Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Kumho Winter Craft WP52
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 90% · 15
- TR Score
- 8.3/10
- Owners say
- 68% · 9
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 7 times and the Winter Craft WP52 once. The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 26% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
For mixed or harsh European winters with frequent rain, slush, and snow, choose Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 for its superior wet/snow security and durability. For budget-conscious drivers in milder, mostly cold/dry conditions with occasional light snow, the Kumho WinterCraft WP52 offers good performance per euro.
Where the UltraGrip Performance 3 is stronger
- Outstanding wet grip and aquaplaning safety (e.g., +22-82% advantage in curved aqua across tests)
- Consistently strong snow braking, traction, and handling (wins majority of snow metrics)
- Excellent longevity and low abrasion (circa +25% wear advantage; lower mg/km/t)
Where the Winter Craft WP52 is stronger
- Compelling price/value and often quieter on-road
- Occasional wins in dry braking/handling depending on size
- Selective standout wet braking results in smaller sizes (e.g., 205/55 R16 −6.4%)
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 Winter Craft WP52 at a glance
| Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | Gap | Winter Craft WP52 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won8 shared tests | 7 | 1 | |
| Dry10 measurements | 4 | 5 | |
| Wet25 measurements | 21 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 held 35.1% more grip in curved aquaplaning (4 tests) | 3 |
| Snow20 measurements | 19 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 3% shorter on snow (8 tests) | 1 |
| Ice1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Comfort4 measurements | 3 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 1 dB quieter (3 tests) | 1 |
| Value7 measurements | 6 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 26% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 1 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.5/10 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 1.2 | 8.3/10 |
| Owner rating15 and 9 reviews | 90% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 22 points | 68% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 100% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 37 points | 63% |
| Pricein the 5 tests that listed prices | +37.2% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was dearer in 5 of 5 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 175 | 53 sizes made in both | 84 |
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 8 tests, 2023 to 2025
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 | Winter Craft WP52 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P3 of 51 | P4 of 51 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test | P2 of 12 | P7 of 12 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P2 of 20 | P15 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P1 of 16 | P12 of 16 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P9 of 55 | P2 of 55 | |
| 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test | P1 of 11 | P7 of 11 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P3 of 54 | P25 of 54 | |
| 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test | P4 of 11 | P9 of 11 |
Performance profile
14 measurements from the 8 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
UltraGrip Performance 3
Winter Craft WP52
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. 11 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
Winter Craft WP52
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
Winter Craft WP52
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9. 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 | Winter Craft WP52 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 141 | 0.3% | 140 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.06 | 0.8% | 71.45 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 65.9 | 0.3% | 65.8 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.3% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 125 | 2.1% | 127 | 6-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 131 | 1.7% | 133 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 58.01 | 3.6% | 60.19 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50.5 | 2.9% | 49 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 14.13 | 2.7% | 14.55 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 53.6 | 6.4% | 50.5 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.2 | 35.1% | 7.8 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 81 | 3% | 83 | 7-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.73 | 4.2% | 5.98 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 437 | 4% | 420 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 84.82 | 2.3% | 86.79 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 37.1 | 1.5% | 36.6 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 3.3% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.3 | 2.3% | 11.1 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 58 | 2.8% | 56 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 11.1% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.47 | 1 dB | 72.43 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 32,622 | 26% | 25,927 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.31 | 4.7% | 8.71 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 55 | 22.5% | 71 | 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 UltraGrip Performance 3 scores 9.5 and the Winter Craft WP52 8.3 out of 10.
| UltraGrip Performance 3 | Category | Winter Craft WP52 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89 | Dry | 93 | ||
| 95 | Wet | 68 | ||
| 85 | Comfort | 21 | ||
| 70 | Value | 72 | ||
| 87 | Snow | 38 | ||
| 22 | Ice | 56 | ||
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 | Winter Craft WP52 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 7.7 | ||
| 8.8 | Wet Grip | 6.8 | ||
| 8.6 | Road Feedback | 6.9 | ||
| 8.1 | Handling | 7.1 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 6.8 | ||
| 8.8 | Comfort | 7.3 | ||
| 9.5 | Snow Grip | 7.3 | ||
| 8.1 | Ice Grip | 5.3 | ||
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9. 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.
