Hankook iON evo AS SUV tire Review: Tires for EVs Have Big Shoes to Fill

Hankook’s iON evo AS SUV was developed with EV-focused tread and noise tech.
Tires engineered for even wear, battery range, and EV-specific grip using proprietary materials and design.
Hankook iON evo AS SUV sized P275/50R20 will be put to the EV test this summer.

Hankook Tire launched its first complete line of tires developed specifically for electric vehicles (EVs) nearly three years ago. Just short of three months ago, I took delivery of a brand new 2025 Kia EV9, my first fully electric vehicle. It seemed like a match made in heaven. The new iON evo AS and iON evo AS SUV models are designed to handle the similar yet different traction and grip needs of an EV.

Hankook iON evo AS SUV Tire | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

The iON evo AS and iON evo AS SUV are the first offerings under Hankook’s recent iON tire family, and they have quite a job on their treads. What are these needs? Specifically, range, quietness, weight, grip, and power.

The iON evo incorporates technologies built to address these unique driving requirements. Key among these is Hankook’s EVolution technology, which includes high-silica, eco-friendly compounds to promote even tread wear and improved battery range by lowering rolling resistance.

With internal combustion engine (ICE) noise absent in EVs, road and wind sounds become more prominent. Hankook addresses this through its Sound Absorber technology. This is the aspect that I’m most curious about. I will be honest and say that this will be my first experience reviewing an EV tire on an EV. I am, however, acutely aware of the typical NVH produced by rolling tires on various surfaces.

In addition to the iON evo AS SUV’s Noise Guard Technology, which is applied within the grooves, the tire is fitted with noise-absorbing material inside the inner carcass against the tread. According to Hankook, cavity noise is decreased by up to 9dB, which is considerable. Lastly, tread pattern noise is drastically reduced thanks to multi-pitch sequencing, which is part of the SUV’s Opti Pitch Technology, further limiting cabin disturbance.

To manage the heavier load associated with EV battery packs, the iON tires use EV Contour Technology, increasing lateral rigidity by 25% and cornering rigidity by 20% compared to conventional all-season touring tires. This should be especially noticeable early on as I replace the winter tires with the set of Hankooks. The tires also feature a high-rigidity profile and 3D Grip Kontrol sipes to maintain traction on dry, wet, and mildly snowy roads.

As I’ve mentioned in past tire reviews, tread design and aesthetics are essential for buyers. The Hankook iON evo AS SUV’s pattern is uniform and subtle, adding to its premium looks. This result is partly due to its 10/32 tread depth and near-absence of “zigzag” sipes throughout the tread.

These features also help counter the colossal amount of power instantly generated by EVs. For the EV9, the 6,000-lb large, midsize three-row Kia SUV, the iON evo AS SUV tires must manage and distribute 516 lb-ft of torque. Unlike ICE vehicles, where power builds progressively, EVs immediately deliver the power, and it’s up to the tires to attempt to use it.

As you can see in the photo gallery*, the Hankooks are mounted on handsome aftermarket wheels. These 20×8.5-inch black marvels were sourced from my friends at FastCo, a local Canadian business. The exact model is the EV01 fitted with the aero inserts for maximum efficiency.

The goal this summer is to drive. And drive. I’ve ordered a set of FANTE FTAPACCE cross bars from Amazon on which I will attach my Thule roof box. I know full well the box will negatively impact range; thus, the reason why I’ve gone with Fast EV01 wheels wrapped in serious Hankook iON evo AS SUV rubber. My EV9 Land AWD is rated to travel 451 km between pitstops, and I want to get the most out of a full charge

I can’t wait to report back with my findings.