Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance vs Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 — Compared (September 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made via links on this page.
7 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance | Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 83 | 92 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 86 | 90 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 94% | 96% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 99% | 99% |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance | Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 88 | 87 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 84 | 95 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 95% | 99% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 94% | 96% |
Snow
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance | Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | – | 82 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | – | 95 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance | Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 34 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 85 | 95 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance | Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 71 | 82 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance | Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 73 | 95 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance | Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 78 | 85 |
| DriverReviews owners | 84 | – |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance | Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 75 | 90 |
| Dry | 84 | 91 |
| Wet | 86 | 90 |
| Snow | – | 87 |
| Comfort | 54 | 95 |
| Noise | 71 | 82 |
| Treadwear | 73 | 95 |
| Handling | 78 | 85 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Tire A
Tire B
Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.
The professional test results behind the scores
Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.
| Discipline | Category | Tire A | Tire B | Δ | Both? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 94% #5/9 · 2018 AZ Summer AND All Season Tyre Test | 96% #3/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | -1.9 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% #9/11 · 2019 AMS Summer SUV Tyre Test | 99% #6/10 · 2021 AZ SUV Winter Tyre Test | -0.1 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 84% #5/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | 91% #6/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | -7.1 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 98% #7/11 · 2019 AMS Summer SUV Tyre Test | 99% #7/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | -0.8 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 91% #17/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | 88% #5/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | +2.6 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 33% #3/13 · 2019 Swedish Summer Tyre Test | 100% #1/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | -66.7 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 97% #5/7 · 2019 NAF Summer Tyre Test | 94% #9/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | +3.2 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 95% #5/7 · 2019 NAF Summer Tyre Test | 99% #3/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | -4.4 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 94% #9/14 · 2018 New and Worn Summer Tyre Test | 96% #5/10 · 2021 AZ SUV Winter Tyre Test | -2 | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance is widely regarded as a premium, comfort-oriented touring tire that excels in noise reduction, ride quality, and wet-weather safety. While users consistently praise its ability to transform the driving experience into a quieter and more refined one, many report significant concerns regarding rapid tread wear and a soft sidewall construction that can negatively impact steering feedback and handling precision during spirited driving.
Pros
- Exceptional ride comfort and low road noise levels
- Strong wet-weather grip and aquaplaning resistance
- Noticeable improvements in fuel efficiency
- High levels of confidence for daily, sensible driving
Cons
- Rapid tread wear, particularly on the front axle
- Soft sidewalls leading to 'floaty' handling and reduced steering feedback
- Susceptibility to sidewall damage and bulging from potholes
- Diminished performance and grip as tread depth drops below 3mm
Observations
- Drivers of vehicles with stiffer sports suspensions often report that the soft sidewalls ruin the car's 'go-kart' handling feel.
- Users with heavier vehicles or those with high-torque engines frequently report faster-than-average tread wear and occasional traction loss.
- Owners of smaller hatchbacks and city cars generally report higher satisfaction with comfort, though some note the tires feel 'boat-like' compared to firmer alternatives.
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance SUV Gen-1 is generally regarded as a highly capable winter tire that excels in snow and mud traction, providing confidence for SUV owners in challenging conditions. While users praise its grip on wet and snowy surfaces, some report concerns regarding high-speed aquaplaning resistance and soft handling characteristics in milder temperatures.
Pros
- Strong traction and grip in deep snow and mud conditions
- Reliable performance on wet roads
- Predictable handling on icy surfaces
- Durable performance over multiple winter seasons
Cons
- Susceptibility to aquaplaning at highway speeds
- Noticeable road noise on dry pavement
- Soft sidewall feel when ambient temperatures exceed 7°C
- Requires momentum for steep, extreme incline climbs
Observations
- Users operating on 225/65R17 sizes reported significant aquaplaning issues on wet roads at speeds approaching 60 mph.
- The tire is frequently cited as a strong complement to SUV 4x4 systems, effectively compensating for moderate drivetrain limitations in off-road winter conditions.
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance
Community opinion on the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance is generally positive regarding comfort, fuel efficiency, and quietness, though some users report concerns over sidewall durability against potholes and early cracking. Reviewers note that tread design can vary slightly by size, but overall performance and smoothness remain strong compared to cheaper alternatives or all-season tires.
“GOODYEAR EfficientGrip Performance 205/55 R17 91V - reliability and resistance to damage question Hello guys! I'm driving Skoda Octavia. not a racer, just a usual 40yo man. I have a set of GOODYEAR EfficientGrip Performance 205/55 R17 91V on the car, and during the last 2 months I lost three tires, all the same way - pothole on the road, visibly small, front right wheel, instantly deflates, and a hole in tire not on tread but on the side - irreparable, new tire for 130eur, repeat again. Do you by chance know if it's the pattern for the model, or am I getting EXTREMELY unlucky? Can you maybe suggest some tire models and characteristics to look into to stop this from happening? I have only 2 out of 4 original tires left, so maybe it makes sense to change the entire set. Read more”
“goodyear efficientgrip performance notches Hello! I bought a new goodyear efficientgrip performance 215/55/18 tires for my car. And it was surprise to see so many notches on the summer tire (1st & 2nd photo). Although the internet image doesn’t have any (3rd photo). What could it be and is it normal? Read more”
“Thanks for the comments and suggestions. As it turns out I could not get the Continental PremiumContact 6 so I ordered a set of Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 225/60 R16 102W XL from local shop. I have had these Goodyears in several cars in the past and they have been very good so far. Hopefully same continues with the W140.”
“FWIW the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 225/60 R16 102W XL tyres arrived and were installed today. The difference with previous tyres is like night and day. I have a 1200 km work trip later this week and I thought I'd take the Benz out. Interesting to see how they "break in" and how much if at all difference there is in mpg.”
Based on 9 community posts
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1
We haven't collected enough community discussion about this tire yet.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance | B · Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Premium Touring tires | Ultra High Performance Winter tire |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | SUV and 4x4 |
| Tread depth | 9/32″ | 10/32″ |
| UTQG | 340 A A | — |
| Sidewall | Raised Black Lettering - Serrated Black Lettering | Raised Black Lettering |
| Max pressure | 50 - 51 psi | 50 psi |
Which one should you actually buy?
Goodyear
Goodyear
Winner: Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 — better comfort, treadwear and noise. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 scores 95 vs 54 on comfort.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 scores 95 vs 73 on treadwear.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 scores 82 vs 71 on noise.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 scores 91 vs 84 on dry.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.