Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 47
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 90% · 15
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 8 times and the Winter Sport 5 not once. The Winter Sport 5 had 2.6% lower rolling resistance; the UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 8.9% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 for mixed/wet winters, frequent motorway use, and maximum safety margins. Choose Dunlop Winter Sport 5 for colder, snow-heavy climates prioritizing snow/ice braking, lower fuel consumption, and better upfront value.
Where the Winter Sport 5 is stronger
- Consistently strong on snow/ice braking and traction in several sizes
- Excellent curved aquaplaning resistance in multiple tests
- Lower rolling resistance and strong efficiency (fuel) metrics
Where the UltraGrip Performance 3 is stronger
- Class-leading wet and dry braking with superior aquaplaning resistance
- Refined handling and steering precision on wet/dry surfaces
- Lower external noise and longer tread life across tests
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.
Winter Sport 5 vs UltraGrip Performance 3 at a glance
| Category | Winter Sport 5 | Gap | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won8 shared tests | 0 | 8 | |
| Dry9 measurements | 0 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 3.9% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 9 |
| Wet28 measurements | 7 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 3% shorter in the wet (8 tests) | 19 |
| Snow20 measurements | 10 | Level between the two. | 10 |
| Ice3 measurements | 2 | The Winter Sport 5 stopped 2.8% shorter on ice (3 tests) | 1 |
| Comfort5 measurements | 0 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 2.1 dB quieter (5 tests) | 5 |
| Value13 measurements | 5 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 8.9% longer in the wear tests (5 tests) | 7 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.9/10 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 0.6 | 9.5/10 |
| Owner rating47 and 15 reviews | 83% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 7 points | 90% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 17 points | 100% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was dearer in 4 of 4 | +11.8% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 49 | 43 sizes made in both | 175 |
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 | Winter Sport 5 | Field | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P4 of 31 | P1 of 31 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test | P4 of 10 | P2 of 10 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P7 of 20 | P2 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P2 of 16 | P1 of 16 | |
| 2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tire Test | P5 of 12 | P2 of 12 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P11 of 55 | P9 of 55 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P7 of 20 | P2 of 20 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P15 of 54 | P3 of 54 |
Performance profile
18 measurements from the 8 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winter Sport 5
UltraGrip Performance 3
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
Winter Sport 5
UltraGrip Performance 3
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
Winter Sport 5
UltraGrip Performance 3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15. 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 | Winter Sport 5 | Gap | UltraGrip Performance 3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 147 | 3.9% | 141 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 66.3 | 0.8% | 66.8 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 141 | 3% | 137 | 2-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 129 | 2.1% | 126 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.8 | 1.4% | 50.5 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.7 | = | 6.7 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.6 | 0.6% | 12.52 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.9 | 3.8% | 51.8 | 1-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.9 | 4.3% | 10.4 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 74 | 0.5% | 74 | 6-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 307 | = | 308 | 3-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 37 | 0.6% | 37.2 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.4 | 1.4% | 9.6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.6 | 0.3% | 10.6 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 59 | 2.8% | 61 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.22 | 2.1 dB | 71.08 | 0-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 31,359 | 8.9% | 34,312 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.24 | 2.6% | 8.46 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.4 | 1.8% | 5.5 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 64.33 | 15.2% | 54 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Winter Sport 5 scores 8.9 and the UltraGrip Performance 3 9.5 out of 10.
| Winter Sport 5 | Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | Dry | 89 | ||
| 85 | Wet | 95 | ||
| 18 | Comfort | 85 | ||
| 66 | Value | 70 | ||
| 83 | Snow | 87 | ||
| 48 | Ice | 22 | ||
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
| Winter Sport 5 | Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3 | Dry Grip | 8.6 | ||
| 8.5 | Wet Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 7.9 | Road Feedback | 8.6 | ||
| 7.9 | Handling | 8.1 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 8.4 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 9.1 | Snow Grip | 9.5 | ||
| 8.2 | Ice Grip | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
- 83%from 47 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 485,102 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers largely praise the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 for outstanding snow and ice traction, strong wet grip in cold conditions, predictable handling, good comfort/low noise (for a winter tire), and excellent tread life. A minority report softer sidewalls and reduced dry performance or understeer as temperatures rise, with a few notes on noise increase over time and isolated quality/balance issues. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most buyers willing to repurchase.
