Hankook Winter I cept RS3 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
- TR Score
- 8.8/10
- Owners say
- 77% · 28
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 80% · 3
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 finished ahead 7 times and the Cinturato Winter 2 3 times. The Winter I cept RS3 lasted 9.3% longer in the wear tests; the Cinturato Winter 2 stopped 1.6% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 for frequent rain, slush and regular snow, prioritizing safety margins, aquaplaning resistance and value. Choose Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 for milder, mostly wet/dry winter roads where shorter braking distances and road feel matter most.
Where the Winter I cept RS3 is stronger
- Class-leading aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved) across most tests
- Strong snow performance, especially braking and traction
- Excellent value: lower purchase price and often better mileage/abrasion
Where the Cinturato Winter 2 is stronger
- Consistently shorter dry and wet braking distances
- Engaging, balanced handling with high subjective scores
- Good snow capability in several tests with clear feedback
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.
Winter I cept RS3 vs Cinturato Winter 2 at a glance
| Category | Winter I cept RS3 | Gap | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won10 shared tests | 7 | 3 | |
| Dry15 measurements | 4 | The Cinturato Winter 2 stopped 1.2% shorter in the dry (8 tests) | 10 |
| Wet37 measurements | 21 | The Winter I cept RS3 held 13.5% more grip in curved aquaplaning (7 tests) | 16 |
| Snow27 measurements | 14 | The Winter I cept RS3 stopped 2.5% shorter on snow (9 tests) | 9 |
| Ice3 measurements | 0 | The Cinturato Winter 2 stopped 5.3% shorter on ice (3 tests) | 3 |
| Comfort9 measurements | 4 | Level between the two. | 4 |
| Value15 measurements | 8 | The Winter I cept RS3 lasted 9.3% longer in the wear tests (5 tests) | 7 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.8/10 | The Cinturato Winter 2 by 0.5 | 9.3/10 |
| Owner rating28 and 3 reviews | 77% | The Cinturato Winter 2 by 3 points | 80% |
| Pricein the 7 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Cinturato Winter 2 was dearer in 7 of 7 | +19.3% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 46 | 15 sizes made in both | 41 |
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 10 tests, 2022 to 2025
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 | Winter I cept RS3 | Field | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 AMS Winter Tyre Test | P4 of 10 | P7 of 10 | |
| 2024 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test | P3 of 7 | P4 of 7 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P6 of 20 | P13 of 20 | |
| 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test | P5 of 10 | P4 of 10 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test | P5 of 16 | P7 of 16 | |
| 2024 ADAC 16 Inch Winter Tyre Test | P4 of 12 | P11 of 12 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tyre Braking Test | P14 of 55 | P4 of 55 | |
| 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test | P7 of 15 | P12 of 15 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P7 of 20 | P1 of 20 | |
| 2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | P3 of 9 | P4 of 9 |
Performance profile
26 measurements from the 10 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winter I cept RS3
Cinturato Winter 2
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 90%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 2 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Winter I cept RS3
Cinturato Winter 2
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
Winter I cept RS3
Cinturato Winter 2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Winter I cept RS3 77% from 28 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 2 80% from 3. 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 | Winter I cept RS3 | Gap | Cinturato Winter 2 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44.2 | 1.2% | 43.68 | 0-8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 76.65 | 1% | 77.4 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 113.9 | 0.5% | 113.2 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 8.8% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 41.6 | 1.6% | 40.74 | 3-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 41.75 | 8.2% | 38.35 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 93.65 | 0.9% | 92.9 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.43 | 0.3% | 70.66 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 15.1% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.5 | 0.4% | 7.47 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.57 | 1.3% | 12.41 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 81.68 | 4.2% | 78.38 | 8-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3.83 | 13.5% | 3.41 | 7-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 21.39 | 2.5% | 21.92 | 6-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 4.9 | 3.9% | 5.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1,477 | 1% | 1,502 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 89.95 | 0.5% | 90.55 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.8 | 0.8% | 69.17 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 4.15 | = | 4.16 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3.55 | 0.1% | 3.55 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 19.33 | 5.3% | 18.33 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.6% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.59 | 0.1 dB | 71.66 | 4-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 45,788 | 9.3% | 42,373 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.38 | 2.1% | 8.57 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.45 | 0.1% | 5.45 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 59.7 | 20.3% | 75.3 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Winter I cept RS3 scores 8.8 and the Cinturato Winter 2 9.3 out of 10.
| Winter I cept RS3 | Category | Cinturato Winter 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | Dry | 65 | ||
| 93 | Wet | 90 | ||
| 36 | Comfort | 42 | ||
| 52 | Value | 33 | ||
| 75 | Snow | 64 | ||
| 33 | Ice | 76 | ||
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
| Winter I cept RS3 | Category | Cinturato Winter 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 | Dry Grip | 8 | ||
| 8.3 | Wet Grip | 8.7 | ||
| 7.6 | Road Feedback | 8 | ||
| 8 | Handling | 7.7 | ||
| 7.6 | Wear | 6 | ||
| 6.7 | Comfort | 7.7 | ||
| 9 | Snow Grip | 9 | ||
| 7.7 | Ice Grip | 7 | ||
Owners rate the Winter I cept RS3 77% from 28 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 2 80% from 3. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Hankook Winter I cept RS3
- 77%from 28 reviews
- 74%would buy again
- 156,320 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally rate the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 as a capable winter tyre with strong real-world grip, particularly in snow and wet conditions, backed up by solid dry grip and handling for a winter pattern. Around two in five owners specifically praise snow traction and wet grip, and a smaller but meaningful group also mention confident aquaplaning resistance and wet handling. The standout drawback is road noise: nearly two thirds of owners mention it and most of those are unhappy, often describing it as noticeably loud at speed. A smaller group also report softer, less responsive steering feel, with mixed feedback on tread life.
