Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Toyo Celsius AS2
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 75% · 72
- TR Score
- 8.1/10
- Owners say
- 82% · 6
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 finished ahead 7 times and the Celsius AS2 not once. The Kinergy 4S2 stopped 5.4% shorter in the wet; the Celsius AS2 had 2.9% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Hankook Kinergy 4S2 for the best all-round safety, especially in wet and winter conditions or varied climates. Choose Toyo Celsius AS2 if your priorities are fuel efficiency, long mileage, and strong aquaplaning resistance in predominantly mild, rainy use.
Where the Kinergy 4S2 is stronger
- Class-leading wet braking and strong wet handling consistency
- Clearly better snow braking, traction, and handling across tests
- Engaging, precise steering with high subjective comfort
Where the Celsius AS2 is stronger
- Low running costs: lower rolling resistance and strong projected mileage
- Very good aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved)
- Competitive dry braking and stable efficiency across sizes
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 Celsius AS2 at a glance
| Category | Kinergy 4S2 | Gap | Celsius AS2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 7 | 0 | |
| Dry12 measurements | 8 | The Kinergy 4S2 stopped 1% shorter in the dry (7 tests) | 4 |
| Wet25 measurements | 17 | The Kinergy 4S2 stopped 5.4% shorter in the wet (7 tests) | 6 |
| Snow18 measurements | 18 | The Kinergy 4S2 stopped 3.2% shorter on snow (5 tests) | 0 |
| Ice1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Comfort8 measurements | 5 | 3 | |
| Value14 measurements | 5 | The Celsius AS2 had 2.9% lower rolling resistance (4 tests) | 9 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.9/10 | The Kinergy 4S2 by 0.8 | 8.1/10 |
| Owner rating72 and 6 reviews | 75% | The Celsius AS2 by 7 points | 82% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 74% | The Celsius AS2 by 9 points | 83% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +3.7% | The Kinergy 4S2 was dearer in 2 of 4 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 96 | 48 sizes made in both | 72 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire 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 7 tests, 2022 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tires 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 | Celsius AS2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 AutoBild All Season Tire Test | P5 of 15 | P13 of 15 | |
| 2024 ADAC All Season Tire Test | P3 of 16 | P11 of 16 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test | P8 of 16 | P14 of 16 | |
| 2023 All Season Tire 35 Set Shootout | P13 of 35 | P16 of 35 | |
| 2023 Tire Reviews All Season Tire Test | P3 of 10 | P9 of 10 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test | P3 of 15 | P11 of 15 | |
| 2022 All Season Tire Market Overview | P5 of 35 | P13 of 35 |
Performance profile
16 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Kinergy 4S2
Celsius AS2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 14 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Kinergy 4S2
Celsius AS2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire 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
Celsius AS2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72 reviews and the Celsius AS2 82% from 6. 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 tires 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 | Celsius AS2 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 136 | 1% | 138 | 4-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 75.4 | 2.3% | 77.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 58.3 | 1.1% | 57.6 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 11.1% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 145 | 5.4% | 153 | 7-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 139 | 1.9% | 141 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 59.53 | 2.5% | 61.08 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 45 | 1.2% | 44.5 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 11.4% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.07 | 3% | 12.44 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 48.9 | 2.4% | 50.1 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.7 | 0.7% | 10.7 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69 | 3.2% | 72 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.03 | 6.8% | 6.47 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 459 | 10.9% | 417 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 88.34 | 0.3% | 88.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 34.4 | 2.9% | 33.5 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 3.3% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12 | 5.2% | 11.4 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 13.7 | 3.8% | 13.2 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69 | 0.9% | 70 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 8.9% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.53 | 0.1 dB | 72.6 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6,022 | 1.5% | 6,187 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 33,571 | 9.5% | 36,407 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.24 | 2.9% | 8 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.6 | 1.2% | 5.53 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 23.4 | 21.4% | 18.4 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 56 | 5.1% | 59 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 885 | 1.4% | 873 | 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 tires 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 Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Kinergy 4S2 scores 8.9 and the Celsius AS2 8.1 out of 10.
| Kinergy 4S2 | Category | Celsius AS2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | Dry | 67 | ||
| 85 | Wet | 61 | ||
| 43 | Comfort | 23 | ||
| 42 | Value | 85 | ||
| 74 | Snow | 29 | ||
| 25 | Ice | 13 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Kinergy 4S2 | Category | Celsius AS2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.1 | Dry Grip | 8 | ||
| 8 | Wet Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 7.1 | Road Feedback | 7.8 | ||
| 7.4 | Handling | 7.2 | ||
| 7.6 | Wear | 8.5 | ||
| 7.3 | Comfort | 9.8 | ||
| 7.5 | Snow Grip | 8 | ||
| 6.5 | Ice Grip | 6.7 | ||
Owners rate the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72 reviews and the Celsius AS2 82% from 6. 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 tire
- 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 tire 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.
