Tested 43 times by independent publications, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 has taken 9 test wins with an average finish of 4th. Its strongest discipline is Wear, beating 84% of the field across 10 tests; its weakest is Dry Braking, at 33% across 42 tests.
2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tire Test P3 of 10
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 finished third and is highly recommended. Apart from its dry braking it is a strong, well-rounded all-season tire with excellent wear. Goodyear now sells the newer Vector All Season 4 alongside it in this size, aimed at better dry performance.
Where the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tires. Field beaten is the share of the other tires it outranked in that measurement.
| Discipline | Tests | Avg finish | Field beaten | Firsts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | ||||
| Dry Braking - Cool | 1 | P7 of 9 | 25% | - |
| Dry Braking Weak | 42 | P8.7 of 14.1 | 33% | - |
| Dry Handling - Cool | 1 | P1 of 9 | 100% | 1 |
| Dry Handling | 29 | P4.4 of 11.4 | 65% | 3 |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 8 | P4.6 of 9.6 | 59% | 2 |
| Wet | ||||
| Wet Braking | 42 | P5.3 of 14.1 | 57% | 1 |
| Wet Braking - Cool | 2 | P5.5 of 10 | 51% | - |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 3 | P3.3 of 16 | 84% | - |
| Wet Handling - Cool | 1 | P2 of 9 | 88% | - |
| Wet Handling | 30 | P3.4 of 11.5 | 76% | 3 |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 7 | P3.9 of 10.4 | 68% | 1 |
| Wet Circle | 19 | P4.4 of 11.3 | 66% | 2 |
| Straight Aqua | 36 | P6.2 of 11.4 | 45% | 1 |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 24 | P4.5 of 12 | 62% | 1 |
| Snow | ||||
| Snow Braking | 34 | P4.5 of 11.5 | 63% | 1 |
| Snow Traction | 32 | P4 of 11.4 | 68% | 1 |
| Snow Handling | 29 | P4.7 of 11.1 | 60% | - |
| Subj. Snow Handling | 7 | P4.3 of 8.9 | 51% | - |
| Snow Circle | 5 | P4.8 of 9 | 47% | - |
| Snow Slalom | 13 | P6.1 of 12.5 | 55% | - |
| Ice | ||||
| Ice Braking | 3 | P2.3 of 16 | 91% | 1 |
| Comfort | ||||
| Subj. Comfort | 13 | P2.8 of 9.4 | 76% | 6 |
| Subj. Noise | 4 | P3.8 of 8.3 | 58% | 1 |
| Noise | 31 | P6 of 11.8 | 55% | 3 |
| Rough Noise | 1 | P5 of 11 | 60% | - |
| Tire Weight | 3 | P2.3 of 15.7 | 91% | - |
| Value | ||||
| Wear Strong | 10 | P3.2 of 14.2 | 84% | 3 |
| Value | 8 | P5.8 of 13.6 | 65% | - |
| Rolling Resistance | 31 | P4.9 of 11.4 | 63% | 4 |
| Fuel Consumption | 6 | P10.2 of 15.7 | 37% | - |
| Abrasion | 6 | P4.7 of 14.7 | 74% | 1 |
Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
| Rival | Shared tests | Ahead | Behind | Level | Finished ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Michelin CrossClimate 2
26 shared: 7 ahead, 19 behind
Compare with CrossClimate 2 |
26 | 7 | 19 | - | 27% |
 Hankook Kinergy 4S2
25 shared: 15 ahead, 10 behind
Compare with Kinergy 4S2 |
25 | 15 | 10 | - | 60% |
 Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
21 shared: 7 ahead, 14 behind
Compare with Turanza All Season 6 |
21 | 7 | 14 | - | 33% |
 Continental AllSeasonContact 2
17 shared: 1 ahead, 15 behind
Compare with AllSeasonContact 2 |
17 | 1 | 15 | 1 | 6% |
 Continental AllSeasonContact
16 shared: 11 ahead, 5 behind
Compare with AllSeasonContact |
16 | 11 | 5 | - | 69% |
 Vredestein Quatrac
16 shared: 5 ahead, 11 behind
Compare with Quatrac |
16 | 5 | 11 | - | 31% |
 Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
15 shared: 2 ahead, 13 behind
Compare with Cinturato All Season SF3 |
15 | 2 | 13 | - | 13% |
 Firestone MultiSeason Gen 02
13 shared: 12 ahead, 1 behind
Compare with MultiSeason Gen 02 |
13 | 12 | 1 | - | 92% |
 Falken EUROALL SEASON AS210
12 shared: 12 ahead, 0 behind
|
12 | 12 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Kleber Quadraxer 3
12 shared: 10 ahead, 2 behind
Compare with Quadraxer 3 |
12 | 10 | 2 | - | 83% |
 Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO
12 shared: 9 ahead, 2 behind
Compare with Weather Control A005 EVO |
12 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 82% |
 Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2
11 shared: 7 ahead, 4 behind
Compare with Cinturato All Season SF2 |
11 | 7 | 4 | - | 64% |
 Toyo Celsius AS2
10 shared: 10 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Celsius AS2 |
10 | 10 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
9 shared: 8 ahead, 1 behind
Compare with N Blue 4Season 2 |
9 | 8 | 1 | - | 89% |
 Vredestein Quatrac Pro
9 shared: 7 ahead, 2 behind
|
9 | 7 | 2 | - | 78% |
 Maxxis Premitra All Season AP3
8 shared: 8 ahead, 0 behind
|
8 | 8 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Nokian SeasonProof
8 shared: 8 ahead, 0 behind
|
8 | 8 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Nexen N Blue 4 Season
7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind
|
7 | 7 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Uniroyal AllSeasonExpert 2
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
|
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Michelin CrossClimate+
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
|
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
The same record for the tire it replaced and the tire that replaced it.
