Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
Across 19 shared professional tests, the Pilot Alpin 5 repeatedly lands at (or near) the top overall, while the Hankook often scores well without quite matching Michelin's breadth of performance. The headline trend is simple: Michelin tends to win where day-to-day safety and refinement are decided (dry/wet braking, dry handling, noise, and overall balance), while Hankook's best “hard” advantage shows up in aquaplaning resistance-especially curved aquaplaning-and it typically undercuts Michelin on purchase price and value metrics.
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 nineteen tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hankook Winter i cept evo3 | one | |
| Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 | seventeen | |
| one draws in one tests | ||
While it might look like the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is better than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 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
- Very strong aquaplaning resistance, especially in curved aquaplaning (wins 12 vs Michelin's 1 across shared tests; often double-digit % advantages)
- Competitive snow performance for the money, with frequent strong traction/handling results even when not class-leading
- Typically better purchase price and value metrics (price wins: 7 vs 0; value wins: 4 vs 0), making it a high-value UHP winter option
- Often good longevity/efficiency outcomes in some tests (e.g., higher predicted mileage in 2025 Autobild and ADAC, and occasional fuel-consumption advantage)
- Best overall balance and top placements across the shared test set (17 overall wins vs 1), repeatedly finishing 1st in major group tests
- Consistently shorter dry braking and stronger dry handling (dry braking wins: 15 vs 1; dry handling wins: 15 vs 0), supporting safer high-speed winter driving
- Stronger braking performance on wet and winter surfaces in most comparisons (wet braking wins: 11 vs 7; snow braking wins: 17 vs 2; also leads ice braking where measured)
- Significantly quieter and more refined (noise wins: 15 vs 0; often several dB lower, with one test showing 71.8 dB vs 77.4 dB)
Dry Braking
Looking at data from sixteen tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during fifteen dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 3.6% less distance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during four dry handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.51% faster around a lap than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from eleven tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during eleven dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.02% faster around a lap than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 scored 0.88% more points than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from nineteen tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during eleven wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 0.23% less distance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Cool
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during one wet braking - cool tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 1.65% less distance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Wet Braking - Cool: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Braking - Cool winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 1.6% less distance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.49% faster around a wet lap than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from eleven tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during eight wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 0.49% faster around a wet lap than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during two subj. wet handling tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 scored 1.71% more points than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 had 1.48% higher lateral wet grip than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Wet Circle: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from sixteen tire tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during ten straight aqua tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 floated at a 0.93% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Straight Aqua: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from thirteen tire tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during twelve curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 slipped out at a 7.09% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from nineteen tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during seventeen snow braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle in 2.6% less distance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during four snow traction tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 accelerated 2.76% faster than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from twelve tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during nine snow traction tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 had 3.04% better snow traction than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during three snow handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 0.97% faster around a lap than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from eleven tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during seven snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.53% faster around a lap than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Snow Handling
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during three subj. snow handling tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 scored 5.25% more points than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Subj. Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 provided 4.36% more lateral grip than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Circle: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from nine tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during eight snow slalom tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was 3.72% faster through a slalom than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Snow Slalom: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during two ice braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped the vehicle 4.52% shorter than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Ice Braking: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Ice Traction
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during one ice traction tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 accelerated 2.81% faster than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Ice Traction: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Ice Traction winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during three subj. comfort tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 scored 4.43% more points than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from fifteen tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during fifteen noise tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 measured 4.17% quieter than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Noise: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during three wear tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is predicted to cover 4.68% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Wear: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during four value tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 proved to have a 16.95% better value based on price/1000km than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Value: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during seven price tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 cost 28.49% less than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Price: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from fifteen tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during ten rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 had a 2.87% lower rolling resistance than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 used 1.72% less fuel than the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Hankook Winter i cept evo3
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 emitted 10.71% less particle wear matter than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3.
Best In Abrasion: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 Driver Reviews
Most drivers report that the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 delivers excellent grip and confident handling in wet, dry, and snow, with many praising stability, aquaplaning resistance, and overall comfort/noise at highway speeds. Snow traction is frequently highlighted as a strong point, and several users note good value for money. A minority mention average/longer dry braking, modest sportiness, faster wear in harsh use, and occasional comfort/noise concerns. Overall sentiment is strongly positive given the high share of 80%+ reviews.
Based on 20 reviews with an average rating of 85%
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 Driver Reviews
Drivers largely praise the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 for delivering near-summer-tire performance in winter, with excellent dry and wet grip, precise handling, and strong stability. Snow traction is reported as confidently good (especially on packed or light snow), and several high-scoring reviews note impressive tread life. However, multiple users caution that ice traction and braking are weaker than dedicated snow/ice tires, and the firm sidewall can make the ride feel harsh for some. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, especially for moderate winters and performance-oriented driving.
Based on 29 reviews with an average rating of 86%
Conclusion
The Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 remains a smart alternative if you prioritize aquaplaning safety reserves, cost, and often-strong snow competence at a lower buy-in. It repeatedly posts better straight and (especially) curved aquaplaning figures (category win tally: Hankook 12 vs Michelin 1 in curved aquaplaning), and it frequently comes out ahead on price/value plus sometimes on predicted mileage (e.g., 2025 Autobild wear: 51,940 km Hankook vs 47,170 km Michelin, with a much better value index for Hankook). The trade-off is that Hankook is more often the “less polished” tire: longer dry stops, less crisp dry handling, and notably higher noise are recurring themes.
Practical takeaway: if you want the highest-probability best result across all winter scenarios-particularly for powerful rear-wheel-drive cars and fast motorway use-Pilot Alpin 5 justifies its premium by stacking small wins almost everywhere. If your winter includes lots of standing water/slush, you're value-sensitive, and you can accept a noisier, less refined feel, the Winter i*cept evo3 offers strong safety margins in aquaplaning and a compelling cost-per-performance proposition.
Key Differences
- Overall results trend: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is the repeat winner (17/19) while Hankook typically places mid-pack despite occasional standout category wins.
- Dry performance bias: Michelin almost always stops shorter and drives more precisely on dry asphalt (e.g., 41.1 m vs 43.4 m in 2025 UHP test; 42.6 m vs 44.3 m in 2025 Autobild).
- Aquaplaning bias: Hankook repeatedly leads in standing-water security-especially curved aquaplaning (e.g., +22% in 2025 Autobild; large advantages also appear in 2023/2024 tests).
- Wet braking/handling balance: Michelin more often delivers the shorter wet stop (e.g., 51.9 m vs 55.6 m in 2025 Autobild; 33.2 m vs 35.6 m in 2025 braking test), while Hankook occasionally looks competitive in certain wet handling/aqua metrics.
- Refinement: Michelin is consistently quieter (noise category wins 15-0, including a dramatic 71.8 dB vs 77.4 dB result) and is frequently described as more comfortable/controlled at the limit.
- Value equation: Hankook is usually materially cheaper and scores better on value indices, while Michelin's premium price is its main recurring criticism despite strong wear/longevity in several tests.
Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 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:
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.