Goodyear unveils expanded 2026 UltraGrip winter tire portfolio for snow, ice and slush
Goodyear has announced its 2026 UltraGrip winter tire portfolio, a range of winter tires designed for drivers facing cold temperatures, snow, ice and slush across Europe and the wider EMEA region. The portfolio includes three products for different vehicles, climates and driving needs: UltraGrip Performance 3, UltraGrip Ice 3 and UltraGrip Arctic 2. Building on its existing product lineup, 2026 portfolio expands through additional sizes and SKUs1, increasing vehicle fitment coverage across the region and an update to the UltraGrip Arctic 22.
Together, the range gives drivers options for everyday winter driving, severe icy and harsh winter conditions. Each tire is developed with winter-specific tread designs, rubber compounds and construction technologies intended to support grip, braking and stability in cold-weather conditions.
Which tires make up the Goodyear winter tire portfolio?
- Winter Standard Tires: Designed for variable winter conditions, delivering strong performance on snow and wet roads while maintaining control on dry roads.
Goodyear’s winter standard tires are suitable for regions with winter temperatures frequently below 7°C, where drivers regularly encounter rain, snow, slush and ice.
In 2026, Goodyear expanded the UltraGrip Performance 3 lineup with 66 new coverage SKUs, bringing the total range to 344 SKUs and delivering the widest coverage available through a single winter tire tread pattern3.
- Winter Ice Tires: Designed for demanding winter conditions with a focus on ice and snow performance while maintaining capability on wet and dry roads in cold temperatures.
Goodyear’s winter ice tires are designed for regions with harsh winters and temperatures frequently below 0°C.
In 2026, Goodyear is expanding the UltraGrip Ice 3 range with 18 new SKUs, bringing the total lineup to 130 SKUs.
- Winter Studded Tires: Designed specifically for severe winter conditions, with a strong emphasis on ice performance and confident control on snow-covered roads.
Goodyear’s winter studded tires are designed for Nordic and other extreme winter regions with persistent snow- and ice-covered roads.
As winter tire regulations evolve across the Nordics, Goodyear has further enhanced the UltraGrip Arctic 2 in 2026 to comply with the latest Traficom A+ requirement, which will apply to all newly produced studded passenger car tires from January 1, 20274. Alongside the product update, the UltraGrip Arctic 2 range comprises 122 SKUs including expansion of seven additional SKUs in 2026.
Tested and proven for challenging winter conditions
Goodyear develops its winter tires through a comprehensive research and development process combining virtual development and simulation, advanced laboratory research and real-world testing. At its Innovation Centre in Luxembourg, one of the industry’s largest teams of technicians, scientists and test drivers works to optimize tire compounds, materials, tread designs and sipe arrangements for challenging winter conditions.
The Centre’s high-tech Snow Lab enables engineers to recreate different types of snow and temperatures from 0°C to -40°C under controlled conditions. Using class-leading technologies including micro-computed tomography, 3D modelling and friction testing, engineers study how snow interacts with tire compounds and tread designs. This research complements testing on snow, ice, wet and dry surfaces at proving grounds in Switzerland, the Nordic region and New Zealand.
As a result of this rigorous development and testing culture, Goodyear’s award-winning5 winter tires have also been recognized by numerous independent magazine tests for their performance recently and over the years. Auto Bild named Goodyear Top Manufacturer of the Year 2025 in the winter tires category, citing the outstanding performance of the UltraGrip Performance 3 in its latest tests. Last year, with a total of 15 podium finishes across 19 possible tests, including five 1st place, seven 2nd place, and three 3rd place rankings, Goodyear’s winter range consistently outperformed leading competitors in winter, studded and friction categories. These podium finishes were across publications such as ADAC, Auto Zeitung, AUTO MOTOR UND SPORT, Auto Bild allrad, AUTO EXPRESS, Teknikens Värld, Vi Bilägare and more5.
Most recently and for the ongoing winter testing season, the UltraGrip Performance 3 and the UltraGrip Arctic 2 both had podium finishes in winter tests conducted by Sport Auto, Vi Bilägare and ADAC.
How to choose the right tire for winter
Winter or All Season tires - Winter tires are specifically engineered to deliver optimal performance in cold temperatures and challenging winter conditions. This makes them the preferred choice for prolonged periods of cold weather, frequent snowfall or icy roads.
Premium all-weather tires, such as the Vector All Season 4 carrying the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) marking can provide a practical solution for areas with milder winters by offering year-round usability and convenience while meeting recognized snow-performance requirements.
What to look out for - In Europe, tires approved for winter use can typically be identified by the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which indicates that the tire has met recognized snow-performance testing requirements. All products in the UltraGrip winter tire portfolio as well as the all season tires Goodyear Vector All Season 4 and Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 carry the 3PMSF marking. The symbol can appear on dedicated winter tires and qualifying all-weather tires. Local regulations determine when winter tires are required and which tire markings are accepted.
The most suitable tire depends on the vehicle, local climate, road conditions and the driver’s typical journey. Drivers should check local legislation and consult an authorized Goodyear retailer or tire professional when selecting a tire.
How should drivers prepare for winter?
Goodyear recommends6 that drivers:
· Fit winter tires before the first major cold spell rather than waiting for the first snowfall.
· Check tire pressure regularly, because lower temperatures can reduce inflation pressure.
· Inspect tread depth, sidewalls and overall tire condition.
· Confirm that the tire size, load index and speed rating are suitable for the vehicle.
· Check tire markings and select a product suited to local winter conditions.
· Consider winter tires versus all-season or all-weather tires based on climate, road conditions and driving habits.
To ensure fitment, seasonal suitability and get an accurate understanding of tire conditions, Goodyear suggests that drivers seek advice from authorized retailers.
Availability
The Goodyear 2026 UltraGrip winter tire portfolio is available through authorized Goodyear retailers and partners across EMEA, subject to regional specifications and stock availability. Drivers can learn more about Goodyear winter tires and find the right product for their vehicle here.
2. Engineered for Nordic winters. Shatter the ice, respect the road: UltraGrip Arctic 2 updated
3. Based on comparison of Goodyear’s UltraGrip Performance 3 winter tire pattern lineup and an internal review of publicly available information from tire websites (June 2026), assessing individual winter tire patterns among main premium competitors in Europe, including Michelin, Continental, Pirelli and Bridgestone.
4. Traficom - Technical requirements for and type-approval of studded tyres for vehicles
5. Goodyear Ranks #1 in Winter Tire Performance Across Europe
6. This publication is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, technical, or professional advice. While we aim for accuracy, information may change over time and may not be complete or up to date. Goodyear is not responsible for the content of external sites referenced