Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO: The Hankook Kinergy 4S2, launched in 2018, faces off against the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO, introduced in 2020, in an exciting battle of all-season SUV tires. Both contenders carry the coveted 3-peak mountain certification, but the question is: which tire delivers superior performance across diverse weather conditions? Let’s dive into this highly anticipated showdown!
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Results: Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO
Results below were taken from the 2024 Minivan/SUV All Season Tire Test with a total of 14 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 tire was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
It’s important to note that for subjective tests, the evaluation was based on average lap speed which is commonly used in magazine tests. The tire size of interest is a 235/55 R17 which is a common tire size for Audi Q3. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen T6 Bulli.
Wet
In wet braking, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 stops 0.6 meters shorter than the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO, showcasing slightly better braking efficiency. However, in wet handling, the Hankook takes the lead again, maintaining a speed of 77.1 km/h, 1.9 km/h faster than the Bridgestone. When it comes to straight aquaplaning resistance, the Bridgestone edges ahead, achieving a speed of 79 km/h, 1.1 km/h faster than the Hankook.
Weather Control A005 EVO :
- -1% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling
- +1% in aquaplaning
Snow
In snow braking, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 stops 1.2 meters shorter than the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO, delivering better braking performance. For snow traction, the Hankook generates 195 Newtons more pulling force than the Bridgestone, offering stronger grip. In snow handling, the Hankook maintains a speed of 61.2 km/h, 1.8 km/h faster than the Bridgestone, ensuring superior control on snowy roads.
Weather Control A005 EVO :
- -4% in snow braking
- -4% in snow traction
- -3% in snow handling
Dry
In dry braking, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 stops just 0.1 meters shorter than the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO, showing nearly identical performance. In dry handling, the Hankook leads slightly, maintaining a speed of 96.7 km/h, which is 1.2 km/h faster than the Bridgestone, offering better control in dry conditions.
Weather Control A005 EVO :
- ~0% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling
Noise
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 produces 70.5 dB of exterior noise, making it 0.9 dB quieter than the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO, providing a slightly more comfortable and quieter ride.
Weather Control A005 EVO :
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.9 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO has a lower rolling resistance of 7.13 N/kN, which is 1.18 N/kN better than the Hankook Kinergy 4S2, making it more efficient in terms of fuel consumption and energy savings.
Weather Control A005 EVO :
- +17% in rolling resistance
Price
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 is priced at €122, making it €36 cheaper than the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO, which costs €158—a 30% lower price for the Hankook.
Tire size: 235/55 R17
- Hankook Kinergy 4S2 : € 122
- Weather Control A005 EVO : € 158
Difference: +30% more expensive for Weather Control A005 EVO
Conclusion
From an expert’s perspective, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 excels in snow and dry performance, with better braking, handling, and traction in snowy conditions, as well as marginally superior dry handling. Additionally, it’s quieter and significantly more affordable, making it the more value-oriented choice. On the other hand, the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO shines in rolling resistance, offering better efficiency for fuel-conscious drivers. Ultimately, the advantage goes to the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 due to its balanced performance across diverse conditions, especially on snow, combined with its lower price point, making it the more practical all-season tire option.
Dr Edwin Pang