The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is a winter tire with strong snow traction, capable wet handling and a comfortable, generally quiet ride. Ice braking is less convincing, while wet braking and aquaplaning results vary between tests.
The UltraGrip Performance 3 is usually among the stronger Central European winter tires in independent tests. Snow traction and handling are particular strengths, and owners also frequently praise its grip and predictable behavior in snow. Wet handling is consistently strong in tests, while dry grip and braking are generally good. Owners often describe the ride as comfortable and quiet, and predicted tread life has also impressed in testing.
There are some variations worth noting. Wet braking ranges from excellent to average, and aquaplaning resistance has produced both leading and poor results. Dry handling is generally capable, although some testers found the steering or response less precise. Ice braking has been weak in some tests, and one owner also reported limited grip on pure ice. Rolling resistance varies between tests rather than being a clear strength or weakness. This is a good choice for drivers seeking a comfortable winter tire with strong snow performance, though those who regularly encounter ice should consider the braking results carefully.
The quick answer
Owners say87%from 18 owner reviews100% would buy againRead the reviews
Strengths & weaknessesWet, DryValue, IceRelative to its rivals across every test we hold
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 November 2026.
Where to buyPrices for your size at our partner shops.Affiliate links
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is one of four tires sharing second place, rated exemplary. It is the dry braking specialist of the group and well balanced on snow, while its handling on dry roads and its wet results are more ordinary.
In 245/45 R19, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is projected to cost €31.15 per 1,000 miles to buy and run - about €779 over 25,000 miles - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test.
Tire purchase + fittingExtra fuel vs the most efficient tirecost per 1,000 miles
Assumes a typical car doing 29 mpg (rolling resistance causing 20% of fuel use), fuel at €6.25 per gallon and €70 fitting per set of four. Purchase prices are from the time of the 2026 test; financing costs are excluded.
Rim Protection
Small
A modest lip. Enough for a slow scrape against a kerb, but it will not save a wheel from a real hit.
Assessed by eye on the tires we tested, in the sizes listed. No manufacturer publishes rim protection as a specification, so treat this as a guide rather than a measurement.
How good is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 in the wet?
Across the 37 wet-braking tests it has featured in, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stops 0.1% longer than premium rivals, 3% shorter than mid-range rivals and 10.5% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews wet score of 95/100, and owners rate it 8.6/10 in the wet from 18 reviews.
How good is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 in the dry?
Across the 33 dry-braking tests it has featured in, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stops 0.4% shorter than premium rivals, 2.2% shorter than mid-range rivals and 0.6% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews dry score of 89/100, and owners rate it 8.6/10 in the dry from 18 reviews.
How good is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 in the snow?
Across the 37 snow-braking tests it has featured in, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stops 1.8% shorter than premium rivals, 2.9% shorter than mid-range rivals and 11.5% shorter than budget rivals. Across the 31 snow-traction tests, it is 3.1% better than premium rivals, 3.6% better than mid-range rivals and 21.3% better than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews snow score of 87/100, and owners rate it 9.2/10 in the snow from 18 reviews.
How good is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 on ice?
Across the 6 ice-braking tests it has featured in, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stops 5.6% longer than premium rivals, 2.4% longer than mid-range rivals and 3.2% shorter than budget rivals. Across the 1 ice-traction test, it is 8.5% worse than premium rivals and 35.4% better than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews ice score of 22/100, and owners rate it 8.1/10 on ice from 18 reviews.
How fuel efficient is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3?
Across the 28 tests measuring rolling resistance, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3's rolling resistance is 2.5% higher than premium rivals, 4.3% lower than mid-range rivals and 4.1% lower than budget rivals.
More questions about the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3(11)
How many miles does the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 last?
Based on test and owner data, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is expected to last around 32,133 miles (51,713 km).
What do owners say about the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3?
Across 18 owner ratings the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 averages 87%. Owners rate Snow Grip highest at 9.2 out of 10 and Ice Grip lowest at 8.1. 3 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles. 100% of owners score it 70% or better.
How much does the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 cost to run?
