Hankook Kinergy 4S2

In order to be equipped for all weathers and temperatures, the new Kinergy 4S² offers specially balanced and constant performance features across all seasons. This is made possible by a directional tread being used for Hankook all-weather tires for the first time, combined with a particularly innovative polymer silica tread mixture.

The Kinergy RS 2 is the 2022 Auto Express all season tire of the year.

This tire replaced the Hankook Kinergy 4S.

Dry Grip 81%
Wet Grip 82%
Road Feedback 71%
Handling 71%
Wear 75%
Comfort 79%
Buy again 78%
Snow Grip 77%
Ice Grip 68%

Tire review data from 26 tire reviews averaging 76% over 239,512 miles driven.

The Kinergy 4S2 is ranked 30th of 56 All Season Premium Touring tires.

In Depth Tire Comparisons

Latest Tire Test Results

2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test - 12th of 13 tires

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2023 Tire Reviews All Season Tire Test - 3rd of 12 tires

  • Positive - Best dry handling, short dry braking distance, shortest wet braking distances, very good levels of comfort, low rolling resistance.
  • Negative - Poor aquaplaning resistance, average snow performance.
  • Overall - The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was the best in dry handling, the best in wet braking, good around the wet handling lap, good in dry braking, and was comfortable. It did lose out in the snow compared to the best, but as I said at the start of this, I would rather have an all season tire that's good in the dry and the wet than one that excels in snow, that's what a winter tire is for afterall. Once again the Hankook has the balance of an all season I really like.

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2023 Auto Zeitung All Season Tire Test - 3rd of 9 tires

  • Overall - Older model but performs well on wet and dry roads. Cost-effective, securing a strong third place.
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Questions and Answers for the Hankook Kinergy 4S2

2018-12-06 - Hi. Do the 4S2 tires have rim protectors?

Not in the sizes I've seen, but rim protection can vary from size to size so it would be worth contacting Hankook to find out whether the Kinergy 4S2 has rim protection.

2022-09-16 - I’m looking for all weather for my ID.3 the handbook look good but all guides say I need the 4S 2X I take it the difference is in the weight limit but are they the same tire apart from this?

As long as you can get the correct load rating the non X you'll be fine, but yes in theory the 4S2X will be modified towards carrying higher loads.

2022-09-27 - Hi everybody, Hankook 4s2 question. In 225/50 17 does the tire 4s2 come in run flat form?

Yes, it seems there is a HRS (Hankook Runflat System) version of the tire available in 225/50 R17.

2023-03-23 - Would you recommend these tires in size245/40 r18 for a RWD car (around 280bhp)? I compared braking tests with mid summer tire and results are surprisingly even especially when it comes to summertime weather condition results.

I actually have these in my all season test this year on a RWD BMW. Only tested in the snow so far so can't comment for sure but based on last years test they should be great in the dry and wet. Still, a fair bit off a summer tire in the dry.

2023-05-19 - Hi, is this a good allseason tire(18inch) for my Tesla Model 3 rwd+ from 2021. How is the noise and wear?

Hey! If you can find the correct load rating there's no reason it wouldn't be one of the better all season tires, however any all season tire will struggle with the weight and torque of a model 3 so make sure you're aware of the drawbacks.

2023-10-27 - I live in Belgium, so it only snows once or twice a year in winter. But temperatures are almost always around or below 0°C. I have seen both the 2023 winter tire and all-season tire tests and am a bit torn between choosing which tire would suit me best. Since the performance of the Alpin 5 is almost the same or better than the Kinergy 4S2. But as said in the all season test, a all season tire could be a better fit than a winter tire in my region. Is it possible to give advice on which is the best option for me? (I also plan to use summer tires regardless of whether I buy winter or all-season tires). Thanks!

I personally believe that an all season tire as a winter tire is often a better fit than a winter tire for regions that don't see a huge amount of snow and ice, but the performances between the two categories is so close either option will be a good result.

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Size Price Range  
195/65 R15 $110.99 - $110.99 (1 Prices) Compare Prices >>
225/45 R17 $183.99 - $183.99 (1 Prices) Compare Prices >>
225/50 R17 $181.99 - $181.99 (1 Prices) Compare Prices >>
Available in 33 tire sizes - View all.

