Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
- TR Score
- 7.9/10
- Owners say
- 91% · 4
- TR Score
- 9.2/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 23
In the 9 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 finished ahead 9 times and the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro not once. The EUROWINTER HS02 Pro was 1.5 dB quieter; the Winter i cept evo3 lasted 34.8% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Hankook Winter i*Cept evo3 for mixed winter climates with regular snow, strong wet safety, lower running costs and better longevity. Consider Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro only for milder winters prioritizing quietness and comfort with mostly dry/wet driving and minimal snow exposure.
Where the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro is stronger
- Confident dry and wet handling with occasional dry braking wins
- Low exterior noise and good ride comfort
- Occasional strong wet circle times
Where the Winter i cept evo3 is stronger
- Outstanding snow performance (braking, traction, handling)
- Excellent aquaplaning resistance, especially in curves
- Lower rolling resistance and significantly better wear
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
EUROWINTER HS02 Pro vs Winter i cept evo3 at a glance
| Category | EUROWINTER HS02 Pro | Gap | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won9 shared tests | 0 | 9 | |
| Dry15 measurements | 8 | 6 | |
| Wet34 measurements | 8 | The Winter i cept evo3 held 34.6% more grip in curved aquaplaning (6 tests) | 24 |
| Snow29 measurements | 2 | The Winter i cept evo3 stopped 5% shorter on snow (9 tests) | 27 |
| Comfort9 measurements | 8 | The EUROWINTER HS02 Pro was 1.5 dB quieter (6 tests) | 0 |
| Value9 measurements | 2 | The Winter i cept evo3 lasted 34.8% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 7 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 7.9/10 | The Winter i cept evo3 by 1.3 | 9.2/10 |
| Owner rating4 and 23 reviews | 91% | The EUROWINTER HS02 Pro by 5 points | 86% |
| Pricein the 8 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Winter i cept evo3 was dearer in 5 of 8 | +1.2% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 110 | 42 sizes made in both | 86 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 9 tests, 2023 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | EUROWINTER HS02 Pro | Field | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tyre Test | P11 of 12 | P8 of 12 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | P20 of 20 | P6 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P20 of 51 | P14 of 51 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test | P10 of 12 | P5 of 12 | |
| 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test | P9 of 9 | P6 of 9 | |
| 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tyre Test | P9 of 11 | P4 of 11 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P17 of 20 | P6 of 20 | |
| 2023 Winter Tyre Test 54 Set Braking Test | P20 of 54 | P8 of 54 | |
| 2023 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | P10 of 11 | P4 of 11 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 9 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
Winter i cept evo3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 8 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
Winter i cept evo3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
Winter i cept evo3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro 91% from 4 reviews and the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tyres posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | EUROWINTER HS02 Pro | Gap | Winter i cept evo3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43.46 | 0.4% | 43.63 | 4-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 71.25 | 0.6% | 71.68 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 109.2 | 0.2% | 108.9 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| scored | 3.2% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 43.75 | 2.1% | 42.75 | 2-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 57.97 | 0.3% | 58.15 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 79.58 | = | 79.58 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7.38 | 1.8% | 7.25 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13.69 | 1.3% | 13.84 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 80.12 | 7.6% | 85.71 | 1-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2.27 | 34.6% | 3.04 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 28.31 | 5% | 27.03 | 0-9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6.15 | 8.1% | 5.65 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,030 | 4.6% | 2,141 | 1-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90.66 | 6% | 85.24 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 57 | 3.8% | 59.15 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| scored | 5.6% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.38 | 7% | 3.57 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| scored | 5% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 71.17 | 1.5 dB | 72.68 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31,727 | 34.8% | 43,174 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8.99 | 2.4% | 8.77 | 2-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tyres shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro scores 7.9 and the Winter i cept evo3 9.2 out of 10.
| EUROWINTER HS02 Pro | Category | Winter i cept evo3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | Dry | 77 | ||
| 66 | Wet | 89 | ||
| 57 | Comfort | 11 | ||
| 18 | Value | 57 | ||
| 23 | Snow | 68 | ||
| 53 | Ice | 63 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| EUROWINTER HS02 Pro | Category | Winter i cept evo3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.8 | Dry Grip | 9 | ||
| 9.5 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 6.5 | Road Feedback | 7.8 | ||
| 9 | Handling | 8.4 | ||
| 8 | Wear | 8.8 | ||
| 9 | Comfort | 7.8 | ||
| 9.5 | Snow Grip | 9.4 | ||
| 9 | Ice Grip | 8.5 | ||
Owners rate the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro 91% from 4 reviews and the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
- 91%from 4 reviews
- 18,000 milesdriven by reviewers
All 4 EUROWINTER HS02 Pro reviewsReally solid tyres, I didn't expect them to be good through snow however they performed very well. But they're even better on dry and wet roads.
Hankook Winter i cept evo3
- 86%from 23 reviews
- 91%would buy again
- 164,670 milesdriven by reviewers
Across 20 reviews, the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 is described as a highly confidence-inspiring winter tyre with standout traction in snow and strong, predictable grip in wet conditions (often praised for stability and aquaplaning resistance). Many drivers also report good dry-road handling for a winter tyre and consider it excellent value versus premium brands. A smaller minority mention increased road noise or a firmer/less comfortable ride compared with their summer tyres, but this is not the dominant experience.