In 245/45 R19, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is projected to cost €31.15 per 1,000 miles to buy and run - about €779 over 25,000 miles - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test. The cheapest to run in that test is the Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4, at €26.23.
What is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3's EU tire label rating?
Across its range, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 most commonly carries EU label ratings of C for fuel efficiency, B for wet grip and 72 dB for noise.
How comfortable and quiet are the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3?
Owners rate the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 8.7 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 12 reviews.
How well do the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 8.8 out of 10 for wear across 12 reviews. 3 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles, and the typical review covers 2,550 miles.
Would owners buy the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 again?
100% of owners say they would buy the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 again, based on the 18 owner reviews that answered the question. 72% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
What do owners say about the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3's snow traction?
Of the 14 owner reviews analyzed for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, 9 mention snow traction: 9 praise it (strong snow traction) and 0 criticise it (weak snow traction). One owner wrote: "the tire behaves predictably and reliably and I could say with excellent grip when moving through the snow continuously". Read those reviews
Does the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 have a rim protector?
Yes. Rim protection on the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is small, measured in 225/45 R18. No manufacturer publishes rim protection as a specification; this is assessed by eye when the tires are mounted for our own testing. 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test
What does the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 replace?
Questions and Answers for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
I’m currently running Goodyear UGP Gen-1 (*) RFT on my BMW G20 in 225/50 R17. The steering feel and grip are great, but ride comfort is terrible. Show moreI’m currently running Goodyear UGP Gen-1 (*) RFT on my BMW G20 in 225/50 R17. The steering feel and grip are great, but ride comfort is terrible. I previously tried Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 (non-RFT); it was very comfortable but felt light and vague on the steering. I definitely want to move away from RFTs, but I don’t want to lose that sense of steering connection. I assume the stiff steering feel comes from stiff sidewalls. Are UHP winter tires generally stiffer than Touring ones, or does it vary too much by brand?
I also know that tires with the BMW (*) marking tend to feel firmer in the steering, so I’m planning to get the Hankook Ventus s1 evo3 (*) K127 for summer. I’m just not sure whether I should choose this tire for winter. BMW (*) marked Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 is not recommended. Show less
February 3, 2026
You're in quite a common interesting conundrum that a lot of people struggle with, and there isn't any good test data out there to really tell you what your best option is. Your assumption is correct that a UHP winter tire will generally be stiffer than a touring one. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 and Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 are the best currently available, but I'm not sure either will be available in your size. Run flat certainly does add a bit of torsional stiffness, but a lot of it on winter tires comes from tread pattern, which is why OE winter tires generally have reduced tread depth or less siping. My gut feel says check out the Bridgestone winter offer in your size, even if it's run flat. Their run flat technology is very good in terms of comfort.
Show all questions(5)
Just received set of these tires. And question is why they have thread depth 6.5mm not 8mm like other winter tires. Show moreJust received set of these tires.
And question is why they have thread depth 6.5mm not 8mm like other winter tires.
And these is no information nowhere about thread depth.
And worst part thei are premium tires and will last maximum 1 seasson. Show less
November 23, 2025
6.5mm seems low for that tire, it could be that it's an OE marked tire, check the sidewall or ask the supplier to confirm if it's intended for a specific vehicle.
Hi, I am looking for a premium touring 17" winter tire for my Volkswagen Golf. The tire size is 205/55 R16. Show moreHi, I am looking for a premium touring 17" winter tire for my Volkswagen Golf. The tire size is 205/55 R16. My everyday driving is mostly inside the city and rarely going outside and the driving is done almost on highway. I live in Romania, so mostly the winters are dry and wet, but sometimes we can get some snow, but in the last years this happened quite rarely and if so it didn't last very long. I am keen on choosing a tire that performs best in these conditions and if possible to be more comfortable. I can't decide between Goodyear Ultragrip Performance 3, Continental Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Alpin 5. Some tests recommend one some the other. I've also checked the tests from other independent source such as ADAC. I'm a bit confused. What would be your recommendation? Thank you in advance! Show less
October 5, 2025
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is consistently an excellent tire so would be my choice.
