Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2
Patterns are clear. Michelin dominates dry braking in every shared test and is the benchmark in snow traction/handling, while also delivering the lowest rolling resistance and strong aquaplaning (straight-line) resistance. Hankook counters with repeat wins in wet braking and wet/cornering control, often steering more precisely and resisting curved aquaplaning better-frequently at a notably lower price. The result is a genuine choice between all-weather assurance in the wet at great value (Hankook) and four-season breadth with standout snow and efficiency (Michelin).
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been fifteen tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hankook Kinergy 4S2 | six | |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | eight | |
| one draws in one tests | ||
While it might look like the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is better than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- Consistently strong wet braking and wet handling (wins majority of wet categories)
- Excellent curved aquaplaning resistance and stable wet circle times
- Balanced, precise handling feel with good comfort; competitive wear in several tests
- Lower purchase price and strong overall value
- Best-in-class dry braking across all shared tests
- Outstanding snow performance (braking, traction, handling) rivaling winter tires
- Low rolling resistance for better fuel economy
- Good straight-line aquaplaning resistance and refined NVH
Dry Braking
Looking at data from fifteen tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during fifteen dry braking tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stopped the vehicle in 6.43% less distance than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during two dry handling [s] tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was 0.63% faster around a lap than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during five dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was 0.52% faster around a lap than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 scored 5% more points than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from fifteen tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during eleven wet braking tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 stopped the vehicle in 1.06% less distance than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Wet Braking: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stopped the vehicle in 2.84% less distance than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was 1.7% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during six wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was 2.1% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 scored 6.12% more points than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during seven wet circle tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was 2.14% faster around a wet circle than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Wet Circle: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from twelve tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during nine straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 floated at a 2.96% higher speed than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from nine tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during eight curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 slipped out at a 5.69% higher speed than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from twelve tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during ten snow braking tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stopped the vehicle in 1.57% less distance than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Snow Braking: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during two snow traction tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 accelerated 7.97% faster than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from ten tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during nine snow traction tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 had 4.4% better snow traction than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during three snow handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was 4.4% faster around a lap than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during six snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was 1.52% faster around a lap than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Snow Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during one subj. snow handling tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 scored 5% more points than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Subj. Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 provided 4.5% more lateral grip than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Snow Circle: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during six snow slalom tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was 7.39% faster through a slalom than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Snow Slalom: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during one ice braking tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stopped the vehicle 5.71% shorter than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Ice Braking: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 scored 0.82% more points than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from ten tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during five noise tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 measured 0.59% quieter than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Noise: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during one noise tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 measured 0.29% quieter than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Noise: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Tire Weight
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during three tire weight tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 weighed 2.55% less than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Tire Weight: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Tire Weight winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during three wear tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 is predicted to cover 3.85% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Wear: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during three value tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 proved to have a 23.55% better value based on price/1000km than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Value: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was better during five price tests. On average the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 cost 25.65% less than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Price: Hankook Kinergy 4S2
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from eleven tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during eleven rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 had a 12.17% lower rolling resistance than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during two fuel consumption tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 used 2.14% less fuel than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 emitted 38.89% less particle wear matter than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Abrasion: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 emitted 7.14% less particle wear matter than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2.
Best In Abrasion: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Hankook Kinergy 4S2 Driver Reviews
Across 60 reviews, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 is generally seen as a strong-value all-season tire with standout wet-road confidence and dependable year-round grip for normal driving. Many drivers report reassuring performance in cold rain and acceptable snow capability for an all-season, along with a comfortable ride and good overall balance. The most recurring drawbacks are noticeable road noise (often a hum/whine at motorway speeds), a softer/less precise handling feel when pushed, and mixed reports on longevity with several users experiencing faster wear or wet-grip drop-off as tread gets lower.
Based on 61 reviews with an average rating of 75%
Michelin CrossClimate 2 Driver Reviews
Across 129 reviews, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is most often described as a highly confidence-inspiring all-weather tire with standout snow/slush capability and strong dry braking/handling for its category, letting many drivers avoid seasonal tire swaps. Comfort and cabin refinement are frequently praised, with many finding it quieter and smoother than prior summer or OEM tires, and tread life is commonly reported as good when aligned/rotated. The main recurring drawbacks are mixed wet-road feedback (a meaningful minority report reduced wet grip or aquaplaning confidence, sometimes worsening with wear), plus reports of higher noise on certain surfaces/with age, a small fuel/EV range penalty, and premium pricing.
Based on 141 reviews with an average rating of 81%
Conclusion
If you need the class yardsticks for dry braking and winter capability, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 remains the reference. It stops shorter in the dry in all 15 shared tests, is usually strongest on snow across braking, traction and handling, and brings meaningful fuel-saving potential thanks to much lower rolling resistance. The trade-off is a higher price and, in some tests, only mid-pack wet handling. In short: Hankook for wet-biased, value-focused mixed climates; Michelin for frequent snow, shortest dry stops, and efficiency.
Key Differences
- Dry braking: Michelin wins 15/15; typically 5-12% shorter stops
- Wet performance: Hankook leads wet braking/handling in most tests; Michelin can be mid-pack
- Aquaplaning split: Michelin stronger in straight-line; Hankook better in curved aquaplaning
- Snow capability: Michelin clearly ahead in traction/handling and usually braking
- Efficiency: Michelin's rolling resistance advantage is large (often 10-20% lower)
- Value: Hankook generally much cheaper; often better value score and sometimes higher projected mileage
Overall Winner: Michelin CrossClimate 2
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
Hankook Kinergy 4S2 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Footnote
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire 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 tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire 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 tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.