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Michelin Tyres vs Hankook Tyres
Both Michelin and Hankook are global leading tyre brands that prioritise innovative and premium tyre production.
The two manufacturers have a number of tyre models including summer, all season, and winter tyres that are widely considered to be some of the best and most sought-after tyres on the market.
Michelin holds the top spot in global sales among the world's leading tyre manufacturers today, while Hankook is seventh, demonstrating both their popularity with motorists around the world.
Today we will be reviewing both tyre brands and outlining their most popular tyres to give you a better understanding of what brand peaks your interests the most.
Michelin Overview
Michelin has been a leading tyre manufacturer for over 100 years now, starting out as a company back in 1889.
The French tyre brand pride themselves on the production of premium quality tyres, giving customers reliable and top performing products.
These tyres range from car tyres to bike tyres, as well as truck tyres, covering multiple vehicle segments.
Michelin don’t just contribute immensely to the tyre industry, with the tyre brand also venturing into the restaurant industry through their prestigious ‘Michelin Star’ awards.
Even if they have ventured into a different market, tyre production is what they specialise in, with a wide range of technologies being developed on their tyres, such as:
- P-Edge: This all-season and winter tyre feature uses innovative groove design. As the tyre wears, the grooves expand, increasing edge density for superior grip in snow.
- Dynamic Response Technology: Engineered for optimised steering, this technology delivers enhanced responsiveness and precise handling on wet surfaces.
- Zero Pressure (ZP): Our run-flat technology lets you drive up to 50 miles at 50 mph, even with a completely deflated tyre. Perfect for navigating hazardous situations until you can get a replacement.
- MaxTouch: Michelin's MaxTouch construction extends tyre lifespan. By evenly distributing forces during acceleration, braking, and cornering, you get the most out of every tyre.
These technologies help make their extensive range of tyres some of the best performing tyres available today.
So, what are their most popular tyre models?
Popular Michelin Tyres
With such an extensive tyre model line-up, Michelin are no strangers to producing popular tyres.
These tyres have helped Michelin become one of the most recognisable tyre brands on the market as well as the world’s leading tyre brand in sales
Pilot Sport 4
Michelin's renowned summer tyre (launched 2016), offering a winning blend of performance and control.
Designed for responsive handling and precise cornering, it's a reliable choice for drivers seeking a premium driving experience. Blackcircles.com customer ratings:
- Overall rating of my tyres – 4.8/5
- I would buy the same tyres again – 4.8/5
- The car feels better to drive – 4.6/5
- The tyres were value for money – 4.2/5
Prices: £109.95 to £380.26.*
Buy Pilot Sport 4 tyresPilot Sport 4 S
The high-performance evolution of the Pilot Sport 4, engineered for exceptional grip and exhilarating speed.
This tyre delivers superior responsiveness and precise control, perfect for demanding driving styles. Blackcircles.com customer ratings:
- Overall rating of my tyres – 4.8/5
- I would buy the same tyres again – 4.8/5
- The car feels better to drive – 4.6/5
- The tyres were value for money – 4.2/5
Prices: £174.99 to £494.69.*
Buy Pilot Sport 4 S tyresPilot Sport 5
The latest generation (2022) builds upon its predecessors' strengths with cutting-edge technology for even better performance. Experience enhanced grip, handling and a refined driving feel. Blackcircles.com customer ratings:
- Overall rating of my tyres – 4.7/5
- I would buy the same tyres again – 4.7/5
- The car feels better to drive – 4.4/5
- The tyres were value for money – 4.2/5
Prices: £121.99 to £318.28.*
Buy Pilot Sport 5 tyresCrossClimate 2
Michelin's flagship all-season tyre, offering exceptional versatility. Master diverse weather conditions with confidence, thanks to its advanced tread pattern and compound designed for grip in wet, dry and snowy conditions.
Blackcircles.com customer ratings:
- Overall rating of my tyres – 4.6/5
- I would buy the same tyres again – 4.7/5
- The car feels better to drive – 4.3/5
- The tyres were value for money – 4.1/5
Prices: £108.56 to £323.33.*
Buy CrossClimate 2 tyresPrimacy 4+
A top-performing summer tyre prioritizing both longevity and braking power.
Experience extended tyre life and superior stopping performance, making it an ideal choice for drivers seeking a balance of performance and value.
Blackcircles.com customer ratings:
- Overall rating of my tyres – 4.6/5
- I would buy the same tyres again – 4.7/5
- The car feels better to drive – 4.3/5
- The tyres were value for money – 4.1/5
Prices: £104.58 to £265.39.*
Buy Primacy 4+ tyresAre Michelin Tyres Good?
As established, Michelin manufacture some of the top tyre models on the market.
