Firestone Winterhawk 4 vs Kleber Krisalp HP3
- TR Score
- 8.1/10
- Owners say
- 72% · 6
- TR Score
- 8.1/10
- Owners say
- 84% · 36
In the 15 independent tests that ran both tires, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 finished ahead 10 times and the Winterhawk 4 5 times. The Winterhawk 4 stopped 3.4% shorter in the wet; the Krisalp HP3 shed 24.1% less rubber in the abrasion test.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Pick Firestone Winterhawk 4 for wet-dominant, mixed winters and best value; pick Kleber Krisalp HP3 for snow-dominant climates where maximum snow braking and traction are the priority.
Where the Winterhawk 4 is stronger
- Consistently superior wet braking across all shared tests
- Strong aquaplaning resistance (especially curved in several tests)
- Lower rolling resistance and generally better value/pricing
Where the Krisalp HP3 is stronger
- Top-tier snow performance (shorter snow braking, stronger traction, stable snow handling)
- Slightly better dry braking/precision on average
- Good aquaplaning reserves in several tests and low noise
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.
Winterhawk 4 vs Krisalp HP3 at a glance
| Category | Winterhawk 4 | Gap | Krisalp HP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won15 shared tests | 5 | 10 | |
| Dry14 measurements | 2 | The Krisalp HP3 stopped 2.6% shorter in the dry (8 tests) | 12 |
| Wet44 measurements | 27 | The Winterhawk 4 stopped 3.4% shorter in the wet (14 tests) | 17 |
| Snow33 measurements | 3 | The Krisalp HP3 stopped 3.3% shorter on snow (14 tests) | 29 |
| Ice2 measurements | 2 | The Winterhawk 4 stopped 5.3% shorter on ice (2 tests) | 0 |
| Comfort10 measurements | 6 | 4 | |
| Value18 measurements | 8 | The Winterhawk 4 had 3.6% lower rolling resistance (6 tests) | 7 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.1/10 | Level | 8.1/10 |
| Owner rating6 and 36 reviews | 72% | The Krisalp HP3 by 12 points | 84% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 67% | The Krisalp HP3 by 4 points | 71% |
| Pricein the 8 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Krisalp HP3 was dearer in 6 of 8 | +6.1% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 83 | 64 sizes made in both | 75 |
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 15 tests, 2021 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 | Winterhawk 4 | Field | Krisalp HP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P16 of 20 | P5 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P19 of 50 | P7 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P16 of 20 | P14 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P7 of 51 | P12 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P17 of 31 | P7 of 31 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P18 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P10 of 55 | P16 of 55 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P20 of 20 | P11 of 20 | |
| 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test | P7 of 16 | P10 of 16 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P6 of 54 | P4 of 54 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P16 of 20 | P11 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P14 of 56 | P16 of 56 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P10 of 20 | P3 of 20 | |
| 2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tire Test | P12 of 18 | P4 of 18 | |
| 2021 Winter Tire Market Overview | P5 of 50 | P11 of 50 |
Performance profile
19 measurements from the 15 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winterhawk 4
Krisalp HP3
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. 1 measurement recorded in only one shared test is left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Winterhawk 4
Krisalp HP3
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
Winterhawk 4
Not ahead in any category
Krisalp HP3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 reviews and the Krisalp HP3 84% from 36. 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 | Winterhawk 4 | Gap | Krisalp HP3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 153 | 2.6% | 149 | 1-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72 | 0.8% | 72.6 | 1-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 145 | 3.4% | 150 | 12-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 125 | 5.8% | 133 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 47.6 | 1.1% | 47.1 | 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.1 | 13% | 5.8 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.64 | 0.6% | 12.71 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51.5 | 1.4% | 52.2 | 3-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.1 | 6.6% | 9.5 | 1-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 86 | 3.3% | 83 | 0-14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 532 | 1.7% | 539 | 1-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 35.6 | 1% | 36 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.8 | 2.6% | 11.1 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60 | 5.3% | 63 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 1.9% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.76 | 0.1 dB | 70.85 | 5-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 25,579 | 1.9% | 26,254 | 3-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.23 | 3.6% | 8.56 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | = | 5.7 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 80.5 | 24.1% | 60 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Winterhawk 4 scores 8.1 and the Krisalp HP3 8.1 out of 10.
| Winterhawk 4 | Category | Krisalp HP3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Dry | 34 | ||
| 86 | Wet | 72 | ||
| 66 | Comfort | 55 | ||
| 49 | Value | 51 | ||
| 69 | Snow | 90 | ||
| 54 | Ice | 20 | ||
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
| Winterhawk 4 | Category | Krisalp HP3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.3 | Dry Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 7.3 | Wet Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 6.2 | Road Feedback | 8.2 | ||
| 5.5 | Handling | 8.1 | ||
| 7.6 | Wear | 8.4 | ||
| 7.7 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 7.5 | Snow Grip | 8.9 | ||
| 6.8 | Ice Grip | 8 | ||
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 reviews and the Krisalp HP3 84% from 36. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Firestone Winterhawk 4
- 72%from 6 reviews
- 67%would buy again
- 25,300 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally rate the Firestone Winterhawk 4 highly for everyday winter use, with strong confidence in snow and rain, short braking distances, and reassuring all-round performance. Many highlight its good value versus premium brands, along with a quiet, comfortable ride and responsive feel. Overall satisfaction is high across the majority of reviews.
