Continental IceContact 3 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

In this article we will be looking at independent tire test data, and real world driver reviews of the Continental IceContact 3 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 to find out which tire is best for your own driving.

The good news is that both the Continental IceContact 3 and Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 are Premium Touring Winter tires designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars, which means comparing the two tires is relatively simple.

Both tires are hugely popular in the market place with drivers, and both have been featured in independent tire tests.

In This Article
Introduction Test Results Driver Reviews Conclusion
IceContact-3 VS UltraGrip-Arctic-2

Test Results

Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been six tests which compare both tires directly!

Out of these six tests:

  • Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 finished ahead of the Continental IceContact 3 in six of the tests

While it might look like the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 is better than the Continental IceContact 3 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.

Dry Braking

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 stopped the vehicle in 0.81% less distance than the Continental IceContact 3.

Continental IceContact 3
33.42M
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
33.15M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:31.5M Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 31.7M
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:33.65M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 32.91M
2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 Continental IceContact 3:36.71M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 36.36M
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:32.77M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 32.11M
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:32.47M Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 32.66M

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental IceContact 3 was better during two subj. dry handling tests. On average the Continental IceContact 3 scored 38.34% more points than the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2.

Continental IceContact 3
4.33 Points
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
2.67 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Continental IceContact 3

2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 Continental IceContact 3:3 Points Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 3 Points
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:5 Points Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 2 Points
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:5 Points Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 3 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 was better during two wet braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 stopped the vehicle in 0.39% less distance than the Continental IceContact 3.

Continental IceContact 3
36.15M
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
36.01M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:33.7M Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 34.9M
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:37.1M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 35.86M
2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:37.32M Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 37.99M
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:37.87M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 35.94M
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:34.74M Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 35.34M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental IceContact 3 was better during four wet handling [s] tests. On average the Continental IceContact 3 was 0.64% faster around a wet lap than the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2.

Continental IceContact 3
40.08s
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
40.34s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Continental IceContact 3

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:35.2s Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 35.3s
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:41.89s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 41.87s
2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:41.52s Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 41.82s
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:41.1s Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 41.2s
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:40.7s Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 41.5s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental IceContact 3 was better during one straight aqua tests. On average the Continental IceContact 3 floated at a 0.82% higher speed than the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2.

Continental IceContact 3
60.73Km/H
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
61.23Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:58.7Km/H Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 55.7Km/H
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:55.2Km/H ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 57.3Km/H
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:68.3Km/H ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 70.7Km/H

Snow Braking

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 was better during three snow braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 stopped the vehicle in 1.01% less distance than the Continental IceContact 3.

Continental IceContact 3
20.71M
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
20.5M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:51.4M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 50.6M
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:15.12M Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 15.23M
2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 Continental IceContact 3:11.73M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 11.31M
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:12.98M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 12.96M
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:12.34M Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 12.41M

Snow Traction

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 was better during five snow traction tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 accelerated 1.96% faster than the Continental IceContact 3.

Continental IceContact 3
5.11s
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
5.01s
Snow acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Snow Traction: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:5.8s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 5.7s
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:4.96s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 4.83s
2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 Continental IceContact 3:5.62s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 5.5s
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:4.84s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 4.79s
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:4.32s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 4.24s

Snow Handling [s]

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental IceContact 3 was better during four snow handling [s] tests. On average the Continental IceContact 3 was 0.31% faster around a lap than the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2.

Continental IceContact 3
73.49s
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
73.72s
Snow handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Handling [s]: Continental IceContact 3

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:53.5s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 52.7s
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:85.23s Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 85.38s
2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:78.53s Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 79.41s
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:75.1s Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 75.3s
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:75.1s Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 75.8s

Ice Braking

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 was better during five ice braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 stopped the vehicle 16.29% shorter than the Continental IceContact 3.

Continental IceContact 3
20.75M
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
17.37M
Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:40.9M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 37.9M
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:15.42M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 12.22M
2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 Continental IceContact 3:14.4M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 11.14M
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:17.14M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 12.97M
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:15.87M ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 12.64M

Ice Traction

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 was better during four ice traction tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 accelerated 13.76% faster than the Continental IceContact 3.

Continental IceContact 3
5.45s
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
4.7s
Ice acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Ice Traction: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:3.9s Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 3.9s
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:5.89s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 5s
2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 Continental IceContact 3:2.79s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 2.34s
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:7.88s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 6.09s
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:6.81s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 6.19s

Ice Handling [s]

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 was better during five ice handling [s] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 was 4.25% faster around a lap than the Continental IceContact 3.

