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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.

The quick answer

Owners say 86% from 32 owner reviews 94% would buy again Read the reviews
Tests say 3rd average finish across 15 independent tests · 5 wins Latest: P5 of 10 · 2018 See every test
Strengths & weaknesses Wet, Snow Value, Comfort Relative 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 October 2026.

  • 32owner reviews
  • 333,940miles driven
  • 15professional tests

Tire Reviews Score

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1

8.6/10

Better than 79% of winter tires

  • Medium Confidence
  • 4 tests
  • 32 owner reviews
Scores of the 278 winter tires we have tested

How this score is built

Source Better than Weight
Independent tests4 tests · 3 publications · 2017-2018 78% 89%
Owner reviews32 owner reviews · rated 86% 84% 11%
Combined 79% 8.6

A fixed curve turns the combined figure into the 0 to 10 score, so roughly the top 10% of a group score 9 or more.

Category by category

How it compares with other winter tires in each area, and how much each area counts. 50 is the middle of the group.

Category Better than Weight Tests
WetBraking, handling and aquaplaning in the wet 91% 30% 4
SnowBraking, traction and handling on snow 60% 23% 4
IceBraking, traction and handling on ice Not tested, counted as average 18% –
DryBraking and handling on dry roads 47% 17% 4
ValueWear, efficiency and cost 28% 6% 3
ComfortNoise and ride comfort 27% 5% 3

Weights are shares of the test result. Owner reviews are blended in afterwards.

By discipline

The same results grouped by what the tire was doing. They are not counted a second time.

BrakingEvery braking test, on any surface 87% 4
HandlingEvery handling test, on any surface 76% 4

Confidence

  1. Limited
  2. Medium
  3. High

Its own test results decide 86% of the test figure. The other 14% is the average for its group, and it shrinks as more tests arrive.

High needs at least 3 tests, with its own results deciding 90% or more. Medium needs 2 tests and 70%. Anything less is Limited: expect the number to move as tests arrive.

The tests behind it

Only measured results count. A test that published its placings alone is listed, but not scored.

  1. 2018 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 245/45 R18 P5 / 10
  2. 2018 2018 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express · 205/55 R16 P4 / 9 Placing only
  3. 2017 2017 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test Sport Auto · 225/40 R18 P1 / 10
  4. 2017 2017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad · 225/55 R17 P1 / 10
  5. 2017 2017 50 Winter Tire Shoot Out Auto Bild · 225/50 R17 P3 / 50 Placing only
  6. 2017 2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 225/50 R17 P4 / 20
Show all 15 tests
  1. 2017 2017 ADAC SUV Winter Tire Test - 215/65 R16 ADAC · 215/65 R16 P3 / 16 Placing only
  2. 2017 2017 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express · 225/45 R17 P4 / 8 Placing only
  3. 2016 2016 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test Sport Auto · 235/40 R18 P2 / 6 Placing only
  4. 2016 2016 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express · 205/55 R16 P4 / 8 Placing only
  5. 2016 2016 AutoBild Winter UHP Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars · 245/40 R18 P1 / 8 Placing only
  6. 2016 2016 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/45 R17 ADAC · 225/45 R17 P4 / 13 Placing only
  7. 2015 2015 AMS UHP Winter Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport · 225/50 R17 P1 / 10 Placing only
  8. 2015 2015 ACE 17 Inch Winter Tire Test ACE · 225/50 R17 P2 / 8 Placing only
  9. 2015 2015 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express · 225/45 R17 P1 / 8 Placing only

Tested 15 times by independent publications, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 has taken 5 test wins with an average finish of 3rd.

