Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Kleber Quadraxer 3: In the world of all-season tires, two standout contenders are gearing up for a head-to-head competition: the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and the Kleber Quadraxer 3. On one side, we have Hankook, a brand synonymous with the premium segment, known for its relentless pursuit of perfection and annual improvements. The Kinergy 4S2 epitomizes this dedication to excellence.
On the other, Kleber, a subsidiary of the renowned Michelin, offers the engineering prowess of its parent company without the hefty price tag. The Quadraxer 3 is a testament to this blend of quality and affordability. As these two titans clash, the question arises: who will bring the most value to the all-season tire segment? The battle is on, and the answer might just redefine your driving experience.
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Results: Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Kleber Quadraxer 3
Results below were taken from the 2023 Auto Bild All Season Test. A whopping 35 tires were tested this time around with only 16 tires making it into the final round. The graph below shows the comparison between Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Kleber Quadraxer 3 based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Auto Bild did the full range of test including snow & the expensive wear test. The tire size of interest is a 225/45 R17 which is a common tire size for Volvo S60 & BMW 3 Series. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a BMW 3 series.
Wet Showdown
In wet conditions, the performance of the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and Kleber Quadraxer 3 showcases some notable differences. When it comes to wet braking, the Kinergy 4S2 stops in 49.5 meters from a speed of 100 km/h, whereas the Quadraxer 3 has a slightly better performance, requiring only 48.5 meters to come to a complete stop. This 1-meter difference could be crucial in emergency situations.
Moving to wet handling, the Kinergy 4S2 maintains an average lap speed of 72.1 Km/H, slightly outpacing the Quadraxer 3, which averages 70.9 Km/H. This suggests that the Kinergy 4S2 offers a marginally better grip and control during turns and maneuvers on wet surfaces. However, in the straight aquaplaning test, where higher speeds indicate better resistance to aquaplaning, the Quadraxer 3 takes the lead with a slipping speed of 80.4 Km/H, compared to the 78.6 Km/H achieved by the Kinergy 4S2. This indicates that the Quadraxer 3 might offer more stability and safety in heavy rain conditions at higher speeds.
Overall, each tire has its strengths in different aspects of wet performance, making the choice between them a matter of prioritizing specific features such as braking distance, handling, or aquaplaning resistance.
Quadraxer 3 :
- +2% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling
- +2% in aquaplaning
Snow
In terms of snow performance, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and the Kleber Quadraxer 3, both with the 3-peak mountain certification, exhibit extremely close results, making it challenging to distinguish a clear winner.
Starting with snow braking, the Kinergy 4S2 stops in 23.1 meters from 50 km/h, while the Quadraxer 3 is almost identical, taking just a hair longer at 23.2 meters. This minimal 0.1 meter difference indicates that both tires provide nearly equivalent stopping power on snowy surfaces. When it comes to snow traction, measured by the pulling force in Newtons, the Quadraxer 3 shows a slightly stronger grip with 2682 N compared to the 2639 N of the Kinergy 4S2. However, this small difference of 43 N is hardly noticeable in practical scenarios.
In snow handling, represented by the average lap speed, the Quadraxer 3 again has a marginal edge with an average speed of 57.6 Km/H, just slightly faster than the 57.3 Km/H of the Kinergy 4S2. This difference, while measurable, is so minor that it’s unlikely to be perceived during regular driving. Finally, looking at the snow slalom performance, which tests the maximum lateral acceleration, the Quadraxer 3 again leads with 4.08 m/sec² against the Kinergy 4S2’s 4.02 m/sec². This small difference underscores the Quadraxer 3’s slightly better agility in rapid directional changes on snow.
Overall, while the Quadraxer 3 demonstrates marginally better performance in these tests, the differences are so subtle that in everyday driving conditions, it would be difficult to tell them apart. Both tires excel in snow conditions, offering reliable and safe driving experiences.
Quadraxer 3 :
- ~0% in snow braking
- +2% in snow traction
- +1% in snow handling
- +1% in snow slalom
Wear
When comparing the wear performance of the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and the Kleber Quadraxer 3, there is a significant difference in their expected mileage. The Kinergy 4S2 shows remarkable durability, offering an expected mileage of around 60,289 kilometers. In contrast, the Quadraxer 3, while still offering decent longevity, falls short with an expected mileage of approximately 44,009 kilometers. This substantial difference of about 16,280 kilometers suggests that the Kinergy 4S2 is more resistant to wear and tear over time.
