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Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3 — Compared (September 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
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7 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Why this score
| Source | Blizzak LM005 | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 89 | 89 |
| Tire Rack owners | 87 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 77 | 89 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 92% | 93% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 99% | 99% |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | Blizzak LM005 | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 91 | 85 |
| Tire Rack owners | 88 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 84 | 90 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 91% | 96% |
| Wet Braking - Concrete (% of best) | 81% | 71% |
| Wet Braking - Cool (% of best) | 91% | 97% |
| Wet Braking - Worn (% of best) | 77% | 82% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) | 99% | 45% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 97% | 99% |
Snow
Why this score
| Source | Blizzak LM005 | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 80 | 77 |
| Tire Rack owners | 81 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 72 | 93 |
| Snow Braking (% of best) | 97% | 96% |
| Snow Circle (% of best) | 99% | 96% |
| Snow Handling (% of best) | 98% | 100% |
| Snow Slalom (% of best) | 100% | 93% |
| Snow Traction (% of best) | 96% | 92% |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | Blizzak LM005 | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 84 | 81 |
| Tire Rack owners | 81 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 74 | 77 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | Blizzak LM005 | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 63 | 81 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | Blizzak LM005 | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | 64 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 59 | 88 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | Blizzak LM005 | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 73 | 83 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 | Hankook Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 75 | 85 |
| Dry | 84 | 89 |
| Wet | 88 | 87 |
| Snow | 77 | 84 |
| Comfort | 80 | 80 |
| Noise | 63 | 81 |
| Treadwear | 59 | 88 |
| Handling | 73 | 83 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Tire A
Tire B
The professional test results behind the scores
Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.
| Discipline | Category | Tire A | Tire B | Δ | Both? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curved Aquaplaning | Curved | 90% #4/9 · 2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | 99% #3/9 · 2021 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | -9.1 | Different tests |
| Dry Braking | Dry | 92% #10/10 · 2022 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test | 93% #9/10 · 2022 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test | -0.8 | Same test |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% #8/11 · 2019 AMS Winter SUV Tyre Test | 99% #4/6 · 2025 High Performance Winter Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 88% #7/20 · 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | 91% #7/13 · 2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter Tyre Test | -2.4 | Different tests |
| Fuel Consumption | Fuel | 98% #10/16 · 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test | 95% #10/31 · 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test | +3.3 | Different tests |
| Ice Braking | Ice | 88% #15/15 · 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test | 87% #21/31 · 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test | +0.9 | Different tests |
| Abrasion | Other | 100% #15/15 · 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test | 64% #4/31 · 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test | +36.4 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 92% #6/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test | 93% #6/6 · 2025 High Performance Winter Tyre Test | -1 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 73% #7/10 · 2021 AMS Winter Tyre Test | 71% #4/13 · 2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter Tyre Test | +2.3 | Different tests |
| Value | Other | 96% #17/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test | 61% #4/20 · 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | +34.8 | Different tests |
| Wear | Other | 62% #16/16 · 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test | 98% #3/20 · 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | -36.2 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 14% #7/16 · 2021 ADAC 15 Inch Winter Tyre Test | 17% #6/9 · 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test | -2.4 | Different tests |
| Snow Braking | Snow | 97% #3/7 · 2023 AMS SUV Winter Tyre Test | 96% #6/20 · 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | +0.5 | Different tests |
| Snow Circle | Snow | 99% #6/10 · 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test | 96% #3/9 · 2021 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | +3.1 | Different tests |
| Snow Handling | Snow | 98% #7/10 · 2020 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test | 100% #2/13 · 2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter Tyre Test | -1.8 | Different tests |
