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Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

Winter Passenger Car 18 shared tests
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
TR Score
9.5/10
Owners say
90% · 15
Head to head 3-14 wins in 18 shared tests, 1 level 2023-2026 · 8 publications
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
TR Score
9.5/10
Owners say
87% · 33

In the 18 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished ahead 14 times and the UltraGrip Performance 3 3 times, with one level. The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 5.9% longer in the wear tests; the Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 2% shorter in the dry.

Data updated

Which should you buy?

If you regularly drive on snow/ice (mountain regions, frequent sub-zero mornings, unploughed roads), pick the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 for its consistently superior snow/ice braking and traction plus strong dry performance. If your winters are mainly wet, slushy and above-freezing-and you want maximum wet braking confidence with better value and often longer wear-choose the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Where the UltraGrip Performance 3 is stronger

  • Wet-road safety bias: more frequent wins in wet braking (12 vs 4) and strong wet handling/wet circle pace across multiple Auto Bild and sportscar tests
  • Often stronger aquaplaning security in bends, including some large advantages (e.g., Auto Bild Winter 2025 curved aquaplaning 2.65 vs 2.23 m/s²)
  • Ownership value: repeatedly better value metrics and strong wear/mileage projections (e.g., ADAC 2025: 76,500 km vs 67,000 km; Auto Bild Winter 2025 value index advantage)
Everything on the UltraGrip Performance 3

Where the Pilot Alpin 5 is stronger

  • Snow performance leadership: overwhelmingly more wins in snow braking (15 vs 1) plus frequent wins in snow traction and snow handling
  • Dry-road braking authority and strong dry dynamics: dominates dry braking win-count (11 vs 2) and regularly tops dry handling or stays at the sharp end (e.g., Auto Bild Sportscars 2026 dry braking 40.8 m vs 42.5 m)
  • Broader winter-condition security including ice: can open meaningful gaps on ice braking/traction in the most grip-limited tests (e.g., 2024/25 performance winter test ice braking ~14.6% advantage)
Everything on the Pilot Alpin 5

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.

UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Pilot Alpin 5 at a glance

Category UltraGrip Performance 3 Gap Pilot Alpin 5
Shared tests won18 shared tests 3 1 level 14
Dry32 measurements 8 The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 2% shorter in the dry (14 tests) 24
Wet71 measurements 49 The UltraGrip Performance 3 held a 8.9% higher speed on the wet circle (3 tests) 20
Snow58 measurements 8 The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 2.5% shorter on snow (17 tests) 47
Ice4 measurements 0 The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 8.5% shorter on ice (2 tests) 4
Comfort21 measurements 5 10
Value22 measurements 9 11
Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold 9.5/10 Level 9.5/10
Owner rating15 and 33 reviews 90% The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 3 points 87%
Would buy againshare of owners 100% The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 16 points 84%
Pricein the 16 tests that listed prices Cheaper The Pilot Alpin 5 was dearer in 16 of 16 +9.9%
Sizes madeEU label registrations 175 64 sizes made in both 81

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 18 tests, 2023 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 UltraGrip Performance 3 Field Pilot Alpin 5
2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 2026 · 245/45 R19 · BMW 5 Series P5 of 20 P1 of 20
2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars · 2026 · 225/45 R18 · BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé and BMW M240i P3 of 12 P1 of 12
2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets Auto Bild · 2026 · 245/45 R19 · BMW 5 Series P9 of 50 P3 of 50
2026 Auto Bild Allrad SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad · 2026 · 225/55 R18 · BMW X1 P4 of 10 P2 of 10
2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tire Test Teknikens Varld · 2026 · 235/45 R18 · Volvo V60 (petrol)Central European Winter Tires P3 of 6 P1 of 6
2025 High Performance Winter Tire Test Sport Auto · 2025 · 275/35 R19 · BMW M3 P3 of 6 P1 of 6
2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test Auto Zeitung · 2025 · 245/45 R19 · BMW 520d Touring P1 of 10 P2 of 10
2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 2025 · 225/40 R18 · BMW M135i P5 of 20 P1 of 20
2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! Auto Bild · 2025 · 225/40 R18 P3 of 51 P2 of 51
2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test ADAC · 2025 · 225/40 R18 P1 of 31 P2 of 31
2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad · 2024 · 245/45 R18 P2 of 12 P1 of 12
2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars · 2024 · 235/35 R19 P2 of 10 P1 of 10
The BEST Performance Winter Tires for 2024 / 2025 Tire Reviews · 2024 · 235/35 R19 Tire Reviews test P3 of 6 P1 of 6
2023 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test Sport Auto · 2023 · 225/40 R18 P2 of 9 P3 of 9
2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars · 2023 · 225/40 R18 P1 of 11 P1 of 11
2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 2023 · 225/45 R18 P2 of 20 P1 of 20
2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test Auto Bild · 2023 · 225/45 R18 P3 of 54 P2 of 54
2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test Tire Reviews · 2023 · 225/45 R18 Tire Reviews test P4 of 11 P1 of 11

Performance profile

26 measurements from the 18 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.