This performance disparity indicates that Hankook has effectively managed the challenging balance between wet performance and tire wear better than Kleber. Tires often face a target conflict where enhancing grip in wet conditions can lead to faster wear. However, in this case, Hankook’s Kinergy 4S2 seems to have addressed this conflict more successfully, providing both excellent wet performance and superior longevity compared to the Kleber Quadraxer 3. This makes the Kinergy 4S2 a more appealing choice for drivers looking for a tire that not only performs well in wet conditions but also lasts longer.
Quadraxer 3 :
- -27% in mileage
Dry
In dry conditions, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and the Kleber Quadraxer 3 show distinct differences in performance. Looking at dry braking, where shorter distances are better, the Quadraxer 3 stands out with its ability to stop in just 38.3 meters from a speed of 100 km/h. In comparison, the Kinergy 4S2 takes 41.3 meters to come to a halt, making it 3 meters longer in stopping distance. This suggests that the Quadraxer 3 has a superior grip and braking efficiency on dry roads.
When it comes to dry handling, measured by slipping speed, the Quadraxer 3 again takes the lead with a higher speed of 89.2 Km/H, compared to the 87.8 Km/H achieved by the Kinergy 4S2. This 1.4 Km/H difference indicates that the Quadraxer 3 offers better stability and control at higher speeds on dry surfaces.
Quadraxer 3 :
- +8% in dry braking
- +2% in dry handling
Noise
In terms of exterior noise performance, both the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and the Kleber Quadraxer 3 exhibit very similar characteristics with only marginal differences. The Kinergy 4S2 generates a noise level of 73.1 dB, while the Quadraxer 3 is slightly quieter at 72.8 dB. This minimal difference of 0.3 dB is barely noticeable and unlikely to significantly impact the overall driving experience.
Quadraxer 3 :
- ~0% in exterior noise (-0.3 dB)
Rolling Resistance & Fuel Consumption Showdown:
When examining the rolling resistance and fuel consumption of the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and the Kleber Quadraxer 3, there are noticeable differences, which have become increasingly important, especially with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). Rolling resistance impacts the efficiency and range of both traditional and electric vehicles.
The Kinergy 4S2 has a rolling resistance of 8.24 N/kN, while the Quadraxer 3 shows a lower figure at 7.69 N/kN. This difference suggests that the Quadraxer 3 is more efficient, requiring less energy to keep the tire rolling, which is particularly beneficial for EVs as it can potentially extend their driving range.
In terms of fuel consumption, the Kinergy 4S2 averages 5.74 liters per 100 kilometers, whereas the Quadraxer 3 is slightly more fuel-efficient with an average of 5.47 liters per 100 kilometers. This difference, although small, can add up over time, leading to cost savings and reduced environmental impact for the Quadraxer 3.
Overall, the Kleber Quadraxer 3 displays better performance in both rolling resistance and fuel consumption, making it a potentially more economical and environmentally friendly choice, especially in the context of the growing prevalence of EVs.
Quadraxer 3 :
- +7% in rolling resistance
- +5% in fuel consumption
Price
In terms of tire pricing for the size 225/45 R17, there is a clear difference between the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and the Kleber Quadraxer 3. The Kinergy 4S2 is priced at €95, making it more affordable compared to the Quadraxer 3, which is priced at €107. This price difference of €12 per tire can be significant, especially when purchasing a full set.
Tire size: 225/45 R17
Difference: +11% more expensive for Quadraxer 3.
Expert’s Perspective
As a tire expert, I’ve closely examined the performances of the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and the Kleber Quadraxer 3. My analysis reveals a clear advantage for the Kleber Quadraxer 3 in almost every aspect, except for wear. The Quadraxer 3 excels in aspects like wet and dry performance, noise levels, rolling resistance, and fuel consumption. However, when it comes to wear, there’s a significant disparity. The Kinergy 4S2 outshines with its much higher expected mileage, presenting a major advantage in terms of longevity.
This brings us to a crucial decision point for consumers: It’s essentially a choice between mileage and the rest. If your priority is long-term durability and getting the most out of your tire in terms of mileage, the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if your focus is on superior performance in various driving conditions and efficiency, especially important for electric vehicles, the Kleber Quadraxer 3 stands out, despite its shorter lifespan. This decision hinges on what you value more in your driving experience and your vehicle’s needs.
Dr Edwin Pang