Hankook Ventus Evo vs Vredestein Ultrac Pro
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 24
- TR Score
- 9.0/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 7
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Ventus Evo finished ahead 5 times and the Ultrac Pro not once. The Ventus Evo lasted 29.8% longer in the wear tests; the Ultrac Pro had 3.4% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Hankook Ventus Evo if you want the strongest safety margins (especially in the wet), sharper handling, and better long-term value via higher mileage. Choose the Vredestein Ultrac Pro if your priority is a quieter, more efficient max-performance summer tire and you're willing to trade away some braking performance and wear for refinement.
Where the Ventus Evo is stronger
- Consistently shorter braking distances in both dry and wet (won 5/5 in dry braking and 5/5 in wet braking; e.g., 42.1 m vs 45.0 m wet in Auto Bild 2026)
- Stronger wet performance envelope overall (best-in-test wet credentials; faster wet handling and wet circle across shared tests)
- Higher durability and better cost-per-km/value in the Auto Bild tests (56310 km vs 42100 km in 2026; 41440 km vs 32930 km in 2025, plus better value scores)
Where the Ultrac Pro is stronger
- Lower noise / more refinement in multiple tests (quietest in the 2026 SUV test; wins noise 2 out of 3 measured comparisons here)
- Very low rolling resistance/efficiency, including best-in-field in the 2026 SUV test (6.92 vs 8.15 kg/t)
- Competitive aquaplaning strengths in specific metrics (wins straight aquaplaning in the 2026 SUV test; ties straight aqua in Auto Bild 2026 and 2025)
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.
Ventus Evo vs Ultrac Pro at a glance
| Category | Ventus Evo | Gap | Ultrac Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won5 shared tests | 5 | 0 | |
| Dry9 measurements | 9 | The Ventus Evo stopped 3.1% shorter in the dry (5 tests) | 0 |
| Wet18 measurements | 14 | The Ventus Evo stopped 8.1% shorter in the wet (5 tests) | 2 |
| Off road4 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Comfort5 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Value6 measurements | 4 | The Ventus Evo lasted 29.8% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 2 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.4/10 | The Ventus Evo by 0.4 | 9.0/10 |
| Owner rating24 and 7 reviews | 86% | The Ventus Evo by 3 points | 83% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 78% | The Ventus Evo by 7 points | 71% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | Level | Level | |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 106 | 58 sizes made in both | 98 |
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 5 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 | Ventus Evo | Field | Ultrac Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Summer SUV Tire Test | P1 of 9 | P2 of 9 | |
| 2026 Autobild Summer Tire Test | P1 of 20 | P9 of 20 | |
| 2026 Summer Braking Super Tire Test - How do 52 Tires Perform in Wet and Dry Braking? | P2 of 50 | P13 of 50 | |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test | P4 of 20 | P13 of 20 | |
| 2025 Summer Tire Test Shootout | P3 of 52 | P18 of 52 |
Performance profile
11 measurements from the 5 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Ventus Evo
Ultrac Pro
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 94%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 7 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Ventus Evo
Ultrac Pro
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
Ventus Evo
Ultrac Pro
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Ventus Evo 86% from 24 reviews and the Ultrac Pro 83% from 7. 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 | Ventus Evo | Gap | Ultrac Pro | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 109 | 3.1% | 113 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 67.7 | 1.6% | 66.6 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 14.9% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 124 | 8.1% | 135 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51 | 2.4% | 49.8 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 8.7% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 16.41 | 2.9% | 16.91 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 53.8 | 0.2% | 53.9 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.9 | 0.2% | 9.9 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 39.3 | 0.5% | 39.5 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2,572 | 14.4% | 2,249 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1,911 | 19.4% | 2,281 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 838 | 46.4% | 573 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 4.8% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.83 | 0.6 dB | 71.2 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 30,370 | 29.8% | 23,311 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.17 | 3.4% | 7.92 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1,470 | 9.1% | 1,617 | 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 Ventus Evo scores 9.4 and the Ultrac Pro 9 out of 10.
| Ventus Evo | Category | Ultrac Pro | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89 | Dry | 86 | ||
| 99 | Wet | 82 | ||
| 50 | Comfort | 80 | ||
| 47 | Value | 27 | ||
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
| Ventus Evo | Category | Ultrac Pro | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.3 | Dry Grip | 9.1 | ||
| 9.2 | Wet Grip | 8.9 | ||
| 8.3 | Road Feedback | 8.3 | ||
| 9 | Handling | 9 | ||
| 7.8 | Wear | 6 | ||
| 7.9 | Comfort | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the Ventus Evo 86% from 24 reviews and the Ultrac Pro 83% from 7. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
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.
Vredestein Ultrac Pro
- 83%from 7 reviews
- 71%would buy again
- 34,100 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers largely praise the Vredestein Ultrac Pro for strong dry and wet grip, confident handling, and notably good ride comfort, with several noting premium feel and value. High-scoring reviews highlight short braking distances, stability, and decent wear for aggressive or heavy vehicles. A minority report concerns include poor performance in very cold (sub-5°C) conditions and one case of premature wear/delamination. Overall, the Ultrac Pro delivers balanced performance with comfort-focused tuning and attractive design.
- dry grip
- wet grip
- handling/steering feel
- ride comfort
- reduced grip in very cold temperatures
Summarised by AI from 6 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 7 Ultrac Pro reviewsI've had them for two summers and about 10k kms on a Ford Focus ST250. When I was buying them I was looking for good tires at a fair price and these were the newest model available at the time.
