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

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,840Avg. savings £6,068 off RRP*Used from £11,818
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,270Avg. savings £2,398 off RRP*Used from £6,460
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,705Avg. savings £6,173 off RRP*Used from £9,199
Toyota Yaris Cross
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Long-term test: Renault 4 E-Tech Iconic+
Renault 4 - charging fleetwatch

Long-term test: Renault 4 E-Tech Iconic+

Second fleetwatch report: living without a home charger means regular public charging, but the R4 is proving it isn’t as inconvenient as expected
Long-term tests
5 Aug 2026
Dacia Duster and Bigster hybrids get a hefty price cut
Dacia Duster - cornering

Dacia Duster and Bigster hybrids get a hefty price cut

The Dacia Duster and Bigster hybrid models now start from £23,345 and £26,715 respectively
News
4 Aug 2026
New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo 2026 review: EV puts VW back where it belongs
New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo - front tracking

New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo 2026 review: EV puts VW back where it belongs

Has VW’s all-electric hatchback finally grown up? We get behind the wheel to find out
Road tests
4 Aug 2026