Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV: In this battle within the SUV segment, the Michelin Primacy 4+ faces off against the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV. Interestingly, while the Primacy 4+ is primarily a touring tire, it includes selected SUV sizes, making it a contender here. The Primacy 4+ was launched in 2022, offering the latest advancements, while the S1 evo 3 SUV has been around since 2019, establishing itself as a solid performer in the market. Who will come out on top? Let’s find out!
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Results: Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV
Results below were taken from the 2024 Auto Motor und Sport SUV independent Tire Test which includes 8 top tires in the market. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Primacy 4+ 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 a 235/55R18 which is a common tire size for Audi Q3 & Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a SEAT Tarraco.
Wet
In wet braking, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV outperforms the Michelin Primacy 4+ by 2.1 meters, stopping in 28.9 meters compared to 31 meters. During wet handling, the Hankook again has the edge, maintaining an average speed of 74.2 km/h, slightly faster than the Michelin’s 73.1 km/h. In straight-line aquaplaning resistance, the Hankook slips at 74 km/h, which is better than the Michelin, which starts to slip at 68.6 km/h.
Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV :
- +7% in wet braking
- +2% in wet handling (average speed)
- +8% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Primacy 4+ has a slight advantage, stopping 0.6 meters shorter than the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV, with a distance of 35.5 meters compared to 36.1 meters. However, in dry handling, the Hankook takes the lead, maintaining an average speed of 93.7 km/h, slightly faster than the Michelin’s 92.6 km/h.
Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV :
- -2% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (average speed)
Noise
In terms of exterior noise, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV is slightly quieter, producing 70.3 dB compared to the Michelin Primacy 4+’s 70.5 dB, making it just a bit less noisy on the road.
Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV :
- ~0% in exterior noise (-0.2 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Michelin Primacy 4+ performs slightly better, requiring 6.6 N/kN compared to the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV’s 6.9 N/kN, meaning the Michelin is slightly more efficient in reducing energy loss.
Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV :
- -4% in rolling resistance
Price
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV is 23% cheaper than the Michelin Primacy 4+ for the 235/55R18 tire size, with the Hankook priced at €124 compared to the Michelin’s €161.
Tire size: 235/55R18
- Primacy 4+ : € 161
- Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV : € 124
Difference: -23% more cheaper for Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV.
Summary
As a tire expert, I can appreciate the strengths of both the Michelin Primacy 4+ and the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV. The Michelin Primacy 4+ excels in rolling resistance, making it the more efficient option for fuel economy, and it offers slightly better braking performance in dry conditions. On the other hand, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV stands out with superior wet handling, aquaplaning resistance, and a quieter ride. Additionally, the Hankook is more budget-friendly, offering significant savings without compromising too much on performance. Both tires have their distinct advantages, making the choice dependent on what you prioritize most—whether it’s fuel efficiency and dry braking or wet handling, noise comfort, and cost-effectiveness.
Dr Edwin Pang