Hankook

Hankook is a South Korean tyre manufacturer with a strong presence in the European market, consistently delivering competitive performance across a wide range of summer tyre categories — from everyday touring to high-performance sports and SUV fitments. Based on the most recent independent test results available, we have selected a handful of Hankook summer tyres that best represent the brand's current lineup, giving you a focused overview of where each model stands today.

**Hankook Ventus Evo**

One of the newest additions to Hankook's summer portfolio, the Ventus Evo has quickly established itself as a strong contender in the upper mid-range segment. In the 2025 Autobild comparative test conducted in the 225/40 R18 size, it earned an "exemplary" rating — the highest rating category in that test — finishing 5th overall. It also featured in Autobild's 2026 test in the 245/45 R19 size, where it was specifically highlighted for its braking distance performance. With an overall aggregated rating of 98 out of 100 on our platform, the Ventus Evo is currently one of the highest-rated Hankook summer tyres we track, making it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a modern, well-rounded performance tyre.

**Hankook Ventus Prime 4**

The Ventus Prime 4 is the direct successor to the Hankook Ventus Prime3 K125 and represents an evolution in Hankook's touring summer tyre line. Across multiple tests and size variants, it has shown consistently solid, if occasionally mixed, results. In the 2024 Autobild test in 225/55 R17, it received an "exemplary" rating, with testers praising its convincing driving characteristics on both wet and dry surfaces, good aquaplaning reserves, neutral and safe handling, low pass-by noise, and an attractive price-performance ratio. The only noted drawback was average ride comfort. In a separate 2024 Autobild test in 205/55 R16, it was rated "good," commended for its dynamic behaviour and short dry braking distances, though it showed moderate tread wear longevity. However, the 2026 ADAC test in 225/50 R17 produced a more cautious "satisfactory" verdict, where the tyre delivered good dry performance but notably weaker wet grip — a point worth considering for drivers in wetter climates. It also appeared in tests by Aftonbladet (2025) and Vibilagare (2024), further demonstrating broad testing coverage across European organisations.

**Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z K129**

Aimed at sports car and performance driving enthusiasts, the Ventus S1 evo Z K129 is manufactured in Hungary and has been evaluated in two notable tests. In the 2024 Autobild test in 265/35 R19, it received a "good" rating, with testers recognising its sports talent — agile steering response, good aquaplaning reserves, and short wet braking distances. However, a weakness in rear axle lateral stability was noted, leading to a pronounced tendency to oversteer on both wet and dry roads, which requires an attentive driving style. The tyre also appeared in the 2022 Sportauto comparative test in 235/35 R19, again rated "good," reinforcing its position as a capable but demanding performance tyre best suited to experienced drivers who appreciate direct feedback and sporty dynamics.

**Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 SUV K127A**

The Ventus S1 evo3 SUV K127A is Hankook's flagship ultra-high-performance SUV summer tyre, manufactured in South Korea, and it has accumulated an impressive test record across several years and organisations. In the 2022 Autobild SUV test in 235/55 R18, it earned an "exemplary" rating and stood out for its outstanding performance both off-road and on dry tarmac, top-class wet and dry braking distances, and dynamic dry handling — all at a fair price. In 2024, Automotorsport rated it "very good" in the same size, highlighting its excellent dynamic wet behaviour, high grip level, easy controllability, and direct steering response, while noting some weakness in cornering aquaplaning and high-speed lane change stability. The same year, Autobild tested it in 235/55 R19 and rated it "good," praising its balanced safety across all road conditions, short braking distances, and good value — though it showed mild understeer on wet surfaces and moderate traction in sand. Earlier, in 2021, Tyre Reviews gave it a "recommended" verdict, confirming its competitive standing across independent test platforms over multiple generations of testing.

Beyond these four models, Hankook's summer range also includes tyres such as the Ventus S1 evo3 K127, the Ventus Evo, the fully electric-optimised ION Evo, and the Ventus S1 evo3 SUV K127A, catering to a broad spectrum of vehicles and driving needs.