Firestone Winterhawk 4 vs Kleber Krisalp HP3
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.
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been thirteen tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Firestone Winterhawk 4 | five | |
| Kleber Krisalp HP3 | eight |
While it might look like the Kleber Krisalp HP3 is better than the Firestone Winterhawk 4 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- Consistently superior wet braking across all shared tests
- Strong aquaplaning resistance (especially curved in several tests)
- Lower rolling resistance and generally better value/pricing
- Competitive wear in multiple programs with low tire wear
- 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
- Often better projected mileage and abrasion in ADAC scoring
Dry Braking
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during six dry braking tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 stopped the vehicle in 2.53% less distance than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Dry Braking: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during four dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was 0.59% faster around a lap than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from twelve tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during twelve wet braking tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 stopped the vehicle in 4.82% less distance than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Wet Braking: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during two wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 stopped the vehicle in 5.79% less distance than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during four wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was 1.43% faster around a wet lap than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 had 11.54% higher lateral wet grip than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wet Circle: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 floated at a 0.64% higher speed than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Straight Aqua: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during five curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 slipped out at a 2.73% higher speed than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from twelve tire tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during twelve snow braking tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 stopped the vehicle in 3.83% less distance than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Snow Braking: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during six snow traction tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 had 0.81% better snow traction than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Snow Traction: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during three snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was 0.62% faster around a lap than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during three snow slalom tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was 2.98% faster through a slalom than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Snow Slalom: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during two ice braking tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 stopped the vehicle 5.44% shorter than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Ice Braking: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 scored 8.22% more points than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during four noise tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 measured 0.01% quieter than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Noise: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during three wear tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 is predicted to cover 1.05% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wear: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during five value tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 proved to have a 10.46% better value based on price/1000km than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Value: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during one price tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 cost 4.76% less than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Price: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during four rolling resistance tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 had a 4.03% lower rolling resistance than the Kleber Krisalp HP3.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 and Kleber Krisalp HP3 performed equally well in fuel consumption tests.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 was better during two abrasion tests. On average the Kleber Krisalp HP3 emitted 25.47% less particle wear matter than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Abrasion: Kleber Krisalp HP3
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Firestone Winterhawk 4 Driver Reviews
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.
Based on 5 reviews with an average rating of 79%
Kleber Krisalp HP3 Driver Reviews
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.
Based on 36 reviews with an average rating of 84%
Conclusion
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.
Key Differences
- Wet braking: Firestone leads every shared result (e.g., 34.8 m vs 36.2 m; 33.0 m vs 35.0 m).
- Snow performance: Kleber leads snow braking in all shared results (e.g., 27.1-29.3 m vs longer for Firestone) with traction/handling edges.
- Dry road: Kleber typically stops shorter and feels more precise; Firestone can feel imprecise/understeery.
- Aquaplaning: Mixed-Kleber often better laterally; Firestone frequently stronger longitudinally and in some curved tests.
- Efficiency/value: Firestone commonly cheaper with lower rolling resistance and strong value scores.
- Wear/abrasion: Kleber often posts better projected mileage/abrasion in ADAC; Firestone sometimes wins raw wear distance in other tests.
Overall Winner: Kleber Krisalp HP3
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Kleber Krisalp HP3 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
Firestone Winterhawk 4 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Kleber Krisalp HP3 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Footnote
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.