Fulda Kristall Control HP2 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
- TR Score
- 7.2/10
- Owners say
- 70% · 12
- TR Score
- 9.2/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 23
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 finished ahead 7 times and the Kristall Control HP2 not once. The Kristall Control HP2 had 5.4% lower rolling resistance; the Winter i cept evo3 stopped 6.8% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 for mixed winter climates with frequent cold-wet roads, higher-speed commuting, and durability. Choose Fulda Kristall Control HP2 if you drive mostly on snow at moderate speeds, value a plusher ride, and prioritize low rolling resistance over ultimate wet grip.
Where the Kristall Control HP2 is stronger
- Strong in snow sub-tests (braking/traction/handling wins in several years)
- Comfortable ride and lower cabin noise in key tests
- Low rolling resistance and good efficiency in earlier results
Where the Winter i cept evo3 is stronger
- Class-leading wet braking across all shared tests
- Sharper dry handling and shorter dry braking distances
- High predicted mileage and low abrasion in recent tests
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.
Kristall Control HP2 vs Winter i cept evo3 at a glance
| Category | Kristall Control HP2 | Gap | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 0 | 7 | |
| Dry5 measurements | 0 | The Winter i cept evo3 stopped 4.9% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 5 |
| Wet16 measurements | 1 | The Winter i cept evo3 stopped 6.8% shorter in the wet (7 tests) | 13 |
| Snow13 measurements | 9 | The Kristall Control HP2 stopped 0.6% shorter on snow (7 tests) | 3 |
| Ice1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Comfort4 measurements | 2 | 1 | |
| Value7 measurements | 2 | The Winter i cept evo3 lasted 13% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 4 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 7.2/10 | The Winter i cept evo3 by 2.0 | 9.2/10 |
| Owner rating12 and 23 reviews | 70% | The Winter i cept evo3 by 16 points | 86% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 58% | The Winter i cept evo3 by 33 points | 91% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Winter i cept evo3 was dearer in 2 of 3 | +4.8% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 41 | 12 sizes made in both | 86 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire 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 7 tests, 2020 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Kristall Control HP2 | Field | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P18 of 20 | P6 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P18 of 51 | P14 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P13 of 31 | P4 of 31 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P23 of 54 | P8 of 54 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P18 of 56 | P9 of 56 | |
| 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test | P11 of 20 | P6 of 20 | |
| 2020 Winter Tire Market Overview - 52 Tire Braking Test | P18 of 51 | P5 of 51 |
Performance profile
11 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Kristall Control HP2
Winter i cept evo3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 94%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 9 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Kristall Control HP2
Winter i cept evo3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Kristall Control HP2
Not ahead in any category
Winter i cept evo3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12 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 tires 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 | Kristall Control HP2 | Gap | Winter i cept evo3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 152 | 4.9% | 144 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 68.6 | 1.9% | 69.9 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 140 | 6.8% | 130 | 0-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 131 | 6.3% | 123 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 46.5 | 3.5% | 48.1 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.5 | = | 6.5 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.93 | 2.3% | 12.63 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.9 | 0.5% | 49.5 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.4 | 6.7% | 8.9 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 80 | 0.6% | 81 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 429 | 1% | 426 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36.9 | 0.6% | 37.1 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.8 | 2.4% | 9.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 56 | 2.3% | 57 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 9.6% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.73 | 0.2 dB | 71.93 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 29,644 | 13% | 33,991 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.29 | 5.4% | 8.75 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | 1.7% | 5.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69 | 18.8% | 56 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 tires 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 Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Kristall Control HP2 scores 7.2 and the Winter i cept evo3 9.2 out of 10.
| Kristall Control HP2 | Category | Winter i cept evo3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Dry | 77 | ||
| 59 | Wet | 89 | ||
| 11 | Comfort | 11 | ||
| 74 | Value | 57 | ||
| 70 | Snow | 68 | ||
| 46 | Ice | 63 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Kristall Control HP2 | Category | Winter i cept evo3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.1 | Dry Grip | 9 | ||
| 7 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 7.5 | Road Feedback | 7.8 | ||
| 6.9 | Handling | 8.4 | ||
| 7.3 | Wear | 8.8 | ||
| 7.4 | Comfort | 7.8 | ||
| 6.1 | Snow Grip | 9.4 | ||
| 4.1 | Ice Grip | 8.5 | ||
Owners rate the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12 reviews and the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
- 70%from 12 reviews
- 58%would buy again
- 446,800 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally report the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 as a strong value winter tire, with many high-scoring reviews praising confident wet-road grip, safe/predictable handling, good snow traction, and a quiet, comfortable ride. Several owners also find it competitive with more premium brands for everyday winter driving. A recurring concern is that performance can deteriorate noticeably with age as the compound hardens, leading to reduced wet/ice/snow grip after a few seasons/years for some users.
