There’s a real need for performance tires for smaller vehicles like subcompact sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and crossovers. Hankook saw that need, and developed the Kinergy Eco2 (K435), designed for low rolling resistance, long wear, a forgiving ride, low noise, and strong traction. With those considerations in mind, Hankook did a pretty good job with the Kinergy Eco2 (K435).

Don’t just take our word for it – let’s take a closer look with this Hankook Kinergy Eco2 (K435) review.

Features and Benefits

As a summer tire, the Kinergy Eco2 (K435) is meant for use when temperatures are consistently above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Here’s what the tire has within it to allow for great performance without sacrificing ride comfort or tread life:

• Silica-enhanced tread compound promotes long, even wear plus great traction and performance in wet or dry road conditions
• Wide lateral shoulder grooves boost cornering ability and stiffness
• Lateral grooves in inside the tread blocks channel water away to enhance braking performance and handling in wet weather
• Circumferential grooves direct standing water away from the tire’s contact patch to resist hydroplaning effect in standing water
• Low rolling resistance boosts fuel economy
• Advanced tread formulation features high loading filler and high molecular weight functionalized polymers with optimized crosslinking density for long, even wear
• Center block stiffness is increased to reduce tread squirm and improve handling and high-speed stability
• Tread pitch is randomized and computer tuned for low road noise
• Designed for use in warmer weather conditions
• Wide steel belt layer over polyester casing with jointless nylon cap layer
• Groove pattern and casing designed for good heat dissipation

Pros and Cons

So, is this the right summer tire for your ride and budget? Before you decide, let’s take a look at the tire’s strengths:

PROS:

• Available in sizes for smaller fitments (13” to 16”)
• Quiet ride with great handling
• More affordable than some competitor’s tires
• Good wet-weather traction

Unfortunately, no tire is perfect, and that’s true of the Kinergy Eco2 (K435) too:

CONS:

• Cannot be used when temperatures are consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit
• Not backed by a limited manufacturer tread life warranty
• Only available for use on smaller vehicles

SimpleTire’s view on Hankook Kinergy Eco2 (K435) tires

If you’re driving a smaller subcompact or compact model and are looking for a set of tires, there are plenty of great tires to choose from. The Hankook Kinergy Eco2 K435 is designed to deliver premium performance at an affordable price, with 13” to 16” sizes for smaller fitments. The Kinergy Eco2 (K435)’s ride quality is luxurious with low noise, and it delivers predictable, stable handling, cornering, and braking ability on wet or dry pavement. The advanced rubber compound and casing design lower rolling resistance for real savings in fuel economy. Overall, with the Hankook Kinergy Eco2 K435’s combination of wet and dry traction, braking performance, and forgiving ride quality, this isn’t a tire that can match ultra-high-performance tires in cornering and handling but it’s a great choice for daily drivers.

Now for the cons…the Hankook Kinergy Eco2 (K435) isn’t designed specifically as a high-performance summer tire, but Hankook does advise using it in warmer temperatures. And no, it’s not covered by a tread life warranty, but Hankook does offer a great warranty package even without a mileage guarantee.

Vehicles the Hankook Kinergy Eco2 (K435) is a good replacement tire for

While not used as original equipment, the Hankook Kinergy Eco2 (K435) is a great replacement tire for vehicles like the:

• Buick Encore
• Chevrolet Trax
• Fiat 500
• Ford Focus
• Honda Accord
• Hyundai Kona
• Kia Kicks
• Nissan Juke
• Volkswagen Beetle