Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 75% · 72
- TR Score
- 9.6/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 24
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport finished ahead 3 times and the Kinergy 4S2 not once. The Kinergy 4S2 stopped 1.2% shorter on snow; the CrossClimate 3 Sport had 13.9% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport if you want top-tier all-season safety fundamentals (especially wet braking), stronger snow traction, and better efficiency-ideal for faster road driving and high-mileage energy costs, accepting higher price and potential noise/firmness. Choose the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 if your priority is value and longevity with reassuring wet-road handling feel, and you can live with weaker braking performance and notably higher rolling resistance.
Where the Kinergy 4S2 is stronger
- Strong wet handling pace and lateral grip (wins wet handling in 2/3 tests; strong wet circle performance)
- Predictable, enjoyable balance with good steering response; can be genuinely quick on handling circuits (dry handling win in 2026/27)
- Best measured longevity and running-cost value where reported (58,100 km wear; markedly better value metric in AutoBild)
Where the CrossClimate 3 Sport is stronger
- Consistently shorter stopping distances on dry and especially wet roads (wins dry & wet braking in all shared tests)
- Much lower rolling resistance across the board (~11-17% better), supporting better fuel economy/EV range
- Strong winter propulsion: class-leading snow traction in all three tests (e.g., 2323 N vs 2161 N; 2946 N vs 2817 N)
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 CrossClimate 3 Sport at a glance
| Category | Kinergy 4S2 | Gap | CrossClimate 3 Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 0 | 3 | |
| Dry7 measurements | 2 | The CrossClimate 3 Sport stopped 4.2% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 5 |
| Wet15 measurements | 7 | The CrossClimate 3 Sport stopped 2.5% shorter in the wet (3 tests) | 8 |
| Snow11 measurements | 3 | 8 | |
| Comfort5 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Value5 measurements | 2 | The CrossClimate 3 Sport had 13.9% lower rolling resistance (3 tests) | 3 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.9/10 | The CrossClimate 3 Sport by 0.7 | 9.6/10 |
| Owner rating72 and 24 reviews | 75% | The CrossClimate 3 Sport by 11 points | 86% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 74% | The CrossClimate 3 Sport by 12 points | 86% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The CrossClimate 3 Sport was dearer in 3 of 3 | +20.5% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 96 | 20 sizes made in both | 63 |
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 3 tests, 2025 to 2026
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 | CrossClimate 3 Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| The BEST All Season Tires For 2026/27 | P7 of 10 | P2 of 10 | |
| 2026 Die Reifentester All Season Tire Test - 225/40 R18 | P5 of 9 | P3 of 9 | |
| 2025 AutoBild All Season Tire Test | P5 of 15 | P3 of 15 |
Performance profile
13 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Kinergy 4S2
CrossClimate 3 Sport
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 96%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 11 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Kinergy 4S2
CrossClimate 3 Sport
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
Not ahead in any category
CrossClimate 3 Sport
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72 reviews and the CrossClimate 3 Sport 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 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 | CrossClimate 3 Sport | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 129 | 4.2% | 124 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 92.62 | 1.6% | 94.15 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 62.3 | 0.3% | 62.5 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 1.7% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 123 | 2.5% | 120 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 67.44 | 1.9% | 68.76 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 45 | 1.4% | 44.4 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 0.5% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 13.04 | 0.8% | 13.14 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 50 | 1.4% | 50.6 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 8.7 | 1.1% | 8.6 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 86 | 1.2% | 87 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 4.23 | 5.4% | 4 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 560 | 6% | 592 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 66.88 | 0.2% | 66.75 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 32.1 | 3.3% | 33.1 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 1.6% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 12 | 1.9% | 12.2 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 0.7% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.8% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 72.22 | 0.2 dB | 72.42 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 36,102 | 24.8% | 28,925 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 8.79 | 13.9% | 7.55 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 885 | 3% | 912 | 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 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 CrossClimate 3 Sport 9.6 out of 10.
| Kinergy 4S2 | Category | CrossClimate 3 Sport | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | Dry | 100 | ||
| 85 | Wet | 59 | ||
| 43 | Comfort | 23 | ||
| 42 | Value | - | ||
| 74 | Snow | 100 | ||
| 25 | Ice | - | ||
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 | CrossClimate 3 Sport | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.1 | Dry Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 8 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 7.1 | Road Feedback | 8.7 | ||
| 7.4 | Handling | 8.4 | ||
| 7.6 | Wear | 8.8 | ||
| 7.3 | Comfort | 9.2 | ||
| 7.5 | Snow Grip | 9.4 | ||
| 6.5 | Ice Grip | 9.4 | ||
Owners rate the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72 reviews and the CrossClimate 3 Sport 86% from 24. 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.
Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
- 86%from 24 reviews
- 86%would buy again
- 88,237 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport very highly overall (86.1% average; 18 of 20 positive), most consistently praising how quiet and comfortable it is while still delivering strong, predictable grip in both the dry and the wet. Around half of reviewers mention the low road noise and smooth ride, and many also highlight confident dry performance and wet traction that feels close to a summer UHP tire for everyday driving. Downsides are less common, but around one in seven owners raise faster-than-expected wear, and around one in ten criticise the lack of rim protection.
