Winter tire Winter Ultra High Performance tires Updated September 2026
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 review
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.
Relative score
85/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
86/100
22 reviews
Road tests
90/100
20 published tests
Scores
Two scoring systems, side by side
Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.
By owner reviews
86%
Would buy again
89%
Dry
Wet
Snow & ice
Comfort
Treadwear
Handling
By road tests
89.8%From owners
What owners like and dislike
Themes extracted from 22 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.
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
Worth knowing
- 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.
Test results
20 published test appearances
Placement within each field. Open a test for the discipline-by-discipline result.
The BEST Performance Winter tires for 2024 / 2025 · 235/35 R19
4th of 6
Best: Straight Aqua · 1st
Weakest: Snow Traction · 6th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Handling | 5th of 6 | |
| Dry Handling | 5th of 6 | |
| Snow Traction | 6th of 6 | |
| Snow Handling | 2nd of 6 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 6th of 6 | |
| Straight Aqua | 1st of 6 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 2nd of 6 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 3rd of 6 | |
| Noise | 5th of 6 | |
| Ice Traction | 3rd of 6 |
2025 High Performance Winter tire Test · 275/35 R19
4th of 6
Best: Wet Handling · 1st
Weakest: Noise · 6th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 3rd of 6 | |
| Wet Handling | 1st of 6 | |
| Dry Braking | 4th of 6 | |
| Dry Handling | 4th of 6 | |
| Snow Braking | 2nd of 6 | |
| Snow Traction | 4th of 6 | |
| Snow Handling | 2nd of 6 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 5th of 6 | |
| Noise | 6th of 6 |
2025 Autobild Winter tire Test · 225/40 R18
6th of 20
Best: Snow Handling · 3rd
Weakest: Rolling Resistance · 13th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 12th of 20 | |
| Wet Handling | 9th of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 7th of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 9th of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 8th of 20 | |
| Snow Traction | 5th of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 3rd of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 13th of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 3rd of 20 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 13th of 20 | |
| Noise | 11th of 20 | |
| Value | 4th of 20 | |
| Wear | 3rd of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 9th of 20 |
2025 Winter tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! · 225/40 R18
14th of 51
Best: Snow Braking · 9th
Weakest: Wet Braking · 13th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 13th of 51 | |
| Snow Braking | 9th of 51 |
2025 ADAC Winter tire Test · 225/40 R18
4th of 31
Best: Wear · 3rd
Weakest: Noise · 30th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 7th of 31 | |
| Wet Circle | 6th of 31 | |
| Dry Braking | 9th of 31 | |
| Snow Braking | 13th of 31 | |
| Snow Traction | 13th of 31 | |
| Ice Braking | 21st of 31 | |
| Straight Aqua | 11th of 31 | |
| Noise | 30th of 31 | |
| Wear | 3rd of 31 | |
| Fuel Consumption | 10th of 31 | |
| Abrasion | 4th of 31 | |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 6th of 31 |
2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter tire Test · 245/45 R18
5th of 12
Best: Wet Braking · 3rd
Weakest: Noise · 12th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 3rd of 12 | |
| Wet Handling | 6th of 12 | |
| Dry Braking | 5th of 12 | |
| Dry Handling | 6th of 12 | |
| Snow Braking | 4th of 12 | |
| Snow Traction | 4th of 12 | |
| Snow Handling | 6th of 12 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 5th of 12 | |
| Straight Aqua | 5th of 12 | |
| Noise | 12th of 12 |
2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter tire Test · 235/35 R19
6th of 10
Best: Rolling Resistance · 2nd
Weakest: Snow Traction · 10th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 4th of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 6th of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 7th of 10 | |
| Dry Handling | 8th of 10 | |
| Snow Braking | 7th of 10 | |
| Snow Traction | 10th of 10 | |
| Snow Handling | 10th of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 6th of 10 | |
| Noise | 10th of 10 |
2023 Tyre Reviews Winter tire Test · 225/45 R18
4th of 11
Best: Snow Traction · 2nd
Weakest: Wet Handling · 7th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Handling | 7th of 11 | |
| Dry Handling | 6th of 11 | |
| Snow Traction | 2nd of 11 | |
| Snow Handling | 4th of 11 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 6th of 11 | |
| Straight Aqua | 4th of 11 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 6th of 11 | |
| Price | 4th of 11 |
2023/24 Tyre Reviews UHP Winter tire Test · 255/40 R19
4th of 6
Best: Rolling Resistance · 1st
Weakest: Noise · 6th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 5th of 6 | |
| Wet Handling | 5th of 6 | |
| Wet Circle | 5th of 6 | |
| Dry Braking | 5th of 6 | |
| Dry Handling | 5th of 6 | |
| Snow Braking | 3rd of 6 | |
| Snow Traction | 2nd of 6 | |
| Snow Handling | 4th of 6 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st of 6 | |
| Straight Aqua | 4th of 6 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 3rd of 6 | |
| Noise | 6th of 6 | |
| Value | 3rd of 6 | |
