Fulda Kristall Control HP2 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
- TR Score
- 7.2/10
- Owners say
- 70% · 12
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 90% · 15
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 7 times and the Kristall Control HP2 not once. The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 22.8% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Buy the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3. It finished ahead in all six shared tests, won the 2025 ADAC test outright, brakes shorter in the wet in every measurement and lasts a third longer. The Fulda Kristall Control HP2 is only worth the saving if snow traction and purchase price are all you buy on.
Where the Kristall Control HP2 is stronger
- Won both snow slalom comparisons and two of three snow traction measurements
- Rated more comfortable by Auto Bild's panel, 8 points against 7.3
- Cheaper per 1000km in both value calculations, 8.61 against 9.26 in 2024
Where the UltraGrip Performance 3 is stronger
- Finished ahead in all six shared tests, winning the 2025 ADAC test outright, 1st of 31
- Shorter wet braking in all six measurements, by around 11.7 percent at ADAC and Auto Bild
- Far longer tread life, 76,500km against 56,900km at ADAC, 34.5 percent more
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Kristall Control HP2 vs UltraGrip Performance 3 at a glance
| Category | Kristall Control HP2 | Gap | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 0 | 7 | |
| Dry5 measurements | 0 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 4.9% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 5 |
| Wet18 measurements | 0 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped 8.7% shorter in the wet (7 tests) | 18 |
| Snow14 measurements | 7 | 6 | |
| Ice1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Comfort4 measurements | 1 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 2.1 dB quieter (3 tests) | 3 |
| Value7 measurements | 1 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 22.8% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 5 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 7.2/10 | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 2.3 | 9.5/10 |
| Owner rating12 and 15 reviews | 70% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 20 points | 90% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 58% | The UltraGrip Performance 3 by 42 points | 100% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was dearer in 4 of 4 | +20.7% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 41 | 28 sizes made in both | 175 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 7 tests, 2023 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Kristall Control HP2 | Field | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 50 Sets | P26 of 50 | P9 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | P18 of 20 | P5 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P18 of 51 | P3 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test | P13 of 31 | P1 of 31 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P18 of 20 | P2 of 20 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tyre Braking Test | P20 of 55 | P9 of 55 | |
| 2023 Winter Tyre Test 54 Set Braking Test | P23 of 54 | P3 of 54 |
Performance profile
14 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Kristall Control HP2
UltraGrip Performance 3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 94%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 6 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Kristall Control HP2
UltraGrip Performance 3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Kristall Control HP2
Not ahead in any category
UltraGrip Performance 3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12 reviews and the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tyres posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Kristall Control HP2 | Gap | UltraGrip Performance 3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46.2 | 4.9% | 43.97 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 111.9 | 0.3% | 112.2 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 43.97 | 8.7% | 40.23 | 0-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 40 | 8.5% | 36.6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 75.8 | 4.7% | 79.36 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2.9 | 3.4% | 3 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.89 | 5.1% | 12.23 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 76.3 | 3% | 78.57 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3.07 | 2.4% | 3.13 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 26.49 | 0.2% | 26.43 | 2-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1,754 | 1.5% | 1,722 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 59.05 | 0.3% | 59.2 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3.14 | 3.6% | 3.04 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 17 | 1.8% | 16.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 9.6% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.3 | 2.1 dB | 69.2 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 47,567 | 22.8% | 59,000 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.91 | 2.6% | 8.68 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | = | 5.8 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69 | 27.5% | 50 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tyres shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Kristall Control HP2 scores 7.2 and the UltraGrip Performance 3 9.5 out of 10.
| Kristall Control HP2 | Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Dry | 89 | ||
| 59 | Wet | 95 | ||
| 11 | Comfort | 85 | ||
| 74 | Value | 70 | ||
| 70 | Snow | 87 | ||
| 46 | Ice | 22 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Kristall Control HP2 | Category | UltraGrip Performance 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.1 | Dry Grip | 8.6 | ||
| 7 | Wet Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 7.5 | Road Feedback | 8.6 | ||
| 6.9 | Handling | 8.1 | ||
| 7.3 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 7.4 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 6.1 | Snow Grip | 9.5 | ||
| 4.1 | Ice Grip | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12 reviews and the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
- 70%from 12 reviews
- 58%would buy again
- 446,800 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally report the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 as a strong value winter tyre, with many high-scoring reviews praising confident wet-road grip, safe/predictable handling, good snow traction, and a quiet, comfortable ride. Several owners also find it competitive with more premium brands for everyday winter driving. A recurring concern is that performance can deteriorate noticeably with age as the compound hardens, leading to reduced wet/ice/snow grip after a few seasons/years for some users.
- Strong wet grip and stability
- Good snow traction and winter safety
- Predictable handling and secure steering feel
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Grip can drop significantly as the tyre ages/hardens over multiple seasons
Summarised by AI from 11 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 12 Kristall Control HP2 reviewsOverall good, but really nothing stands out about this tyre. Reasonable wear, very good in dry, confident in wet, average in snow.
Reasonably quiet and comfortable.
Great buy at around EUR 83 for 205 60 16.
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
- 90%from 15 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 62,800 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers rate the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 very highly, praising its excellent grip and braking on dry and wet roads, strong traction in snow, and a quiet, comfortable, and predictable ride. Handling is often described as stable and confidence-inspiring, with several noting good highway manners. A minority mention weaker performance on pure ice and a softer, less sporty steering feel at the limit. Overall sentiment is strongly positive with only a few caveats.
