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Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 View Gallery (1)
205-305/30-60 R16-21 50 sizes 2021 Winter rated

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1

The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 is a Ultra High Performance Winter tyre designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

9.2
Tyre Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
High Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
87%
Wet Grip
88%
Road Feedback
83%
Handling
85%
Wear
88%
Comfort
87%
Buy again
90%
Snow Grip
86%
Ice Grip
80%
30 Reviews
86% Average
290,940 miles driven
15 Tests (avg: 3rd)
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1

Winter Premium
BETA
9.2 / 10
Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews · High Confidence · Updated 23 Feb 2026

The Tyre Reviews Score is the most comprehensive tyre scoring system available. It aggregates professional test data from multiple independent publications, user reviews, and consistency analysis using Bayesian statistical methods, weighted normalisation, and recency-adjusted scoring to produce a single, reliable performance rating.

Learn more about our methodology
Snow
95
1.5x / 8 tests
Wet
87
1.93x / 11 tests
Comfort
72.8
0.32x / 3 tests
Value
63.8
0.42x / 7 tests
Dry
60.5
1.13x / 8 tests

Cross-category scores are derived metrics that combine data from multiple test disciplines to evaluate real-world performance characteristics.

Handling
82.6
12 tests
Braking
82.6
12 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 15
Publications: 8
Period: 2015 - 2018
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 30
Avg Rating: 86%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.73
History Points: 10
Methodology & Configuration
Scoring Process
  1. Collect Test Data: Gather results from professional tyre tests across multiple publications. Minimum 1 test(s) required.
  2. Normalize Positions: Convert test positions to percentile scores using exponential weighting (factor: 1.2).
  3. Apply Recency Weighting: More recent tests are weighted higher with a decay rate of 0.95.
  4. Incorporate User Reviews: Factor in user review data (minimum 5 reviews). Weight: 15%.
  5. Bayesian Smoothing: Apply Bayesian prior (score: 7, weight: 1.5) to prevent extreme scores with limited data.
  6. Calculate Final Score: Combine all components using normalization factor of 1.1. Max score with limited data: 9.5.
Component Weights
Test Data
80%
User Reviews
15%
Consistency
5%
All Configuration Parameters
ParameterValueDescription
safety_weight 0.7 Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
performance_weight 0.55 Weight multiplier for performance metrics
comfort_weight 0.4 Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
value_weight 0.45 Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
user_reviews_weight 0.15 How much user reviews contribute to the final score
test_data_weight 0.8 How much professional test data contributes to the final score
consistency_weight 0.05 How much score consistency contributes to the final score
recency_decay_rate 0.95 Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
min_test_count 1 Minimum number of professional tests required
min_review_count 5 Minimum number of user reviews required
score_version 1.9 Current version of the scoring algorithm
score_normalization_factor 1.1 Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
confidence_factor_weight 0.2 How much data confidence affects the final score
position_penalty_weight 0.2 Penalty applied for poor test positions
gap_penalty_threshold 12 Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
min_metrics_count 2 Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
limited_data_threshold 2 Number of tests below which data is considered limited
single_test_penalty 0.75 Score multiplier when only one test is available
critical_metric_penalty 0.7 Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
critical_metric_threshold 70 Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
position_exponential_factor 1.2 Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
position_exponential_threshold 0.9 Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
gap_multiplier_critical 3 Multiplier for critical gap penalties
max_category_weight 2 Maximum weight any single category can have
max_score_limited_data 9.5 Score cap when data is limited
bayesian_prior_weight 1.5 Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
bayesian_prior_score 7 Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
evidence_test_multiplier 1.9 Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
evidence_metric_divisor 3 Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
evidence_review_divisor 10 Divisor for review count in evidence calculation
combined_penalty_floor 0.2
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild 2018 245/45 R18 5/11 10 metrics
2018 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test Auto Express 2018 205/55 R16 4/10 0 metrics
2017 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test Sport Auto 2017 225/40 R18 1/10 6 metrics
2017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild Allrad 2017 225/55 R17 1/11 10 metrics
2017 50 Winter Tyre Shoot Out Auto Bild 2017 225/50 R17 3/45 0 metrics
2017 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild 2017 225/50 R17 4/21 11 metrics
2017 ADAC SUV Winter Tyre Test - 215/65 R16 ADAC 2017 215/65 R16 3/16 0 metrics
2017 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test Auto Express 2017 225/45 R17 4/8 0 metrics
2016 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test Sport Auto 2016 235/40 R18 2/6 0 metrics
2016 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test Auto Express 2016 205/55 R16 4/8 0 metrics
2016 AutoBild Winter UHP Tyre Test Auto Bild Sportscars 2016 245/40 R18 1/8 0 metrics
2016 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 225/45 R17 ADAC 2016 225/45 R17 4/13 0 metrics
2015 AMS UHP Winter Tyre Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2015 225/50 R17 1/10 0 metrics
2015 ACE 17 Inch Winter Tyre Test ACE 2015 225/50 R17 2/8 0 metrics
2015 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test Auto Express 2015 225/45 R17 1/8 0 metrics
15
Tests
3rd
Average
1st
Best
5th
Worst
Latest Tyre Test Results
4th/10
Well balanced performance, excellent aquaplaning result.
Slightly weak dry handling, high rolling resistance.
5th/11
Premium tyres with excellent performance in the snow and wet.
Average dry grip and dry braking.
4th/8
A previous test winner, the Goodyear Ultragrip Performance Gen-1 has to now settle for fourth place overall. A good overall performance, particularly strong in the snow and dry, but let down a little by its wet performance.
Size Fuel Wet Noise
16 inch
205/60R16 92 H C D 70
205/60R16 92 H D C 70
205/60R16 96 H XL C C 71
205/60R16 96 H XL C C 71
205/55R16 91 H C B 72
205/55R16 91 H C B 72
205/60R16 92 V D D 69
205/55R16 91 H D C 72
205/55R16 91 H D C 70
205/60R16 92 H D C 70
205/60R16 92 V D D 69
205/60R16 92 V D D 69
205/60R16 96 H XL C C 71
205/55R16 91 H D C 70
205/60R16 92 H C D 70
205/60R16 96 H XL C C 71
205/55R16 91 H D C 69
205/55R16 91 H D C 69
17 inch
205/50R17 89 H E C 69
225/50R17 98 H XL C B 72
225/50R17 98 H XL C B 72
225/50R17 98 H XL B B 72
225/45R17 91 V D B 71
225/50R17 98 H XL B B 72
225/50R17 98 H XL C B 72
205/50R17 89 H E C 69
225/50R17 98 H XL C B 72
18 inch
245/40R18 97 V XL C B 72
245/40R18 97 V XL C B 72
20 inch
245/35R20 95 V XL D B 71
245/35R20 95 V XL D B 71
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 >>

