Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Vredestein Wintrac Pro
- TR Score
- 9.2/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 23
- TR Score
- 9.0/10
- Owners say
- 87% · 30
In the 14 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 finished ahead 11 times and the Wintrac Pro 3 times. The Winter i cept evo3 had 5.1% lower rolling resistance; the Wintrac Pro lasted 3.3% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
For maximum winter safety and all-round capability-especially in heavy rain/slush-choose Hankook Winter i*cept evo3. For a quieter ride, strong wet-lap feel, and potential long-term value via wear, choose Vredestein Wintrac Pro.
Where the Winter i cept evo3 is stronger
- Class-leading aquaplaning safety (straight and curved) across most tests
- Consistently strong wet and snow braking with short stopping distances
- Lower rolling resistance in many sizes (efficiency/range benefit)
Where the Wintrac Pro is stronger
- Low exterior noise and good ride comfort
- Sporty, precise feel with strong wet handling in several tests
- Attractive value in some sizes due to lower price and excellent wear
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 Wintrac Pro at a glance
| Category | Winter i cept evo3 | Gap | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won14 shared tests | 11 | 3 | |
| Dry24 measurements | 14 | The Winter i cept evo3 averaged a 0.5% higher speed on the dry handling course (9 tests) | 8 |
| Wet56 measurements | 39 | The Winter i cept evo3 held 15.9% more grip in curved aquaplaning (9 tests) | 16 |
| Snow46 measurements | 29 | The Winter i cept evo3 was 5.3% quicker in the snow traction test (2 tests) | 14 |
| Comfort12 measurements | 2 | The Wintrac Pro was 1.3 dB quieter (10 tests) | 9 |
| Value14 measurements | 9 | The Winter i cept evo3 had 5.1% lower rolling resistance (11 tests) | 5 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.2/10 | The Winter i cept evo3 by 0.2 | 9.0/10 |
| Owner rating23 and 30 reviews | 86% | Too close to call | 87% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 91% | The Wintrac Pro by 2 points | 93% |
| Pricein the 10 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Wintrac Pro was dearer in 8 of 10 | +4.3% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 86 | 49 sizes made in both | 119 |
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 14 tests, 2020 to 2024
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 | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test | P5 of 12 | P6 of 12 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test | P6 of 10 | P7 of 10 | |
| 2023/24 Tire Reviews UHP Winter Tire Test | P4 of 6 | P3 of 6 | |
| 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test | P6 of 9 | P5 of 9 | |
| 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test | P4 of 11 | P7 of 11 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P6 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P8 of 54 | P17 of 54 | |
| 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test | P4 of 11 | P8 of 11 | |
| 2022 Sports Car UHP Winter Tire Test | P1 of 9 | P6 of 9 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test | P5 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P9 of 56 | P20 of 56 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter Tire Test | P1 of 13 | P3 of 13 | |
| 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test | P6 of 20 | P12 of 20 | |
| 2020 Winter Tire Market Overview - 52 Tire Braking Test | P5 of 51 | P6 of 51 |
Performance profile
22 measurements from the 14 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winter i cept evo3
Wintrac Pro
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 96%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 4 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
Wintrac Pro
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
Wintrac Pro
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. 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.
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 Wintrac Pro 9 out of 10.
| Winter i cept evo3 | Category | Wintrac Pro | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | Dry | 67 | ||
| 89 | Wet | 86 | ||
| 11 | Comfort | 33 | ||
| 57 | Value | 29 | ||
| 68 | Snow | 58 | ||
| 63 | Ice | 67 | ||
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 | Wintrac Pro | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 8.9 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 7.8 | Road Feedback | 8.5 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 8.2 | ||
| 8.8 | Wear | 8.7 | ||
| 7.8 | Comfort | 8.7 | ||
| 9.4 | Snow Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 8.5 | Ice Grip | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. 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.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
- 87%from 30 reviews
- 93%would buy again
- 226,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the Vredestein Wintrac Pro is a highly confidence-inspiring winter tire with standout wet-road grip and surprisingly sporty, summer-like steering feel and stability in cold dry conditions. Most users also praise strong traction and braking in snow/slush, along with good comfort, low noise for the category, and impressive tread life/value over multiple seasons. A smaller subset note higher fuel consumption/rolling resistance and that the tire can need some warm-up or a short bedding-in period to deliver its best grip.
