Hankook Winter i cept evo 3 X - Test Results

Test Statistics

6

Tests Completed

6^th

Average Position

3^rd

Best Result

9^th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Hankook Winter i cept evo 3 X - Official Image

Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X delivers balanced winter-focused performance with standout snow capability and strong aquaplaning resistance, but it is held back by wet handling variability and consistently high external noise. Across six winter SUV tests it averaged mid-pack (5.8), peaking at 3/9 in 2023 Tyre Reviews, with recurring top results in snow braking/traction and aquaplaning, plus occasional strong dry handling. Economy is mixed: rolling resistance ranges from good to poor by test.
Overall, it suits drivers prioritizing snow security and aquaplaning safety at a sensible price-point, while accepting louder road noise and some inconsistency in wet handling/braking compared to class leaders.

Performance Strengths

Snow Performance Strong Details
• 1st place snow braking in 2023 Tyre Reviews (15.92 m)
• 1st place snow braking in 2023 Auto Bild (21.9 m) and 2nd snow traction (3275 N)
• 1st place snow traction in 2021 AZ
• Top-4 snow braking/traction/handling in 2025 Autobild (3rd braking, 4th traction)
Aquaplaning Resistance Strong Details
• 1st straight aquaplaning and 1st curved aquaplaning in 2024 AS (75 km/h; 3.55 m/s²)
• Top-4 curved aquaplaning in 2023 Auto Bild (3rd; +6.2% from best) and 2023 Tyre Reviews (3rd; +7%)
Dry Handling/Control Moderate Details
• 2nd dry handling and 1st subjective dry handling in 2023 Tyre Reviews
• Competitive dry handling in 2021 AZ (4/10; +1.6% from best)
Value/Efficiency Potential Minor Details
• Rolling resistance 3/9 in 2023 Tyre Reviews (+14.9% from best)
• Recommended as good value alternative in 2025 Auto Bild

Performance Weaknesses

Noise/Comfort (External Noise) Strong Details
• Last place noise in 2025 Autobild (73.6 dB, 13/13)
• Last place noise in 2023 Auto Bild (74.6 dB, 11/11) and 2023 Tyre Reviews (74.6 dB, 9/9)
• Last place noise in 2021 Auto Bild (72.9 dB, 11/11)
Wet Handling/Grip Consistency Moderate Details
• Bottom-tier wet handling/braking in 2021 AZ (10/10 wet braking, 10/10 wet handling)
• Mid-to-lower wet handling in 2025 Autobild (11/13) and 2023 Tyre Reviews (6/9) despite occasional strong wet braking (2/11 in 2023 Auto Bild)
• Wet circle frequently mid-lower (2024 AS 10/10; 2023 Auto Bild 9/11)
Dry Braking Moderate Details
• 9/13 (+16.2%) in 2025 Autobild
• 10/11 (+11.2%) in 2023 Auto Bild
Rolling Resistance Variability Minor Details
• Excellent-to-good results (3/9 in 2023 Tyre Reviews; 2/10 in 2021 AZ)
• Poor in 2021 Auto Bild (11/11; +36.8% from best) and mid-pack 2025 Autobild (6/13; +11.6%)

Performance Over Time

Test History

of 13

2025 Autobild SUV Winter Tyre Test

2025
Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak 6

The HANKOOK Winter i*cept evo x is described as a competent all-rounder, delivering well-rounded and good performance across all tested weather conditions without any major failings. It serves as a...

Weak:
Noise

View Test

of 10

2024 AS SUV Winter Tyre Test

2024
Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV

Very good.

Strong:
Snow Braking, Snow Handling, Curved Aquaplaning, Straight Aqua

Weak:
Noise, Wet Circle

View Test

of 11

2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test

2023
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

Strong:
Snow Braking, Snow Handling, Snow Traction, Wet Braking

Weak:
Noise, Dry Braking, Dry Handling

View Test

of 9

2023 Tyre Reviews SUV Winter Tyre Test

2023
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

The Hankook Winter i cept evo 3 X is an extremely well balanced tyre, one of the best around the dry handling lap, great wet braking, best snow braking and just generally a nice tyre to drive. It a...

Strong:
Dry Handling, Subj. Dry Handling, Snow Braking

Weak:
Noise, Subj. Noise

View Test

of 10