| Tire | Tests | Wins | Avg finish | Field beaten |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen 2 Predecessor | 28 | 11 | 2nd | 83% |
| Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 This tire | 43 | 9 | 4th | 66% |
| Goodyear Vector All Season 4 Successor | 7 | 5 | 2nd | 96% |
Drawn from 44 tests. Updated October 6, 2026.
Across 44 independent tests, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 most consistently shows as a high-level, wet- and winter-focused all-season tire with strong handling balance and standout longevity, typically finishing in the leading group (average overall position 4) and collecting major verdicts including multiple “Highly recommended” awards and several wins (e.g. 1/16 in the 2025 ADAC all season test; 1/16 in the 2024 ADAC all season test; 1/15 in the 2022 Auto Bild all season test; plus a Tire Reviews test win in 2020). Testers repeatedly describe it as “very strong in the wet” with “quick handling” and high safety margins, while also delivering unusually good winter ability for the category (including class-leading snow/ice braking in some ADAC results) and excellent predicted mileage / low wear (e.g. longest wear in 2026 Auto Zeitung and 2025 ADAC; “very high projected mileage” and “low abrasion” in ADAC write-ups).
The recurring drawback is braking performance on dry roads, which is frequently near the bottom of the field and often explicitly called out as the limiting factor on overall rank (e.g. 10/10 and +13.5% from best in dry braking in the 2026 Auto Zeitung test; 15/16 and +12.4% in the 2026 ADAC 185/65 R15 test; 8/10 and +25.1% in the 2026 Auto Bild EV test; and last in dry braking in multiple TÜV comparisons). There are also occasional safety-relevant dips in wet braking and straight-line aquaplaning (e.g. 11/12 and +22.8% in wet braking in the 2025 Auto Bild crossover test; repeated below-average straight aquaplaning placings), and a few tests note less linear behavior at the limit. Exceptions to the tire's generally strong all-season narrative mainly come when it is judged directly against summer tires in warm conditions, where it can drop to the bottom overall (e.g. 14/14 in the 2025 summer/all-season combined test) and be criticised for heat/temperature sensitivity on wet roads.
