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Vredestein Ultrac

The Vredestein Ultrac is a High Performance Summer tyre designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

8.5
Tyre Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
High Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
84%
Wet Grip
80%
Road Feedback
75%
Handling
77%
Wear
64%
Comfort
80%
Buy again
78%
23 Reviews
77% Average
283,516 miles driven
17 Tests (avg: 7th)
Vredestein Ultrac

Vredestein Ultrac

Summer Mid-Range
BETA
8.5 / 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
Wet
82.9
2x / 55 tests
Dry
77.1
1.8x / 27 tests
Comfort
68.2
0.32x / 14 tests
Off road
67.6
0.53x / 4 tests
Value
54.2
0.42x / 25 tests

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

Handling
79.8
28 tests
Braking
77.4
29 tests
Traction
64.8
3 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 17
Publications: 9
Period: 2021 - 2025
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 23
Avg Rating: 76.7%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.38
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
2025 Autobild SUV Off-Road Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild Allrad 2025 255/55 R18 2/10 13 metrics
2025 Summer and All Season Combined Tyre Test UTAC 2025 225/45 R17 9/14 8 metrics
The Best Touring Tyres for 2025 Tested Tyre Reviews 2025 225/50 R17 3/7 11 metrics
2024 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test Auto Express 2024 225/45 R17 1/8 0 metrics
2024 Motorhome Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild 2024 225/55 R17 7/10 8 metrics
2024 AMS Summer SUV Tyre Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2024 235/55 R18 3/8 9 metrics
2024 AZ Summer Tyre Test Auto Zeitung 2024 225/45 R17 4/9 8 metrics
2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild 2024 205/55 R16 20/21 12 metrics
2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test ADAC 2024 215/55 R17 16/16 11 metrics
2024 Summer Tyre Market Overview Auto Bild 2024 205/55 R16 3/55 2 metrics
2023 Motor Summer Tyre Test Motor 2023 205/55 R16 6/8 8 metrics
Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres Tyre Reviews 2023 205/55 R16 9/13 13 metrics
2022 AZ SUV Tyre Test Auto Zeitung 2022 215/55 R17 2/10 8 metrics
2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild 2022 215/55 R17 14/22 12 metrics
2022 ADAC Summer Tyre Test - 15 Inch ADAC 2022 185/65 R15 13/16 0 metrics
2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview Auto Bild 2022 215/55 R17 3/44 2 metrics
2021 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test Auto Express 2021 225/45 R17 3/10 0 metrics

Videos

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17
Tests
7th
Average
1st
Best
20th
Worst
Latest Tyre Test Results
Class-leading refinement with the lowest noise levels and excellent comfort scores. Strong wet handling performance with consistent, predictable behavior.
Bouncy handling characteristics in the dry with slower rear response to direction changes. One of the highest rolling resistance scores, though the group was very close.
The Ultrac proves Vredestein knows how to make a refined tyre. While it might not have the outright performance of the top three, its comfort and refinement make it a solid choice for drivers prioritizing these characteristics.

Highly Recommended 2025 Summer Test Vredestein Ultrac
The Vredestein Ultrac tied for second place with balanced and secure handling across all conditions. It offers the best performance in curve aquaplaning tests with superior lateral grip. Good braking performance on both wet and dry surfaces. Provides consistent traction across varied off-road surfaces. Quiet operation with good comfort characteristics and average rolling resistance. Priced in the mid-premium range, it offers top performance at a slightly lower price point than some competitors.
The Vredestein Ultrac delivered the worst braking performance in the entire test. The Vredestein is bad on hot wet roads in summer and lousy when it gets cooler. During evasive maneuvers, the Vredestein's grip is inconsistent (on/off), but the tyre is still okay thanks to fine steering. On dry roads, the Vredestein Ultrac's brake grip is decent in both summer heat and colder weather, but it tends to oversteer a little (skidding at the rear) during evasive maneuvers. The test suggests the Vredestein might be a better choice in warmer countries. The Vredestein scored 7.8 points.
Size Fuel Wet Noise
15 inch
185/65 R 15 88 H C A 69
195/65 R 15 91 V C A 69
195/65 R 15 91 H C A 69
195/55 R 15 85 V D A 69
16 inch
205/60 R 16 96 V XL C A 69
205/60 R 16 92 H C A 69
205/55 R 16 91 W C A 69
205/55 R 16 91 V C A 69
205/55 R 16 91 H C A 69
215/70 R 16 100 H C A 69
215/60 R 16 95 V C A 69
215/60 R 16 99 H XL C A 69
205/55 R 16 94 W XL C A 69
17 inch
205/50 R 17 93 Y XL C A 69
205/50 R 17 93 V XL C A 69
215/45 R 17 91 Y XL B A 69
215/55 R 17 98 Y XL C A 69
215/55 R 17 94 W C A 69
225/60 R 17 99 V B A 69
225/45 R 17 94 Y XL C A 69
225/45 R 17 91 Y C A 69
235/65 R 17 108 V XL B A 70
225/50R17 98 Y XL C A 69
18 inch
235/60 R 18 107 W XL B A 70
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Vredestein Ultrac >>

Questions and Answers for the Vredestein Ultrac

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January 21, 2026

Are these tires EV-compatible? I have the JAC E30X for reference.

