Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 90% · 15
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 91% · 6
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 4 times and the WinterCraft WP52+ once. The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 8.9% longer in the wear tests; the WinterCraft WP52+ stopped 2.2% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 for stronger aquaplaning resistance, wet cornering and generally longer predicted life. Choose the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ if shorter dry braking and lower cost per kilometer matter more.
Where the UltraGrip Performance 3 is stronger
- Stronger aquaplaning resistance in all three full tests
- Quicker wet handling in both Auto Bild winter tests
- Longer predicted life in three of four wear tests
Where the WinterCraft WP52+ is stronger
- Shorter dry braking in all four full tests
- Lower cost per kilometer in all four reporting tests
- Third overall in Auto Bild's 2025 winter test
Conclusion
Goodyear finishes higher in four of the five shared tests, but the margins and disciplines matter. Its ninth against Kumho's tenth in Auto Bild's 2026 50-set braking test is a narrow overall result, with small, opposing wet and snow braking gaps. Its clearest repeated advantage is aquaplaning resistance: it leads on both straight and curved measures in the three full tests that report them. The gap is particularly large in ADAC's 2026 185/65 R15 test, and AvD also notes Kumho's weaker protection in standing water. Goodyear is quicker through the wet handling courses in both Auto Bild winter tests. Wet braking is less settled: Kumho stops about 3% shorter in ADAC's 2026 test, while Goodyear stops about 3% shorter in Auto Bild's 2025 test.
Kumho's most consistent grip advantage is dry braking. It stops shorter in all four full tests, by about 4% in Auto Bild's 2026 winter test and narrower margins elsewhere. That is not a general dry-handling lead: the pair are effectively level on Auto Bild's 2025 course, and ADAC criticises both tires' dry-road precision in the small size. Goodyear's snow braking leads in the 2026 tests are small; Kumho has the stronger snow traction and handling figures in Auto Bild's 2025 test. Goodyear is quieter in Auto Bild's 2026 and ADAC's 2026 tests, and its predicted tread life is longer in both full Auto Bild tests and AvD's 2026 test. ADAC's small-size result is an unusual reversal, with Kumho lasting 25% longer.
Kumho costs less per kilometer in every test that measures it, despite usually having the shorter predicted life. It also finishes ahead overall in Auto Bild's 2025 test, third against fifth. Goodyear is the more consistent choice for wet cornering, standing-water protection and, in most tested sizes, wear life. Kumho makes more sense for a driver who puts dry stopping distances and lower running cost first, while accepting less consistent aquaplaning protection.
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 WinterCraft WP52+ at a glance
| Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | Gap | WinterCraft WP52+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won5 shared tests | 4 | 1 | |
| Dry6 measurements | 1 | The WinterCraft WP52+ stopped 2.2% shorter in the dry (4 tests) | 5 |
| Wet16 measurements | 12 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 held 17% more grip in curved aquaplaning (3 tests) | 4 |
| Snow12 measurements | 7 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 0.9% shorter on snow (5 tests) | 5 |
| Ice1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Comfort5 measurements | 4 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 1.5 dB quieter (3 tests) | 0 |
| Value9 measurements | 7 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 8.9% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) | 2 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.5/10 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 0.2 | 9.3/10 |
| Owner rating15 and 6 reviews | 90% | Too close to call | 91% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 100% | Too close to call | 100% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +50.3% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was dearer in 4 of 4 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 175 | 65 sizes made in both | 115 |
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 | UltraGrip Performance 3 | Field | WinterCraft WP52+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P5 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P9 of 50 | P10 of 50 | |
| 2026 AvD Winter Tire Test | P3 of 15 | P6 of 15 | |
| 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 | P6 of 16 | P12 of 16 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P5 of 20 | P3 of 20 |
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
UltraGrip Performance 3
WinterCraft 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 95%: 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
UltraGrip Performance 3
WinterCraft 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
WinterCraft WP52+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the WinterCraft WP52+ 91% from 6. 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 | WinterCraft WP52+ | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 145 | 2.2% | 141 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.8 | 0.3% | 70 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 153 | 0.5% | 152 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 132 | 2.7% | 128 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51.6 | 2.9% | 50.1 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.21 | 2.6% | 12.53 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 54.9 | 4.9% | 52.3 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.4 | 17% | 8.7 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 80 | 0.9% | 81 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 782 | 1.4% | 788 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36 | 0.1% | 36 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.3 | 0.3% | 10.3 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 74 | 4.9% | 71 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 4.5% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.03 | 1.5 dB | 70.5 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 30,012 | 8.9% | 27,262 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.6 | 1.1% | 8.5 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.5 | 1.8% | 5.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 77 | 18.9% | 95 | 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 WinterCraft WP52+ 9.3 out of 10.
