Hankook Ventus Prime 4 vs Kumho Ecsta HS52
Test Results
Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been seven tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hankook Ventus Prime 4 | three | |
| Kumho Ecsta HS52 | four |
While it might look like the Kumho Ecsta HS52 is better than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.
Key Strengths
- Lowest rolling resistance and better fuel consumption in most tests
- Strong wet braking/handling balance (notably 2022 results)
- Consistently composed dry/wet dynamics with good steering safety at the limit
- Competitive wear and abrasion control with generally low running refinement
- Frequent leader in dry braking with confident dry handling
- Very competitive wet performance, especially braking and aquaplaning resistance
- Excellent mileage and lower purchase price for strong cost-per-1000km
- Low external noise and broadly strong value proposition
Dry Braking
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during five dry braking tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 stopped the vehicle in 0.5% less distance than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Dry Braking: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
| 2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview 215/55 R17 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:35.8M | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 35.7M |
| 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:35.8M | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 35.7M |
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:36.09M | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 35.9M |
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:36.6M | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 36.7M |
| 2024 Summer Tyre Market Overview 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:35.9M | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 35.4M |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:38.1M | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 38.1M |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:35.9M | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 35.4M |
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was 0.39% faster around a lap than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:51.78s | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 51.58s |
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was 0.43% faster around a lap than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
| 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:96Km/H | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 94.7Km/H |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:115.6Km/H | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 116Km/H |
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 scored 5.26% more points than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:90 Points | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 95 Points |
Wet Braking
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during four wet braking tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 stopped the vehicle in 0.31% less distance than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Wet Braking: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
| 2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview 215/55 R17 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:27.8M | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 28.6M |
| 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:43.5M | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 44.7M |
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres 205/55 R16 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:34.12M | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 34.36M |
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:35.8M | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 38.4M |
| 2024 Summer Tyre Market Overview 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:27.7M | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 26.1M |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:32.8M | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 32.8M |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:43.3M | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 40.8M |
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 stopped the vehicle in 1.61% less distance than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:35.5M | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 37.6M |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:39.1M | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 35.8M |
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was 0.61% faster around a wet lap than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres 205/55 R16 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:86.47s | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 87s |
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was 0.34% faster around a wet lap than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
| 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:74.5Km/H | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 72.6Km/H |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:74.3Km/H | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 75.7Km/H |
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 scored 5.26% more points than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres 205/55 R16 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:95 Points | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 90 Points |
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was 0.26% faster around a wet circle than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Wet Circle: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:11.71s | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 11.68s |
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 floated at a 1.71% higher speed than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Straight Aqua: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
| 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:84.3Km/H | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 83.6Km/H |
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:73.6Km/H | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 76.18Km/H |
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:77.6Km/H | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 81.9Km/H |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:74.3Km/H | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 73.8Km/H |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:81.3Km/H | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 82.4Km/H |
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 slipped out at a 3.4% higher speed than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
| 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:3.98m/sec2 | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 3.97m/sec2 |
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:2.81m/sec2 | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 3.19m/sec2 |
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:3.2m/sec2 | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 3.3m/sec2 |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:2.7m/sec2 | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 3m/sec2 |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:4.38m/sec2 | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 4.18m/sec2 |
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 scored 5.26% more points than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres 205/55 R16 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:95 Points | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 90 Points |
Noise
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during three noise tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 measured 0.39% quieter than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Noise: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
| 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:68.6dB | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 68.6dB |
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:72.8dB | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 71.3dB |
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:71.7dB | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 71dB |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:71.6dB | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 72.6dB |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:73.3dB | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 73.1dB |
Tyre Weight
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and Kumho Ecsta HS52 performed equally well in tyre weight tests.
Best In Tyre Weight: Both tyres performed equally well
See how the Tyre Weight winner was calculated >>
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:9.1Kg | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 9.1Kg |
Wear
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during three wear tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 is predicted to cover 11.28% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Wear: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
| 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:40800KM | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 39440KM |
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:42200KM | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 43500KM |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:49900KM | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 69300KM |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:26250KM | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 27150KM |
Value
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during one value tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 has a 36.1% better value based on dollars per 1000 warranted miles than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Value: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:2.77Price/1000 | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 1.77Price/1000 |
Price
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during five price tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 cost 10.52% less than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Price: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
| 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:475 | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 420 |
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:78.5 | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 71.8 |
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:89 | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 82 |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:138 | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 123 |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:300 | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 270 |
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 had a 8.14% lower rolling resistance than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
| 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:7.35kg / t | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 8.51kg / t |
| Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres 205/55 R16 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:8.36kg / t | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 8.48kg / t |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:7.65kg / t | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 8.46kg / t |
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during two fuel consumption tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 used 2.54% less fuel than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:5.8l/100km | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 5.9l/100km |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:5.7l/100km | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 5.9l/100km |
Abrasion
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 emitted 5.96% less particle wear matter than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Abrasion: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 205/55 R16 |
✓ Hankook Ventus Prime 4:67.6mg/km/t | Kumho Ecsta HS52: 79.3mg/km/t |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 215/55 R17 |
Hankook Ventus Prime 4:58.7mg/km/t | ✓ Kumho Ecsta HS52: 55mg/km/t |
Real World Driver Reviews
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 Driver Reviews
Drivers largely praise the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 for strong dry and wet grip, low noise, and solid comfort-value balance, often comparing it favorably to premium rivals. Some report faster wear and performance drop-off in the wet as tread declines, with a minority noting stiff ride or sidewall concerns. Overall sentiment is strongly positive given the high share of high-scoring reviews.
Based on 60 reviews with an average rating of 84%
Kumho Ecsta HS52 Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Kumho Ecsta HS52 highly for strong dry and wet grip, predictable handling, and good value, often comparing it favorably to pricier brands. Comfort and noise are generally acceptable to good, though a minority report higher noise/harshness and faster front wear under spirited driving. Overall, the HS52 delivers balanced summer performance with good braking confidence and solid durability for most users.
Based on 18 reviews with an average rating of 81%
Conclusion
The Hankook Ventus Prime 4 counters with lower rolling resistance and slightly better fuel economy, plus competitive wet braking and composed wet handling in several tests. If you prioritize efficiency and a calmer, balanced drive over ultimate value or dry-stopping bragging rights, Hankook remains a safe, refined choice. For most buyers, however-especially those seeking shorter stops, long wear, and a better purchase price-the Kumho is the more persuasive package.
Key Differences
- Overall rankings tilt to Kumho (e.g., 2024 AutoBild 4/21 vs Hankook 7/21; 2024 ADAC 3/16 vs 8/16)
- Dry braking advantage generally Kumho (wins 5 of 6 measured matchups)
- Wet braking swings by year/size: Hankook led in 2022/2023; Kumho matched or led in 2024 datasets
- Aquaplaning: Kumho usually better in straight/curved tests; Hankook has isolated wins
- Efficiency: Hankook has clearly lower rolling resistance and marginally better fuel use
- Value and wear: Kumho notably cheaper to buy with longer projected mileage in most tests
Overall Winner: Kumho Ecsta HS52
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tyre comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tyres:
Kumho Ecsta HS52 Top Comparisons
Footnote
This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.
Why is this important? Tyre testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tyre Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.