Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4: The all-new Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4 has a big first assignment in the Central European winter tire segment. It goes up against the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, a multiple test winner and one of the toughest benchmarks in the class.
A Central European winter can serve up cold rain, slush and snow in the same week. Can Hankook’s new evo 4 match Goodyear across those changing conditions and beat it where it counts?
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Results: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4
Results below were taken from 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test with a total of 20 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4 based on the relevant performance category. The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the middle European winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 245/45 R19 which is a common tire size for BMW 5 Series & Audi A6. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a BMW 5 series.
Wet
From 100 km/h on wet, Hankook stopped in 56.8 m versus Goodyear’s 59.3 m, a 2.5 m shorter stop and a 4% advantage. In wet handling, Hankook averaged 79.5 km/h versus Goodyear’s 82.1 km/h, 2.6 km/h slower, or 3% lower. In straight aquaplaning, Hankook reached 90.7 km/h versus Goodyear’s 90.2 km/h, 0.5 km/h higher, or 1% better.
Hankook stops shorter in the wet, Goodyear is quicker around the wet handling course, and the two are nearly even in straight aquaplaning.
i*cept evo 4 :
- +4% in wet braking
- -3% in wet handling
- +1% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
From 50 km/h on snow, Hankook stopped in 29.2 m versus Goodyear’s 29.4 m, a 0.2 m shorter stop and a 1% advantage. Hankook also produced 23 N more snow traction, a difference that rounds to 0%. In snow handling, Hankook averaged 56.2 km/h versus Goodyear’s 57.5 km/h, 1.3 km/h slower, or 2% lower.
The two are closely matched for stopping and getting moving on snow, with Goodyear slightly quicker around the snow handling course.
i*cept evo 4 :
- +1% in snow braking
- 0% in snow traction
- -2% in snow handling
Mileage
Hankook reached 55,550 km versus Goodyear’s 56,300 km, 750 km less, or 1% lower. Goodyear has a slight edge, with both tires delivering similar tread life.
i*cept evo 4 :
- -1% in mileage
Dry
In dry from 100 km/h, Hankook stopped in 43.7 m versus Goodyear’s 44.0 m, 0.3 m shorter, or 1% better. In dry handling, Hankook averaged 111.6 km/h versus Goodyear’s 109.8 km/h, 1.8 km/h faster, or 2% higher.
Hankook has a small edge in both dry tests, with the clearer advantage in handling.
i*cept evo 4 :
- +1% in dry braking
- +2% in dry handling
Noise
At 80 km/h, Hankook measured 72.1 dB versus Goodyear’s 71.0 dB. Hankook was 1.1 dB louder, scoring 2% lower on the noise performance index.
i*cept evo 4 :
- -2% in exterior noise (+1.1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
Hankook measured 7.64 kg/t versus Goodyear’s 7.76 kg/t, 0.12 kg/t lower, giving Hankook a 2% advantage in rolling resistance.
i*cept evo 4 :
- +2% in Rolling resistance
Price
In 245/45 R19, the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4 costs €187 per tire versus €231 for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3. That makes Hankook €44 cheaper per tire, or 19% less, saving you €176 on a set of four.
Tire size: 245/45 R19
- UltraGrip Performance 3 : € 231
- i*cept evo 4 : € 187
Difference: -19% more cheaper for i*cept evo 4
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
As a tire expert, I’d choose the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4 at these prices. It stopped 2.5 m shorter in the wet, handled better in the dry and had slightly lower rolling resistance. At €176 less per set, that’s a strong result against a multiple test winner.
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was quieter and quicker around both the wet and snow handling courses, with a slight mileage edge. I’d pay extra for Goodyear if I valued quieter cruising and better handling in wet and snowy conditions. For me, Hankook’s shorter wet stop and lower price tip the balance.
Dr Edwin Pang