Tested 2 times by independent publications, the Hankook Kinergy ST AS averages a finish of 6th.
Is Expensive Better? 2026 AutoView Korean All-Season Tire Test P8 of 9
The Hankook Kinergy ST AS finished eighth overall. It has real strengths in grip and efficiency, but weak wet braking and comfort pull down what is otherwise a competent mid-grade tire.
Where the Hankook Kinergy ST AS finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tires. Field beaten is the share of the other tires it outranked in that measurement.
| Discipline | Tests | Avg finish | Field beaten | Firsts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | ||||
| Dry Braking | 2 | P5 of 7 | 38% | - |
| Dry Handling | 1 | P4 of 5 | 25% | - |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 2 | P2.5 of 7 | 81% | 1 |
| Dry Circle Speed | 1 | P4 of 9 | 63% | - |
| Wet | ||||
| Wet Braking | 2 | P5.5 of 7 | 31% | - |
| Comfort | ||||
| Subj. Comfort | 2 | P5.5 of 7 | 31% | - |
| Subj. Noise | 1 | P9 of 9 | 0% | - |
| Noise | 2 | P6 of 7 | 13% | - |
Drawn from 2 tests. Updated August 9, 2026.
The Hankook Kinergy ST AS shows a clear split between driver feel and objective competitiveness. Its strongest recurring trait is subjective dry handling and steering response, including a class-leading subjective dry handling result in the mid-range summer test and a respectable 4th/9 in the all-season test. However, this steering feel does not consistently translate into high overall placements, with average overall position of 6th and finishes of 8th/9 and 4th/5 across the two tests.
The main weaknesses are comfort/noise refinement and wet braking consistency. It was particularly poor in the larger all-season test, finishing 8th/9 overall with 8th/9 wet braking, 8th/9 comfort and 9th/9 subjective noise. Noise remained a problem in the mid-range comfort test where it ranked 5th/5, making refinement the tire's most consistent deficit.
AutoView describes the steering as the most consistent and predictable at the limit- 2026 AutoView Mid-Range Comfort Tire Test (2026)
The Hankook Kinergy ST AS posts the best subjective handling score in the test (7.5)- 2026 AutoView Mid-Range Comfort Tire Test (2026)
Cabin noise is the loudest of the five at 61.5 dBA,- 2026 AutoView Mid-Range Comfort Tire Test (2026)
drawing the lowest subjective noise rating and a firm ride- Is Expensive Better? 2026 AutoView Korean All-Season Tire Test (2026)
the ride is choppy at lower speeds even though it settles down nicely above 62 mph- 2026 AutoView Mid-Range Comfort Tire Test (2026)
firm ride- Is Expensive Better? 2026 AutoView Korean All-Season Tire Test (2026)
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
The Hankook Kinergy ST AS finished eighth overall. It has real strengths in grip and efficiency, but weak wet braking and comfort pull down what is otherwise a competent mid-grade tire.
AutoView overall score: 84.5 points. The Hankook Kinergy ST AS is the driver's pick of this comfort tire group — the best steering feel, solid braking — but it loses ground on the things comfort buyers actually care about: it is the noisiest and the heaviest, and the ride is fidgety in town.
Owner reviews, sizes and EU label data, comparisons and the Tire Reviews score. All Hankook tires