Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) vs Kumho Ecsta Sport: It’s a head-to-head battle between established OEM pedigree and rising performance talent. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) comes factory-fitted on Teslas, delivering refined summer performance tailored for EVs. On the other side, the Kumho Ecsta Sport is the underdog making waves with its hot, aggressive grip and sharp handling. Can the OE favorite hold off this ambitious challenger? Let’s find out.
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Results: Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) vs Kumho Ecsta Sport
Results below were taken from Tire Rack’s Are EV-Specific Tires Better than Popular Non-EV Tires? Test. A total of 9 tires were tested on Tire Rack’s proving ground including a variety of different segment tires. The graph below shows the comparison between Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) vs Kumho Ecsta Sport based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is a 235/40R19 which is a common tire size for Tesla Model 3. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle for this tire test is a 2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance.
Wet
In wet braking, the Kumho Ecsta Sport stops in 137.5 feet, which is 10.1 feet shorter than the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) at 147.6 feet—a 7% improvement. On the wet handling track, the Kumho finishes a lap in 29.94 seconds, 0.89 seconds quicker than the Hankook’s 30.83 seconds, giving it a 3% advantage. Subjectively, the Kumho also scores higher in wet handling feel with 7.94 out of 10 compared to the Hankook’s 6.56, a 7% difference in driver confidence.
Overall, the Kumho Ecsta Sport clearly outperforms the Hankook in wet conditions across braking, lap time, and handling feel.
Ecsta Sport :
- +7% in wet braking
- +7% in wet handling (subj)
- +3% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking, the Kumho Ecsta Sport stops in 107.7 feet, 2.3 feet shorter than the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) at 110 feet, giving it a 2% edge. On the dry handling track, however, the Hankook is quicker with a lap time of 29.04 seconds versus Kumho’s 29.14 seconds, a 0.1-second lead or roughly 0% equal. Subjectively, the Hankook also feels slightly better with a score of 8.06 versus Kumho’s 7.94, a 1% difference.
Overall, while Kumho has the advantage in braking, Hankook strikes back with sharper handling and better driver feel in dry conditions.
Ecsta Sport :
- +2% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling (subj)
- ~0% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) scores 7.25, slightly ahead of the Kumho Ecsta Sport at 6.92. That’s a 0.33-point lead, translating to a 2% advantage for the Hankook.
Ecsta Sport :
- -2% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Battery Range
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) delivers 262 miles of range on a single charge, 12 miles more than the Kumho Ecsta Sport at 250 miles, giving it a 5% advantage in efficiency.
Ecsta Sport :
- -5% in battery range (efficiency)
UTQG ratings
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) has a UTQG treadwear rating of 340, slightly higher than the Kumho Ecsta Sport’s 320—offering a 6% advantage in expected wear resistance. However, despite this, Hankook provides no mileage warranty, while Kumho backs the Ecsta Sport with a 30,000-mile warranty.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hankook | Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) | All | 340 | AA | A |
| Kumho | Ecsta Sport | All | 320 | AA | A |
Price
In 235/40R19, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) is priced at $298, while the Kumho Ecsta Sport costs just $215. That’s an $83 difference, making the Kumho 39% cheaper.
Tire size: 235/40R19
- Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) : $ 298
- Ecsta Sport : $ 215
Difference: -39% more cheaper for Ecsta Sport.
Summary
As a tire expert, here’s my take: the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 (T0) stands out with its smoother ride, quieter cabin, and better efficiency—ideal for EV drivers who value comfort and range. It also delivers slightly sharper dry handling feel. On the other hand, the Kumho Ecsta Sport punches above its weight with excellent wet performance, stronger braking, and a much lower price tag—plus it comes with a 30,000-mile treadwear warranty. If you drive hard in the rain or want maximum value, the Kumho is hard to ignore. If refinement and efficiency matter more, the Hankook takes the lead.
Dr Edwin Pang