The Hankook Winter i cept IZ3 X is a Nordic studless SUV winter tyre with natural asphalt steering, low fuel consumption and competitive snow acceleration. Ice grip and cornering on winter surfaces were weaker than most rivals in its single test.
The Hankook Winter i cept IZ3 X is a Nordic studless winter tyre for SUVs, with natural steering on asphalt and low fuel consumption in its single independent test. Snow acceleration was close to the best, while dry braking was around the middle of the eight-tyre Nordic field. The testers also liked its behaviour in an emergency manoeuvre on asphalt, making road steering a clearer strength than its overall seventh place might suggest.
That result reflects weaker grip and handling on winter surfaces. Ice braking, traction and handling were all seventh of eight, and snow handling was similarly near the back. Under pressure the rear lost grip first and could slide. Ice grip had improved over the predecessor, but it still trailed the stronger Nordic tyres in this test. Wet braking and handling were below average, and noise had increased from the outgoing model. It offers useful steering feel and efficiency, but drivers prioritising ice grip and secure cornering on snow have stronger options within this tested field.
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 October 2026.
2025 Friction Winter Tyre Test P7 of 8
The Hankook Winter i*cept IZ3 X is a newcomer that replaces the outgoing IZ2, with the X in the name being the manufacturer's designation for SUV tyres. The predecessor was criticized for ice grip being far behind the best, and with the IZ3, it's precisely the ice grip that has been sharpened. Although the tyre finishes behind the more expensive competitors, it has come much closer in braking grip. However, it loses grip at the rear first and can break out into a slide under pressure on winter road surfaces. On asphalt, the tyre has maintained a natural steering feel and handles the emergency maneuver test well, though road noise has increased compared to its predecessor. In terms of points, Hankook ends up a bit behind the best but clearly ahead of the budget alternative. It offers reasonable braking distances on all surfaces with good steering feel on asphalt, but suffers from high road noise and limited cornering grip on ice and snow.
| Year | Test | Result | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2025 Friction Winter Tyre TestVi Bilagare · 235/60 R18 | P7 / 8 |
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Size Range37 sizes available
215-275Width45-70Profile16-21Rim99-115 T-HLoad/
EU Label
Fuel
Wet
Noise
72-73dB B
3PMSF on 28 of 37 sizes
Ice grip
US ratingsUTQG grade and the maker's mileage warranty
Not gradedUTQG grade10.5/32"Tread depth (new)50,000milesMileage warranty
Staggered fitments: 25,000 miles on the rear
Owner ratings averaged from 2 ratings
These tires are a massive step up from where I was. In a 21 Outback and the cabin is almost silent. Super impressed with the quality and price of these tires.
Very good grip and softens the bumps even at highway speed. Very satisfied with my purchase!
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