Hankook Ventus Prime 4 vs Michelin Primacy 5: Fresh off its victories over the Contiental PremiumContact 7 and Brigestone Turanza 6, Michelin’s all-new 2025 Primacy 5 now faces a formidable challenger in the Hankook Ventus Prime 4. Both promise top-tier comfort, grip, and durability, but only one can claim the touring crown. Strap in for a showdown that’s set to redefine the class!
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Results: Hankook Ventus Prime 4 vs Michelin Primacy 5
The results presented here are from the UTAC/Aftonbladet Summer Tire Test, where 8 of the best summer tire models were selected plus an interesting addition of 4 all season tires. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 vs Michelin Primacy 5 across various performance categories, with the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the 225/45R17 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf & Toyota Corolla. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard Audi A3 series as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin Primacy 5 stops 1 meter earlier at 33 meters, which is about 3% shorter than Hankook’s 34 meters. Both tires match each other in wet handling at 77.4 seconds. Subjectively, the Michelin scores 10 points over Hankook’s 9 points, creating an 5% advantage. In straight aquaplaning, the Michelin pushes to 79.4 km/h against Hankook’s 77.7 km/h, a 2% lead. Overall, the Primacy 5 shows clear dominance in the wet.
Primacy 5 :
- +3% in wet braking
- 0% in wet handling
- +5% in subj wet handling
- +2% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 stops at 35.1 meters, beating the Michelin Primacy 5 by 0.9 meters, which is a 3% shorter distance. Both tires score equally in subjective dry handling with 9 points each. While handling feels the same, Hankook edges ahead in braking performance. Dry remains a weakness for the Primacy 5.
Primacy 5 :
- -3% in dry braking
- 0% in dry handling
Wear
While mileage wasn’t directly tested in this round, we’re referencing data from previous tests, where the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 achieved 26,250 km compared to the Michelin Primacy 4+ at 38,950 km. With the new Michelin Primacy 5 claiming a 22% increase in mileage over its predecessor, we can estimate its lifespan at around 47,519 km. That’s 21,269 km more than the Hankook, representing a substantial 81% advantage in expected mileage.
Primacy 5 :
- +81% in mileage (estimated)
Noise
In subjective noise evaluation, the Michelin Primacy 5 scores 10 points, outperforming the Hankook Ventus Prime 4’s 8 points by 2 points, which is a 10% advantage. The Primacy 5 offers a noticeably quieter and more refined ride.
Primacy 5 :
- +10% in subjective noise
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Michelin Primacy 5 records 7.74 N/kN, slightly better than the Hankook Ventus Prime 4’s 7.99 N/kN. That’s a difference of 0.25 N/kN, giving the Michelin a 3% advantage in fuel efficiency.
Primacy 5 :
- +3% in rolling resistance
Price
In 225/45 R17, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 is priced at €83, while the Michelin Primacy 5 costs €119. That makes the Primacy 5 43% more expensive than the Hankook.
Tire size: 225/45 R17
- Ventus Prime 4 : € 83
- Primacy 5 : € 119
Difference: +43% more expensive for Primacy 5
Summary
From a tire expert’s perspective, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 offers solid dry braking and great value for money, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious drivers. However, the all-new Michelin Primacy 5 clearly stands out with superior wet grip, exceptional refinement, better fuel efficiency, and an unmatched lead in mileage. It’s the more complete and well-rounded touring tire.
Dr Edwin Pang