- strong dry grip and braking
- excellent wet grip and braking
- very good snow traction
- quiet and comfortable ride
- limited grip on pure ice compared to some rivals
- softer steering feel and less sporty lateral grip at high speeds
Summarised by AI from 12 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 15 UltraGrip Performance 3 reviewsThis is exceptional tyre in winter i swapped it now with Michelin PA 5 which is even better on snow but lucks a bit on wet. But you cant go wrong with niether of those. I cant wait Michelin s to worn out so i can try pirelli.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 41 sizes of the Kristall Control HP2 and 175 of the UltraGrip Performance 3, 28 of them made in both.
| Category | Kristall Control HP2 | UltraGrip Performance 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 41 sizes, 15 to 19 inch | 175 sizes, 14 to 23 inch |
| Made in both | 28 sizes 195/65 R15195/55 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17215/45 R17215/50 R17and 16 more | |
| EU label wet grip | C83%B15%D2% | B60%C39%D0%A0% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C74%D20%B6% | C74%B16%D9%A1%E0% |
| EU label noise | 70-73 dB B100% | 69-74 dB B87%A13% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 54 of 54 | 415 of 415 |
| On the market since | 2021 | - |
| Replaced | Fulda Kristall Control HP (2021) | - |
| Awards | - | Commended: Best Winter Tyre (DriverReviews, 2025/26) |
| Price in the shared tests | The UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tyre in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 20.7% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
Six shared tests, six wins for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, and several of them are landslides. It won the 2025 ADAC winter test outright, 1st of 31, with the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 13th; it was 2nd of 23 at Auto Bild in 2024 against 18th, and 3rd of 52 in Auto Bild's 2025 braking shootout against 18th.
Wet braking is the headline. The Goodyear stopped shorter in all six tests that measured it, by 11.8 percent at Auto Bild in 2025, 50.9m against 57.7m, and by 11.7 percent at ADAC, 31.7m against 35.9m. It also wore far longer in all three wear tests, 76,500km against 56,900km at ADAC, 34.5 percent more.
The Fulda's answer is snow bite and price. It won both snow slalom comparisons and two of three snow traction measurements, Auto Bild's panel rated it more comfortable, 8 points against 7.3, and it was the cheaper tyre per 1000km in both value calculations.
Conclusion
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is a class above here. It finished ahead in all six shared tests, and the margins are wide: 1st of 31 at ADAC in 2025 with the Fulda 13th, 2nd of 23 at Auto Bild in 2024 with the Fulda 18th, 5th of 22 in 2025 with the Fulda 18th, and 3rd of 52, 3rd of 54 and 9th of 55 in Auto Bild's big braking line-ups against 18th, 23rd and 20th. It stopped shorter in the wet in all six measurements, by around 11.7 percent at both ADAC and Auto Bild, shorter in the dry in all three, 42.3m against 45.3m at ADAC, and it took all three wet circle runs and both wet handling comparisons. Longevity is just as one-sided: 76,500km against 56,900km at ADAC, 34.5 percent more, with 50 against 69mg/km/t of abrasion. Owners score it 9.90 against 7.90.
The Fulda Kristall Control HP2 defends itself on snow and on price. It won both snow slalom comparisons, 2.99 against 2.84 m/sec2 at Auto Bild, and two of three snow traction measurements, and snow braking was close, three to two. Auto Bild's panel rated it more comfortable, 8 points against 7.3, and it was cheaper per 1000km in both calculations, 10 against 10.94 in 2025 and 8.61 against 9.26 in 2024.
The value argument is the one to question. The Fulda's cost per 1000km advantage is under 9 percent in both tests, while the Goodyear's wet braking advantage is around 11 percent and its tread life advantage up to 34.5 percent. Unless snow traction is the only thing you buy a winter tyre for, the Goodyear is worth the difference.
Kristall Control HP2 vs UltraGrip Performance 3: your questions
Is the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 or the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 the better tyre?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished ahead 7 times and the Kristall Control HP2 not once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Kristall Control HP2 scores 7.2 and the UltraGrip Performance 3 9.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Kristall Control HP2 or the UltraGrip Performance 3?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 18 of the 18 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 8.7% shorter in the wet across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 led 5 of the 5 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.9% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Kristall Control HP2 led 7 of the 14 snow measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 lasted 22.8% longer in the wear tests (3 tests). Owners rate wear 7.3/10 for the Kristall Control HP2 and 9/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The UltraGrip Performance 3 was 2.1 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.4/10 for the Kristall Control HP2 and 8.8/10 for the UltraGrip Performance 3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12 reviews and the UltraGrip Performance 3 90% from 15. 58% of Kristall Control HP2 owners would buy it again, against 100% for the UltraGrip Performance 3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the UltraGrip Performance 3 was the dearer tyre in 4 of them, by 20.7% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Kristall Control HP2 is made in 41 sizes (15 to 19 inch) and the UltraGrip Performance 3 in 175 (14 to 23 inch). 28 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Kristall Control HP2 is graded C for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the UltraGrip Performance 3 B and C.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Review the Kristall Control HP2 Review the UltraGrip Performance 3
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tyres ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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