Kumho Winter Craft WP52
- 68%from 9 reviews
- 63%would buy again
- 97,000 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers find the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 to deliver strong dry grip and handling with generally good snow traction, making it a solid value purchase. Wet performance is adequate but not standout, with several users noting longer wet braking distances or a vague feel. Noise can be higher than average for some, though overall comfort is acceptable. Overall sentiment is moderately positive with a few recurring caveats in the wet.
- dry grip and handling
- snow traction
- value for money
- average-to-weak wet braking/grip
- increased road noise
Summarised by AI from 6 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 9 Winter Craft WP52 reviewsThey were not at all suitable for my car, which has a diesel engine and higher torque. I drive mostly in the city, and they showed signs of fraying as early as the first winter. I experienced the same issue with Hankook tires in the past. For those who drive a more powerful car or one with high torque, I would recommend something that holds up better to conditions in cities with less snow.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 175 sizes of the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 84 of the Winter Craft WP52, 53 of them made in both.
| Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | Winter Craft WP52 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 175 sizes, 14 to 23 inch | 84 sizes, 13 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 53 sizes 175/65 R14175/65 R15185/60 R15185/65 R15195/60 R15195/65 R15185/50 R16185/55 R16185/60 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/45 R16and 41 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B60%C39%D0%A0% | B86%A14% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C74%B16%D9%A1%E0% | C67%D30%B3% |
| EU label noise | 69-74 dB B87%A13% | 71-72 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 415 of 415 | 298 of 298 |
| Replaced | - | Kumho Winter Craft WP51 |
| Awards | Commended: Best Winter Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 5 of the 5 tests that listed prices, by 37.2% 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 two very different winter tires against each other: Goodyear's UltraGrip Performance 3, an ultra-high-performance option aimed at drivers who demand top-tier control, versus Kumho's WinterCraft WP52, a value-led premium-touring tire. Across eight shared tests from 2023-2025 and sizes spanning 16-18 inches, both tires show competence, but their priorities diverge.
Goodyear consistently converts performance into results, winning 7 of the 8 comparisons and leading most safety-critical metrics, especially on wet and snow. Kumho counters with sharp pricing, decent dry manners in some sizes, and competitive wet braking in selected tests-enough to tempt budget-minded buyers who drive mainly in milder winter conditions.
Conclusion
The UltraGrip Performance 3 establishes a clear edge where it matters most in winter: wet control and snow capability. It repeatedly delivers shorter wet stops (e.g., −8% vs Kumho in 2023 225/45 R18) and stronger aquaplaning safety (often double-digit percentage gains), while also showing superior snow braking/traction and notably longer wear life (circa +25% in ADAC/Auto Bild). Its only real drawbacks are a higher purchase price and, in some tests, mid-pack rolling resistance rather than class-leading.
The WinterCraft WP52 offers solid all-round behavior for the money, with occasional wins in dry and isolated wet-braking results (notably 205/55 R16 in 2024, −6.4% vs Goodyear) and generally low noise. However, its recurring weakness in aquaplaning and wet handling, plus lower mileage, limit its safety margin and long-term value in harsher, wetter winters. Choose Goodyear for the most secure four-season winter coverage and longevity; pick Kumho if price is paramount and your winter is mostly cold/dry with infrequent heavy rain.
UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Winter Craft WP52: your questions
Is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 or the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 the better tire?
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 7 times and the Winter Craft WP52 once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the UltraGrip Performance 3 scores 9.5 and the Winter Craft WP52 8.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the UltraGrip Performance 3 or the Winter Craft WP52?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 21 of the 25 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 35.1% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 4 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Winter Craft WP52 led 5 of the 10 dry measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in snow?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 19 of the 20 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3% shorter on snow across 8 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 26% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) and had 4.7% lower rolling resistance (4 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 6.8/10 for the Winter Craft WP52.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 1 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.8/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 7.3/10 for the Winter Craft WP52.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9. 100% of UltraGrip Performance 3 owners would buy it again, against 63% for the Winter Craft WP52.
Which is more expensive?
In the 5 tests that listed prices, the UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 5 of them, by 37.2% 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 Winter Craft WP52 in 84 (13 to 21 inch). 53 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 Winter Craft WP52 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.
Review the UltraGrip Performance 3 Review the Winter Craft WP52
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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