Hankook Winter I cept RS3 vs Kleber Krisalp HP3
Across the dataset, the Hankook consistently runs higher up the order (best results: 3/9, 5/16, 6/23) and sweeps the wet disciplines, aquaplaning resistance, and subjective handling. The Kleber answers back with competitive pricing in some tests, quieter running, lower rolling resistance in select sizes, and notably strong snow braking/traction in two of the four snow categories. Expect this comparison to highlight a clear wet-road safety advantage for the Hankook versus the Kleber's snow-first character and comfort/value appeal.

Test Results
Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been five tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hankook Winter I cept RS3 | five |
While it might look like the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 is better than the Kleber Krisalp HP3 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.
Key Strengths
- Class-leading wet performance: consistently shorter wet braking and faster wet handling
- Strong aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved) across multiple tests
- Sporty, precise handling feel with high overall test placements
- Compelling ownership value in key tests: excellent mileage and fair pricing
- Very good snow capability: competitive braking/traction and secure snow handling
- Often quieter with good comfort levels
- Occasionally lower rolling resistance and wear in select sizes/tests
- Good value positioning vs. premium peers
Dry Braking
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 stopped the vehicle in 0.58% less distance than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.
Best In Dry Braking: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was 0.5% faster around a lap than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was 1.29% faster around a lap than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 scored 5.88% more points than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 stopped the vehicle in 4.95% less distance than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Wet Braking: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 stopped the vehicle in 4.44% less distance than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was 3.89% faster around a wet lap than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was 1.71% faster around a wet lap than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and Kleber Krisalp HP3 performed equally well in subj. wet handling tests.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Both tyres performed equally well
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was 1.02% faster around a wet circle than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Wet Circle: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during two straight aqua tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 floated at a 0.14% higher speed than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.
Best In Straight Aqua: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 slipped out at a 2.1% higher speed than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during two snow braking tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 stopped the vehicle in 2.34% less distance than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.
Best In Snow Braking: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 accelerated 4.08% faster than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.
Best In Snow Traction: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 had 0.49% better snow traction than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.
Best In Snow Traction: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during one snow handling [s] tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was 0.26% faster around a lap than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was 0.09% faster around a lap than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Snow Handling
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one subj. snow handling tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 scored 5% more points than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Subj. Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one snow slalom tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was 1.13% faster through a slalom than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Snow Slalom: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one ice braking tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 stopped the vehicle 9.63% shorter than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Ice Braking: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and Kleber Krisalp HP3 performed equally well in subj. comfort tests.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Both tyres performed equally well
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during two noise tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 measured 0.64% quieter than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.
Best In Noise: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during one noise tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 measured 0.72% quieter than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.
Best In Noise: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one wear tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 is predicted to cover 1.58% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Wear: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during one value tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 proved to have a 1.53% better value based on price/1000km than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.
Best In Value: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one price tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 cost 4.51% less than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Price: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 was better during one rolling resistance tests. On average the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 had a 1.4% lower rolling resistance than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and Kleber Krisalp HP3 performed equally well in fuel consumption tests.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Both tyres performed equally well
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 emitted 20% less particle wear matter than the Hankook Winter I cept RS3.
Best In Abrasion: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Hankook Winter I cept RS3 Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 highly for strong grip and confidence in dry, wet, and especially snow, with stable handling and predictable feedback. Several high-scoring reviews highlight aquaplaning resistance and braking, and some note normal winter-tyre softness in steering. The main recurring drawback is elevated road noise, particularly at certain speeds; a minority mention higher rolling resistance or faster wear. Overall, sentiment skews positive for winter performance with noise being the key trade-off.
Based on 20 reviews with an average rating of 77%
Kleber Krisalp HP3 Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Kleber Krisalp HP3 highly, praising its strong snow and wet performance, low noise/comfort for a winter tyre, and decent wear/value. Dry grip and handling precision are adequate for normal driving but can feel soft with noticeable understeer if pushed; several users report a 'jelly/boat-like' feel. A minority mention noise at certain speeds, vibration/manufacturing issues in specific batches, and weaker performance on ice or slush at higher speeds. Overall sentiment is positive with safety and winter capability as standout strengths.
Based on 36 reviews with an average rating of 84%
First season/initial thoughts:
Dry roads - car was predictible, tyres felt a little bit softer and less responsive, in comparision with summer tyres (in my case it's 195/55 R15 2020's Michelin Energy Saver+), but it's a winter tyre, so it's absolutly normal to have a slightly different feeling in steering response or... Continue reading this review using the link below
Conclusion
Kleber counters with reliable snow performance, quieter operation, and in some sizes/tests lower rolling resistance, wear, and purchase cost. However, its wet braking is repeatedly longer, which is a meaningful safety trade-off in real-world winter rain and slush. If your winter miles include frequent wet motorway use and mixed conditions, the Hankook is the safer, more rounded choice. If you prioritise snow-day confidence, cabin quiet, and potentially lower running costs in specific sizes, the Kleber remains a smart budget-conscious pick.
Key Differences
- Wet braking: Hankook consistently stops shorter; Kleber shows slightly extended distances
- Aquaplaning: Hankook generally stronger, offering bigger safety reserves
- Handling feel: Hankook more precise and stable; Kleber can understeer/oversteer when pushed
- Snow balance: Kleber often edges snow braking/traction; Hankook remains strong and predictable
- Ownership metrics: Hankook shows standout mileage/value in 2024; Kleber posts lower wear/rolling resistance in ADAC 2023
- Noise/comfort: Kleber tends to be quieter; Hankook reports slightly higher cabin noise
Overall Winner: Hankook Winter I cept RS3
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.Similar Comparisons
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Footnote
This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.
Why is this important? Tyre testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tyre Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.