Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Hankook Ventus Evo
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 82% · 71
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 24
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Ventus Evo finished ahead 3 times and the PremiumContact 7 twice, with one level. The PremiumContact 7 lasted 5.8% longer in the wear tests; the Ventus Evo stopped 1.6% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
If your priority is maximum grip-per-euro with especially strong wet braking and a sportier feel, pick the Hankook Ventus evo. If you want the more rounded premium-touring choice with superior curved aquaplaning security, consistently strong wet handling balance, and better longevity/efficiency trends, pick the Continental PremiumContact 7-particularly for high-mileage daily driving and frequent heavy-rain motorway use.
Where the PremiumContact 7 is stronger
- Class-leading curved aquaplaning resistance across shared tests (4-0), translating to strong cornering stability in heavy rain
- Very strong wet handling balance in multiple tests (e.g., 69.4 s vs 70.9 s in Motor 2026; 67.7 s vs 68.69 s in 225/45 R17 group test)
- Better wear/longevity results in shared data (e.g., 46,250 km vs 41,440 km in Auto Bild 2025; slightly ahead again in Autobild 2026)
Where the Ventus Evo is stronger
- Dominant wet braking across all shared comparisons (6-0), including big-test validation (e.g., 27.0 m vs 27.3 m; 42.1 m vs 42.7 m; 42.7 m vs 44.2 m)
- Frequent dry braking advantage (wins 4-2), including standout 32.8 m vs 34.3 m in 245/45 R19 testing
- Sportier, more confidence-inspiring subjective scores (wins subjective dry handling 3-0; also leads subjective wet handling where measured)
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.
PremiumContact 7 vs Ventus Evo at a glance
| Category | PremiumContact 7 | Gap | Ventus Evo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won6 shared tests | 2 | 1 level | 3 |
| Dry13 measurements | 4 | The Ventus Evo stopped 0.9% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 9 |
| Wet24 measurements | 10 | The Ventus Evo stopped 1.6% shorter in the wet (6 tests) | 14 |
| Comfort8 measurements | 3 | The Ventus Evo was 1.1 dB quieter (4 tests) | 4 |
| Value7 measurements | 6 | The PremiumContact 7 lasted 5.8% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 1 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.5/10 | The PremiumContact 7 by 0.1 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner rating71 and 24 reviews | 82% | The Ventus Evo by 4 points | 86% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 74% | The Ventus Evo by 4 points | 78% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | +21.6% | The PremiumContact 7 was dearer in 2 of 3 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 56 | 23 sizes made in both | 106 |
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 6 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 | PremiumContact 7 | Field | Ventus Evo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Motor Summer Tire Test | P1 of 9 | P3 of 9 | |
| 2026 Autobild Summer Tire Test | P6 of 20 | P1 of 20 | |
| The BEST Summer Tires for 2026 Tested and Rated | P1 of 12 | P3 of 12 | |
| 2026 Summer Braking Super Tire Test - How do 52 Tires Perform in Wet and Dry Braking? | P6 of 50 | P2 of 50 | |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test | P4 of 20 | P4 of 20 | |
| 2025 Summer Tire Test Shootout | P8 of 52 | P3 of 52 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 6 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
PremiumContact 7
Ventus Evo
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. 2 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
PremiumContact 7
Ventus Evo
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
PremiumContact 7
Not ahead in any category
Ventus Evo
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the PremiumContact 7 82% from 71 reviews and the Ventus Evo 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 | PremiumContact 7 | Gap | Ventus Evo | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115 | 0.9% | 114 | 2-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.35 | 0.7% | 73.84 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 68.1 | 1.5% | 69.1 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 18.1% | scored | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 117 | 1.6% | 115 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 68.55 | 1.8% | 69.8 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 48.3 | 1% | 48.8 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1.8 | 4.7% | 1.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 13.83 | 0.3% | 13.77 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50.1 | 2.2% | 51.1 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.9 | 2.3% | 11.7 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 0.7% | scored | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.23 | 1.1 dB | 70.1 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 31,876 | 5.8% | 30,370 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.38 | 2.7% | 6.52 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1,302 | 11.4% | 1,470 | 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 PremiumContact 7 scores 9.5 and the Ventus Evo 9.4 out of 10.
