Polaris 6 and 175 of the UltraGrip Performance 3, 63 of them made in both.
| Category | Polaris 6 | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 92 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 175 sizes, 14 to 23 inch |
| Made in both | 63 sizes 175/65 R14175/65 R15185/60 R15185/65 R15195/60 R15195/65 R15185/55 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/45 R16and 51 more | |
| EU label wet grip | C89%D11% | B60%C39%D0%A0% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C50%D35%B16% | C74%B16%D9%A1%E0% |
| EU label noise | 71-73 dB B100% | 69-74 dB B87%A13% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 109 of 109 | 415 of 415 |
| Awards | - | Commended: Best Winter Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) |
| Price in the shared tests | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 28.8% 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.
Barum's Polaris 6 and Goodyear's UltraGrip Performance 3 sit at very different points in the winter-tire market. The Barum is a value-focused touring winter tire (Continental's budget brand) aimed at everyday drivers who want winter capability at a lower purchase price and low running costs. The Goodyear is a premium, ultra-high-performance winter tire designed to prioritize safety and control-especially in challenging wet winter conditions.
Across three shared tests (including ADAC 2026 in 185/65 R15 and two 225/40 R18 comparisons), the pattern is consistent: Goodyear repeatedly dominates wet braking and aquaplaning metrics, while Barum repeatedly edges the snow and ice traction/braking figures. The catch is how these strengths translate into real-world safety depending on your climate and how much of your winter driving is wet, dry, or truly wintry (snow/ice).
Conclusion
If you mostly deal with wet, mild winters (rain, slush, standing water) and want the safest all-rounder, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is the clearer pick. It is consistently and meaningfully better in the wet: for example in ADAC 2026 it stops 3.3 m shorter in wet braking (36.5 m vs 39.8 m) and is dramatically stronger against aquaplaning (98.6 vs 85.9 km/h straight aquaplaning; 4.3 vs 3.3 m/s² in curved). That wet advantage repeats in the 225/40 R18 test set too (32.6 m vs 35.1 m wet braking in the 52-tire braking test). It also tends to last longer (e.g., 53,000 km vs 45,050 km in AutoBild) with lower abrasion (77 vs 108 mg/km/t in ADAC), helping justify the premium price.
The Barum Polaris 6 makes its case if your winter is genuinely snowy/icy, you're cost-sensitive, and you can accept weaker wet and dry-road behavior. It repeatedly wins snow braking (3/3 shared tests) and snow traction (2/2 where measured), and in ADAC it even beats Goodyear on ice braking (20.2 m vs 22.6 m). It's also consistently cheaper on “value” metrics and tends to be quieter and more fuel-efficient/low rolling resistance. The practical takeaway: Goodyear is the safer, more rounded choice for most drivers because wet grip and aquaplaning margins are large; Barum is the budget snow specialist, but its wet/dry compromises mean it's best chosen only when price and snow/ice performance are your top priorities.
Polaris 6 vs UltraGrip Performance 3: your questions
Is the Barum Polaris 6 or the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 the better tire?
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 4 times and the Polaris 6 once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Polaris 6 scores 8.6 and the UltraGrip Performance 3 9.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Polaris 6 or the UltraGrip Performance 3?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 16 of the 16 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.6% shorter in the wet across 5 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 4 of the 5 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.5% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Polaris 6 led 8 of the 12 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1% shorter on snow across 5 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 12.8% longer in the wear tests (3 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the Polaris 6 and 9/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.5/10 for the Polaris 6 and 8.8/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15. 60% of Polaris 6 owners would buy it again, against 100% for the UltraGrip Performance 3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 28.8% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Polaris 6 is made in 92 sizes (14 to 20 inch) and the UltraGrip Performance 3 in 175 (14 to 23 inch). 63 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Polaris 6 is graded C for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the UltraGrip Performance 3 B 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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