Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 vs Pirelli Ice Friction
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 79% · 4
- TR Score
- 9.2/10
- Owners say
- 97% · 4
The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 and the Pirelli Ice Friction have met in 3 independent tests and the record is level at 1-1. The UltraGrip Ice 3 used 2.5% less fuel.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Pirelli Ice Friction if you prioritize the shortest braking distances and strong aquaplaning security, especially for mixed urban/highway winter use with frequent slush and rain. Choose Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 if you value quietness, stability, and lower fuel consumption for long winter commutes, with excellent control on ice and confident wet handling.
Where the UltraGrip Ice 3 is stronger
- Lowest noise in class; calmer cabin on winter asphalt
- Consistently better fuel economy (≈0.7-5% advantage in tests)
- Confident, balanced handling; wins in wet handling and ice handling
Where the Ice Friction is stronger
- Shorter braking on dry, wet, snow, and ice in head-to-heads
- Top-tier aquaplaning resistance (best in 235/60 R18 test)
- High snow/ice pace with engaging, slightly oversteery balance
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.
UltraGrip Ice 3 vs Ice Friction at a glance
| Category | UltraGrip Ice 3 | Gap | Ice Friction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 1 | 1 level | 1 |
| Dry4 measurements | 1 | 2 | |
| Wet7 measurements | 3 | 2 | |
| Snow5 measurements | 0 | 3 | |
| Ice5 measurements | 3 | 2 | |
| Comfort3 measurements | 1 | 0 | |
| Value3 measurements | 3 | The UltraGrip Ice 3 used 2.5% less fuel (3 tests) | 0 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.4/10 | The UltraGrip Ice 3 by 0.2 | 9.2/10 |
| Owner rating4 and 4 reviews | 79% | The Ice Friction by 18 points | 97% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Ice Friction was dearer in 1 of 3 | +4% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 92 | 38 sizes made in both | 51 |
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 3 tests, 2025 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 | UltraGrip Ice 3 | Field | Ice Friction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tyre Test | P2 of 5 | P3 of 5 | |
| 2025 Friction Winter Tyre Test | P3 of 8 | P2 of 8 | |
| 2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tyre Test | P2 of 7 | P2 of 7 |
Performance profile
6 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
UltraGrip Ice 3
Ice Friction
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. 13 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
UltraGrip Ice 3
Ice Friction
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
UltraGrip Ice 3
Not ahead in any category
Ice Friction
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the UltraGrip Ice 3 79% from 4 reviews and the Ice Friction 97% from 4. 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 | UltraGrip Ice 3 | Gap | Ice Friction | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45.75 | 4.6% | 43.63 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 50% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 70 | 1.4% | 71 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 50.35 | 3% | 48.85 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 61.6 | 0.6% | 62 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 10% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 63.9 | 0.3% | 63.8 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 12.14 | 1.1% | 12.01 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 1.93 | 0.5% | 1.92 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 69.6 | 0.1% | 69.5 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 11.99 | 1% | 11.87 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.29 | 2.8% | 5.44 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 58.6 | 1% | 59.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 0.9% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 68.6 | 1.7 dB | 70.3 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.95 | 2.5% | 6.1 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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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 UltraGrip Ice 3 scores 9.4 and the Ice Friction 9.2 out of 10.
| UltraGrip Ice 3 | Category | Ice Friction | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | Dry | 86 | ||
| 81 | Wet | 84 | ||
| 94 | Comfort | 58 | ||
| 91 | Value | 55 | ||
| 91 | Snow | 93 | ||
| 74 | Ice | 77 | ||
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
| UltraGrip Ice 3 | Category | Ice Friction | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3 | Dry Grip | 9.5 | ||
| 8.3 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 7 | Road Feedback | 9.8 | ||
| 7.3 | Handling | 10 | ||
| 7 | Wear | 10 | ||
| 9.5 | Comfort | 9.5 | ||
| 8 | Snow Grip | 10 | ||
| 7.3 | Ice Grip | 9.5 | ||
Owners rate the UltraGrip Ice 3 79% from 4 reviews and the Ice Friction 97% from 4. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
- 79%from 4 reviews
- 59,610 milesdriven by reviewers
All 4 UltraGrip Ice 3 reviewsVs the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 2024, Nokian has much better ice grip.
On snow its, ice, dry, wet. I think it's a good overall quality tire.
Tempratures is rising around + degrees, still a solid tire.
Comfort of the Goodyear is excellent.
I have around 3 mm left on the front and barley 5 mm on the back tires. (Top speed we have in this area is 62mph)
Competitive price my area.
It's a good overall nordic winter tire!
