Firestone Winterhawk 4 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
- TR Score
- 8.1/10
- Owners say
- 72% · 6
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 90% · 15
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 10 times and the Winterhawk 4 not once. The Winterhawk 4 had 2.3% lower rolling resistance; the UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 31.4% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Buy the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3. It finished ahead in all eight shared tests, won two ADAC tests outright and sweeps dry braking, dry handling, wet handling and curved aquaplaning while lasting 17.6 percent longer. The Firestone Winterhawk 4 is the pick only if the lower cost per 1000km is decisive.
Where the Winterhawk 4 is stronger
- Cheaper per 1000km in all three calculations, 9.99 against 10.94 at Auto Bild
- Lower rolling resistance in two of three measurements, 8.48 against 9.16 kg/t
- Shorter ice braking in both measurements and matched wet braking three wins each
Where the UltraGrip Performance 3 is stronger
- Finished ahead in all eight shared tests, winning two ADAC tests outright
- Clean sweeps of dry braking, dry handling, wet handling and curved aquaplaning
- Longer life in all five wear measurements, 53,000km against 45,050km at Auto Bild
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.
Winterhawk 4 vs UltraGrip Performance 3 at a glance
| Category | Winterhawk 4 | Gap | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won10 shared tests | 0 | 10 | |
| Dry10 measurements | 0 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 5.2% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 10 |
| Wet32 measurements | 7 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 1.8% shorter in the wet (10 tests) | 22 |
| Snow24 measurements | 8 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 1.4% shorter on snow (10 tests) | 14 |
| Ice2 measurements | 2 | The Winterhawk 4 stopped 3.2% shorter on ice (2 tests) | 0 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 0 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 0.8 dB quieter (5 tests) | 6 |
| Value13 measurements | 4 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 31.4% longer in the wear tests (6 tests) | 9 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.1/10 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 1.4 | 9.5/10 |
| Owner rating6 and 15 reviews | 72% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 18 points | 90% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 67% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 33 points | 100% |
| Pricein the 6 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was dearer in 6 of 6 | +23.5% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 83 | 57 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 10 tests, 2023 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 | Winterhawk 4 | Field | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P16 of 20 | P5 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P19 of 50 | P9 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P16 of 20 | P5 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P7 of 51 | P3 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P17 of 31 | P1 of 31 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P18 of 20 | P2 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P10 of 16 | P1 of 16 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P10 of 55 | P9 of 55 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P20 of 20 | P2 of 20 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P6 of 54 | P3 of 54 |
Performance profile
18 measurements from the 10 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winterhawk 4
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 92%: 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
Winterhawk 4
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
Winterhawk 4
Not ahead in any category
UltraGrip Performance 3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 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 | Winterhawk 4 | Gap | UltraGrip Performance 3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 151 | 5.2% | 143 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 68.1 | 1.5% | 69.1 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 144 | 1.8% | 141 | 3-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 127 | 1.6% | 125 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.2 | 3.1% | 50.7 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.1 | 30.4% | 6.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.62 | 2% | 12.37 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50.9 | 0.9% | 51.4 | 2-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.7 | 8.8% | 9.4 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 85 | 1.4% | 83 | 4-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 506 | 0.1% | 505 | 3-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36.1 | 1.5% | 36.6 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.4 | 0.6% | 10.5 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 54 | 3.2% | 56 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 11.5% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.84 | 0.8 dB | 70 | 0-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 26,488 | 31.4% | 34,828 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.25 | 2.3% | 8.46 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | 1.7% | 5.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 77.5 | 32.1% | 52.5 | 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 Winterhawk 4 scores 8.1 and the UltraGrip Performance 3 9.5 out of 10.
| Winterhawk 4 | Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Dry | 89 | ||
| 86 | Wet | 95 | ||
| 66 | Comfort | 85 | ||
| 49 | Value | 70 | ||
| 69 | Snow | 87 | ||
| 54 | 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
| Winterhawk 4 | Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.3 | Dry Grip | 8.6 | ||
| 7.3 | Wet Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 6.2 | Road Feedback | 8.6 | ||
| 5.5 | Handling | 8.1 | ||
| 7.6 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 7.7 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 7.5 | Snow Grip | 9.5 | ||
| 6.8 | Ice Grip | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 reviews and the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Firestone Winterhawk 4
- 72%from 6 reviews
- 67%would buy again
- 25,300 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally rate the Firestone Winterhawk 4 highly for everyday winter use, with strong confidence in snow and rain, short braking distances, and reassuring all-round performance. Many highlight its good value versus premium brands, along with a quiet, comfortable ride and responsive feel. Overall satisfaction is high across the majority of reviews.
