The Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616 is a Nordic friction winter tyre with low rolling resistance, generally low noise and some good snow feedback. Ice grip and asphalt performance vary between tests and often trail the best in its class.
The Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616 is a premium touring Nordic friction winter tyre with repeated praise for low rolling resistance and generally low noise. Its independent tests also find useful snow qualities, although measured snow performance is often nearer the middle or rear of the field. Noise was second of eight in the 2024 Vi Bilagare test and second of six in the Nordic friction class at Teknikens Varld in 2021. Those qualities give it some appeal for winter driving where refinement and economy matter.
Ice grip is less settled. Sixth of eight for ice braking and handling in 2024 and last in its class for ice braking and traction in 2021 contrast with unusually favourable Excellent ice ratings and third overall from Consumer Reports in 2020. Asphalt behaviour varies too: best-in-class dry braking in 2021 sat alongside criticism of dry grip and handling, while wet handling ranged from near the front of its class to sixth of eight in 2024. The class-ranked tests compare it with other Nordic friction tyres, so these reservations concern its own peers. Its economy and refinement are more consistent reasons to consider it than outright grip on ice or asphalt.
Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tyre - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated November 2026.
Tested 4 times by independent publications, the Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616 averages a finish of 5th.
Finishing position in each test
2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test P5 of 8
The Hankook Winter i*cept IZ2 W616, launched in 2016, showed its age with a fifth-place finish. While offering good straight-line stability on tarmac and low noise levels, it struggled to balance winter and tarmac performance. Ice grip was notably behind premium competitors in both braking and cornering, and while dry road steering feel was good, overall grip levels couldn't match the best performers.
| Year | Test | Result | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tyre TestVi Bilagare · 225/45 R17 | P5 / 8 | |
| 2021 | 2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tyre TestTeknikens Varld · 205/55 R16 | P5 / 6Nordic Friction Winter Tyres | |
| 2020 | 2020 Consumer Reports North America Winter Tyre TestConsumer Reports · 215/60 R16 | P3 / 17 | |
| 2020 | 2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre TestTest World · 205/55 R16 | P6 / 12Nordic Friction Winter Tyres |
On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict
Size Range50 sizes available
155-255Width35-70Profile13-19Rim75-104 TLoad/
EU LabelAcross 50 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.
Fuel
Wet
Noise
71-73dB B
3PMSF on every size
Ice grip
US ratingsUTQG grade and the maker's mileage warranty
Not gradedUTQG grade11/32"Tread depth (new)40,000milesMileage warranty
Staggered fitments: 20,000 miles on the rear
What owners say
Across 6 owner ratings the Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616 averages 82%. Owners rate Snow Grip highest at 9.3 out of 10 and Ice Grip lowest at 7.3. 2 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles.
Owner ratings averaged from 6 ratings
Got them for a great deal and they were great. I have no abs or traction control and still the tires felt great and I never got stuck. Would purchase again for a good deal.
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