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

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £7,299
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £8,206 off RRP*Used from £12,195
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £4,492 off RRP*Used from £6,595
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £10,288 off RRP*Used from £10,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Dacia Spring EV updated for 2026, and it’s still got a tiny price tag
Dacia Spring facelift - front

Dacia Spring EV updated for 2026, and it’s still got a tiny price tag

The Dacia Spring has been improved for 2026, but a replacement could come soon
News
16 Dec 2025
New Jaguar GT ride review: is the controversial luxury EV a proper Jaaaaag?
Jaguar GT 2025 - front tracking

New Jaguar GT ride review: is the controversial luxury EV a proper Jaaaaag?

100mph-plus sprint round test track reveals a comfortable, high-performance GT with plenty of promise and true Jag credentials.
Road tests
17 Dec 2025
All-new Ford Fiesta previewed in this week's special Auto Express
Auto Express 1,912

All-new Ford Fiesta previewed in this week's special Auto Express

In Auto Express magazine this week, we have exclusive images of the new Ford Fiesta and get a first taste of the Jaguar GT
News
17 Dec 2025