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Last updated 11/08/2024 - Originally published 11/08/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Based in Milan, Italy, Pirelli is one of the best premium tire manufacturers in the world and has been in the business for over 150 years. The tire brand has its legacy in winning various motorsport championships and a similar caliber is carried forward to the present-day Pirelli tires.
On the other hand, Hankook is based in South Korea and was introduced in the 1940s. The tire manufacturer has earned a high reputation because of its high-quality tires that deliver reliable performance. Hankook is also into sports and sponsors Major League Baseball and Real Madrid.
The Cinturato WeatherActive and the Kinergy 4S2 (H750) are the two close competitors in all-weather tire category that will be pitted against each other in this comparison. We will try to understand which of the two tires is better on traction, handling, and longevity fronts using our proprietary tire rating system SimpleScore. Using SimpleScore, we will rate the tire between 1-10.
It is to be noted that both tires are Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified so you can expect them to offer solid performance in changing weather conditions. As the WeatherActive and Kinergy 4S2 (H750) are all-weather tires, they are good for use in dry, wet, and moderate to severe winter conditions. They can be called a better choice over all-season tires because of their usability in winter conditions and unlike typical winter tires their usability extends beyond just the winter season.
Both Pirelli and Hankook have put in a ton of effort to make their tires good in every sense, but as a tire buyer, you might want to know which out of the two is a better option for daily driving needs. So, read on this Cinturato WeatherActive vs Kinergy 4S2 (H750) tires comparison.
Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive tires
Launched in September 2022, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive is the Italian tire manufacturer’s reliable all-weather tire suitable for use on passenger cars. The tire is designed to outperform all-season tires, especially in snowy conditions, and earns a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. Thanks to its cutting-edge tread compound, the WeatherActive can perform in varying temperatures and it also comes with a generous tread life warranty. The tire is offered in 16- to 20-inch rim sizes and offers drivers a wide range of size options to choose from.
Overall, the Cinturato WeatherActive scores an excellent 9.6 SimpleScore because of its exceptional traction, responsive handling, and long-lasting tread life.
Hankook Kinergy 4S2 (H750) tires
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 (H750) is also a great choice in the all-weather tire category and is primarily suitable for use on CUVs and SUVs. The tire was introduced in September 2020 and is available in 15- to 19-inch rim sizes. Good for year-round use, including moderate to severe winter, the Kinergy 4S2 (H750) sports the Three Peak Mountain Mountain snowflake symbol on its sidewall. This is an indicator that snow driving is made more easy with a set of these tires installed. The manufacturer rightly terms the tire as ‘Just one for every weather’, so you don’t have to think about swapping tires with the change in season. It lets you navigate wet roads confidently, ensures smooth handling and control, offers quiet and comfortable rides, and maintains solid performance on wintry roads. Additionally, there is also an attractive tread life warranty offered with the tire, which we will discuss later in this comparison.
Overall, the Kinergy 4S2 earns a respectable 8.7 SimpleScore rating, thanks to its long-lasting service, sharp steering response, and reliable all-weather traction.
Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive vs Hankook Kinergy 4S2 (H750) tires on traction
Let’s start the comparative analysis with traction, which is crucial to understanding the tire’s surface-biting ability and how better it grips or holds the road. While comparing traction scores we found there was a big gap between the scores.
The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive scores an exceptional 9.8 SimpleScore rating in traction, which means the tire offers you a commanding grip and performance in dry, wet, and severe winter conditions. The credit for this admirable traction performance goes to the zigzag central grooves that boost traction in wet and snow conditions. Similarly, its new-age rubber compound with a new polymer/resin system enhances wet performance in changing temperatures, assuring a solid grip on roads covered with thin layers of water or snow. Additionally, there are ‘Trumpet’ shaped lateral grooves on the tread edges that disperse water and slush from the footprint for improved wet and snow traction.
On the other hand, the Kinergy 4S2 (H750) secures an 8.5 SimpleScore in traction, which means the tire can offer dependable grip and surefootedness. The wide lateral grooves and two-step aqua slant improve water draining for increased wet traction, while the weather control compound helps in consistent grip on snowy roads. For additional biting ability on snow, there are slush edges, while the 3D GripKontrol sipes also assist in achieving a better grip on snow, slush, ice, and wet roads.
The Kinergy 4S2 is when it comes to traction performance, but it is the Cinturato WeatherActive that scores incredibly higher and leads.
ADVANTAGE: Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive vs Hankook Kinergy 4S2 (H750) tires on handling
For an all-weather tire, it is necessary to maintain optimum ride control, stability, and braking efficiency, and respond to the steering command, therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the tire’s handling performance. When we compared the handling scores, there was a visible difference that indicated how both tires varied in performance.