| Price | 3rd of 6 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 3rd of 6 | |
| Wet Braking - Worn | 4th of 6 | |
| Wet Braking - Cool | 5th of 6 |
2023 Sport Auto Winter tire Test · 225/40 R18
6th of 9
Best: Curved Aquaplaning · 1st
Weakest: Wet Handling · 9th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 7th of 9 | |
| Wet Handling | 9th of 9 | |
| Wet Circle | 9th of 9 | |
| Dry Braking | 4th of 9 | |
| Dry Handling | 5th of 9 | |
| Snow Braking | 5th of 9 | |
| Snow Traction | 5th of 9 | |
| Snow Handling | 2nd of 9 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 4th of 9 | |
| Straight Aqua | 2nd of 9 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 1st of 9 | |
| Noise | 9th of 9 | |
| Price | 3rd of 9 | |
| Snow Slalom | 8th of 9 |
2023 Sports Cars Winter tire Test · 225/40 R18
4th of 11
Best: Straight Aqua · 1st
Weakest: Noise · 11th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 7th of 11 | |
| Wet Handling | 6th of 11 | |
| Dry Braking | 7th of 11 | |
| Dry Handling | 6th of 11 | |
| Snow Braking | 6th of 11 | |
| Snow Traction | 4th of 11 | |
| Snow Handling | 7th of 11 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 10th of 11 | |
| Straight Aqua | 1st of 11 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 1st of 11 | |
| Noise | 11th of 11 | |
| Snow Slalom | 6th of 11 |
2023 Auto Bild Winter tire Test · 225/45 R18
6th of 20
Best: Straight Aqua · 1st
Weakest: Rolling Resistance · 18th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 11th of 20 | |
| Wet Handling | 5th of 20 | |
| Wet Circle | 15th of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 4th of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 5th of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 6th of 20 | |
| Snow Traction | 13th of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 16th of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 18th of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 1st of 20 | |
| Noise | 18th of 20 | |
| Value | 12th of 20 | |
| Wear | 16th of 20 | |
| Snow Slalom | 7th of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 14th of 20 |
2023 Winter tire Test 54 Set Braking Test · 225/45 R18
8th of 54
Best: Snow Braking · 7th
Weakest: Wet Braking · 11th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 11th of 54 | |
| Snow Braking | 7th of 54 |
2022 Sports Car UHP Winter tire Test · 245/40 R19
2nd of 9
Best: Wet Braking · 3rd
Weakest: Noise · 8th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 3rd of 9 | |
| Wet Handling | 3rd of 9 | |
| Dry Braking | 5th of 9 | |
| Dry Handling | 3rd of 9 | |
| Snow Braking | 3rd of 9 | |
| Snow Traction | 7th of 9 | |
| Snow Handling | 3rd of 9 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 3rd of 9 | |
| Straight Aqua | 3rd of 9 | |
| Noise | 8th of 9 | |
| Price | 4th of 9 |
2022 Auto Bild SUV Winter tire Test · 225/45 R19
5th of 10
Best: Wet Braking · 1st
Weakest: Noise · 10th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 1st of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 2nd of 10 | |
| Wet Circle | 1st of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 9th of 10 | |
| Dry Handling | 3rd of 10 | |
| Snow Braking | 5th of 10 | |
| Snow Traction | 7th of 10 | |
| Snow Handling | 5th of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 9th of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 4th of 10 | |
| Noise | 10th of 10 | |
| Price | 4th of 10 |
2022 Winter tire Market Overview · 215/55 R17
9th of 56
Best: Wet Braking · 8th
Weakest: Snow Braking · 21st
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 8th of 56 | |
| Snow Braking | 21st of 56 |
2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter tire Test · 245/40 R18
1st of 13
Best: Wet Braking · 2nd
Weakest: Noise · 11th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 2nd of 13 | |
| Wet Handling | 4th of 13 | |
| Dry Braking | 9th of 13 | |
| Dry Handling | 6th of 13 | |
| Snow Braking | 2nd of 13 | |
| Snow Traction | 3rd of 13 | |
| Snow Handling | 2nd of 13 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 7th of 13 | |
| Straight Aqua | 3rd of 13 | |
| Noise | 11th of 13 | |
| Price | 4th of 13 |
2021 Tyre Reviews Winter tire Test · 225/40 R18
3rd of 9
Best: Wet Handling · 2nd
Weakest: Noise · 9th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Handling | 2nd of 9 | |
| Dry Handling | 7th of 9 | |
| Snow Traction | 3rd of 9 | |
| Snow Handling | 3rd of 9 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 8th of 9 | |
| Straight Aqua | 5th of 9 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 3rd of 9 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 6th of 9 | |
| Noise | 9th of 9 | |
| Price | 2nd of 9 | |
| Snow Circle | 3rd of 9 |
2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter tire Test · 245/45 R18
6th of 20
Best: Wet Braking · 5th
Weakest: Noise · 18th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 5th of 20 | |
| Wet Handling | 6th of 20 | |
| Dry Braking | 5th of 20 | |
| Dry Handling | 6th of 20 | |
| Snow Braking | 12th of 20 | |
| Snow Traction | 10th of 20 | |
| Snow Handling | 9th of 20 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 17th of 20 | |
| Straight Aqua | 5th of 20 | |
| Noise | 18th of 20 | |
| Value | 11th of 20 | |
| Wear | 14th of 20 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 18th of 20 |
2020 Winter tire Market Overview - 52 tire Braking Test · 245/45 R18
5th of 48
Best: Wet Braking · 5th
Weakest: Snow Braking · 11th
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 5th of 48 | |
| Snow Braking | 11th of 48 |
Head-to-head