Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2: In this head-to-head, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, a middle European winter specialist, faces off against the Michelin CrossClimate 2, widely regarded as the best 3-peak mountain certified all-season tire. The question looms large: can an all-season contender like the CrossClimate 2 really keep up in colder, harsher conditions, or does the winter-focused UltraGrip have the edge? This showdown will reveal if an all-season can truly be a year-round solution—or if winter roads demand dedicated performance.
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Results: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2
Results below were taken from Sport Auto 2024 All-Season Tire Test. A total of 8 tires were tested this time around including a summer & middle European winter refence.. The graph below shows the comparison between Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2 based on the relevant performance category. The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The handling criteria’s are evaluated by the average lap time speed which has been widely adopted by press test magazine. The tire size of interest is a 215/40 R18 which is a common tire size for Subaru BRZ & Toyota GR86. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Hyundai i20N.
Wet
In wet braking, the middle European winter tire Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stops just slightly behind the all-season Michelin CrossClimate 2, with a difference of only 0.2 meters (34.3 m vs. 34.1 m). In wet handling, however, the UltraGrip takes a clear lead, handling at 78.9 km/h—1.5 km/h faster than the CrossClimate’s 77.4 km/h. Straight-line aquaplaning also favors the UltraGrip, which holds control up to 77.2 km/h, 2.2 km/h higher than the CrossClimate’s limit of 75 km/h. Overall, these minor differences highlight the close wet performance between the two tires.
CrossClimate 2 :
- +1% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling (lap time)
- -3% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
As expected, the middle European winter tire Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 outperforms the all-season Michelin CrossClimate 2 in snow performance. In snow braking, the UltraGrip stops 1.9 meters shorter, measuring 24.4 m against the CrossClimate’s 26.3 m. Snow traction also favors the UltraGrip, delivering 1.57 N compared to the CrossClimate’s 1.49 N. For snow handling, the UltraGrip again leads, achieving 50.4 km/h, 1.6 km/h faster than the CrossClimate’s 48.8 km/h. These results underscore the expected advantage of the winter tire in snowy conditions.
CrossClimate 2 :
- -7% in snow braking
- -5% in snow handling (lap time)
- -3% in snow traction
Dry
In dry conditions, the all-season Michelin CrossClimate 2 clearly dominates over the middle European winter tire Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3. In dry braking, the CrossClimate stops a full 6.2 meters shorter, with a distance of 37.2 m compared to the UltraGrip’s 43.4 m. For dry handling, the CrossClimate again leads, holding speed at 99.2 km/h, 1.6 km/h faster than the UltraGrip’s 97.6 km/h. These results confirm the expected advantage of the all-season tire in dry performance.
CrossClimate 2 :
- +17% in dry braking
- +2% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise
In exterior noise performance, the middle European winter tire Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is slightly quieter than the all-season Michelin CrossClimate 2, with a noise level of 71.7 dB compared to the CrossClimate’s 71.9 dB. The difference is minimal, suggesting nearly similar noise levels between the two tires.
CrossClimate 2 :
- ~0% in exterior noise (+0.2 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the all-season Michelin CrossClimate 2 outperforms the middle European winter tire Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, registering a lower resistance of 8 N/kN compared to the UltraGrip’s 8.8 N/kN. This difference suggests the CrossClimate is more efficient in rolling resistance, offering potential fuel savings over the UltraGrip.
CrossClimate 2 :
- +10% in Rolling Resistance.
Price
Typically, middle European winter tires are priced higher than all-season tires, and this holds true here: the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 costs $162, while the all-season Michelin CrossClimate 2 is slightly cheaper at $157—a 3% price difference. Despite being from a premium brand, the CrossClimate offers a modest cost advantage over the winter-focused UltraGrip.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- UltraGrip Performance 3: € 162
- CrossClimate 2 : € 157
Difference: -3% more cheaper for CrossClimate 2
Summary
As a tire expert, I’d say both all-season and middle European winter tires offer distinct advantages. All-season tires, like the Michelin CrossClimate 2, provide a versatile option that balances performance across wet, dry, and moderate snow conditions without the need for seasonal tire changes. However, if you’re looking for that extra edge in serious winter conditions, the middle European winter tire Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 has an edge, particularly in snow traction and handling. But, if you don’t need that added performance for severe snow, the all-season option is a solid choice, delivering the best of both worlds in one tire.
Dr Edwin Pang