Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Uniroyal WinterExpert
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 90% · 15
- TR Score
- 7.8/10
- Owners say
- 76% · 7
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 6 times and the WinterExpert once. The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 18% longer in the wear tests; the WinterExpert had 8% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Pick Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 for wet-dominant or mixed winters, maximum safety margin, and long service life. Choose Uniroyal WinterExpert if you drive high annual mileage, prioritize fuel economy and upfront value, and face mainly moderate winter conditions.
Where the UltraGrip Performance 3 is stronger
- Outstanding wet safety: shortest wet braking (e.g., 31.7 m vs 32.9 m ADAC) and superior aquaplaning resistance
- Confident snow performance with better handling/traction consistency across tests
- Exceptional longevity and low abrasion (e.g., +44% wear vs Uniroyal in ADAC)
Where the WinterExpert is stronger
- Class-leading efficiency: consistently lower rolling resistance (often 6-12% lower)
- Better value/pricing, improving total cost for high-mileage users
- Balanced, predictable behavior in wet and snow without severe weaknesses
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 WinterExpert at a glance
| Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | Gap | WinterExpert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 6 | 1 | |
| Dry7 measurements | 6 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 2.9% shorter in the dry (4 tests) | 1 |
| Wet22 measurements | 18 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 2.4% shorter in the wet (7 tests) | 3 |
| Snow17 measurements | 15 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 averaged a 2% higher speed on the snow handling course (3 tests) | 1 |
| Ice1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Comfort5 measurements | 5 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 1.2 dB quieter (4 tests) | 0 |
| Value9 measurements | 5 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 18% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) | 3 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.5/10 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 1.7 | 7.8/10 |
| Owner rating15 and 7 reviews | 90% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 14 points | 76% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 100% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 29 points | 71% |
| Pricein the 5 tests that listed prices | +27.3% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was dearer in 5 of 5 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 175 | 62 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 7 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 | WinterExpert |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P5 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P3 of 51 | P5 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P1 of 31 | P11 of 31 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P2 of 20 | P9 of 20 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P9 of 55 | P7 of 55 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P2 of 20 | P12 of 20 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P3 of 54 | P11 of 54 |
Performance profile
14 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
UltraGrip Performance 3
WinterExpert
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. 6 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
WinterExpert
Not ahead in any category
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
WinterExpert
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the WinterExpert 76% from 7. 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 | WinterExpert | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 144 | 2.9% | 148 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.4 | = | 69.4 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 139 | 2.4% | 142 | 5-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 120 | 3.9% | 125 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50.6 | 2.5% | 49.3 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.7 | 15.4% | 5.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.36 | 0.8% | 12.46 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51.1 | 3.1% | 49.6 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.5 | 7.8% | 8.8 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 87 | 0.8% | 88 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 451 | 2.2% | 442 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36.9 | 2% | 36.2 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.2 | 3.3% | 9.9 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 55 | 4% | 57 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 9% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.75 | 1.2 dB | 70.98 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 34,564 | 18% | 29,009 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.69 | 8% | 7.99 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | = | 5.8 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50 | 27.5% | 69 | 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 WinterExpert 7.8 out of 10.
| UltraGrip Performance 3 | Category | WinterExpert | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89 | Dry | 35 | ||
| 95 | Wet | 70 | ||
| 85 | Comfort | 40 | ||
| 70 | Value | 69 | ||
| 87 | Snow | 65 | ||
| 22 | Ice | 19 | ||
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 | WinterExpert | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 8.8 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 8.6 | Road Feedback | 7.3 | ||
| 8.1 | Handling | 7.4 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 7.8 | ||
| 8.8 | Comfort | 7.4 | ||
| 9.5 | Snow Grip | 7.2 | ||
| 8.1 | Ice Grip | 6 | ||
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the WinterExpert 76% from 7. 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.
Uniroyal WinterExpert
- 76%from 7 reviews
- 71%would buy again
- 59,000 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally report the Uniroyal WinterExpert performs strongly in wet conditions, with confident rain performance and good grip on wet and dry roads. Snow capability is usually described as good, though one reviewer felt it lagged behind a previous winter tire on snow/ice and questioned value for money. A recurring downside is higher noise typical of winter tires, while fuel economy and predictable, responsive handling are noted positives.
