“The tire loses grip on cold, wet roads. On my rear-wheel-drive car, it tends to slide in corners, so I have to drive more carefully than usual. At lower temperatures, the rubber hardens, which reduces both grip and...”
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1
Replaced by the UltraGrip Performance+ Replaces the Ultra Grip Performance 2
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 is a highly capable premium winter tire with excellent wet-weather grip and strong snow performance. It feels predictable and confidence-inspiring in cold conditions, with a comfortable ride and positive real-world wear feedback. Its main drawbacks are weaker dry precision, some road noise, and a softer feel in warmer weather.
Across user reviews and independent testing, the tire stands out as a dependable premium winter option for cold, wet and snowy climates. Professional tests repeatedly place it near the front of the field, especially for wet braking, wet handling and overall winter balance, while drivers echo this with strong praise for real-world grip and stability. Snow and ice traction are also a consistent highlight, giving the tire a secure, predictable feel in poor weather. The main compromises are found outside its core winter remit: dry-road performance can be less sharp, the sidewall can feel soft in warmer conditions, and some drivers notice more road noise at speed. It is also not always the strongest on cost or value measures, but its broad capability and confidence-inspiring nature make it a highly regarded winter tire.
The quick answer
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 October 2026.
- 32owner reviews
- 333,940miles driven
- 15professional tests
All Tests
View Test ResultsTested 15 times by independent publications, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 has taken 5 test wins with an average finish of 3rd.
Finishing position in each test
2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tire Test P5 of 10
| Year | Test | Result | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 245/45 R18 | P5 / 10 | |
| 2018 | 2018 Auto Express Winter Tire TestAuto Express · 205/55 R16 | P4 / 9 | |
| 2017 | 2017 Sport Auto Winter Tire TestSport Auto · 225/40 R18 | P1 / 10 | |
| 2017 | 2017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Allrad · 225/55 R17 | P1 / 10 | |
| 2017 | 2017 50 Winter Tire Shoot OutAuto Bild · 225/50 R17 | P3 / 50 | |
| 2017 | 2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/50 R17 | P4 / 20 | |
| 2017 | 2017 ADAC SUV Winter Tire Test - 215/65 R16ADAC · 215/65 R16 | P3 / 16 | |
| 2017 | 2017 Auto Express Winter Tire TestAuto Express · 225/45 R17 | P4 / 8 | |
| 2016 | 2016 Sport Auto Winter Tire TestSport Auto · 235/40 R18 | P2 / 6 | |
| 2016 | 2016 Auto Express Winter Tire TestAuto Express · 205/55 R16 | P4 / 8 | |
| 2016 | 2016 AutoBild Winter UHP Tire TestAuto Bild Sportscars · 245/40 R18 | P1 / 8 | |
| 2016 | 2016 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/45 R17ADAC · 225/45 R17 | P4 / 13 | |
| 2015 | 2015 AMS UHP Winter Tire TestAuto Motor Und Sport · 225/50 R17 | P1 / 10 | |
| 2015 | 2015 ACE 17 Inch Winter Tire TestACE · 225/50 R17 | P2 / 8 | |
| 2015 | 2015 Auto Express Winter Tire TestAuto Express · 225/45 R17 | P1 / 8 |
On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict
Running Costs
View TestIn 225/50 R17, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 is projected to cost €35.88 per 1,000 miles to buy and run - about €897 over 25,000 miles - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test.
Dimensions & Label Scores
View AllSize Range30 sizes available
205-305Width30-60Profile16-21Rim89-112 T-WLoad/
EU LabelAcross 30 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.
Fuel
Wet
Noise
69-73dB A/B
3PMSF on 27 of 30 sizes
US ratingsUTQG grade and the maker's mileage warranty
Not gradedUTQG grade9-11/32"Tread depth (new)NoneMileage warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 in the wet?
How good is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 in the dry?
How good is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 in the snow?
How fuel efficient is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1?
How many miles does the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 last?
More questions about the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 (12)
What do owners say about the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1?
How much does the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 cost to run?
What is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1's EU tire label rating?
How comfortable and quiet are the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1?
How well do the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 wear, according to owners?
Would owners buy the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 again?
What do owners say about the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1's wet grip?
What do owners say about the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1's road noise?
What do owners say about the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1's snow traction?
What does the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 replace?
Has the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 been replaced?
What sizes does the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 come in?
