Hankook iON evo AS vs. Hankook Ventus S1 AS T0 — it’s the clash of purpose-built performance vs. next-gen versatility. On one side, the Ventus S1 AS T0, an OE-specific tire tailored for the Tesla Model 3, designed with ultra-high performance (UHP) in mind. On the other, the iON evo AS, Hankook’s EV-optimized all-season replacement, engineered to deliver efficiency, grip, and year-round comfort. But can the newcomer dethrone the original Tesla-tuned champion? Let the all-electric showdown begin.
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Results: Hankook iON evo AS vs Hankook Ventus S1 AS T0
Ideally you would like to have a 1 v 1 test results to show its clear performance difference. However this time around as there is clear segmentation, there are no test results which ran these 2 products simultaneously. Lucky for us, consumer report has tested both tires separately and we would be able to use their ratings to judge how well both tires fared. Do note that the consumer report uses a maximum rating of 5 which means that a rating of 5/5 is the best possible achievement.
The graph above shows the comparison between Hankook iON evo AS vs Hankook Ventus S1 AS T0 based on the relevant performance category. The tire size of interest for this test is a 235/45R18 which is a common tire size for Tesla Model 3. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table.
Wet
In wet braking, both tires are evenly matched at 3/5 from 60–0 mph.
Wet Braking:
- iON evo AS : 3/5
- Ventus S1 AS T0 : 3/5
Wet handling is also tied at a full 5/5. However, the iON evo AS pulls ahead in hydroplaning resistance with a 4/5 rating versus the Ventus S1 AS T0’s 3/5, giving the iON a slight edge in overall wet safety.
Wet Handling :
- iON evo AS : 5/5
- Ventus S1 AS T0 : 5/5
Hydroplaning :
- iON evo AS : 4/5
- Ventus S1 AS T0 : 3/5
Dry
The Ventus S1 AS T0 takes the lead in dry braking with a perfect 5/5 rating, outperforming the iON evo AS, which scores 4/5. This highlights the OE-tuned Ventus’s stronger UHP focus, offering sharper stopping power in dry conditions.
Dry Braking :
- iON evo AS : 4/5
- Ventus S1 AS T0 : 5/5
MIleage
The iON evo AS offers a longer tested tread life at 60,000 miles, outlasting the Ventus S1 AS T0’s 50,000 miles by 10,000 miles — a 20% advantage in durability for the iON.
Actual tested mileage:
- iON evo AS : 60,000 miles
- Ventus S1 AS T0 : 50,000 miles
Snow
In snow traction, the iON evo AS clearly outperforms with a 4/5 rating compared to the Ventus S1 AS T0’s 2/5. That’s a significant upgrade in winter capability, making the iON the better all-season choice for snowy conditions.
Snow Traction :
- iON evo AS : 4/5
- Ventus S1 AS T0 : 2/5
Ice
The Ventus S1 AS T0 takes the upper hand in ice braking with a 3/5 score, edging out the iON evo AS’s 2/5. While both remain limited on ice, the OE-focused Ventus offers slightly better stopping control in icy conditions.
Ice Braking:
- iON evo AS : 2/5
- Ventus S1 AS T0 : 3/5
Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH)
Both tires are evenly matched in noise and ride comfort, scoring 5/5 and 3/5 respectively.
Noise :
- iON evo AS : 5/5
- Ventus S1 AS T0 : 5/5
Ride Comfort :
- iON evo AS : 3/5
- Ventus S1 AS T0 : 3/5
Rolling Resistance
The Ventus S1 AS T0 edges ahead in rolling resistance with a 5/5 rating versus the iON evo AS’s 4/5, offering slightly better efficiency — likely a result of its OE tuning for Tesla.
Rolling Resistance :
- iON evo AS : 4/5
- Ventus S1 AS T0 : 5/5
Price
In 235/45R18, the Ventus S1 AS T0 is priced at $222 — 16% cheaper than the iON evo AS at $258, making it the more budget-friendly option.
Tire size: 235/45R18
- iON evo AS : $258
- Ventus S1 AS T0 : $222
Difference: -16% more cheaper for Ventus S1 AS T0.
Summary
From a tire expert’s view: the Hankook iON evo AS impresses with better snow traction, longer tread life, and solid hydroplaning resistance — making it a strong all-season performer for EVs. Meanwhile, the Ventus S1 AS T0, though OE-specific, delivers sharper dry braking, better ice performance, and lower rolling resistance, all at a 16% lower price — a great value pick for Tesla drivers seeking UHP traits.
Dr Edwin Pang