Hankook Kinergy Eco2 Review — Maximum Fuel Savings for NZ Commuters
Overall Rating: 8.5 / 10
Category: Eco Touring
Price in NZ: From $256 per tyre
Best for: Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20, Kia Picanto — small eco-focused city cars
Available sizes: 13″ – 16″ rims
Quick Verdict
The Hankook Kinergy Eco2 is one of the most affordable major-brand eco tyres available in NZ — and it delivers genuine EU Label B fuel efficiency at a price that undercuts most competitors. For small car owners in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch who cover 15,000+ km annually and want to reduce fuel costs without sacrificing tyre quality — the Kinergy Eco2 is a practical, value-driven choice. At $256, it is the most affordable Hankook tyre in NZ and demonstrates that eco-focused engineering doesn’t require a premium price.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Eco Touring |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | B |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | B |
| EU Label — Noise | 69–71 dB |
| Speed Ratings | H (210), V (240 km/h) |
| Available Rim Sizes | 13″, 14″, 15″, 16″ |
| NZ Price Range | $256 – $310 (varies by size) |
| Key Technology | Silica-enhanced compound, low rolling resistance construction |
Performance Profile
Fuel Efficiency
EU Label B — Hankook’s silica-enhanced compound reduces rolling resistance meaningfully versus conventional rubber. For Toyota Yaris owners covering 15,000 km annually, the difference versus a Label D budget tyre is approximately 60 litres of fuel per year — around $185 at NZ prices. Over a 40,000 km tyre lifespan, the fuel savings more than compensate for any price premium over the cheapest alternatives.
Wet Safety
EU Label B — adequate for everyday city driving in NZ rain. The silica compound maintains wet traction at the temperatures and speeds typical of NZ urban driving. Safe and predictable, though below EU Label A alternatives.
Ride Comfort
Above average for an economy tyre — Hankook invests in ride quality across its range. Urban NZ driving on patchwork suburban roads is handled comfortably.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Auckland — Primary Market
Verdict: Very Good value — best-priced eco tyre from a major brand
For Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20, and Kia Picanto owners in Auckland who cover high annual mileages, the Kinergy Eco2 at $256 delivers the best price-to-eco-credentials ratio of any major brand tyre in NZ. The fuel savings compound over time, and Hankook’s brand quality means reliability over the tyre’s life.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Most affordable Hankook in NZ ($256) — strong value proposition
- EU Label B fuel efficiency — genuine fuel cost reduction
- Hankook brand quality and reliability
- Available in 13″ (rare for a major brand) — covers very small NZ city cars
Cons
- EU Label B wet grip — Continental EcoContact 6 achieves A/A for $273
- Limited to small car sizes (13″–16″)
- Not a performance tyre
Sources
- Hankook Kinergy Eco2 — hankooktire.com — accessed 2026-06-01
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/hankook/ — accessed 2026-06-01
Related Pages
- Continental EcoContact 6 — EU Label A/A alternative
- Hankook Ventus Prime4 — performance step up
- Hankook Tyres NZ — brand overview