Hankook
2026 Guide
Hankook - summer tyres 2026 - market overview, tests, reviews
Hankook offers a broad range of summer tyres suited to everything from everyday commuting to high-performance driving. From the models currently available, we have selected a handful based on the most recent independent test results — focusing on tyres that have appeared in multiple evaluations and can therefore be assessed with greater confidence.
**Hankook Ventus Evo** is the standout performer in Hankook's current summer lineup. In 2026, it claimed the top spot in two separate Auto Bild tests — in 255/45 R19 it was named overall test winner with the best wet properties and short braking distances, while in 245/45 R19 it again took first place thanks to excellent dry and wet handling and the shortest dry braking distances in the field. Tyre Reviews rated it highly recommended in 225/45 R17, highlighting the best wet braking distance in the test (27.66 m) and the highest straight aquaplaning speed (78.81 km/h), along with a sporty feel and impressively low exterior noise of 70.7 dB. The main limitation noted across tests is higher rolling resistance compared to the best in class, and slightly longer dry braking distances in some size categories.
**Hankook Ventus Prime 4** succeeds the Hankook Ventus Prime3 K125 and positions itself as a touring tyre for drivers who prioritise comfort and balanced all-round ability. In the 2026 Motor test (235/55 R18) it achieved a solid overall score of 164.0 points with good wet and dry handling, though it was the noisiest tyre in that test at 75.5 dB. AvD rated it "highly recommended" in 215/55 R17, praising its wet handling and comfort while noting below-average dry braking. ADAC's 2026 evaluation in 225/50 R17 was more measured — good dry performance but notably weaker wet grip pushed it to a "satisfactory" verdict. The Prime 4 has also featured in Scandinavian tests by Aftonbladet and Vibilagare, confirming its broad positioning across European markets.
**Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z K129** targets the sport and ultra-high-performance segment. In Tyre Reviews' 2026 test (235/35 R19) it recorded the best aquaplaning resistance in the field (78.2 km/h) and solid wet braking, though its dry handling feel ranked at the bottom of the group and efficiency was below average. Sportscars rated it good in 255/35 R19, noting short dry braking distances (35.4 m) and low rolling resistance at an attractive price point, with slightly less reserve in wet handling. An earlier Auto Bild test in 265/35 R19 praised its agile steering and short wet braking distances, but identified a tendency to oversteer on the rear axle in both wet and dry conditions.
**Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 SUV K127A** is Hankook's performance-oriented option for SUV drivers. Its strongest result came in Automotorsport's 2024 test (235/55 R18), where it finished second with praise for very dynamic wet behaviour, high grip levels and direct steering response, though weaknesses in cornering aquaplaning and stability during fast lane changes were flagged. Auto Bild's 2024 test (235/55 R19) placed it sixth among SUV tyres, calling it well-balanced across conditions with short wet and dry braking distances and a good price-to-performance ratio, while noting moderate traction on sand and mild understeer in the wet. In an earlier 2022 Auto Bild SUV test it earned an "exemplary" rating with the shortest wet and dry braking distances in the field and strong off-road traction. Tyre Reviews also recommended it in 2021, rounding out a consistent track record across multiple years and test organisations.
| Name | Rating | Type | Previous model | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hankook Ventus Evo | Summer | 2025 | ||
| Hankook ION Evo | Summer | 2023 | ||
| Hankook Ventus Prime 4 | Summer | Hankook Ventus Prime3 K125 | 2022 | |
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z K129 | Summer | 2021 | ||
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 SUV K127A | Summer | 2020 | ||
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K127 | Summer | 2019 |

Where each model sits, what it is tuned for, and how the models trade off
Hankook's current summer passenger range spans the new Ventus Evo UHP flagship, the comfort-led Ventus Prime 4 tourer and the iON Evo electric-vehicle specialist.
Tested 1x in 2026, 1x in total.
Tested 4x in 2026, 6x in total.
Tested 2x in 2026, 6x in total.
Tested 1x in 2026, 19x in total.
Tested 4x in 2026, 15x in total.
Kinergy 4S2 H750
Michelin
CrossClimate 2
Comparing the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 H750 and the Michelin CrossClimate 2, one can see noteworthy differences based on several conducted tests.
Ventus S1 evo3 K127
Kumho
Ecsta PS71
When it comes to choosing high-performance summer tyres, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K127 and the Kumho Ecsta PS71 are often top contenders.
Ventus S1 evo3 K127
Michelin
Pilot Sport 4
In this comparison, we will take a closer look at two popular summer tyres: the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K127 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4.
Ventus S1 evo3 K127
Nexen
N fera Sport
Today, we are comparing two summer tyres, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K127 and the Nexen N fera Sport.
Kinergy 4S2 H750
Nexen
N Blue 4 Season
When it comes to all-season tyres, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 H750 and Nexen N Blue 4 Season are both popular options.
Kinergy 4S2 H750
Vredestein
Quatrac
The comparison of the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 H750 and the Vredestein Quatrac shows two well-rounded all-season tyres that target different priorities.
Apr 22, 2026
Apr 7, 2026
Mar 25, 2026
Mar 23, 2026
Mar 16, 2026
Mar 14, 2026
Tyres which were not featured in any test - new models, older models and non-mainstream models.
| Name | Type | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Hankook Kinergy Eco K425 | Summer | R13 – R16 |
| Hankook Kinergy eco2 K435 | Summer | R13 – R17 |
| Hankook K425 Kinergy Eco | Summer | R14 – R16 |
| Name | Type | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Hankook Dynapro HP2 RA33 | Summer | R15 – R22 |
| Hankook Optimo K415 | Summer | R13 – R18 |
| Hankook Dynapro HP RA23 | Summer | R16 – R18 |
| Hankook iON evo SUV IK01A | Summer | R18 – R22 |
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K127 EV SUV | Summer | R18 – R22 |
| Hankook Ventus Prime3 SUV K125A | Summer | R17 – R18 |
| Hankook Dynapro HT RH12 | Summer | R18 – R20 |
| Hankook Ventus Prime4 SUV K135A | Summer | R19 |
| Hankook Dynapro MT2 RT05 | Summer | R15 – R17 |
| Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 | Summer | R16 – R20 |
| Hankook K137A Ventus evo SUV | Summer | R18 – R23 |
| Hankook Ventus Evo SUV | Summer | R13 – R23 |
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 SUV K117A | Summer | R13 – R22 |
| Hankook Ventus ST RH06 | Summer | R17 – R22 |
| Hankook IK41A iON GT SUV | Summer | R17 – R18 |
| Hankook IH61A iON ST AS SUV | Summer | R17 – R18 |
| Hankook RA33D Dynapro HP2 plus | Summer | R21 |
| Hankook Dynapro AT-M RF10 | Summer | R13 – R19 |
| Hankook Dynapro MT RT03 | Summer | R13 – R17 |
| Name | Type | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Hankook Radial RA14 | Summer | R16 |
| Hankook Radial eco RA28E | Summer | R16 |
| Hankook Radial RA28 | Summer | R16 |
| Hankook Vantra LT RA18 | Summer | R13 – R17 |
| Hankook Radial RA08 | Summer | R13 – R16 |
| Name | Type | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Hankook Am15 | Summer | R19 |
| Hankook RA58 Vantra Transit | Summer | R13 – R17 |
| Hankook AM09 Smart Work | Summer | R22 |
| Hankook DM04 | Summer | R22 – R23 |
| Hankook DM09 Smart Work | Summer | R20 – R22 |
| Name | Type | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| HANKOOK 195 R 15 | Summer | R15 |