Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 Review

The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 is a modern all-season tyre that has been on the market since 2020 as the successor to the Vector 4Seasons Gen-2. It is the first all-season tyre ever to receive an overall rating of ‘Good’ in the ADAC test.

Performance on snow

The Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 demonstrates impressive winter properties with outstanding traction and handling on snowy roads. The special V-shaped tread design enables optimal snow absorption and ensures safe driving properties. The tyre offers short braking distances on snow and ice, which is particularly advantageous in critical situations. The lateral grip on snow-covered roads impresses with precision and controllability. The traction properties enable safe starting and accelerating even in difficult winter conditions. Stability in bends is maintained even in deep snow. The sipes in the tread pattern ensure effective interlocking with the snow surface. The tyre strikes a balance between grip and handling on wintery roads. It remains controllable even during sudden steering manoeuvres. Its snow performance is close to that of specialised winter tyres.

In the ADAC test 2024, the tyre achieved a grade of 2.3 for snow handling.

The ÖAMTC test confirmed the tyre's excellent winter properties with an overall grade of 2.3 for winter road conditions.

Performance on wet roads

The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 performs consistently well on wet roads with excellent aquaplaning resistance. The special tread design with wide longitudinal grooves enables effective water drainage even in heavy rain. The tyre offers very good wet grip and short braking distances on wet surfaces. The cornering forces remain stable and predictable even in heavy rain. Handling on wet roads feels safe and provides good feedback. The aquaplaning properties are among the best in the tests field. Stability when changing lanes is maintained even in heavy rain. The deceleration values on wet asphalt are above average. The tyre maintains control in critical situations at all times. The wet grip properties almost reach the level of specialised summer tyres.

In the ADAC test 2024, the tyre achieved a grade of 2.5 for wet grip, with particularly good values for aquaplaning.

The Austrian automobile club ÖAMTC confirmed the tyre's excellent wet grip with an overall grade of 2.5 and a 2.28 for wet braking. The aquaplaning properties were rated very highly with grades of 2.34 (lengthwise) and 2.3 (crosswise).

Dry handling

The Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 performs well on dry roads, although not perfectly. The tyre construction offers a good balance between comfort and handling properties. The steering response is direct, but could be even more precise. The cornering forces remain stable even with a dynamic driving style. Feedback on the road surface is sufficiently informative. The tyre shows good stability when changing lanes and during fast evasive manoeuvres. The braking performance on dry roads is in the good midfield. The cornering stability is satisfactory, even if occasional corrections are necessary. The steering precision could be better when taking long corners. The driving stability is maintained even at higher speeds.

In the ADAC test, the dry performance was rated 2.7.

The ÖAMTC gave a grade of 2.75 for driving comfort on dry roads. The handling at the limit was rated 2.75, with particular emphasis on stability during evasive manoeuvres.

Braking performance

The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 demonstrates solid performance in all braking situations, with impressive deceleration values. Its braking performance on a dry road surface, with 43.2 metres from 100 km/h, puts it in a good midfield position among the test field. Its braking distances on a wet road surface are shorter than average, at 34.7 metres from 80 km/h. The braking performance on snow is impressive, with a braking distance of just 10.7 metres from 30 km/h. Stability during the braking process is maintained in all situations. The braking force can be applied precisely and is easy to control. The braking performance on ice is very good, with a braking distance of 18.7 metres from 20 km/h. The ABS support works effectively with the tyre profile. Braking force is distributed evenly across the entire contact patch. The braking performance remains constant even with repeated braking manoeuvres.

The ADAC test confirmed the good braking performance with an overall grade of 2.7 for braking on a dry road surface.

In the ÖAMTC test, the tyre achieved an excellent score of 2.28 for wet braking. Its braking performance on snow was rated as outstanding in the tyre reviews, with a score of 2.02.

Cost-effectiveness

The Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 impresses with its outstanding economy and environmental balance. At 60,700 kilometres, the predicted mileage is at the top of the test field. At 57 mg/km/tonne, the tyre abrasion is very low, which minimises environmental pollution. The low tyre weight of just 8.0 kg contributes to fuel efficiency. Fuel consumption is in the good mid-range at 5.4 l/100 km. The long durability makes the tyre particularly economical in long-term use. The rubber compound was specially developed for high wear resistance. The even wear ensures a long service life. The savings from eliminating the seasonal tyre change further increase efficiency. The environmental balance is positively influenced by the resource-saving production.

In the ADAC test, the tyre achieved the top mark of 1.0 for mileage.

The ÖAMTC confirmed the excellent efficiency with a mark of 2.0. The environmental balance was rated as very good overall in the test with a mark of 1.8.

Noise

The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 impresses with its balanced noise behaviour in everyday driving. The innovative tread design was specially developed to minimise rolling noise and maximise driving comfort. At 69 dB(A), the measured noise emission is in the very good range of the test field. The interior acoustics remain pleasantly low even at higher speeds. The frequency distribution of the rolling noise has been optimally tuned to avoid disturbing resonances. The noise level also remains constant on different road surfaces. The harmonious coordination of the profile elements prevents the development of disturbing noises. The noise level remains moderate even at speeds above 130 km/h. The vibration damping also contributes to the high driving comfort. The acoustic performance significantly exceeds the expectations for an all-season tyre.

The ÖAMTC test gave the noise level a grade of 2.6.

In the ADAC test, the rolling noise was rated as exemplary at 70.6 dB(A). The interior acoustics received a grade of 3.0 in the test.

Value for money

The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 offers excellent value for money despite being positioned in the upper price segment. The high mileage of over 60,000 kilometres justifies the purchase price. The savings made by eliminating the need for a semi-annual tyre change are an important economic factor. The tyre's outstanding performance in all weather conditions makes its higher price understandable. The low wear contributes to the positive overall balance. The long durability makes the tyre an economically sensible investment. The quality of the materials used is reflected in the long service life. Avoiding workshop costs means a significant cost saving. The year-round usability further increases cost-effectiveness. The innovative technology justifies the price positioning in the premium segment.

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 experience: advantages and disadvantages

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 Review Results

The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 is an excellent all-season tyre that performs well in all key test criteria. Its combination of high mileage, very good driving characteristics and impressive economy make it a recommended choice for drivers who value safety and durability.

Popular tyre sizes of the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3

Source list:

1. ADAC Test Ganzjahresreifen 205/55 R 16: Erstmalig ein guter Reifen
2. Ganzjahresreifen der Dimension 205/55 R16 im Test 2024 | ÖAMTC
3. Goodyear vereint Grip mit Nachhaltigkeit - AUTO BILD
4. Ganzjahresreifen im TCS-Test 2024 - TCS Schweiz