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Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Kleber Krisalp HP3

Winter Passenger Car 8 shared tests
Hankook Winter i cept evo3
TR Score
9.2/10
Owners say
86% · 23
Head to head 5-3 wins in 8 shared tests 2020-2025 · 2 publications
Kleber Krisalp HP3
TR Score
8.1/10
Owners say
83% · 37

In the 8 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 finished ahead 5 times and the Krisalp HP3 3 times. The Winter i cept evo3 lasted 11.5% longer in the wear tests; the Krisalp HP3 stopped 3% shorter on snow.

Data updated

Which should you buy?

Choose Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 for mixed winters, frequent wet roads, motorway use, and longevity/value. Choose Kleber Krisalp HP3 if you regularly drive in sustained or mountainous snow and prioritize the shortest snow/ice stops and traction over wet/dry sharpness.

Where the Winter i cept evo3 is stronger

  • Consistently shorter wet and dry braking; stronger wet/dry handling
  • Excellent curved-aquaplaning resistance and solid straight-line aquaplaning
  • High predicted mileage and lower abrasion (better longevity)
Everything on the Winter i cept evo3

Where the Krisalp HP3 is stronger

  • Top-tier snow and ice braking with strong snow traction
  • Confident snow handling with good safety reserves
  • Often quieter externally than rivals
Everything on the Krisalp HP3

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 evo3 vs Krisalp HP3 at a glance

Category Winter i cept evo3 Gap Krisalp HP3
Shared tests won8 shared tests 5 3
Dry7 measurements 7 The Winter i cept evo3 stopped 3% shorter in the dry (4 tests) 0
Wet21 measurements 15 The Winter i cept evo3 stopped 3.3% shorter in the wet (8 tests) 6
Snow17 measurements 2 The Krisalp HP3 stopped 3% shorter on snow (8 tests) 15
Ice1 measurement 0 1
Comfort5 measurements 2 The Krisalp HP3 was 2.7 dB quieter (4 tests) 3
Value9 measurements 5 The Winter i cept evo3 lasted 11.5% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) 3
Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold 9.2/10 The Winter i cept evo3 by 1.1 8.1/10
Owner rating23 and 37 reviews 86% The Winter i cept evo3 by 3 points 83%
Would buy againshare of owners 91% The Winter i cept evo3 by 20 points 71%
Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices Cheaper The Krisalp HP3 was dearer in 4 of 4 +3.2%
Sizes madeEU label registrations 86 25 sizes made in both 75

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 8 tests, 2020 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 evo3 Field Krisalp HP3
2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild · 2025 · 225/40 R18 · BMW M135i P6 of 20 P14 of 20
2025 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 52 Sets! Auto Bild · 2025 · 225/40 R18 P14 of 51 P12 of 51
2025 ADAC Winter Tyre Test ADAC · 2025 · 225/40 R18 P4 of 31 P7 of 31
2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild · 2023 · 225/45 R18 P6 of 20 P11 of 20
2023 Winter Tyre Test 54 Set Braking Test Auto Bild · 2023 · 225/45 R18 P8 of 54 P4 of 54
2022 Winter Tyre Market Overview Auto Bild · 2022 · 215/55 R17 P9 of 56 P16 of 56
2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild · 2020 · 245/45 R18 P6 of 20 P4 of 20
2020 Winter Tyre Market Overview - 52 Tyre Braking Test Auto Bild · 2020 · 245/45 R18 P5 of 51 P8 of 51

Performance profile

14 measurements from the 8 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.

Dry BrakingDry HandlingWet BrakingWet HandlingWet Circle (s)Straight AquaCurved AquaplaningSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow HandlingSnow SlalomNoiseWearRolling Resistance

Where each is furthest ahead

Winter i cept evo3

Krisalp HP3

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 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 6 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.

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 evo3 Gap Krisalp HP3 Wins
43.93 3% 45.3 4-0
112.3 1.5% 110.7 3-0
41.55 3.3% 42.9 6-2
37.5 7.9% 40.7 1-0
79.7 1.9% 78.2 3-0
2.9 11.5% 2.6 1-0
12.75 1% 12.62 0-2
83.5 0.9% 84.15 2-2
2.8 15.5% 2.43 2-0
25.39 3% 24.61 0-8
2,113 3.9% 2,006 1-3
59.03 1.2% 59.73 1-2
3.09 3.9% 3.21 0-2
17.4 3.4% 16.8 0-1
scored 9% scored 1-0
72.4 2.7 dB 69.73 1-3
49,629 11.5% 43,679 3-1
8.76 1.7% 8.61 1-2
5.7 = 5.7 0-0
56 12.5% 64 1-0

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 evo3 scores 9.2 and the Krisalp HP3 8.1 out of 10.

Tyre Reviews Score by category
Winter i cept evo3 Category Krisalp HP3
77Dry 34
89Wet 72
11Comfort 55
57Value 51
68Snow 90
63Ice 20

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

What owners rate
Winter i cept evo3 Category Krisalp HP3
9Dry Grip 8.5
9Wet Grip 8.5
7.8Road Feedback 8.2
8.4Handling 8.1
8.8Wear 8.5
7.8Comfort 8.8
9.4Snow Grip 8.9
8.5Ice Grip 8.1

Owners rate the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23 reviews and the Krisalp HP3 83% from 37. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.