Owner Questions (3)
Ask a questionQuestions and Answers for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1
Hi i live in the UK in rural Wiltshire and am looking for a tire that will work all year round. Show more Hi i live in the UK in rural Wiltshire and am looking for a tire that will work all year round. The weather and road conditions can range from flooding lots of mud to freezing conditions. At the moment i have being using Avon ZV7 205/55 R16 W (91) which have been great but not so good in the snow. Would this tire be a good choice? Show less
Show all questions (3)
I need to replace 2 Continentals Cross Contact ( rear ) with new ones on my 4x4 (265/50/r20 ) Would you think these are ok. Show more I need to replace 2 Continentals Cross Contact ( rear ) with new ones on my 4x4 (265/50/r20 ) Would you think these are ok. On the front I have Yokohama Advan sport V105. I do realise summer/winter mix. If not what do you think would be ok. I've been searching through so many Show less
Are winter tires worth fitting to a mx5 in the UK during the winter period? My local tire center recommended Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance as they couldn't… Show more Are winter tires worth fitting to a mx5 in the UK during the winter period? My local tire center recommended Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance as they couldn't source Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1. Show less
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 Owner Reviews
Review this tireWhat owners say summarised from 24 reviews
Drivers widely praise the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 for outstanding wet and snow grip, predictable handling, and strong confidence in cold conditions, with many calling it sporty for a winter tire. Comfort and low perceived rolling resistance/fuel impact are commonly noted, and wear/longevity feedback is positive. A minority report higher noise and softer feel/sidewall in the dry, and performance can feel less optimal in warmer temperatures. Overall sentiment is strongly positive given the high scores and frequency of praise.
What owners mention most counted across 25 reviews
Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.
Owner ratings averaged from 32 ratings
- Owner score 86%
- Wear 88%
- Wet Grip 88%
- Snow Grip 88%
- Dry Grip 87%
- Comfort 87%
- Handling 85%
- Road Feedback 83%
- Ice Grip 82%
Featured reviews
“Best sporty winter tire in "regular car" tire sizes. Performs well all round, and allows for sporty driving by having good progressive slip near the limit. Be sensible on the public road, but know that this tire will...”
All 25 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 reviews
- BMW 640i M Sport Gran Coupe
- 235/45 R19
- 20,000 miles
Rear powered car with this tire in the winter is amazing. I had those on XC90 and before that on Kuga. Based on what I have experienced on BMW 640 I honestly this those and winter Michelin's are one of the best choices for 19-20 inch alloy.
- Volkswagen ID3
- 215/55 R18
- 10,000 miles
- Mostly Town
- Spirited
On the positive side, they offer good steering response (a bit stiffer sides), are fairly quiet, and feel comfortable, but only when the temperature stays above 5 °C
- Mercedes Benz ML350
- 255/55 R18 W
- 39,000 miles
- A Combination of Roads
- Average
Which tires do you drive?
Researching the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1? Rate the tires you actually drive - and help the next buyer choose.
- BMW 130i M
- 225/40 R18 V
- 14,000 miles
- Mostly Motorways
- Spirited
Ran them on a BMW 130i and now an M135i, initially 225/40/18 all round, last year I changed the rears to 235/40/18.
Overall very happy with the tires, excellent in the cold & damp/wet UK winter and very good in the limited use they've had in snow. Perfectly acceptable when dry although like all winter tires they do feel a little vague compared to a decent summer tire. Not often mentioned in reviews but they are also very good on the muddy rural roads around here.
Approx 12k miles from the rears which were changed at 4mm tread depth, the fronts will see me through this winter for a total of approx. 16k miles.
Would buy again but most likely opt for the newer Goodyear Ultragrip Performance + when the fronts need changing for next winter.
- Mercedes Benz C220 cdi
- 225/45 R17 H
- 1,000 miles
- Mostly Town
- Average
- Toyota Avensis
- 215/55 R17 V
- 6,000 miles
- A Combination of Roads
- Spirited
Maneuverability is very good even at high speed and the car feels very stable on the road.
Drove on 8 inch snow covered road during winter and never got stuck with these
Only minus is I find them a bit noisy at high speed on dry road.
- Alfa Romeo 147
- 215/45 R17 W
- 3,000 miles
- A Combination of Roads
- Average
bought used, but wonderful on sporty road and for safety (everyday use)
more comfort then 16" Dunlop and with less road feedback (but it is however enoughy)
- BMW 120d
- 205/55 R16 V
- 30,000 miles
- A Combination of Roads
- Spirited
Performs well all round, and allows for sporty driving by having good progressive slip near the limit. Be sensible on the public road, but know that this tire will not pull any surprises.
- Audi a5 3.0 tdi quattro sport
- 225/45 R17
- 2,000 miles
- A Combination of Roads
- Spirited
Disappointed in its dry breaking as it let go a couple of times when I wouldn't of expected it too.
I marked feedback low just because I have an Audi A5 and feedback is numb on anything.
Tire very noisy but I have never used other winter tires.
Snow & Ice handled excellently but then I'm using winter tires on a AWD Audi when I'm used to all season tires on a BMW.
- Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Sports
- 215/55 R16
- 10,700 miles
When temprature outside more than 7°c to soft. And below ÷15°c a nodic tire is better. Will highly recommend if you know how to drive on winter roads. Turning off ESP and so on
- Ford Kuga
- 235/50 R18
- 4,000 miles
- A Combination of Roads
- Average
Will definetly buy them again.
- Dacia Duster 4x4
- 215/65 R16 H
- 4,000 miles
- Mostly Country Roads
- Spirited
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