| UltraGrip Performance 3 | Category | WinterCraft WP52+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89 | Dry | 92 | ||
| 95 | Wet | 88 | ||
| 85 | Comfort | 46 | ||
| 70 | Value | 79 | ||
| 87 | Snow | 68 | ||
| 22 | Ice | 35 | ||
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 | WinterCraft WP52+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 8.8 | Wet Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 8.6 | Road Feedback | 9 | ||
| 8.1 | Handling | 9 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 8.3 | ||
| 8.8 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 9.5 | Snow Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 8.1 | Ice Grip | 8.4 | ||
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the WinterCraft WP52+ 91% from 6. 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 WinterCraft WP52+
- 91%from 6 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 40,507 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the Kumho WinterCraft WP52 plus delivers impressively strong winter performance for the price, with repeated praise for confident grip (especially in wet conditions) and secure handling. Reviews consistently highlight low road noise and noticeably improved ride comfort versus some premium or run-flat alternatives, with multiple users describing a premium feel and excellent value. No recurring performance drawbacks were reported across the reviews.
- Strong wet grip and water shedding
- Confident handling and traction in cold/winter conditions
- Low road noise / quiet ride
- Good ride comfort
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 6 WinterCraft WP52+ reviewsI bought these after looking at the tests. They offer performance close to premium tires while being very affordable. That's actually the reason I chose this tire. If you don't have extreme winter conditions where you are, you can go for this tire. If the winter conditions are bad, Barum might be a good alternative since it's still reasonably priced.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 175 sizes of the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 115 of the WinterCraft WP52+, 65 of them made in both.
| Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | WinterCraft WP52+ |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 175 sizes, 14 to 23 inch | 115 sizes, 13 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 65 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 53 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B60%C39%D0%A0% | B82%A18% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C74%B16%D9%A1%E0% | C65%D32%B2%E1% |
| EU label noise | 69-74 dB B87%A13% | 70-73 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 416 of 416 | 209 of 211 |
| On the market since | - | 2025 |
| Awards | Commended: Best Winter Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) | Winner: Winter Touring Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2026/27) |
| Price in the shared tests | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 50.3% 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.
Five independent tests put the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ side by side: Auto Bild's 2025 winter test and its 2026 winter and 50-set braking tests, AvD's 2026 winter test, and ADAC's 2026 winter test. Goodyear finished higher in four, although the braking-test result was a narrow ninth against tenth. Kumho took third to Goodyear's fifth in Auto Bild's 2025 test.
Goodyear is generally stronger against aquaplaning and through wet corners, and usually has the longer predicted life. Kumho brakes shorter on dry roads in every test that measured it and costs less per kilometer in all four tests reporting that measure. Wet braking and snow results are closer and vary by test and size. ADAC's 185/65 R15 test also reverses the usual wear result, giving Kumho a 25% longer predicted life.
UltraGrip Performance 3 vs WinterCraft WP52+: your questions
Is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 or the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ the better tire?
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 4 times and the WinterCraft WP52+ once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the UltraGrip Performance 3 scores 9.5 and the WinterCraft WP52+ 9.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the UltraGrip Performance 3 or the WinterCraft WP52+?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 12 of the 16 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 17% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterCraft WP52+ led 5 of the 6 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.2% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 7 of the 12 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.9% shorter on snow across 5 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 8.9% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) and had 1.1% lower rolling resistance (3 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 8.3/10 for the WinterCraft WP52+.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 1.5 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.8/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 8.8/10 for the WinterCraft WP52+.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the WinterCraft WP52+ 91% from 6. 100% of UltraGrip Performance 3 owners would buy it again, against 100% for the WinterCraft WP52+.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 50.3% 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 WinterCraft WP52+ in 115 (13 to 21 inch). 65 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 WinterCraft 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 WinterCraft 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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