Commencing with the Cinturato WeatherActive, the tire’s handling score stands at an excellent 9.8. With these tires installed year-round, you can expect Pirelli’s top-notch handling performance. It features zigzag central grooves for improved wet handling and the flat wide footprint increases its contact patch for increased stability, sharp steering response, and improved snow performance. The deep and continuous siping of the Cinturato WeatherActive further improves ride control and also contributes to enhancing braking performance in wet and snow conditions. For increased driving confidence, the tire sports sharper edges between the blocks, while the optimized compound helps in maintaining surefootedness and quick steering response.
On the other hand, the Kinergy 4S2 (H750) can score an 8.8 rating in handling, which is great enough and won’t disappoint you with ride control, steering response, and other related attributes. The enhanced blog stiffness, concave tie-bar, and high-density summer sipes improve handling response on dry roads, while the pitch variation enhances ride comfort. Additionally, the Weather Control compound of the Kinergy 4S2 (H750) is optimized to offer improved handling response in snowy conditions.
There is a visible difference in the handling scores of both all-weather tires. It is the Cinturato WeatherActive that excels the Kinergy 4S2 tire.
ADVANTAGE: Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive vs Hankook Kinergy 4S2 (H750) tires on longevity
All-weather tires are used year-round and it is expected that they not only perform better but also last for a longer period. So, let’s take a look at the long-lasting performance of these tires. It is to be noted that longevity was the area where the difference between the scores was less.
The Cinturato WeatherActive scores an impressive 9.2 SimpleScore in longevity. Various features contribute to this long-lasting factor. The advanced compound that features a new solid polymer/resin system helps in reducing tread wear rate, while the wider footprint creates a narrow and stretched contact patch for uniform wear. The sturdy tread blocks control premature wear and the solid inner construction offers additional strength for wear resistance. Additionally, the Cinturato WeatherActive is also covered by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty that confirms the tire is built to last.
Contrarily, the Kinergy 4S2 (H750) scores an 8.9 SimpleScore rating in longevity, which is good enough to offer you a decent number of miles. It is to be noted that the tire is backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, which confirms that at least for 60K miles you will enjoy the drives uninterrupted and worry-free. While the compound and the construction contribute to extended tread life, the flat contact patch prevents irregular wear.
The longevity scores reveal that the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive surpasses the Knergy 4S2 (H750) on the longevity front as well coming out as a clear winner.
ADVANTAGE: Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
When to use each
Both, the Cinturato WeatherActive tires and the Kinergy 4S2 (H750) tires are suitable for dry and wet conditions, alongside being of use in moderate to severe winter weather because of Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. These tires are built and designed for paved roads and must not be considered for off-road use. So, it is better to switch to all-terrain or mud-terrain tires for off-road driving.
As far as the rim sizes are concerned, the Cinturato WeatherActive tires are offered in 16- to 20-inch rims, while the Kinergy 4S2 tires are offered in 15- to 19-inch rims.
Which one should you choose?
Looking at the scores, the Cinturato WeatherActive comes out as a better choice with an overall 9.6 SimpleScore rating, compared to the Kinergy 4S2’s 8.7 SimpleScore. It is to be noted that these tires are different in certain areas and have their own merits, which should be considered before purchase.
The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive is offered at a starting price of at least $155.96, while the Kinergy 4S2 is available at an initial price of $105.99. This means a set of four Cinturato WeatherActive tires will cost you at least $623.84 and a set of four Kinergy 4S2 (H750) tires will cost you at least $423.96.
Based on SimpleScore and other attributes, you should consider the Cinturato WeatherActive if you:
- Drive a high-rated mid-size car like the Honda Accord, a midsize luxury sedan like the BMW 5 Series, or a small sedan like the Chevrolet Cruze
- Want a set of tires that offers better traction (9.8 vs 8.5 in traction)
- Want a set of tires that offers better handling performance (9.8 vs 8.8 in handling)
- Want a set of tires that’s better in longevity (9.2 vs 8.9 in longevity)
- Can pay more to buy a better and more comfortable set of tires from Pirelli
On the other hand, you should choose the Kinergy 4S2 (H750) if you:
- Drive a subcompact SUV like the Hyundai Kona, a compact car like the Honda Civic, or a subcompact car like the Chevrolet Bolt
- Need a set of more affordable but reliable tires to drive year-round
- Need a set of tires that come with equal good warranty coverage at comparatively lesser price
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.