81
/ 100
Objective (60%)
85/100
17 professional tests
User signal (40%)
88/100
29 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
Head-to-head
Updated September 2026
BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 vs Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 — 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
80
/ 100
Objective (60%)
76/100
6 professional tests
User signal (40%)
85/100
61 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
VerdictToo close to call: BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 and Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 are within 2 points overall. BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 is stronger on snow, comfort and treadwear. Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 is stronger on noise and dry.
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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)
Winter Sottozero 3 leads by 5
Why this score
| Source | g-Force Winter 2 | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 84 | 88 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 88 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 85 | 89 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 94% | 100% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 99% | 99% |
Wet
Score (0–100)
g-Force Winter 2 leads by 1
Why this score
| Source | g-Force Winter 2 | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 81 | 77 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 90 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 89 | 90 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 98 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 91% | 89% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 98% | 96% |
Snow
Score (0–100)
g-Force Winter 2 leads by 13
Why this score
| Source | g-Force Winter 2 | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 85 | 71 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 85 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 94 | 82 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
| Snow Braking (% of best) | 100% | 91% |
| Snow Handling (% of best) | 99% | 95% |
| Snow Traction (% of best) | 76% | 81% |
Comfort
Score (0–100)
g-Force Winter 2 leads by 6
Why this score
| Source | g-Force Winter 2 | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 81 | 78 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 84 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 92 | 79 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
Noise
Score (0–100)
Winter Sottozero 3 leads by 12
Why this score
| Source | g-Force Winter 2 | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 50 | 38 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 98 |
Treadwear
Score (0–100)
g-Force Winter 2 leads by 6
Why this score
| Source | g-Force Winter 2 | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 77 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 87 | 78 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
Handling
Score (0–100)
Winter Sottozero 3 leads by 2
Why this score
| Source | g-Force Winter 2 | Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 85 | 87 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 | Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 81 | 80 |
| Dry | 84 | 89 |
| Wet | 84 | 83 |
| Snow | 89 | 76 |
| Comfort | 85 | 79 |
| Noise | 50 | 62 |
| Treadwear | 87 | 81 |
| Handling | 85 | 87 |
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
81
/ 100
Tire A
80
/ 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 | 94% #11/13 · 2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter Tyre Test | 100% #1/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | -5.9 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% #5/10 · 2021 AMS Winter Tyre Test | 99% #11/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test | -0 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 93% #9/10 · 2021 AMS Winter Tyre Test | 93% #7/11 · 2019 AMS Winter SUV Tyre Test | -0.3 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 98% #13/20 · 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | 96% #11/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test | +2.5 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 95% #18/20 · 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | 54% #8/11 · 2019 AMS Winter SUV Tyre Test | +41.2 | Different tests |
| Value | Other | 74% #14/20 · 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | 100% #20/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test | -25.6 | Different tests |
| Wear | Other | 81% #7/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test | 83% #13/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test | -2.1 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 9% #11/51 · 2025 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 52 Sets! | 7% #14/18 · 2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tyre Test | +1.9 | Different tests |
| Snow Braking | Snow | 100% #1/13 · 2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter Tyre Test | 91% #9/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | +8.7 | Different tests |
| Snow Handling | Snow | 99% #2/20 · 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | 95% #9/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | +4.2 | Different tests |
| Snow Traction | Snow | 76% #3/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test | 81% #18/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test | -5 | Same test |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 94% #7/16 · 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test | 100% #2/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | -5.5 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 91% #6/20 · 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | 90% #2/11 · 2019 AMS Winter SUV Tyre Test | +1.3 | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Total | 0% #18/20 · 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | 0% #14/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 91% #11/44 · 2019 Winter Tyre Test Market Overview | 89% #8/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | +2.2 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 98% #8/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test | 96% #8/10 · 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test | +1.3 | Different tests |
From owners
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 is widely regarded as a high-value winter tire that excels in severe snow and ice conditions. While users consistently praise its traction in challenging weather and its competitive pricing, some note a lack of steering feedback and reduced performance during spirited dry-road driving.
Pros
- Exceptional traction and grip in deep snow and on ice
- Strong performance in wet conditions with effective water evacuation
- High value-for-money ratio compared to premium competitors
- Generally low tread wear and good longevity for most drivers
Cons
- Lack of on-center steering feel and responsiveness
- Mediocre handling and grip during dry-road driving
- Increased noise levels on certain road surfaces
- Potential for premature tread degradation under aggressive or sporty driving styles
Observations
- Drivers of heavy vehicles and those towing trailers reported high stability and confidence in deep snow and arctic conditions.
- Users with electric power steering systems noted a lack of road feel, which can lead to understeer in front-wheel-drive vehicles with heavy front ends.
The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 is widely regarded as a high-performance winter tire that excels in wet, slushy, and cold dry conditions. Users consistently praise its sporty handling and confidence-inspiring grip, though it is frequently noted that the tire's performance and longevity are compromised if used in warm temperatures or during summer months.
Pros
- Exceptional wet weather performance and resistance to hydroplaning.
- Strong dry-road handling and steering precision for a winter tire.
- Excellent traction and stability in snow and slush.
- Comfortable and relatively quiet ride quality.
- Aesthetically pleasing design with effective rim protection.
Cons
- Rapid tread wear, particularly if driven in temperatures above 15°C or year-round.
- Susceptibility to sidewall damage and bubbling when encountering road hazards.
- Increased noise levels as the tire ages and tread depth decreases.
- High price point compared to some competitors.
Observations
- Drivers of high-torque, rear-wheel-drive performance vehicles report high satisfaction with the tire's ability to maintain traction and control.
- Users with staggered fitments on luxury sedans (e.g., BMW 5-series, M240i) note that the tire maintains its sporty character well in cold climates.
- Some owners of heavier vehicles or those with high-horsepower setups noted that the tire's longevity is significantly reduced under aggressive driving styles.
Specifications
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 | B · Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Premium Touring Winter tire | Winter Ultra High Performance tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | — | 32 |
| Rim diameters | — | 17″ – 21″ |
| Tread depth | — | 10/32″ |
| Sidewall | — | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | — | 50 psi |
Final verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
81
/ 100
BFGoodrich
80
/ 100
Pirelli
Too close to call: BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 and Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 are within 2 points overall. BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 is stronger on snow, comfort and treadwear. Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 is stronger on noise and dry.
Pick tire A
You drive through snowy winters
BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 scores 89 vs 76 on snow.
Pick tire B
You want a quieter cabin
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 scores 62 vs 50 on noise.
Pick tire A
You want the most comfortable ride
BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 scores 85 vs 79 on comfort.
Pick tire A
You want the longest tread life
BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 scores 87 vs 81 on treadwear.
Tire A · BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
Tire B · Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
More comparisons
Also compared with
BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 also compared with
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 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.