Considering the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 but unsure if it’s worth the investment? You’re probably curious about how it holds up against some of the top tires in its class. This review will help you decide if the Ventus S1 evo2 deserves a spot on your vehicle.
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 excels in both wet and dry performance but comes with a premium price tag that might not offer the best value for everyone. It’s ideal for those who prioritize high performance and handling over cost.
In this article, we’ll break down the key performance metrics, including wet and dry handling, comfort, and durability, and compare the Ventus S1 evo2 against other leading summer tires. You’ll get a clear sense of whether it fits your driving needs and budget.
Hankook Ventus S1 evo2
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.7 of 10
Wet Weather
9.0 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Treadwear
8.3 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.5 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 280
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
None
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.9 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.0 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.2 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 8.3 of 10
Road Noise: 8.7 of 10
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 is a top-performing Ultra High Performance Summer tire, ideal for drivers looking to maximize traction and handling in both wet and dry conditions. This tire is designed for sports coupes, sedans, and other performance-oriented vehicles, offering a premium experience at a higher cost compared to some competitors. Let’s take a closer look at how this tire performs in various categories, and whether it’s worth the investment.
WET PERFORMANCE
The Ventus S1 evo2 excels in wet conditions:
- Hydroplaning Resistance: Rated at 8.9, this tire effectively disperses water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning in heavy rain.
- Wet Traction: With a score of 9.0, the tire offers secure grip and confident braking on slick surfaces, making it one of the best performers in wet weather.
DRY PERFORMANCE
On dry roads, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 is exceptional:
- Corner Stability: Scoring 9.1, this tire offers excellent stability during aggressive cornering, providing confidence during high-speed maneuvers.
- Dry Traction: With a 9.2 rating, it delivers outstanding grip on dry pavement, ensuring precise handling and strong acceleration.
- Steering Response: Rated at 9.1, this tire ensures quick and accurate steering response, perfect for performance driving.
COMFORT AND NOISE
Despite being a high-performance tire, the Ventus S1 evo2 offers a good balance of comfort and noise control:
- Ride Quality: Scoring 8.3, the tire provides a relatively smooth ride, though it may feel slightly firmer compared to more comfort-oriented options.
- Noise Level: With a noise rating of 8.7, the tire keeps road noise to a minimum, making it quieter than many other performance tires.
TREADWEAR AND LONGEVITY
For an Ultra High Performance Summer tire, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 offers solid durability:
- Treadwear Rating: With a score of 8.3, the tire provides good longevity for a performance-focused tire, though its lifespan may be shorter than all-season options.
VALUE
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 offers premium performance but comes at a high price point relative to other Ultra High Performance Summer tires. Its exceptional wet and dry performance justifies the cost for drivers prioritizing top-tier handling and grip. However, for those seeking a better balance between price and performance, there are other competitive options that may offer similar performance at a lower cost.
PROS
- Exceptional wet and dry performance, with top scores in both categories.
- Superior cornering stability and precise steering response.
- Good treadwear for an Ultra High Performance Summer tire.
- Quiet and comfortable ride compared to other high-performance tires.
CONS
- High price diminishes overall value compared to similarly performing options.
- Shorter tread life than some competitors.
The Verdict
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 is an outstanding tire for drivers who prioritize performance above all else. Its exceptional grip, precise handling, and impressive wet and dry traction make it a top choice for performance enthusiasts. However, its higher price may deter budget-conscious buyers. For those willing to invest in superior performance, this tire is a fantastic option, but alternatives with similar capabilities at a lower cost should be considered as well.
Side-By-Side Comparison
Price Comparison
| Tire | Price Category |
|---|---|
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 | Premium |
| General G-MAX RS | Average |
| Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 | Average |
| Sumitomo HTR Z5 | Budget |
Wet Performance
| Tire | Hydroplaning Resistance | Wet Traction |
|---|---|---|
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 | 8.9 | 9.0 |
| General G-MAX RS | 8.7 | 8.7 |
| Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 | 8.5 | 8.7 |
| Sumitomo HTR Z5 | 8.2 | 8.6 |
Dry Performance
| Tire | Corner Stability | Dry Traction | Steering Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 | 9.1 | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| General G-MAX RS | 8.9 | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 | 9.3 | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| Sumitomo HTR Z5 | 8.5 | 8.8 | 8.5 |
Comfort Performance
| Tire | Ride Quality | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 | 8.3 | 8.7 |
| General G-MAX RS | 8.6 | 8.4 |
| Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 | 8.6 | 8.4 |
| Sumitomo HTR Z5 | 8.5 | 8.3 |
Treadwear Performance
| Tire | Treadwear |
|---|---|
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 | 8.3 |
| General G-MAX RS | 8.4 |
| Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 | 8.1 |
| Sumitomo HTR Z5 | 7.9 |
Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 Problems
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 is well-regarded for its excellent wet and dry performance, making it a top contender among Ultra High Performance Summer tires. However, despite its many strengths, some concerns have been raised by users that are important to consider. Let’s explore the most common issues reported by consumers.
Ride Comfort and Noise
- Road Noise: One of the more frequent complaints is the level of noise generated by the Ventus S1 evo2, especially at higher speeds. While it performs well in dry and wet conditions, the aggressive tread design can result in noticeable road noise, which may be bothersome for those who prioritize a quiet ride.