15 Tests
5 Test Wins
3rd Average
1st Best
5th Worst
Finishing position in each test1stLast20152018

Finishing position in each test

The latest test

2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tire Test P5 of 10

Weak: Dry Handling Winner: Vredestein Wintrac Pro

Every independent test of the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1, newest first
YearTestResultAward
20182018 Autobild UHP Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 245/45 R18P5 / 10
20182018 Auto Express Winter Tire TestAuto Express · 205/55 R16P4 / 9
20172017 Sport Auto Winter Tire TestSport Auto · 225/40 R18P1 / 10
20172017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Allrad · 225/55 R17P1 / 10
20172017 50 Winter Tire Shoot OutAuto Bild · 225/50 R17P3 / 50
20172017 Auto Bild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/50 R17P4 / 20
20172017 ADAC SUV Winter Tire Test - 215/65 R16ADAC · 215/65 R16P3 / 16
20172017 Auto Express Winter Tire TestAuto Express · 225/45 R17P4 / 8
20162016 Sport Auto Winter Tire TestSport Auto · 235/40 R18P2 / 6
20162016 Auto Express Winter Tire TestAuto Express · 205/55 R16P4 / 8
20162016 AutoBild Winter UHP Tire TestAuto Bild Sportscars · 245/40 R18P1 / 8
20162016 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/45 R17ADAC · 225/45 R17P4 / 13
20152015 AMS UHP Winter Tire TestAuto Motor Und Sport · 225/50 R17P1 / 10
20152015 ACE 17 Inch Winter Tire TestACE · 225/50 R17P2 / 8
20152015 Auto Express Winter Tire TestAuto Express · 225/45 R17P1 / 8

On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict

Running Costs
View Test

In 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.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1€35.88
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 2017 test; financing costs are excluded.
Dimensions & Label Scores
View All

Size Range30 sizes available

205-305Width30-60Profile16-21Rim89-112 T-WLoad/Speed Index2021First On Market

EU LabelAcross 30 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.

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?
Across the 4 wet-braking tests it has featured in, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 stops 2.4% shorter than premium rivals, 5.5% shorter than mid-range rivals and 7.7% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews wet score of 91/100, and owners rate it 8.8/10 in the wet from 32 reviews.
How good is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 in the dry?
Across the 4 dry-braking tests it has featured in, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 stops 1.2% shorter than premium rivals, 0.4% shorter than mid-range rivals and 5.3% longer than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews dry score of 47/100, and owners rate it 8.7/10 in the dry from 32 reviews.
How good is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 in the snow?
Across the 4 snow-braking tests it has featured in, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 stops 1.5% shorter than premium rivals, 2.1% shorter than mid-range rivals and 41.2% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews snow score of 60/100, and owners rate it 8.8/10 in the snow from 32 reviews.
How fuel efficient is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1?
Across the 3 tests measuring rolling resistance, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1's rolling resistance is 0.6% lower than premium rivals, 6% lower than mid-range rivals and 0.1% higher than budget rivals.
How many miles does the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 last?
Based on test and owner data, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 is expected to last around 20,039 miles (32,250 km).
More questions about the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 (12)
What do owners say about the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1?
Across 32 owner ratings the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 averages 86%. Owners rate Wear highest at 8.8 out of 10 and Ice Grip lowest at 8.2. 11 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles. 96% of owners score it 70% or better.
How much does the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 cost to run?
In 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. The cheapest to run in that test is the Michelin Alpin 5, at €31.05.
What is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1's EU tire label rating?
Across its range, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 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 Gen 1?
Owners rate the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 8.7 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 25 reviews.
How well do the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 8.8 out of 10 for wear across 25 reviews. 11 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles, and the typical review covers 5,825 miles.
Would owners buy the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 again?
94% of owners say they would buy the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 again, based on the 32 owner reviews that answered the question. 53% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
What do owners say about the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1's wet grip?
Of the 25 owner reviews analyzed for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1, 10 mention wet grip: 9 praise it (confident wet grip) and 1 criticise it (weak wet grip). One owner wrote: "the tire is perfect on wet and frozen roads below 0 degrees". Read those reviews
What do owners say about the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1's road noise?
Of the 25 owner reviews analyzed for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1, 9 mention road noise: 4 praise it (quiet) and 5 criticise it (noisy). One owner wrote: "My only problem with these tires (on a BMW F48 X1 M-Sport) is the excessive noise. Speed related and it completely overwhelms the radio at 50mph". Read those reviews
What do owners say about the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1's snow traction?
Of the 25 owner reviews analyzed for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1, 9 mention snow traction: 9 praise it (strong snow traction) and 0 criticise it (weak snow traction). One owner wrote: "Snow & Ice handled excellently". Read those reviews
What does the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 replace?
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 is the successor to the Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 2 in Goodyear's range.
Has the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 been replaced?
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 has been replaced by the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+.
What sizes does the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 come in?
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 is available in 71 sizes, ranging from 205-305/30-60 R16-21.
Owner Questions (3)
Ask a question

