Hankook - summer tyres 2026 - market overview, tests, reviews
We have selected just a few Hankook summer tyres from the many available, based on recent independent tests and comparisons. The short profiles below summarize the most important test findings, typical strengths and weaknesses, and where relevant note if a model is a successor to an earlier Hankook tyre.
Hankook Ventus Evo
This is a recently tested addition to Hankook’s summer range and appears in multiple recent test programs. Autobild’s 2025 tests (225/40 R18) gave it an exemplary overall impression, highlighting strong braking performance and balanced behaviour on wet and dry surfaces. In independent comparisons the Ventus Evo scored highly (model rating 90) and stands out as an all‑round performance summer tyre that combines confident wet grip and good dry handling. If you want a modern, well‑rated summer tyre for sporty everyday use, the Ventus Evo is an attractive option.
Hankook Ventus Prime 4
The Ventus Prime 4 is Hankook’s touring summer tyre that replaces the previous Ventus Prime3 K125. It has been included in several recent tests and is positioned as a value‑oriented, safe tyre for everyday driving. Autobild’s 2024 tests praised its convincing wet and dry behaviour, good aquaplaning reserves, neutral and secure handling, low road noise and a strong price‑performance ratio; the main drawbacks reported were only average ride comfort and somewhat moderate tread life in some sizes. Overall the Prime 4 is a sensible choice if you prioritise predictable safety in wet conditions and a competitive price (model rating 72).
Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z K129
The S1 evo Z K129 is the sportier, high‑performance summer tyre in this group. Tests (Autobild 2024 and Sportauto 2022) rated it good for dynamic handling and wet braking, noting agile steering and decent aquaplaning reserves. Testers also pointed out a tendency to oversteer caused by weaker rear‑axle lateral guidance, which can make the tyre feel tail‑happy at the limit on both wet and dry surfaces. With a lower comparative score (model rating 52), this tyre is aimed at drivers who want a sporty feel and sharp response but should be fitted with the vehicle’s behaviour and limits in mind.
Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 SUV K127A
The K127A is the SUV‑specific, ultra‑high performance variant aimed at crossovers and larger SUVs. It has consistently strong results across several recent tests: Automotorsport (2024) described very good dynamic wet behaviour, high grip and easy controllability plus direct steering and good comfort; Autobild tests (2022 and 2024) also praised short wet and dry braking and balanced on‑road behaviour, while noting minor weaknesses such as moderate traction on loose sand and slight understeer when wet, as well as some limits in high‑speed lane‑change stability and curve aquaplaning. The K127A is manufactured in Korea (made in KR) and is recommended for drivers wanting performance and confidence for SUV applications (model rating 76).
A few final notes
- The Ventus Prime 4 is explicitly the successor to the Ventus Prime3 K125 — if you previously used Prime3, Prime 4 is the direct model update.
- Manufacturing origin can differ by model (for example, the S1 evo Z K129 is produced in Hungary, the S1 evo3 SUV K127A in Korea).
- Test performance can vary by tyre size and by the specific testing organisation; always check results for the rim/tyre size you need.
- Hankook’s wider summer line also includes other models (e.g., Ventus S1 evo3 K127, ION Evo) that may better match specific budgets or vehicle types; we focused here on the models covered in the latest tests.
Choose the tyre that best matches your driving style and vehicle: touring tyres like the Prime 4 for comfort and wet confidence, the Ventus Evo for modern all‑round performance, the S1 evo Z for sporty cars, and the S1 evo3 SUV K127A for dynamic SUV applications.
| 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 |
Tyres which were evaluated in tests from mostly European autoclubs.
| # | Name | Our rating | Test results | Achievements | Dimensions | Price from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hankook iON Evo | 2025: 1. Autobild
| Dry braking Dry handling Wet braking Wet circle cornering Wet handling …+1 |
| |||
| 2 | Hankook Ventus Evo | 2025: 3. Autobild
5. Autobild
| Dry handling Wet braking Wet circle cornering Wet handling |
| |||
| 3 | Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K127 | 2025: 4. Die Reifentester
3. Autozeitung
6. Autobild
1. Autobild
7. ACE
| Wet braking Dry braking Exterior noise Wet handling Interior noise …+1 |
| |||
| 4 | Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 SUV K127A | 2024: 2. Automotorsport
6. Autobild
| Dry braking Dry handling Wet braking Wet handling |
| |||
| 5 | Hankook Ventus Prime 4 | 2025: 6. Aftonbladet
4. Autobild
8. Autobild
8. ADAC
6. Vibilagare
3. Autobild
| Aquaplaning - longitudal Dry braking Exterior noise Wet braking Aquaplaning - cross …+1 |
| |||
| 6 | Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z K129 | 2024: 5. Autobild
| Aquaplaning - cross Aquaplaning - longitudal Wet handling |
|
Tested 1x in 2026, 1x in total.
Tested 1x in 2026, 19x in total.
Tested 2x in 2026, 2x in total.
Tested 1x in 2026, 12x in total.
Tyres which were not featured in any test - new models, older models and non-mainstream models.