AutoView: Winter Tire Test R19 2025

AutoView: Winter Tire Test R19

In their latest winter tire showdown, AutoView put Korea’s top contenders—Hankook, Kumho, and Nexen—through the ultimate test on snow, wet, and dry roads, using the powerful Genesis G80 sedan. Competing for winter dominance, the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3, Kumho WinterCraft WP72, and Nexen WinGuard Sport 2 were evaluated for grip, comfort, and noise. Each tire brought its own strengths, with Kumho excelling in softness for icy grip and Hankook leading in weight efficiency. This test delivers valuable insights for those seeking the best winter performance in Korean tires.

  1. Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 - Winner
    Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330
    90 44
    · Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Hankook icept Evo 3 took center stage in this year's test, marking a noticeable improvement over its predecessor. It offers excellent handling on snowy roads, with responsive steering and controlled braking. Although it’s slightly outpaced by Kumho on dry surfaces, the Evo 3’s quiet, comfortable ride and balanced grip make it ideal for mid-range sedans. For drivers looking for a versatile winter tire that performs well across diverse conditions, the icept Evo 3 is a great match.

    Comfort   Snow Handling   Snow Traction   Dry Handling   Snow Braking   Noise   Weight  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · South Korea South Korea
    Test Score:
    166
  2. Kumho WinterCraft WP72
    Kumho WinterCraft WP72
    78 21
    · Winter · 2017 · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow · For Nordic Winter x
    Verdict:

    Once again, the Kumho WinterCraft WP72 has proven itself as a dependable choice for winter roads. This tire consistently delivers strong performance across various surfaces, especially excelling in dry and wet braking. Although it falls slightly behind in handling sensitivity, the WP72's durability and impressive cornering limits make it an ideal fit for high-performance models, including Genesis G80 and BMW 5 Series. For those who want reliable traction and stability without sacrificing confidence in curves, the WP72 remains a solid winter option.

    Dry Lateral Stability   Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Dry Handling   Weight  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · South Korea South Korea · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · North Africa North Africa
    Test Score:
    162.25
  3. Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
    Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
    72 38
    · Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    Nexen’s Winguard Sport 2 stands out with its quiet ride and budget-friendly price, making it a practical choice for those focused on comfort. However, it trails behind its competitors on snowy and wet roads, offering less traction in challenging winter conditions. While it might not be the top performer for extreme winter environments, it’s a reasonable choice for drivers in milder climates who prioritize affordability and noise reduction.

    Price   Weight   Subj. Noise   Outside / Cabin Noise   Dry Braking   Wet Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia
    Test Score:
    156
Youtube Video
국산 윈터 타이어 성능, 승차감, 정숙성 비교...금호, 넥센, 한국 / 오토뷰 타이어 테스트
October 26, 2024
Year
2025
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
175
Tire Size
275/40R19
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe, South Korea
Date added
Jan 26, 2024
Date updated
Oct 27, 2024

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