Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Michelin CrossClimate 3
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 75% · 72
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 82% · 12
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and the Michelin CrossClimate 3 have met in 4 independent tests and the record is level at 2-2. The Kinergy 4S2 lapped the wet handling course 3.8% faster; the CrossClimate 3 had 9.2% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Pick the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 if your driving is mostly wet/temperate (lots of rain, variable roads) and you care about steering response and secure wet handling. Pick the Michelin CrossClimate 3 if you see frequent snow/ice and want the most winter-capable all-season with better efficiency and longer wear-even if that means accepting a weaker wet-performance ceiling than the best rain-focused tyres.
Where the Kinergy 4S2 is stronger
- Stronger wet performance on key safety/control metrics (e.g., 2026/27 wet braking 32.84 m vs 34.31 m; wet handling 67.44 s vs 70.73 s)
- More engaging and capable handling balance in dry and wet (wins dry handling in 2/3 tests; strong subjective dry/wet scores)
- Very competitive in lateral aquaplaning resistance (wins curved aquaplaning in all reported tests)
Where the CrossClimate 3 is stronger
- Clear snow specialist: best across snow braking/traction/handling in all shared tests (e.g., 2025 snow braking 22.6 m vs 24.1 m)
- Lower rolling resistance in every shared test (~8-10% advantage), meaning better fuel/energy efficiency
- Higher longevity where measured (AutoBild wear: 64,050 km vs 58,100 km)
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Kinergy 4S2 vs CrossClimate 3 at a glance
| Category | Kinergy 4S2 | Gap | CrossClimate 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 2 | 2 | |
| Dry10 measurements | 7 | The Kinergy 4S2 lapped the dry handling course 1.6% faster (2 tests) | 3 |
| Wet20 measurements | 15 | The Kinergy 4S2 lapped the wet handling course 3.8% faster (2 tests) | 4 |
| Snow16 measurements | 0 | The CrossClimate 3 stopped 3.5% shorter on snow (4 tests) | 16 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 1 | The CrossClimate 3 was 0.8 dB quieter (3 tests) | 5 |
| Value8 measurements | 0 | The CrossClimate 3 had 9.2% lower rolling resistance (4 tests) | 8 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.9/10 | The CrossClimate 3 by 0.6 | 9.5/10 |
| Owner rating72 and 12 reviews | 75% | The CrossClimate 3 by 7 points | 82% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 74% | Too close to call | 75% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The CrossClimate 3 was dearer in 4 of 4 | +21.3% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 96 | 31 sizes made in both | 84 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 4 tests, 2025 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Kinergy 4S2 | Field | CrossClimate 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tyre Test | P6 of 10 | P4 of 10 | |
| The BEST All Season Tyres For 2026/27 | P7 of 10 | P8 of 10 | |
| 2026 Die Reifentester All Season Tyre Test - 225/40 R18 | P5 of 9 | P4 of 9 | |
| 2025 AutoBild All Season Tyre Test | P5 of 15 | P7 of 15 |
Performance profile
17 measurements from the 4 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Kinergy 4S2
CrossClimate 3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. 9 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Kinergy 4S2
CrossClimate 3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Kinergy 4S2
CrossClimate 3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72 reviews and the CrossClimate 3 82% from 12. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tyres posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Kinergy 4S2 | Gap | CrossClimate 3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39.43 | 1.3% | 38.93 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 82.11 | 1.6% | 83.48 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 100.3 | 1% | 99.3 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 8.4% | scored | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 40.46 | 1.5% | 40.88 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 72.37 | 3.8% | 75.17 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 72.4 | 4.6% | 69.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 23.2% | scored | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 12.5 | 3.5% | 12.94 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 81.31 | 0.4% | 81.58 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 2.64 | 6.1% | 2.49 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 27.31 | 3.5% | 26.4 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 4.23 | 7.8% | 3.9 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 2,446 | 5.2% | 2,576 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 73.34 | 3.1% | 71.06 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 51.6 | 4.7% | 54 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 13.8% | scored | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 3.66 | 5.5% | 3.86 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 3.74 | 4% | 3.89 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.6% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.4% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 72.81 | 0.8 dB | 72.04 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 50,550 | 13% | 56,900 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 8.77 | 9.2% | 7.96 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 885 | 8.8% | 807 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 0.11 | 13.3% | 0.09 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tyres shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Kinergy 4S2 scores 8.9 and the CrossClimate 3 9.5 out of 10.
