Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616 - Test Results

Test Statistics

4

Tests Completed

6^th

Average Position

3^rd

Best Result

12^th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616 - Official Image

The Hankook Winter i*cept iZ2 W616 delivers balanced Nordic friction performance with standout subjective handling and comfort, but clear limitations on ice and in objective wet braking. Across four winter-focused tests it averages mid-pack results (6.3 overall), peaking at 3/17 in Consumer Reports (2020) while landing 5/8 (2024) and 12/20 (2020) in demanding Nordic comparisons. It consistently scores well for subjective handling and noise/comfort, and shows decent snow metrics near the leaders. However, ice grip is a recurring weakness, and wet braking often trails the best by a notable margin.

Strengths include strong subjective dry/wet handling, low noise, and respectable rolling resistance/fuel efficiency. Weaknesses are concentrated in ice braking/traction and wet braking, with occasional dry braking shortfalls. This places the tire as a comfort-oriented, confidence-inspiring handler for Nordic friction users who can accept longer stopping distances on ice and in the wet.

Performance Strengths

Subjective Handling & Comfort Strong Details
• 3/8 subjective dry handling in 2024 test (+20% from best)
• 2/20 subjective dry handling in 2020 Nordic test (+10% from best)
• 3/20 wet handling and 3/20 subjective wet handling in 2020 Nordic test (+2.4% and +11.1% from best)
• 2/16 subjective noise in 2021 test (+10% from best)
• 2/8 noise in 2024 test (+0.3% from best)
Rolling Resistance / Efficiency Moderate Details
• 4/8 fuel consumption in 2024 test (+2.9% from best)
• 2/20 rolling resistance in 2020 Nordic test
Snow Performance Moderate Details
• Snow braking 5/8 (+2.4% from best) and snow handling 5/8 (+2.4%) in 2024 test
• Snow braking 11/20 (+2%) and snow handling 10/20 (+1.7%) in 2020 Nordic test

Performance Weaknesses

Ice Performance Strong Details
• Ice braking 6/8 (+46.7%) and ice traction 5/8 (+46.1%) in 2024 test
• Ice braking 15/16 (+42%), ice traction 15/16 (+66.7%), ice handling 14/16 (+29.4%) in 2021 test
• Ice traction 15/20 (+59.5%) and ice handling 16/20 (+11.7%) in 2020 Nordic test
Wet Braking Strong Details
• Wet braking 5/8 (+46.8%) in 2024 test
• Wet braking 9/16 (+19%) in 2021 test
• Wet braking 13/20 (+29.6%) in 2020 Nordic test
Dry Braking Moderate Details
• Dry braking 6/8 (+25.2%) in 2024 test
• Dry braking 12/20 (+4.5%) in 2020 Nordic test
• Dry braking 6/16 (+7.1%) in 2021 test

Performance Over Time

Test History

of 8

2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test

2024
Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3

The Hankook Winter i*cept IZ2 W616, launched in 2016, showed its age with a fifth-place finish. While offering good straight-line stability on tarmac and low noise levels, it struggled to balance w...

Strong:
Noise

View Test

of 16

2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test

2021
Winner: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

Strong:
Subj. Noise

Weak:
Ice Braking, Ice Traction

View Test

of 17

2020 Consumer Reports North America Winter Tire Test

2020
Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

This is that rare winter/snow car tire that earns Excellent ratings for snow and ice handling and braking but also earns Excellent ratings for low rolling resistance, which can aid fuel economy. In...

View Test

of 20