- strong snow performance
- good wet grip and braking
- quiet and comfortable ride
- good value for money
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 6 Winterhawk 4 reviewsGood quality for mid-range brand, cover winter needs. In general there is no high potential of performance for winter tires independently of brand!
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: 83 sizes of the Winterhawk 4 and 175 of the UltraGrip Performance 3, 57 of them made in both.
| Category | Winterhawk 4 | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 83 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 175 sizes, 14 to 23 inch |
| Made in both | 57 sizes 175/65 R14175/65 R15185/60 R15185/65 R15195/60 R15195/65 R15195/55 R16195/60 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/45 R16215/55 R16and 45 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B100% | B60%C39%D0%A0% |
| EU label rolling resistance | D50%C50% | C74%B16%D9%A1%E0% |
| EU label noise | 71 dB B100% | 69-74 dB B87%A13% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 101 of 101 | 415 of 415 |
| On the market since | 2020 | - |
| Replaced | Firestone Winterhawk 3 (2013) | - |
| Awards | - | Commended: Best Winter Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) |
| Price in the shared tests | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 6 of the 6 tests that listed prices, by 23.5% 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.
Eight shared tests, eight finishes ahead for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, including two outright wins: 1st of 31 at ADAC in 2025 with the Firestone Winterhawk 4 17th, and 1st of 16 at ADAC in 2024 with the Firestone 10th. It was also 2nd of 23 against 18th and 2nd of 22 against 20th at Auto Bild.
Dry performance and tread life are the widest gaps. The Goodyear braked shorter in the dry in all five measurements, won all three dry handling comparisons and lasted longer in all five wear measurements, 53,000km against 45,050km at Auto Bild in 2025, 17.6 percent more. It also won all three wet handling comparisons and all three curved aquaplaning measurements, by 21.6 percent at Auto Bild.
The Firestone's answer is cost. It was cheaper per 1000km in all three calculations, 9.99 against 10.94 at Auto Bild in 2025, rolled with less resistance in two of three measurements and stopped shorter on ice in both.
Conclusion
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is clearly the better winter tire, finishing ahead in all eight shared tests. Two are outright wins, 1st of 31 at ADAC in 2025 with the Firestone Winterhawk 4 17th and 1st of 16 at ADAC in 2024 with the Firestone 10th, and the rest are wide too: 2nd of 23 against 18th at Auto Bild in 2024, 2nd of 22 against 20th in 2023, 5th of 22 against 16th in 2025 and 3rd of 54 against 6th in Auto Bild's 2023 braking test. Dry braking is a clean sweep, five measurements to nil, as are dry handling, three to nil, wet handling, three to nil, and curved aquaplaning, three to nil, by 21.6 percent at Auto Bild. It lasted longer in all five wear measurements, 53,000km against 45,050km in 2025, and abraded less in both, and it was quieter in all four noise measurements. Owners rate it 9.90 against 8.70.
The Firestone Winterhawk 4 is the cheaper tire to run and holds its own in a few places. It was cheaper per 1000km in all three value calculations, 9.99 against 10.94 at Auto Bild in 2025, it rolled with less resistance in two of three measurements, 8.48 against 9.16 kg/t, and it stopped shorter on ice in both measurements. Wet braking is genuinely split, three wins each across six measurements, and it pulled harder in two of five snow traction runs.
The wet braking split is worth noting because it is the one performance area where the Firestone matches the Goodyear. Everywhere else, including snow braking, five to two, the Goodyear leads. Given its longer tread life offsets much of the price difference, it is the sensible buy for most drivers.
Winterhawk 4 vs UltraGrip Performance 3: your questions
Is the Firestone Winterhawk 4 or the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 the better tire?
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 10 times and the Winterhawk 4 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winterhawk 4 scores 8.1 and the UltraGrip Performance 3 9.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winterhawk 4 or the UltraGrip Performance 3?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 22 of the 32 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.8% shorter in the wet across 10 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 10 of the 10 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.2% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 14 of the 24 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.4% shorter on snow across 10 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winterhawk 4 had 2.3% lower rolling resistance (4 tests); the UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 31.4% longer in the wear tests (6 tests) and shed 32.1% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests). Owners rate wear 7.6/10 for the Winterhawk 4 and 9/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 0.8 dB quieter (5 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.7/10 for the Winterhawk 4 and 8.8/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 reviews and the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15. 67% of Winterhawk 4 owners would buy it again, against 100% for the UltraGrip Performance 3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 6 tests that listed prices, the UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tire in 6 of them, by 23.5% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Winterhawk 4 is made in 83 sizes (14 to 20 inch) and the UltraGrip Performance 3 in 175 (14 to 23 inch). 57 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winterhawk 4 is graded B for wet grip and D 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.
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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