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.

I 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.

98% Jeep compass 225/60 R17 5,500 miles October 13, 2026
All 23 Winter i cept evo3 reviews

Kleber Krisalp HP3

  • 83%from 37 reviews
  • 71%would buy again
  • 479,168 milesdriven by reviewers

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.

  • snow traction and braking
  • wet grip and aquaplaning resistance
  • low noise/comfort for a winter tyre
  • good wear and value
  • soft sidewalls/boat-like feel; weak handling precision when pushed
  • dry grip/cornering weaker vs summer tyres
  • ice/slush performance can be limited at higher speeds

Summarised by AI from 26 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.

Great snow and ice grip, much better than any winter tire i had before.
Good durability as well. Dry grip is fine, wet grip not as much and must be kept in mind. Not very noisy for a winter tire either. Would buy again if they are on discount.

82% Volkswagen Golf 205/55 R16 20,000 miles October 29, 2026
All 37 Krisalp HP3 reviews

Sizes, EU label and lineage

From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 86 sizes of the Winter i cept evo3 and 75 of the Krisalp HP3, 25 of them made in both.

Category Winter i cept evo3 Krisalp HP3
Season Winter Winter
Sizes made 86 sizes, 17 to 22 inch 75 sizes, 14 to 20 inch
Made in both 25 sizes 215/60 R17235/45 R17245/45 R17215/45 R18215/50 R18215/55 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18225/50 R18225/55 R18235/40 R18235/45 R18and 13 more
EU label wet grip B98%C1%D1% B90%C10%
EU label rolling resistance C57%D42%B1% D50%C48%B2%
EU label noise 70-75 dB B100% 68-71 dB A81%B19%
Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes 124 of 124 112 of 112
On the market since 2021 2016
Replaced Hankook Winter i cept evo2 Kleber Krisalp HP2 (2013)
Price in the shared tests The Krisalp HP3 was the dearer tyre in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 3.2% 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 very different winter propositions against each other: the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3, an ultra-high-performance (UHP) winter tyre aimed at drivers who value balanced grip and precision, and the Kleber Krisalp HP3, a touring winter tyre with a clear snow-first brief. Across eight shared tests, the Hankook consistently ranks higher overall, while the Kleber repeatedly tops the snow categories.

The data shows a clear pattern: Hankook leads on dry and wet roads with shorter braking, stronger handling and notably better curved-aquaplaning resistance, plus superior mileage. Kleber counters with class-leading snow and ice stopping and traction, and lower noise in several tests. The choice hinges on your winter: mixed cold and wet vs. frequent, deep snow.

Conclusion

Across multiple independent tests, the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 proves the more rounded performer: safer on wet and dry roads, better aquaplaning margins, and significantly longer tread life-often by 15-37%. It also tends to deliver stronger overall rankings and better value per 1,000 km. For typical European winters with many cold, damp days and occasional snow, Hankook offers the more consistent safety net.

The Kleber Krisalp HP3 is the specialist. It repeatedly sets the pace on snow and performs well on ice, making it the safer bet for mountainous routes or regions with sustained snowfall where snow braking and traction outweigh wet/dry precision. Its compromises show in longer wet braking and earlier understeer, but if your winter is mostly white, Kleber's snow advantage is meaningful.

Winter i cept evo3 vs Krisalp HP3: your questions

Is the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 or the Kleber Krisalp HP3 the better tyre?

In the 8 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 finished ahead 5 times and the Krisalp HP3 3 times. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter i cept evo3 scores 9.2 and the Krisalp HP3 8.1 out of 10.

Which is better in the wet, the Winter i cept evo3 or the Krisalp HP3?

The Winter i cept evo3 led 15 of the 21 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.3% shorter in the wet across 8 tests.

Which is better in the dry?

The Winter i cept evo3 led 7 of the 7 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.

Which is better in snow?

The Krisalp HP3 led 15 of the 17 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3% shorter on snow across 8 tests.

Which lasts longer and costs less to run?

The Winter i cept evo3 lasted 11.5% longer in the wear tests (4 tests); the Krisalp HP3 had 1.7% lower rolling resistance (3 tests). Owners rate wear 8.8/10 for the Winter i cept evo3 and 8.5/10 for the Krisalp HP3.

Which is quieter and more comfortable?

The Krisalp HP3 was 2.7 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.8/10 for the Winter i cept evo3 and 8.8/10 for the Krisalp HP3.

What do owners say?

Owners rate the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23 reviews and the Krisalp HP3 83% from 37. 91% of Winter i cept evo3 owners would buy it again, against 71% for the Krisalp HP3.

Which is more expensive?

In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Krisalp HP3 was the dearer tyre in 4 of them, by 3.2% 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 evo3 is made in 86 sizes (17 to 22 inch) and the Krisalp HP3 in 75 (14 to 20 inch). 25 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winter i cept evo3 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Krisalp HP3 B and D.

Which is the newer tyre?

The Winter i cept evo3 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the Krisalp HP3 in 2016. The Winter i cept evo3 replaced the Hankook Winter i cept evo2. The Krisalp HP3 replaced the Kleber Krisalp HP2.

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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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