Questions 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
November 7, 2020
This is a winter tire. If you're looking for year round use, the Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen 3 would be a better purchase.
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
September 19, 2019
I really can't recommend switching just two tires to winter, we have videos on this subject on the youtube channel.
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
January 8, 2019
If you want to be safe and mobile in freezing, snow and ic conditions then yes. We've plenty of videos regarding winter tires, check them out!

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 Owner Reviews

Review this tire

What 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

Most helpful 62%

“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...”

  • Volkswagen ID3
  • 10,000 miles
Read full review → 313 found this helpful
Longest term 91%

“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...”

  • BMW 120d
  • 30,000 miles
Read full review → 913 found this helpful

All 25 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 reviews

Score spread across 25 written reviews
92%
Member
Initial Impressions

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.

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 1
62%
Sebb Krajewski
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 comfort. Because of these issues, I found the tires unsafe and decided to replace them.

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
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 3
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 3
  • Snow Grip 5
  • Ice Grip 5
Helpful 313
84%
Member
Used for 3 winter seasons totalling 39000 miles. Really happy with wear. Slightly noisy compared to previous winter tires but performed well overall
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 9
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 8
Helpful 1,097

Which tires do you drive?

Researching the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1? Rate the tires you actually drive - and help the next buyer choose.

Own the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1?
76%
Member
  • BMW 130i M
  • 225/40 R18 V
  • 14,000 miles
  • Mostly Motorways
  • Spirited
This will be my 4th winter on the Ultragrip Performance Gen 1.
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.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 8
  • Snow Grip 8
  • Ice Grip 7
Helpful 1,005
99%
Member
Too early to rate it, but my first impression is - great tire!!!
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 10
  • Handling 10
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 10
Helpful 1,036
89%
Member
It is the 3rd winter I am using these and I can definitely say I love these tires .
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.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 9
Helpful 926
86%
Member
215 45 ZR17 Pirelli Pzero Nero
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)
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 7
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 9
Helpful 1,104
91%
Member
  • BMW 120d
  • 205/55 R16 V
  • 30,000 miles
  • A Combination of Roads
  • Spirited
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 not pull any surprises.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 10
  • Handling 10
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 9
  • Ice Grip 9
Helpful 913
81%
Member
Love this winter tire for the UK.
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.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 7
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 947
82%
Member
Very good winter ture, if you drive in different conditions. Easy to controll case good feedback for a winter tire.
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
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 7
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 9
  • Snow Grip 9
  • Ice Grip 7
Helpful 819
84%
Member
  • Ford Kuga
  • 235/50 R18
  • 4,000 miles
  • A Combination of Roads
  • Average
Tire with excellent performances.
Will definetly buy them again.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 9
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 874
86%
Member
Never felt so confident with a tire as with these, I've been running winter tires for nearly 10 years now and that's in cold wet and heavy snowed alpine roads. Slightly high rolling resistance, you can really feel it, but tire that feels like it's sticking to the road is exactly what you want in a winter tire no? Wear, well I've just put them back on for a 2nd winter season and it doesn't look like they've lost any tread yet, still feel like they did when I first put them on.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 10
Helpful 1,093
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