- strong wet grip and rain performance (hydroplaning resistance)
- good overall grip on dry and wet roads
- capable winter performance for normal/calm driving (including snow)
- predictable/controlled handling and responsive steering feel
- tends to be noisier than expected, especially at low-speed maneuvers
Summarised by AI from 6 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 7 WinterExpert reviewsTires that I had before was Hankook winter I-cept 2 much beter tires than this uniroyal when it comes to snow and ice driving, driving comfort are about the same, driving on wet roads uniroyal is realy good, beter than hankook, handling is ok and noise level beter than advertised. overall I will not spend that kind of money on uniroyal anymore.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 175 sizes of the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 90 of the WinterExpert, 62 of them made in both.
| Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | WinterExpert |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 175 sizes, 14 to 23 inch | 90 sizes, 13 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 62 sizes 175/65 R14175/65 R15185/60 R15185/65 R15195/60 R15195/65 R15185/55 R16185/60 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16and 50 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B60%C39%D0%A0% | C79%B21% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C74%B16%D9%A1%E0% | C64%D30%B6% |
| EU label noise | 69-74 dB B87%A13% | 71-73 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 415 of 415 | 121 of 121 |
| On the market since | - | 2021 |
| 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 27.3% 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.
This head-to-head pits two very different winter philosophies against each other: the ultra-high-performance Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 versus the value-savvy, premium-touring Uniroyal WinterExpert. Across seven shared tests from 2023-2025 in 16-18-inch sizes, the Goodyear consistently targets maximum safety and control, especially in rain-soaked winters, while the Uniroyal prioritizes efficiency and affordability without glaring weaknesses.
Expect a clear split: Goodyear dominates objective safety metrics-wet braking and handling, aquaplaning resistance, snow control, wear, and noise-translating into top overall placings (ADAC 1/31; Auto Bild 2/23; multiple top-5 braking finishes). Uniroyal counters with class-leading rolling resistance, lower purchase cost, and solid all-round competence, appealing to high-mileage drivers watching running costs.
Conclusion
The data shows a decisive performance edge for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3. It wins 6 of 7 shared tests and most safety-critical categories: wet braking (often by 3-5%), aquaplaning (up to +15% in curved), and snow handling/traction. It's also markedly quieter and longer-lasting (ADAC wear +44%), making it a premium choice that justifies its higher price through safety and longevity. If your winters are wet or mixed and you value confident dynamics, the Goodyear is the safer bet.
Uniroyal's WinterExpert is the pragmatic alternative. It delivers balanced, predictable behavior with standout efficiency-consistently lower rolling resistance and better value scores-keeping fuel and upfront costs down. Its main compromises are precision on dry roads and ultimate grip limits in snow versus the Goodyear. For cost-conscious, high-mileage drivers in moderate winters, it's an intelligent, economical pick. The practical takeaway: choose Goodyear for maximum safety and control; choose Uniroyal to minimize total running costs without major sacrifices.
UltraGrip Performance 3 vs WinterExpert: your questions
Is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 or the Uniroyal WinterExpert the better tire?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 6 times and the WinterExpert once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the UltraGrip Performance 3 scores 9.5 and the WinterExpert 7.8 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the UltraGrip Performance 3 or the WinterExpert?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 18 of the 22 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.4% shorter in the wet across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 6 of the 7 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.9% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 15 of the 17 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 2% higher speed on the snow handling course across 3 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 18% longer in the wear tests (4 tests); the WinterExpert had 8% lower rolling resistance (3 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 7.8/10 for the WinterExpert.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 1.2 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.8/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3 and 7.4/10 for the WinterExpert.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews and the WinterExpert 76% from 7. 100% of UltraGrip Performance 3 owners would buy it again, against 71% for the WinterExpert.
Which is more expensive?
In the 5 tests that listed prices, the UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 5 of them, by 27.3% 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 WinterExpert in 90 (13 to 20 inch). 62 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 WinterExpert 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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