Dry: In the dry they have good traction, predictable handlings and good comfort for a UHP tire. Breakaway is communicated well and they don't surprise you out of nowhere. Lift of oversteer is easily achieved and controlled. They do wheelspin a bit in first gear if you are a bit more enthusiastic with the throttle but that's expected on a more powerful fwd car.
Wet: They have good and predictable grip in the wet, good aquaplaning resistance and stop quite well.
Others: Rim guard is somewhere in the middle, not as big as Bridgestone but better than Hankook. Sidewall design is good, comfort and noise are good for a uhp tire. Wear has also been good for me, I expect to change them due to age and not wear but then again I don't do that many miles a year.
It's a tire I like and would recommend. Price to performance is good. Would consider buying. I got their Wintrac Pro Plus to try this winter so I've been satisfied with Vredesteins as a whole.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 106 sizes of the Ventus Evo and 98 of the Ultrac Pro, 58 of them made in both.
| Category | Ventus Evo | Ultrac Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 106 sizes, 17 to 22 inch | 98 sizes, 18 to 24 inch |
| Made in both | 58 sizes 205/40 R18215/40 R18215/45 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18235/40 R18235/45 R18245/35 R18245/40 R18245/45 R18255/35 R18255/40 R18and 46 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A97%B3% | A97%B3% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C83%A10%B7%D1% | C73%D18%B6%A3% |
| EU label noise | 68-73 dB B76%A24% | 69-73 dB B97%A3% |
| On the market since | - | 2024 |
| Replaced | Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 (2021) | Vredestein Ultrac Vorti+ (2020) |
| Awards | Winner: Performance Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2026/27) Winner: Performance Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2025) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | Within 1% of each other on average across the 3 tests that listed prices. 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 Ventus Evo and Vredestein's Ultrac Pro sit in the same max-performance summer bracket, but the shared test data paints a fairly clear split in priorities: Hankook is tuned for outright grip, braking authority and lap-time style control, while Vredestein leans more toward a refined “all-rounder” feel with efficiency and low noise as standout traits.
Across five independent shared tests (including two large Auto Bild group tests and a dedicated wet/dry braking comparison), the Ventus Evo repeatedly lands at or near the top of the field-winning every shared overall result-whereas the Ultrac Pro typically places mid-pack overall despite having a few specific advantages. The interesting part is that Vredestein's wins tend to be in secondary-but-daily-relevant areas (noise, rolling resistance, a couple of aquaplaning/off-road metrics), while Hankook dominates the safety-critical and performance-defining categories (wet and dry braking, wet handling).
Conclusion
If you're choosing on objective performance and safety margins, the Hankook Ventus Evo is the more convincing tire. It wins dry braking in all five shared tests and wet braking in all five, often by meaningful gaps (e.g., 42.1 m vs 45.0 m wet braking in Auto Bild 2026, and 42.7 m vs 48.8 m in Auto Bild 2025). It also tends to be faster in handling (e.g., 89.1 vs 87.0 km/h wet handling in the 2026 SUV test; 120.9 vs 117.4 km/h dry handling in Auto Bild 2025). Add in clearly stronger wear/cost efficiency in the Auto Bild datasets (56310 km vs 42100 km projected mileage in 2026; 41440 km vs 32930 km in 2025, alongside better “value” scores), and the Hankook looks like the better-rounded purchase for most drivers.
The Vredestein Ultrac Pro still makes sense when comfort/efficiency are top priorities and you can accept giving up braking and longevity. It is repeatedly quieter (e.g., 69.1 vs 70.6 dB in the 2026 SUV test; 71.0 vs 71.8 dB in Auto Bild 2026) and frequently shows lower rolling resistance (notably 6.92 vs 8.15 kg/t in the SUV test, the best in that field). It also edges straight-line aquaplaning in the SUV test (89.3 vs 88.7 km/h) and is strong in sand traction there (10147 N vs 8501 N). The practical takeaway: Ventus Evo is the performance-and-safety pick with better ownership economics; Ultrac Pro is the more refined, efficient cruiser-provided you're comfortable with its weaker braking/wear outcomes in these comparisons.
Ventus Evo vs Ultrac Pro: your questions
Is the Hankook Ventus Evo or the Vredestein Ultrac Pro the better tire?
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook Ventus Evo finished ahead 5 times and the Ultrac Pro not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Ventus Evo scores 9.4 and the Ultrac Pro 9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Ventus Evo or the Ultrac Pro?
The Ventus Evo led 14 of the 18 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 8.1% shorter in the wet across 5 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Ventus Evo led 9 of the 9 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.1% shorter in the dry across 5 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Ventus Evo lasted 29.8% longer in the wear tests (2 tests); the Ultrac Pro had 3.4% lower rolling resistance (3 tests). Owners rate wear 7.8/10 for the Ventus Evo and 6/10 for the Ultrac Pro.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Ultrac Pro was 0.6 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.9/10 for the Ventus Evo and 8.1/10 for the Ultrac Pro.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Ventus Evo 86% from 24 reviews and the Ultrac Pro 83% from 7. 78% of Ventus Evo owners would buy it again, against 71% for the Ultrac Pro.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the two were priced within 1% of each other on average.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Ventus Evo is made in 106 sizes (17 to 22 inch) and the Ultrac Pro in 98 (18 to 24 inch). 58 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Ventus Evo is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Ultrac Pro A and C.
More comparisons with these tires
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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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