- Strong snow traction and confidence in winter conditions
- Reassuring wet grip
- Very good dry grip for a winter tyre
- Secure wet handling
- Noticeably loud road noise, especially at speed
- Steering feels soft / less responsive
- Mixed or disappointing tread life
Summarised by AI from 25 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 28 Winter I cept RS3 reviewsI drove some 13000 km with them, once they got 3 years old dry rot cracks were already visible in the tread area around the tread blocks, my winter tires before them were Continental TS850 replaced at 10 years old, gave them away to my father, they were made in 2012, still no dry rot cracks in them at 14 years old, but they aren't as grippy as my new Hankooks. However, Continental is a premium class, Hankooks are middle and now I can see why.
What I misjudged about Hankooks is noise above some 95 km/h, it's more the engine getting more noisy similar noise to the tyres humming excessively, once I distinguished that, I can say these Hankooks aren't noisy at all. However, dry rot at just 3 years old is not what I like, I almost wish I paid 80 euros per tyre for premium class instead 60 for these Hankooks, they surely aren't going to last me 10 years due to dry rot. But for now, they do their job well, if you wear out tyres within a few years, they are good tyres
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
- 80%from 3 reviews
- 20,000 milesdriven by reviewers
All 3 Cinturato Winter 2 reviewsIt’s the best winter tire I’ve had so far great wet and snow traction also the tire is very quiet (test say otherwise but on my car this tire is quiet) big downfall is the wear of the tire after 1 winter the tires lost almost half of their tread . Last winter was weak so maybe that’s because but I’ve heard that pirelli don’t last that long. Other than that great tire
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 46 sizes of the Winter I cept RS3 and 41 of the Cinturato Winter 2, 15 of them made in both.
| Category | Winter I cept RS3 | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 46 sizes, 14 to 17 inch | 41 sizes, 16 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 15 sizes 195/55 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17215/45 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17and 3 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B100% | B91%A9% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C58%D42% | C78%B16%D5% |
| EU label noise | 70-72 dB B100% | 69-72 dB B84%A16% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 189 of 189 | 74 of 74 |
| On the market since | - | 2021 |
| Replaced | Hankook Winter i cept RS2 (2021) | Pirelli Cinturato Winter (2015) |
| Replaced by | - | Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 |
| Price in the shared tests | The Cinturato Winter 2 was the dearer tyre in 7 of the 7 tests that listed prices, by 19.3% 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 pitches two premium touring winter tyres aimed at everyday drivers who want confidence across cold, wet and snowy conditions: the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 and the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2. Across 10 shared professional tests from 2022-2025 in 16-17 inch sizes, both deliver strong, rounded performance, but they prioritize different strengths.
The data shows a clear split: Hankook consistently dominates aquaplaning resistance and often pulls ahead on snow braking and traction, while Pirelli typically stops shorter on dry and wet asphalt and earns higher subjective scores for balance and feedback. Value, wear and price also separate them, with Hankook frequently emerging as the better long-term buy.
Conclusion
For mixed or severe winters with frequent standing water, slush and regular snowfall, the Hankook i*cept RS3 is the safer, more forgiving choice. It repeatedly tops straight and curved aquaplaning (wins 8-0 and 7-0), often brakes shorter on snow, and pairs that with strong wear and lower purchase price-making it an excellent value and confidence pick in marginal conditions.
If your winters are milder and mostly damp/cold with limited snowfall, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2's shorter dry and wet braking, stronger subjective balance, and good efficiency make it compelling. It can, however, be less secure at the aquaplaning limit and shows more variability on snow. Bottom line: Hankook for water management, snow assurance and value; Pirelli for crisp road manners and shorter asphalt stops.
Winter I cept RS3 vs Cinturato Winter 2: your questions
Is the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 or the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 the better tyre?
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 finished ahead 7 times and the Cinturato Winter 2 3 times. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter I cept RS3 scores 8.8 and the Cinturato Winter 2 9.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winter I cept RS3 or the Cinturato Winter 2?
The Winter I cept RS3 led 21 of the 37 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 13.5% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Cinturato Winter 2 led 10 of the 15 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.2% shorter in the dry across 8 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Winter I cept RS3 led 14 of the 27 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.5% shorter on snow across 9 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winter I cept RS3 lasted 9.3% longer in the wear tests (5 tests) and shed 20.3% less rubber in the abrasion test (3 tests); the Cinturato Winter 2 had 2.1% lower rolling resistance (5 tests). Owners rate wear 7.6/10 for the Winter I cept RS3 and 6/10 for the Cinturato Winter 2.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 6.7/10 for the Winter I cept RS3 and 7.7/10 for the Cinturato Winter 2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winter I cept RS3 77% from 28 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 2 80% from 3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 7 tests that listed prices, the Cinturato Winter 2 was the dearer tyre in 7 of them, by 19.3% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Winter I cept RS3 is made in 46 sizes (14 to 17 inch) and the Cinturato Winter 2 in 41 (16 to 20 inch). 15 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winter I cept RS3 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Cinturato Winter 2 B and C.
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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.
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