2025 Friction Winter Tire Test
The Hankook Winter i*cept IZ3 X is a newcomer that replaces the outgoing IZ2, with the X in the name being the manufacturer's designation for SUV tires. The predecessor was criticized for ice grip being far behind the best, and with the IZ3, it's precisely the ice grip that has been sharpened. Although the tire finishes behind the more expensive competitors, it has come much closer in braking grip. However, it loses grip at the rear first and can break out into a slide under pressure on winter road surfaces. On asphalt, the tire has maintained a natural steering feel and handles the emergency maneuver test well, though road noise has increased compared to its predecessor. In terms of points, Hankook ends up a bit behind the best but clearly ahead of the budget alternative. It offers reasonable braking distances on all surfaces with good steering feel on asphalt, but suffers from high road noise and limited cornering grip on ice and snow.