Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 Review
An ultra high-performance summer tire that’s designed to deliver maximum grip and improve your vehicle’s handling, the Ventus S1 Evo 3 is a big step forward for the Hankook brand.
PROS
- Outstanding dry grip
- Nimble and responsive handling
- Specific version designed for EVs
CONS
- Extremely limited sizes
Hankook is battling to be considered as a tier one tire maker and it has for many years now offered tires that are excellently capable at surprisingly affordable prices. The Ventus S1 Evo 3 takes this to a whole new level with an outstanding summer performance tire for sports cars and performance SUVs while maintaining that affordable price.
Dry handling comes as a result of limited exterior tread blocks that are extra wide to handle higher lateral forces, while the tread compound used is a unique new formula that includes resin from conifers and vegetable oil that works with the synthetic compounds to offer high grip levels in both the dry and wet. This same compound has been optimized to offer that high level of grip while still maintaining a structural hardness that limits flex in the tread, while also prolonging tire life.
Wet grip is heightened thanks to incredibly wide circumferential grooves to expel water from the contact patch quickly, while the interior tread blocks utilize increased divisions to help force water away laterally as well.
We’re compelled to point out that this is a summer-only high performance tire and should not be driven in colder temperatures or snow.
More than just tread design, Hankook paid particular attention to this tire’s construction to optimize for high performance driving. It uses aramid fibers (similar to Kevlar) in the casing belt to better withstand the forces exerted on it by high performance vehicles.
Plus, to suit the needs of an increasingly diverse range of vehicles the tire is available in an EV-specific design, to maximize range and withstand the forces of a high-torque electric motor. Runflat versions are also available.
The biggest complaint we do have with these tires is that while Hankook’s corporate website lists roughly a dozen different sizes available, online retailers really only offer two size options, so far. And again, while Hankook does offer run-flat versions of the tire, they aren’t readily available from retailers yet.
Beyond all this, if you needed more of a guarantee as to just how impressive these tires are, BMW has selected them to be a factory fitment on the iconic 3 Series sports sedan. That should really say everything you need to know.
Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 Price
Pricing for the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 starts at just over $200 per tire.
Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 Warranty
There is no mileage warranty on the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3, which is not surprising for an ultra high performance summer tire. Hankook does offer a 30 day satisfaction warranty on the tire. In addition, all Hankook tires are backed by the brand’s standard limited warranty. It covers defects in materials and workmanship. Any defective tires detected in the first 2/32-inch of tread life or first year of ownership (whichever comes first) will be replaced free of charge. Defective tires found after that point and up until six years from the purchase date will be replaced on a pro rated basis.
Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 Sizes
17-inch sizes
225/45R17
225/50R17
18-inch sizes
225/40R18
225/45R18
225/45R18
19-inch sizes
235/40R19
235/40ZR19
265/35R19
265/40ZR19
21-inch sizes
275/35ZR21
22-inch sizes
285/30ZR22