- Excellent snow traction and confidence in winter conditions
- Strong wet grip and high aquaplaning resistance
- Stable, predictable handling and good road feedback
- Good comfort and generally low noise for a winter tyre
- Some users find it noisier than summer tyres or typical winter tyre buzzing
Summarised by AI from 20 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 23 Winter i cept evo3 reviewsI used these Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 tires for 4 full winter seasons on a Jeep Compass 2.0 Multijet 4x4. They lasted for roughly 5,500 miles (around 8,900 km). The grip held up exceptionally well as they wore down, providing consistent traction and stability for an AWD SUV in various winter conditions. They offer great value and reliable performance, and I would absolutely buy them again.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 110 sizes of the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro and 86 of the Winter i cept evo3, 42 of them made in both.
| Category | EUROWINTER HS02 Pro | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 110 sizes, 16 to 22 inch | 86 sizes, 17 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 42 sizes 225/60 R17235/45 R17235/50 R17245/45 R17245/55 R17225/40 R18225/45 R18225/50 R18225/55 R18235/40 R18235/45 R18245/40 R18and 30 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B96%C4% | B98%C1%D1% |
| EU label rolling resistance | D51%C44%B5% | C57%D42%B1% |
| EU label noise | 70-74 dB B97%A3% | 70-75 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 134 of 134 | 124 of 124 |
| On the market since | 2022 | 2021 |
| Replaced | - | Hankook Winter i cept evo2 |
| Price in the shared tests | The Winter i cept evo3 was the dearer tyre in 5 of the 8 tests that listed prices, by 1.2% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits two UHP winter tyres aimed at sporty passenger cars: Falken's Eurowinter HS02 Pro versus Hankook's Winter i*Cept evo3. Across eight shared tests from 2023-2025 in sizes 225/40 R18, 225/45 R18 and 245/45 R18, the Hankook consistently finishes near the front, while the Falken trends mid-to-lower table.
Both tyres deliver competent dry-road manners, and the Falken even posts some standout wet-lap and noise results. However, the pattern that emerges is decisive: the Hankook delivers stronger and more consistent winter capability-especially on snow and in aquaplaning resistance-while also offering better efficiency and longevity.
Conclusion
If your winters include regular snow or slush, the Hankook is the clear choice. It dominates snow braking, traction and handling in every test set, couples that with class-leading aquaplaning reserves, and typically stops shorter in the wet. It also wears markedly better and has lower rolling resistance, improving running costs. Value tilts Hankook's way too, with lower price-per-1,000 km and multiple higher overall rankings.
The Falken suits milder climates and motorway use: it's composed in dry and wet handling, often quieter and more comfortable, and occasionally edges dry braking. But longer wet and snow stopping distances, weaker curved aquaplaning, high rolling resistance and notably shorter projected mileage limit its appeal where true winter grip and ownership costs matter. Bottom line: choose Hankook for all-round winter security and value; pick Falken only if snow is rare and comfort/noise are priorities.
EUROWINTER HS02 Pro vs Winter i cept evo3: your questions
Is the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro or the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 the better tyre?
In the 9 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 finished ahead 9 times and the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro not once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro scores 7.9 and the Winter i cept evo3 9.2 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro or the Winter i cept evo3?
The Winter i cept evo3 led 24 of the 34 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 34.6% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 6 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The EUROWINTER HS02 Pro led 8 of the 15 dry measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in snow?
The Winter i cept evo3 led 27 of the 29 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5% shorter on snow across 9 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winter i cept evo3 lasted 34.8% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) and had 2.4% lower rolling resistance (7 tests). Owners rate wear 8/10 for the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro and 8.8/10 for the Winter i cept evo3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The EUROWINTER HS02 Pro was 1.5 dB quieter (6 tests). Owners rate comfort 9/10 for the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro and 7.8/10 for the Winter i cept evo3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro 91% from 4 reviews and the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23.
Which is more expensive?
In the 8 tests that listed prices, the Winter i cept evo3 was the dearer tyre in 5 of them, by 1.2% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The EUROWINTER HS02 Pro is made in 110 sizes (16 to 22 inch) and the Winter i cept evo3 in 86 (17 to 22 inch). 42 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro is graded B for wet grip and D for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Winter i cept evo3 B and C.
Which is the newer tyre?
The EUROWINTER HS02 Pro is the newer design: it reached the market in 2022, the Winter i cept evo3 in 2021. The Winter i cept evo3 replaced the Hankook Winter i cept evo2.
More comparisons with these tyres
vs 
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Kumho Winter Craft WP52
5-1 in 6 shared tests
vs 
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
1-18 in 20 shared tests
vs
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
12-0 in 13 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
8-5 in 14 shared tests
vs
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
13-3 in 17 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
6-0 in 6 shared tests
vs
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
2-6 in 9 shared tests
vs 
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Uniroyal WinterExpert
5-1 in 6 shared tests
Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Review the EUROWINTER HS02 Pro Review the Winter i cept evo3
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tyres ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
Discussion