Ultra High Performance (UHP) all-season tires are engineered to deliver a sporty feel to the driving experience, while still being versatile enough to handle various weather conditions. UHP all-season tires typically come with higher speed ratings (V, W, or Y) compared to standard options, and they're built with special compounds and beefier internal construction to provide better control, sharper cornering, and stronger braking than regular all-season tires.
The UHP all-season tire type is characterized by sticky grip and precise handling in both dry and wet weather conditions. They're not meant to replace true winter tires when the snow really starts falling, nor summer tires in extreme heat, but UHP all-season tires can handle light winter conditions as well as moderate summer temps.
UHP all-season tires are perfect for enthusiast drivers who want better performance year-round without the hassle of swapping between summer and winter tires. While UHP AS models are generally higher priced compared to standard tires, this article brings up several budget-friendly options that'll provide that performance edge without emptying the wallet.
Best UHP Tires for Year-Round Performance
The following seven UHP all-season tires blend year-round versatility, superior performance ratings, and price affordability: Armstrong Blu-Trac HP, BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus, Bridgestone Potenza RE980+, Cooper Zeon RS3-G1, GT Radial Champiro UHP AS, Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate, and Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S +. Learn about each tire model's pros and cons in the table below.
Comparison of 7 Best UHP All-Season Tires on a Budget
Tire Model | Key Strengths | Wet/Snow Performance | Warranty |
Armstrong Blu-Trac HP | Strong cornering, stable at high speeds, resistant to wear, quiet for UHP | Efficient water evacuation, good wet grip, light snow capable | 45,000 miles |
BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus | Precise steering, great high-speed control, innovative tech (ETCS, g-Control sidewalls) | Excellent wet grip, strong hydroplaning resistance, cold cornering support | 45,000 miles |
Bridgestone Potenza RE980+ | Excellent braking/handling, feels like summer UHP, premium design | Superb in wet, capable in light snow due to sipe density | 50,000 miles |
Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 | Lively steering, strong cornering stability, 3D siping for wet traction | Reliable wet grip, usable in light snow | 45,000 miles |
GT Radial Champiro UHP AS | Budget-friendly, stylish tread, decent dry braking & stability | Wet traction decent, snow dispersal via grooves, weaker than rivals | 45,000 miles |
Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate | Aggressive performance tech (ActiveGrip, ActiveBraking), sharpest braking, durable | Excellent wet & light snow traction, very stable at high speeds | 45,000 miles |
Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S + | High-speed capability (186 mph), even wear, responsive handling, strong polymers | Reliable wet & winter traction, hydroplaning control | 55,000 miles |
Armstrong Blu-Trac HP
The Armstrong Blu-Trac HP is a year-round UHP all-season tire for luxury sedans, CUVs, and SUVs. It features a special tread compound and reinforced shoulder blocks that work to ensure reliable grip and balanced handling on dry and wet surfaces. The optimized footprint and strong sidewalls provide stability at high speeds. Vertical grooves in the tread reduce road noise for a quieter ride. Water evacuation channels help lessen the risk of hydroplaning, and the tire includes a 45,000-mile warranty.
Key Advantage: It offers a strong balance of handling, stability, and noise control at a competitive price.
BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus
The BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus provides strong performance and all-season flexibility. The tire is built with a high-silica compound and features a directional tread pattern that improves grip and steering accuracy. Wide grooves and extensive siping boost wet traction and help prevent hydroplaning. Features like the Equal Tension Containment System and g-Control sidewall inserts provide stability during sharp turns, even in cooler weather. The Dynamic Suspension System adds comfort. The warranty covers 45,000 miles.
Key Advantage: Great wet grip and high-speed control with superior dry braking capabilities.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980+
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980+ is mainly designed for drivers who want near-summer performance along with year-round usability. Its asymmetric tread design and specialized compound offer strong braking, sharp handling, and confident cornering. The tire features a high density of sipes, which provides an advantage in light snow, while interconnected grooves help prevent water buildup and improve wet performance. Noise suppression technology enhances ride quality, and multiple polyester plies increase durability. Supported by a 50,000-mile warranty, it stands out as one of the toughest options in the UHP category.
