As the electric vehicle (EV) market continues to heat up, tire manufacturers are stepping up their game to meet the unique demands of these powerful machines. Leading the charge in the EV-specific tire segment are Hankook and GT Radial, with their respective offerings: the Hankook iON evo SUV and the GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV. Hankook’s iON evo SUV represents the premium tier, designed to enhance the high-performance capabilities of luxury electric SUVs.
On the other hand, GT Radial, a brand traditionally known for its quality and value, has entered the fray with the Sport Active 2 EV, targeting discerning drivers seeking top-tier performance without the premium price tag. This exciting duel between premium and quality underlines a dynamic shift in the industry, promising to bring innovative solutions and heightened competition to the forefront of the EV landscape.
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Results: Hankook iON evo SUV vs GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV
Results below were taken from 2024 Auto Bild EV Summer tire test with a total of 9 tires tested, The graph below shows the comparison between Hankook iON evo SUV vs GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook iON evo SUV was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for both wet & dry handling evaluation, the average lap speed was used instead of the standard lap time & subjective rating. The tire size of interest is 235/35 R19 which is a common tire size for Audi R8 & Volkswagen Golf R. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a KIA EV6 which is an compact electric powered crossover SUV.
Battery Range
When comparing the Hankook iON evo SUV and the GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV in terms of battery range performance, the rolling resistance of each tire plays a crucial role. Rolling resistance, a key factor for EV drivers, significantly impacts battery range as lower resistance means less energy is needed to keep the vehicle moving. The GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV showcases a rolling resistance of 6.17 N/kN, which is slightly better than the 6.88 N/kN offered by the Hankook iON evo SUV.
This difference suggests that the GT Radial tire might provide a slight advantage in battery efficiency, allowing electric vehicles to potentially travel further on a single charge compared to those equipped with the Hankook tires. For EV drivers, who often prioritize range above many other factors, this reduction in rolling resistance can be a deciding factor in tire choice.
Sport Active 2 EV:
- +12% in rolling resistance
Wet
In wet conditions, the performance of the Hankook iON evo SUV and the GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV tires reveals some noteworthy differences. For wet braking, the Hankook tire stops the vehicle from 100 km/h to 0 in 39.4 meters, significantly outperforming the GT Radial, which takes 46 meters. This difference of 6.6 meters can be critical for safety in rainy conditions.
When it comes to wet handling, which measures how fast a tire can go around a track without losing grip, the Hankook tires again show superior performance, allowing a vehicle to travel at an average speed of 57.1 km/h, compared to the 55.2 km/h managed by the GT Radial tires.
In the wet circle test, measuring the time it takes to complete a circle on a wet surface, the Hankook tires complete the loop in 13.11 seconds, faster than the GT Radial’s 13.45 seconds, indicating better traction and control. However, both tires perform similarly in straight aquaplaning, where the maximum slipping speed for Hankook is 94.4 km/h and for GT Radial is 94.1 km/h, showing almost identical resistance to water buildup under the tire in straight-line conditions.
Overall, the Hankook iON evo SUV tires demonstrate better wet performance across most tests, suggesting they might be a safer and more reliable choice in adverse weather conditions.
Sport Active 2 EV:
- -14% in wet braking
- -3% in wet handling (average speed)
- -3% in wet circle
- ~0% in straight aquaplaning
Mileage
In terms of mileage performance, the differences between the Hankook iON evo SUV and the GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV tires are subtle and the overall results are quite close. The Hankook tire shows a marginally better wear performance, capable of lasting up to 35,695 kilometers, compared to the 34,905 kilometers for the GT Radial. This narrow gap of about 790 kilometers suggests that the Hankook tires may offer a slight edge in durability.
Regarding abrasion, which measures how much material the tire loses due to friction, the Hankook tires also have a slight advantage, with an abrasion rate of 1141 grams compared to the GT Radial’s 1222 grams. This lower abrasion rate indicates a better resistance to material loss, subtly enhancing the Hankook’s durability.
Overall, the competition between the Hankook iON evo SUV and GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV in mileage performance is closely contested, with the Hankook tires showing a slight advantage in terms of longevity and abrasion resistance, making them a potentially more cost-effective choice for drivers focusing on the long-term durability of their EV tires.
Sport Active 2 EV:
- -2% in mileage
- -3% in abrasion
Dry
In dry conditions, the Hankook iON evo SUV and GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV tires showcase distinct performance differences. The Hankook tire excels in dry braking, bringing a vehicle to a stop from 100 km/h in 33 meters, compared to the GT Radial, which takes 37.9 meters. This substantial difference of 4.9 meters highlights the Hankook tire’s superior stopping power in dry conditions.
Similarly, in dry handling, which assesses a tire’s ability to maintain speed and control around a track, the Hankook again outperforms the GT Radial. The Hankook tires allow for an average speed of 70.2 km/h, while the GT Radial tires trail with an average speed of 67.6 km/h.
Overall, the Hankook iON evo SUV tires demonstrate a clear advantage in both stopping distance and handling speed over the GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV in dry conditions, suggesting they provide better safety and performance for driving on dry roads.
Sport Active 2 EV:
- -13% in dry braking
- -4% in dry handling (average speed)
Noise
The Hankook iON evo SUV tires outperform the GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV in exterior noise levels, producing 68.6 decibels compared to GT Radial’s 70.5 decibels. This 1.9 decibel difference makes the Hankook tires quieter, enhancing comfort and reducing noise pollution, particularly valuable in urban settings. This gives the Hankook tires a clear edge in providing a quieter driving experience.
Sport Active 2 EV:
- -3% in exterior noise (+1.9 dB)
Price
When comparing the prices of the Hankook iON evo SUV and GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV tires for the size 235/35 R19, the GT Radial emerges as the more economical choice. Priced at €125, the GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV is significantly more affordable than the Hankook iON evo SUV, which is priced at €167. This price difference represents a 34% lower cost for the GT Radial tire. Being in the quality segment, GT Radial offers a substantial price advantage over the premium-tier Hankook, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality performance at a more accessible price point.
Tire size: 235/35 R19
Difference: -34% more cheaper for Sport Active 2 EV.
Summary
As a tire expert evaluating the Hankook iON evo SUV and GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV, each tire presents distinct advantages tailored to different driver needs. The Hankook iON evo SUV excels in wet and dry performance, offering superior braking, handling, and lower noise levels, which makes it ideal for drivers who prioritize safety and comfort, particularly in variable weather conditions. Its durability and abrasion resistance also suggest it’s a long-lasting option for those looking to maximize their investment in premium tires.
On the other hand, the GT Radial Sport Active 2 EV stands out for its affordability, providing a compelling price point that is significantly lower than its premium counterpart. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who still seek reliable performance for their electric vehicles. Additionally, its lower rolling resistance is a notable feature that can potentially enhance electric vehicle range, appealing to eco-conscious drivers focused on efficiency.
Ultimately, the choice between these tires will depend on individual priorities—whether that’s the premium performance and safety features of the Hankook or the cost-effectiveness and efficient design of the GT Radial.
Dr Edwin Pang