Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125 - Test Results
Test Statistics
29
Tests Completed5th
Average Position1st
Best Result14th
Worst ResultPerformance Analysis
Across 29 summer tests, the Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125 consistently excels in braking and dry-road performance, frequently topping dry and wet braking and often ranking near the front in dry handling. Multiple test wins and shootout podiums underscore its peak capability, especially in mainstream 15-17-inch sizes. However, results fluctuate with size and test context; several mid-pack or lower finishes reveal variability in wet handling balance, aquaplaning resistance, rolling resistance, and wear/value. Overall, it's a strong all-rounder with standout stopping power, but not the class leader for efficiency or wet stability at the limit.
Performance Strengths
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Dry Performance
Strong
Details
• 1st place dry braking and 1st dry handling in 2021 Auto Bild 205/55 R16 (Test 2)
• 1st place dry braking in 2020 Auto Zeitung 225/50 R17 (Test 8)
• 1st place dry braking and dry handling in 2018 Auto Bild 195/65 R15 (Test 17)
• 1st place dry braking and dry handling in 2017 Mid Range 205/55 R16 (Test 22)
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Wet Braking
Strong
Details
• 1st place wet braking in 2021 Auto Bild 205/55 R16 (Test 2)
• 1st place wet braking in 2021 Auto Bild 53-tire braking test (Test 4)
• Top-3 wet braking in 2019 Swedish 205/55 R16 (3rd, Test 11)
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Overall Awards and Competitiveness
Strong
Details
• Test winner 2016 AutoBild full test 205/55 R16 (1/15, Test 28)
• Shootout podiums: 2/50 in 2016 braking overview (Test 29), 2/43 in 2017 shootout (Test 27), 1/47 in 2018 overview (Test 18)
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Noise/Comfort (NVH)
Moderate
Details
• 2nd place noise in 2021 Auto Bild 205/55 R16 (Test 2)
• Top-3 noise in 2020 Auto Zeitung 225/50 R17 (3rd, Test 8)
• 1st place noise in 2018 AZ 225/45 R17 (Test 20)
Performance Weaknesses
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Wear and Value
Strong
Details
• 19/20 wear and 18/20 value in 2021 Auto Bild 205/55 R16 (Test 2) with note: 'performed badly in the wear test'
• Mid-pack to below wear in ADAC: 10/15 wear in 2021 (Test 3); 6/12 wear in 2020 SUV (Test 10)
-
Wet Handling Balance and Aquaplaning
Moderate
Details
• Wet handling mid-pack or lower: 5/20 in 2021 Auto Bild (Test 2), 9/10 in 2020 Teknikens (Test 7), 9/9 in 2018 AZ (Test 20)
• Straight aquaplaning often middling: 10/20 in 2021 Auto Bild (Test 2), 16/20 in 2018 Auto Bild (Test 17), 11/11 in 2019 AMS SUV (Test 13)
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Rolling Resistance/Efficiency
Moderate
Details
• 9/20 rolling resistance in 2021 Auto Bild (Test 2, +19.5% from best)
• 12/20 rolling resistance in 2018 Auto Bild (Test 17, +25.3% from best)
• 9/10 rolling resistance in 2020 Teknikens (Test 7), 5/10-6/20 mid-pack elsewhere (Tests 6, 8)
-
Result Variability by Size/Test
Moderate
Details
• Low finishes: 11/12 in 2020 Tire Reviews 205/55 R16 (Test 5), 8/9 in 2020 ACE Mid Range 215/55 R17 (Test 9), 14/16 in 2017 ADAC 195/65 R15 (Test 26)
• Context notes of unusual/early OE spec affecting wet performance (2017 AZ, Test 25)
Performance Over Time
Test History
2022 ADAC 16" SUV Summer Tire Test
2022
Winner: Continental Premium Contact 6
Noise, Dry Braking, Dry Handling, Wet Braking
Wear
2021 ADAC Summer Tire Test - 205/55 R16
2021
Winner: Continental Premium Contact 6
2020 Tire Reviews Ultimate Summer Tire Test
2020
Winner: Continental Premium Contact 6
Price
Dry Braking, Wet Braking, Wet Handling
2020 New 17 Inch Summer Tire Test
2020
Winner: Continental Premium Contact 6
Wet Handling
2020 Teknikens 17 Inch Summer Tire Test
2020
Winner: Michelin Primacy 4
Rolling Resistance, Wet Handling
2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tire Test
2020
Winner: Continental Premium Contact 6
Dry Braking
2019 Swedish Summer Tire Test
2019
Winner: Nokian Hakka Blue 2
Dry Braking, Subj. Dry Handling
2019 AMS Summer SUV Tire Test
2019
Winner: Nokian WetProof
Dry Handling, Subj. Dry Handling
Straight Aqua
Noise, Dry Braking, Grass Traction, Gravel Traction
Gravel Handling
Dry Braking, Wet Braking
Rolling Resistance
2018 AZ Summer AND All Season Tire Test
2018
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Noise, Price
Wet Braking, Wet Handling
2017 Mid Range Tire Test
2017
Winner: Bridgestone DriveGuard
Dry Braking, Dry Handling
Dry Braking