81
/ 100
Objective (60%)
89/100
28 professional tests
User signal (40%)
79/100
77 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
Head-to-head
Updated September 2026
Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 — Compared (September 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
VS
74
/ 100
Objective (60%)
73/100
6 professional tests
User signal (40%)
75/100
8 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
VerdictWinner: Hankook Kinergy 4S2 — better treadwear, dry and wet. Pick the Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 if noise and snow matter most to you.
Read full
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Category breakdown
7 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Score (0–100)
Kinergy 4S2 leads by 9
Why this score
| Source | Kinergy 4S2 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 84 | 66 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 81 | 87 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 98% | 90% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 99% | 99% |
Wet
Score (0–100)
Kinergy 4S2 leads by 9
Why this score
| Source | Kinergy 4S2 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 85 | 69 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 81 | 86 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 97% | 89% |
| Wet Braking - Concrete (% of best) | 92% | 90% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 97% | 95% |
Snow
Score (0–100)
BluEarth 4S AW21 leads by 4
Why this score
| Source | Kinergy 4S2 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 77 | 82 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 75 | 82 |
| Snow Braking (% of best) | 88% | 100% |
| Snow Handling (% of best) | 98% | 98% |
| Snow Traction (% of best) | 89% | 90% |
Comfort
Score (0–100)
Kinergy 4S2 leads by 7
Why this score
| Source | Kinergy 4S2 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 80 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 74 | 73 |
Noise
Score (0–100)
BluEarth 4S AW21 leads by 16
Why this score
| Source | Kinergy 4S2 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 78 | 99 |
Treadwear
Score (0–100)
Kinergy 4S2 leads by 25
Why this score
| Source | Kinergy 4S2 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 76 | 55 |
Handling
Score (0–100)
Kinergy 4S2 leads by 4
Why this score
| Source | Kinergy 4S2 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 74 | 70 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Hankook Kinergy 4S2 | Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 81 | 74 |
| Dry | 84 | 75 |
| Wet | 85 | 76 |
| Snow | 78 | 82 |
| Comfort | 80 | 73 |
| Noise | 83 | 99 |
| Treadwear | 80 | 55 |
| Handling | 74 | 70 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Personalize
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
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Recomputed
Headline score
81
/ 100
Tire A
74
/ 100
Tire B
Test data
The professional test results behind the scores
Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.
| Discipline | Category | Tire A | Tire B | Δ | Both? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curved Aquaplaning | Curved | 91% #3/9 · 2026 Die Reifentester All Season Tyre Test - 225/40 R18 | 78% #12/16 · 2024 ADAC All Season Tyre Test | +12.8 | Different tests |
| Dry Braking | Dry | 98% #5/9 · 2021 AZ All Season Tyre Test | 90% #13/31 · 2019 All Season Tyre Performance Overview | +7.9 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% #3/10 · 2025 Auto Bild Sports Car All Season Tyre Test | 99% #3/7 · 2025 Motor All Season Tyre Test | -0.1 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 97% #4/11 · 2025 Autobild SUV All Season Tyre Test | 78% #7/7 · 2025 Motor All Season Tyre Test | +19.5 | Different tests |
| Fuel Consumption | Fuel | 98% #11/15 · 2022 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 100% #15/16 · 2024 ADAC All Season Tyre Test | -2.4 | Different tests |
| Ice Braking | Ice | 92% #11/16 · 2026 ADAC All Season Tyre Test - 185/65 R15 | 100% #1/7 · The Best All Season Tyres for 2024 | -8.1 | Different tests |
| Abrasion | Other | 79% #4/16 · 2026 ADAC All Season Tyre Test - 185/65 R15 | 100% #16/16 · 2024 ADAC All Season Tyre Test | -21.3 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 99% #13/14 · 2020 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 100% #7/7 · The Best All Season Tyres for 2024 | -0.8 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 75% #3/12 · 2024 Minivan / SUV All Season Tyre Test | 76% #2/7 · The Best All Season Tyres for 2024 | -0.7 | Different tests |
| Value | Other | 57% #6/15 · 2025 AutoBild All Season Tyre Test | 72% #3/7 · The Best All Season Tyres for 2024 | -14.4 | Different tests |
| Wear | Other | 59% #9/10 · 2018 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 79% #4/7 · The Best All Season Tyres for 2024 | -20 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 33% #3/16 · 2021 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 17% #6/7 · 2025 Motor All Season Tyre Test | +16.7 | Different tests |