| Kinergy 4S2 | Category | CrossClimate 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | Dry | 78 | ||
| 85 | Wet | 66 | ||
| 43 | Comfort | 92 | ||
| 42 | Value | 78 | ||
| 74 | Snow | 99 | ||
| 25 | Ice | - | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Kinergy 4S2 | Category | CrossClimate 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.1 | Dry Grip | 8.6 | ||
| 8 | Wet Grip | 7.8 | ||
| 7.1 | Road Feedback | 8 | ||
| 7.4 | Handling | 8.5 | ||
| 7.6 | Wear | 8.9 | ||
| 7.3 | Comfort | 9 | ||
| 7.5 | Snow Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 6.5 | Ice Grip | 6.8 | ||
Owners rate the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72 reviews and the CrossClimate 3 82% from 12. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
- 75%from 72 reviews
- 74%would buy again
- 995,659 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally rate the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 as a strong all-weather all-rounder, with most praise focused on dependable wet and dry grip (mentioned by around half of reviewers) and reassuring snow traction. Longevity is often reported as good, and a notable minority also highlight the comfortable ride and strong value for money. The most consistent drawback is road noise, raised by over a third of owners, while a smaller group report higher fuel consumption/rolling resistance.
- Confident wet grip in cold and rain
- Strong dry grip for an all-season tyre
- Good tread life for year-round use
- Surprisingly capable traction in snow
- Noticeable road noise or whining at certain speeds
- Higher rolling resistance or worse fuel economy
- Can feel less predictable at the limit (soft/squealy breakaway)
Summarised by AI from 65 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 72 Kinergy 4S2 reviewsExcellent tires for all seasons, this was my first test as I've always used summer/winter tires on all my cars for more safety and longevity. These tires perform very well on dry roads, in corners whether wet or not, but especially great on snow, whether it's recovery, acceleration, or grip (Summit of the Vosges for example or the Belgian Ardennes). I was very surprised despite all my extensive research on tires with a good price-quality ratio. After 46,000 km, I wouldn't try them again on snow as I've far exceeded the winter wear indicator, but there are still 2mm of tread left for summer.
Michelin CrossClimate 3
- 82%from 12 reviews
- 75%would buy again
- 189,947 milesdriven by reviewers
Across nine reviews, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 is widely praised as a highly capable all-season tyre with standout comfort, low noise, and strong real-world grip in dry and wet conditions. Drivers also report impressive longevity/wear, with several noting confident handling and reassuring performance in winter climates and light-to-moderate snow. The main recurring limitation is traction and predictability on ice (and at the limit in heavier snow), where it cannot consistently match a dedicated winter tyre and may feel a bit comfort-biased rather than sporty.
- High ride comfort
- Low road noise/quiet on most surfaces
- Strong wet-road performance (grip and aquaplaning resistance)
- Good all-season versatility across wide temperature ranges
- Ice grip is only moderate and trails dedicated winter tyres
- Not a sporty tyre (softer feel/less sharp than summer performance tyres)
- Can feel less secure at the limit in heavier snow conditions
Summarised by AI from 9 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 12 CrossClimate 3 reviewsWho is reading this review it should know that they are bad in wet condition. I tought that beacause is Michelin they will be great but they are not. In dry they are good but in wet they are losing traction and understeer very easy. I don’t have a powerfull car, is only 120hp. I will not buy this tyres again. There are better choices than Michelin at least in the segment of all season
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 96 sizes of the Kinergy 4S2 and 84 of the CrossClimate 3, 31 of them made in both.