competitive wet and dry handling- 2026 AutoBild All Season Tire Test for EVs (215/55 R18) (2026)
quick handling and circle times- 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tire Test (2026)
Very good dry handling, the best in wet handling, good on snow, the best noise and comfort levels- Best SUV All Season Tires for 2025 (2025)
best wet handling- The Best All Season Tires for 2025/26 (2025)
performs well on wet surfaces, especially in braking and handling- 2025 ADAC All Season Tire Test (2025)
posting the shortest snow and ice braking in the field- 2026 ADAC All Season Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
had good snow traction and braking- 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tire Test (2026)
short braking distances on snow and ice- 2025 ADAC All Season Tire Test (2025)
excels in winter scenarios, offering outstanding traction, confident handling, and short braking distances on snow-covered roads- 2025 Autobild SUV All Season Tire Test (2025)
delivers short braking distances on snow-covered surfaces- 2025 Auto Bild All Season Camper Van Tire Test (2025)
had good snow traction and braking with a stable front end- 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tire Test (2026)
excellent traction- 2025 ADAC All Season Tire Test (2025)
excels in winter scenarios, offering outstanding traction, confident handling, and short braking distances on snow-covered roads- 2025 Autobild SUV All Season Tire Test (2025)
performs like a snow plow in winter conditions- 2025 Autobild Crossover SUV All Season Test (2025)
Very good dry handling, the best in wet handling, good on snow, the best noise and comfort levels- Best SUV All Season Tires for 2025 (2025)
it had the longest predicted tread life and one of the lowest abrasion rates- 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tire Test (2026)
backed by one of the longest projected tread lives in the test- 2026 AutoBild All Season Tire Test for EVs (215/55 R18) (2026)
a high predicted mileage- 2026 ADAC All Season Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
very high projected mileage- 2025 ADAC All Season Tire Test (2025)
projected high mileage, low wear, light weight, and reasonable fuel efficiency- 2024 ADAC All Season Tire Test (2024)
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 was the lightest tire in the test by some margin, tied for the lowest measured noise- 2026 AutoView All-Season Tire Test (2026)
Its low rolling resistance contributes to high fuel-saving potential- 2025 Auto Bild All Season Camper Van Tire Test (2025)
good marks for weight and fuel efficiency- 2025 ADAC All Season Tire Test (2025)
Good Rolling Resistance (2nd, 92.6%)- 2025 TUV Test of Nokian SeasonProof 2 vs Rivals (2025)
projected high mileage, low wear, light weight, and reasonable fuel efficiency- 2024 ADAC All Season Tire Test (2024)
competitive wet and dry handling- 2026 AutoBild All Season Tire Test for EVs (215/55 R18) (2026)
set the second fastest dry handling lap- 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tire Test (2026)
Excellent dry handling- The Best All Season Tires for 2025/26 (2025)
handling characteristics are sporty and engaging, particularly appreciated in dry conditions- 2025 Autobild Crossover SUV All Season Test (2025)
Very good dry handling, the best in wet handling, good on snow, the best noise and comfort levels- Best SUV All Season Tires for 2025 (2025)
pairing that with secure wet grip- 2026 ADAC All Season Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
very strong in the wet- 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tire Test (2026)
Its strongest characteristic was its lateral wet grip, where it scored an impressive 98.8%- 2025 TUV Hankook iON FlexClimate EV Report (2025)
good wet‑ and dry‑weather results- 2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tire Test (2025)
good performance in both snow and wet conditions- 2025 Auto Bild Sports Car All Season Tire Test (2025)
excels in winter scenarios, offering outstanding traction, confident handling, and short braking distances on snow-covered roads- 2025 Autobild SUV All Season Tire Test (2025)
Its performance across all three snow categories was also consistent, with scores in the mid-90s- 2025 TUV Hankook iON FlexClimate EV Report (2025)
safe, precise handling in snowy conditions- 2024 ADAC All Season Tire Test (2024)
impeccable winter qualities- 2024 Minivan / SUV All Season Tire Test (2024)
very strong in the wet, with short braking- 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tire Test (2026)
very good wet braking,- Best SUV All Season Tires for 2025 (2025)
good wet braking- The Best All Season Tires for 2025/26 (2025)
performs well on wet surfaces, especially in braking and handling- 2025 ADAC All Season Tire Test (2025)
On wet roads, the tire performs well overall, with above-average results in braking- 2024 ADAC All Season Tire Test (2024)
Goodyear's dry and wet braking distances were both well behind the European leaders,- 2026 AutoView All-Season Tire Test (2026)
Dry braking was a clear weak point, among the longest here- 2026 AutoBild All Season Tire Test for EVs (215/55 R18) (2026)
its braking is among the longest in the test and lets the overall result down- 2026 ADAC All Season Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
The Goodyear had the longest dry braking distance in the test- 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tire Test (2026)
On dry roads, the Goodyear Vector 4Season Gen-3 brakes poorly- 2025 Summer and All Season Combined Tire Test (2025)
Goodyear's dry and wet braking distances were both well behind the European leaders,- 2026 AutoView All-Season Tire Test (2026)
Weak Wet Braking (5th, 87.5%)- 2025 TUV Test of Nokian SeasonProof 2 vs Rivals (2025)
extended braking distance in wet conditions, which the testers described as a full vehicle length longer than the best performers- 2025 Autobild Crossover SUV All Season Test (2025)
Almost six meters longer braking distance in wet conditions compared to the best summer tire- 2024 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test (2024)
