Continental SportContact 7 vs Hankook Ventus Evo
- TR Score
- 9.7/10
- Owners say
- 84% · 134
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 24
The Continental SportContact 7 and the Hankook Ventus Evo have met in 2 independent tests and the record is level at 1-1. The SportContact 7 stopped 3.9% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Continental SportContact 7 if you prioritise dry grip, braking, and precise handling feel (spirited driving, performance cars, occasional track-style use). Choose the Hankook Ventus Evo if your roads are often wet, you value aquaplaning resistance and wet composure, and you want a quieter, more comfort-oriented fast-road tyre-accepting it won't feel as sharp at the limit in the dry.
Where the SportContact 7 is stronger
- Stronger dry braking across both shared tests (33.5 m vs 34.78 m; 34.9 m vs 36.4 m)
- Quicker and more precise dry handling in both tests (86.46 s vs 87.62 s; 82.5 s vs 83.1 s) with top subjective ratings in AutoView
- Competitive wet braking capability in at least one test (best wet braking in AutoView at 21.91 m)
Where the Ventus Evo is stronger
- Stronger wet-weather package in Auto Express: wet braking (32.4 m), wet handling (90.2 s), and aquaplaning (86.5 km/h straight; 0.85 m/sec² curved)
- More refined subjective experience in Auto Express (higher subjective noise score: 9.6 vs 8.7) and noted good bump absorption
- Good efficiency trend in AutoView (second-best rolling resistance on that test)
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.
SportContact 7 vs Ventus Evo at a glance
| Category | SportContact 7 | Gap | Ventus Evo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won2 shared tests | 1 | 1 | |
| Dry5 measurements | 5 | The SportContact 7 stopped 3.9% shorter in the dry (2 tests) | 0 |
| Wet6 measurements | 2 | 4 | |
| Comfort3 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Value1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.7/10 | The SportContact 7 by 0.3 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner rating134 and 24 reviews | 84% | The Ventus Evo by 2 points | 86% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 80% | The SportContact 7 by 2 points | 78% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 123 | 72 sizes made in both | 106 |
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 2 tests in 2025
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 | SportContact 7 | Field | Ventus Evo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 AutoView Sports Tyre Test | P2 of 5 | P4 of 5 | |
| 2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test | P8 of 9 | P3 of 9 |
Performance profile
12 measurements from the 2 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
SportContact 7
Ventus Evo
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.
Where each scores higher
SportContact 7
Ventus Evo
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
SportContact 7
Ventus Evo
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the SportContact 7 84% from 134 reviews and the Ventus Evo 86% from 24. 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 | SportContact 7 | Gap | Ventus Evo | Wins | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34.2 | 3.9% | 35.59 | 2-0 | |||||||||
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| 84.48 | 1% | 85.36 | 2-0 | |||||||||
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| scored | 11.1% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 28.46 | 1.5% | 27.67 | 1-1 | |||||||||
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| 91.8 | 1.7% | 90.2 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 28.4 | 0.4% | 28.5 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 84.8 | 2% | 86.5 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 0.7 | 21.4% | 0.85 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||
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| scored | 10.3% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 62.7 | 0.5 dB | 63.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 7.63 | 3.4% | 7.9 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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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 SportContact 7 scores 9.7 and the Ventus Evo 9.4 out of 10.
| SportContact 7 | Category | Ventus Evo | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 | Dry | 89 | ||
| 98 | Wet | 99 | ||
| 29 | Comfort | 50 | ||
| 39 | Value | 47 | ||
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
| SportContact 7 | Category | Ventus Evo | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.5 | Dry Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 9.1 | Wet Grip | 9.2 | ||
| 8.7 | Road Feedback | 8.3 | ||
| 9 | Handling | 9 | ||
| 6.7 | Wear | 7.8 | ||
| 7.7 | Comfort | 7.9 | ||
Owners rate the SportContact 7 84% from 134 reviews and the Ventus Evo 86% from 24. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental SportContact 7
- 84%from 134 reviews
- 80%would buy again
- 1,308,502 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Continental SportContact 7 very highly overall (average 83%), with the strongest agreement around outstanding dry and wet grip, backed up by confident handling and strong steering response. Comfort and noise are often described as better than expected for a UHP summer tyre, though experiences vary by car and set-up. The main recurring drawback is wear: around a third of owners who mention tread life report rapid wear, meaning running costs can be high if you drive hard or run a heavier, high-torque car.
- Exceptional dry grip and traction
- Very strong wet grip and confidence in rain
- Sharp, secure dry handling
- Good steering feel and feedback
- Rapid tread wear and short life for many drivers
- Ride can feel harsh or uncomfortable on some set-ups
- Road noise can be intrusive on rough surfaces
Summarised by AI from 117 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 134 SportContact 7 reviewsIn comparison with non sport tyres like the Continental PremiumContact 6 the grip in dry conditions is outstanding and better like other tyres I have driven (e.g. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric). The Wet-Grip is surprisingly good and did not fade with lower tread depth (yet). No disturbing noise while driving.
Hankook Ventus Evo
- 86%from 24 reviews
- 78%would buy again
- 106,316 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Hankook Ventus Evo very highly overall, with most praising strong dry and wet grip that inspires confidence. A clear majority also highlight low road noise and a comfortable, compliant ride for an everyday performance tyre. The main drawback is steering feel: around one in three owners say it lacks initial feedback or sharpness versus premium rivals, even if outright grip remains strong.
