Michelin Primacy MXM4 vs Hankook iON EVO AS: It’s a clash of EV all-season titans! The Michelin Primacy MXM4, OE tire for the Tesla Model 3, faces off against the Hankook iON EVO AS, an EV-specific replacement built for range, grip, and efficiency. Can Michelin’s proven comfort and durability withstand Hankook’s next-gen EV tech? Let the battle begin!
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Results: Michelin Primacy MXM4 vs Hankook iON EVO AS
Results below were taken from the AutoView’s 2024 EV Test with a total of 4 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Primacy MXM4 vs Hankook iON EVO AS based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Primacy MXM4 tire was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
It’s important to note that for both tires do not have the elusive 3 peak mountain certification but its rated as an all season tire. The tire size of interest is a 235/40 R19 which is a common tire size for Volvo XC60. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Tesla Model 3.
Wet
The Michelin Primacy MXM4 stops significantly shorter in wet braking, coming to a halt from 80-0 km/h in 33.75 meters (111 ft), while the Hankook iON EVO AS takes 41.96 meters (138 ft)—a massive 8.2 meters (27 ft) longer. This difference means the iON EVO AS still has speed when the Primacy MXM4 has already stopped, highlighting a major gap in wet braking performance.
iON EVO AS:
- -20% in wet braking
Dry
In dry braking, the Hankook iON EVO AS stops 0.91 meters (3 ft) shorter, taking 41.91 meters (137 ft) from 100-0 km/h, while the Michelin Primacy MXM4 needs 42.82 meters (140 ft). In the dry slalom, the Primacy MXM4 is 0.29 seconds faster, completing the course in 8.55 seconds, while the iON EVO AS takes 8.84 seconds. In dry handling, the Primacy MXM4 is 0.82 km/h (0.5 mph) faster, maintaining an average speed of 69.49 km/h (43.2 mph) compared to 68.67 km/h (42.7 mph) for the iON EVO AS.
iON EVO AS:
- +2% in dry braking
- -3% in dry slalom
- -1% in dry handling (avg speed)
Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH)
The Hankook iON EVO AS runs quieter inside the cabin, measuring 63.5 dB, which is 1.1 dB lower than the Michelin Primacy MXM4 at 64.6 dB, making for a noticeably quieter ride. In terms of ride quality, the iON EVO AS scores 9/10, outperforming the Primacy MXM4, which scores 8/10, indicating a smoother and more comfortable driving experience.
iON EVO AS:
- +2% in interior noise (-1.1 dB)
- +5% in ride quality
UTQG Tread Wear
The Hankook iON EVO AS has a higher UTQG tread wear rating of 600, which is 100 points higher than the Michelin Primacy MXM4 at 500, suggesting better durability. Despite this, Michelin offers a 55,000-mile warranty, 5,000 miles more than Hankook’s 50,000-mile warranty.
The iON EVO AS also starts with a slightly deeper tread at 10/32” (7.94 mm), compared to the Primacy MXM4’s 9.5/32” (7.54 mm), which could contribute to longer tread life. However, the Primacy MXM4 holds a superior AA traction rating, while the iON EVO AS is rated A, indicating better wet grip for the Michelin as shown in the wet braking test.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin | Primacy MXM4 | All | 500 | AA | A |
| Hankook | iON EVO AS | All | 600 | A | A |
Price
The Hankook iON EVO AS is $267, making it $29 cheaper than the Michelin Primacy MXM4, which costs $296. This means the iON EVO AS is 11% more affordable, offering a lower-cost alternative for those replacing their 235/40R19 tires.
Tire size: 235/40 R19
- Primacy MXM4 : $296
- iON EVO AS : $267
Difference: -11% more cheaper for iON EVO AS
Conclusion
From my perspective as a tire expert, the Michelin Primacy MXM4 stands out with its superior wet grip and faster dry handling making it a solid choice for drivers prioritizing safety and all-season confidence. On the other hand, the Hankook iON EVO AS impresses with quieter operation, a smoother ride and a more affordable price, making it an excellent EV-specific replacement for those looking to maximize comfort and efficiency. The choice ultimately comes down to whether you value performance or EV-focused refinement more.
Dr Edwin Pang