As an avid driver and tire enthusiast, I’ve always sought the best performance and longevity for my vehicles.
Today, I want to delve into the tire industry’s popular debate: Hankook vs Toyo.
In this post, we’ll explore their rich histories, examine their dry, wet, and snow performances, scrutinize their mileage warranties and average lifespans, compare prices, and uncover the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
Join me on this tire adventure!
Hankook vs Toyo – Comparison Table
| Hankook | Toyo | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1941 | 1945 |
| Made In | Clarksville, TN or Akron, OH, in addition to South Korea, China, Hungary, Indonesia, Germany, and Japan | Japan, Malaysia or the United States |
| Parent | Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. (South Korea) | Toyo Tire Corporation (Japan) |
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. Toyo
Toyo Tire Corporation, a renowned Japanese brand, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1945.
Founded in Japan, Toyo has grown to become a leading global tire manufacturer.
Operating under the parent company Toyo Tire Corporation, they have built a reputation for providing high-quality tires for a diverse range of vehicles.
Over the years, Toyo has developed advanced tire technologies and innovative designs to meet the evolving needs of drivers around the world.
With a strong commitment to performance, safety, and durability, Toyo has become a trusted choice for drivers seeking reliable tires.
With its Japanese heritage and global presence, Toyo continues to push the boundaries of tire engineering, ensuring exceptional performance and driving experiences for customers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- High-performance cars
- Luxury cars
- Family cars
- Trucks
- Buses
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 Toyo Proxes R1R.
As the one giving the dry performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 with a 4.6 and the Toyo Proxes R1R with a 4.4.
Both tires showcase impressive dry performance characteristics, such as exceptional handling, high-grip silica tread compounds, and advanced technologies for enhanced traction.
However, considering the slightly higher rating of the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2, it takes the lead in terms of dry performance.
Therefore, the better tire for dry performance would be the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Hankook Kinergy GT vs the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S.
As the one giving the wet performance rating from 1 to 5, I have carefully considered the research on both tires.
Based on my analysis, the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S tire receives a slightly higher wet performance rating of 4.6, while the Hankook Kinergy GT tire scores 4.4.
This indicates that both tires perform admirably in wet conditions, with the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S showcasing excellent wet braking and reliable performance.
Although the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S has a slight edge, it is safe to say that both tires offer similar levels of wet performance, resulting in a tie.
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 Toyo Observe GSi-6.
In my evaluation, I would rate the Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 tire with a snow performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
It offers reliable snow performance through its silica-enhanced tread compound, optimized pattern design, dual function tread design, and 3D sipes for improved traction and grip.
On the other hand, the Toyo Observe GSi-6 tire receives a snow performance rating of 4.5 out of 5.
It features Microbit studless technology, serrated stability ribs, high-grip silica compound, aggressive tread design, and good snow performance.
In this comparison, the Toyo Observe GSi-6 slightly outperforms the Hankook Winter i*cept evo2.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Hankook | Toyo | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 100,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Hankook tires have an average tread life of around 40,000 to 60,000 miles. | The actual lifespan of Toyo tires can range from 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the Hankook tires offer a longer mileage warranty compared to Toyo tires.
With a treadwear warranty of up to 100,000 miles, Hankook tires provide a longer guarantee for tread life.
On the other hand, Toyo tires have a treadwear warranty of up to 65,000 miles.
However, when it comes to average lifespan, both brands offer a similar range of 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
So, while Hankook tires promise a higher mileage warranty, the actual lifespan of both brands is quite comparable.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Hankook vs Toyo.
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 | Toyo | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $87 to $600 /ea | $82 to $1,030 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Kinergy ST H735 goes from $80 – $152 /ea | Extensa HP II goes from $82 – $253 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Dynapro MT2 RT05 goes from $191 – $600 /ea | Open Country M/T goes from $297 – $1,030 /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 |
Toyo
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Generally considered to be of high quality, offering durability and reliability | ❌ Some of their tires can get expensive |
| ✔ Toyo offers a wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles and driving needs, including all-season, summer, and winter tires | |
| ✔ Excellent traction and handling in rugged terrain |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Hankook:
- Ventus S1 Noble2
- Kinergy PT
- Dynapro AT2
Some of Toyo’s best tires are shown below:
- Proxes Sport
- Open Country A/T III
- Extensa A/S II
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After carefully considering the dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, and average lifespan, I declare Hankook as the better pick overall.
While both brands have their strengths, Hankook’s Ventus V12 evo2 offers slightly better dry performance, and their mileage warranty of up to 100,000 miles is more generous.
Although Toyo performs well in wet conditions and has a slightly better snow performance, Hankook’s affordability, durability, and longevity make it the winner.