- Strong wet grip and braking (good aquaplaning resistance)
- Stable, predictable handling with good steering feedback (sporty/summer-like feel)
- Very capable snow and slush traction and confidence
- Good comfort and generally quiet for a winter/UHP tire
- Higher fuel consumption / rolling resistance than some alternatives
- Needs some warm-up or short bedding-in to reach best grip
Summarised by AI from 28 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 30 Wintrac Pro reviewsVery good tires for winter. Used in upstate New York from November to April. Great grip even in -15 F. Started to get a little vague when it was dry around 65F.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 86 sizes of the Winter i cept evo3 and 119 of the Wintrac Pro, 49 of them made in both.
| Category | Winter i cept evo3 | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 86 sizes, 17 to 22 inch | 119 sizes, 17 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 49 sizes 215/60 R17225/60 R17235/45 R17245/45 R17205/40 R18215/45 R18215/50 R18215/55 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18225/50 R18225/55 R18and 37 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B98%C1%D1% | B98%A2%C1% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C57%D42%B1% | D47%C46%E5%B1% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 70-74 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 124 of 124 | 253 of 253 |
| On the market since | 2021 | 2018 |
| Replaced | Hankook Winter i cept evo2 | Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S (2015) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Wintrac Pro was the dearer tire in 8 of the 10 tests that listed prices, by 4.3% 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 UHP winter stalwarts-the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 and the Vredestein Wintrac Pro-across 14 shared professional tests from 2020-2024. Both target fast road drivers who want confident winter performance without sacrificing everyday usability.
Across the dataset, Hankook consistently leads on objective safety metrics in the wet and in aquaplaning, while also edging snow braking/traction in most tests. Vredestein counters with sportier steering feel on wet circuits in select tests, lower noise, and attractive pricing/value in some sizes. The result is a clear pattern: Hankook as the safer, more rounded winter choice; Vredestein as the quieter, more dynamic alternative in certain wet handling scenarios.
Conclusion
Synthesis across tests shows Hankook holding a decisive advantage where it matters most for winter safety: wet braking (11-3), straight and curved aquaplaning (10-1 and 8-1), and frequent wins in snow braking/traction/handling. It also commonly offers lower rolling resistance, which benefits fuel economy or EV range. The trade-off is higher exterior noise and, in a few tests, slightly longer dry stops.
Vredestein shines for cabin comfort and subjective feel: it's regularly quieter (wins 9 noise categories), often competitive to strong in wet handling laps, and delivers standout value in the TR UHP test thanks to lower price and excellent wear. However, it trails Hankook in aquaplaning resistance and is more variable in snow results. If your winter sees frequent rain and slush with highway standing water, Hankook is the safer bet. If you prioritize a quieter ride, crisp steering in the wet, and potential long-term value, Vredestein remains compelling.
Practical takeaway: choose Hankook for all-weather winter confidence and aquaplaning security; choose Vredestein if comfort, noise, and wet-lap feel are your top priorities, and your routes are less prone to deep water.
Winter i cept evo3 vs Wintrac Pro: your questions
Is the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 or the Vredestein Wintrac Pro the better tire?
In the 14 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 finished ahead 11 times and the Wintrac Pro 3 times. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter i cept evo3 scores 9.2 and the Wintrac Pro 9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winter i cept evo3 or the Wintrac Pro?
The Winter i cept evo3 led 39 of the 56 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 15.9% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 9 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Winter i cept evo3 led 14 of the 24 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 0.5% higher speed on the dry handling course across 9 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Winter i cept evo3 led 29 of the 46 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it was 5.3% quicker in the snow traction test across 2 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winter i cept evo3 had 5.1% lower rolling resistance (11 tests); the Wintrac Pro lasted 3.3% longer in the wear tests (3 tests). Owners rate wear 8.8/10 for the Winter i cept evo3 and 8.7/10 for the Wintrac Pro.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Wintrac Pro was 1.3 dB quieter (10 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.8/10 for the Winter i cept evo3 and 8.7/10 for the Wintrac Pro.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winter i cept evo3 86% from 23 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. 91% of Winter i cept evo3 owners would buy it again, against 93% for the Wintrac Pro.
Which is more expensive?
In the 10 tests that listed prices, the Wintrac Pro was the dearer tire in 8 of them, by 4.3% 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 Wintrac Pro in 119 (17 to 22 inch). 49 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 Wintrac Pro B and D.
Which is the newer tire?
The Winter i cept evo3 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the Wintrac Pro in 2018. The Winter i cept evo3 replaced the Hankook Winter i cept evo2. The Wintrac Pro replaced the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S.
More comparisons with these tires
vs 
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Kumho Winter Craft WP52
5-1 in 6 shared tests
vs 
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
1-18 in 20 shared tests
vs
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
12-0 in 13 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
8-5 in 14 shared tests
vs
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
13-3 in 17 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
6-0 in 6 shared tests
vs
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
2-6 in 9 shared tests
vs 
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Uniroyal WinterExpert
5-1 in 6 shared tests
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.
Discussion