Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Linglong Sport Master 4S
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 75% · 72
- TR Score
- 8.7/10
- Owners say
- -
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 finished ahead 4 times and the Sport Master 4S not once. The Kinergy 4S2 lasted 32.5% longer in the wear tests; the Sport Master 4S stopped 5.3% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Hankook Kinergy 4S2 for year-round safety, frequent rain, and true winter use, plus better fuel economy and tread life. Choose Linglong Sport Master 4S if you drive in mild climates with little to no snow and want strong dry braking and comfort at a lower price.
Where the Kinergy 4S2 is stronger
- Outstanding snow capability (shorter braking by 12-19%, stronger traction and handling)
- Superior wet control and aquaplaning resistance (wins in wet handling/circle and curved aqua)
- Better efficiency and longevity (lower rolling resistance, ~31% longer wear, lower abrasion)
Where the Sport Master 4S is stronger
- Excellent dry braking and competitive dry handling (often best or near-best)
- Comfortable ride and low subjective noise in some tests
- Attractive purchase price with respectable wet braking in certain 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 Sport Master 4S at a glance
| Category | Kinergy 4S2 | Gap | Sport Master 4S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 4 | 0 | |
| Dry9 measurements | 2 | The Sport Master 4S stopped 5.3% shorter in the dry (4 tests) | 7 |
| Wet19 measurements | 15 | The Kinergy 4S2 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 2.9% higher speed (4 tests) | 4 |
| Snow17 measurements | 16 | The Kinergy 4S2 stopped 11.2% shorter on snow (4 tests) | 1 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 2 | 4 | |
| Value8 measurements | 7 | The Kinergy 4S2 lasted 32.5% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 1 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.9/10 | The Kinergy 4S2 by 0.2 | 8.7/10 |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +39.7% | The Kinergy 4S2 was dearer in 4 of 4 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 96 | 46 sizes made in both | 60 |
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 4 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 | Sport Master 4S |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Zeitung All Season Tire Test | P6 of 10 | P9 of 10 | |
| 2025 Auto Bild Sports Car All Season Tire Test | P2 of 10 | P8 of 10 | |
| 2025 Autobild SUV All Season Tire Test | P3 of 11 | P10 of 11 | |
| 2025 AutoBild All Season Tire Test | P5 of 15 | P14 of 15 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 4 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Kinergy 4S2
Sport Master 4S
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 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 9 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Kinergy 4S2
Sport Master 4S
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.
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 | Sport Master 4S | Wins | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 133 | 5.3% | 126 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 71.6 | 0.8% | 71 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 59.2 | 0.1% | 59.2 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 9.6% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 168 | 0.8% | 167 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 77.3 | 1.4% | 78.4 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 47.1 | 1.4% | 46.4 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 15.5% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 13.54 | 1.5% | 13.73 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 47.1 | 2.9% | 45.8 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 8.9 | 7.7% | 8.2 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 83 | 11.2% | 94 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 630 | 7.4% | 586 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 79.8 | 3.5% | 82.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 42.7 | 3.7% | 41.2 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 107.5% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 12 | 9.6% | 11 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 12.7 | 1.8% | 12.5 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 2% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 72.13 | 0.2 dB | 71.95 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 31,410 | 32.5% | 23,752 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 8.33 | 7% | 8.98 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 885 | 15% | 1,041 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 0.11 | 9.5% | 0.12 | 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 Sport Master 4S 8.7 out of 10.
| Kinergy 4S2 | Category | Sport Master 4S | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | Dry | 93 | ||
| 85 | Wet | 67 | ||
| 43 | Comfort | 52 | ||
| 42 | Value | 28 | ||
| 74 | Snow | 26 | ||
| 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 | Sport Master 4S | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.1 | Dry Grip | - | ||
| 8 | Wet Grip | - | ||
| 7.1 | Road Feedback | - | ||
| 7.4 | Handling | - | ||
| 7.6 | Wear | - | ||
| 7.3 | Comfort | - | ||
| 7.5 | Snow Grip | - | ||
| 6.5 | Ice Grip | - | ||
Owners rate the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72 reviews; the Sport Master 4S has no owner reviews yet. 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.
Linglong Sport Master 4S
No owner reviews yet. Be the first to review it →
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 96 sizes of the Kinergy 4S2 and 60 of the Sport Master 4S, 46 of them made in both.
| Category | Kinergy 4S2 | Sport Master 4S |
|---|---|---|
| Season | All Season | All Season |
| Sizes made | 96 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 60 sizes, 13 to 19 inch |
| Made in both | 46 sizes 155/65 R14165/60 R14165/65 R14165/70 R14175/65 R14175/70 R14185/60 R14185/65 R14165/65 R15175/65 R15185/55 R15185/60 R15and 34 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B96%C4% | B82%C18% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C78%D22%B1% | C52%D48% |
| EU label noise | 70-73 dB B100% | 68-72 dB A85%B15% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 194 of 194 | 112 of 112 |
| Replaced | Hankook Kinergy 4S (2021) | Linglong Grip Master 4S (2022) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Kinergy 4S2 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 39.7% 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.
Hankook's Kinergy 4S2 and Linglong's Sport Master 4S target the same all-season brief but come from different philosophies: Hankook aims for premium-touring balance across all weather, while Linglong leans into budget-friendly, dry-focused performance. Across three 2025 Auto Bild/Autobild SUV tests, the Hankook consistently finished near the top (P2, P3, P5), while the Linglong landed mid-to-lower midfield (P8, P10, P14).
The numbers reveal a clear split. Linglong repeatedly stops shorter on dry roads and posts marginally quicker dry handling laps, but Hankook dominates wet handling, aquaplaning safety, winter traction/braking, and durability. If you face real winters or heavy rain, the Hankook's advantage is meaningful; in mild climates with rare snow, the Linglong's dry stopping power and comfort are compelling for the money.
Conclusion
Pattern-wise, Hankook is the safer, more rounded all-season: decisive wins in wet handling and aquaplaning, large margins on snow (e.g., up to 19% shorter snow braking), and clear efficiency/longevity benefits (≈31% better wear, lower rolling resistance and abrasion). Those strengths drove three head-to-head test wins.
Linglong counters with consistently shorter dry braking (by ~6-8% in two tests) and slightly higher dry handling speeds, plus very good ride comfort. But its snow performance is a liability and wet control trails the class leaders. For everyday drivers who encounter varied weather, Hankook is the confident choice; for budget-focused drivers in temperate regions prioritizing dry-road stopping and comfort, Linglong offers value-just avoid regular winter use.
Kinergy 4S2 vs Sport Master 4S: your questions
Is the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 or the Linglong Sport Master 4S the better tire?
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 finished ahead 4 times and the Sport Master 4S not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Kinergy 4S2 scores 8.9 and the Sport Master 4S 8.7 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Kinergy 4S2 or the Sport Master 4S?
The Kinergy 4S2 led 15 of the 19 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it resisted straight aquaplaning at a 2.9% higher speed across 4 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Sport Master 4S led 7 of the 9 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.3% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Kinergy 4S2 led 16 of the 17 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 11.2% shorter on snow across 4 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Kinergy 4S2 lasted 32.5% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) and had 7% lower rolling resistance (4 tests).
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Kinergy 4S2 75% from 72 reviews; the Sport Master 4S has no owner reviews yet.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Kinergy 4S2 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 39.7% 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 Sport Master 4S in 60 (13 to 19 inch). 46 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 Sport Master 4S 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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