Questions and Answers for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1

Ask a question
January 8, 2019

Are winter tyres worth fitting to a mx5 in the UK during the winter period? My local tyre centre recommended Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance as they couldn't source Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1.

If you want to be safe and mobile in freezing, snow and ic conditions then yes. We've plenty of videos regarding winter tyres, check them out!
September 19, 2019

I need to replace 2 Continentals Cross Contact ( rear ) with new ones on my 4x4 (265/50/r20 ) Would you think these are ok. On the front I have Yokohama Advan sport V105. I do realise summer/winter mix. If not what do you think would be ok. I've been searching through so many

I really can't recommend switching just two tyres to winter, we have videos on this subject on the youtube channel.
November 6, 2020

Hi i live in the UK in rural Wiltshire and am looking for a tyre that will work all year round. The weather and road conditions can range from flooding lots of mud to freezing conditions. At the moment i have being using Avon ZV7 205/55 R16 W (91) which have been great but not so good in the snow. Would this tyre be a good choice?

This is a winter tyre. If you're looking for year round use, the <a href="https://www.tyrereviews.com/Tyre/Goodyear/Vector-4Seasons-Gen-3.htm">Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen 3</a> would be a better purchase.
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Review Summary

Based on 24 user reviews

Drivers widely praise the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 for outstanding wet and snow grip, predictable handling, and strong confidence in cold conditions, with many calling it sporty for a winter tyre. Comfort and low perceived rolling resistance/fuel impact are commonly noted, and wear/longevity feedback is positive. A minority report higher noise and softer feel/sidewall in the dry, and performance can feel less optimal in warmer temperatures. Overall sentiment is strongly positive given the high scores and frequency of praise.

