Firestone Winterhawk 4 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
Across multi-year testing, the Hankook typically ranks higher overall (e.g., 6/22 vs. 16/22 in Auto Bild 2025; 4/31 vs. 17/31 in ADAC 2025), driven by shorter dry stops and more precise handling. Yet the Firestone repeatedly surfaces as a quiet, efficient winter specialist with competitive wet braking and standout ice performance, offering a compelling value play-especially for drivers prioritizing calm, conservative winter driving.
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 seven tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Firestone Winterhawk 4 | two | |
| Hankook Winter i cept evo3 | five |
While it might look like the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 is better than the Firestone Winterhawk 4 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
- Excellent ice and strong snow-traction performance (e.g., ADAC ice braking 16.1 m vs. 17.4 m)
- Consistently low noise and lower rolling resistance (quieter by 2-7 dB; ~3-5% RR advantage)
- Competitive to strong wet braking in several tests (often 2-4% shorter vs. Hankook)
- Value-focused pricing with respectable wear and efficiency for touring use
- Shorter dry braking and sharper dry/wet handling (e.g., ~6% shorter dry stop in Auto Bild 2025)
- Superior aquaplaning safety, especially in curves (often 18-30% advantage)
- High projected mileage and low abrasion (up to +48% mileage in ADAC 2025)
- Well-rounded winter capability with solid snow braking/handling and premium mid-range value
Dry Braking
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 stopped the vehicle in 3.83% less distance than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Dry Braking: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during three dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was 1.67% faster around a lap than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during four wet braking tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 stopped the vehicle in 0.62% less distance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Wet Braking: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 stopped the vehicle in 1.83% less distance than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during three wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was 0.28% faster around a wet lap than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 had 20.69% higher lateral wet grip than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wet Circle: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 floated at a 1.19% higher speed than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Straight Aqua: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 slipped out at a 18.75% higher speed than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during four snow braking tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 stopped the vehicle in 0.74% less distance than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Snow Braking: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during four snow traction tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 had 0.56% better snow traction than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Traction: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during two snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was 0.33% faster around a lap than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 and Hankook Winter i cept evo3 performed equally well in snow slalom tests.
Best In Snow Slalom: Both tyres performed equally well
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during one ice braking tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 stopped the vehicle 7.47% shorter than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Ice Braking: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 and Hankook Winter i cept evo3 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 four tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during three noise tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 measured 3.21% quieter than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Noise: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during two wear tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 is predicted to cover 17.06% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wear: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during one value tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 proved to have a 0.41% better value based on price/1000km than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Value: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during one price tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 cost 4% less than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Price: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 had a 2.78% lower rolling resistance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 and Hankook Winter i cept evo3 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 Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 emitted 22.22% less particle wear matter than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Abrasion: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Firestone Winterhawk 4 Driver Reviews
Drivers generally rate the Firestone Winterhawk 4 highly for everyday winter use, with strong confidence in snow and rain, short braking distances, and reassuring all-round performance. Many highlight its good value versus premium brands, along with a quiet, comfortable ride and responsive feel. Overall satisfaction is high across the majority of reviews.
Based on 5 reviews with an average rating of 79%
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%
Conclusion
The Firestone Winterhawk 4 counters with strong winter-road traction, very competitive wet braking in multiple tests (2-4% advantages common), excellent ice braking (16.1 m vs. 17.4 m in ADAC, ~7.5% shorter), lower noise (typically 2-7 dB quieter), and lower rolling resistance (3-5% lower). Its trade-off is clear: spongier dry handling and longer dry stops that cap overall safety in milder winter spells. For snowbelt commuters who drive calmly and prioritize quietness, efficiency, and price, the Firestone remains a smart, budget-conscious choice.
Bottom line: Hankook for mixed winter use, dynamic feel, and long life; Firestone for quiet, efficient, snow-forward daily driving where dry performance compromises are acceptable.
Key Differences
- Design intent: Firestone is a touring winter tyre; Hankook is an ultra-high-performance winter tyre with sportier dynamics.
- Dry safety: Hankook consistently stops shorter and handles more precisely; Firestone shows longer dry stops and vague steering.
- Aquaplaning reserves: Hankook has a clear edge in curved aquaplaning (often 18-30% better), aiding stability in heavy rain.
- Longevity: Hankook's mileage is significantly higher (+15% to +48% depending on test), improving long-term value.
- Refinement and efficiency: Firestone runs quieter (2-7 dB) and with lower rolling resistance (~3-5%), enhancing comfort and fuel economy.
- Winter nuance: Firestone leads ice braking and snow traction; Hankook often has slightly shorter snow braking and more balanced snow handling.
Overall Winner: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 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.