Firestone MultiSeason Gen 02 vs Hankook Kinergy 4S2
- TR Score
- 8.6/10
- Owners say
- 79% · 13
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 75% · 72
In the 11 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 finished ahead 9 times and the MultiSeason Gen 02 twice. The MultiSeason Gen 02 lasted 8% longer in the wear tests; the Kinergy 4S2 held 25.4% more grip in curved aquaplaning.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Hankook Kinergy 4S2 if you want the safest all-rounder for mixed climates, frequent rain, and motorway speeds, with standout longevity. Pick Firestone MultiSeason Gen 02 if efficiency (fuel/rolling resistance), low noise, and solid wet/snow braking matter most and you accept weaker dry stopping and curved aquaplaning margins.
Where the MultiSeason Gen 02 is stronger
- Excellent rolling resistance and fuel economy (multiple wins; e.g., −4-13% RR vs. Hankook)
- Often shorter wet and snow braking (e.g., ADAC 2024 wet +6.4%, ice +6.7%)
- Lower external noise in most tests
Where the Kinergy 4S2 is stronger
- Consistently shorter dry braking and better dry handling
- Superior curved aquaplaning resistance (large margins in 2021-2023)
- High projected mileage and low wear in recent tests (e.g., +45-101%)
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.
MultiSeason Gen 02 vs Kinergy 4S2 at a glance
| Category | MultiSeason Gen 02 | Gap | Kinergy 4S2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won11 shared tests | 2 | 9 | |
| Dry18 measurements | 0 | The Kinergy 4S2 stopped 4.1% shorter in the dry (11 tests) | 18 |
| Wet34 measurements | 13 | The Kinergy 4S2 held 25.4% more grip in curved aquaplaning (4 tests) | 21 |
| Snow23 measurements | 11 | Level between the two. | 11 |
| Ice1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Comfort11 measurements | 6 | 4 | |
| Value16 measurements | 12 | The MultiSeason Gen 02 lasted 8% longer in the wear tests (5 tests) | 4 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.6/10 | The Kinergy 4S2 by 0.3 | 8.9/10 |
| Owner rating13 and 72 reviews | 79% | The MultiSeason Gen 02 by 4 points | 75% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 75% | Too close to call | 74% |
| Pricein the 5 tests that listed prices | +2.2% | The MultiSeason Gen 02 was dearer in 3 of 5 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 55 | 41 sizes made in both | 96 |
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 11 tests, 2020 to 2024
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 | MultiSeason Gen 02 | Field | Kinergy 4S2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 ADAC All Season Tyre Test | P8 of 16 | P3 of 16 | |
| 2023 Auto Zeitung All Season Tyre Test | P7 of 9 | P3 of 9 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | P13 of 16 | P8 of 16 | |
| 2023 All Season Tyre 35 Set Shootout | P10 of 35 | P13 of 35 | |
| 2023 Tyre Reviews All Season Tyre Test | P6 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | P11 of 15 | P3 of 15 | |
| 2022 All Season Tyre Market Overview | P9 of 35 | P5 of 35 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | P13 of 16 | P3 of 16 | |
| 2021 All Season Tyre Market Overview | P16 of 32 | P4 of 32 | |
| 2020 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | P6 of 14 | P7 of 14 | |
| 2020 All Season Tyre Market Overview - 32 Tyre Braking Test | P6 of 32 | P3 of 32 |
Performance profile
20 measurements from the 11 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
MultiSeason Gen 02
Kinergy 4S2
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. 8 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
MultiSeason Gen 02
Kinergy 4S2
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
MultiSeason Gen 02
Kinergy 4S2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the MultiSeason Gen 02 79% from 13 reviews and the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72. 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 | MultiSeason Gen 02 | Gap | Kinergy 4S2 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42.67 | 4.1% | 40.86 | 0-11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 80.35 | 1.1% | 79.45 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 89.8 | 0.6% | 90.35 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| scored | 8.7% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 46.25 | 1.1% | 45.68 | 3-8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 39.3 | 7.1% | 42.3 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 76.69 | 3.2% | 79.72 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 74.13 | 0.8% | 74.7 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| scored | 8.9% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 13.23 | 0.3% | 13.21 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 79.53 | 3.3% | 82.06 | 4-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2.55 | 25.4% | 3.18 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 23.18 | 0.4% | 23.22 | 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 5.62 | 6.8% | 6.03 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 2,144 | 0.8% | 2,143 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 71.32 | 0.7% | 71.37 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 48.63 | 0.8% | 49.1 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| scored | 3.2% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 3.79 | 5.5% | 4 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 19.6 | 6.7% | 21 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 24.7% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.38 | 0.1 dB | 71.48 | 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2,571 | 2.4% | 2,731 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 47,230 | 8% | 47,522 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.94 | 4.5% | 8.32 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.44 | 2.8% | 5.6 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 23.5 | 0.4% | 23.4 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 88 | 36.4% | 56 | 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 MultiSeason Gen 02 scores 8.6 and the Kinergy 4S2 8.9 out of 10.
| MultiSeason Gen 02 | Category | Kinergy 4S2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | Dry | 80 | ||
| 74 | Wet | 85 | ||
| 21 | Comfort | 43 | ||
| 62 | Value | 42 | ||
| 71 | Snow | 74 | ||
| 69 | Ice | 25 | ||
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
| MultiSeason Gen 02 | Category | Kinergy 4S2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 | Dry Grip | 8.1 | ||
| 7.8 | Wet Grip | 8 | ||
| 8.2 | Road Feedback | 7.1 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 7.4 | ||
| 8 | Wear | 7.6 | ||
| 8 | Comfort | 7.3 | ||
| 7.4 | Snow Grip | 7.5 | ||
| 6.7 | Ice Grip | 6.5 | ||
Owners rate the MultiSeason Gen 02 79% from 13 reviews and the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Firestone MultiSeason Gen 02
- 79%from 13 reviews
- 75%would buy again
- 251,500 milesdriven by reviewers
Overall, drivers rate the Firestone MultiSeason Gen 02 very highly, praising its confident all-season performance-especially strong wet grip, secure winter traction (including snow/ice), and good stability. Several users also report solid tread life and strong value for money, with many saying they would buy again. The most recurring downside is increased road noise, and a smaller minority report poor hot-weather/dry braking performance and faster aging after extended use.
