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Head-to-head Updated

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3 vs Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 — Compared

Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 36 + 39 road tests and 17 + 3,160 owner reviews. How we score

Ultra Grip Performance 3 is ahead, 85–80

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Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3
Tire AGoodyear

Ultra Grip Performance 3

Winter

± 4

Tests 89 · 36 tests Owners 81 · 17 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 51 in 2025 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 52 Sets! (wet braking)

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
Tire BGoodyear

Vector 4Seasons Gen-3

All Season

± 4

Tests 84 · 39 tests Owners 77 · 3,160 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 16 in 2026 ADAC All Season Tyre Test - 185/65 R15 (snow braking)

“After my last post , I went out and got a set of Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 XL All Season tyres, for my Yaris.”

Category by category

Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.

  1. 81

    Dry

    Ultra Grip Performance 3 +8
    73
    Why this score
    SourceUltra Grip Performance 3Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 29 / 37 tests8273
    Reviews found online8072
    Dry Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–189%92%
    Dry Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–198%100%

    Ultra Grip Performance 3: 60% × 81.5 + 40% × 79.5 = 81

    Vector 4Seasons Gen-3: 60% × 73.4 + 40% × 72.2 = 73

  2. 92

    Wet

    Ultra Grip Performance 3 +5
    87
    Why this score
    SourceUltra Grip Performance 3Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 36 / 37 tests9790
    Reviews found online8482
    Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–097%93%
    Wet Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–193%94%
    Wet Circle (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–197%100%
    Wet Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–199%100%

    Ultra Grip Performance 3: 60% × 97.3 + 40% × 84.2 = 92

    Vector 4Seasons Gen-3: 60% × 89.7 + 40% × 81.9 = 87

  3. 82

    Snow

    Ultra Grip Performance 3 +2
    80
    Why this score
    SourceUltra Grip Performance 3Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 35 / 30 tests8485
    Reviews found online7973
    Snow Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–099%98%
    Snow Circle (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%98%
    Snow Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–099%96%
    Snow Traction (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%99%

    Ultra Grip Performance 3: 60% × 84.3 + 40% × 79.1 = 82

    Vector 4Seasons Gen-3: 60% × 84.5 + 40% × 73.4 = 80

  4. 87

    Comfort

    Ultra Grip Performance 3 +9
    78
    Why this score
    SourceUltra Grip Performance 3Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 10 / 7 tests10084
    Reviews found online7974

    Ultra Grip Performance 3: 40% × 100 + 60% × 79.1 = 87

    Vector 4Seasons Gen-3: 40% × 84 + 60% × 74.2 = 78

  5. 77

    Noise

    Ultra Grip Performance 3 +6
    71
    Why this score
    SourceUltra Grip Performance 3Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 25 / 27 tests8473
    Reviews found online≈ 66 (est.)≈ 66 (est.)
    Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%99%

    Ultra Grip Performance 3: 60% × 84.2 + 40% × 66.3 (est.) = 77

    Vector 4Seasons Gen-3: 60% × 73.3 + 40% × 66.3 (est.) = 71

    No owner ratings of noise for Ultra Grip Performance 3 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3. The owner half is the owners’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.

  6. 86

    Treadwear

    Ultra Grip Performance 3 +1
    85
    Why this score
    SourceUltra Grip Performance 3Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 11 / 10 tests9090
    Reviews found online8178

    Ultra Grip Performance 3: 60% × 89.6 + 40% × 80.8 = 86

    Vector 4Seasons Gen-3: 60% × 89.8 + 40% × 78.1 = 85

  7. 80

    Handling (owners)

    Ultra Grip Performance 3 +4
    76
    Why this score
    SourceUltra Grip Performance 3Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
    Reviews found online8076
  8. 71

    Efficiency

    Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 +6
    77
    Why this score
    SourceUltra Grip Performance 3Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 28 / 28 tests7177
    Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–188%93%
Scores at a glance
CategoryGoodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
Relative Score 85 80
Dry 81 73
Wet 92 87
Snow 82 80
Comfort 87 78
Noise 77 71
Treadwear 86 85
Handling (owners) 80 76
Efficiency 71 77

Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.

Weight the categories that matter to you

Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.

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Recomputed
Headline score
± 4

Ultra Grip Performance 3

± 4

Vector 4Seasons Gen-3

The professional test results behind the scores

Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.

In the overall rankings of 1 tests that ran both, Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3 finished ahead 0 times and Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 1 times.

DisciplineCategoryUltra Grip Performance 3Vector 4Seasons Gen-3ΔHead-to-head
Dry Braking Dry 89% 92% −3.1 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Dry Handling Dry 98% 100% −2.0 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Straight Aquaplaning Wet 97% 93% +3.5 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Wet Braking Wet 93% 94% −1.1 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Wet Circle Wet 97% 100% −2.4 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Wet Handling Wet 99% 100% −1.2 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Snow Braking Snow 99% 98% +1.4 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Snow Circle Snow 100% 98% +1.7 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Snow Handling Snow 99% 96% +3.1 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Snow Traction Snow 100% 99% +0.9 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Noise Noise 100% 99% +0.7 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 88% 93% −4.3 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Also published by the testers (not in the score)
Overall Ranking Overall #4/10 #2/10 – 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test · 215/55 R17

Pros, cons & observations

Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.

