12 April 2025 (updated)

Hankook Kinergy 4S test

Table of content

Performance on snow
Wet performance
Dry handling
Cost-effectiveness
Noise development
Braking performance
Value for money
Hankook Kinergy 4S experience: advantages and disadvantages
Hankook Kinergy 4S Review Results
1. Popular tyre sizes for the Hankook Kinergy 4S
2. Sources

The Hankook Kinergy 4S is an all-season tyre manufactured in China and Hungary. It was developed as an affordable all-rounder and is available in a range of sizes.

Test organisation	Year	Dimension	Test result
ADAC	2018	175/65 R14	Sufficient (3.9)
ÖAMTC	2018	175/65 R14	Recommended with reservations (3.9)

Performance on snow

Based on reviews, the Hankook Kinergy 4S performs poorly on snow-covered roads. Its snow traction was rated at 3.9. Handling on snow-covered roads shows significant weaknesses, with a rating of 4.5. Stability in bends is severely limited. The sipes in the tread cannot guarantee optimal interlocking with the snow surface. The snow performance is at the lower end of the test field. Controllability during sudden steering manoeuvres is severely limited. Starting traction was rated at 3.5. The winter properties were rated as sufficient in the tests.

In the ADAC test 2018, the tyre only achieved a grade of 3.9 for its snow properties.

In the ÖAMTC test 2018, handling on snow was rated as weak with a grade of 4.5.

Starting traction was rated as sufficient in both tests with a grade of 3.5.

Wet performance

The Hankook Kinergy 4S performs poorly on wet roads. The wet grip was rated at 3.3. Handling on wet roads gives an unsafe driving experience. The aquaplaning properties are below average at 3.3. Stability when changing lanes is limited. The deceleration values on wet asphalt are extended. The controllability in critical situations is poor. The lateral guidance was rated as weak. The wet properties are among the tyre's weaknesses.

In the ADAC Test 2018, the wet performance was rated 3.3.

In the ÖAMTC test 2018, the tyre achieved a grade of 3.3 in the wet.

The aquaplaning properties were rated as weak in both tests.

Dry handling

The Kinergy 4S performs averagely on dry roads. The tyre construction offers a moderate balance between comfort and handling properties. The steering response was rated at 3.5. The cornering forces are unstable when driving dynamically. Feedback on the road surface is inaccurate. The tyre shows limited stability when changing lanes. The braking performance on dry roads is in the lower range. Driving safety was rated as sufficient.

In the ADAC test 2018, the dry performance was rated 3.5.

In the ÖAMTC test 2018, the tyre achieved a grade of 3.5 in the dry.

In both tests, the handling was described as below average.

Hankook Kinergy 4S test

Cost-effectiveness

The Kinergy 4S shows mixed cost-effectiveness. The rolling resistance and fuel consumption were rated 2.3, which is a good value. The wear resistance achieved a very good value of 1.5. The wear is even. The environmental balance is good. The efficiency of the tyre is in the middle range. The economy is positively influenced by the low wear. The durability corresponds to the premium level. The materials used are of good quality.

In the ADAC test 2018, the fuel consumption was rated as good with a grade of 2.3.

In the ÖAMTC test 2018, the wear achieved the very good grade of 1.5.

Noise development

The Kinergy 4S shows an average noise behaviour. The noise emission was rated at 3.5. The rolling noise is 71 dB according to the EU label. The interior acoustics were rated as average with a grade of 3.3. The exterior noise received a grade of 3.6. The frequency distribution of the rolling noise shows no particular abnormalities. The noise level varies moderately depending on the road surface.

In the ADAC test in 2018, the noise level was rated at 3.5.

The interior noise received a grade of 3.3 in the ÖAMTC test.

The exterior noise was rated at 3.6.

Braking performance

The braking performance of the Hankook Kinergy 4S ranges from average to poor. The braking performance on dry roads was rated at 2.8. The braking distances on wet roads received a rating of 2.9. The braking performance on snow shows significant weaknesses with a rating of 3.5. Stability during braking is limited. The braking force is difficult to control. The ABS support does not work optimally with the tyre profile. The braking force distribution shows an unbalanced characteristic.

In the ADAC test 2018, dry braking was rated 2.8.

Wet braking received a grade of 2.9 in the ADAC and ÖAMTC test.

Snow braking was rated as weak with a grade of 3.5.

Value for money

The Kinergy 4S is positioned in the lower price segment with a price. The average overall performance justifies the positioning. Good wear resistance and low fuel consumption are the main strengths. Durability is in the very good range with a grade of 1.5. The materials used are of acceptable quality. The total cost over the lifetime is attractive due to the low wear.

Hankook Kinergy 4S experience: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages	Disadvantages
Low wear	Poor snow performance
Low fuel consumption	Poor wet handling
Good ice performance	Limited dry properties
Favourable price	Increased noise
Good aquaplaning properties across	Poor lateral grip on wet surfaces

Hankook Kinergy 4S Review Results

In all the tyre reviews, the Hankook Kinergy 4S is a cost-effective all-season tyre with significant weaknesses in important performance areas. Its strengths lie in low wear and low fuel consumption. The main weaknesses are poor performance on snow and in wet conditions, as well as limited dry weather properties.