- Very strong dry grip
- Very strong wet grip
- Generally quiet at speed
- Comfortable, compliant ride
- Steering feel lacks feedback/initial bite for some drivers
- Can be a bit noisy on certain surfaces or at particular speeds
- Ride can feel slightly firm on low-profile fitments
Summarised by AI from 21 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 24 Ventus Evo reviewsI bought set of these in SUV version to replace OEM worn-out Bridgestone Dueller tyres. The Hankooks were one of few options available in size for Lexus RX and the price was very good. Obviously, they are sport-biased, not intended for a comfortable relaxed SUV. Their grip both in dry and wet is perfect, steering precise. But, they are not the choice for maximum comfort and silence. Winter set (Conti 870P) in the same size are significantly quieter and more comfortable. However, these tyres are a smart choice- good price, peak safety and also good wear- after 20000km stil about 4-5mm. I would buy them again, but not for RX.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 123 sizes of the SportContact 7 and 106 of the Ventus Evo, 72 of them made in both.
| Category | SportContact 7 | Ventus Evo |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 123 sizes, 18 to 24 inch | 106 sizes, 17 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 72 sizes 215/40 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18235/40 R18245/40 R18245/45 R18255/35 R18265/35 R18265/40 R18225/35 R19225/40 R19235/35 R19and 60 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A85%B15% | A97%B3% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C61%D16%A14%B9% | C83%A10%B7%D1% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B98%A2% | 68-73 dB B76%A24% |
| Replaced | Continental Sport Contact 6 (2015) | Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 (2021) |
| Awards | Highly Recommended: Best Tyres for High Performance Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Highly Recommended: Best Tyres for Hot Hatches (Compact Sports Cars) (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Commended: Best Tyres for High Performance Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Highly Recommended: Best Tyres for Hot Hatches (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Best Tyres for Large Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Supersports Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2024) Winner: Supersports Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2023) Winner: Supersports Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2022) Winner: Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2022) | Winner: Performance Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2026/27) Winner: Performance Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2025) |
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.
Continental's SportContact 7 and Hankook's Ventus Evo sit in the same headline category-max-performance summer tyres-but the shared test data suggests they arrive there via different priorities. Across two major 2025 group tests (very different sizes and cars), the Continental repeatedly looks like the sharper dry-weather tool, while the Hankook's standout trait is its wet-road security and refinement.
The interesting twist is that the overall results split by test: in AutoView's 275/35R19 sports tyre test the SportContact 7 lands 2nd (and is described as the strongest replacement tyre on test), while in Auto Express's 225/40R18 test it drops to 8th after an uncharacteristically weak wet showing-while the Ventus Evo climbs to 3rd on the back of consistently strong wet metrics. In practice, this makes the comparison less about “which is best” and more about matching the tyre to your climate, driving style, and what you value day to day.
Conclusion
If your priority is dry-road grip, braking confidence, and crisp handling feel, the Continental SportContact 7 is the more convincing performance tyre in the shared data. It wins dry braking in both tests (33.5 m vs 34.78 m in AutoView; 34.9 m vs 36.4 m in Auto Express) and is quicker in dry handling on both occasions (86.46 s vs 87.62 s; 82.5 s vs 83.1 s). AutoView also backs this up subjectively, praising its precision and near OE-level capability.
If you drive in frequent rain, encounter standing water, or want a more relaxed, refined tyre for daily use, the Hankook Ventus Evo makes a strong case-especially in the Auto Express test where it beats the Continental clearly in wet braking (32.4 m vs 35.0 m), wet handling (90.2 s vs 91.8 s), and aquaplaning resistance (curved: 0.85 vs 0.70 m/sec²; straight: 86.5 vs 84.8 km/h). Even in AutoView, where the Continental dominates overall, the Hankook is positioned as a solid mid-tier UHP with strong rolling resistance and decent comfort.
Value-wise, the data implies a “pay for what you use” decision: the SportContact 7 looks like the better choice for enthusiastic dry driving and track-style precision (with a potential efficiency/rolling-resistance penalty noted by AutoView), while the Ventus Evo suits wet-climate commuters and fast-road drivers who want stability in the rain and low noise-though AutoView cautions its pricing can be high for its mid-tier outright pace. The practical takeaway: pick Continental for maximum dry performance feel; pick Hankook for wet confidence and everyday refinement.
SportContact 7 vs Ventus Evo: your questions
Is the Continental SportContact 7 or the Hankook Ventus Evo the better tyre?
The Continental SportContact 7 and the Hankook Ventus Evo have met in 2 independent tests and the record is level at 1-1. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the SportContact 7 scores 9.7 and the Ventus Evo 9.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the SportContact 7 or the Ventus Evo?
The Ventus Evo led 4 of the 6 wet measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in the dry?
The SportContact 7 led 5 of the 5 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.9% shorter in the dry across 2 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.7/10 for the SportContact 7 and 7.9/10 for the Ventus Evo.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the SportContact 7 84% from 134 reviews and the Ventus Evo 86% from 24. 80% of SportContact 7 owners would buy it again, against 78% for the Ventus Evo.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The SportContact 7 is made in 123 sizes (18 to 24 inch) and the Ventus Evo in 106 (17 to 22 inch). 72 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the SportContact 7 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Ventus Evo A and C.
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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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