Hankook Kinergy 4S - Test Results

Test Statistics

12

Tests Completed

6^th

Average Position

4^th

Best Result

12^th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Hankook Kinergy 4S delivers broadly mid-pack results across 12 all-season tests, with occasional upper-mid finishes (several 4th-6th places) and one strong 12/30 braking shootout progression. Its consistent pattern is balanced, UK-relevant versatility rather than class-leading grip, with recurrent weaknesses in wet braking/handling and noise. Dry handling tends to be respectable, economy metrics (rolling resistance/value) are occasionally competitive, and aquaplaning resistance sits around average. Awards and editorial notes repeatedly position it as a sensible, good-value mid-range choice rather than a test winner.

Performance Strengths

Dry Performance Moderate Details
• 2016 Auto Express: noted 'strong in the dry'
• 2017 Auto Bild: 6/12 dry handling, +1.7% from best
• 2017 Auto Zeitung: 4/11 dry handling, +0.7% from best
Value and Efficiency Moderate Details
• 2016 AutoBild: 'best value (mileage/price)' mention
• 2018 Auto Bild SUV: Price 2/10 (+34.9% from best), RR 3/10 (+24.2% from best)
• 2017 Auto Bild: Wear mid-pack (7/12, +34.2% from best)
Aquaplaning Resistance Minor Details
• 2017 Auto Bild: Straight Aquaplaning 6/12 (+4.1% from best)
• 2018 Auto Bild SUV: Straight Aqua 5/10 (+5% from best)
• 2017 Auto Zeitung: Straight Aqua 6/11 (+8.6% from best)

Performance Weaknesses

Wet Weather Performance Strong Details
• 2016 Auto Express: 'struggled in the wet'
• 2017 Auto Bild: Wet braking 8/12 (+13.8%), Wet handling 12/12 (+6.2%)
• 2017 Auto Zeitung: Wet braking 11/11 (+20.7%)
• 2018 Auto Bild SUV: Wet braking 7/10 (+6.9%), Wet handling 7/10 (+4.9%)
• 2025 Autobild Braking: Wet braking 13/30 (+12.1%)
Noise/Comfort Moderate Details
• 2017 Auto Bild: Noise 12/12 (+3.7%)
• 2018 Auto Bild SUV: Noise 9/10 (+3.3%)
Winter (Snow) Traction Moderate Details
• 2017 Auto Bild: Snow braking 9/12 (+7.6%), Snow handling 9/12 (+4.8%)
• 2017 Auto Zeitung: Snow handling 11/11 (+6.9%), Snow braking 7/11 (+10.4%)
• 2018 Auto Bild SUV: Snow braking 7/10 (+16.9%)
Dry Braking Moderate Details
• 2017 Auto Bild: Dry braking 9/12 (+13.7%)
• 2018 Auto Bild SUV: Dry braking 8/10 (+12.9%)
• 2025 Autobild Braking: Dry braking 16/30 (+8.7%)
Rolling Resistance (variability) Minor Details
• 2017 Auto Bild: RR 10/12 (+25.6%)
• 2017 Auto Zeitung: RR 11/11 (+25.9%) vs. 2018 Auto Bild SUV: RR 3/10 (+24.2%)

Performance Over Time

Test History

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2025 All Season 30 Tyre Braking Test

2025
Winner: Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6

View Test

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2018 Auto Bild SUV All Season Tyre Test

2018
Winner: Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen 2 SUV

Recommended.

Strong:
Price

Weak:
Noise

View Test

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2018 ADAC All Season Tyre Test

2018
Winner: Nexen N Blue 4 Season

View Test

of 6

New VS 4mm VS 2mm All Season Tyre Performance

2017
Winner: Michelin CrossClimate Plus

Like the Pirelli, the Hankook is only safe when new, with the snow and wet performance dropping with tyre wear. The dry performance increases as the tread wears. Poor wear. Conditionally recommended.

View Test

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