Hankook Kinergy GT vs Hankook Kinergy XP: –> New All Season from Hankook ! : In January 2024, Hankook Tire, a prominent player in the global tire industry, unveiled its newest addition to the Kinergy product line: the Kinergy XP. Launched with the intent to offer enhanced control and comfort for all seasons, the Kinergy XP stands out as the first Grand Touring tire within the Kinergy series.
Tailored for a broad range of vehicles, including compact, medium, and large SUVs, as well as high-performance SUVs and sedans, this latest release signifies Hankook’s commitment to innovation and quality in tire technology. Let’s breakdown the improvments of the latest new Hankook Kinergy XP as we pair it against its predecessor Hankook Kinergy GT
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Results: Hankook Kinergy GT vs Hankook Kinergy XP
Results below were taken from the “Hankook Kinergy XP press release“. These tests were self-reported by Hankook, focusing solely on wet, snow, and mileage results. It’s important to exercise caution when interpreting these results, as they are provided by Hankook itself, which could introduce biases. Unlike tests commissioned by independent third parties, this self-reported evaluation only covers specific performance aspects without comprehensive data on other criteria.
Tires often involve trade-offs in performance, where excelling in one area might mean compromising in others. Therefore, a complete performance assessment is necessary to fully understand the capabilities of these tires.
The graph above shows the comparison between Hankook Kinergy GT vs Hankook Kinergy XP based on the relevant performance category. The predecessor Hankook Kinergy GT was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Wet Showdown
The Hankook Kinergy XP shows a notable improvement in wet performance compared to the Hankook Kinergy GT. In terms of wet braking, the Kinergy XP outperforms the GT by a small margin, offering 102% efficiency against the GT’s 100%. This translates to a 2% difference, indicating slightly better braking capabilities in wet conditions for the XP.
The difference becomes more pronounced in wet handling, where the Kinergy XP boasts 106% efficiency, surpassing the GT’s 100%. This 6% increase suggests that drivers can expect more responsive and controlled handling from the Kinergy XP in wet conditions compared to the Kinergy GT.
Kinergy XP :
- +2% in wet braking
- +6% in wet handling
Snow
In snow conditions, the Hankook Kinergy XP significantly outshines its predecessor, the Kinergy GT. When it comes to snow braking, the Kinergy XP achieves 114% efficiency, which is notably higher than the GT’s 100%. This 14% improvement suggests that the XP model offers considerably better braking performance in snowy conditions.
Furthermore, in snow acceleration, the Kinergy XP again excels with 115% efficiency, compared to the GT’s 100%. This 15% increase indicates that the Kinergy XP provides enhanced acceleration capabilities on snow-covered surfaces, making it a more effective choice for winter driving conditions.
Kinergy XP :
- +6% in snow braking
- +6% in snow acceleration
Mileage
Regarding mileage performance, the Hankook Kinergy XP demonstrates a substantial improvement over the Hankook Kinergy GT. The XP offers a remarkable 120% efficiency in mileage, which is significantly higher compared to the GT’s 100%. This 20% increase in efficiency indicates that the Kinergy XP is more durable and likely to last longer, offering better value in terms of distance covered before needing replacement. This makes the Kinergy XP a more appealing choice for drivers who prioritize tire longevity and overall mileage performance.
Kinergy XP :
- -15% in mileage
UTQG rating
In terms of UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) performance, the Hankook Kinergy XP stands out when compared to the Hankook Kinergy GT. The Kinergy XP boasts a UTQG tread wear rating of 720, which is significantly higher than the GT’s rating of 540. This higher tread wear rating indicates that the Kinergy XP is more durable and has a longer lifespan, suggesting better resistance to wear over time.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hankook | Kinergy GT | All | 540 | A | A |
| Hankook | Kinergy XP | All | 720 | A | A |
Additionally, the mileage warranty offered with each tire reflects this difference in durability. The Kinergy GT comes with a mileage warranty of 70,000 miles, while the Kinergy XP extends this to 75,000 miles. This increase in the mileage warranty, in line with the higher tread wear rating, provides users with an additional 5,000 miles of coverage, reinforcing the Kinergy XP’s superior longevity.
It’s worth noting that both tires maintain the same traction and temperature ratings, both receiving an ‘A’ grade. This consistency indicates that despite the differences in tread wear and mileage warranty, both tires deliver similar performance in terms of grip (traction) and operational safety under various temperature conditions.
Price
For the tire size 205/55 R16, the Hankook Kinergy GT is currently priced at $128. As for the Hankook Kinergy XP, the pricing has not yet been released (we expect it to be around the same region). Therefore, for those interested in comparing the costs between these two models, it’s essential to stay tuned for updates. Once the price for the Kinergy XP is announced, a more comprehensive comparison can be made. Keep an eye on this space for the latest information on the pricing of the Kinergy XP!
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Kinergy GT: $ 128
- Kinergy XP : –
Difference: –
Conclusion
As a tire expert, my analysis of the Hankook Kinergy XP in comparison to its predecessor, the Kinergy GT, reveals several key improvements. The Kinergy XP shows a commendable advancement in terms of wet and snow performance, with noticeable enhancements in both wet braking and handling, as well as in snow braking and acceleration. These improvements suggest that the XP model will offer drivers a more reliable and safer driving experience in challenging weather conditions.
Moreover, the XP’s increased UTQG tread wear rating and extended mileage warranty clearly position it as a more durable and longer-lasting option. This enhancement in tread life not only promises better value for money but also indicates a potential reduction in environmental impact due to less frequent tire replacements.
However, while these advancements are impressive on paper, the true test for the Kinergy XP lies ahead on the independent test circuit. It is in this arena that we will truly ascertain whether the Kinergy XP lives up to its hype. Independent testing will provide unbiased, comprehensive data on the tire’s performance across various parameters, which is crucial for a holistic assessment. Only then can we conclusively determine if the Kinergy XP marks a significant step forward in tire technology and if it indeed sets a new standard for the Kinergy line. As such, the tire community eagerly awaits these independent test results, which will be the ultimate battleground for the Kinergy XP to prove its mettle.
Dr Edwin Pang