- Strong wet grip and stability
- Good snow traction and winter safety
- Predictable handling and secure steering feel
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Grip can drop significantly as the tire ages/hardens over multiple seasons
Summarised by AI from 11 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 12 Kristall Control HP2 reviewsOverall good, but really nothing stands out about this tire. Reasonable wear, very good in dry, confident in wet, average in snow.
Reasonably quiet and comfortable.
Great buy at around EUR 83 for 205 60 16.
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 tire 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 tire 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 tires, 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 tire
- Some users find it noisier than summer tires or typical winter tire buzzing
Summarised by AI from 20 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire 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 tire: 41 sizes of the Kristall Control HP2 and 86 of the Winter i cept evo3, 12 of them made in both.
| Category | Kristall Control HP2 | Winter i cept evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 41 sizes, 15 to 19 inch | 86 sizes, 17 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 12 sizes 235/45 R17245/45 R17225/40 R18225/45 R18235/40 R18235/45 R18245/40 R18245/45 R18245/40 R19245/45 R19255/35 R19255/40 R19 | |
| EU label wet grip | C83%B15%D2% | B98%C1%D1% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C74%D20%B6% | C57%D42%B1% |
| EU label noise | 70-73 dB B100% | 70-75 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 54 of 54 | 124 of 124 |
| On the market since | 2021 | 2021 |
| Replaced | Fulda Kristall Control HP (2021) | Hankook Winter i cept evo2 |
| Price in the shared tests | The Winter i cept evo3 was the dearer tire in 2 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 4.8% on average. Each test priced the tires 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 pits the Fulda Kristall Control HP2, a high-performance winter tire with a value focus, against the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3, an ultra-high-performance winter tire aimed at drivers who want sharper dynamics without sacrificing winter capability. Across seven shared tests from 2020-2025 in 17-18-inch sizes, the Hankook consistently scores higher overall, while the Fulda shows selective strengths on snow and comfort.
The pattern is clear: Hankook dominates in safety-critical wet and dry metrics-especially wet braking-while Fulda occasionally edges it in specific snow sub-tests and subjective comfort. Longevity and efficiency tilt toward Hankook in recent tests, strengthening its value case despite a slightly higher set price.
Conclusion
If you prioritize all-weather security and balanced performance, the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 is the stronger choice. It delivers shorter wet and dry braking distances in every shared test, more precise handling, better aquaplaning resistance, and markedly higher predicted mileage-advantages that matter most on real winter roads that are often cold and wet rather than purely snowy.
The Fulda Kristall Control HP2 can appeal if your driving centers on frequent snow use at moderate speeds, you value a cushioned ride, and you're chasing low rolling resistance. However, its persistent wet-grip deficit and average dry control limit its versatility. With Hankook offering superior safety margins and longevity at only a modest price step, it represents the safer, more rounded investment for most drivers.
Kristall Control HP2 vs Winter i cept evo3: your questions
Is the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 or the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 the better tire?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 finished ahead 7 times and the Kristall Control HP2 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Kristall Control HP2 scores 7.2 and the Winter i cept evo3 9.2 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Kristall Control HP2 or the Winter i cept evo3?
The Winter i cept evo3 led 13 of the 16 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 6.8% shorter in the wet across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Winter i cept evo3 led 5 of the 5 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.9% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Kristall Control HP2 led 9 of the 13 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.6% shorter on snow across 7 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Kristall Control HP2 had 5.4% lower rolling resistance (2 tests); the Winter i cept evo3 lasted 13% longer in the wear tests (3 tests). Owners rate wear 7.3/10 for the Kristall Control HP2 and 8.8/10 for the Winter i cept evo3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.4/10 for the Kristall Control HP2 and 7.8/10 for the Winter i cept evo3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12 reviews and the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23. 58% of Kristall Control HP2 owners would buy it again, against 91% for the Winter i cept evo3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the Winter i cept evo3 was the dearer tire in 2 of them, by 4.8% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Kristall Control HP2 is made in 41 sizes (15 to 19 inch) and the Winter i cept evo3 in 86 (17 to 22 inch). 12 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Kristall Control HP2 is graded C for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Winter i cept evo3 B and C.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Review the Kristall Control HP2 Review the Winter i cept evo3
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires 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 Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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