Toyo Celsius AS2
- 82%from 6 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 25,800 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the Toyo Celsius AS2 tire delivers a notably comfortable, quiet ride with strong wet-road security and good resistance to aquaplaning. Most users also find dry grip solid and winter/snow capability surprisingly competent for an all-season, with only minor impacts on fuel economy. A recurring trade-off is a softer, more comfort-oriented feel that can come across as slightly spongy or less sharp in handling compared with sportier summer tires.
- High comfort/ride quality
- Low road noise
- Strong wet grip and stability
- Good resistance to aquaplaning
- Softer, less sporty steering/handling feel (slightly spongy)
Summarised by AI from 6 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 6 Celsius AS2 reviewsThis is just my initial review of them after around 1K miles, I've fitted these on my girlfriend's car since both her summer and winter sets were getting long in the tooth. The car doesn't get driven that much, and when it does it's mostly through town so I swallowed my tire snobbery and decided all-seasons would be a good fit. I didn't get to test them in the snow however so far they've been really good in both wet and dry but what surprised me the most was the ride quality and the (lack of) noise. Fuel consumption doesn't seem to be affected that much either. I got a really good deal on them, less than €60/tire, when most of the midrange competition is priced at 70 and above so I'm really happy with the purchase. Made in Japan too.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 96 sizes of the Kinergy 4S2 and 72 of the Celsius AS2, 48 of them made in both.
| Category | Kinergy 4S2 | Celsius AS2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | All Season | All Season |
| Sizes made | 96 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 72 sizes, 14 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 48 sizes 175/65 R14175/70 R14175/55 R15175/65 R15185/55 R15185/60 R15185/65 R15195/50 R15195/55 R15195/65 R15185/55 R16195/45 R16and 36 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B96%C4% | B100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C78%D22%B1% | C78%D22% |
| EU label noise | 70-73 dB B100% | 71-72 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 194 of 194 | 401 of 401 |
| Replaced | Hankook Kinergy 4S (2021) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Kinergy 4S2 was the dearer tire in 2 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 3.7% on average. Each test priced the tires 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 puts two all-season, premium-touring staples under the microscope: Hankook's Kinergy 4S2 and Toyo's Celsius AS2. Across seven shared professional tests from 2022-2025, the Hankook repeatedly finishes higher overall and dominates core safety metrics in the wet and on snow.
The Toyo counters with strong economy-lower rolling resistance, better projected mileage in some tests, and solid aquaplaning resistance-making it attractive for cost-focused, temperate-climate drivers. The core trade-off emerges clearly: Hankook prioritizes grip and control; Toyo leans into longevity and efficiency.
Conclusion
Across multiple sizes and test bodies, the Kinergy 4S2 is the more complete all-season tire for safety-critical performance. It wins every shared test overall, leads convincingly in wet braking (clean sweep, often 5-10% shorter) and shows consistent winter superiority in braking, traction, and handling. On dry roads the gap is small, but Hankook is typically the more precise and confidence-inspiring.
The Celsius AS2 shines in running costs: better rolling resistance in most tests, competitive to strong wear, and notably better aquaplaning reserves-especially straight-line and curved. If your priority is maximising mileage and fuel economy in predominantly mild, rainy conditions, Toyo makes sense. For mixed climates with regular wet or occasional snow, or if you value shorter stops and sharper control, choose Hankook. The practical takeaway: Hankook for all-weather security; Toyo for long-haul economy.
Kinergy 4S2 vs Celsius AS2: your questions
Is the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 or the Toyo Celsius AS2 the better tire?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 finished ahead 7 times and the Celsius AS2 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Kinergy 4S2 scores 8.9 and the Celsius AS2 8.1 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Kinergy 4S2 or the Celsius AS2?
The Kinergy 4S2 led 17 of the 25 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.4% shorter in the wet across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Kinergy 4S2 led 8 of the 12 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1% shorter in the dry across 7 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Kinergy 4S2 led 18 of the 18 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.2% shorter on snow across 5 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Celsius AS2 had 2.9% lower rolling resistance (4 tests) and used 1.2% less fuel (3 tests). Owners rate wear 7.6/10 for the Kinergy 4S2 and 8.5/10 for the Celsius AS2.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.3/10 for the Kinergy 4S2 and 9.8/10 for the Celsius AS2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72 reviews and the Celsius AS2 82% from 6. 74% of Kinergy 4S2 owners would buy it again, against 83% for the Celsius AS2.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Kinergy 4S2 was the dearer tire in 2 of them, by 3.7% 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 Celsius AS2 in 72 (14 to 20 inch). 48 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 Celsius AS2 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 tire 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 tires 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 Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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