Hi, I am looking for a premium touring 17" winter tire for my BMW 320d (F31). I enjoy driving, like comfort biased on a longer dive and performance biased on normal… Show moreHi, I am looking for a premium touring 17" winter tire for my BMW 320d (F31). I enjoy driving, like comfort biased on a longer dive and performance biased on normal everyday driving. I have shortlisted 3 of the best premium winter tires and couldn't decide which one to pick ! Could you please help me decide between Goodyear Ultragrip Performance 3, Michelin Alpin 7 (newer model) and Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Thankyou in advance Show less
September 17, 2025
As there are currently no tests or reviews of the Alpin 7 it is hard to recommend it, so Goodyear would be my choice.
Will a Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 in a different size than the one you tested perform the same? I am looking at the 205/60 r16.
October 25, 2023
Generally yes, when a tire is good it should be good in all its sizes.
Owners most often praise the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 for snow traction, with ride comfort and low noise also frequently noted. Several describe predictable progress through deep or unploughed snow. Dry grip is another common strength, while some report good wet grip and dry handling. All 14 reviews are positive, with an average score of 90.5%. Most impressions are from when the tire was new, so there is limited evidence of how it performs later in its life. Two repeat owners gave higher scores at mid-life, but there are no end-of-life reviews to establish durability.
What owners mention most counted across 14 reviews
Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.
Owner ratings averaged from 18 ratings
Owner score87%
Snow Grip92%
Wear88%
Comfort87%
Dry Grip86%
Wet Grip86%
Road Feedback86%
Handling81%
Ice Grip81%
Featured reviews
Most helpful 100%
“Just wanted to share my thoughts about this nice tire. Drove it for around 15.000km, and Im really satisfied because my car is RWD and I live in hills. We’ve had a lot of snow and in not cleaned roads I’ve managed to...”
“This 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...”
Driven around 3,100 miles (5,000 km) mostly on highways and local roads with an Opel Combo Life (2020, 1.5 HDI, 130 PS). The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is an excellent winter tire with outstanding grip in snow, rain, and dry conditions alike. Highly recommended.
This 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.
Initial Impressions86%
Nice tire for initial review. Comparing them to fulda kristall Control HP2 at first GY is much more comfortable and quiet. Drove on bridgestone turanza t005 to change to GY, must say you feel the difference when you switch to winter tire (16 C outside). Winter tire on this conditions is much more softer and has less feedback on steering. I was driving quite fast and can say lateral grip is not for fast driving i will need to do review again when true winter is at the doors. But for now i highly recommend it for initial review. Comfort and noise level is top notch.
Check out how the BEST all seasons tires perform against premium summer and winter tires!
As far as grip on dry asphalt is concerned, this tire behaves quite well. The driving feeling is good. When driving more sharply in corners, it tends to twist, but nothing dramatic. The final impression is that they hold very well in curves. Braking on dry surfaces is also excellent.
Handling on wet asphalt is outstanding. Braking is excellent. The cornering behavior during sharper driving is excellent, it gives the impression of a reliable tire. The combination of low temperatures and wet asphalt leaves an even better impression...
A few days ago I also had snowy conditions, with a lot of deep snow and slush, the tire behaves predictably and reliably and I could say with excellent grip when moving through the snow continuously.
On good road surfaces they are really quiet.
Cons:
At speeds higher than 120 km/h, vibrations are felt in the car, but it is not terrible.
When driving more sharply in curves, they tend to twist, but they hold excellently in both dry and wet conditions.
Aquaplaning is quite pronounced above 70 km/h. If I remember correctly, with the old Falken Eurowinter HS01 in a similar dimension, that was the feeling at higher speeds.
Comfort and subjective driving feeling could be a little better.
The rolling resistance is a little higher, but it's still a winter tire, so it's not a drawback.
I cannot evaluate the behavior on ice, since I have not tested it under those conditions.
Conclusion:
Absolute recommendation for this tire. It behaves well in almost all conditions (no ice), predictably and reliably.
I just hope that it will be able to cover a lot of kilometers without reducing its performance.
Which tires do you drive?
