Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 vs Hankook Kinergy 4S2–> All season vs Summer: In the automotive world, tire choice is a critical decision for drivers seeking optimal performance and safety in varying weather conditions. Today, we’re gearing up for an epic showdown: “Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 vs Hankook Kinergy 4S2” – a battle royale between the seasonal prowess of summer tires and the versatile adaptability of all-season tires. On one corner, we have the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2, a champion of summer roads, renowned for its exceptional grip and handling in warm weather.
In the other corner, stands the Hankook Kinergy 4S2, an all-season contender, promising year-round reliability without the hassle of seasonal tire changes. Every autumn and spring, drivers face the common dilemma: stick with the ritual of switching tires or take the plunge into the world of all-season convenience? But what do you lose in this trade-off? Buckle up as we dive into this tire tussle and discover the pros and cons of each, determining which tire reigns supreme in this battle of seasons. Let’s find out!
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Results: Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 vs Hankook Kinergy 4S2
Results below were taken from the 2023 Tyre Reviews All Season Tyre Test. A total of 12 tires were tested this time around with an intriguing winter & summer refence to gauge the all season performances. The graph below shows the comparison between Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 vs Hankook Kinergy 4S2 based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As Kinergy 4S2 is categorized as all season tires with a 3 peak mountain logo on it, an extensive snow testing was conducted. This leaves an interesting comparison of summer vs all season on snow. Note that for subjective comfort evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. The tire size of interest is a 195/65 R15 which is a common tire size for Toyota Corolla Altis and Volkswagen Beetle. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Golf.
Wet
When comparing the wet performances of Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 and Hankook Kinergy 4S2, it’s intriguing to see just how closely matched these two tires are, despite their seasonal specializations. In terms of wet braking, the summer-oriented Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 stops in 28.61 meters, which is impressively efficient. However, the all-season Hankook Kinergy 4S2 is hot on its heels, requiring only a marginally longer distance of 29.56 meters to come to a stop. This minimal difference is quite a revelation, underscoring that while the summer tire takes the lead in wet conditions, the gap is surprisingly narrow!
Even more astonishing is the wet handling performance. The Hankook Kinergy 4S2, an all-season tire, not only holds its own but actually outperforms the summer tire, completing a wet lap in 59.53 seconds, compared to the 61.6 seconds of the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2. This result is quite remarkable, showing that the all-season tire can, in some aspects, surpass the summer tire in wet conditions.
Furthermore, when drivers gave their subjective feedback on wet handling, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 scored a near-perfect 9.8 out of 10 points, matching the 9 points scored by the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2. This parity in subjective assessment further emphasizes the exceptional performance of the all-season tire in wet conditions. Lastly, in the test for straight aquaplaning (Straight Aqua), both tires demonstrated equal competence, each achieving a slipping speed of 88.5 Km/H. This equality in performance highlights the advanced engineering that goes into both types of tires, ensuring safety and reliability even in challenging wet conditions.
Overall, while it’s no surprise that the summer tire excels in wet conditions, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2’s close performance, and in some aspects, superior performance, is a testament to the advancements in all-season tire technology.
Kinergy 4S2 :
- -3% in wet braking
- +3% in wet handling (lap time)
- +4% in subjective wet handling
- ~0% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In the realm of dry performance, the battle between the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 and the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 reveals some intriguing insights. In dry braking, the summer-specialized Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 maintains its lead, requiring 37.19 meters to come to a halt from a speed of 100 km/h. The all-season Hankook Kinergy 4S2, while slightly behind, is not far off, needing 39.79 meters for the same task. This shows that while the summer tire has the upper hand in dry braking, the difference with its all-season counterpart is relatively small, indicating a commendable performance by the all-season tire.
However, when it comes to dry handling, the tables turn. The Hankook Kinergy 4S2, despite being an all-season tire, demonstrates superior agility, completing a dry lap in 75.4 seconds, marginally faster than the 75.9 seconds of the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2. This result is particularly impressive, highlighting that the all-season tire can outperform the summer tire in certain dry conditions. In terms of subjective dry handling, both tires hit the high mark, each scoring a perfect 10 points. This unanimous high score reflects the drivers’ appreciation of both tires’ handling qualities, underscoring their excellent performance and the driver’s confidence in their capabilities.
The takeaway from this comparison is clear: while the summer tire, Hankook Kinergy Eco 2, takes the lead in dry braking, the all-season Hankook Kinergy 4S2 holds its own remarkably well, especially in dry handling. This close performance gap between the two types of tires is a testament to the advancements in tire technology, making the choice between summer and all-season tires a matter of nuanced preference rather than a clear-cut decision.