- Strong wet grip and rain performance
- Good winter capability (snow/ice traction and cold-weather confidence)
- Stable, secure handling and braking in normal conditions
- Good value/price-to-performance
- Noticeable road noise (especially at higher speeds)
Summarised by AI from 10 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 13 MultiSeason Gen 02 reviewsI only have these tyres ' Firestone MultiSeason 2 ' a month or so now and my initial impressions are all positive so far. I had Hankooks for about 4 years and I was very hesitant about changing brands but I'm glad I did. Dry grip is very good and wet grip is very good also, the car feels very planted and smooth. Recommended to others 100%
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.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 55 sizes of the MultiSeason Gen 02 and 96 of the Kinergy 4S2, 41 of them made in both.
| Category | MultiSeason Gen 02 | Kinergy 4S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | All Season | All Season |
| Sizes made | 55 sizes, 13 to 19 inch | 96 sizes, 14 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 41 sizes 155/65 R14165/65 R14165/70 R14175/65 R14175/70 R14185/60 R14185/65 R14165/60 R15175/65 R15185/55 R15185/60 R15185/65 R15and 29 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B95%C5% | B96%C4% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C81%D16%B3% | C78%D22%B1% |
| EU label noise | 71-72 dB B100% | 70-73 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 62 of 62 | 194 of 194 |
| On the market since | 2019 | - |
| Replaced | Firestone MultiSeason (2015) | Hankook Kinergy 4S (2021) |
| Price in the shared tests | The MultiSeason Gen 02 was the dearer tyre in 3 of the 5 tests that listed prices, by 2.2% 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.
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.
This head-to-head pitches Firestone's MultiSeason Gen 02 against Hankook's Kinergy 4S2 across 11 shared professional tests from 2020-2024 in core all-season sizes. Hankook consistently posts higher overall rankings (9 test wins vs. 2) and stronger dry-road credentials, while Firestone counters with efficiency, lower noise, and selective strengths in wet and snow braking.
The story isn't one-note: Firestone often brakes shorter on wet concrete and shows solid snow braking/traction plus market-leading rolling resistance. Hankook answers with shorter dry stops, crisper steering, superior aquaplaning-especially in curves-and markedly better projected mileage in the latest wear tests. Buyers are essentially choosing between Hankook's dynamic safety envelope and Firestone's efficiency-leaning, value-savvy balance.
Conclusion
Across multiple test programs, Hankook Kinergy 4S2 proves the more rounded performer for everyday safety: shorter dry braking, more precise handling, and clearly better aquaplaning resistance tilt real-world confidence its way. Its recent wear results are a major differentiator-ADAC 2024 and Auto Bild 2023 project very long mileage-making it a strong value over the full life despite not always being the cheapest ticket.
Firestone MultiSeason Gen 02 remains compelling if you prioritize low fuel consumption, quieter running, and strong braking on wet and snow at sensible speeds. However, it trails in dry stopping and curved aquaplaning, and several tests flag handling precision limits at the edge. In short: choose Hankook for the broadest safety margins and longevity, Firestone for efficiency and calm manners with decent winter braking.
MultiSeason Gen 02 vs Kinergy 4S2: your questions
Is the Firestone MultiSeason Gen 02 or the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 the better tyre?
In the 11 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 finished ahead 9 times and the MultiSeason Gen 02 twice. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the MultiSeason Gen 02 scores 8.6 and the Kinergy 4S2 8.9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the MultiSeason Gen 02 or the Kinergy 4S2?
The Kinergy 4S2 led 21 of the 34 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 25.4% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 4 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Kinergy 4S2 led 18 of the 18 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.1% shorter in the dry across 11 tests.
Which is better in snow?
Across the shared tests the snow measurements are split 11-11 between the MultiSeason Gen 02 and the Kinergy 4S2.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The MultiSeason Gen 02 lasted 8% longer in the wear tests (5 tests), had 4.5% lower rolling resistance (6 tests) and used 2.8% less fuel (3 tests). Owners rate wear 8/10 for the MultiSeason Gen 02 and 7.6/10 for the Kinergy 4S2.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8/10 for the MultiSeason Gen 02 and 7.3/10 for the Kinergy 4S2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the MultiSeason Gen 02 79% from 13 reviews and the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72. 75% of MultiSeason Gen 02 owners would buy it again, against 74% for the Kinergy 4S2.
Which is more expensive?
In the 5 tests that listed prices, the MultiSeason Gen 02 was the dearer tyre in 3 of them, by 2.2% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The MultiSeason Gen 02 is made in 55 sizes (13 to 19 inch) and the Kinergy 4S2 in 96 (14 to 20 inch). 41 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the MultiSeason Gen 02 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Kinergy 4S2 B and C.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
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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