- Firm Ride: Users have also mentioned that the ride can feel firmer than expected, particularly when driving on rougher surfaces. This is largely due to the tire’s focus on performance, but it may be a downside for drivers seeking a more comfortable experience on daily commutes.
Tread Wear Concerns
- Faster Tread Wear: Some users have expressed concerns about faster tread wear compared to other tires in this category. This is often reported by drivers who push the tire to its performance limits. While the tire excels in traction and handling, it may wear down quicker than expected if subjected to aggressive driving or less-than-ideal road conditions.
Cold Weather Limitations
- Poor Cold Weather Performance: Like many Ultra High Performance Summer tires, the Ventus S1 evo2 struggles in cold temperatures. It is not designed for use in near-freezing conditions, and its rubber compound hardens in cold weather, leading to reduced traction and safety risks. This tire should strictly be used in warm conditions, and switching to a winter tire in colder climates is recommended.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Value for Price: Although the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 offers excellent performance, some drivers feel that similarly performing competitors offer better value for the price. For example, tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Continental ExtremeContact Sport provide comparable or better performance at a lower cost, leading some to question the overall value of the Ventus S1 evo2 in the long run.
The Bottom Line
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 is a solid performer in the Ultra High Performance Summer category, delivering excellent wet and dry traction with precise handling. However, potential buyers should be aware of its increased road noise, firm ride quality, and faster tread wear. For drivers prioritizing top-tier performance, this tire is a great option, but those seeking a quieter, more comfortable ride may want to explore alternatives.
Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 Alternatives
While the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 is a high-performance summer tire that excels in wet and dry traction, some drivers may prefer alternatives that offer better value, durability, or a more balanced set of features. Below are three top contenders, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, including a budget-friendly option for those wanting solid performance without breaking the bank.
General G-MAX RS
Overall Rating: The General G-MAX RS is a well-rounded performer, offering excellent value for drivers seeking a high-performance summer tire.
- Wet/Dry: With wet and dry traction ratings of 8.7 and 8.9, respectively, this tire competes closely with the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2, although it doesn’t quite match the Hankook’s top scores. However, for most drivers, the difference in everyday performance will be minimal.
- Comfort: The General G-MAX RS is slightly more comfortable with a ride quality rating of 8.6 and noise level of 8.4, making it quieter and smoother than the Ventus S1 evo2.
- Treadwear: With an 8.4 treadwear rating, the G-MAX RS surpasses the Hankook in durability, offering a longer lifespan while still delivering solid performance.
Comparison: The General G-MAX RS offers similar wet and dry performance but stands out with better ride comfort, less noise, and superior treadwear, making it an excellent value alternative.
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
Overall Rating: The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 is a top performer for those who love spirited driving but want a more budget-friendly option.
- Wet/Dry: This tire scores highly in dry traction with a 9.3 rating, surpassing the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 in this category. Its wet performance is also solid with a score of 8.7, although slightly behind the Hankook’s 9.0 in wet conditions.
- Comfort: The Firehawk Indy 500 is comfortable with a ride quality score of 8.5, though slightly less quiet compared to the Ventus S1 evo2.
- Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 8.1, it performs slightly lower than the Hankook but still offers good durability for the price.
Comparison: For drivers seeking high dry traction at a lower cost, the Firehawk Indy 500 is a strong contender, offering comparable performance at a more affordable price, though it falls slightly behind in wet conditions and treadwear.
Sumitomo HTR Z5
Overall Rating: The Sumitomo HTR Z5 is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice too much in terms of performance.
- Wet/Dry: With wet and dry traction scores of 8.6 each, the HTR Z5 performs admirably, though not as impressively as the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2, especially in wet conditions where the Hankook excels.
- Comfort: This tire offers decent comfort with a ride quality rating of 8.5 and noise level of 8.3, making it comparable to the Hankook in terms of noise control.
- Treadwear: The Sumitomo’s treadwear score of 7.9 is lower than the Hankook’s 8.3, meaning it may not last as long, but its lower price point may make up for this in value.
Comparison: For drivers on a budget, the Sumitomo HTR Z5 offers solid performance at a lower cost, though it won’t last as long as the Hankook and falls slightly short in wet traction.
These alternatives present a range of options depending on your budget and driving needs, with each tire offering its own set of benefits compared to the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2:
- The General G-MAX RS is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a balance of wet/dry performance and longevity, offering a quieter and smoother ride.
- The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 excels in dry traction and is a great option for spirited drivers looking for performance at a lower price.
- The Sumitomo HTR Z5 provides solid performance at an affordable price, though it doesn’t last as long as the other options.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 shines in its wet and dry traction, making it a solid performer for drivers who love precision handling and cornering. It’s especially well-suited for summer conditions, with excellent hydroplaning resistance and strong steering response. However, it’s a pricier option, and while it delivers in terms of performance, the high cost might deter drivers looking for more budget-friendly alternatives.
Overall, the Ventus S1 evo2 is on par with the leaders in its category when it comes to handling and wet performance, but it’s not the most budget-conscious option. If performance is your top priority and you’re willing to spend more, it’s a great choice, but those seeking better value may want to explore alternatives.
Good luck and happy motoring.