Dry BrakingDry Handling (s)Dry Handling (mph)Subj. Dry HandlingWet BrakingWet Handling (s)Wet Handling (mph)Subj. Wet HandlingWet Circle (mph)Wet Circle (s)Straight AquaCurved AquaplaningSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow Traction (lbf)Snow HandlingSnow Handling (mph)Subj. Snow HandlingSnow CircleSnow SlalomIce BrakingSubj. ComfortNoiseWearRolling ResistanceFuel Consumption

Where each is furthest ahead

UltraGrip Performance 3

Pilot Alpin 5

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 94%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 8 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.

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 UltraGrip Performance 3 Gap Pilot Alpin 5 Wins
140 2% 137 2-12
78.55 0.7% 78.01 1-2
68.4 0.7% 68.9 2-8
scored 14.7% scored 2-1
scored 16.7% scored 1-0
45.4 1.4% 46 0-1
135 0.6% 136 12-5
91 1% 91 1-0
120 0.8% 121 1-0
83.75 0.4% 84.27 2-1
50.6 1.1% 50 8-2
scored 8.1% scored 2-0
14 8.9% 13.4 3-0
13.6 0.6% 13.69 5-1
51.7 = 51.7 8-7
8.5 4.2% 8.2 7-4
85 2.5% 83 1-16
5.55 3.4% 5.36 0-2
521 1.1% 533 2-9
77.79 0.8% 77.18 0-3
36.9 0.8% 37.2 0-8
scored 0.2% scored 1-3
11.2 0.6% 11.1 1-1
12.2 1.1% 12.3 3-5
46 8.5% 42 0-2
5.14 12.5% 4.5 0-1
scored 25% scored 0-1
scored 2.5% scored 1-3
71 0.2 dB 70.76 4-7
34,182 5.9% 32,163 3-2
8.38 0.2% 8.34 5-8
5.89 1.7% 6 1-0
50 = 50 0-0
0.14 11.4% 0.12 0-1

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 UltraGrip Performance 3 scores 9.5 and the Pilot Alpin 5 9.5 out of 10.

Tire Reviews Score by category
UltraGrip Performance 3 Category Pilot Alpin 5
89Dry 99
95Wet 90
85Comfort 89
70Value 59
87Snow 92
22Ice 80

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

What owners rate
UltraGrip Performance 3 Category Pilot Alpin 5
8.6Dry Grip 9
8.8Wet Grip 9
8.6Road Feedback 8.8
8.1Handling 8.9
9Wear 9
8.8Comfort 8.3
9.5Snow Grip 9
8.1Ice Grip 8

Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.

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.

This 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.

94% Cupra Leon 225/40 R18 15,000 miles October 22, 2026
All 15 UltraGrip Performance 3 reviews

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

  • 87%from 33 reviews
  • 84%would buy again
  • 357,850 milesdriven by reviewers

Owners rate the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 highly overall (average 82.7%), with the clearest consensus around strong snow traction and unusually capable dry-road performance for a winter tire. Wet grip also earns plenty of praise, and a smaller group highlights sharp steering feel and secure snow handling. Complaints are more mixed, but around a quarter of owners mention either firmer-than-expected ride comfort or disappointing ice performance, and a smaller minority report noticeable road noise and weak slush behavior.

  • Strong snow traction and confidence in winter conditions
  • Outstanding dry grip for a winter tire
  • Very good wet grip
  • Secure, sporty handling on dry roads
  • Ice grip can be poor and unpredictable for some
  • Firm or bumpy ride comfort for a winter tire
  • Noticeable road noise at speed

Summarised by AI from 27 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.

Great tire, i replaced my GY Ultragrip performance 3 with this and i can say they are even better on snow than GY. Where Michelin lacks to GY is on wet. I find goodyear a bit better on wet surfaces but both tires are excepional.

96% Cupra Leon 225/40 R18 5,000 miles October 22, 2026
All 33 Pilot Alpin 5 reviews

Sizes, EU label and lineage

From the EU label registrations for each tire: 175 sizes of the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 81 of the Pilot Alpin 5, 64 of them made in both.

