Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Semperit Speed Grip 5
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 90% · 15
- TR Score
- 8.5/10
- Owners say
- 92% · 3
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 9 times and the Speed Grip 5 once. The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 17.3% longer in the wear tests; the Speed Grip 5 had 3.4% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 for wet-dominant or mixed winters, safety priority, high annual mileage, and low noise. Choose Semperit Speed-Grip 5 for milder climates with mostly dry/cleared roads, when efficiency (rolling resistance) and purchase price are key.
Where the UltraGrip Performance 3 is stronger
- Outstanding wet safety: shorter wet braking (e.g., 31.7 m vs 33.3 m ADAC 2025) and superior wet handling/circle
- Consistently strong winter performance with better snow/ice balance and aquaplaning resistance
- Excellent longevity and low abrasion (e.g., 76,500 km vs 47,900 km ADAC 2025)
Where the Speed Grip 5 is stronger
- Agile feel on dry handling in several tests (e.g., +0.87% speed in AB 2025)
- Lower rolling resistance in multiple results, aiding fuel efficiency
- Competitive pricing/value in some sizes (e.g., better Price/1000 in AB 2023/2024)
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 Speed Grip 5 at a glance
| Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | Gap | Speed Grip 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won10 shared tests | 9 | 1 | |
| Dry10 measurements | 5 | Level between the two. | 5 |
| Wet32 measurements | 26 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 3.1% shorter in the wet (10 tests) | 6 |
| Snow24 measurements | 16 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 averaged a 2% higher speed on the snow handling course (4 tests) | 7 |
| Ice2 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 7 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 1.8 dB quieter (5 tests) | 0 |
| Value13 measurements | 8 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 17.3% longer in the wear tests (6 tests) | 4 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.5/10 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 1.0 | 8.5/10 |
| Owner rating15 and 3 reviews | 90% | The Speed Grip 5 by 2 points | 92% |
| Pricein the 6 tests that listed prices | +26% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was dearer in 6 of 6 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 175 | 69 sizes made in both | 90 |
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, 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 | Speed Grip 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P5 of 20 | P12 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P9 of 50 | P13 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P5 of 20 | P11 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P3 of 51 | P15 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P1 of 31 | P15 of 31 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P2 of 20 | P3 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P1 of 16 | P4 of 16 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P9 of 55 | P6 of 55 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P2 of 20 | P16 of 20 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P3 of 54 | P19 of 54 |
Performance profile
18 measurements from the 10 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
UltraGrip Performance 3
Speed Grip 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 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 2 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
UltraGrip Performance 3
Speed Grip 5
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
UltraGrip Performance 3
Speed Grip 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the Speed Grip 5 92% from 3. 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 | UltraGrip Performance 3 | Gap | Speed Grip 5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 143 | 3.6% | 149 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.1 | 0.6% | 69.5 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 141 | 3.1% | 145 | 8-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 125 | 1.8% | 128 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50.7 | 4.3% | 48.6 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.7 | 15.4% | 5.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.37 | 2.4% | 12.67 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51.4 | = | 51.5 | 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.4 | 1.6% | 9.3 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 83 | 1% | 84 | 5-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 505 | 2.9% | 489 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36.6 | 2% | 35.9 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.5 | 1.5% | 10.3 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 56 | = | 56 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 14.5% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70 | 1.8 dB | 71.76 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 34,828 | 17.3% | 29,699 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.46 | 3.4% | 8.15 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | = | 5.8 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 52.5 | 15.5% | 62.5 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 UltraGrip Performance 3 scores 9.5 and the Speed Grip 5 8.5 out of 10.
| UltraGrip Performance 3 | Category | Speed Grip 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89 | Dry | 62 | ||
| 95 | Wet | 80 | ||
| 85 | Comfort | 25 | ||
| 70 | Value | 73 | ||
| 87 | Snow | 51 | ||
| 22 | Ice | 32 | ||
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
| UltraGrip Performance 3 | Category | Speed Grip 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 8.8 | Wet Grip | 9.7 | ||
| 8.6 | Road Feedback | 9 | ||
| 8.1 | Handling | 9 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 8.8 | Comfort | 8.3 | ||
| 9.5 | Snow Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 8.1 | Ice Grip | 9.3 | ||
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the Speed Grip 5 92% from 3. 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.
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.
