83
/ 100
Objective (60%)
72/100
1 professional test
User signal (40%)
86/100
31 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
Head-to-head
Updated September 2026
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 — 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.
VS
75
/ 100
Objective (60%)
89/100
19 professional tests
User signal (40%)
78/100
3 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
VerdictWinner: Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 — better treadwear, comfort and dry. Pick the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 if noise matters most to you.
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Category breakdown
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
Score (0–100)
Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 leads by 8
Why this score
| Source | Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 92 | 83 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 87 | 80 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 98% | 97% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 98% | 100% |
Wet
Score (0–100)
Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 leads by 5
Why this score
| Source | Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 90 | 82 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 88 | 87 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 95% | 94% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 98% | 96% |
Snow
Score (0–100)
Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 leads by 2
Why this score
| Source | Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 85 | 79 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 86 | 90 |
| Snow Braking (% of best) | 95% | 94% |
| Snow Handling (% of best) | 99% | 94% |
Comfort
Score (0–100)
Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 leads by 11
Why this score
| Source | Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | – | 76 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 87 | 77 |
Noise
Score (0–100)
Cinturato Winter 2 leads by 18
Why this score
| Source | Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 47 | 65 |
Treadwear
Score (0–100)
Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 leads by 28
Why this score
| Source | Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 88 | 60 |
Handling
Score (0–100)
Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 leads by 8
Why this score
| Source | Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 85 | 77 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 | Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 83 | 75 |
| Dry | 90 | 82 |
| Wet | 89 | 84 |
| Snow | 86 | 84 |
| Comfort | 87 | 76 |
| Noise | 47 | 65 |
| Treadwear | 88 | 60 |
| Handling | 85 | 77 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
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Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
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Recomputed
Headline score
83
/ 100
Tire A
75
/ 100
Tire B
Test data
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 | 98% #6/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | 97% #9/20 · 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | +1.7 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 98% #10/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | 100% #6/8 · 2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test | -1.6 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 96% #4/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | 76% #14/20 · 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | +20 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 96% #7/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | 98% #12/20 · 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | -1.4 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 94% #6/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | 93% #10/11 · 2023 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | +1.5 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 20% #5/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | 14% #7/10 · 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test | +5.7 | Different tests |
| Snow Braking | Snow | 95% #6/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | 94% #22/31 · 2025 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 52 Sets! | +0.7 | Different tests |
| Snow Handling | Snow | 99% #5/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | 94% #3/11 · 2023 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | +4.8 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 97% #4/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | 98% #4/10 · 2025 AMS Winter Tyre Test | -0.7 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 95% #3/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | 94% #7/20 · 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | +0.4 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 98% #3/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | 96% #5/8 · 2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test | +1.8 | Different tests |
From owners
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1 is widely regarded as a high-performing winter tire, particularly excelling in cold, wet, and slushy conditions. While most users praise its confidence-inspiring grip and longevity, some report mixed experiences regarding road noise and dry-weather handling precision.
Pros
- Exceptional wet weather and slush performance
- Strong traction and braking capabilities in snow
- High durability and long tread life
- Comfortable ride quality compared to summer or run-flat tires
Cons
- Increased road noise reported by some users at higher speeds
- Vague steering feedback and sidewall flex during spirited dry-road driving
- Occasional loss of grip in dry conditions or when temperatures exceed 7°C
- Tendency to oversteer on certain rear-wheel-drive platforms
Observations
- Users on BMW and other rear-wheel-drive platforms noted a tendency for the rear to slide or oversteer in corners.
- Drivers transitioning from run-flat tires to these winter tires frequently reported a significant improvement in ride comfort.
- Owners of smaller, balanced vehicles like the Mazda MX-5 noted that the tire maintains good handling characteristics despite the softer winter compound.
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is generally regarded as a highly capable winter tire that excels in wet and snowy conditions while providing a secure, planted feel. While users appreciate its safety and traction, there are notable concerns regarding its longevity and tread wear, as well as a shift toward a softer, touring-oriented handling profile compared to its predecessors.
Pros
- Excellent traction and confidence in wet and snowy conditions
- Strong braking performance on dry surfaces
- High level of subjective road feedback and handling security
- Comfortable touring-oriented ride quality
Cons
- Rapid tread wear and concerns regarding overall tire longevity
- Less precise handling and feedback compared to sportier winter tires
- Increased road noise and fuel consumption noted by some users
- Softer sidewall feel which may not suit performance-oriented driving
Observations
- Users transitioning from the sportier Sottozero 3 noted a significant shift toward a touring-focused, less direct handling experience.
- The tire's performance is highly regarded for drivers seeking a balanced, safe option for cold, rainy, and occasional mountain winter conditions.
Specifications
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 | B · Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Ultra High Performance Winter tire | Winter Premium Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | — |
| Sizes available | 1 | 8 |
| Rim diameters | 20″ | 16″ – 18″ |
| Tread depth | 9 - 11/32″ | 11/32″ |
| Sidewall | Raised Black Lettering | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | 50 psi | 50 psi |
Final verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
83
/ 100
Goodyear
75
/ 100
Pirelli
Winner: Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 — better treadwear, comfort and dry. Pick the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 if noise matters most to you.
Pick tire A
You want the longest tread life
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 scores 88 vs 60 on treadwear.
Pick tire B
You want a quieter cabin
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 scores 65 vs 47 on noise.
Pick tire A
You want the most comfortable ride
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 scores 87 vs 76 on comfort.
Pick tire A
You want the most grip on dry roads
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 scores 90 vs 82 on dry.
Tire A · Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1
Tire B · Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
More comparisons
Also compared with
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 also compared with
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 also compared with
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.