Leading tyre series such as their Pilot Sport, CrossClimate, and Primacy tyre ranges make up premium tyres, designed for top performance, reliability, and longevity.
Over 81,500 tyre reviews also makes Michelin the highest reviewed tyre brand on the Blackcircles.com website, further highlighting the popularity of Michelin within the UK.
Garnering plaudits from customers and industry experts alike, Michelin are renowned for being one of the best tyre brands out there.
Hankook Overview
From its beginnings in 1941 as Korea's first tyre factory, established by Bridgestone, Hankook has risen to become a global powerhouse.
Now the 7th largest tyre company worldwide, Hankook's journey showcases a remarkable transformation from a mid-range brand to a premium player.
This ascent is driven by their expertise in diverse tyre segments, including EV, summer, and performance tyres.
Commitment to innovation is evident in their five global R&D labs (Korea, Germany, USA, China, and Japan), constantly developing cutting-edge technologies tailored to specific markets.
Key technological innovations include:
- Visual Alignment Indicator (VAI): A unique feature helping drivers detect misalignment issues early through sipes in the tyre tread.
- Highly Enriched Synthetic Silica Compound (HSSC): An advanced tread compound material using a unique mixing process for improved longevity.
- Hankook Platform System-Cell (HPS-Cell): An intelligent sensor system monitoring tyre pressure, temperature, and tread wear.
- iON Innovative Technology: Designed for electric vehicles (EVs), this technology optimises performance, efficiency, and comfort.
These innovative technologies has helped Hankook’s model line-up stand out amongst competitors.
Popular Hankook Tyres
Offering a wide range of tyres, Hankook are the home to incredibly innovative and high-performing models.
These tyres range from ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres to all-season tyres, and much more.
Ventus S1 Evo 3
A premium summer tyre designed for high-end vehicles, delivering superior wet and dry performance. Advanced compounds ensure both durability and high performance.
Blackcircles.com customer ratings:
- Overall rating of my tyres – 4.5/5
- I would buy the same tyres again – 4.6/5
- The car feels better to drive – 4.1/5
- The tyres were value for money – 4.3/5
Prices: £95.99 to £296.89.*
Ventus S1 Evo 2
The predecessor to the S1 Evo 3, this ultra-high-performance tyre provides excellent handling and stability, particularly at high speeds.
Blackcircles.com customer ratings:
- Overall rating of my tyres – 4.5/5
- I would buy the same tyres again – 4.6/5
- The car feels better to drive – 4.1/5
- The tyres were value for money – 4.2/5
Prices: £99.25 to £184.75.*
Ventus Prime 3
Combining performance and comfort, this tyre offers excellent grip and stability in all conditions. A popular choice for premium saloons and coupes.
Blackcircles.com customer ratings:
- Overall rating of my tyres – 4.4/5
- I would buy the same tyres again – 4.6/5
- The car feels better to drive – 4.1/5
- The tyres were value for money – 4.4/5
Prices: £80.45 to £178.57.*
Kinergy Eco 2
An eco-friendly summer tyre prioritizing fuel efficiency and long-lasting performance. Reliable in wet and dry conditions, ideal for everyday driving.
Blackcircles.com customer ratings:
- Overall rating of my tyres – 4.4/5
- I would buy the same tyres again – 4.6/5
- The car feels better to drive – 4.2/5
- The tyres were value for money – 4.3/5
Prices: £68.81 to £116.56.*
Kinergy 4S 2
This all-season tyre delivers excellent year-round performance. A unique tread design enhances grip and reduces aquaplaning risk.
Blackcircles.com customer ratings:
- Overall rating of my tyres – 4.4/5
- I would buy the same tyres again – 4.5/5
- The car feels better to drive – 4.1/5
- The tyres were value for money – 4.3/5
Prices: £77.67 to £229.07.*
Are Hankook Tyres Good?
Hankook manufacture some of the top tyre models on the market.
Over 15,500 Blackcircles.com customer have reviewed Hankook products, showing the popularity of Hankook amongst British motorists today.
Given their vast popularity globally, Hankook are known to be one of the best tyre brands on the market today.
Michelin or Hankook Tyres?
With both Michelin and Hankook being leading tyre brands, you should consider your own demands and driving habits before choosing one of their tyres.
If you’re on the market for a tyre that performs well in all weather conditions, look to Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 or perhaps Hankook’s Kinergy 4S 2.
Looking for a performance tyre to give you reliability at higher speeds? Consider Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4 S or Hankook’s Ventus S1 Evo 3.
To summarise, these manufacturers are two leading tyre brands for a reason, so it’s difficult to decipher which brand to choose.
We just hope the data and insights provided on both tyre brands and their products helps you make your decision regarding which one is best for you!
*Please note, fully fitted prices for tyre may fluctuate in time, with listed prices being from date of writing (04/11/2024).