YouTube Review

Top 3 Hankook Kinergy 4S2 Reviews

Given 81% while driving a SEAT 1.4 TSI (205/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 3,000 average miles
Very good all round tire
Helpful 132 - tire reviewed on August 20, 2020
Given 67% while driving a Honda Civic 1.5T (225/45 R17 W) on mostly motorways for 1,000 average miles
Purchased a set of Kinergy 4s2 after watching Jonathan Benson's review, which suggested the Kinergy 4s2 was better than a lot of popular AS tires (e.g. Michelin CrossClimates Plus, Bridgestone WeatherControl, and Continental AllSeasonContact) I have driven on them for around 1000 miles, so here are my initial thoughts about the Kinergy 4s2. I used Michelin CrossClimates Plus on this car before, therefore some comparisons will be discussed in this review. Pros: - Quiet - The sound isolation on my Civic X isn't fantastic, quite a lot of tire noise inside the cabin when driving on motorways. Comparing to Michelin Primacy 4 and Michelin CrossClimates Plus, the Hankook Kinergy 4s2 is significantly quieter. I reduced my stereo volume by two levels after the Kinergy 4s2 fitted. - Comfort ride - I subjectively think the Kinergy 4s2 is comfortable, especially on bumpy roads. - Competitive Price - On the day of my purchase, the Kinergy 4s2 was at least 14% cheaper than Michelin CrossClimates Plus, Bridgestone WeatherControl, and Goodyear 4Seasons Gen 3. -Wet & dry braking -Good wet and dry braking performance. In normal usage, sometimes I forget I have the AS tires on when braking, which is perfect. Cons:- Handling - A bit roly-poly and average feedback in general, which is expected. The most disappointing bit is that the tires tend to understeer easily when you turn a corner a bit aggressive. Personally, I think the handling (especially dry handling) is a bit disappointing compared to Michelin CrossClimates Plus and I now have to drive a lot more gently. --I have not had a chance to drive them in ice/snow conditions, therefore I am not able to review how good they are in winter. Bottom line: Generally it is a good pick for day-to-day driving: comfortable, quiet, fairly priced, and with a reasonable grip. However, if you are more demanding in terms of handling, personally think there are better picks in the market. 
Helpful 97 - tire reviewed on December 1, 2020
Given 71% while driving a Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TDI (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 1,600 average miles
Does not give confidence after 150-170 km / h
Helpful 96 - tire reviewed on December 4, 2020
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Latest Hankook Kinergy 4S2 Reviews

Given 76% while driving a Audi A4 2.0 TDi 170 S Line (255/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 10,000 spirited miles
Very solid tire, value for money is hard to beat at the moment.
Tire performs very well, especially amazingly on wet roads, despite the 255 width there is no slipping, aquaplaning or spinning tires. I switched straight from Fulda Sport summer tires to this model. Comfort and actually driving behavior are better than its predecessor. I couldn't believe it myself.
At first the tires were extremely loud, so I even considered complaining. I like that the tires simply tend to sawtooth.
Luckily the noise disappeared completely after about 2000km.
In winter the tire behaves like an average winter tire. Not special but not bad either.
Helpful 0 - tire reviewed on November 24, 2023
Given 100% while driving a Ford Ecosport (205/60 R16) on for 20,000 miles
The best tires for all conditions.
Helpful 0 - tire reviewed on November 20, 2023
What to know the BEST All Season Tires for 2023? Click to find out!
Given 81% while driving a SEAT 1.4 TSI (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 18,000 average miles
Second review of the tires now into 2 years of ownership.

Just driven back from West Wales during the start of storm Ciaran. Tires are down to 5mm on the fronts and 6mm on the rear. That's on about 18k mileage.

Still inspire so much confidence in these wet UK weather conditions dealing with standing water, spray and the deluge of rain. So much so that I could concentrate on driving, safe in the knowledge of the tires just working.

As JB has said in his first and second review of all season tires they are an ideal pick for the UK autumn winter climate. I never fret coming into autumn and winter with these on my car.

And on top of that great comfort and perform well in dry and summer conditions.

Not driven them in much snow but I'd be happy to drive on them to Scotland or any other European ski resort.

