Skip advert
Advertisement

Hankook Ventus Prime 4 review

Hankook has become known for developing a tyre throughout its life, and it has a good base here, but it’s clear work still needs to be done

We tested the Ventus Prime 4 earlier this year in a mini test with the new PremiumContact 7, where it finished fourth out of four. 

There’s just a one-percentage-point difference in the gap to the winning Continental, but now rivals have filled that space and the Hankook, a multiple test winner, comes home ninth. This is a perfect example of the importance of looking at the percentage scores and not just the overall position of a tyre. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

As we saw earlier in the year, the Prime 4 does not like deep water and it was last in both of these disciplines. However, at shallower depths it was more convincing, and a joint second in wet braking meant it jointly led the pack chasing the stand-out Continental. 

The Prime 4 also felt secure on the wet track, with a well controlled rear end.

Blackcircles.com says…

"Customers note good grip, especially in the wet. They give the tyres 4.7/5 with their all-weather handling and improved economy highlighted."

Results

Hankook Ventus Prime 4  
Overall98% 
Price£84.42 
Wet braking96%=2nd
Wet handling98.1%=8th
Wet cornering98.8%6th
Curved aquaplaning70.8%11th
Straight aquaplaning89%11th
Dry braking96.7%6th
Dry handling99.4%=4th
Cabin noise98.5%10th
Rolling resistance73.6%6th

Buy the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 from Blackcircles.com...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Products editor

Kim has worked for Auto Express for more than three decades and all but a year of that time in the Products section. His current role as products editor involves managing the section’s content and team of testers plus doing some of the tests himself. 

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £8,315 off RRP*Used from £26,640
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,435Avg. savings £6,350 off RRP*Used from £10,450
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,840Avg. savings £5,643 off RRP*Used from £11,333
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,805Avg. savings £4,879 off RRP*Used from £7,999
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Volvo XC40 facelift: popular SUV gets Range Rover-esque makeover
Volvo XC40 - Ellis Hyde front

New Volvo XC40 facelift: popular SUV gets Range Rover-esque makeover

The pure-electric Volvo EX40 and EC40 coupe-SUV have also been updated again, now delivering up to 359 miles of range
News
10 Sep 2026
New Volkswagen ID. Polo 2026 review: a seriously impressive small EV
Volkswagen ID. Polo - front

New Volkswagen ID. Polo 2026 review: a seriously impressive small EV

The new all-electric Volkswagen ID. Polo is stylish, has plenty of space and is great to drive
Road tests
9 Sep 2026
Long-term test: BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro
BMW iX3 50 xDrive - front charging

Long-term test: BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro

Second report: Our Vice President of Content and Publishing does a lot of miles but has no home charger. Will an EV suit her?
Long-term tests
9 Sep 2026