- strong snow performance
- good wet grip and braking
- quiet and comfortable ride
- good value for money
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 6 Winterhawk 4 reviewsGood quality for mid-range brand, cover winter needs. In general there is no high potential of performance for winter tires independently of brand!
Kleber Krisalp HP3
- 84%from 36 reviews
- 71%would buy again
- 459,168 milesdriven by reviewers
Most drivers rate the Kleber Krisalp HP3 highly, praising its strong snow and wet performance, low noise/comfort for a winter tire, and decent wear/value. Dry grip and handling precision are adequate for normal driving but can feel soft with noticeable understeer if pushed; several users report a 'jelly/boat-like' feel. A minority mention noise at certain speeds, vibration/manufacturing issues in specific batches, and weaker performance on ice or slush at higher speeds. Overall sentiment is positive with safety and winter capability as standout strengths.
- snow traction and braking
- wet grip and aquaplaning resistance
- low noise/comfort for a winter tire
- good wear and value
- soft sidewalls/boat-like feel; weak handling precision when pushed
- dry grip/cornering weaker vs summer tires
- ice/slush performance can be limited at higher speeds
Summarised by AI from 26 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 36 Krisalp HP3 reviewsGreat snow and ice grip, much better than any winter tire i had before.
Good durability as well. Dry grip is fine, wet grip not as much and must be kept in mind. Not very noisy for a winter tire either. Would buy again if they are on discount.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 83 sizes of the Winterhawk 4 and 75 of the Krisalp HP3, 64 of them made in both.
| Category | Winterhawk 4 | Krisalp HP3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 83 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 75 sizes, 14 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 64 sizes 155/65 R14165/65 R14165/70 R14175/65 R14175/70 R14185/60 R14185/65 R14165/60 R15165/65 R15175/65 R15185/55 R15185/60 R15and 52 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B100% | B90%C10% |
| EU label rolling resistance | D50%C50% | D50%C48%B2% |
| EU label noise | 71 dB B100% | 68-71 dB A81%B19% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 101 of 101 | 112 of 112 |
| On the market since | 2020 | 2016 |
| Replaced | Firestone Winterhawk 3 (2013) | Kleber Krisalp HP2 (2013) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Krisalp HP3 was the dearer tire in 6 of the 8 tests that listed prices, by 6.1% 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 budget-friendly touring winter tires with clear but contrasting identities: Firestone's Winterhawk 4 (Bridgestone group) versus Kleber's Krisalp HP3 (Michelin group). Across 13 shared professional tests from 2021-2025, a consistent pattern emerges: Firestone is the wet-road specialist, while Kleber is the snow ace.
In braking mega-tests and full comparative programs, the Winterhawk 4 repeatedly delivers shorter wet stopping distances and stronger aquaplaning control, while the Krisalp HP3 dominates snow disciplines with shorter snow braking, better traction, and more composed snow handling. Dry-road performance tends to favor Kleber slightly on braking and precision, though both show compromises compared to premium all-rounders. Pricing typically leans in Firestone's favor, reinforcing its value angle.
Conclusion
If your winter regularly means rain, slush, and variable temperatures, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 is the safer, better-value bet thanks to class-leading wet braking (clean sweep across shared tests), solid aquaplaning performance, and lower price/rolling resistance. It does, however, trail on dry precision and especially in deep-snow metrics.
For drivers in mountainous or consistently snowy regions, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 is the more confidence-inspiring choice. It repeatedly posts the shortest snow braking and stronger snow traction/handling, and often feels more precise on dry roads. While it gives up meaningful distance in wet braking and can understeer in the wet, it offers good longevity and a calmer noise profile in several tests. Bottom line: choose Firestone for wet-heavy winters and value; choose Kleber for maximum snow security.
Winterhawk 4 vs Krisalp HP3: your questions
Is the Firestone Winterhawk 4 or the Kleber Krisalp HP3 the better tire?
In the 15 independent tests that ran both tires, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 finished ahead 10 times and the Winterhawk 4 5 times. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winterhawk 4 scores 8.1 and the Krisalp HP3 8.1 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winterhawk 4 or the Krisalp HP3?
The Winterhawk 4 led 27 of the 44 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.4% shorter in the wet across 14 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Krisalp HP3 led 12 of the 14 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.6% shorter in the dry across 8 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Krisalp HP3 led 29 of the 33 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.3% shorter on snow across 14 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winterhawk 4 had 3.6% lower rolling resistance (6 tests); the Krisalp HP3 lasted 1.9% longer in the wear tests (8 tests) and shed 24.1% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests). Owners rate wear 7.6/10 for the Winterhawk 4 and 8.4/10 for the Krisalp HP3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.7/10 for the Winterhawk 4 and 8.8/10 for the Krisalp HP3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6 reviews and the Krisalp HP3 84% from 36. 67% of Winterhawk 4 owners would buy it again, against 71% for the Krisalp HP3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 8 tests that listed prices, the Krisalp HP3 was the dearer tire in 6 of them, by 6.1% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Winterhawk 4 is made in 83 sizes (14 to 20 inch) and the Krisalp HP3 in 75 (14 to 20 inch). 64 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winterhawk 4 is graded B for wet grip and D for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Krisalp HP3 B and D.
Which is the newer tire?
The Winterhawk 4 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2020, the Krisalp HP3 in 2016. The Winterhawk 4 replaced the Firestone Winterhawk 3. The Krisalp HP3 replaced the Kleber Krisalp HP2.
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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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