Category UltraGrip Performance 3 Pilot Alpin 5
Season Winter Winter
Sizes made 175 sizes, 14 to 23 inch 81 sizes, 16 to 23 inch
Made in both 64 sizes 205/60 R16215/65 R16225/50 R17235/45 R17235/55 R17215/40 R18215/50 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18225/50 R18225/55 R18235/40 R18and 52 more
EU label wet grip B60%C39%D0%A0% B58%C40%D2%
EU label rolling resistance C74%B16%D9%A1%E0% C60%D30%B9%
EU label noise 69-74 dB B87%A13% 68-75 dB B70%A30%
Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes 415 of 415 96 of 96
On the market since - 2017
Replaced - Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 (2012)
Awards Commended: Best Winter Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) -
Price in the shared tests The Pilot Alpin 5 was the dearer tire in 16 of the 16 tests that listed prices, by 9.9% 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.

Goodyear's UltraGrip Performance 3 and Michelin's Pilot Alpin 5 sit in the same “performance winter” niche: tires designed for drivers who still want crisp steering and stable high-speed behavior, but need genuine winter capability. Across 17 shared professional tests (multiple sizes and both car/SUV fitments), they repeatedly trade blows depending on the surface: Michelin tends to build its results around snow and dry-road authority, while Goodyear often looks tuned for wet-road confidence and running costs.

The headline outcome is clear in the aggregate results: the Pilot Alpin 5 takes 13 overall wins versus 3 for the UltraGrip Performance 3 (with 1 draw). But that top-line hides an important consumer reality-if your “winter” is frequently wet and slushy rather than consistently snowy, the Goodyear's repeated wet-braking and wet-handling advantages can matter more day-to-day than Michelin's snow-edge.

Conclusion

Across the shared tests, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is the more consistently top-scoring tire overall, largely because it repeatedly dominates the winter-specific disciplines and pairs that with strong dry-road braking/handling. The pattern is stark on snow: Michelin wins snow braking 15 times to Goodyear's 1, and it is also ahead most of the time in snow traction and snow handling. Typical margins aren't huge, but they're persistent-e.g., in Auto Bild Winter 2025 (225/40 R18) Michelin stops 0.7 m shorter on snow (27.8 m vs 28.5 m), while in Auto Bild Sportscars 2024 (235/35 R19) the gap grows to 1.4 m (30.2 m vs 31.6 m). In more extreme low-grip conditions, the Michelin can separate more clearly: in the 2024/25 performance winter test it led ice braking by ~14.6% (9.46 m vs 11.08 m).

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 earns its wins with wet-road security and cost-of-ownership strengths. It leads wet braking more often (12 wins vs 4) and frequently posts faster wet handling/wet circle results; in several Auto Bild and sportscar tests it also shows notably stronger resistance to curved aquaplaning (e.g., Auto Bild Winter 2025: 2.65 vs 2.23 m/s², ~19% advantage). Add in repeated advantages in value metrics and wear projections (e.g., ADAC 2025: 76,500 km vs 67,000 km; Auto Bild Winter 2025 value index advantage), and the Goodyear becomes the smarter pick for mild, rainy winters and high annual mileage.

Practical takeaway: choose the Pilot Alpin 5 if you prioritize maximum snow/ice safety margin and consistently strong dry performance (and you can accept the premium price). Choose the UltraGrip Performance 3 if your winter is predominantly wet, you want the most reassuring wet braking/handling behavior, and you care about long-life/value-accepting that in frequent deep-snow or icy scenarios, Michelin's extra winter bite is the safer bet.

UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Pilot Alpin 5: your questions

Is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 or the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 the better tire?

In the 18 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished ahead 14 times and the UltraGrip Performance 3 3 times, with one level. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the UltraGrip Performance 3 scores 9.5 and the Pilot Alpin 5 9.5 out of 10.

Which is better in the wet, the UltraGrip Performance 3 or the Pilot Alpin 5?

The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 49 of the 71 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held a 8.9% higher speed on the wet circle across 3 tests.

Which is better in the dry?

The Pilot Alpin 5 led 24 of the 32 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2% shorter in the dry across 14 tests.

Which is better in snow?

The Pilot Alpin 5 led 47 of the 58 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.5% shorter on snow across 17 tests.

Which lasts longer and costs less to run?

The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 5.9% longer in the wear tests (5 tests) and used 1.7% less fuel (2 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 9/10 for the Pilot Alpin 5.

Which is quieter and more comfortable?

Owners rate comfort 8.8/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 8.3/10 for the Pilot Alpin 5.

What do owners say?

Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33. 100% of UltraGrip Performance 3 owners would buy it again, against 84% for the Pilot Alpin 5.

Which is more expensive?

In the 16 tests that listed prices, the Pilot Alpin 5 was the dearer tire in 16 of them, by 9.9% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.

Are they available in the same sizes?

The UltraGrip Performance 3 is made in 175 sizes (14 to 23 inch) and the Pilot Alpin 5 in 81 (16 to 23 inch). 64 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the UltraGrip Performance 3 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Pilot Alpin 5 B and C.

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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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