Replaced by the UltraGrip Arctic 2
The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic is a studded winter tire with generally good wet-road performance and respectable dry braking within its class. Ice and snow grip vary between tests, while high rolling resistance is a recurring weakness.
The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic is generally more convincing on wet and dry roads than in lateral grip on snow and ice. In independent tests against other studded winter tires, wet braking was first of eight in the 2018 Vi Bilagare test and second in 2019. Wet handling and straight-line aquaplaning resistance were also second in 2019, while dry braking remained respectable across all three comparisons. Those results give it useful road qualities within its winter class.
Its 2017 Autocenter test was unusually strong on ice and snow, with second places in both braking disciplines and praise for snow handling. Later Vi Bilagare tests were less favorable: understeer was noted in 2018, followed by weak lateral stability on snow and ice in 2019, when handling on both surfaces was seventh of eight. Overall placings ranged from third to sixth. Rolling resistance is a more consistent drawback, finishing below midfield in 2017 and 2018 and drawing criticism again in 2019. The road strengths therefore come with uncertain severe-weather grip and an efficiency penalty.
Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tire - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated January 2025.
Tested 3 times by independent publications, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic averages a finish of 4th.
Finishing position in each test
2019 Studded Winter Tire Test P6 of 8
Smallest number of spikes on test at 130, which was an issue on ice. Good in the wet and dry.
| Year | Test | Result | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2019 Studded Winter Tire TestVi Bilagare · 225/50 R17 | P6 / 8 | |
| 2018 | 2018 Vi Studded Winter Tire TestVi Bilagare · 205/55 R16 | P3 / 8 | |
| 2017 | 2017 Autocenter Studded Winter Tire TestAutocenter · 205/55 R16 | P3 / 10 |
On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict
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Owner ratings averaged from 4 ratings
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