Goodyear delivers a consistently high performance across all surfaces. Its braking capabilities are particularly impressive on both winter roads and asphalt. This year, however, the stud protrusion is slightly lower than in previous versions, causing it to lose a few points in the ice tests compared to the very best, though it still performs well. The tread depth is the highest among the group, which may explain why the steering feel is somewhat vague and lacks precision. This is noticeable on all surfaces but is most pronounced on asphalt. Safe and reliable, but other tires offer more driving enjoyment for discerning drivers. With average scores in noise and fuel consumption, it finishes in fourth place, just missing the podium.

Following closely, the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 delivers exceptional safety in winter conditions, particularly excelling on snow with impressively short braking distances. While its lateral grip on ice may drop suddenly during high-speed emergency maneuvers, it remains steady and dependable on snowy surfaces. On asphalt, the UltraGrip Arctic 2 shows strong braking performance, although its rolling resistance is on the higher side. With moderate noise levels, this tire offers a balanced winter experience for drivers who need top-notch performance in snow and reliable handling across other conditions.

Positioned just below Bridgestone, the studded Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 offers reliable traction on icy and snowy surfaces, scoring an impressive 20/20 in ice braking. This tire is designed to tackle winter's toughest conditions with confidence. However, its high rolling resistance and weaker performance on wet surfaces led to a point deduction, affecting its overall score. Despite this, the UltraGrip Arctic 2 remains a solid choice for drivers who need dependable grip on ice but are less concerned with fuel efficiency or occasional wet conditions.

The Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2, in third place, showcases impressive ice performance and excels in snow traction, wet braking, and handling, including strong resistance to longitudinal aquaplaning. It stands out for its very short braking distances on wet surfaces and effective performance on snow/ice. However, it falls short in dry handling, with lateral stability and steering response being less than ideal, impacting its ability to maintain the desired trajectory. Despite these drawbacks, the tire remains stable overall, ensuring a safe driving experience.

Showcasing balanced performance on icy surfaces, this tire excels in acceleration, braking, and handling. Its performance on snow and wet asphalt is commendable, but its rolling resistance is on the higher side.

• Pros: Balanced and top-tier performance on winter roads.
• Cons: Elevated rolling resistance.

The Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 shows outstanding performance in winter conditions, particularly excelling in snow braking and handling, as well as ice handling. However, it exhibits weaker performance in wet and dry braking, and its resistance to straight aquaplaning is moderate. While the tire's steering response on ice is not the sharpest, it maintains a balanced overall performance and offers an acceptable level of comfort, even as a studded tire.

The Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 ensures good handling performance on ice — even though it does fall behind some of the competitors in terms of maximum grip levels — and the control deteriorates only at large steering angles. On snow, the tire also demonstrates quite logical behavior, with a slight understeer, and is not prone to unexpected skidding. In the segment of studded tires, the UltraGrip Arctic 2 is one of the most effective tires on tarmac: it ensures strong grip and good stability under loads, including during emergency lane switching when averting an obstacle. This Goodyear tire is pretty quiet but its rolling resistance is high.

Excellent traction and short braking distance on snow and ice. Lack of handling precision in corners. Relatively high rolling resistance.

Short braking distance on ice. Good results on wet pavement.

Positive: Good traction and good handling on ice. Short braking distances on snow roads.

Positive: Excellent grip on ice. Short braking distances in all conditions.
Negative: High rolling resistance.

Short braking distance on ice. Great snow traction. Excellent lateral grip and a very short wet braking distance. Not entirely stable behavior on snow and ice.