- snow and ice grip
- wet grip in cold
- predictable handling
- ride comfort
- weaker dry grip/softer feel in warmer temps
- increased noise with age
- occasional balance/quality issues
Summarised by AI from 39 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 47 Winter Sport 5 reviewsYou must know, in 225/50/17 it is the best what you can buy in eurowinter tires
+ perfect rim protector
+ dry and wet grip at different temperatures including +17 Celsius
+ snow grip? Easy
+ treadwear 12000 km/per 1 mm (on my new set 8 mm, now 7,0-6,8 after 2 seasons and 14400 km)
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.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 49 sizes of the Winter Sport 5 and 175 of the UltraGrip Performance 3, 43 of them made in both.
| Category | Winter Sport 5 | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 49 sizes, 15 to 21 inch | 175 sizes, 14 to 23 inch |
| Made in both | 43 sizes 195/65 R15195/55 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/45 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16205/50 R17205/55 R17215/45 R17215/50 R17and 31 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B52%C48% | B60%C39%D0%A0% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C75%D24%B1% | C74%B16%D9%A1%E0% |
| EU label noise | 70-74 dB B100% | 69-74 dB B87%A13% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 79 of 79 | 415 of 415 |
| On the market since | 2021 | - |
| Replaced | Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D (2021) | - |
| Awards | - | Commended: Best Winter Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) |
| Price in the shared tests | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 11.8% 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 UHP winter staples from the same family-Dunlop Winter Sport 5 versus Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3-tested across eight major European comparisons from 16-19 inches. While both target sporty passenger cars and deliver balanced winter capability, the results consistently show different priorities: Dunlop leans toward snow/ice security and efficiency, while Goodyear pushes outright wet/dry grip, aquaplaning safety, and refinement.
Across the shared test set, Goodyear finished ahead in every overall ranking, including wins at ADAC (16/17/18-inch) and Auto Bild (2023/2024). The data reveals meaningful gaps in emergency wet and dry stopping, aquaplaning resistance, noise, and wear-areas that matter for high-speed winter motorway use. Dunlop counters with marginally shorter snow/ice stops in several sizes and notably better rolling resistance and value, appealing to cost-conscious drivers in consistently cold regions.
Conclusion
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is the more complete, class-leading option. It repeatedly delivers shorter dry and wet braking (often 3-8% gains), stronger straight-line aquaplaning margins, tidier wet/dry handling, lower noise, and longer life-culminating in 8/8 comparative test wins. For mixed European winters with frequent rain, slush, and high-speed commuting, its safety envelope is clearly broader.
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 remains a smart, economical winter pick. It edges snow and ice braking in several tests, shows excellent curved aquaplaning resistance, and offers lower rolling resistance and better value in the Auto Bild cost metrics. If your winter is predominantly cold with frequent snowfall and you value efficiency and price, the Dunlop makes sense. For most drivers balancing wet roads, motorway speeds, and overall safety headroom, choose the Goodyear-the memorable takeaway is simple: Goodyear dominates the wet and daily-drivability metrics without giving up winter competence.
Winter Sport 5 vs UltraGrip Performance 3: your questions
Is the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 or the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 the better tire?
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 8 times and the Winter Sport 5 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter Sport 5 scores 8.9 and the UltraGrip Performance 3 9.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winter Sport 5 or the UltraGrip Performance 3?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 19 of the 28 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3% shorter in the wet across 8 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 9 of the 9 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.9% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which is better in snow?
Across the shared tests the snow measurements are split 10-10 between the Winter Sport 5 and the UltraGrip Performance 3.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winter Sport 5 had 2.6% lower rolling resistance (3 tests) and used 1.8% less fuel (2 tests); the UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 8.9% longer in the wear tests (5 tests) and shed 15.2% less rubber in the abrasion test (3 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the Winter Sport 5 and 9/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 2.1 dB quieter (5 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.4/10 for the Winter Sport 5 and 8.8/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15. 83% of Winter Sport 5 owners would buy it again, against 100% for the UltraGrip Performance 3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 11.8% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Winter Sport 5 is made in 49 sizes (15 to 21 inch) and the UltraGrip Performance 3 in 175 (14 to 23 inch). 43 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winter Sport 5 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the UltraGrip Performance 3 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 Winter Sport 5 Review the UltraGrip Performance 3
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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