| Category | Kinergy 4S2 | CrossClimate 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | All Season | All Season |
| Sizes made | 96 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 84 sizes, 16 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 31 sizes 195/55 R16195/60 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16205/40 R17205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17215/40 R17215/45 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17and 19 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B96%C4% | B100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C78%D22%B1% | B63%C37%A1% |
| EU label noise | 70-73 dB B100% | 71-75 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 194 of 194 | 128 of 128 |
| On the market since | - | 2025 |
| Replaced | Hankook Kinergy 4S (2021) | Michelin CrossClimate 2 (2020) |
| Awards | - | Winner: Best All Season Tyres for SUVs (DriverReviews, 2026/27) |
| Price in the shared tests | The CrossClimate 3 was the dearer tyre in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 21.3% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Previous generation: Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2 (16 shared tests)
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
Hankook's Kinergy 4S2 and Michelin's CrossClimate 3 sit in the same premium-touring, passenger-car all-season bracket, but the shared 225/40 R18 group tests show they're tuned for different priorities. Across three major comparisons (AutoBild 2025, Die Reifentester 2026, and a 2026/27 all-season mega-test), the Hankook repeatedly behaves like the more “driver's” all-season: responsive, balanced, and particularly convincing on wet handling circuits.
The Michelin, by contrast, consistently leans into winter capability and day-to-day livability. It's repeatedly the class reference on snow (often topping every objective snow metric), while also bringing lower rolling resistance and (in at least one test) notably better ride comfort and cabin refinement. The trade-off is that its wet performance can lag the leading group enough to influence overall rankings, depending on how heavily the test weights rain performance versus snow and efficiency.
Conclusion
Taken as a pattern across the three shared tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 is the more confidence-inspiring tyre in wet dynamics and general “engagement,” while the Michelin CrossClimate 3 is the smarter pick for genuine winter frequency, lower running costs, and long-distance ownership. The wet gap is not subtle in the 2026/27 test: Hankook's wet braking (32.84 m vs 34.31 m) and wet handling (67.44 s vs 70.73 s) create a meaningful safety and control margin on rainy roads, and it also leads on wet circle and curved aquaplaning across multiple tests.
However, if snow is a regular reality, Michelin's advantage is decisive and repeats in every dataset provided. It wins all snow braking/traction metrics across all three tests (e.g., 2025 snow braking 22.6 m vs 24.1 m; 2026/27 snow traction 3.9 s vs 4.23 s), and it pairs that with consistently lower rolling resistance (roughly ~8-10% better in each test) plus superior wear in AutoBild (64,050 km vs 58,100 km). The practical takeaway: choose Hankook if your all-season is primarily a wet-weather tyre that still needs winter legality; choose Michelin if you want near-winter longitudinal grip and ownership efficiency, and you can accept a weaker wet “bite” compared with the best rain-focused rivals.
Kinergy 4S2 vs CrossClimate 3: your questions
Is the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 or the Michelin CrossClimate 3 the better tyre?
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and the Michelin CrossClimate 3 have met in 4 independent tests and the record is level at 2-2. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Kinergy 4S2 scores 8.9 and the CrossClimate 3 9.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Kinergy 4S2 or the CrossClimate 3?
The Kinergy 4S2 led 15 of the 20 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it lapped the wet handling course 3.8% faster across 2 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Kinergy 4S2 led 7 of the 10 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it lapped the dry handling course 1.6% faster across 2 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The CrossClimate 3 led 16 of the 16 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.5% shorter on snow across 4 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The CrossClimate 3 lasted 13% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) and had 9.2% lower rolling resistance (4 tests). Owners rate wear 7.6/10 for the Kinergy 4S2 and 8.9/10 for the CrossClimate 3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The CrossClimate 3 was 0.8 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.3/10 for the Kinergy 4S2 and 9/10 for the CrossClimate 3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72 reviews and the CrossClimate 3 82% from 12. 74% of Kinergy 4S2 owners would buy it again, against 75% for the CrossClimate 3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the CrossClimate 3 was the dearer tyre in 4 of them, by 21.3% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Kinergy 4S2 is made in 96 sizes (14 to 20 inch) and the CrossClimate 3 in 84 (16 to 22 inch). 31 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Kinergy 4S2 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the CrossClimate 3 B and B.
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Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tyres ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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