Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
- TR Score
- 9.2/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 23
- TR Score
- 6.6/10
- Owners say
- 71% · 8
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 finished ahead 7 times and the Premitra Snow WP6 not once. The Winter i cept evo3 stopped 5.9% shorter in the wet; the Premitra Snow WP6 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 1.8% higher speed.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 for safety-first performance in mixed winter (wet, slush, snow) and dynamic driving. Pick Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 if you prioritize a lower price, quieter ride, and straight-line aquaplaning comfort for gentler, urban-centric winter use.
Where the Winter i cept evo3 is stronger
- Consistently shorter wet and dry braking (e.g., −9-10% wet, −3-4% dry in multiple tests)
- Stable, precise handling with better wet/snow lateral control and grip
- Very good wear and abrasion performance; strong predicted mileage
Where the Premitra Snow WP6 is stronger
- Lower purchase price
- Quieter exterior noise in most tests
- Strong straight-line aquaplaning resistance
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.
Winter i cept evo3 vs Premitra Snow WP6 at a glance
| Category | Winter i cept evo3 | Gap | Premitra Snow WP6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 7 | 0 | |
| Dry7 measurements | 7 | The Winter i cept evo3 stopped 2.3% shorter in the dry (4 tests) | 0 |
| Wet21 measurements | 17 | The Winter i cept evo3 stopped 5.9% shorter in the wet (7 tests) | 4 |
| Snow14 measurements | 11 | The Winter i cept evo3 stopped 1.9% shorter on snow (5 tests) | 2 |
| Ice1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Comfort5 measurements | 1 | The Premitra Snow WP6 was 1.7 dB quieter (4 tests) | 4 |
| Value6 measurements | 4 | The Winter i cept evo3 had 2.9% lower rolling resistance (3 tests) | 2 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.2/10 | The Winter i cept evo3 by 2.6 | 6.6/10 |
| Owner rating23 and 8 reviews | 86% | The Winter i cept evo3 by 15 points | 71% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 91% | The Winter i cept evo3 by 28 points | 63% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +27.6% | The Winter i cept evo3 was dearer in 4 of 4 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 86 | 34 sizes made in both | 63 |
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, 2022 to 2026
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 | Winter i cept evo3 | Field | Premitra Snow WP6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test | P8 of 12 | P10 of 12 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P14 of 51 | P44 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P4 of 31 | P19 of 31 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test | P5 of 12 | P11 of 12 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P8 of 54 | P34 of 54 | |
| 2022 Sports Car UHP Winter Tire Test | P1 of 9 | P8 of 9 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P9 of 56 | P11 of 56 |
Performance profile
13 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winter i cept evo3
Premitra Snow WP6
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. 7 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Winter i cept evo3
Premitra Snow WP6
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
Winter i cept evo3
Premitra Snow WP6
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23 reviews and the Premitra Snow WP6 71% from 8. 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 | Winter i cept evo3 | Gap | Premitra Snow WP6 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 141 | 2.3% | 145 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 64 | 0.9% | 63.4 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 130 | 5.9% | 137 | 6-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 123 | 8.5% | 135 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.5 | 1.9% | 48.5 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.5 | 7.4% | 6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 15.82 | 2.5% | 16.22 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 48.6 | 1.8% | 49.5 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.4 | 9% | 9.6 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71 | 1.9% | 73 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 472 | 2% | 463 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36.6 | 2.6% | 35.6 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 13.1 | 4.5% | 12.5 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 57 | 0.6% | 57 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 4.7% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 74.43 | 1.7 dB | 72.78 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 44,987 | 16% | 38,774 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.39 | 2.9% | 8.63 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | 1.8% | 5.6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 56 | 5.1% | 59 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Winter i cept evo3 scores 9.2 and the Premitra Snow WP6 6.6 out of 10.
| Winter i cept evo3 | Category | Premitra Snow WP6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | Dry | 44 | ||
| 89 | Wet | 63 | ||
| 11 | Comfort | 46 | ||
| 57 | Value | 50 | ||
| 68 | Snow | 36 | ||
| 63 | Ice | 12 | ||
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
| Winter i cept evo3 | Category | Premitra Snow WP6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 7.8 | Road Feedback | 7.7 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 7.7 | ||
| 8.8 | Wear | 7.9 | ||
| 7.8 | Comfort | 6.8 | ||
| 9.4 | Snow Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 8.5 | Ice Grip | 7.8 | ||
Owners rate the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23 reviews and the Premitra Snow WP6 71% from 8. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
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.
Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
- 71%from 8 reviews
- 63%would buy again
- 30,000 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally report the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 as a strong-performing winter tire, with frequent praise for confident grip in snow/ice and capable wet-road handling, especially considering the price. Most high-scoring reviews are very satisfied and would buy it again. A smaller minority report notable road noise/humming, sometimes described as a growl or drone, which can undermine overall comfort.
- strong snow traction
- good ice grip
- confident wet handling/grip
- good value for money
- increased road noise/humming
Summarised by AI from 8 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 8 Premitra Snow WP6 reviewsThe Maxxis WP6 is good enough for normal Dutch winter driving. Straight-line aquaplaning resistance is good and overall grip levels are acceptable.
However, on dry and wet roads the tires lack feedback when cornering. Steering feel is vague and the car feels slightly floaty, especially in faster bends and motorway exits.
Snow traction is good and steering on snow is acceptable. On icy roads the rear of the car felt unstable, with a subtle side-to-side movement.
Previously driven on Firestone Winterhawk 2, Michelin Alpin A4 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5. Of those, the Dunlop offered the best overall balance and driver confidence.
Overall I’m satisfied, but I would not buy them again. Next time I would try the Kumho WP52 or return to a premium brand.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 86 sizes of the Winter i cept evo3 and 63 of the Premitra Snow WP6, 34 of them made in both.
| Category | Winter i cept evo3 | Premitra Snow WP6 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 86 sizes, 17 to 22 inch | 63 sizes, 14 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 34 sizes 235/45 R17235/50 R17245/40 R17245/45 R17245/55 R17215/40 R18215/45 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18235/40 R18235/45 R18245/40 R18and 22 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B98%C1%D1% | B70%C28%A1% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C57%D42%B1% | D79%C21% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 69-72 dB B73%A27% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 124 of 124 | 71 of 71 |
| On the market since | 2021 | 2020 |
| Replaced | Hankook Winter i cept evo2 | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Winter i cept evo3 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 27.6% 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 two very different winter tires against each other: the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3, an ultra-high-performance winter option aimed at drivers who value precision and grip, versus the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6, a value-oriented premium-touring tire focused on comfort and efficiency. Both target passenger cars but with distinct priorities.
Across six shared tests, Hankook consistently finishes higher overall, repeatedly delivering shorter braking distances and sharper handling on wet, dry, and snow. Maxxis counters with calmer noise levels, competitive straight-line aquaplaning resistance, and a lower purchase price-appealing traits for relaxed, budget-minded winter driving.
Conclusion
The Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 is the clear dynamic benchmark here. It dominates wet and dry braking (often by 6-10%), leads most handling metrics, and posts strong snow performance, culminating in multiple overall test wins (including a UHP test victory) and a top-five ADAC result. It also offers low rolling resistance and class-leading predicted mileage-rare for a performance-leaning winter tire-making it a compelling all-rounder beyond pure grip.
The Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 suits drivers prioritizing price, cabin quietness, and straight-line aquaplaning headroom. However, longer wet/dry braking and less precise handling limit its safety margin in challenging conditions. If you regularly face varied winter weather or drive briskly, choose the Hankook. If your use is mostly gentle, urban and you value comfort and savings, the Maxxis can suffice-but know you're trading noticeable stopping-distance and control reserves.
Winter i cept evo3 vs Premitra Snow WP6: your questions
Is the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 or the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 the better tire?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 finished ahead 7 times and the Premitra Snow WP6 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter i cept evo3 scores 9.2 and the Premitra Snow WP6 6.6 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winter i cept evo3 or the Premitra Snow WP6?
The Winter i cept evo3 led 17 of the 21 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.9% shorter in the wet across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Winter i cept evo3 led 7 of the 7 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.3% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Winter i cept evo3 led 11 of the 14 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.9% shorter on snow across 5 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winter i cept evo3 had 2.9% lower rolling resistance (3 tests). Owners rate wear 8.8/10 for the Winter i cept evo3 and 7.9/10 for the Premitra Snow WP6.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Premitra Snow WP6 was 1.7 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.8/10 for the Winter i cept evo3 and 6.8/10 for the Premitra Snow WP6.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23 reviews and the Premitra Snow WP6 71% from 8. 91% of Winter i cept evo3 owners would buy it again, against 63% for the Premitra Snow WP6.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Winter i cept evo3 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 27.6% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Winter i cept evo3 is made in 86 sizes (17 to 22 inch) and the Premitra Snow WP6 in 63 (14 to 20 inch). 34 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winter i cept evo3 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Premitra Snow WP6 B and D.
Which is the newer tire?
The Winter i cept evo3 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the Premitra Snow WP6 in 2020. The Winter i cept evo3 replaced the Hankook Winter i cept evo2.
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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.
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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