Continental IceContact 3
52.49s
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
50.26s
Ice handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Ice Handling [s]: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:57.8s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 55.1s
2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:68.12s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 63.73s
2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 Continental IceContact 3:45.53s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 44.39s
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:40.8s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 39.6s
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:50.2s ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 48.5s

Subj. Comfort

Continental IceContact 3
5 Points
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
2 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

Subj. Noise

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental IceContact 3 was better during zero subj. noise tests. On average the Continental IceContact 3 scored 14.29% more points than the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2.

Continental IceContact 3
6 Points
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
7 Points
Subjective in car noise levels, higher is better

Best In Subj. Noise: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:6 Points ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 7 Points

Noise

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental IceContact 3 was better during three noise tests. On average the Continental IceContact 3 measured 1.36% quieter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2.

Continental IceContact 3
72.4dB
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
73.4dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Continental IceContact 3

2021 Nordic Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:68.6dB Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 69.6dB
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:75dB Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 75.4dB
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:73.6dB Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 75.2dB

Noise

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental IceContact 3 was better during one noise tests. On average the Continental IceContact 3 measured 1.05% quieter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2.

Continental IceContact 3
75.6dB
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
76.4dB
Internal noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Continental IceContact 3

2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:75.6dB Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 76.4dB

Price

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 was better during three price tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 cost 12.26% less than the Continental IceContact 3.

Continental IceContact 3
2099.33
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
1842
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental IceContact 3:600 ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 550
2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 Continental IceContact 3:3029 ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 2699
2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:2669 ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 2277

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental IceContact 3 was better during one rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental IceContact 3 had a 5.26% lower rolling resistance than the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2.

Continental IceContact 3
5.4kg / t
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
5.7kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental IceContact 3

2023 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:5.4kg / t Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 5.7kg / t

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 used 0.17% less fuel than the Continental IceContact 3.

Continental IceContact 3
5.84l/100km
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
5.83l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

2022 Studded Winter Tire Test
235/55 R18		 ✓ Continental IceContact 3:5.92l/100km Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 5.96l/100km
2024 Studded Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental IceContact 3:5.75l/100km ✓ Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2: 5.7l/100km

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Continental IceContact 3 and Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2.

In total the Continental IceContact 3 has been reviewed 2 times and drivers have given the tire 71% overall.

The Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 has been reviewed 1 times and drivers have given the tire 91% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2.

Best Review for the Continental IceContact 3
Given 80% 215/55 R16 T on a combination of roads for 8,500 average miles
I had regular studs Superb grip on packed snow and ~1 cm of snow on top of the packed snow. Grip on ice is great also tested on lake ice track. One can have fun throwing the car around on ice and tires feel good especially while braking. I felt confident with them on slippery surfaces. When there is around 4-5 cm of snow these tires are too wide and lose contact with hard surface on higher speeds. For those days I wish i had narrower tires but it is not "the tires fault". Dry and Wer grip is pretty good but unstudded tires could be better for those conditions. Atleast these tires are... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 74 - tire reviewed on June 3, 2020
View all Continental IceContact 3 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
Given 91% 225/45 R17 on a combination of roads for 1,500 spirited miles
Was in need for high quality studded winter tires that supported spirited sideways driving on ice lake with a RWD car and Goodyear Artic 2 delivered. Tires excel at ice grip in terms of braking and acceleration, when turning, unless you wish to go sideways, it is better to slow down first. It makes sense when looking at the studs because studs are not triangular shape like Michelin X-Ice north 4 nor Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 but rather plate/bowl shape? Either way, when driving straight, you will get the car to stop in emergencies. Snow grip is also excellent, no problems whatsoever when it... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 64 - tire reviewed on February 10, 2024
View all Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Continental IceContact 3 performed better in subj. dry handling, wet handling [s], snow handling [s], noise, noise and rolling resistance, while the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 performed better in dry braking, wet braking, straight aqua, snow braking, snow traction, ice braking, ice traction, ice handling [s], subj. noise, price and fuel consumption.

Which tire is best for you depends a lot on your driving style and situation, plus what you want from the tire. Comparing all the data in the tire reviews database, on balance Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 seems to be the best tire overall.

However, it's important to note that both tires have their strengths.

Remember, the best tire for you might depend on which of these factors are most important for your specific driving needs and conditions.

Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

Overall Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.

Similar Comparisons

Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:

Continental IceContact 3
VS
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
Continental IceContact 3 VS Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
VS
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 VS Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
Continental IceContact 3
VS
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
Continental IceContact 3 VS Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
Continental IceContact 3
VS
Michelin X Ice Snow
Continental IceContact 3 VS Michelin X Ice Snow
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
VS
Michelin X Ice North 4
Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 VS Michelin X Ice North 4
Continental IceContact 3
VS
Michelin X Ice North 4
Continental IceContact 3 VS Michelin X Ice North 4

Footnote

This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.

Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.