Car is a Seat Leon 1.4 Act so not high performance, but these tires make this a great all rounder for my family.
Helpful 0 - tire reviewed on November 5, 2023
Given 75% while driving a Mazda mazda 3 1.8D (2019) (215/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 44,000 average miles
It is my first experience with all seasons tires. Hankook Kinergy 4S2 do their job. I never expected high performances but I was so impressed of how good they are on all conditions: dry, wet and snow. Drove on snow (fresh and icy) several days in the last two winters, snow is frequent where I live. Many people say all seasons are bad compared to summer and winter tires, well, my point is they are better than summer tires used in winter and better than winter tires used in summer (we see lots of these cases, right?). After about 44000 miles there are still 1.5mm of tread above winter mark. Hopefully I migh be able to use them for anothre winter too. I will buy them again without any doubt. Well done Hankook!
Helpful 14 - tire reviewed on June 7, 2023
Given 78% while driving a Skoda (235/45 R18) on mostly country roads for 16,000 average miles
Reviewing on the day I've been waiting for. 2-3 inches on snow in the south of the UK, and the country grinds to a halt. Had the tires on the car for a good 18 months and have driven a good 16000 miles on them, so well used. They worked flawlessly in the snow and ice. Standard straight road, windy road and even stop start driving up and down hills, and cannot fault them. A bit of wheel spin when pulling away on an uphill gradient but found the grip and just got on with it, bearing in mind my car is 1.7 tonnes, I felt in control at all times. Obviously wasn't going the speeds Jonathon drives on the snow handling track, but 30 mph on snowy roads is easy, comfortable and felt incredibly safe. Have given scores, but haven't reviewed dry/wet etc as others cover that off, today (08/03/2023) is the reason I bought these tires, to get me home when it snows.
Helpful 19 - tire reviewed on March 8, 2023
Given 45% while driving a Audi S4 (245/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 1,000 spirited miles
They grip fairly well for an All Season tire and they will be fine for mildly spirited driving. They have quite a light feel to them which doesn't instil confidence as it can be difficult to tell if they are actually gripping or if it's the car's electronics kicking in and saving the day. However, when cornering hard you can feel them start to break away and start to loose grip, giving you a change to correct. Also, when coming out of a corner and accelerating hard you can feel them "lift" so to speak. Basically, losing traction. They are also very noisy on the motorway. I've not had a chance to test them in the snow or ice as it's been a mild winter, nor check the wear rate yet. I'll come back in a year and revise the review. Ultimately, I would say if you drive calmly with the odd bit of moderate spirited driving they are fine and hopefully also provide good traction when the weather gets cold and bad. But if you like to push it hard when the weather is above 7°C then stick with a decent set of summer tires.
Helpful 15 - tire reviewed on February 8, 2023
Given 82% while driving a Volkswagen Golf Mk7 1.6 TDI Bluemotion (195/65 R15) on a combination of roads for 4,000 average miles
Excellent tire. I am a track day enthusiast but this tire was fitted to my Golf Bluemotion daily hack. I previously had the latest Goodyear Efficient Grips and fitted these going into the cold snap in December 2020. Dry grip is good but compared to the Goodyears previously they do have a slower initial response But this is an all season v a summer tire, so what do you expect. In the wet, it is simply fantastic. Often you hear the cliche that "you can drive your car in the wet like you can in the dry!" - but with this you really can. Incredible confidence in all conditions and have not aquaplained at all. Snow/Ice - obviously not a full winter tire but they're excellent all round. Can certainly keep you moving while other cars are stuck spinning their wheels and give you lots of confidence. Obviously not an enthusiast tire - but they're an excellent tire for all conditions and for people who have to do a lot of driving (my commute is 110 miles a day, 5/6 days a week) and have also fitted them to my Partners car too. Economy wise, i have not noticed any difference in economy between the Goodyears and these Hankook (still over 70mpg) Have done approx 4000 miles and no visible or appreciable wear. I did also have a fresh alignment carried out when fitted. 10/10 would recommend these.
Helpful 18 - tire reviewed on January 15, 2023
Given 76% while driving a Renault Clio 1.5 dCi 86 (185/55 R15) on a combination of roads for 11,500 average miles