Strengths
  • Wet grip
  • Snow and ice traction
  • Predictable handling
  • Overall comfort
  • Good wear/longevity
  • Confidence in cold
  • Stable braking
  • Low impact on fuel/rolling resistance
Areas for Improvement
  • Higher road noise at speed
  • Soft/squishy feel in warm or dry conditions

Top 3 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 Reviews

Given 62% while driving a Volkswagen ID3 (215/55 R18) on mostly town for 10,000 spirited miles
The tyre loses grip on cold, wet roads. On my rear-wheel-drive car, it tends to slide in corners, so I have to drive more carefully than usual. At lower temperatures, the rubber hardens, which reduces both grip and comfort. Because of these issues, I found the tyres unsafe and decided to replace them.

On the positive side, they offer good steering response (a bit stiffer sides), are fairly quiet, and feel comfortable, but only when the temperature stays above 5 °C
September 30, 2025
Given 84% while driving a Mercedes Benz ML350 (255/55 R18 W) on a combination of roads for 39,000 average miles
Used for 3 winter seasons totalling 39000 miles. Really happy with wear. Slightly noisy compared to previous winter tyres but performed well overall
October 14, 2020
Given 86% while driving a Alfa Romeo 147 (215/45 R17 W) on a combination of roads for 3,000 average miles
215 45 ZR17 Pirelli Pzero Nero
bought used, but wonderful on sporty road and for safety (everyday use)
more comfort then 16" Dunlop and with less road feedback (but it is however enoughy)
July 31, 2019

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Latest Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 Reviews

Given 76% while driving a BMW 130i M (225/40 R18 V) on mostly motorways for 14,000 spirited miles
This will be my 4th winter on the Ultragrip Performance Gen 1.
Ran them on a BMW 130i and now an M135i, initially 225/40/18 all round, last year I changed the rears to 235/40/18.
Overall very happy with the tyres, excellent in the cold & damp/wet UK winter and very good in the limited use they've had in snow. Perfectly acceptable when dry although like all winter tyres they do feel a little vague compared to a decent summer tyre. Not often mentioned in reviews but they are also very good on the muddy rural roads around here.
Approx 12k miles from the rears which were changed at 4mm tread depth, the fronts will see me through this winter for a total of approx. 16k miles.
Would buy again but most likely opt for the newer Goodyear Ultragrip Performance + when the fronts need changing for next winter.
December 2, 2019
Given 99% while driving a Mercedes Benz C220 cdi (225/45 R17 H) on mostly town for 1,000 average miles
Too early to rate it, but my first impression is - great tire!!!
November 25, 2019
Given 89% while driving a Toyota Avensis (215/55 R17 V) on a combination of roads for 6,000 spirited miles
It is the 3rd winter I am using these and I can definitely say I love these tyres .
Maneuverability is very good even at high speed and the car feels very stable on the road.
Drove on 8 inch snow covered road during winter and never got stuck with these
Only minus is I find them a bit noisy at high speed on dry road.
October 29, 2019
Given 91% while driving a BMW 120d (205/55 R16 V) on a combination of roads for 30,000 spirited miles
Best sporty winter tyre in "regular car" tyre sizes.