- Quiet on the road, even at speed
- Smooth, comfortable ride
- Strong, predictable dry grip
- Confident wet grip and traction
- Faster-than-expected tread wear for some owners
- Little to no rim protection / exposed rims
- Steering feel not as sharp for everyone
Summarised by AI from 20 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 24 CrossClimate 3 Sport reviewsFitted on my Golf 7.5 GTI Performance as a replacement for a winter tire (Zagreb, Croatia - there hasn't been much snow in a couple of years, only wet conditions).
So far so good - only down side for now is noise. They are louder than most of the tires I have driven on. Speaking as someone who has Bridgestone Potenza Evo Sport summer time.
Feedback on the steering wheel is good, sharp.Looks good on the car with their sporty side wall.
I will get back on this review after this winter and some snow potential.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 96 sizes of the Kinergy 4S2 and 63 of the CrossClimate 3 Sport, 20 of them made in both.
| Category | Kinergy 4S2 | CrossClimate 3 Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Season | All Season | All Season |
| Sizes made | 96 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 63 sizes, 18 to 23 inch |
| Made in both | 20 sizes 205/40 R18215/40 R18225/40 R18235/40 R18245/40 R18245/45 R18255/40 R18225/40 R19235/35 R19245/35 R19245/40 R19245/45 R19and 8 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B96%C4% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C78%D22%B1% | B78%C22% |
| EU label noise | 70-73 dB B100% | 72-75 dB B81%A19% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 194 of 194 | 63 of 63 |
| On the market since | - | 2025 |
| Replaced | Hankook Kinergy 4S (2021) | - |
| Awards | - | Winner: Best All Season Tires (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Winner: Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2025) |
| Price in the shared tests | The CrossClimate 3 Sport was the dearer tire in 3 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 20.5% 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 comparison puts two very different interpretations of the modern all-season tire head-to-head in the same 225/40 R18 test environment. The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 is a premium-touring, comfort/value-leaning all-season that's now an older design but still widely respected for its balanced, confidence-inspiring road manners. The Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport is a newer ultra-high-performance all-season aiming to feel “summer-like” on dry roads while still delivering credible winter capability.
Across three shared professional tests (AutoBild 2025, Die Reifentester 2026, and a 2026/27 group test), the Michelin consistently places higher overall (3rd, 3rd, and 2nd) while the Hankook typically lands mid-pack (5th, 5th, and 7th). The interesting twist is that the Hankook often looks better than its overall rankings suggest in dynamic handling metrics-especially wet handling-while the Michelin's advantage is built on more repeatable “big ticket” fundamentals: shorter braking distances and markedly better efficiency (rolling resistance).
Conclusion
Across the shared tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport is the more convincing all-rounder for drivers who prioritize safety-critical performance and modern efficiency. It wins dry braking in all three comparisons (e.g., 38.8 m vs 41.3 m in AutoBild; 36.4 m vs 37.8 m in the 2026/27 test) and wet braking in all three (e.g., 31.82 m vs 32.84 m in 2026/27). It also dominates rolling resistance every time (roughly 11-17% lower), which has real-world implications for fuel/energy use and range-one of the major reasons it repeatedly finishes near the top overall.
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 fights back with genuinely likeable, confidence-building handling, often posting faster wet handling results (wins wet handling in 2/3 tests and wet circle in AutoBild) and earning praise for balance and steering response. It's also the clear value and longevity play where measured: AutoBild shows substantially longer projected wear (58,100 km vs 46,550 km) and a dramatically lower cost-per-distance (“Value” 6.88 vs 12.03). The trade-off is that the Hankook's ageing design shows in efficiency (highest/near-highest rolling resistance) and in key stopping metrics where it tends to trail.
Practical takeaway: if you want the newer-generation, “brake-and-go” competence with strong snow traction and better efficiency, the CrossClimate 3 Sport is the safer bet despite the premium price and some refinement compromises (noise/ride). If you're cost-conscious, rack up mileage, and value predictable wet-road handling feel over outright braking supremacy, the Kinergy 4S2 remains a sensible choice-but it's no longer the benchmark for overall breadth.
Kinergy 4S2 vs CrossClimate 3 Sport: your questions
Is the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 or the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport the better tire?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport finished ahead 3 times and the Kinergy 4S2 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Kinergy 4S2 scores 8.9 and the CrossClimate 3 Sport 9.6 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Kinergy 4S2 or the CrossClimate 3 Sport?
The CrossClimate 3 Sport led 8 of the 15 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.5% shorter in the wet across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The CrossClimate 3 Sport led 5 of the 7 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.2% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The CrossClimate 3 Sport led 8 of the 11 snow measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The CrossClimate 3 Sport had 13.9% lower rolling resistance (3 tests). Owners rate wear 7.6/10 for the Kinergy 4S2 and 8.8/10 for the CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.3/10 for the Kinergy 4S2 and 9.2/10 for the CrossClimate 3 Sport.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72 reviews and the CrossClimate 3 Sport 86% from 24. 74% of Kinergy 4S2 owners would buy it again, against 86% for the CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the CrossClimate 3 Sport was the dearer tire in 3 of them, by 20.5% 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 CrossClimate 3 Sport in 63 (18 to 23 inch). 20 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 CrossClimate 3 Sport A and B.
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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 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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