| PremiumContact 7 | Category | Ventus Evo | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 89 | ||
| 97 | Wet | 99 | ||
| 36 | Comfort | 50 | ||
| 67 | Value | 47 | ||
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
| PremiumContact 7 | Category | Ventus Evo | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.2 | Dry Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 9.2 | Wet Grip | 9.2 | ||
| 8.3 | Road Feedback | 8.3 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 9 | ||
| 7.3 | Wear | 7.8 | ||
| 7.5 | Comfort | 7.9 | ||
Owners rate the PremiumContact 7 82% from 71 reviews and the Ventus Evo 86% from 24. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental PremiumContact 7
- 82%from 71 reviews
- 74%would buy again
- 704,882 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners are largely impressed with the Continental PremiumContact 7, rating it 82.9% on average with no outright negative reviews, and the standout theme is strong, confidence-inspiring grip in both dry and wet conditions. Nearly half of owners mention excellent dry and wet grip, often backed up by praise for secure handling and stability. The main drawback is refinement: around a quarter to a third of owners report notable road noise, and a similar share are disappointed by tread life, with wear sometimes described as quicker than expected. Comfort is generally viewed positively overall, though opinions vary, and steering feel is more mixed than the outright grip levels suggest.
- Strong dry grip and traction
- Very confident wet grip
- Secure, planted handling in the dry
- Comfortable ride over bumps and on longer runs
- Noticeable road noise, especially on coarse surfaces
- Tread life can be disappointing for a premium tire
- Steering feel/precision can be inconsistent (some find it vague)
Summarised by AI from 58 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 71 PremiumContact 7 reviewsThe PremiumContact 7 offers a great balance of touring longevity, comfort, and sufficiently precise handling to keep you safe at higher speeds and in unexpected situations. These tires provide near-perfect grip across various conditions, performing exceptionally well on both dry and wet roads. On the other hand, they can get a bit noisy on rough surfaces.
Hankook Ventus Evo
- 86%from 24 reviews
- 78%would buy again
- 106,316 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Hankook Ventus Evo very highly overall, with most praising strong dry and wet grip that inspires confidence. A clear majority also highlight low road noise and a comfortable, compliant ride for an everyday performance tire. The main drawback is steering feel: around one in three owners say it lacks initial feedback or sharpness versus premium rivals, even if outright grip remains strong.
- Very strong dry grip
- Very strong wet grip
- Generally quiet at speed
- Comfortable, compliant ride
- Steering feel lacks feedback/initial bite for some drivers
- Can be a bit noisy on certain surfaces or at particular speeds
- Ride can feel slightly firm on low-profile fitments
Summarised by AI from 21 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 24 Ventus Evo reviewsI bought set of these in SUV version to replace OEM worn-out Bridgestone Dueller tires. The Hankooks were one of few options available in size for Lexus RX and the price was very good. Obviously, they are sport-biased, not intended for a comfortable relaxed SUV. Their grip both in dry and wet is perfect, steering precise. But, they are not the choice for maximum comfort and silence. Winter set (Conti 870P) in the same size are significantly quieter and more comfortable. However, these tires are a smart choice- good price, peak safety and also good wear- after 20000km stil about 4-5mm. I would buy them again, but not for RX.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 56 sizes of the PremiumContact 7 and 106 of the Ventus Evo, 23 of them made in both.
| Category | PremiumContact 7 | Ventus Evo |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 56 sizes, 16 to 21 inch | 106 sizes, 17 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 23 sizes 205/45 R17205/55 R17215/45 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17205/40 R18215/40 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18225/55 R18235/40 R18and 11 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | A97%B3% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C74%B26% | C83%A10%B7%D1% |
| EU label noise | 71-73 dB B100% | 68-73 dB B76%A24% |
| On the market since | 2022 | - |
| Replaced | Continental Premium Contact 6 | Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 (2021) |
| Awards | Recommended: Best Tires for Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Winner: Summer Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2024) | Winner: Performance Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2026/27) Winner: Performance Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2025) |
| Price in the shared tests | The PremiumContact 7 was the dearer tire in 2 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 21.6% 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.
