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Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Michelin Alpin 7

This head-to-head pits two new-generation European winter heavyweights with different briefs: Goodyear's UltraGrip Performance 3 is an ultra-high-performance winter tyre aimed at confident control and speed across snow, wet and dry; Michelin's Alpin 7 targets premium-touring drivers prioritising efficiency, refinement and consistent safety margins. Across five shared independent tests in 2025, both tyres earned strong plaudits, but for different reasons.

Early patterns are clear. Goodyear repeatedly tops dynamic disciplines-wet and dry handling, snow traction and subjective control-while Michelin reliably posts the lowest rolling resistance and competitive braking, especially on snow. Where aquaplaning is isolated, results split by test, but Goodyear more often resists aquaplaning in curves, while Michelin occasionally leads in straight-line aquaplaning. The question becomes: do you value outright control and winter bite, or efficiency and long-haul polish?
UltraGrip-Performance-3 VS Alpin-7

Test Results

Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been five tests which compare both tyres directly!

Summary of five total tests comparing both tyres directly
TyreTest WinsPerformance
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3four
four wins
Michelin Alpin 7one
one wins

While it might look like the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is better than the Michelin Alpin 7 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.

Key Strengths

  • Best-in-test dynamic control: consistent wins in wet/dry handling and subjective confidence
  • Top-tier snow capability: strong traction, short stopping, and stable cornering
  • Very good aquaplaning safety, especially in curved aquaplaning
  • High refinement: excellent ride comfort and low noise in multiple tests
  • Rolling-resistance champion: 5/5 test wins for energy/fuel efficiency
  • Strong braking performance, notably short stops on snow
  • Refined and balanced road manners with low noise
  • Likely strong longevity/tread life, enhancing value over time

Dry Braking

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped the vehicle in 1.47% less distance than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
39.49M
Michelin Alpin 7
40.08M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
41.19M
Michelin Alpin 7
41.59M (+0.4M)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
31.25M (+0.54M)
Michelin Alpin 7
30.71M
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
41.2M
Michelin Alpin 7
41.4M (+0.2M)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
44.6M
Michelin Alpin 7
45.7M (+1.1M)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
39.2M
Michelin Alpin 7
41M (+1.8M)

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was 0.1% faster around a lap than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
59.55s
Michelin Alpin 7
59.61s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
59.55s
Michelin Alpin 7
59.61s (+0.06s)

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was 0.53% faster around a lap than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
114Km/H
Michelin Alpin 7
113.4Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
117.5Km/H (-0.3Km/H)
Michelin Alpin 7
117.8Km/H
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
110.5Km/H
Michelin Alpin 7
109Km/H (-1.5Km/H)

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 scored 3.53% more points than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
42.5 Points
Michelin Alpin 7
41 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
76 Points
Michelin Alpin 7
73 Points (-3 Points)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
9 Points
Michelin Alpin 7
9 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped the vehicle in 2.02% less distance than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
36.93M
Michelin Alpin 7
37.69M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
31.36M
Michelin Alpin 7
31.66M (+0.3M)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
35M
Michelin Alpin 7
37M (+2M)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
51.4M
Michelin Alpin 7
51.4M
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
32.8M (+1.4M)
Michelin Alpin 7
31.4M
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
34.1M
Michelin Alpin 7
37M (+2.9M)

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was 4.66% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
73.07s
Michelin Alpin 7
76.64s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
60.24s
Michelin Alpin 7
60.98s (+0.74s)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
85.9s
Michelin Alpin 7
92.3s (+6.4s)

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was 1.11% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
72.3Km/H
Michelin Alpin 7
71.5Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
78.7Km/H
Michelin Alpin 7
78.3Km/H (-0.4Km/H)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
65.9Km/H
Michelin Alpin 7
64.7Km/H (-1.2Km/H)

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Alpin 7 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 7 scored 2.35% more points than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
41.5 Points
Michelin Alpin 7
42.5 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Michelin Alpin 7

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
73 Points (-4 Points)
Michelin Alpin 7
77 Points
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
10 Points
Michelin Alpin 7
8 Points (-2 Points)

Wet Circle

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 had 19.93% higher lateral wet grip than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
2.91m/s
Michelin Alpin 7
2.33m/s
Lateral wet grip in m/s squared, higher is better