Semperit Speed Grip 5
- 92%from 3 reviews
- 20,500 milesdriven by reviewers
All 3 Speed Grip 5 reviewsSehr guter Winterreifen im mittleren Preissegment. Fahre 100 km täglich durchs Mittelgebirge (Stadt, BAB, Bundesstraßen) und hatte nun alle Bedingungen: Schnee, Eis, Regen, Trockene Fahrbahn. Toller Grip auf Schnee und Eis bedeckten Straßen. Habe mich stehts sicher gefühlt.
215/55 R18 99V XL. Made in France. Neuprofiltiefe gemessene 8,7 mm. Nach 10500 km vorn 8,2 mm, hinten 8,0 mm bei sehr ruhigem, entspanntem Fahrstil. D. h. sehr wenig Verschleiß und hohe zu erwartende Laufleistung. Laufgeräusch ist wie bei allen Winterreifen hörbar, aber nicht sonderlich auffällig.
Bin sehr zufrieden, würde sie wieder kaufen.
Meine vorherigen Reifen Bridgestone LM001 mit 5 mm Profil, 2 Jahre alt, waren auf nasser und trockener Fahrbahn top, hatten aber bei Schnee und Matsch null Grip und drehten durch.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 175 sizes of the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 90 of the Speed Grip 5, 69 of them made in both.
| Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | Speed Grip 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 175 sizes, 14 to 23 inch | 90 sizes, 14 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 69 sizes 185/60 R15185/65 R15195/60 R15195/65 R15185/50 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/45 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/45 R16215/55 R16and 57 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B60%C39%D0%A0% | C76%B24% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C74%B16%D9%A1%E0% | C70%D18%B12% |
| EU label noise | 69-74 dB B87%A13% | 71-75 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 415 of 415 | 137 of 137 |
| On the market since | - | 2021 |
| Replaced | - | Semperit Speed Grip 3 (2017) |
| Awards | Commended: Best Winter Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 6 of the 6 tests that listed prices, by 26% 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 pits Goodyear's ultra-high-performance UltraGrip Performance 3 against Semperit's high-performance Speed-Grip 5 across eight shared professional tests from 2023-2025. Both target European winter use on passenger cars, but they take different routes: Goodyear leans into wet-road security and longevity, while Semperit aims to balance performance with efficiency and price.
Across the dataset, Goodyear consistently finishes higher overall (including ADAC wins in 2024 and 2025) and establishes a clear edge in safety-critical wet and snow metrics. Semperit counters with lower rolling resistance and sharper dry handling feel in several tests, plus a stronger value proposition in certain sizes. The result is a classic premium-versus-value choice shaped by climate and priorities.
Conclusion
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is the more rounded and safety-focused winter tire. It dominates wet braking and handling (wins in 6/8 wet braking and 3/3 wet handling matchups), shows dependable snow capability, runs quieter, and delivers noticeably higher projected mileage (up to +60% in ADAC 2025). If you drive through frequent rain, mixed winter conditions, or value long-term durability, Goodyear is the safer, longer-lasting bet-even at a higher upfront cost.
The Semperit Speed-Grip 5 appeals to budget-minded drivers in milder winters. It often feels a touch more agile on dry roads, posts lower rolling resistance in multiple tests, and can undercut Goodyear on price. However, its weaker wet grip and less stable winter handling limit its suitability for harsher or consistently wet climates. In short: choose Goodyear for maximum all-weather security and longevity; choose Semperit if efficiency, price, and mainly dry/cleared-road use define your winter.
UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Speed Grip 5: your questions
Is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 or the Semperit Speed Grip 5 the better tire?
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 9 times and the Speed Grip 5 once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the UltraGrip Performance 3 scores 9.5 and the Speed Grip 5 8.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the UltraGrip Performance 3 or the Speed Grip 5?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 26 of the 32 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.1% shorter in the wet across 10 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
Across the shared tests the dry measurements are split 5-5 between the UltraGrip Performance 3 and the Speed Grip 5.
Which is better in snow?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 16 of the 24 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 2% higher speed on the snow handling course across 4 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 17.3% longer in the wear tests (6 tests) and shed 15.5% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests); the Speed Grip 5 had 3.4% lower rolling resistance (4 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 9/10 for the Speed Grip 5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 1.8 dB quieter (5 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.8/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 8.3/10 for the Speed Grip 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the Speed Grip 5 92% from 3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 6 tests that listed prices, the UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 6 of them, by 26% 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 Speed Grip 5 in 90 (14 to 21 inch). 69 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 Speed Grip 5 C 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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