When it comes to choosing the right tires for your vehicle, the options seem endless.
That’s why I decided to dive into the world of Falken vs Hankook, two prominent tire brands that have gained recognition for their exceptional performance.
In this post, I’ll be taking a comprehensive look at their history, dry, wet, and snow performances, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, as well as their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll uncover which brand reigns supreme in the tire arena.
So, buckle up and let’s explore the Falken vs Hankook tire showdown!
Falken vs Hankook – Comparison Table
| Falken | Hankook | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1941 |
| Made In | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand | Clarksville, TN or Akron, OH, in addition to South Korea, China, Hungary, Indonesia, Germany, and Japan |
| Parent | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) | Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. (South Korea) |
About the Brands
1. Falken
Falken is a renowned tire brand that originated in Japan in 1983.
It is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a prominent Japanese company.
From its inception, Falken has strived to deliver high-quality tires that combine performance and durability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its innovative technologies and commitment to excellence.
Falken has made significant advancements in tire engineering, constantly pushing boundaries to enhance driving experiences.
With a focus on motorsport and extensive research and development, Falken has developed a diverse range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
With its Japanese precision and expertise, Falken continues to cater to the needs of drivers worldwide, earning a reputation as a trusted and reliable tire brand.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
2. Hankook
Hankook Tire is a renowned tire brand that originated in South Korea in 1941.
It is a subsidiary of Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd., the parent company responsible for its success.
Over the years, Hankook has established itself as a global leader in the tire industry, catering to diverse vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and buses.
The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has propelled its growth, allowing it to become one of the largest tire manufacturers worldwide.
With cutting-edge research and development capabilities, Hankook consistently introduces advanced tire technologies, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and durability.
Today, Hankook tires are trusted by millions of drivers around the globe, offering a wide range of products that deliver excellent traction, handling, and comfort across various road conditions.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Trucks (including light trucks and medium-duty trucks)
- Buses
- Race cars
- Golf carts
- All-terrain vehicles
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Falken Azenis FK510 vs the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2.
In my evaluation, I rate the dry performance of both the Falken Azenis FK510 and the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 tires as a commendable 4.6 out of 5.
The Falken Azenis FK510 impresses with its short braking distances, exceptional grip, and consistent performance even at high speeds.
On the other hand, the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 showcases impressive handling, cornering abilities, and a high-grip silica tread compound.
Both tires excel in their respective aspects of dry performance.
Therefore, it is difficult to declare a clear winner, as they offer similar levels of dry performance.
It ultimately comes down to personal preferences and specific needs.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S vs the Hankook Kinergy GT.
Based on my research and personal rating, the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S tire excels in wet performance with a rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It has received consistently positive feedback for its good wet traction, all-season performance, hydroplaning resistance, and handling in wet conditions.
On the other hand, the Hankook Kinergy GT tire performs well in wet conditions with a rating of 4.4 out of 5, offering solid grip, traction, and effective stopping distance.
Considering their ratings, I would declare the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S as the winner in terms of wet performance.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Falken Espia EPZ II vs Hankook Winter i*cept evo2.
Based on my research and personal snow performance rating, I would rate the Falken Espia EPZ II tire as 4.7 and the Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 tire as 4.4 on a scale of 1 to 5.
The Falken Espia EPZ II offers strong traction and performance in various winter conditions, with its advanced technology and asymmetrical tread pattern.
Similarly, the Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 provides reliable snow performance with its optimized design and enhanced compound.
Overall, both tires demonstrate commendable snow performance.
Therefore, it is a tie between Falken Espia EPZ II and Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 in terms of snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Falken | Hankook | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 100,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. | Hankook tires have an average tread life of around 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on the research I’ve gathered, the Falken tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while the Hankook tires offer a warranty of up to 100,000 miles.
On average, Falken tires are expected to last between 20,000 and 80,000 miles, whereas Hankook tires have a tread life of approximately 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
So, in terms of both mileage warranty and average lifespan, Hankook tires generally offer a slight advantage over Falken tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Falken vs Hankook.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Falken | Hankook | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $67 to $579 /ea | $87 to $600 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea | Kinergy ST H735 goes from $80 – $152 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea | Dynapro MT2 RT05 goes from $191 – $600 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Falken
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Performance and stability, especially at high speeds | ❌ No the best dry road braking performance |
| ✔ Generally more affordable compared to other premium brands | |
| ✔ Praised for their off-road performance |
Hankook
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Hankook tires are known for their affordable prices | ❌ Limited weather categorization |
| ✔ Good durability and longevity | |
| ✔ Generous mileage warranties of up to 100,000 miles |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Falken:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
Some of Hankook’s best tires are shown below:
- Ventus S1 Noble2
- Kinergy PT
- Dynapro AT2
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After carefully considering the dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, average lifespan, pros, cons, and prices of Falken and Hankook tires, I have determined that both brands offer similar levels of performance in different areas.
It is difficult to declare a clear winner overall.
The choice between Falken and Hankook ultimately depends on personal preferences and specific needs.