Kinergy 4S2 :
- -7% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (lap time)
- ~0% in subjective dry handling
Snow
In snowy conditions, the performance comparison between the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 and the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 highlights the significant advantages of all-season tires in winter scenarios. Snow performance is often a decisive factor for many drivers when choosing all-season tires, and in this case, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 does not disappoint.
In snow braking, there’s a dramatic difference between the two tires. The Hankook Kinergy 4S2, an all-season tire, requires only 19.52 meters to stop on snow. In contrast, the summer-oriented Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 takes almost twice as long, with a stopping distance of 37.72 meters. This substantial difference is not just a matter of numbers; it could be the difference between a safe stop and a potential accident in winter conditions.
When it comes to snow traction, the disparity is equally stark. The all-season Hankook Kinergy 4S2 demonstrates impressive performance, accelerating from 5 to 40 km/h in just 6.03 seconds. The summer tire, Hankook Kinergy Eco 2, takes more than double that time, at 12.71 seconds. This significant gap in acceleration times underlines the superior grip and traction of the all-season tire in snowy conditions.
Snow handling tests further reinforce the superiority of the Hankook Kinergy 4S2. It completes a snow lap in 88.34 seconds, considerably faster than the 115.57 seconds taken by the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2. This difference in lap times indicates a much better control and stability offered by the all-season tire in snowy environments. In terms of subjective snow handling, drivers rated the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 at a high 9.5 points, compared to only 5 points for the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2. This large gap in subjective scores mirrors the actual performance differences, emphasizing the confidence and comfort drivers feel with the all-season tire on snow-covered roads.
Overall, the performance of the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 in snow conditions clearly demonstrates why all-season tires are a preferred choice for winter driving. Their ability to handle snowy conditions with such efficacy, especially in critical aspects like braking and traction, makes them a compelling option for those looking to avoid the perils of winter driving with unsuitable tires.
Kinergy 4S2 :
- +93% in snow braking
- +111% in snow traction
- +31% in snow handling (lap times)
- +22.5% in subjective snow handling
Comfort
In comparing the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 and Kinergy 4S2 tires, it’s clear that both offer exceptional comfort, each scoring 9.8 points. This parity is significant, showing that both summer and all-season tires can provide a smooth driving experience. For drivers, this means no compromise on comfort whether choosing the Eco 2 for summer precision or the 4S2 for all-season versatility. This equal comfort level is especially important for those prioritizing a comfortable ride in their tire selection.
Kinergy 4S2 :
- 0% in subjective comfort
Rolling Resistance
The Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 and 4S2 both perform well in rolling resistance, crucial for electric vehicle (EV) efficiency. Eco 2 has slightly lower resistance at 7.67 N/kN, compared to 4S2’s 8 N/kN. This small difference can impact energy efficiency and EV range. Eco 2 might be a more energy-efficient choice for EVs, but 4S2’s performance is still competitive for an all-season tire.
Kinergy 4S2 :
- -4% in rolling resistance
Price
The Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 costs €60, while the Kinergy 4S2 is priced at €78, making the 4S2 about 23% more expensive. This difference is notable for cost-conscious buyers. The 4S2’s higher price reflects its all-season versatility, while the Eco 2 offers a more budget-friendly option for summer conditions, without compromising quality. The choice between them depends on the need for all-season utility versus cost-efficiency in milder climates.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Kinergy Eco 2: € 60
- Kinergy 4S2 : € 78
Difference: +23% more expensive for Kinergy 4S2.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve seen a lot of advancements in tire technology over the years, and this comparison between the Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 and the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 really highlights how far we’ve come. The Kinergy Eco 2, a summer tire, excels in warmer conditions, offering superior dry and wet braking. Its lower rolling resistance is also a boon for fuel efficiency, which is especially important for electric vehicle owners.
On the other hand, the Kinergy 4S2, an all-season tire, shines in its versatility. It’s impressive how it handles not only dry and wet conditions well but also excels in snow – a crucial factor for those living in areas with varied weather conditions. The comfort level provided by the 4S2 is on par with the Eco 2, which is remarkable for an all-season tire.
What’s really striking, however, is how the differences in trade-offs between all-season and summer tires are becoming less pronounced due to technological advancements. The performance gap, especially in terms of wet handling and comfort, is narrowing, making all-season tires like the Kinergy 4S2 an increasingly attractive option for a wide range of drivers. This evolution in tire technology is exciting, as it offers consumers more balanced choices without having to compromise significantly on performance, safety, or comfort.
Dr Edwin Pang