Hankook Kinergy 4S 2 X - Test Results

Test Statistics

6

Tests Completed

3^rd

Average Position

1^st

Best Result

5^th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Across six SUV all-season tests, the Hankook Kinergy 4S 2 X consistently finishes near the front (avg. 3rd), earning one Highly Recommended and a test win. Its core strengths are balanced wet and snow performance with very good subjective drivability and low noise. Aquaplaning resistance is generally solid, and handling metrics (dry/wet/snow) tend to place it in or near the top tier.
However, dry and wet braking are repeatedly mid-pack to below-average, and rolling resistance is often weaker, tempering overall efficiency. Occasional aquaplaning dips and average comfort scores appear in tougher tests, but the tire remains a well-rounded, safe choice that prioritizes winter capability and composure over outright braking and efficiency.

Performance Strengths

Snow Performance Strong Details
• 1st place snow traction in 2021 test
• 2nd place snow braking in 2022 test (+8.7% from best)
• Top-4 snow handling/traction cluster in 2023 test (4th braking, 5th traction, 4th handling)
• 3rd place snow handling and 2nd braking in 2019 test
Wet Handling & Overall Wet Balance Moderate Details
• 3rd wet handling and 3rd wet circle in 2023 test (~+1% from best)
• 4th wet braking and 4th wet handling in 2025 (235/55 R18) test
• 4th wet handling in 2019 test; 5th in 2021 test
Subjective Dynamics & Noise/Comfort Strong Details
• 1st subjective comfort and 1st subjective snow handling in 2025 (235/55 R18) test
• Article: "the hankook was a beautiful tire to drive, very well rounded" (2025)
• Quietest non-reference in 2023 (72.1 dB, 2nd/12)
• 1st noise in 2019 test; 2nd noise in 2021 test
Aquaplaning Resistance Moderate Details
• 2nd straight aquaplaning in 2019 test (+2.8% from best)
• 3rd straight and curved aquaplaning in 2022 test (~+3% from best)
• Mid-pack but competitive aquaplaning in 2023 and 2025 tests
Overall Results & Awards Strong Details
• 1st/12 overall in 2021
• 2nd/13 overall in 2022
• 3rd/12 overall in 2019 and 2023
• Highly recommended in 2025 (4th/9)

Performance Weaknesses

Dry Braking Strong Details
• 10th/12 in dry braking in 2025 (215/50 R18) test (+14.6% from best)
• 6th/8 in 2025 (235/55 R18) test (+12.7% from best)
• 6th/13 in 2022 (+12.9% from best)
• 7th/12 in 2021 (+18.6% from best)
• 8th/12 in 2019 (+21.3% from best)
Wet Braking Moderate Details
• 7th/12 in 2025 (215/50 R18) test (+17.9% from best)
• 6th/12 in 2021 (+8.6% from best)
• 7th/12 in 2019 (+10.2% from best)
• 4th/8 in 2025 (235/55 R18) test (+7.4% from best)
Rolling Resistance / Efficiency Strong Details
• 9th/12 in 2025 (215/50 R18) test (+16.7% from best)
• 6th/7 in 2025 (235/55 R18) test (+21.2% from best)
• 8th/13 in 2022 (+10.5% from best)
• 7th/12 in 2021 (+18.6% from best)
• 8th/12 in 2019 (+29.3% from best)
Consistent Top-Tier Aquaplaning Not Achieved Minor Details
• 6th/12 straight and curved aquaplaning in 2025 (215/50 R18) test
• 9th/12 straight aquaplaning in 2023 (+6.1% from best)

Performance Over Time

Test History

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2025 Autobild Crossover SUV All Season Test

2025
Winner: Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6

The Hankook Kinergy 4S 2 X distinguishes itself as an aquaplaning expert, offering reassuring resistance to hydroplaning in both straight-line and cornering situations. It delivers consistently goo...

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Best SUV All Season Tires for 2025 Highly Rec.

2025
Winner: Nokian Seasonproof 2

Hankook Kinergy 4S 2 X is great in dry handling, though not the best in dry braking, good in the wet though it struggled a little in the deeper water of aquaplaning, the best overall in snow, very ...

Strong:
Noise, Subj. Comfort, Dry Handling, Subj. Snow Handling

Weak:
Rolling Resistance, Curved Aquaplaning, Straight Aqua

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