Tests 76 · 8 tests Owners 67 · 3,038 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 11 in 2017 All Season VS Winter Tyre Test (wet braking)
Head-to-head
Updated
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 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 8 + 38 road tests and 3,038 + 3,120 owner reviews. How we score
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 is ahead, 80–71
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Tests 84 · 38 tests Owners 76 · 3,120 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.
-
58
Dry
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 +1573Why this score
Source Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 Professional tests (TWG score) · 8 / 36 tests 57 73 Reviews found online 58 72 Vector 4Seasons Gen-2: 60% × 57 + 40% × 58.3 = 58
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3: 60% × 73.2 + 40% × 72.4 = 73
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82
Wet
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 +486Why this score
Source Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 Professional tests (TWG score) · 8 / 36 tests 88 89 Reviews found online 73 82 Vector 4Seasons Gen-2: 60% × 88 + 40% × 72.5 = 82
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3: 60% × 89.4 + 40% × 81.7 = 86
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77
Snow
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 +380Why this score
Source Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 Professional tests (TWG score) · 6 / 29 tests 84 85 Reviews found online 67 73 Vector 4Seasons Gen-2: 60% × 84.4 + 40% × 66.5 = 77
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3: 60% × 84.9 + 40% × 72.6 = 80
-
67
Comfort
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 +1279Why this score
Source Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 6 tests ≈ 69 (est.) 86 Reviews found online 66 75 Vector 4Seasons Gen-2: 40% × 68.5 (est.) + 60% × 65.8 = 67
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3: 40% × 86 + 60% × 74.6 = 79
No road tests of comfort for Vector 4Seasons Gen-2. The test half is the tested tires’ average (69): owners’ comfort ratings barely follow the road tests.
-
72
Noise
Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 +171Why this score
Source Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 Professional tests (TWG score) · 5 / 26 tests 75 74 Reviews found online ≈ 67 (est.) ≈ 67 (est.) Vector 4Seasons Gen-2: 60% × 75.1 + 40% × 66.5 (est.) = 72
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3: 60% × 73.8 + 40% × 66.5 (est.) = 71
No owner ratings of noise for Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3. The owner half is the owners’ average (67): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.
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74
Treadwear
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 +1185Why this score
Source Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 10 tests 77 90 Reviews found online 71 77 Vector 4Seasons Gen-2: 60% × 76.8 + 40% × 70.5 = 74
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3: 60% × 89.7 + 40% × 77.3 = 85
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63
Handling (owners)
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 +1275Why this score
Source Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 Reviews found online 63 75 -
74
Efficiency
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 +377Why this score
Source Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 Professional tests (TWG score) · 6 / 27 tests 74 77
Scores at a glance
| Category | Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 | Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 71 | 80 |
| Dry | 58 | 73 |
| Wet | 82 | 86 |
| Snow | 77 | 80 |
| Comfort | 67 | 79 |
| Noise | 72 | 71 |
| Treadwear | 74 | 85 |
| Handling (owners) | 63 | 75 |
| Efficiency | 74 | 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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Neutral
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Important
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Recomputed
Headline score
71
/ 100
Vector 4Seasons Gen-2
80
/ 100
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.
| Discipline | Category | Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 | Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 90% #6/7 · 2020 ADAC SUV All Season Tyre Test | 88% #10/10 · 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 97% #8/10 · 2019 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 99% #2/10 · 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 98% #3/10 · 2019 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 96% #8/10 · 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 92% #2/7 · 2020 ADAC SUV All Season Tyre Test | 97% #3/10 · 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 98% #4/10 · 2019 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 99% #3/10 · 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Ice Braking | Snow | 100% #2/7 · 2020 ADAC SUV All Season Tyre Test | 100% #1/16 · 2026 ADAC All Season Tyre Test - 185/65 R15 | – | Different tests |
| Snow Braking | Snow | 95% #3/7 · 2020 ADAC SUV All Season Tyre Test | 98% #4/10 · 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Snow Handling | Snow | 100% #1/10 · 2019 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 97% #4/10 · 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Noise | Noise | 99% #4/10 · 2019 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 99% #2/10 · 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Wear | Treadwear | 91% #3/10 · 2019 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 100% #1/10 · 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 90% #3/10 · 2019 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 93% #6/10 · 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 78% #8/10 · 2019 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 66% #8/12 · 2024 Minivan / SUV All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Cost | #3/10 2019 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | #2/8 2026 AutoBild All Season Tyre Test for EVs (215/55 R18) | – | Different tests |
| Value | Cost | 83% #5/10 · 2019 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 97% #2/10 · 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #4/7 2021 Motor All-Season Tire Test R16 | #7/11 2027 AvD All-Season Tire Test R17 | – | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
Tire A Vector 4Seasons Gen-2
Pros
- Exceptional grip and safety in wet, rainy, and standing water conditions
- Outstanding traction and confidence in deep snow, ice, and cold winter weather
- Comfortable, smooth, and relatively quiet ride quality
Cons
- Reduced dry-weather performance and softer handling response in warm temperatures (above 20°C)
- Prone to wheel spin, understeer, and tread squal when pushed hard or during aggressive starts in dry conditions
- Vague or floaty steering feel on twisty roads or at highway speeds
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
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Tire A
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2
We haven't collected enough community discussion about this tire yet.
Tire B
Neutral
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
Community discussions around the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 primarily focus on fitment considerations, purchasing inquiries, and tire markings such as tread wear indicators and winter ratings. Potential buyers view it as a balanced all-season option with strong wet performance, while existing owners seek clarification regarding its symbols and specifications.
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.”
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.”
Top themes
#wear indicator markings#winter rating symbols#all-season tire fitment#availability and purchasing#wet and winter performance#comparison with winter tires
Based on 7 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 | B · Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | All Season | All Season |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 34 | 99 |
| Rim diameters | 13″ – 20″ | 14″ – 22″ |
| Sizes in common | 15 | 15 |
Which one should you actually buy?
71
/ 100
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2
80
/ 100
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
Winner: Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 — better dry, comfort and handling. Where the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 is ahead, it is by less than 3 points.
Pick tire B
You want the most grip on dry roads
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 scores 73 vs 58 on dry.
Pick tire B
You want the most comfortable ride
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 scores 79 vs 67 on comfort.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 scores 75 vs 63 on handling.
Pick tire B
You want the longest tread life
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 scores 85 vs 74 on treadwear.
Tire A · Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2
Tire B · Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
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Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?
Which is better in the wet, Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, 86 vs 82 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, 73 vs 58 on our dry score.
Which is better in snow, Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, 80 vs 77 on our snow score.
Which is quieter, Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?
Neither, by our numbers: 72 vs 71 on the noise score, within 3 points.
Which is more comfortable, Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, 79 vs 67 on our comfort score.
Which lasts longer, Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, 85 vs 74 on our treadwear score.
Which rolls more easily, Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 or Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, 77 vs 74 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