Hankook Ventus Evo vs Kumho Ecsta Sport S — a battle within South Korea’s ultra-high performance (UUHP) segment. The Ventus Evo has long represented Hankook’s dominance as the nation’s top-tier offering. But with the arrival of Kumho’s latest challenger, the question arises: is this finally the moment Kumho steps out from the shadow of its Korean number one counterpart and claims its place among the elite?
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Results: Hankook Ventus Evo vs Kumho Ecsta Sport S
Results below were taken from AutoView’s 2025 Sports Tire Comparison Test. A total of 5 tires were tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Hankook Ventus Evo vs Kumho Ecsta Sport S based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook Ventus Evo was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is a 275/35 R19 which is a common tire size for BMW 530i M Sport. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle for this tire test is a BMW M3 xDrive (G80).
Wet
In wet braking, the Kumho Ecsta Sport S stopped 0.29 meters shorter than the Hankook Ventus Evo, which is about 1% better. On the wet circle test, the Ecsta Sport S was 2.79 km/h faster, translating to a 4% advantage. Overall, the Kumho delivers noticeably better wet performance, both in braking and cornering grip.
Ecsta Sport S :
- +1% in wet braking
- +4% in wet circle
Dry
In dry braking, the Kumho Ecsta Sport S stopped 1.4 meters shorter than the Hankook Ventus Evo, which is a 4% improvement. For dry handling lap time, the Kumho was 0.64 seconds quicker, a 1% advantage. Both tires received the same subjective dry handling score of 6.2, showing no difference in perceived feel or control. In conclusion, the Kumho offers better objective dry performance while matching the Hankook in driver feel.
Ecsta Sport S :
- +4% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (lap time)
- 0% in dry handling (subj)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
The Kumho Ecsta Sport S scored 0.1 points higher than the Hankook Ventus Evo in ride comfort, a modest negligible 0% improvement. In terms of noise, the Kumho was 1 dBA quieter than the Hankook, which translates to about a 2% reduction in sound level. Overall, the Kumho offers a slightly more refined ride with better comfort and lower noise.
Ecsta Sport S :
- ~0% in ride comfort
- +2% in noise (+1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Kumho Ecsta Sport S rolled 99.21 meters less than the Hankook Ventus Evo in the rolling resistance test, which is a 22% improvement.
Ecsta Sport S :
- -22% in rolling resistance
Price
For tire size 275/35R19, the Kumho Ecsta Sport S is priced at €150, making it €14 cheaper than the Hankook Ventus Evo at €164. This represents a 9% lower price for the Kumho.
Tire size: 275/35R19
- Ventus Evo : € 164
- Ecsta Sport S : € 150
Difference: -9% more cheaper for Ecsta Sport S.
Summary
As a tire expert, I acknowledge the Hankook Ventus Evo’s strong performance in rolling resistance, offering extended coasting distances that benefit efficiency-focused drivers. However, the Kumho Ecsta Sport S marks a real turning point. With superior wet grip, quieter ride, and competitive comfort—all at a lower price—Kumho is no longer just trailing behind. It’s now standing shoulder to shoulder with its long-time rival in the ultra-high performance segment.
Dr Edwin Pang