Best In Wet Circle: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
2.91m/s
Michelin Alpin 7
2.33m/s (-0.58m/s)

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 floated at a 0.33% higher speed than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
80.82Km/H
Michelin Alpin 7
80.55Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
90.1Km/H
Michelin Alpin 7
89.5Km/H (-0.6Km/H)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
80Km/H (-4.66Km/H)
Michelin Alpin 7
84.66Km/H
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
73.1Km/H (-4Km/H)
Michelin Alpin 7
77.1Km/H
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
78.5Km/H
Michelin Alpin 7
73.5Km/H (-5Km/H)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
82.4Km/H
Michelin Alpin 7
78Km/H (-4.4Km/H)

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Michelin Alpin 7 was better during one curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 7 slipped out at a 6.23% higher speed than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
38.36m/sec2
Michelin Alpin 7
40.91m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Michelin Alpin 7

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
73.3m/sec2
Michelin Alpin 7
69.9m/sec2 (-3.4m/sec2)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
70m/sec2 (-13.73m/sec2)
Michelin Alpin 7
83.73m/sec2
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
2.65m/sec2
Michelin Alpin 7
2.56m/sec2 (-0.09m/sec2)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
7.47m/sec2
Michelin Alpin 7
7.43m/sec2 (-0.04m/sec2)

Snow Braking

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during three snow braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped the vehicle in 0.11% less distance than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
28.29M
Michelin Alpin 7
28.32M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
24.94M
Michelin Alpin 7
25.52M (+0.58M)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
40M
Michelin Alpin 7
41.28M (+1.28M)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
30.2M (+1.7M)
Michelin Alpin 7
28.5M
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
28.1M
Michelin Alpin 7
28.4M (+0.3M)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
18.2M (+0.3M)
Michelin Alpin 7
17.9M

Snow Traction

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 accelerated 1.35% faster than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
6.58s
Michelin Alpin 7
6.67s
Snow acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Snow Traction: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
10s
Michelin Alpin 7
10.2s (+0.2s)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
3.15s (+0.02s)
Michelin Alpin 7
3.13s

Snow Traction

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during two snow traction tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 had 2.71% better snow traction than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
2766.85N
Michelin Alpin 7
2691.95N
Pulling Force in Newtons, higher is better

Best In Snow Traction: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
2614N
Michelin Alpin 7
2512N (-102N)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
2919.7N
Michelin Alpin 7
2871.9N (-47.8N)

Snow Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Alpin 7 was better during two snow handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 7 was 2.18% faster around a lap than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
72.85s
Michelin Alpin 7
71.26s
Snow handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Handling [s]: Michelin Alpin 7

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
62.5s (+1.09s)
Michelin Alpin 7
61.41s
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
83.2s (+2.1s)
Michelin Alpin 7
81.1s

Snow Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during two snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was 0.99% faster around a lap than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
85.8Km/H
Michelin Alpin 7
84.95Km/H
Snow handling average speed, higher is better

Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
73.8Km/H
Michelin Alpin 7
73.4Km/H (-0.4Km/H)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
97.8Km/H
Michelin Alpin 7
96.5Km/H (-1.3Km/H)

Subj. Snow Handling

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during two subj. snow handling tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 scored 10.23% more points than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
44 Points
Michelin Alpin 7
39.5 Points
Subjective Snow Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
78 Points
Michelin Alpin 7
71 Points (-7 Points)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
10 Points
Michelin Alpin 7
8 Points (-2 Points)

Snow Circle

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Alpin 7 was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 7 provided 1.02% more lateral grip than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
3.9ms/2
Michelin Alpin 7
3.94ms/2
Lateral snow grip in m/s squared, higher is better

Best In Snow Circle: Michelin Alpin 7

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
3.9ms/2 (-0.04ms/2)
Michelin Alpin 7
3.94ms/2

Subj. Comfort

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during two subj. comfort tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 scored 11.11% more points than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
49.5 Points
Michelin Alpin 7
44 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
89 Points
Michelin Alpin 7
80 Points (-9 Points)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
10 Points
Michelin Alpin 7
8 Points (-2 Points)

Subj. Noise

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 scored 1.23% more points than the Michelin Alpin 7.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
81 Points
Michelin Alpin 7
80 Points
Subjective in car noise levels, higher is better

Best In Subj. Noise: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
81 Points
Michelin Alpin 7
80 Points (-1 Points)

