Both hailing from South Korea,
Hankook and
Kumho have refined their compounds to offer exceptional performance without the top-tier premium price tag.
You can be sure of the confidence that the
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and
Kumho Ecsta HS52 instil based on how many drivers rely on them for their daily commute.
In this article, we compare both tyre models by exploring their key features, customer purchasing behaviour and pricing, helping you decide which option best suits your driving needs.
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 Overview
Promising and delivering everyday driving efficiency with refined features, the
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 is primed for long-distance motorway cruising.
Not only does it provide excellent dry handling precision and noise-reduction mechanics, but the Ventus Prime 4 also utilises a specialised high-mileage matrix compound to increase wear resistance by 20%!
Buy Ventus Prime 4 tyresKumho Ecsta HS52 Overview
Offering a premium touring experience, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 is the ideal summer tyre for those expecting a ride that is comfortable and safe without compromising on performance.
Whether it’s the multi-functionalised polymers giving it that much-appreciated extended tread lifespan or high-grip resin for superb all-weather braking, the Ecsta HS52 has been designed to deliver on all fronts.
Buy Ecsta HS52 tyresTyre Label Ratings
Label ratings for tyres are EU regulated, outlining tyre models’ performance across key tyre categories.
These ratings may vary between different tyre sizes and fitment variations.
The categories that are rated are:
- Fuel Efficiency – Ranked A to E
- Wet Grip – Ranked A to E
- Tyre Noise – Ranked with numbers and A to C / Decibels (dB)
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 Label Ratings
- Fuel Efficiency: A-C
- Wet Grip: A-B
- Tyre Noise: 69-71 dB
Kumho Ecsta HS52 Label Ratings
- Fuel Efficiency: A-D
- Wet Grip: A-C
- Tyre Noise: 70-72dB
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 Awards & Recognition
Having launched in 2022, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 has received widespread acclaim for its strong performance across a range of driving disciplines.
A selection of the awards and ratings the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 has received includes:
- WhatTyre’s ‘Summer Tyre of the Year’ (2024)
- DriverReviews’ ‘Best Tyres for Larger Family Car’ (2023)
Kumho Ecsta HS52 Awards & Recognition
The Kumho Ecsta HS52 has garnered widespread acclaim since its release in 2022, praising its impressive design and overall performance.
Notable awards and accolades the Ecsta HS52 has achieved in recent years include:
Customer Reviews
Customer feedback on Blackcircles.com is provided through DriverReviews, allowing drivers to share their experiences and opinions on tyres they’ve already purchased.
The review categories include:
- Overall ratings
- Would the customer buy the tyres again
- Does the car feel better to drive
- Were the tyres value for money
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Ventus Prime 4 as follows:
Kumho Ecsta HS52 Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Ecsta HS52 as follows:
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 Common Tyre Sizes
Kumho Ecsta HS52 Common Tyre Sizes
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 Common Car Models
Kumho Ecsta HS52 Common Car Models
Price Ranges
Prices for tyre ranges will typically differ between different sizes and specialised car manufacturer fitments.
Fully fitted prices for the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 range from £ to £ .
Fully fitted prices for the Kumho Ecsta HS52 range from £ to £ .
Final Thoughts
While both tyre models have their own unique perks (Hankook being top of the class in the label ratings, Kumho having reinforced variants), it’s clear that you can’t go wrong with either brand.
Both the Ventus Prime 4 and Ecsta HS52 embody the mantra of their respective brands by being able to deliver a top-tier performance, especially with their wet grip, while also staying affordable compared to their premium peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Hankook Ventus Prime 4 tyres last?
The Hankook Ventus Prime 4 is highly optimised for longevity, utilising a high-mileage compound that reduces rubber abrasion.
Depending on your driving style, vehicle weight and tracking alignment, drivers can generally expect between 25,000 and 35,000 miles from a front set, making them highly cost-effective over their lifespan.
Which tyre performs better in wet UK weather?
The Kumho Ecsta HS52 is the clear winner for wet UK weather. Independent testing, including recent ADAC and Auto Bild track tests, demonstrates that the Kumho stops significantly shorter on wet tarmac and concrete than the Hankook. Its wider tread grooves also provide much higher resistance against aquaplaning in heavy, standing rainwater.
Are the Kumho Ecsta HS52 tyres noisy on the motorway?
The Kumho Ecsta HS52 features a slightly rigid, performance-oriented tread structure, which can translate to a fractionally firmer ride and moderate cabin hum on rough motorway surfaces.
However, its exterior noise rating sits at a highly reasonable 73 dB—virtually identical to the Hankook Ventus Prime 4—meaning most everyday drivers will not notice a disruptive difference.
