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

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £27,145Avg. savings £2,380 off RRP*Used from £15,770
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,066 off RRP*Used from £13,200
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £5,321 off RRP*Used from £11,399
* 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
Inside Ford’s big comeback plan: Fiesta, small SUV, hybrid and VW relationship all explained
Ford Bronco Sport 2025

Inside Ford’s big comeback plan: Fiesta, small SUV, hybrid and VW relationship all explained

Exclusive analysis reveals Ford’s comeback plan: new Fiesta EV, hybrid crossover and working with Renault and VW
Features
11 Dec 2025
EU axes 2035 petrol and diesel car sales ban but UK holds firm on 2030
Electric car charging mega test - charging overhead

EU axes 2035 petrol and diesel car sales ban but UK holds firm on 2030

From 2035, 10 per cent of car sales in the EU can comprise hybrid, plug-in hybrid or even standard petrol and diesel cars
News
17 Dec 2025