Tested 25 times by independent publications, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 has taken 2 test wins with an average finish of 5th. Its strongest discipline is Wet Braking, beating 76% of the field across 20 tests; its weakest is Curved Aquaplaning, at 18% across 9 tests.
2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tire Test P6 of 8
This tire is comfortable and quiet, and offers commendable wet braking and handling. The testers felt its dry handling lacked the sportiness of the leaders, but the Hankook’s low rolling resistance and high comfort make it a pleasant everyday option.
Where the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 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 | 20 | P5.1 of 17.2 | 67% | - |
| Dry Handling | 16 | P6.1 of 12.1 | 45% | - |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 6 | P6.5 of 8.3 | 25% | - |
| Subj. Fun | 1 | P6 of 6 | 0% | - |
| Wet | ||||
| Wet Braking Strong | 20 | P3.4 of 17.2 | 76% | 8 |
| Wet Braking - Cool | 1 | P2 of 6 | 80% | - |
| Wet Braking - Worn | 1 | P5 of 6 | 20% | - |
| Wet Handling | 16 | P5.9 of 12.2 | 52% | - |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 6 | P4.8 of 8.3 | 47% | - |
| Wet Circle | 6 | P5.5 of 10.3 | 52% | - |
| Straight Aqua | 17 | P8 of 11.9 | 29% | - |
| Curved Aquaplaning Weak | 9 | P9.6 of 12.1 | 18% | - |
| Comfort | ||||
| Subj. Comfort | 6 | P6.2 of 10.2 | 46% | 1 |
| Subj. Noise | 1 | P1 of 8 | 100% | 1 |
| Noise | 15 | P5.7 of 12.3 | 57% | 1 |
| Value | ||||
| Wear | 5 | P10.2 of 16.4 | 40% | - |
| Value | 4 | P9.3 of 16.5 | 57% | 1 |
| Rolling Resistance | 17 | P5.3 of 11.9 | 62% | 2 |
| Abrasion | 1 | P6 of 6 | 0% | - |
Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
| Rival | Shared tests | Ahead | Behind | Level | Finished ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Continental Premium Contact 6
13 shared: 9 ahead, 4 behind
|
13 | 9 | 4 | - | 69% |
 Maxxis Victra Sport 5
12 shared: 9 ahead, 3 behind
|
12 | 9 | 3 | - | 75% |
 Falken Azenis FK510
12 shared: 7 ahead, 4 behind
|
12 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 64% |
 Michelin Pilot Sport 4
12 shared: 3 ahead, 9 behind
|
12 | 3 | 9 | - | 25% |
 Bridgestone Potenza Sport
11 shared: 3 ahead, 7 behind
Compare with Potenza Sport |
11 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 30% |
 Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
10 shared: 7 ahead, 3 behind
|
10 | 7 | 3 | - | 70% |
 Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
9 shared: 6 ahead, 3 behind
|
9 | 6 | 3 | - | 67% |
 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
9 shared: 2 ahead, 7 behind
|
9 | 2 | 7 | - | 22% |
 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
9 shared: 1 ahead, 8 behind
Compare with Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 |
9 | 1 | 8 | - | 11% |
 Nokian PowerProof
8 shared: 4 ahead, 4 behind
|
8 | 4 | 4 | - | 50% |
 Pirelli P Zero PZ4
8 shared: 2 ahead, 6 behind
|
8 | 2 | 6 | - | 25% |
 Kleber Dynaxer UHP
7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind
|
7 | 7 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Fulda SportControl 2
7 shared: 5 ahead, 2 behind
|
7 | 5 | 2 | - | 71% |
 Kumho Ecsta PS71
7 shared: 4 ahead, 3 behind
Compare with Ecsta PS71 |
7 | 4 | 3 | - | 57% |
 Michelin Pilot Sport 5
7 shared: 1 ahead, 6 behind
Compare with Pilot Sport 5 |
7 | 1 | 6 | - | 14% |
 Toyo Proxes Sport
6 shared: 5 ahead, 1 behind
|
6 | 5 | 1 | - | 83% |
 Sava Intensa UHP 2
6 shared: 4 ahead, 2 behind
|
6 | 4 | 2 | - | 67% |
 GT Radial SportActive 2
6 shared: 4 ahead, 2 behind
|
6 | 4 | 2 | - | 67% |
 Bridgestone Turanza T005
6 shared: 4 ahead, 2 behind
|
6 | 4 | 2 | - | 67% |
 Vredestein Ultrac Vorti
6 shared: 2 ahead, 3 behind
|
6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 40% |
The same record for the tire it replaced and the tire that replaced it.
| Tire | Tests | Wins | Avg finish | Field beaten |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 Predecessor | 35 | 0 | 5th | 55% |
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 This tire | 25 | 2 | 5th | 59% |
| Hankook Ventus Evo Successor | 11 | 2 | 3rd | 67% |
Drawn from 25 tests. Updated August 26, 2025.
Across 25 summer tests, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 delivers consistently excellent wet braking and strong all-round wet grip, often translating to top-tier overall finishes and occasional wins. It also scores well for comfort and noise, and frequently posts competitive rolling resistance and value results.
However, the tire shows recurring weaknesses in aquaplaning (both straight-line and curved) and can lag in dry handling/subjective dynamics despite decent dry braking. Wear and abrasion can be a liability in some tests, which has depressed overall rankings even when grip is strong.