Continental's PremiumContact 7 and Hankook's Ventus evo sit close on the road, but they're aimed at slightly different buyers: the Continental is a premium-touring summer tire built around a broad safety/comfort envelope, while the Hankook is a max-performance summer tire that leans harder into grip and driver appeal. Across six shared professional tests in popular sizes (225/45 R17, 225/40 R18, 245/45 R19), both repeatedly land near the top of the order-this is a “great vs great” comparison rather than a clear win vs lose.
The interesting part is how they arrive at their results. The Hankook more often posts the headline braking numbers-especially in the wet-while the Continental tends to score with stability, aquaplaning reserves (particularly in corners), and long-haul ownership metrics like wear and rolling resistance. If you're choosing between them, it's less about which is “safe enough” (both are), and more about whether you prioritize wet stopping/driver feel or balanced touring competence and longevity.
Conclusion
On outright performance, Hankook's Ventus evo is the more consistently aggressive performer across the shared datasets: it wins wet braking in all six shared comparisons and is frequently among the very best on dry braking too (e.g., 32.8 m vs 34.3 m in the 245/45 R19 Autobild test, and 27.0 m vs 27.3 m in the large braking shootout). It also repeatedly leads on subjective scores, suggesting a sportier, more confidence-inspiring feel near the limit-one reason it can top an overall test (1/20 in Autobild 2026) and podium in others.
Continental's PremiumContact 7 counters with a more rounded “always works” profile that shows up in curved aquaplaning and overall wet balance: it wins curved aquaplaning 4-0 across shared tests and is often quicker/more controlled in wet handling (e.g., 69.4 s vs 70.9 s in Motor 2026; 67.7 s vs 68.69 s in the 225/45 R17 group test). Where the Continental can make the biggest real-world difference is ownership: wear/mileage is consistently better (e.g., 46,250 km vs 41,440 km in Auto Bild 2025; and marginally higher again in Autobild 2026), and rolling resistance is more often lower-while Hankook is repeatedly flagged for higher rolling resistance in the narratives.
Practical takeaway: choose the Ventus evo if you want the more performance-leaning, braking-strong tire with excellent wet stopping and a sportier steering/limit behavior. Choose the PremiumContact 7 if you want a premium-touring summer tire that's exceptionally secure in standing water and sweeping wet corners, with stronger longevity and a calmer, more balanced day-to-day character-accepting that it's often pricier and not always the “hero number” winner in braking tables.
PremiumContact 7 vs Ventus Evo: your questions
Is the Continental PremiumContact 7 or the Hankook Ventus Evo the better tire?
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Ventus Evo finished ahead 3 times and the PremiumContact 7 twice, with one level. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the PremiumContact 7 scores 9.5 and the Ventus Evo 9.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the PremiumContact 7 or the Ventus Evo?
The Ventus Evo led 14 of the 24 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.6% shorter in the wet across 6 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Ventus Evo led 9 of the 13 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.9% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The PremiumContact 7 lasted 5.8% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) and had 2.7% lower rolling resistance (4 tests). Owners rate wear 7.3/10 for the PremiumContact 7 and 7.8/10 for the Ventus Evo.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Ventus Evo was 1.1 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.5/10 for the PremiumContact 7 and 7.9/10 for the Ventus Evo.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the PremiumContact 7 82% from 71 reviews and the Ventus Evo 86% from 24. 74% of PremiumContact 7 owners would buy it again, against 78% for the Ventus Evo.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the PremiumContact 7 was the dearer tire in 2 of them, by 21.6% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The PremiumContact 7 is made in 56 sizes (16 to 21 inch) and the Ventus Evo in 106 (17 to 22 inch). 23 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the PremiumContact 7 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Ventus Evo A and C.
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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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