I’m not a fan of cheaping out on tires. Like shoes and camping mattresses, the things that go between you and the ground are crucial to having a good time (and avoiding the bad ones). I’ve also learned the hard way that brands you’ve never heard of can be far costlier than the premium ones, even if they’re cheaper at the cash register.
But I understand that budgets — my own included — don’t always let you spend big. Sometimes, you need to find a product that isn’t cheap but low-cost and high-value.
My new crossover arrived at the end of the year. The timing meant the Bridgestone and Michelin tires I wanted weren’t in stock, and they wouldn’t be for a while. I started looking and came across a tire I hadn’t seen before: the new 2024 Hankook Winter i*cept iZ3 and its SUV companion, the iZ3X.
These tires were low-priced. They were about half the price of the tires I wanted (but couldn’t find). So, it was time to find out if the iZ3 were just cheap tires or a true bargain.
In short: Hankook’s newest iZ3 X winter tires ($128 each) deliver winter-weather grip and high ride comfort. All at a price that is a pleasant surprise. They grip on snow and ice as well as big name brands. They can get pretty loud on pavement, and they can be hard to source, but anyone looking to buy solid winter tires that won’t break the bank should look into these.
If you’re shopping for winter tires, compare the Hankook Winter i*cept iZ3 tires to those on our guide to the Best Snow Tires.
- Rim sizes: 15-16", 18-19"
- Price range: $93-$152
Pros
- Low price
- Excellent traction on ice and snow
- Exceptional treadwear warranty for a winter tire
- Reasonable noise levels
Cons
- Not the quietest in the class
- Harder to find than some competitors
Hankook Winter i*cept iZ3 Review

Initial Impressions

Grip on Snow and Ice
Winter Tire Rumble Kept in Check

They’ll Stick, But Are They Comfy?
Fuel Economy Delivers With Hankook Winter i*cept iZ3 tires

Hankook Winter i*cept iZ3 Review: Conclusion