4th in dry braking (97.60%)- 2024 Auto Express Summer Tire Test (2024)
short wet and dry braking distances- 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test (2023)
Balanced tire with good driving characteristics in the dry and wet, short braking distances, low noise, low rolling resistance, low price- 2022 AutoBild Sports Cars UHP Summer Tire Test (2022)
short dry braking- 2022/23 Tire Reviews 17 Inch Summer Tire Test (2022)
short we and dry braking distances- 2022 AutoBild 19 Inch Summer UHP Tire Test (2022)
commendable wet braking and handling- 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tire Test (2025)
ranked 3rd in wet braking (99.10%)- 2024 Auto Express Summer Tire Test (2024)
very good braking performance on wet slopes- 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test (2023)
short wet and dry braking distances- 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test (2023)
Very short braking distances in the wet- 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tire Test (2022)
good handling characteristics- 2024 AZ Summer Tire Test (2024)
5th in dry handling (98.60%)- 2024 Auto Express Summer Tire Test (2024)
dynamic handling qualities on wet and dry roads- 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test (2023)
agile handling- 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test (2023)
Balanced tire with good driving characteristics in the dry and wet, short braking distances, low noise, low rolling resistance, low price- 2022 AutoBild Sports Cars UHP Summer Tire Test (2022)
commendable wet braking and handling- 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tire Test (2025)
dynamic handling qualities on wet and dry roads- 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test (2023)
outstanding driving characteristics in the wet- 2022 AutoBild 19 Inch Summer UHP Tire Test (2022)
safe wet handling- 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tire Test (2022)
Balanced tire with good driving characteristics in the dry and wet, short braking distances, low noise, low rolling resistance, low price- 2022 AutoBild Sports Cars UHP Summer Tire Test (2022)
low rolling resistance- 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tire Test (2025)
4th in rolling resistance (92.50%)- 2024 Auto Express Summer Tire Test (2024)
fuel-saving rolling resistance- 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test (2023)
offered excellent value for money and commendable wet grip, with low energy use- The BEST Performance Tires Tested (2023)
low rolling resistance- 2022 AutoBild Sports Cars UHP Summer Tire Test (2022)
It also has one of the lowest aquaplaning resistances on test- The BEST Performance Tires Tested (2023)
Satisfactory safety reserves for curve aquaplaning- 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test (2023)
Limited aquaplaning resistance- 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tire Test (2022)
Limited curved aquaplaning resistance- 2022 AutoBild Sports Cars UHP Summer Tire Test (2022)
struggled a little in the deep water aquaplaning testing- 2022 Auto Express Summer Tire Test (2022)
Below-average mileage- 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test (2023)
Average wear- 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test (2020)
Relatively weak in the wet- 2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tire Test (2020)
Lower wet grip- 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tire Test (2019)
Undynamic handling with high levels of understeer- 2022/23 Tire Reviews 17 Inch Summer Tire Test (2022)
understeer balance in the dry, average aquaplaning performance- 2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test (2021)
Every tester write-up on the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 (21 tests) and 77 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
This tire is comfortable and quiet, and offers commendable wet braking and handling. The testers felt its dry handling lacked the sportiness of the leaders, but the Hankook’s low rolling resistance and high comfort make it a pleasant everyday option.
Summary The Hankook Ventus S1 evo3, previously a winner, performed well but couldn't match the top performers in this test. Its strongest results were in wet conditions, ranking third in wet braking and straight-line aquaplaning. However, it struggled in wet cornering and handling. In dry conditions, the tire showed decent performance, with good braking and mid-table handling results. While lacking the outright grip of the best tires, it demonstrated good feel, balance, and predictability in both wet and dry conditions. The tire also showed strong refinement with low cabin noise and good bump absorption. Its fuel economy was decent, contributing to a solid overall performance. Results The Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 achieved an overall score of 99.3%, priced at £99.16. In wet conditions, it ranked 3rd in wet braking (99.10%) and straight aquaplaning (98.20%), but struggled in wet cornering (8th, 97.40%) and handling (6th, 98.30%). It performed better in curved aquaplaning, ranking 6th (86.80%). Dry performance was mid-range, with 4th in dry braking (97.60%) and 5th in dry handling (98.60%). The tire ranked 6th in cabin noise (94.0%) and 4th in rolling resistance (92.50%). .
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo³ offers a comfortable and quiet ride with good handling characteristics, making it a balanced choice with a slightly sportier feel. While it performs well overall, it's not the best choice if fuel economy is your main concern.
The Hankook excelled in terms of value for money and offered commendable grip. They were particularly impressive in handling larger impacts but were less precise to steer and provided less feedback at the limit. Recommended if you're looking for a well priced tire with excellent wet grip and good levels of comfort
The S1 Evo3 excelled in wet braking and had a good subjective handling result, but struggled a little in the deep water aquaplaning testing.
The S1 Evo 3 in SUV size is a very good all round tire, best in the wet, very good in the dry, and good handling. The negative is high rolling resistance.
The Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 once again proves to be a tire with extremely high levels of safety by having by far the shortest wet braking distance, short dry braking, and a safe understeer balance in handling. However having tested the Evo3 in the same test as the touring bias Bridgestone Turanza T005, the tire feels dynamically closer to touring tire than UHP tire, so is one to pass on if you're looking for a sporty feeling drive.
The tire focuses on being excellent in safety.
The S1 Evo 3 (K127) was strong in wet and dry braking but struggled in the aquaplaning tests and never shone on track. It did offer a fair compromise on the road.
A deserved win for the Hankook, excelling in wet braking and generally a great all round performance.
The new specification Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 is the wet braking master, stopping the car significantly shorter than any other tire on test. This braking advantage does seem to have come at the slight expense of handling, with the tire slower to react and understeer balance in the dry and wet.
Recommended.
Recommended.
Satisfactory.
Recommended
Conditionally Recommended.
Highly recommended.
Owner reviews, sizes and EU label data, comparisons and the Tire Reviews score. All Hankook tires