When it comes to choosing the right tires for your vehicle, the options seem endless.
That’s why I decided to delve into the world of tire brands, specifically Hankook vs Nokian.
In this post, I’ll take you on an in-depth journey, exploring their histories, dry, wet, and snow performances, mileage warranties, average lifespans, prices, pros and cons, and ultimately, determining which brand reigns supreme.
So, buckle up and join me as we unveil the tire brand that deserves a spot on your vehicle.
Hankook vs Nokian – Comparison Table
| Hankook | Nokian | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | Finland |
| Year Founded | 1941 | 1988 |
| Made In | Clarksville, TN or Akron, OH, in addition to South Korea, China, Hungary, Indonesia, Germany, and Japan | Finland and Russia |
| Parent | Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. (South Korea) | Nokian Tyres plc (Finland) |
About the Brands
1. 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
2. Nokian
Nokian Tyres, a renowned tire brand, was founded in Finland in 1988 and is currently a subsidiary of Nokian Tyres plc.
With a rich history spanning over three decades, Nokian has established itself as a leading global tire manufacturer.
The brand’s commitment to innovation and high-quality products has earned it a strong reputation in the industry.
Nokian is particularly known for its expertise in winter tires, thanks to its Finnish roots and the country’s demanding weather conditions.
The brand’s tires are designed to provide exceptional grip, safety, and durability in harsh winter conditions, making them popular worldwide.
Nokian’s continuous research and development efforts have resulted in numerous breakthroughs, including the introduction of unique technologies and eco-friendly materials in their tire manufacturing processes.
Today, Nokian Tyres continues to deliver cutting-edge tire solutions, catering to diverse customer needs across different regions.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Vans
- Light trucks
- Heavy machinery
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 Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 vs the Nokian zLine.
In my evaluation, I rate the dry performance of the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 as 4.6 out of 5.
It has received highly positive ratings for its impressive handling, cornering abilities, and high-grip silica tread compound.
The incorporation of technologies to enhance dry terrain handling further contributes to its appeal.
On the other hand, the Nokian zLine receives a rating of 4.2 out of 5 for its precise handling, good dry traction, and sporty performance characteristics.
While both tires offer strong attributes for dry driving, the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 edges ahead with its higher rating, making it the winner in terms of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Hankook Kinergy GT vs the Nokian WR G4.
Based on my research, as the one giving the wet performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the Hankook Kinergy GT tire at 4.4 and the Nokian WR G4 tire at 4.6.
Both tires perform well in wet conditions, with solid grip and traction.
The Nokian WR G4 offers excellent wet grip, good wet cornering performance, and stability on wet surfaces.
However, considering the slight difference in rating, I would declare the Nokian WR G4 as the better tire for 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 – Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.
Based on my research and snow performance ratings, I would rate the Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 tire at 4.4 out of 5, while the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 tire receives a slightly higher rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Both tires offer reliable snow performance, but the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 stands out with its Double Block Grip design and eco-friendly focus.
Therefore, if I had to declare a winner, it would be the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 tire.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Hankook | Nokian | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 100,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Hankook tires have an average tread life of around 40,000 to 60,000 miles. | The lifespan of Nokian tires can vary but on average they can last anywhere between 40,000 to 85,000 miles. |
When comparing the mileage warranty and average lifespan of Hankook and Nokian tires, there are notable differences.
Hankook tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 100,000 miles, while Nokian tires offer up to 80,000 miles of tread life warranty.
However, in reality, the average lifespan of Hankook tires ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 miles, while Nokian tires can last anywhere between 40,000 to 85,000 miles.
These numbers highlight that Nokian tires tend to have a slightly longer average lifespan than Hankook tires, although both brands provide warranties to assure their customers.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Hankook vs Nokian.
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:
| Hankook | Nokian | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $87 to $600 /ea | $73 to $585 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Kinergy ST H735 goes from $80 – $152 /ea | Nordman 7 goes from $73 – $177 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Dynapro MT2 RT05 goes from $191 – $600 /ea | Hakkapeliitta 10SUV goes from $173 – $696 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
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 |
Nokian
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Your go-to brand for winter tires and only tire manufacturer in the world with its own permanent winter tire testing facility | ❌ Limited market presence |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and heavy-duty equipment | |
| ✔ Innovative technology, such as the Hakkapeliitta R3’s “Aramid Sidewall Technology,” which uses the same material used in bulletproof vests |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Hankook:
- Ventus S1 Noble2
- Kinergy PT
- Dynapro AT2
Some of Nokian’s best tires are shown below:
- Hakkapeliitta R3
- WR G4
- Rotiiva AT Plus
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Considering the dry performance, the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 takes the lead.
In terms of wet performance, the Nokian WR G4 has a slight advantage.
However, for snow performance, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 stands out.
When it comes to mileage warranty and average lifespan, Nokian tires tend to last slightly longer.
While both brands have their strengths, overall, the Nokian tires emerge as the better pick, offering excellent winter performance, innovative technology, and a wide range of tire options.
