BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
- TR Score
- 8.3/10
- Owners say
- 89% · 30
- TR Score
- 9.2/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 23
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tyres, the BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 finished ahead 5 times and the Winter i cept evo3 3 times. The gForce Winter 2 lasted 3.7% longer in the wear tests; the Winter i cept evo3 stopped 3.1% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 for severe-snow regions and drivers prioritizing maximum snow grip and quiet efficiency. Choose Hankook Winter i*Cept evo3 for milder or mixed winters where wet/dry braking, steering precision, and all-round balance matter most.
Where the gForce Winter 2 is stronger
- Class-leading snow performance (braking, traction, handling, slalom) across multiple tests
- Often lower rolling resistance and quieter pass-by noise
- Competitive wear and solid value over life in several tests
Where the Winter i cept evo3 is stronger
- Consistent advantage on wet and dry braking and handling
- Strong curved aquaplaning safety margins
- Sportier, more precise road feel with high overall test placements
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.
gForce Winter 2 vs Winter i cept evo3 at a glance
| Category | gForce Winter 2 | Gap | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won8 shared tests | 5 | 3 | |
| Dry8 measurements | 0 | The Winter i cept evo3 stopped 1.9% shorter in the dry (4 tests) | 8 |
| Wet22 measurements | 2 | The Winter i cept evo3 stopped 3.1% shorter in the wet (8 tests) | 17 |
| Snow19 measurements | 19 | The gForce Winter 2 stopped 3% shorter on snow (8 tests) | 0 |
| Comfort5 measurements | 3 | The gForce Winter 2 was 2.2 dB quieter (4 tests) | 0 |
| Value7 measurements | 6 | The gForce Winter 2 lasted 3.7% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 1 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.3/10 | The Winter i cept evo3 by 0.9 | 9.2/10 |
| Owner rating30 and 23 reviews | 89% | The gForce Winter 2 by 3 points | 86% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 100% | The gForce Winter 2 by 9 points | 91% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +9% | The gForce Winter 2 was dearer in 4 of 4 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 75 | 25 sizes made in both | 86 |
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 | gForce Winter 2 | Field | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | P12 of 20 | P6 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P11 of 51 | P14 of 51 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P4 of 20 | P6 of 20 | |
| 2023 Winter Tyre Test 54 Set Braking Test | P5 of 54 | P8 of 54 | |
| 2022 Winter Tyre Market Overview | P6 of 56 | P9 of 56 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter Tyre Test | P8 of 13 | P1 of 13 | |
| 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test | P4 of 20 | P6 of 20 | |
| 2020 Winter Tyre Market Overview - 52 Tyre Braking Test | P7 of 51 | P5 of 51 |
Performance profile
14 measurements from the 8 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
gForce Winter 2
Winter i cept evo3
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. 1 measurement recorded in only one shared test is left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
gForce Winter 2
Winter i cept evo3
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
gForce Winter 2
Winter i cept evo3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the gForce Winter 2 89% from 30 reviews and the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23. 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 | gForce Winter 2 | Gap | Winter i cept evo3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44.85 | 1.9% | 43.98 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 108.3 | 1.1% | 109.5 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 45.15 | 3.1% | 43.65 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 76.28 | 2% | 77.75 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12.86 | 1.1% | 12.71 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 89.48 | 0.2% | 89.35 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2.87 | 13.8% | 3.27 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 27.28 | 3% | 28.14 | 8-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,870 | 4.2% | 2,754 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 56.18 | 1.3% | 55.43 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.41 | 3.3% | 3.3 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 70.03 | 2.2 dB | 72.25 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 42,997 | 3.7% | 42,039 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8.54 | 2.5% | 8.76 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 gForce Winter 2 scores 8.3 and the Winter i cept evo3 9.2 out of 10.
| gForce Winter 2 | Category | Winter i cept evo3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | Dry | 77 | ||
| 78 | Wet | 89 | ||
| 62 | Comfort | 11 | ||
| 49 | Value | 57 | ||
| 92 | Snow | 68 | ||
| 15 | Ice | 63 | ||
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
| gForce Winter 2 | Category | Winter i cept evo3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 | Dry Grip | 9 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 7.9 | Road Feedback | 7.8 | ||
| 8.5 | Handling | 8.4 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 8.8 | ||
| 9.2 | Comfort | 7.8 | ||
| 9.5 | Snow Grip | 9.4 | ||
| 8.8 | Ice Grip | 8.5 | ||
Owners rate the gForce Winter 2 89% from 30 reviews and the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
- 89%from 30 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 215,300 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally rate the BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 very highly, with repeated praise for confident traction on snow and ice and strong wet-weather performance with good aquaplaning resistance. Many also highlight excellent value for money, stable behavior in harsh winter conditions, and generally good comfort/quietness for a winter tyre. A smaller set of reviews note compromises on dry roads, describing softer handling, reduced steering/on-center response, and occasional higher noise depending on speed and surface.
