Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 vs Michelin X Ice Snow

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

The good news is that both the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 and Michelin X Ice Snow 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.

UltraGrip-Ice-3 VS X-Ice-Snow

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 four tests which compare both tires directly!

Out of these four tests:

  • Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 finished ahead of the Michelin X Ice Snow in four of the tests

While it might look like the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 is better than the Michelin X Ice Snow 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 three tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was better during two dry braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 stopped the vehicle in 0.1% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
31.42M
Michelin X Ice Snow
31.45M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:31.25M Michelin X Ice Snow: 31.82M
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:30.9M Michelin X Ice Snow: 30.96M
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:32.1M Michelin X Ice Snow: 31.57M

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was better during two subj. dry handling tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 scored 20% more points than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
5 Points
Michelin X Ice Snow
4 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:5 Points Michelin X Ice Snow: 4 Points
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:5 Points Michelin X Ice Snow: 4 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 stopped the vehicle in 4.95% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
37.86M
Michelin X Ice Snow
39.83M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:38.49M Michelin X Ice Snow: 41.98M
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:37.55M Michelin X Ice Snow: 38.4M
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:37.55M Michelin X Ice Snow: 39.1M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was 3.63% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
40.67s
Michelin X Ice Snow
42.2s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:40.4s Michelin X Ice Snow: 42.8s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:41s Michelin X Ice Snow: 42.1s
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:40.6s Michelin X Ice Snow: 41.7s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was better during two straight aqua tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 floated at a 3.57% higher speed than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
67.25Km/H
Michelin X Ice Snow
64.85Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:66Km/H Michelin X Ice Snow: 65Km/H
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:68.5Km/H Michelin X Ice Snow: 64.7Km/H

Snow Braking

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was better during three snow braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 stopped the vehicle in 0.99% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
11.97M
Michelin X Ice Snow
12.09M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:11.28M Michelin X Ice Snow: 11.56M
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:12.19M Michelin X Ice Snow: 12.21M
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:12.43M Michelin X Ice Snow: 12.5M

Snow Traction

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was better during three snow traction tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 accelerated 2.94% faster than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
4.29s
Michelin X Ice Snow
4.42s
Snow acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Snow Traction: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:4.39s Michelin X Ice Snow: 4.47s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:4.44s Michelin X Ice Snow: 4.57s
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:4.04s Michelin X Ice Snow: 4.23s

Snow Handling [s]

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was better during three snow handling [s] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was 1.23% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
79.59s
Michelin X Ice Snow
80.58s
Snow handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Handling [s]: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:83.28s Michelin X Ice Snow: 84.04s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:75.9s Michelin X Ice Snow: 76.7s
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:79.6s Michelin X Ice Snow: 81s

Ice Braking

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two ice braking tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow stopped the vehicle 6% shorter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
13.5M
Michelin X Ice Snow
12.69M
Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Michelin X Ice Snow

2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:14.75M Michelin X Ice Snow: 15.3M
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:13M Michelin X Ice Snow: 12.09M
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:12.75M Michelin X Ice Snow: 10.69M

Ice Traction

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two ice traction tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow accelerated 8.19% faster than the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
7.94s
Michelin X Ice Snow
7.29s
Ice acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Ice Traction: Michelin X Ice Snow

2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:6.39s Michelin X Ice Snow: 7.01s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:8.43s Michelin X Ice Snow: 7.32s
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:8.99s Michelin X Ice Snow: 7.53s

Ice Handling [s]

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was better during three ice handling [s] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was 1.76% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
60.95s
Michelin X Ice Snow
62.04s
Ice handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Ice Handling [s]: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test
205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:69.76s Michelin X Ice Snow: 71.21s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:46.7s Michelin X Ice Snow: 47.1s
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:66.4s Michelin X Ice Snow: 67.8s

Noise

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was better during two noise tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 measured 0.75% quieter than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
72.75dB
Michelin X Ice Snow
73.3dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:74dB Michelin X Ice Snow: 74.5dB
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:71.5dB Michelin X Ice Snow: 72.1dB

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 was better during two fuel consumption tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 used 4.72% less fuel than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
5.05l/100km
Michelin X Ice Snow
5.3l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:4.85l/100km Michelin X Ice Snow: 5.15l/100km
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3:5.25l/100km Michelin X Ice Snow: 5.45l/100km

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 and Michelin X Ice Snow.

In total the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 has been reviewed times and drivers have given the tire 0% overall.

The Michelin X Ice Snow has been reviewed 13 times and drivers have given the tire 83% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Best Review for the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
View all Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Michelin X Ice Snow
Given 93% 225/45 R17 on mostly country roads for 10,000 spirited miles
Previously owned the Michelin alpin 4a on a volkswagen tiguan. Fantastic tires, Decided to choose the new version for my Fiat Panda cross. The x ice snow is an amazing tire. It has been raining and snowing for the last month, i leave for work every morning in -10c and come home at night in -3c. Fresh snow, sludge, rain and ice. The tire is amazing. I feel confident while driving In all conditions. Recently went offroading in a few mountain trails. Parked the car up and iced road, jumped out with the kids, and we could not walk without falling over, Completely iced over. I did not even... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 183 - tire reviewed on December 5, 2020
View all Michelin X Ice Snow driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 performed better in dry braking, subj. dry handling, wet braking, wet handling [s], straight aqua, snow braking, snow traction, snow handling [s], ice handling [s], noise and fuel consumption, while the Michelin X Ice Snow performed better in ice braking and ice traction.

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 Ice 3 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.

Overall Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

Overall Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

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.