| Snow Braking | Snow | 88% #10/16 · 2024 ADAC All Season Tyre Test | 100% #1/7 · The Best All Season Tyres for 2024 | -12.3 | Different tests |
| Snow Handling | Snow | 98% #4/9 · 2025 Auto Bild All Season Camper Van Tyre Test | 98% #5/7 · The Best All Season Tyres for 2024 | +0.3 | Different tests |
| Snow Traction | Snow | 89% #6/9 · 2020 Tyre Reviews All Season Tyre Test | 90% #10/16 · 2024 ADAC All Season Tyre Test | -0.9 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 97% #3/16 · 2026 ADAC All Season Tyre Test - 185/65 R15 | 91% #12/16 · 2024 ADAC All Season Tyre Test | +6.4 | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Total | 0% #8/10 · 2018 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 0% #6/6 · The Best All Season Tyres for 2024 | 0 | Different tests |
| Tyre Weight | Tyre | 84% #9/16 · 2024 ADAC All Season Tyre Test | 100% #16/16 · 2024 ADAC All Season Tyre Test | -15.8 | Same test |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 97% #7/9 · 2021 AZ All Season Tyre Test | 89% #18/31 · 2019 All Season Tyre Performance Overview | +7.9 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | Wet | 92% #11/16 · 2024 ADAC All Season Tyre Test | 90% #10/16 · 2024 ADAC All Season Tyre Test | +2.2 | Same test |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 97% #4/16 · 2021 Auto Bild All Season Tyre Test | 95% #2/7 · 2025 Motor All Season Tyre Test | +2 | Different tests |
From owners
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 is widely regarded as a high-value, versatile all-season tire that excels in wet and cold conditions. While most users praise its exceptional price-to-performance ratio and reliable handling in varied weather, some report concerns regarding road noise at highway speeds and inconsistent tread longevity.
Pros
- Exceptional wet weather traction and hydroplaning resistance
- Strong value proposition with a competitive price point
- Reliable performance in cold temperatures and light-to-moderate snow
- Solid dry handling and steering responsiveness for an all-season tire
Cons
- Audible road noise or 'whining' at highway speeds (120-140 km/h)
- Reports of inconsistent tread wear or premature degradation
- Potential for reduced fuel economy compared to dedicated summer or specialized touring tires
- Occasional reports of sudden grip loss at the limit on specific vehicle setups
Observations
- EV owners noted that the tire can be noticeably noisier than specialized low-noise EV tires.
- Users with performance-oriented or heavier vehicles reported more rapid wear on the front axle.
- Drivers of smaller, lighter vehicles often praised the tire's ability to improve ride comfort and handling over OEM options.
The Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 is generally regarded as a competent all-weather tire that excels in wet and winter conditions, providing reliable traction in cold temperatures. While users appreciate its performance in adverse weather, the tire receives mixed feedback regarding its longevity, road noise, and handling characteristics during warmer months.
Pros
- Excellent wet weather grip and stability on motorways
- Strong performance in snow and icy conditions
- Quiet and smooth ride quality during the first two years of ownership
- Aesthetically pleasing tread design
Cons
- Noticeable increase in road noise, described by some as excessive
- Soft compound feel during high-temperature summer driving
- Concerns regarding long-term durability and premature tread cracking
- Unusual steering feedback during low-speed maneuvering
Observations
- Drivers of compact hatchbacks, such as the VW Golf, report acceptable dry and wet grip but note a peculiar sensation in steering feel.
- Performance in warmer climates (30°C+) results in a 'soft' feeling during cornering, suggesting the compound is better suited for temperate or cold environments.
Specifications
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Hankook Kinergy 4S2 | B · Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | All Season Premium Touring tires | All Season Premium Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
Final verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
81
/ 100
Hankook
74
/ 100
Yokohama
Winner: Hankook Kinergy 4S2 — better treadwear, dry and wet. Pick the Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 if noise and snow matter most to you.
Pick tire A
You want the longest tread life
Hankook Kinergy 4S2 scores 80 vs 55 on treadwear.
Pick tire B
You want a quieter cabin
Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 scores 99 vs 83 on noise.
Pick tire A
You want the most grip on dry roads
Hankook Kinergy 4S2 scores 84 vs 75 on dry.
Pick tire A
Your priority is wet-weather safety
Hankook Kinergy 4S2 scores 85 vs 76 on wet.
Tire A · Hankook Kinergy 4S2
Tire B · Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21
More comparisons
Also compared with
Hankook Kinergy 4S2 also compared with
Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 also compared with
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.