Yes, I believe all sizes of the Ultrac are marked as EV compatible, though it's probably worth double checking with Vredestein or your tyre retailer.
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Review Summary

Based on 20 user reviews

Most drivers rate the Vredestein Ultrac highly, praising its confident wet grip (including aquaplaning resistance), solid dry performance, and comfortable, quiet ride. Handling is described as predictable and safe, with several noting good value versus premium rivals. A minority report faster-than-expected tread wear, and a few mention noise or steering feel, but these are less common. Overall sentiment skews positive given the high number of strong reviews.

Strengths
  • Wet grip and aquaplaning resistance
  • Comfortable ride
  • Dry grip
  • Predictable handling/steering
  • Good value
Areas for Improvement
  • Faster tread wear for some users

Top 3 Vredestein Ultrac Reviews

Given 61% while driving a BMW X1 Sdrive 18I (205/65 R17) on a combination of roads for 11 easy going miles
I purchased a new car in December 2023 which had VREDESTEIN Ultrac tyres installed as standard. Best aspect for me was the notable reduced noise. Worst aspect was the extreme tyre wear after only 12 months (
March 18, 2025
Given 92% while driving a Toyota Avensis Wagon D4D 2.2 (215/55 R17) on a combination of roads for 40,000 average miles
I have been driving with these tires for 4 years and I am relatively satisfied. I have never lost control in turns with them. There has been a side water at 80 km/h but I have not lost control (I mean the laws of physics, though). Braking is also good. I could say that they are not noisy. The price with qualities compared to the premium models is good. The only thing I do not like is that they do not have very good traction when starting at higher speeds.
February 12, 2025
Given 84% while driving a Porsche (195/65 R15) on mostly motorways for 5 average miles
1973 Porsche 911T

Bought these for the above car despite the very mixed reviews.
Would I recommend them. Yes, for both long and short trips, track use and in the wet.

London to Le Mans and back and five flat out dry laps behind the pace car on the whole circuit.
Road driving, no issues at any speed to report of.
Track (tyre pressures adjusted) I'd like a bit more feedback and bite out of the corners BUT I did not expect them to have this. For comparison I have PZero Ns on a Boxster for the same drive and track use the previous year and the feedback was superb. These are relatively inexpensive tyres and my expectations were set accordingly. I did though find them satisfyingly predictable as to where the limits were and not difficult to control.

London to Spa and back.. Again no issues on the way through France, but then their roads are like glass. You feel it when you get into Belgium, but that's the car and the suspension set up on their lumpy roads and not the tyres.
If you're going to Spa at some point it will absolutely lash it down with rain. These tyres are pretty outstanding in it (and this was one of the reasons reading other reviews for the initial purchase).
Track, five laps of Spa. Tyre pressures adjusted again predictable solid performance, including in the 100-120mph range. Same comments as above on feedback and bite and them being inexpensive tyres.

I know some will say, it's an old car etc ... didn't seem to have any issues passing a 996, Boxster or Mustang at Spa, just takes longer to catch them and then pass them in the corners.

Would I buy again, yes. Just found a nail in one of the tyres. Will plug it for now and swap it with a new one when it arrives
January 7, 2024

How would you rate the Vredestein Ultrac?

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Latest Vredestein Ultrac Reviews