Key Advantage: Premium handling with strong wet and light snow performance.
Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 Tire
The Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 offers responsive handling and stability for performance sedans and coupes. A silica-enhanced compound and a 5-rib tread pattern with large grooves provide reliable wet traction. Full-depth sipes and 3D Micro-Gauge technology improve grip in rain and light snow. Large shoulder blocks and a stiff bead filler boost cornering resistance and steering feedback. The RS3-G1 is available in 16''-20'' sizes and includes a 45,000-mile warranty.
Key Advantage: Sharp steering feel with reliable traction in wet conditions and light snow.
GT Radial Champiro UHP AS
The GT Radial Champiro UHP AS is an affordable choice for drivers looking for basic UHP performance without spending a lot. Its nanometer silica compound, 5-rib design, and reinforced shoulders help with stability and handling. Four circumferential grooves with blade-shaped channels enhance water evacuation and traction on light snow. Although its wet braking is not as strong as that of premium brands, the Champiro UHP AS delivers a quiet ride and stable handling in dry conditions. The treadwear warranty is 45,000 miles.
Key Advantage: Affordable UHP tire with good dry and wet performance, providing a quiet ride.
Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate
The Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate combines modern technologies for all-season UHP performance, including ActiveGrip, ActiveBraking, and Active Strength. ActiveGrip improves handling and traction. ActiveBraking reduces stopping distances. ActiveStrength increases casing durability. The tread has deep siping and wide grooves to enhance wet traction and light snow performance. With stable cornering, rim protectors, and strong sidewalls, the Eagle Exhilarate builds confidence at high speeds, reaching up to 186 mph. Goodyear backs it with a 45,000-mile warranty.
Key Advantage: Modern tech for sharp braking and dependable wet/snow control.
Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S +
The Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S+ blends high-speed performance properties with driving comfort. The tire features a silica-polymer compound that ensures short braking distances in wet, dry, and light winter conditions. The asymmetric tread features Z-shaped grooves and wavy sipes, which improve grip and reduce hydroplaning. Large shoulder blocks provide stability in corners. A four-pitch tread design lowers road noise, and optimized construction spreads pressure evenly for longer, even wear. It comes with a 55,000-mile warranty, one of the best in its class.
Key Advantage: Stability at high speeds on dry roads, great comfort, and long tread life.
UHP Tires: FAQs
What Does UHP Mean for Tires?
The UHP abbreviation stands for Ultra High Performance, meaning tires with a UHP designation are designed to provide heat resistance at high speed, top-notch agility, as well as highly balanced and sporty handling.
Are UHP Tires Meant Only For Ultra-High-Performance Cars?
No, ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires are not just for ultra-high-performance cars, but for any vehicle that needs better grip, control, and speed, including sporty sedans, luxury cars, and some SUVs.
Who Needs Ultra-High-Performance (UHP) All-Season Tires?
UHP all-season tires are designed for drivers seeking performance handling throughout the year. They offer quick steering response, stable high-speed driving, and reliable cornering, along with good traction in wet conditions and light snow.
Although they usually wear out faster and provide a firmer ride than touring tires, UHP all-season tires offer the right balance for performance sedans, coupes, and sporty crossovers that require grip and control in all seasons.
How Long Do UHP Tires Last?
A UHP AS tire is expected to serve up to 40,000-50,000 miles, compared to a standard all-season tire that typically serves between 40,000 and 80,000 miles, on average. The difference in mileage is explained by the specific materials of UHP AS tires that prioritize tenacity and improved handling over tread wear. To enhance grip, traction, agility, and superior handling, UHP tire rubber is softer and stickier.
Ready To Upgrade to a UHP All-Season Tire?
NeoTires has been providing reliable tires for U.S drivers since 2019. Being a leading e-commerce platform in the United States, we ensure our customers get their tires fast, regardless of the driving conditions, type of vehicle, or tire size. Explore our catalog of the best all-season tires to find the optimal match, or reach out to us for a personalized recommendation. We will offer optimal solutions tailored to your needs and driving purposes.
Drive safe and choose your tires wisely!
