Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
Recent results reinforce the pattern. In 2025 Autobild and ADAC, the Pilot Alpin 5 led overall with shorter braking in dry, wet, snow and even ice, plus notably lower noise and refined handling. The Hankook often counters with superior straight and curved aquaplaning, competitive wet braking in certain tests, longer projected mileage in some studies, and a substantially lower purchase price. If you want the quiet, composed, best-in-test performer, Michelin stands out; if you value aquaplaning security and price-to-performance, Hankook makes a compelling case.
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 nineteen tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hankook Winter i cept evo3 | one | |
| Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 | seventeen | |
| one draws in one tests | ||
While it might look like the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is better than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 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
- Outstanding aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved) across most tests
- Strong value proposition with significantly lower purchase price
- Competitive wet braking/handling in several tests and solid ice results
- Often high predicted mileage and good efficiency in some studies
- Consistently shorter braking in dry, wet and especially snow/ice
- Balanced, precise handling with very low noise and high comfort
- Excellent all-rounder performance with most overall test wins
- Generally lower rolling resistance and very good wear in many tests
Dry Braking
Looking at data from sixteen tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during fifteen dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 3.6% less distance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during four dry handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.51% faster around a lap than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from eleven tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during eleven dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.02% faster around a lap than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 scored 0.88% more points than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from nineteen tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during eleven wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 0.23% less distance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Cool
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during one wet braking - cool tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 1.65% less distance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Wet Braking - Cool: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Braking - Cool winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 1.6% less distance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.49% faster around a wet lap than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from eleven tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during eight wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 0.49% faster around a wet lap than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during two subj. wet handling tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 scored 1.71% more points than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 had 1.48% higher lateral wet grip than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Wet Circle: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from sixteen tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during ten straight aqua tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 floated at a 0.93% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Straight Aqua: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from thirteen tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during twelve curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 slipped out at a 7.09% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from nineteen tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during seventeen snow braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 2.6% less distance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during four snow traction tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 accelerated 2.76% faster than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from twelve tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during nine snow traction tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 had 3.04% better snow traction than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during three snow handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 0.97% faster around a lap than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from eleven tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during seven snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.53% faster around a lap than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Snow Handling
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during three subj. snow handling tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 scored 5.25% more points than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Subj. Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Circle
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 provided 4.36% more lateral grip than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Circle: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from nine tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during eight snow slalom tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 3.72% faster through a slalom than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Slalom: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during two ice braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle 4.52% shorter than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Ice Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Ice Traction
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during one ice traction tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 accelerated 2.81% faster than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Ice Traction: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Ice Traction winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during three subj. comfort tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 scored 4.43% more points than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from fifteen tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during fifteen noise tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 measured 4.17% quieter than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Noise: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during three wear tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is predicted to cover 4.68% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Wear: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during four value tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 proved to have a 16.95% better value based on price/1000km than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Value: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during seven price tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 cost 28.49% less than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Price: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from fifteen tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during ten rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 had a 2.87% lower rolling resistance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 used 1.72% less fuel than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 emitted 10.71% less particle wear matter than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Abrasion: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 Driver Reviews
Most drivers report that the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 delivers excellent grip and confident handling in wet, dry, and snow, with many praising stability, aquaplaning resistance, and overall comfort/noise at highway speeds. Snow traction is frequently highlighted as a strong point, and several users note good value for money. A minority mention average/longer dry braking, modest sportiness, faster wear in harsh use, and occasional comfort/noise concerns. Overall sentiment is strongly positive given the high share of 80%+ reviews.
Based on 20 reviews with an average rating of 85%
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 Driver Reviews
Drivers largely praise the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 for delivering near-summer-tyre performance in winter, with excellent dry and wet grip, precise handling, and strong stability. Snow traction is reported as confidently good (especially on packed or light snow), and several high-scoring reviews note impressive tread life. However, multiple users caution that ice traction and braking are weaker than dedicated snow/ice tyres, and the firm sidewall can make the ride feel harsh for some. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, especially for moderate winters and performance-oriented driving.
Based on 29 reviews with an average rating of 86%
Conclusion
Hankook Winter i*Cept evo3 impresses with class-leading aquaplaning resistance (both straight and curved), competitive wet performance in certain tests, strong value, and often very good mileage/efficiency scores. Its weaknesses are higher noise and slightly longer braking-particularly in snow-versus Michelin. Choose Michelin if you prioritize ultimate grip, shortest stops, quietness and balanced handling; choose Hankook if you drive in heavy rain, value aquaplaning safety and want premium-like performance at a lower cost.
Key Differences
- Overall wins: Michelin dominates (16 wins vs. 1 for Hankook, 1 draw)
- Snow performance: Michelin leads snow braking/traction/handling in most tests; Hankook occasionally matches but trails overall
- Braking: Michelin typically stops 2-6% shorter in dry/wet and up to ~7% shorter on snow
- Aquaplaning: Hankook clearly stronger, often 10-35% advantage in curved aquaplaning
- Noise/refinement: Michelin is consistently quieter by ~2-5 dB and more comfortable
- Value/pricing: Hankook markedly cheaper (often 20-30%+ lower) and frequently better in price/value metrics
Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 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
Looking for more tyre comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tyres:
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.