I'm satisfied with its performance, grip levels and handling it is very nice to drive. I knew that it will not last as long as competing option but I believed that price difference justifies that. But still, I am dissapointed with the wear rate, 20.000 km and fronts are gone. Before these I had Crossclimate+ and they lasted for 35.000 km.
Helpful 14 - tire reviewed on December 21, 2022
Given 87% while driving a SEAT 1.4 TSI (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 8,000 average miles
Switched to the hankooks in Sptember 2021 just in time for winter. They replaced ageing gy as3 on the front and as5 on the rear. Comfort noticeably improved after switching to the hankooks. They inspire confidence in the wet and as the temperatures plummet I treat driving as if it is a normal day and don't feel I need to be overly cautious. Fast forward to summer 2022 and a fully loaded car plus roofbox and tire pressures at a higher setting tires still did a great job smoothing off bumps on our long trip to Cornwall. Seem to be wearing well as reports at this year's MOT stated 6.5mm on the front and 7mm on the rear. Great tires able to cope with our wetter autumn winters inspiring confidence in treacherous conditions just as easily as when it's warmer. Plus their ability to cope with cold winters means they are worthy winners of tire reviews mild winter weighting.
Helpful 14 - tire reviewed on December 17, 2022
Given 90% while driving a Volkswagen Golf (195/65 R15) on a combination of roads for 9,000 spirited miles
Excellent tire and far outperformed the OEM tires (ContiProContact), especially in the snow. Very good in the snow and dry with slight weakness in wet breaking (subjective, not measured). Got me through a very bad snowstorm when they were new and passed many vehicles that had slid off the road. Even had good traction uphill. Tread depth after about 9,000 miles is at 7/32" (starting depth at 10/32") on the North American compound (warranty is 60,000 miles to 2/32"). Looking forward to see how it performs this winter provided there is adequate snow to drive through. I'm also writing this review because it seems that the tire is either discontinued entirely in the US or Tire Rack is electing not to carry it anymore. Further, I have noticed that many reviews on the tire appear to have been scrubbed from the Tire Rack website (I wrote one and was able to find it a week ago and now it is gone now that they no longer carry my tire size). I think it is a shame that this tire will no longer be offered as an option because it was a good buy compared to the more expensive Cross Climate 2. I know you can get tires from other places than Tire Rack but it is a major distributor and I use their website as a reference on what tires are available. Regardless, they should not be deleting or hiding reviews.
Helpful 14 - tire reviewed on November 24, 2022
Given 81% while driving a Mazda 6 2.0 D (215/50 R17) on a combination of roads for 15,000 average miles
Excellent all season tire. Confortable at dry and wet, even at light snow.
Helpful 16 - tire reviewed on October 20, 2022
Given 61% while driving a MINI Cooper S (195/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 8,000 average miles
Dry: good dry performance for an all season tire, I have not had to do any emergency stops but have done some fast cornering and the tire does lean onto the sidewall but is good for an AS tire and feels fairly rigid although this may be because I have a tire with a higher load and speed index than the car requires.

Wet: performance here is very good and stays very good when it gets cold as you would expect from an AS tire, handling in the wet is also very good.

Snow: these tires *almost* feel like a full winter tire in the snow, amazing traction on fresh and compacted snow, I was able to climb steep hills in a front wheel drive car with these following my brother driving will full winter tires and neither of us had any slip and I was also able to stop fully on a snow covered hill.

Ice: ice performance is good but here is when you see the tire lose out to a full winter tire. You can stop on ice covered hills and not slide which is amazing as when i got out of the car I almost fell over as it was so icy. But when trying to climb hills on ice they aren't amazing as my front wheel drive open differential car couldn't climb even a few feet up an ice covered hill. Granted it was basically sheet ice so I wasn't expecting it to get up but I suspect a full winter tire would have done better.

Wear: This is the main reason I won't be buying this tire again. They have been on for only 8000 miles and are approaching 4mm which is where their snow performance will drop off and as I'm using them as a winter tire this is quite important. I will be switching to something like the Goodyear Vector 4 seasons Gen-3 to get better wear.

Comfort: very comfortable tires but sill offer good feedback for an AS tire Noise: very quiet in this size, much more so than my summer set with UHP tires but that is to be expected.
Helpful 22 - tire reviewed on September 28, 2022