Performs well all round, and allows for sporty driving by having good progressive slip near the limit. Be sensible on the public road, but know that this tyre will not pull any surprises.
July 23, 2019
Given 81% while driving a Audi a5 3.0 tdi quattro sport (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 2,000 spirited miles
Love this winter tyre for the UK.
Disappointed in its dry breaking as it let go a couple of times when I wouldn't of expected it too.
I marked feedback low just because I have an Audi A5 and feedback is numb on anything.
Tyre very noisy but I have never used other winter tyres.
Snow & Ice handled excellently but then I'm using winter tyres on a AWD Audi when I'm used to all season tyres on a BMW.
March 27, 2019
Given 82% while driving a Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Sports (215/55 R16) on for 10,700 miles
Very good winter ture, if you drive in different conditions. Easy to controll case good feedback for a winter tyre.
When temprature outside more than 7°c to soft. And below ÷15°c a nodic tyre is better. Will highly recommend if you know how to drive on winter roads. Turning off ESP and so on
March 27, 2019
Given 84% while driving a Ford Kuga (235/50 R18) on a combination of roads for 4,000 average miles
Tyre with excellent performances.
Will definetly buy them again.
February 17, 2019
Given 86% while driving a Dacia Duster 4x4 (215/65 R16 H) on mostly country roads for 4,000 spirited miles
Never felt so confident with a tyre as with these, I've been running winter tyres for nearly 10 years now and that's in cold wet and heavy snowed alpine roads. Slightly high rolling resistance, you can really feel it, but tyre that feels like it's sticking to the road is exactly what you want in a winter tyre no? Wear, well I've just put them back on for a 2nd winter season and it doesn't look like they've lost any tread yet, still feel like they did when I first put them on.
November 2, 2018
Given 87% while driving a BMW 218d Active Tourer (225/45 R18 W) on a combination of roads for 10,000 spirited miles
Running these for 2 winter seasons and they are more comfortable than my factory fitted EfficientGrip run flats. I notice no increased fuel consumption and the few times I was on snow they felt fine. Interestingly I drove them in semi-hot environments and they behaved perfectly for a bit of spirited driving. In general I love them as the car does not really feel that much different during the winter season. In my opinion a good "sporty" winter tyre that takes care of all weather conditions.
November 1, 2018
Given 96% while driving a SEAT Leon FR Plus (205/55 R16 V) on a combination of roads for 5,650 average miles

Quiet, excellent performance on any type of coating and in all weather conditions.
I did not expect such a balance of performance from winter tires. Impressed.
I recommend to buy.
April 1, 2018
Given 93% while driving a Audi A6 (225/50 R17 H) on a combination of roads for 0 miles
I have used these tyres for two winters in the harsh climate of the Bulgarian severe snowy and icy winter with temperatures between -25 and +10-15 degrees and have very elaborate observations.
So, the tyre is perfect on wet and frozen roads below 0 degrees. Actually it slides and drifts on deep snow when it cannot touch the asphat intil the cuts become filled with snow. After that the grip is perfect.
It slides on ice but hardly is there a tyre that does not slide on smooth ice at all. Anyway the grip even on smooth ice is satisfactory.
On light and wet snow it is perfect and the grip is even better than on dry road. You feel as if you are driving in a summer day with perfect tyres. No difference. You forget that it is winter and the conditions outside are harsh and you just wonder why your colleageus drivers are drifting around you with their tyres and it is more difficult to avoid driftings cars than gripping the road.
There is one disdvantage of these tyres - they ARE NOT good for warmer temperatures. As soon as the temperatures go over around 10 degress the tyres become so soft that you are virtually glued to the road. The car starts torturing itself. The acceleration falls sharply and the car becomes slow and lazy although my car i 245 hp and 480 NM torque. The grip is so strong that you feel as if the car loses at least 30% of its power and acceleration only because of the grip of the tyres. These tyres are incredible for super low temperatures but bad for warmer ones. My advice is to swap them some time between middle of March and the beginning of April for the moderate climate zone.
March 8, 2018
Given 81% while driving a BMW 320D (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 1,500 average miles
I bought these on steel wheels for my wife's BMW 320D Hardtop Cabriolet. In East Sussex we've had no real snow this year but plenty of cold wet weather. In the rain and wet these tyres are superb and there have been no problems at all with a few patches of ice. I struggled (in play) to get the wheels to slip at all on large sheets of white ice. By contrast,I am running Continental Wintercontacts on my BMW X3. They are good but these Goodyears are far better in really wet conditions. There is no sign of aquaplaning or any movement at all. Sheets of water over the road are easily dispersed without barely any pull on the steering.

At first they seemed a little soft so I recommend going a few PSI on the high side of their rating, whereupon they feel firm and planted. Fuel economy is surprisingly good and braking and handling give enormous confidence in cold/wet conditions. I'll be interested to try them in snow as the ADAC test rated them rather average in snow yet the Bild test rated them very highly. My gut feeling, from all other indications, is they will be a very competent tyre in the snow. These tyres and matching steel wheels have turned a posing summer car into a very competent winter sports car. I can't wait for snow covered roads with a bright sunny day, cruising with the roof down.
January 23, 2018
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