Hankook Ventus Prime 4 vs Kumho Ecsta HS52
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 eight tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hankook Ventus Prime 4 | three | |
| Kumho Ecsta HS52 | five |
While it might look like the Kumho Ecsta HS52 is better than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 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
- Lowest rolling resistance and better fuel consumption in most tests
- Strong wet braking/handling balance (notably 2022 results)
- Consistently composed dry/wet dynamics with good steering safety at the limit
- Competitive wear and abrasion control with generally low running refinement
- Frequent leader in dry braking with confident dry handling
- Very competitive wet performance, especially braking and aquaplaning resistance
- Excellent mileage and lower purchase price for strong cost-per-1000km
- Low external noise and broadly strong value proposition
Dry Braking
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during six dry braking tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 stopped the vehicle in 0.77% less distance than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Dry Braking: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was 0.39% faster around a lap than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was 0.43% faster around a lap than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 scored 5.26% more points than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 stopped the vehicle in 0.94% less distance than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Wet Braking: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during two wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 stopped the vehicle in 6.35% less distance than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was 0.61% faster around a wet lap than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was 0.34% faster around a wet lap than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 scored 5.26% more points than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was 0.26% faster around a wet circle than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Wet Circle: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 floated at a 2.36% higher speed than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Straight Aqua: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 slipped out at a 1.73% higher speed than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 scored 5.26% more points than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during three noise tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 measured 0.39% quieter than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Noise: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Tire Weight
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and Kumho Ecsta HS52 performed equally well in tire weight tests.
Best In Tire Weight: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Tire Weight winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during three wear tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 is predicted to cover 8.42% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Wear: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during one value tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 has a 36.1% better value based on dollars per 1000 warranted miles than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Value: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 was better during five price tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta HS52 cost 10.52% less than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4.
Best In Price: Kumho Ecsta HS52
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 had a 8.14% lower rolling resistance than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during three fuel consumption tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 used 4.09% less fuel than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 was better during two abrasion tests. On average the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 emitted 10.65% less particle wear matter than the Kumho Ecsta HS52.
Best In Abrasion: Hankook Ventus Prime 4
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 highly for its quiet, comfortable ride, strong dry grip, confident wet performance (especially when new), and excellent value versus premium rivals. Handling stability and braking inspire confidence across varied conditions, with many noting a step up in refinement and noise compared to previous tires. A recurring downside is faster-than-expected wear, with multiple reports of wet grip and overall performance declining as tread depth drops, alongside noise increasing as the tire ages. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with durability-related concerns being the main caveat.
Based on 75 reviews with an average rating of 82%
Kumho Ecsta HS52 Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Kumho Ecsta HS52 positively, praising its strong dry grip, confident wet braking, predictable handling, and good value. Many report low to moderate wear with some high-mileage success, though a minority cite faster front wear or abnormal wear. Noise is generally acceptable but occasionally noted as higher, and comfort is mid-firm. Overall, the HS52 delivers balanced performance with standout braking and dry grip, while a few users report wet lateral grip limits and isolated wear issues.
Based on 22 reviews with an average rating of 80%
Conclusion
The Hankook Ventus Prime 4 counters with lower rolling resistance and slightly better fuel economy, plus competitive wet braking and composed wet handling in several tests. If you prioritize efficiency and a calmer, balanced drive over ultimate value or dry-stopping bragging rights, Hankook remains a safe, refined choice. For most buyers, however-especially those seeking shorter stops, long wear, and a better purchase price-the Kumho is the more persuasive package.
Key Differences
- Overall rankings tilt to Kumho (e.g., 2024 AutoBild 4/21 vs Hankook 7/21; 2024 ADAC 3/16 vs 8/16)
- Dry braking advantage generally Kumho (wins 5 of 6 measured matchups)
- Wet braking swings by year/size: Hankook led in 2022/2023; Kumho matched or led in 2024 datasets
- Aquaplaning: Kumho usually better in straight/curved tests; Hankook has isolated wins
- Efficiency: Hankook has clearly lower rolling resistance and marginally better fuel use
- Value and wear: Kumho notably cheaper to buy with longer projected mileage in most tests
Overall Winner: Kumho Ecsta HS52
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 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:
Kumho Ecsta HS52 Top Comparisons
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.