| Snow Slalom | Snow | 100% #1/7 · 2022 Sport Auto All Season Tyre Test | 93% #8/9 · 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test | +7 | Different tests |
| Snow Traction | Snow | 96% #6/7 · 2023 AMS SUV Winter Tyre Test | 92% #6/6 · The BEST Performance Winter Tyres for 2024 / 2025 | +4.2 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 98% #3/10 · 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tyre Test | 96% #5/9 · 2021 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | +1.6 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 100% #2/11 · 2023 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | 95% #6/11 · 2023 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | +5 | Same test |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Total | 0% #18/20 · 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | 0% #3/6 · 2023/24 Tyre Reviews UHP Winter Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 91% #1/7 · 2023 AMS SUV Winter Tyre Test | 96% #3/6 · 2025 High Performance Winter Tyre Test | -4.9 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | Wet | 81% #1/16 · 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test | 71% #6/31 · 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test | +10 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking - Cool | Wet | 91% #1/6 · 2023/24 Tyre Reviews UHP Winter Tyre Test | 97% #5/6 · 2023/24 Tyre Reviews UHP Winter Tyre Test | -6.5 | Same test |
| Wet Braking - Worn | Wet | 77% #1/6 · 2023/24 Tyre Reviews UHP Winter Tyre Test | 82% #4/6 · 2023/24 Tyre Reviews UHP Winter Tyre Test | -4.5 | Same test |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 99% #2/10 · 2022 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test | 45% #6/30 · 2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test | +54.4 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 97% #1/10 · 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test | 99% #4/13 · 2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter Tyre Test | -1.3 | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is widely regarded as a class-leading winter tire for wet and slushy conditions, offering exceptional grip and braking performance that rivals summer tires. While it performs reliably in fresh snow, user consensus indicates a significant decline in performance and tread life after the first two seasons, with many owners reporting premature wear and increased noise levels as the tire ages.
Pros
- Exceptional wet-weather grip and aquaplaning resistance.
- Predictable and stable handling on dry roads.
- Strong performance in slush and fresh snow when new.
- High levels of ride comfort and low noise levels during the initial phase of ownership.
Cons
- Rapid and premature tread wear, often failing to last beyond 15,000–20,000 km.
- Significant performance degradation in snow and ice after the first or second season.
- Development of loud humming or buzzing noises as the tire ages.
- Reports of tread deformation, wobbly blocks, or uneven wear patterns.
Observations
- Heavy vehicles, including EVs and large SUVs, appear to accelerate the rapid tread wear observed by many users.
- Users with RWD vehicles noted that while the tire is predictable, it can struggle with traction on steep inclines once the tread depth drops below 5mm.
- Drivers of performance-oriented or heavier cars reported noticeable understeer during spirited driving in dry conditions.
The Hankook Winter i cept evo3 is widely regarded as a high-performance winter tire that offers exceptional value, frequently outperforming more expensive premium brands in wet and snowy conditions. While most users praise its balanced handling and impressive aquaplaning resistance, a small minority of drivers report concerns regarding ride comfort and noise levels.
Pros
- Exceptional wet weather performance and aquaplaning resistance
- Strong traction and confidence-inspiring grip in deep snow and ice
- Excellent value-for-money proposition compared to premium competitors
- Stable and predictable handling on dry and cold pavement
Cons
- Reports of increased road noise compared to summer tires
- Mixed feedback regarding ride comfort, with some users finding them stiff
- Occasional reports of suboptimal launch traction in wet conditions
Observations
- Drivers of performance-oriented vehicles (e.g., Ford Puma ST) noted that the tire maintains sporty characteristics without significant compromise.
- Users with AWD vehicles (e.g., Audi A4 Allroad) highlighted superior stability in deep water and snow, though some RWD users noted the importance of fitting all four tires to prevent rear-end instability.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 | B · Hankook Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Winter Premium Touring tires | Winter Ultra High Performance tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 11 | — |
| Rim diameters | 17″ – 21″ | — |
| Tread depth | 9/32″ | — |
| Sidewall | Blackwall | — |
| Max pressure | 50 psi | — |
Which one should you actually buy?
Bridgestone
Hankook
Winner: Hankook Winter i cept evo3 — better treadwear, noise and handling. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 scores 88 vs 59 on treadwear.
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 scores 81 vs 63 on noise.
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 scores 83 vs 73 on handling.
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 scores 84 vs 77 on snow.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.