Comparison: GoodYear UltraGrip Performance+ vs. Nokian WR Snowproof P vs. Kumho WinterCraft WP52+

On dry roads, the Nokian WR Snowproof P is genuinely impressive and actually outscores the Goodyear here — its dry braking is among the sharpest measured in its class, and testers consistently praise its dynamic, precise handling on dry asphalt and very low exterior noise. It behaves more like a sporty touring tyre than a winter specialist on a sunny road, with responsive turn-in and confident stability. The UltraGrip Performance+, while balanced and safe on dry, is not the weapon of choice here — its dry performance scores are solid but unspectacular. If winter where you live means mostly cold, dry days with occasional light snow, the Nokian's dry package could be genuinely appealing. Just don't mistake dry confidence for all-weather competence.

Snow is supposed to be where a Nokian shines, given the brand's heritage, but the WR Snowproof P disappoints in this area. Its lateral guidance on snow is described as merely adequate, and the tyre understeers noticeably when pushed in winter conditions. In the same Autobild 2022 test, snow braking measured 25.5 metres for the Goodyear against 26.2 metres for the Nokian — a small difference in isolation, but the overall snow handling package on the Goodyear is substantially more capable. The UltraGrip Performance+ records snow acceleration and snow handling scores at the very top of the premium winter segment, with testers awarding it top marks for performance on snow-covered roads. Owner reviews from sporty cars confirm this — drivers who previously disliked winter tyres specifically mention the Goodyear feels genuinely engaging on snow, not just adequate. For genuine snow capability, the Goodyear wins by a meaningful margin.

This is where the comparison becomes stark. In the one shared braking test with measured distances — Autobild 2022 on 215/55 R17 — the two tyres record similar wet braking numbers: 35.5 metres for the Goodyear against 36.0 metres for the Nokian. But those headline figures hide the full picture. The Nokian's aquaplaning resistance is significantly weaker, and across multiple test seasons it has been repeatedly flagged for understeer and limited wet handling composure. At higher speeds on a wet motorway, the Nokian begins to feel uncertain in a way the Goodyear simply does not. The UltraGrip Performance+ consistently scores among the premium class leaders in wet handling, with excellent aquaplaning security that real owners on performance cars specifically note — one BMW owner reported the tyre's ability to manage standing water far better than expected. For wet-weather confidence, the Goodyear is the clear choice.

The one area where the Nokian WR Snowproof P has a real, undeniable advantage is daily refinement. Its interior noise levels, ride comfort, and rolling resistance scores are among the best in the winter tyre class — it is genuinely one of the quietest winter tyres available, and its fuel efficiency is excellent. Owners consistently rate it highly for comfortable long-distance cruising. The UltraGrip Performance+ is rated only average for comfort in testing, and while owners on performance BMW platforms find it acceptable, it is not the choice you make when refinement comes first. The Goodyear's rolling resistance is respectable but cannot match the Nokian's near-class-leading efficiency figures. In terms of size range, the Goodyear covers R15–R22 across 100 dimensions, offering far broader availability than the Nokian's 47-size catalogue spanning R17–R21.