Hankook Tire Triumphs in the Auto Bild and AvD Summer Tire Tests

- Double victory with the highest rating ‘Exemplary’ for the Ventus evo in the Auto Bild and Auto Bild allrad summer tire tests
- Ventus Prime 4 impresses AvD jury with best-in-class performance
- Test results highlight Hankook Tire’s diverse lineup

Seoul, Korea, March 31, 2026 — Global leading tire company Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) has demonstrated the outstanding product quality of its summer tire lineup, as confirmed by three independent tire tests this spring. In the Auto Bild major summer tire test (10/2026 issue dated March 5), the Ventus evo outperformed 19 other finalists in the popular 245/45 R19 size, taking overall victory with a score of 1.1 and the rating ‘Exemplary’. The Ventus evo replicated this success in the 255/45 R19 size in the Auto Bild allrad summer tire test (12/2026 issue dated March 19), beating eight candidates to be named overall winner with a score of 1.2. At the same time, the Ventus Prime 4 put in a convincing performance in the AvD summer tire test in the 215/55 R17 size with strong wet handling performance.

The Hankook Tire Ventus evo stood out right from the qualification round of the Auto Bild summer tire test, where it was one of a 50-strong field. It confidently secured one of the coveted spots among the 20 finalists with the second-best braking distance of 42.1 meters on a wet surface and 32.8 meters on a dry surface from a speed of 62 mph (100 km/h). In the final, the ultra-high-performance summer tire confirmed its exceptional performance across the board.

In the dry, the Ventus evo stood out with the shortest braking distance – stopping over a meter before the runner-up – as well as the highest average handling speed of 63 mph (101.5 km/h). It also recorded the fastest lap time on the aquaplaning circuit and impressed in the wet handling test with the fastest speed of 52 mph (83.6 km/h). The strong performance is backed up by the best price-to-mileage ratio of all the finalists at just £ 953 (11.01 euros) for every 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) driven. Here’s what the Auto Bild test jury had to say: “Tire for dynamic driving with excellent wet and dry handling, shortest dry braking distances, very good value for money.”

The Ventus evo competed in the Auto Bild allrad summer tire test (12/2026 issue) in the 255/45 R19 size. This size is particularly relevant for a modern SUV with all-wheel drive, since it is the standard size fitted ex-works on many bestsellers in the compact mid-range segment. In the field of nine candidates from established manufacturers, the Ventus evo demonstrated its qualities both on and off the road.

According to the testers: “Hankook Tire’s brand-new Ventus evo dominated on wet surfaces, securing top positions both for handling with an average speed of 55.4 mph (89.1 km/h) and braking from a speed of 62 mph (100 km/h) with a strong performance of 50.2 meters.” Off road, it really shone in the traction test. On gravel, the Ventus evo achieved the highest traction of all the candidates with 11,442 newtons, also taking a comfortable lead on wet grass with 3,729 newtons. On dry surfaces the Ventus evo put in an impressively consistent performance, its short braking distances and low drive-by noise placing it among the top candidates.

The verdict of the Auto Bild test jury was unanimous: “The best tire for a modern SUV with all-wheel drive has to be able to do it all. Hankook Tire masters this extremely challenging balancing act most convincingly with the new Ventus evo, making it the deserving winner.” With an overall score of 1.2 and first place from a field of nine candidates, the Hankook Tire Ventus evo is the best all-wheel SUV summer tire from the 2026 lineup.

In its independent summer tire test, long-established AvD automobile club together with test specialist Tempotire tested 15 summer tire models from premium, quality and budget brands in the popular 215/55 R17 size. The Hankook Tire Ventus Prime 4 made a strong impression, especially on wet surfaces, finishing with an overall score of ‘Very good’.

The premium comfort tire finished top of the test field with fast lap times, harmonious handling and short braking distances in the wet. This impression is shared by the experienced tire testers: “The Ventus Prime 4 impressively confirms Hankook Tire’s reputation for delivering premium performance at a fair price.”

According to the testers, the tire provides clear steering feedback and gives the driver a gentle, manageable warning as it approaches its limits. When it comes to aquaplaning, the tire shows no signs of weakness and provides effective safety reserves. On dry surfaces, the Hankook Tire Ventus Prime 4 impresses with reliable handling and excellent rolling comfort, according to the tire experts.

The sustainability credentials of the Hankook Tire Ventus Prime 4 are especially impressive: “Production in the Hungarian plant ensures short transport distances within Europe, resulting in top marks in the logistics assessment. The excellent EU label rating (A for wet handling and noise, B for rolling resistance) reflects the modern construction.” The AvD jury’s conclusion continues: The Ventus Prime 4 impresses in terms of tire weight, mileage and low tire wear, making it a ‘durable and cost-efficient choice’.