Pirelli Ice Friction
- 97%from 4 reviews
- 8,765 milesdriven by reviewers
All 4 Ice Friction reviewsMounted on a rwd Mercedes E class. This tyre has convinced me that i will not buy studded tyres in the future. These tyres replaced Sailun studded tyres that still had some life left in them and imidietly i felt like the change was worth it. The old tyres would sometimes give me snap oversteer when going upp icy/snowy hills at around 50mph. This tyre eliminated that and incriced my confidence alot driving in to an icelandic winter. Its extreamly smooth and quiet. More quiet than my goodyear summertyres(19" rims). I just finished a 700mile roadtrip in a pretty sirious storm/blizzard and these tyres were glued to the road with upp to a 70 to80 mph wind gust to the side of the car.
The only time i have ever wonderd that studs might have been better was on very thick smooth wet ice. Contitions that might be for 3 to 5 days here in iceland. Then i just drive slower...
The tyres dont show any signs of wear. Never going back to studs.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 92 sizes of the UltraGrip Ice 3 and 51 of the Ice Friction, 38 of them made in both.
| Category | UltraGrip Ice 3 | Ice Friction |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 92 sizes, 15 to 22 inch | 51 sizes, 15 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 38 sizes 185/65 R15205/55 R16205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16215/55 R17215/65 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17225/65 R17235/65 R17and 26 more | |
| EU label wet grip | E90%D10% | C100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | B54%C43%D3% | C60%B40% |
| EU label noise | 68-73 dB B64%A36% | 67-70 dB A100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 157 of 157 | 73 of 73 |
| Replaced | Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 (2021) | Pirelli Ice Zero FR (2015) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Ice Friction was the dearer tyre in 1 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 4% 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.
Two Nordic friction heavyweights square off: Goodyear's UltraGrip Ice 3, last year's benchmark, versus Pirelli's all-new Ice Friction. Both target premium winter touring for passenger cars, but they approach grip and balance differently. Pirelli arrives with standout wet and snow/ice braking, while Goodyear leans on polished manners, efficiency, and class-leading noise comfort.
Across two 2025 comparison tests on 18-inch sizes, results were tight. Pirelli edged Goodyear overall in the SUV-leaning 235/60 R18 test (2nd vs. 3rd) with best-in-class aquaplaning resistance and strong stopping performance. Goodyear struck back in the mixed-format 235/45 R18 test (2nd vs. 3rd), pairing confident handling with notably better fuel economy and superior aquaplaning this time. The stage is set: ultimate braking versus all-round refinement and efficiency.
Conclusion
Pirelli Ice Friction delivers the sharper edge in stopping and adverse-weather reassurance: shorter dry, wet, snow, and ice braking, excellent straight-line aquaplaning in one test, and high snow/ice pace with a slightly livelier balance. It finished ahead once and matched Goodyear closely the other time-impressive for a debut.
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 counters with real-world usability: consistently composed handling (wet and ice), best noise comfort, and the clearest efficiency advantage (lower consumption in both tests). It also posted wins in wet handling (one test), ice traction/handling, and-importantly for commuting-remains easy and predictable near the limit. If you prioritize shortest stops in winter mixes, pick Pirelli; if you value quietness, stability, and lower running costs without giving up much grip, Goodyear is the smarter daily choice. The practical takeaway: Pirelli for maximum braking confidence, Goodyear for the most rounded, serene winter drive.
UltraGrip Ice 3 vs Ice Friction: your questions
Is the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 or the Pirelli Ice Friction the better tyre?
The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 and the Pirelli Ice Friction have met in 3 independent tests and the record is level at 1-1. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the UltraGrip Ice 3 scores 9.4 and the Ice Friction 9.2 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the UltraGrip Ice 3 or the Ice Friction?
The UltraGrip Ice 3 led 3 of the 7 wet measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in the dry?
The Ice Friction led 2 of the 4 dry measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in snow?
The Ice Friction led 3 of the 5 snow measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The UltraGrip Ice 3 used 2.5% less fuel (3 tests). Owners rate wear 7/10 for the UltraGrip Ice 3 and 10/10 for the Ice Friction.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 9.5/10 for the UltraGrip Ice 3 and 9.5/10 for the Ice Friction.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the UltraGrip Ice 3 79% from 4 reviews and the Ice Friction 97% from 4.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the Ice Friction was the dearer tyre in 1 of them, by 4% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The UltraGrip Ice 3 is made in 92 sizes (15 to 22 inch) and the Ice Friction in 51 (15 to 20 inch). 38 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the UltraGrip Ice 3 is graded E for wet grip and B for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Ice Friction C and C.
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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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