Researching the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3? Rate the tires you actually drive - and help the next buyer choose.
Generally good tires. They feel sporty and truly shine in dry conditions. They keep progressive composure at the limit and have a fun tendency to oversteer slightly rather than understeer (although this was quite new and surprising to me in comparision with my past winter tire experiences). It's a thrill to drive these at the limit when conditions are decent. Launch traction was also good which is important to me - it's often hard to put 204HP down in my fwd car from a stopped start. There were merely a couple days of snow so far but the tires were rather good in piercing through it (better than my previous tires).
They have a rather considerable drawback though. That is ice grip. For me these feel unsafe and miserable on ice compared to my previous Hankook Winter i*cept evo'3's. It's similar but less noticeable when it comes to slushy conditions and deep water grooves. I wouldn't recommend these to a novice driver, based on my experience the Hankooks were safer and more predictable (also much less fun though). Personally I've found noise to be unpleasant and tiresome while driving on motorways with very high speeds - in my experience the Hankooks were more pleasant but it is largely subjective.
Just wanted to share my thoughts about this nice tire. Drove it for around 15.000km, and Im really satisfied because my car is RWD and I live in hills. We’ve had a lot of snow and in not cleaned roads I’ve managed to drive with disabling traction and little bit of “drifting”. Noise level and comfort are really good and driving on AutoBahn is really nice. I do not regret buying it and I would do it again because i’ve seen many FWD vehicles that couldn’t drive where I drove.
Was a new model on the market at the time of purchase, so I wasn't sure, as there were little to no reviews.
Overall I'm impressed by this tire, was worried about ice/cold temp but didn't have any issues.
I live in Ukraine, so winter can be cold/icy/snowy as well as temp can get up to +10 Celsius after a few days.
I didn't experience any issues be it -20 or +15, tire stands up to any challenge.
Where it could give up a bit is an ice road uphill, but that's 1% of my driving, so not important at all.
I'd highly recommend this tire to anyone who wants a great grip but doesn't want to sacrifice the performance and handling.
My score is 9/10.
Very good tire for winter. I had them on different roads, motorway, city and countryside and I like them a lot. I had also in the past Michelin and Continental but from couple of years I stay with Goodyear because I consider the best mix for price, performance and comfort. Michelin is also very good tire but much more expensive, Continental is also good but noisier and not with a good comfort. For me Goodyear do best from each category.
On dry road are soft and quite. When it's wet you can brake easily in many conditions of speed and cornering. I catched a few days with snow, 5-10 cm and had a good grip, no worries even if my car has only rear well drive.
I will buy them again for sure.
96%
Member
Mercedes Benz
225/50 R17
500 miles
A Combination of Roads
Average
Initial impressions, great tire, drove only on dry and wet roads. Great comfort, silent and the car feels very stable. I'm sure they do great in snow also... now let s see how they hold on with wear. Will come back with mid review.
I bought this tire as a replacement for a Semperit Speed Grip 3 and can so far only say positive things about it.
In live in Austria, so we have a good chance of snowy conditions and in fact that what happened right now. In snow and sow muddy conditions this tire is really excellent and I have all levels of grip I expect. It is also very nice to drive and - very important - predictable. This is also the biggest difference to the Semperit, which often left me uncomfortable in the snow as the car would slide and loose grip randomly. So the Goodyear is really great in those circumstances.
In the wet and dry I experience it more close to the Semperit, which is also not a bad thing as it was a good tire in those conditions. I was only hoping for it to be a little more sporty.
Can't tell about wear so far.
Comfort levels are OK ... again in the range of the Semperit.
So in a nutshell it feels like the Semperit with much better levels of grip in the snow and slightly better grip in the wet. I was still hoping for a little more separation between the two given the Semperit is considerably cheaper and 5 years older, but the Goodyear is definitely an upgrade and I consider it a.good buy.
So far, amazing tire. One of the best ever made. It grips and it handles so much better than the eagle f1 asymmetric6, the previously fitted on this car, and the wintercontact ts 850 p on another. And the comfort, its like the car is floating. Not cheap though.
