Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport: In this all-season showdown, Hankook’s proven Kinergy 4S2 steps into the ring against Michelin’s bold new challenger — the CrossClimate 3 Sport. The 4S2 has built its reputation as a versatile, balanced performer for everyday drivers, but Michelin’s latest launch isn’t here to play safe. The CrossClimate 3 Sport arrives with cutting-edge design and the promise to redefine year-round grip, efficiency, and precision. This isn’t just another update — it’s Michelin firing a shot at the top of the all-season game.
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Results: Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
Results below were taken from AutoBild’s 2025 All Season Tire Test with a total of 15 tires tested including a reference winter & summer tire. The graph below shows the comparison between Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the all season with 3 peak mountain certification segment, the snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 225/40 R18 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf & Audi A3. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport stops 1.9 meters shorter than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2, which is about 4% better. On the wet handling track, the Hankook holds a slight edge, carrying 1 km/h more speed, around 1% quicker. However, in straight-line aquaplaning the Michelin pushes through at 73 km/h compared to Hankook’s 70.1 km/h, a 4% advantage.
Overall, Michelin shows stronger braking and aquaplaning safety, while Hankook holds a narrow lead in handling speed.
CrossClimate 3 Sport :
- +4% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling
- +4% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In snow braking, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 stops 0.3 meters shorter than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport, giving it a 1% advantage. But in snow traction, the Michelin delivers 129 N more pulling force, about 5% stronger. The same story continues in snow handling, where the CrossClimate 3 Sport carries 1.7 km/h more speed than the Hankook, a 3% gain. Overall, Hankook edges braking, but Michelin clearly outperforms in traction and handling, making it the stronger snow performer.
CrossClimate 3 Sport :
- -1% in snow braking
- +5% in snow traction
- +3% in snow handling
Mileage
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 lasts 11,550 km longer than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport, which is a 20% advantage in wear. On abrasion, the Hankook also performs better, losing 27 g less material than the Michelin, around 3% lower. Overall, Hankook clearly has the upper hand in durability, offering both longer mileage and less tread wear.
CrossClimate 3 Sport :
- -20% in mileage
- -3% in abrasion
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport stops 2.5 meters shorter than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2, giving it a clear 6% advantage. On dry handling, the Michelin also edges ahead by 0.3 km/h, about 0% difference when rounded. Overall, Michelin proves stronger on braking while both tires are nearly equal in handling speed.
CrossClimate 3 Sport :
- +6% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling
Noise
The Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport runs 0.6 dB quieter than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2, which is about 1% lower. Overall, Michelin holds a small edge in noise comfort.
CrossClimate 3 Sport :
- +1% in exterior noise (-0.6 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport shows a rolling resistance of 7.39 N/kN compared to 8.31 N/kN for the Hankook Kinergy 4S2, making it 0.92 N/kN lower, which is about 11% better. Overall, Michelin is clearly more efficient, offering lower fuel consumption potential.
CrossClimate 3 Sport :
- +12% in rolling resistance
Price
For the 225/40 R18 size, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 is priced at €90, while the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport costs €136. That makes the Michelin 54% more expensive, a significant premium over the Hankook.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- Kinergy 4S2 : € 90
- CrossClimate 3 Sport : € 136
Difference: +54% more expensive for CrossClimate 3 Sport
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
From my perspective as a tire expert, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 impresses with its durability, longer mileage, and strong value for money, making it a dependable all-rounder. The Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport, on the other hand, delivers sharper braking, stronger snow and wet performance, lower rolling resistance, and quieter comfort. If you want maximum efficiency and safety edge, Michelin takes the crown, but if longevity and cost are your priority, Hankook is the smarter choice.
Dr Edwin Pang