- Excellent snow traction
- Strong ice grip for a studless winter tyre
- Very good wet grip and aquaplaning resistance
- Great price-to-performance/value
- Dry grip/handling is only average (softer feel, more roll than summer tyres)
- Reduced steering feedback/on-center response compared with other tyres
- Some report increased noise on certain surfaces/speeds (wet roads or above ~90 km/h)
Summarised by AI from 24 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 30 gForce Winter 2 reviewsI'm using on a Dacia Duster. Before, for winter, on this car I had Michelin Latitude Alpin 1 and Kleber Krisalp HP3 (same as Bf Goodrich). The snow grip was very good for 4 winters (same as Kleber), never let me down. The wet grip was also very good. But what surprised me a lot, was the emergency braking, that was very very good, on wet and dry. The only minus, was that I need to make some corrections on the directions compared with a summer touring tyre (michelin primacy 3 or hankook), but the care never lost control with those tyres, even if I drove too fast for it. In conclusion I will buy again (bf goodrich or kleber, in function of price).
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.
All 23 Winter i cept evo3 reviewsI 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.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 75 sizes of the gForce Winter 2 and 86 of the Winter i cept evo3, 25 of them made in both.
| Category | gForce Winter 2 | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 75 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 86 sizes, 17 to 22 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 | B90%C10% | B98%C1%D1% |
| EU label rolling resistance | D50%C48%B3% | C57%D42%B1% |
| EU label noise | 68-71 dB A80%B20% | 70-75 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 115 of 115 | 124 of 124 |
| On the market since | 2016 | 2021 |
| Replaced | - | Hankook Winter i cept evo2 |
| Price in the shared tests | The gForce Winter 2 was the dearer tyre in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 9% 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 very different winter propositions: BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2, a premium-touring winter tyre engineered for maximum snow security, versus Hankook Winter i*Cept evo3, an ultra-high-performance winter tyre targeting balanced, sporty road manners. Across eight shared tests from 2020-2025, both earn strong reputations-but for different reasons.
The data show a consistent split: BFGoodrich dominates snow performance and often comfort, noise, and efficiency metrics, while Hankook repeatedly leads on dry and especially wet roads, with sharper handling and shorter braking. Overall rankings tend to favor Hankook in UHP sizes, but snow-specific disciplines and value over life can tilt toward BFGoodrich.
Conclusion
If your winters mean regular, deep, or prolonged snow, the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 is the safer, more confidence-inspiring choice. It repeatedly tops snow braking, traction, and handling, and often runs quieter with lower rolling resistance and competitive wear-ideal for Alpine or Nordic conditions, or drivers prioritizing cold-weather security above all else.
For mixed winter climates with frequent wet and dry roads, the Hankook Winter i*Cept evo3 is the more rounded, dynamic option. It consistently stops shorter and steers with more precision on wet and dry surfaces, offers strong aquaplaning safety (curved), and delivers compelling overall test finishes and price positioning in UHP fitments. In short: pick BFGoodrich for snow-dominant use; choose Hankook for all-round winter road use with a performance edge.
gForce Winter 2 vs Winter i cept evo3: your questions
Is the BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 or the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 the better tyre?
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tyres, the BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 finished ahead 5 times and the Winter i cept evo3 3 times. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the gForce Winter 2 scores 8.3 and the Winter i cept evo3 9.2 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the gForce Winter 2 or the Winter i cept evo3?
The Winter i cept evo3 led 17 of the 22 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.1% shorter in the wet across 8 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Winter i cept evo3 led 8 of the 8 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.9% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The gForce Winter 2 led 19 of the 19 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 gForce Winter 2 lasted 3.7% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) and had 2.5% lower rolling resistance (4 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the gForce Winter 2 and 8.8/10 for the Winter i cept evo3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The gForce Winter 2 was 2.2 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 9.2/10 for the gForce Winter 2 and 7.8/10 for the Winter i cept evo3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the gForce Winter 2 89% from 30 reviews and the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23. 100% of gForce Winter 2 owners would buy it again, against 91% for the Winter i cept evo3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the gForce Winter 2 was the dearer tyre in 4 of them, by 9% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The gForce Winter 2 is made in 75 sizes (14 to 20 inch) and the Winter i cept evo3 in 86 (17 to 22 inch). 25 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the gForce Winter 2 is graded B for wet grip and D for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Winter i cept evo3 B and C.
Which is the newer tyre?
The Winter i cept evo3 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the gForce Winter 2 in 2016. The Winter i cept evo3 replaced the Hankook Winter i cept evo2.
More comparisons with these tyres
vs 
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Kumho Winter Craft WP52
5-1 in 6 shared tests
vs 
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
1-18 in 20 shared tests
vs
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
12-0 in 13 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
8-5 in 14 shared tests
vs
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
13-3 in 17 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
6-0 in 6 shared tests
vs
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
2-6 in 9 shared tests
vs 
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Uniroyal WinterExpert
5-1 in 6 shared tests
Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
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.
Discussion