Noise

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Alpin 7 was better during one noise tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 7 measured 0.01% quieter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
71.24dB
Michelin Alpin 7
71.23dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Michelin Alpin 7

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
70.42dB
Michelin Alpin 7
70.78dB (+0.36dB)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
72.2dB (+0.8dB)
Michelin Alpin 7
71.4dB
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
71.1dB
Michelin Alpin 7
71.5dB (+0.4dB)

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Michelin Alpin 7 was better during five rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 7 had a 10.72% lower rolling resistance than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
8.02kg / t
Michelin Alpin 7
7.16kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Alpin 7

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
7.3kg / t (+0.4kg / t)
Michelin Alpin 7
6.9kg / t
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
9.21kg / t (+1.09kg / t)
Michelin Alpin 7
8.12kg / t
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
7.8kg / t (+0.9kg / t)
Michelin Alpin 7
6.9kg / t
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
7.7kg / t (+0.7kg / t)
Michelin Alpin 7
7kg / t
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
8.1kg / t (+1.2kg / t)
Michelin Alpin 7
6.9kg / t

Real World Driver Reviews

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 Driver Reviews

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.

Based on 13 reviews with an average rating of 87%

Michelin Alpin 7 Driver Reviews

Drivers rate the Michelin Alpin 7 very highly, praising its excellent snow and slush traction, strong wet performance, good dry grip for a winter tyre, and notably quiet, comfortable ride. Many report stable high-speed highway manners and low wear, with several stating they would buy again. The most common tradeoff is a softer sidewall that reduces steering precision/road feel a bit. Overall, it delivers balanced winter performance with standout comfort and noise levels.

Based on 10 reviews with an average rating of 87%

Best Review for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
Given 100% 245/45 R18 on a combination of roads for 2,000 average miles
So far, amazing tire. One of the best ever made. It grips and it handles so much better than the eagle f1 asymmetric6, the previously fitted on this car, and the wintercontact ts 850 p on another. And the comfort, its like the car is floating. Not cheap though.
Helpful 1202 - tyre reviewed on December 4, 2023
View all Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Michelin Alpin 7
Given 83% 235/50 R19 on mostly town for 3,200 easy going miles
Hello all,
DRY
The tires have very good grip on dry, especially with acceleration.
Stopping distances seems reasonable but I didn't put them on extreme braking, as my driving is not that spirited.
The handling lacks a bit of a feeling and I suspect there is more wall flex, which is a trade off - a bit more floaty but with very good comfort.
Noise seems not a problem as well, if you listen you will hear it but otherwise, especially in the city, you barely notice it.

WET
In the wet, the tires also were OK. I drove fast on a very wet... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 1012 - tyre reviewed on May 10, 2025
View all Michelin Alpin 7 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

Across the five shared tests, Goodyear wins four overall and dominates the dynamic categories: 4/4 in wet handling, 4/5 in dry braking, strong snow acceleration/handling, and consistent subjective praise for stability, confidence and comfort. It's the safer bet for challenging winter days and spirited drivers who want precise steering and strong aquaplaning margins. Its main trade-off is higher rolling resistance and, in some tests, slightly longer snow or wet braking versus the very best.

Michelin's Alpin 7 counters with class-leading efficiency (5/5 rolling-resistance wins), refined manners and competitive braking, particularly on snow. It suits EVs, hybrids and high-mileage drivers looking to reduce energy use and value long tread life and comfort. Downsides include patchy wet handling confidence and curved-aquaplaning sensitivity in a couple of tests. Net: choose Goodyear for control in mixed and severe winter weather; choose Michelin for savings and serenity on cold, wet, and lightly snowy roads.
Key Differences
  • Overall results: Goodyear wins 4 tests vs Michelin's 1
  • Wet handling: Goodyear sweeps 4/4; Michelin shows occasional understeer
  • Rolling resistance: Michelin wins all 5; Goodyear consistently higher
  • Snow performance emphasis: Goodyear excels in traction/handling; Michelin often strong in snow braking
  • Aquaplaning: Goodyear usually better in curved; Michelin sometimes better in straight-line
  • Comfort/refinement: Goodyear praised for ride and noise in several tests; Michelin consistently efficient and quiet but can feel harsh over joints in one test
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Overall Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.

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Footnote

This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.

Why is this important? Tyre testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tyre Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.