Tire A Ultra Grip Performance 3

Pros

  • Strong, predictable grip in snow and slush. Reviewers reported confident traction in Austrian and Ukrainian winter conditions, and one RWD owner drove on uncleared snowy hill roads.
  • Excellent comfort and low noise. Several reviewers described the ride as floating, silent or quiet, and one rated it more comfortable than a Fulda Kristall Control HP2 and quieter and more comfortable than a Continental.
  • Confident wet and dry performance. Reviewers cited strong wet braking and handling, good dry grip and braking, good aquaplaning resistance, and stable high-speed or Autobahn behavior.

Cons

  • Limited traction on icy uphill roads. One reviewer noted it can give up a bit there, though they said this is about 1% of their driving.
  • Softer feel and less steering feedback in mild temperatures. One reviewer at 16°C noted this and found lateral grip not suited to fast driving.
  • Premium pricing. One reviewer noted it is not cheap.
All owner themes in the Ultra Grip Performance 3 review

Tire B Vector 4Seasons Gen-3

Pros

  • Exceptional grip and aquaplaning resistance in wet weather
  • Strong winter performance on snow, slush, and ice
  • Low noise levels and superior ride comfort compared to many competitors

Cons

  • Reduced steering feedback and vaguer handling during spirited dry-road driving
  • Longer dry braking distances compared to dedicated summer tires
  • Occasional reports of increased rolling resistance affecting fuel economy
All owner themes in the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 review

What real owners are saying

From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score

Tire A

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3

We haven't collected enough community discussion about this tire yet.

Tire B

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3

Mixed

The community discussion is small and mostly consists of questions from prospective buyers. Some see the tire as a balanced all-season option with better wet performance than rivals, and a few have bought it for a Yaris, a Model Y and similar cars. Others are unsure about its winter capability, its tread wear indicators and its mixed M+S and 3PMSF markings, and one user reports that older all-season tires can get skiddy in the wet after 2–3 years.

r/CarTalkUK ·9 upvotes ·2022-05-14

“After my last post , I went out and got a set of Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 XL All Season tyres, for my Yaris.”
r/CarTalkUK ·3 upvotes ·2025-09-15

“Tyre symbols - Goodyear VECTOR 4SEASONS GEN-3 - are they all season or, as mechanic claims, actually winter tyres being mis-sold as all season? I had 4 Goodyear VECTOR 4SEASONS GEN-3 fitted a few months ago at Costco, prior to my service today. They are clearly advertised as all season tyres on every website including Costco 's. When I took the car in for the service the mechanic was adamant that they are winter tyres and not all season, because the symbols on the tyre are for winter only. They show a "mountain" with a snow flake inside it, and M + S which means Mud + Snow. He says these are the winter tyre symbols, and that if they were actually all season there should be a sun symbol also, and that noone should really be using winter tyres in the south of England given the very few days it's actually needed (if at all) and the compromise of reduced grip in normal conditions. Is he correct or is he mistaken on the symbols/claim that these are winter tyres? I've included the relevant part from a stock image for this model and I have the same. I noticed that underneath the model name (Vector) it says 4seasons. I would've thought no tyre fitter or manufacturer would mislead customers and there must be regulations around this kind of stuff so am inclined to think the mechanic is mistaken and presumably the symbols are just showing that it's rated for certain winter conditions, but just wanted to double check on the off chance he's right.”
Top themes
#All-season versatility#Wet performance#Winter/snow capability#3PMSF and M+S markings#Wear indicators#Tyre size fitment#Alternative tire comparisons#Purchase experiences

Based on 7 community posts

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3 B · Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
CategoryWinterAll Season
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available17299
Rim diameters14″ – 22″14″ – 22″
Tread depth11/32″—
SidewallBlack Side Wall - Raised Black Lettering—
Max pressure50 - 51 psi—
Sizes in common8080

Which one should you actually buy?

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3

Winner: Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3 — better comfort, dry and noise. Pick the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 if efficiency matters most to you.

Pick tire A You want the most comfortable ride

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3 scores 87 vs 78 on comfort.

Pick tire A You want the most grip on dry roads

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3 scores 81 vs 73 on dry.

Pick tire A You want a quieter cabin

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3 scores 77 vs 71 on noise.

Pick tire B You want lower fuel or energy use

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 scores 77 vs 71 on efficiency.

Tire A · Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3
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Tire B · Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
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Ultra Grip Performance 3 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?

Which is better in the wet, Ultra Grip Performance 3 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3, 92 vs 87 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, Ultra Grip Performance 3 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3, 81 vs 73 on our dry score.

Which is better in snow, Ultra Grip Performance 3 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?

Neither, by our numbers: 82 vs 80 on the snow score, within 3 points.

Which is quieter, Ultra Grip Performance 3 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3, 77 vs 71 on our noise score.

Which is more comfortable, Ultra Grip Performance 3 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3, 87 vs 78 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, Ultra Grip Performance 3 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?

Neither, by our numbers: 86 vs 85 on the treadwear score, within 3 points.

Which rolls more easily, Ultra Grip Performance 3 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, 77 vs 71 on our efficiency score.

How do we compare tires?

Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.

Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.

Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology