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Hankook Ventus Prime 4 vs Michelin Primacy 4 — 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.
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6 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
Why this score
| Source | Ventus Prime 4 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 88 | 88 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 88 | 85 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 100% | 98% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 98% | 98% |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | Ventus Prime 4 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 81 | 85 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 83 | 81 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 99% | 94% |
| Wet Braking - Concrete (% of best) | 61% | 65% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) | 86% | 94% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 90% | 95% |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | Ventus Prime 4 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 89 | 74 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 82 | 83 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | Ventus Prime 4 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 85 | 75 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | Ventus Prime 4 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 78 | 82 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | Ventus Prime 4 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 83 | 77 |
| DriverReviews owners | 80 | 86 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Hankook Ventus Prime 4 | Michelin Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 83 | 81 |
| Dry | 88 | 87 |
| Wet | 82 | 83 |
| Comfort | 86 | 77 |
| Noise | 85 | 75 |
| Treadwear | 78 | 82 |
| Handling | 83 | 77 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
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.
Tire A
Tire B
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 | 95% #8/10 · 2024 Motorhome Summer Tyre Test | 86% #7/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | +8.6 | Different tests |
| Dry Braking | Dry | 100% #3/44 · 2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview | 98% #4/9 · 2024 AZ Summer Tyre Test | +1.8 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 98% #7/10 · 2024 Motorhome Summer Tyre Test | 98% #4/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | +0.6 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 88% #4/7 · 2025 Al Volante Summer Tyre Test | 90% #2/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | -1.7 | Different tests |
| Fuel Consumption | Fuel | 98% #32/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 98% #33/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 0 | Same test |
| Grass Traction | Grass | 83% #8/12 · 2023 Best SUV Tyres Tested | 96% #3/10 · 2021 All Road SUV Summer Tyre Test | -12.4 | Different tests |
| Mud Traction | Mud | 86% #8/12 · 2023 Best SUV Tyres Tested | 88% #6/10 · 2022 AutoBild SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test | -1.8 | Different tests |
| Abrasion | Other | 54% #8/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 43% #4/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | +11 | Same test |
| Noise | Other | 100% #7/7 · 2025 Al Volante Summer Tyre Test | 99% #6/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | +1.2 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 93% #2/8 · 2023 Motor Summer Tyre Test | 100% #16/16 · 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | -7.1 | Different tests |
| Value | Other | 58% #10/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | 57% #9/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | +0.7 | Same test |
| Wear | Other | 72% #6/16 · 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 92% #2/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | -19.6 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 13% #8/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | 20% #5/13 · Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres | -7.5 | Different tests |
| Sand Traction | Sand | 93% #5/12 · 2023 Best SUV Tyres Tested | 94% #9/10 · 2022 AutoBild SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test | -0.3 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 99% #5/7 · 2025 Al Volante Summer Tyre Test | 97% #3/13 · Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres | +2.2 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 95% #4/7 · 2025 Die ReifenTester Summer Touring Tyre Test | 100% #1/7 · The Best Touring Tyres for 2025 Tested | -4.9 | Different tests |
| Subj. Dry Handling | Subj | 95% #4/7 · 2025 Die ReifenTester Summer Touring Tyre Test | 100% #3/11 · 2019 AMS Summer SUV Tyre Test | -5 | Different tests |
| Subj. Noise | Subj | 80% #11/14 · 2025 Summer and All Season Combined Tyre Test | 60% #7/8 · 2021 ViBilagare Summer Tyre Test | +20 | Different tests |
| Subj. Wet Handling | Subj | 85% #6/7 · 2025 Die ReifenTester Summer Touring Tyre Test | 93% #2/20 · 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test | -8.8 | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Total | 0% #4/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | 0% #9/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | 0 | Same test |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 99% #2/44 · 2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview | 94% #6/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | +5.2 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | Wet | 61% #2/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 65% #11/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | -3.8 | Same test |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 86% #4/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 94% #9/9 · 2024 AZ Summer Tyre Test | -8.2 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 90% #7/13 · Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres | 95% #6/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | -5.1 | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Hankook Ventus Prime 4 is widely regarded as a high-value, premium-touring tire that excels in comfort, low noise, and wet-weather confidence. While most users praise its balanced performance and competitive pricing, a subset of drivers reports concerns regarding rapid tread wear and a noticeable decline in grip as the tires approach the end of their service life.
Pros
- Excellent ride comfort and low road noise levels
- Strong wet and dry grip performance for daily driving
- High value-for-money proposition compared to premium competitors
- Predictable handling and stable cornering characteristics
Cons
- Reports of rapid tread wear and premature degradation
- Noticeable decline in wet grip performance as tread depth decreases
- Sidewalls perceived as fragile or prone to damage by some users
- Performance drop-off in near-freezing temperatures
Observations
- Some users of heavier vehicles, including EVs, reported faster-than-expected tread wear and stiff sidewalls.
- Drivers of high-torque or turbocharged vehicles occasionally noted traction issues (wheel spin) during acceleration, suggesting the tire may struggle with aggressive power delivery.
- Users who upsized their tire profile reported improved ride comfort and corrected speedometer accuracy.
The Michelin Primacy 4 is widely regarded as a premium, long-lasting touring tire that excels in comfort, noise reduction, and consistent wet-weather performance. While it is highly praised for its longevity and safety, some enthusiasts find its handling 'floaty' or lacking in road feedback compared to sport-oriented tires, leading to a polarized experience depending on driving style.
Pros
- Exceptional tread life and longevity
- High levels of ride comfort and low road noise
- Consistent performance even as the tire wears
- Strong wet-weather grip and aquaplaning resistance
Cons
- Vague steering feel and lack of road feedback
- Soft sidewalls can feel 'mushy' or 'floaty' during spirited driving
- High price point compared to competitors
- Increased noise levels as the tire ages
Observations
- Users with heavier vehicles or EVs often report a 'floaty' sensation, which some mitigate by increasing tire pressure.
- Drivers of performance-oriented hatchbacks often find the tire's touring-focused design disappointing compared to UHP alternatives.
- The tire is frequently noted for transforming the ride quality of vehicles previously fitted with harsh run-flat tires.
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Hankook Ventus Prime 4
Community opinion on the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 is largely positive, with users praising it as a strong, high-value touring tire that often rivals more expensive premium brands like Michelin. Reviewers and owners highlight its good performance in both dry and wet conditions, though longevity estimates in professional tests show some variation. Overall, it is seen as a significant upgrade over budget or stock tires and a great choice for everyday driving.
“Hankook Ventus Prime 4 vs Kumho Ecsta HS52? Hey there! Went to this reddit after reading a lot of reviews on the website, a bit of a newbie in general. I have read about many models and settled on 2 possible ones due to pricing and availability in my country (not looking for any other options). In my price range and requirements I've settled on Ventus Prime 4 initially (50% cheaper than Primacy that my car came stock with), but have also seen some good stuff said about HS52. I was quite settled on the first one since it scored very well in 2022 Autobild review, but now that 2024 came out a lot of numbers are completely different (predicted tread life alone took a huge dive) and Hankook is now 4 positions lower than Kumho. To add to this, Hankook was only 10% more expensive thank Kumho in my country, but now there was a price drop and and now there is 20% price difference, so set of Kumhos comes out noticeable cheaper. Spec wise they seems very similar with some trade-offs in different departments. I'm not really looking to save as much money as possible, but with latest reviews I'm not sure if there is any improvement worth paying for. Any thoughts? Thanks. Read more”
“Are there any Hankook Ventus Prime 4 longevity reviews (perhaps personal experience?) The only info I was able to find is Autobild 2022 and 2024, and ADAC 2024 reviews. In the first one they expect 39k km, in the second 26k and in ADAC - 50k. I'm not sure what to believe. I'm a fairly moderate user and will be replacing stock Primacy 3s which lasted around 45k km. I would like to have something that will last around 4-5 years, which at my current usage would be around 30-35k km. If they consistently fall short of it I would probably pay a premium for a more expensive brand, but reviews give very different figures. If ADAC figures is to be trusted I would surely get them, because I would probably replace the car before I have to put on new tires. But 26k km in the latest Autobild review falls short of my expectations a bit. Are those figures typically less than real life due to more extensive testing and usage? I'm driving a compact SUV with 50/50 city highway driving and no sporty aspirations, very default usage scenario. I could pay more and get goodyear efficientgrip performance 2, but at their longevity they will probably need to be replaced out of age before I wear them down realistically, so that's why I was initially settling in more midrange priced Hankook offering. Would love any help, and appreciate the help I received in my previous post! Read more”
“Simbolul cu mașina și fulgerul de pe Hankook Ventus Prime 4 arată că anvelopa e compatibilă și cu mașini electrice (EV), nu că e destinată exclusiv lor. Poate fi folosită fără probleme și pe mașini cu motor termic.”