off the pace in straight-line aquaplaning resistance- 2026 AutoBild All Season Tire Test for EVs (215/55 R18) (2026)
Its straight-line aquaplaning resistance was below average- 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tire Test (2026)
Aquaplaning is a significant issue for the Goodyear, even on cool roads- 2025 Summer and All Season Combined Tire Test (2025)
Straight Aqua (5th, 96%)- 2025 TUV Test of Nokian SeasonProof 2 vs Rivals (2025)
Reduced aquaplaning resistance, above average rolling resistance- Best SUV All Season Tires for 2025 (2025)
Handling was less linear at the limit, with some off-throttle oversteer- 2026 AutoView All-Season Tire Test (2026)
less stability than the leaders- 2024 Auto Express All Season Tire Test (2024)
Every tester write-up on the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 (39 tests) and 76 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 finished third and is highly recommended. Apart from its dry braking it is a strong, well-rounded all-season tire with excellent wear. Goodyear now sells the newer Vector All Season 4 alongside it in this size, aimed at better dry performance.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 is the tire to pick if winter grip matters most, since nothing here stops shorter on snow or ice. Weaker dry braking keeps it mid-pack overall, so it best suits drivers who face real winter weather rather than long dry-road commutes.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 placed fourth as a dependable year-round tire that does most things well and lasts a long time, let down mainly by its dry braking.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 finished third with 89.5 points. It is the value-oriented pick of the group: outright performance is several steps below the Michelin and Continental, but the price and weight advantages are real, and it stays clear of the Hankook in every category.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 performs like a snow plow in winter conditions while also delivering a strong showing on dry roads. Its handling characteristics are sporty and engaging, particularly appreciated in dry conditions where it leads the field. However, the tire receives a downgrade due to an extended braking distance in wet conditions, which the testers described as a full vehicle length longer than the best performers. This safety-relevant weakness prevents an otherwise impressive tire from achieving an exemplary rating.
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 offers efficiency and acceptable winter balance, with strong Rolling Resistance and solid Snow Braking/Handling. However, it struggles in key safety stops, ranking last in Dry and Wet Braking and in Straight Aqua, limiting its overall standing despite decent Wet Handling.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 demonstrates good performance in both snow and wet conditions, with particularly impressive straight-line aquaplaning reserves. The tire delivers confident handling and good feedback to the driver. Its weaknesses include a slightly extended braking distance on dry surfaces and a speed rating limited to 168 mph (W-rated), which may disappoint owners of higher-performance sports cars. Overall, it represents a solid choice for drivers prioritizing wet and winter safety over ultimate dry performance.
The Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen-3 positions itself as a snow specialist that also delivers high performance levels in wet conditions. This tire particularly excels in winter scenarios, offering outstanding traction, confident handling, and short braking distances on snow-covered roads that approach dedicated winter tire capabilities. In wet conditions, the Goodyear maintains strong performance with predictable handling and good aquaplaning resistance. However, this winter-focused optimization comes at a cost on dry roads, where extended braking distances prevent the tire from achieving a better overall result. The handling on dry pavement remains acceptable but lacks the sharpness of more summer-biased competitors. For drivers in regions with harsh winters who still need occasional dry-road capability, the Goodyear makes a compelling case, though those in milder climates might find better-balanced alternatives.
Next up was the Goodyear Vector 4Season Gen-3, so you know we're in the REALLY good section of tires already. As usual, the goodyear was not the best in dry braking, but worked well in dry handling, it was great in the wet, it was solid in the snow, and had good comfort, if I'm honest I'm shocked it was only 4th. Its overall placement was impacted by its rolling resistance, where it was 8th and 16.3% behind the lowest, but it's still a great tire.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 delivered competent performance in wet and snow conditions but was ultimately held back by its performance on dry roads. Its strongest characteristic was its lateral wet grip, where it scored an impressive 98.8%. Its performance across all three snow categories was also consistent, with scores in the mid-90s. However, the tire's most significant weakness was in dry braking, where it scored just 89.0%, the lowest in the entire test group.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 just misses a "good" rating for driving safety due to weaknesses on dry roads, but its very strong environmental performance secures a good overall grade. In summer conditions, the tire lacks precise steering response, requiring minor corrections in curves, and its dry braking is only satisfactory. It performs well on wet surfaces, especially in braking and handling, though its aquaplaning resistance is average. In winter conditions, the tire is impressive, offering short braking distances on snow and ice with excellent traction. Its only shortcoming is average handling performance on snow. Environmentally, the tire is a top performer with a very high projected mileage, low abrasion, and good marks for weight and fuel efficiency.
Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen-3 achieves a "good" rating as a well-balanced tire across all disciplines. Its low rolling resistance contributes to high fuel-saving potential, and it delivers short braking distances on snow-covered surfaces. The tire offers consistent performance across various conditions. However, it exhibits minor weaknesses in aquaplaning resistance and shows slightly reduced performance in wet and dry braking compared to the top performers.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 is just as I remember it. It was was great in dry handling, though not the best in dry braking, the best in wet handling and very good wet braking, though again like the Hankook it struggled a little in the deeper water, it was very good in the snow, though not quite up to the Hankook, had excellent noise and comfort, like the Hankook, and its rolling resistance was the same as Hankook. This tire is aging in years but is still an excellent choice.
Cold wet roads are the "mother's go-to" for the Goodyear Vector 4Season Gen-3. The Goodyear gets lost in all other road conditions and temperatures. As soon as the wet road gets a little warmer, the Goodyear's grip gets worse and the front tires lose traction too easily. Aquaplaning is a significant issue for the Goodyear, even on cool roads. On dry roads, the Goodyear Vector 4Season Gen-3 brakes poorly and steers slowly, although the lateral grip is decent. The test noted there were no unpleasant surprises with the Goodyear, but its performance was limited. It scored 7.0 points, the lowest in the entire test.
The Goodyear dropped to fifth place, down from first in last year's 17-inch test. It won two key tests - snow braking by a small margin and wet handling, where it showed good steering precision and traction even beyond grip limits. Other wet results were mixed - second on the wet circle but fifth in wet braking, fourth and fifth in aquaplaning tests. Snow handling placed fifth despite competitive lap times, with less stability than the leaders. Dry performance was its weak point - taking nearly 16ft longer to stop than the best in braking and placing sixth in handling, though showing good control characteristics. The results suggest strong wet weather focus but less balanced performance across all conditions.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 achieves the fastest lap time in dry conditions, thanks to its high grip levels and excellent handling. It delivers strong results across the board. In wet conditions, it demonstrates high grip levels, balanced performance, and clear transitions at its limits. However, its braking performance in wet conditions is only average. On snow, it surpasses some winter tires, excelling in grip, feedback, and balanced handling. The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 once again proves its exceptional capabilities, securing the top position among all-season tires with a well-balanced performance.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 tire shows mixed performance across different conditions. On dry roads, particularly in summer temperatures, it lacks precision in steering response and could improve in stabilizing after evasive maneuvers. Its braking performance from 62 mph is rated as good compared to other tested tires. On wet roads, the tire performs well overall, with above-average results in braking and aquaplaning tests. However, its handling on wet surfaces is only satisfactory, lacking in precise maneuvering through test courses. The tire truly shines in winter conditions, excelling with short braking distances on snow and ice, good traction, and safe, precise handling in snowy conditions. From an environmental perspective, the Polish-made tire scores well due to its projected high mileage, low wear, light weight, and reasonable fuel efficiency..
Safe in all seasons – the test winner!.
On dry surfaces: quiet, stable during lane changes, comfortable. Insufficient grip in wet conditions.
Consistent strong performance across all criteria. No compromises required. Test winner.
In second place overall just 0.2% ahead of the Hankook was the Goodyear Vector 4Season Gen-3. Like with the Hankook, the Goodyear was a solid product in the dry, the best around the wet handling lap, but it did edge out the hankook in both snow performance and rolling resistance. The Goodyear and the Golf worked together beautifully in all conditions, if it just had a little more dry braking, it would probably have won the test, it's another no compromise performance from Goodyear, something they're very strong at.
The Vector 4Seasons Gen3 demonstrated a balanced performance across different conditions. It achieved 1st place in the snow circle test and performed relatively well in other tests, although it ranked 4th in dry braking and subjective snow handling
Exemplary.
The Goodyear Vector 4Season Gen 3 had a poor result in the Tire Reviews all season test last year, but that was certainly an outlier rather than the rule, and now the tire is back exactly where it should be. The only drawback, which we've seen many times before, was average dry braking, but it was consistently amongst the best in the wet, including aquaplaning results, and the snow.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 was a tire with mixed fortunes. It performed well in nearly all tests, however an unusually long dry and wet braking result meant the tire could only finish in fifth place overall.
Strong in the wet and dry, safe in the snow, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 is highly recommended, and particularly efficient with fuel.
The new Goodyear Vector 4Season Gen-3 earns a win in its first test, proving to have the most rounded ability of all the all season tires included.
Owner reviews, sizes and EU label data, comparisons and the Tire Reviews score. All Goodyear tires