Ceat WinterDrive vs Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- -
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 90% · 15
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 4 times and the WinterDrive not once. The WinterDrive stopped 2.8% shorter in the dry; the UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 9.2% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
For wet, variable winters, higher speeds, and long-mileage use, choose Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3. For budget-led urban driving with frequent cleared roads and emphasis on value, choose Ceat WinterDrive.
Where the WinterDrive is stronger
- Outstanding value: lowest cost-per-km; ~€380/set with solid mileage
- Slight advantages in snow traction and ice braking across tests
- Occasionally shorter dry braking vs premium rivals
Where the UltraGrip Performance 3 is stronger
- Class-leading wet safety: consistently shorter wet braking (≈5-12%)
- Superior aquaplaning resistance and wet handling confidence
- High projected mileage and low abrasion (ADAC +18% mileage vs Ceat)
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.
WinterDrive vs UltraGrip Performance 3 at a glance
| Category | WinterDrive | Gap | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 0 | 4 | |
| Dry3 measurements | 2 | The WinterDrive stopped 2.8% shorter in the dry (2 tests) | 1 |
| Wet11 measurements | 0 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 9.2% shorter in the wet (4 tests) | 11 |
| Snow8 measurements | 4 | 2 | |
| Ice1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Comfort3 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Value5 measurements | 1 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 10.2% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 3 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.4/10 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 0.1 | 9.5/10 |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was dearer in 3 of 3 | +29.8% |
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 4 tests, 2024 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 | WinterDrive | Field | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P15 of 20 | P5 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P19 of 51 | P3 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P10 of 31 | P1 of 31 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P24 of 55 | P9 of 55 |
Performance profile
7 measurements from the 4 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterDrive
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. 13 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
WinterDrive
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.
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 | WinterDrive | Gap | UltraGrip Performance 3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 140 | 2.8% | 144 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 71.3 | 0.1% | 71.3 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 138 | 9.2% | 125 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 130 | 7.8% | 120 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 49.6 | 5.1% | 52.1 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 5.6 | 20% | 6.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 12.69 | 5.1% | 12.04 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 44.6 | 7% | 47.7 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 6.8 | 28.6% | 8.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 79 | 0.1% | 79 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 314 | 3.4% | 298 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 36 | 0.9% | 36.4 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 9.3 | = | 9.3 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 51 | 7.2% | 55 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 68.55 | 0.2 dB | 68.4 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 36,207 | 10.2% | 40,234 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 9.07 | 1% | 9.16 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | = | 5.8 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 64 | 21.9% | 50 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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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 WinterDrive scores 9.4 and the UltraGrip Performance 3 9.5 out of 10.
| WinterDrive | Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | Dry | 89 | ||
| 54 | Wet | 95 | ||
| 71 | Comfort | 85 | ||
| 84 | Value | 70 | ||
| 76 | Snow | 87 | ||
| 90 | 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
| WinterDrive | Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | Dry Grip | 8.6 | ||
| - | Wet Grip | 8.8 | ||
| - | Road Feedback | 8.6 | ||
| - | Handling | 8.1 | ||
| - | Wear | 9 | ||
| - | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| - | Snow Grip | 9.5 | ||
| - | Ice Grip | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews; the WinterDrive has no owner reviews yet. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Ceat WinterDrive
No owner reviews yet. Be the first to review it →
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
| Category | WinterDrive | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Awards | - | Commended: Best Winter Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) |
| Price in the shared tests | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 3 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 29.8% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
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 comparison pits the value-focused Ceat WinterDrive (touring winter tire) against the premium Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 (UHP winter tire) across four recent European tests in 205/55 R16 and 225/40 R18. The data consistently shows different design priorities: Ceat targets affordability and solid winter-core capability, while Goodyear prioritizes wet-road security and overall balance at a higher price point.
Across the shared tests, Goodyear posts four overall wins and dominates wet disciplines-wet braking advantages of roughly 5-12% recur, along with superior handling and aquaplaning margins. Ceat counters with class-leading value, slightly shorter dry stops in two tests, and small but repeatable edges in snow traction and ice braking. The result is a clear split between wet-safety leadership (Goodyear) and budget-led winter competence (Ceat).
Conclusion
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is the stronger all-round winter choice, finishing 1/31 at ADAC and top-tier in the big braking tests thanks to notably shorter wet stops (up to ~12% shorter) and better aquaplaning resistance, while also delivering excellent projected mileage and low wear. Its dry behavior is competent if not razor-sharp, and snow performance is solid, making it a safe, low-compromise option for mixed and especially wet European winters.
The Ceat WinterDrive earns its place on cost-per-kilometer and dependable winter basics. It can edge Goodyear in dry stopping by tiny margins and shows small advantages in snow traction and on ice braking, but its wet-road limitations-longer braking, weaker handling, and lower aquaplaning thresholds-cap its overall ranking. Choose Ceat for tight budgets and predominantly urban routes where roads are cleared and outright wet prowess is less critical; choose Goodyear for the best safety net in variable, rainy winters and for higher annual mileage where longevity pays back the premium.
WinterDrive vs UltraGrip Performance 3: your questions
Is the Ceat WinterDrive or the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 the better tire?
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 4 times and the WinterDrive not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterDrive scores 9.4 and the UltraGrip Performance 3 9.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterDrive or the UltraGrip Performance 3?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 11 of the 11 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 9.2% shorter in the wet across 4 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterDrive led 2 of the 3 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.8% shorter in the dry across 2 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The WinterDrive led 4 of the 8 snow measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 10.2% longer in the wear tests (2 tests).
What do owners say?
Owners rate the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15 reviews; the WinterDrive has no owner reviews yet.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 3 of them, by 29.8% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
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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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