Initial Impressions Review
Given 91% while driving a Audi A1 (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 40,000 spirited miles
These tyres came as stock on my Audi A1. After 40,000 miles and 2 years I have replaced 3 corners with what was my preferred tyre, but the rear drivers side still has 4mm of tread left, whereas the rear passenger (this tyre) has 3mm left after 1 year and 18k. I would definitely buy these again
January 5, 2026
Given 72% while driving a Peugeot 308 (225/45 R17) on mostly motorways for 0 spirited miles
Don't expect a tire with sharp steering and tons of stability. It is a premium, high-performance touring tire. Previously I had Continental premium contact 6 and Bridgestone Potenza sport, the Ultrac is superior to the other two for lateral grip and road holding, especially in the wet even at cooler temperatures. Safe and quality rubber, the only flaw is the rather rapid wear. I managed to drive on a wet road cornering at over 150-160kmh, very safe even for aquaplaning.
January 16, 2024
Check out how the BEST all seasons tyres perform against premium summer and winter tyres!
Given 90% while driving a Peugeot 308 (225/45 R17) on for 0 miles
I come from Bridgestone Potenza Sport, as soon as I fitted them I immediately noticed less noise, less nervousness in the steering, more comfort and lighter, more manageable steering. I will update my review in a few weeks.
September 25, 2023
Given 52% while driving a Skoda (205/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 4,000 average miles
Replaced Vred Sportrac 5 on front after the usual approx 3 years. Ultracs performed similarly in every respect except they wore out after only 5 months! Wear was absolutely atrocious - down to illegal after just about 4k miles. Of course I went back to the tyre fitter, who said the suspension must be wrong, so off to the trusted service centre who checked everything, including tracking and concluded there was nothing wrong with the suspension. They also noted the tyres were worn evenly and in a pattern consistent with normal wear - no scrubbing or anything. They are just very lacking in durability. I won't be going back for these. The sportrak 5s off the front, by the way, were demoted to the back wheels and still look fair (very little further wear).
February 20, 2023
Given 92% while driving a Ford c max (215/50 R17) on a combination of roads for 0 spirited miles
put these on a cmax on all 4 ! I had vreds ultrac satiln on and was a nice ride but you had to put the extra psi in as they always looked flat and wear was about avrage so once they ran out i thought i would try the new and improved ultrac and to be truthfull they are a massive impovement the walls are reinforced dont look flat grip very good in wet and dry steering feels light no fancy pattern on the side which is a shame (love the tyre gel) the only down side is you may get a holo sound when cold inside cabin just a slight one but flik the radio on and off you go!!!!! wear could not tell you as not been on long but i would thought 12000 +
June 10, 2022
Given 95% while driving a Kia Motors ceed (205/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 500 easy going miles
Wanted the previously used sportracs 5, but appears that the new ultrac is replacing them and the ultrac satin, so here I am in about 500 kms with the new tyres. First I can say that the comfort is outstanding, given the hard suspension on 1st gen ceed. 205 55 16 are even softer than my winter 195 65 15 alpin 6 used 2000 kms max. So really impressive achievement here for the new ultracs. They are good in the dry ofc, I feel somewhat better on wet. Need more kms to comment further these characteristics and wear. Really happy with my choice so far.
May 28, 2021
Given 37% while driving a Mercedes Benz E220Cdi (225/55 R16 H) on mostly country roads for 10,000 easy going miles
I put a pair on the front of my Mercedes.
I'm a pensioner, and drive rather conservatively.
Firstly, I thought they rail-lined a lot.
Slightly noisier than previous brands.
The grip seems no better or worse than most.
My gripe is how short they lasted.
It failed the MoT today on both front tyres being worn down in places.
I assumed it would sale through, as I've only had 'em about 10000 miles in Cornish weather.
Not for me I'm afraid.
December 30, 2015
Given 83% while driving a Skoda Yeti (225/55 R17) on mostly country roads for 35,000 easy going miles
Perfectly acceptable tyre BUT it is noisy, is prone to punctures (the tread pattern seems to collect nails etc) and not particularly comfortable. It is very hard wearing though.
August 22, 2012
Given 93% while driving a Volkswagen Touran sport TDi (205/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 35,000 average miles
Excellent tyre never let me down,dry or wet .Lasted in excess of 35,000 miles
December 17, 2010
Given 87% while driving a Volkswagen Passat 1.9TDi Sport Estate (Chipped) (225/45 R17 W) on a combination of roads for 1,000 spirited miles
A great all round tyre with a fantastic, eye catching tread pattern. Been very impressed with their wet weather performance on motorways, instilling confidence even in the heaviest Swedish downpours.

Would certainly buy these again, HOWEVER there is a catch! Vredestein (in their wisdom) have STOPPED MANUFACTURING THE ULTRAC MODEL! I found this out last week when I got a side wall puncture (unrepairable) and have been trying every avenue to get a new one.

If anyone from Vredestein reads this, please go back into production with the ULTRAC, they are much better than your Sessanta model!!
July 20, 2010
Given 90% while driving a Mazda RX8 (225/45 R18 W) on a combination of roads for 22,000 spirited miles
Surprisingly excellent tyres bought to replace the Potenza R040's that car came with. They lasted ages and were very excellent for normal road driving from April to November, borderline useless on ice and almost reasonable on snow. I used these on a few track days too and they offered good drip on dry days and lots of opportunities to practice powersliding on wet days. The only gripe I have with these tyres is that once they get hot they become a little bit like soap bars and that's not on track! If I had a sensible car I would buy them again, but for the time being it's time to move on to the UHP sector. :-)
April 4, 2010
Given 94% while driving a Honda Euro R (205/50 R16 W) on a combination of roads for 1,000 spirited miles
Excellent tyre. I noticed the difference straight away once they were fitted. I found them better than my old f1's. I was suprised how comfortable they were too. Wet grip is amazing. Couldnt be happier with them. Would highly recommend.
January 29, 2009
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