“Becsapós ez, nagyon kevés csapadék volt a nyáron, és nagyon könnyű megszokni a száraz tapadást. Aztan meglepődik az ember az esőben. Nekem is volt ilyen gumi az autón, előtte meg az volt rajta amivel vettem (valami noname), hát a Hankook egy nagyságrenddel jobb volt annál. Most VP4 van rajta, es rendben van az is szerintem.”
Based on 13 community posts
Michelin Primacy 4
Community opinion on the Michelin Primacy 4 is largely positive, praising its exceptional wet braking capabilities, impressive longevity, low cabin noise, and smooth ride quality. While some users note limitations in heavy snow or rougher tarmac surfaces, it is widely recommended as a top-tier touring tire for daily driving compared to sportier alternatives like the Pilot Sport series.
“Review: Michelin Primacy 4 ST I own a 2023 N8 DCT and recently changed all four tyres from the stock CEATs after one of the tyres’ sidewall was punctured on hitting a rather deep pothole at high speed. Cost: INR 9,750 per tyre Existing tyre buyback: INR 1,000 per tyre (~15k kms) Review: I’ve been using the new tyres for a few weeks now and I’m happy with the upgrade. The difference is noticeable, but only if you pay attention. I’d say a non-savvy person won’t notice anything different unless you ask them to pay attention. At low speeds, the road noise is reduced and the vehicle is noticeably silent (almost dead silent if the roads are smooth and the engine is at low revs) and smoother. At high speeds, the noise level difference is not very noticeable due to the engine and wind noise, but the smoothness and grip is noticeably better. That said, I wouldn’t say the stock tyres are bad (in terms of both - noise and grip) as a lot of reviewers like to point out; definitely not a night and day difference for me. Lastly, I believe the fuel efficiency has improved due to the lower rolling resistance, but I don’t have enough data to claim this confidently. My verdict is to only upgrade if your current tyres are worn out. Personally, I don’t think spending close to 40k is worth it for the budget conscious. But if you have the money to spare, you will definitely be happy with the upgrade. Read more”
“Am avut primacy 4 pe o electrica. Destul de dezamagit de faptul ca dupa ~ 28.000 km s-au tocit rau de au ajuns cam la 3 mm. Placute la condus, silentioase, dar nu cele mai aderente. Pilot sport 4 pe aceiasi electrica cu primacy 4. Huruie de te doare capul. Aderenta nu o simt neaparat wow fata de primacy 4. Nu le mai suport si abia astept sa le trec pe iarna, oricum asta fiind ultima incaltare cu ele. Pe o termica am primacy 5, si sunt cele mai ok din experienta mea. Cele mai silentioase si aderente din cele 3. Dupa 20.000 km uzura a scazut cam cu 1 mm. Recomandarea mea e sa alegi primacy 5 fara ezitare.”
“Both our Polestar2 (new) and 2016 Leaf (Jap import) arrived with Primacy 4s on them. The FWD Polestar needed fronts replaced at ~35k km and being 245/45 R19s Primacy were too pricey so went with Kumho Ecsta PS71 equivalents for a lot cheaper and negligible difference in performance. The rears on the Polestar are still going strong at 45k km and look like at least 60k km will be likely. We also fitted Kumhos on our previous Leaf and were very satisfied with performance and life.”
“When I bought my freshly imported 2014 Nissan Leaf in Sept 2020 it had 27,xxx km on the odometer and a full set of Michelin Primacy 4 that were sidewall dated from very late 2018, so likely only very low mileage on them. I put another 47,000km on them before replacing with a full set of Toyo Proxes C100 Plus in April 2024 which have also been great. The Michelin fronts were certainly very worn particularly the shoulders. I really rate Toyos so would encourage you to have a look. I’ve since put 21,000km on the Toyos and even after 12,500km, in May 2025 at their most recent WOF, the fronts still measured at 7mm and rears 8mm. P.S I paid $900 total for the 4 x Toyos inc. fitting, disposal etc.”
Based on 31 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Hankook Ventus Prime 4 | B · Michelin Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Premium Touring tires | Summer Premium Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | — | Passenger Car / Crossover |
Which one should you actually buy?
Hankook
Michelin
Winner: Hankook Ventus Prime 4 — better noise, comfort and handling. Pick the Michelin Primacy 4 if treadwear matters most to you.
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 scores 85 vs 75 on noise.
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 scores 86 vs 77 on comfort.
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 scores 83 vs 77 on handling.
Michelin Primacy 4 scores 82 vs 78 on treadwear.
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.