Hankook Optimo H724 Review: A Budget Tire Worth Buying?

You’re staring at your worn-out tires, dreading the replacement cost, and wondering if there’s a reliable all-season tire that won’t drain your bank account. You’ve probably seen the Hankook Optimo H724 pop up as one of the most affordable options on Tire Rack or Discount Tire, and you’re wondering — is it actually any good, or is it just cheap?

I asked myself the same question before mounting a set on my daily driver. If you’re exploring Hankook’s full lineup, our comprehensive Hankook Tires Review guide covers every model side by side and can help you narrow down the right fit. But right now, let’s zero in on the Optimo H724 — a tire that’s been quietly sitting in Hankook’s catalog for years, serving budget-conscious drivers across the US.

I’ve spent extensive time driving on these tires through a variety of real-world conditions — suburban commutes, highway cruising, rain-soaked roads, and even some light gravel. Here’s my full, honest breakdown.

What Is the Hankook Optimo H724?

The Hankook Optimo H724 is a touring all-season tire designed primarily for passenger cars and minivans. It sits squarely in Hankook’s budget-friendly tier and targets drivers who prioritize long tread life, a quiet ride, and low cost over sporty handling or high-speed performance.

This tire has been around for quite a while, which is both a pro and a con. On one hand, it’s a proven design with a track record. On the other, it doesn’t incorporate some of the newer tread compounds and technologies you’ll find in more modern Hankook offerings.

It comes in sizes ranging from 14 to 16 inches, making it compatible with a wide range of popular sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, and Ford Focus. If you drive a compact or mid-size car and you need a no-frills replacement tire, the H724 is squarely aimed at you.

Key Specifications at a Glance

My First Impressions

When I first unboxed the Hankook Optimo H724 tires, the first thing I noticed was the relatively simple tread design. There’s nothing flashy here — no aggressive-looking grooves or modern asymmetric patterns. It’s a straightforward symmetric tread with four circumferential grooves and a classic all-season look.

The rubber compound felt reasonably firm to the touch, which made me optimistic about tread longevity. The sidewalls are not overly stiff, which hinted at a comfortable ride — and that prediction turned out to be accurate.

Installation was straightforward. My local tire shop had them mounted and balanced in about 45 minutes. There were no balancing issues, which isn’t always the case with budget tires — I’ve dealt with stubborn tires from other brands that required excessive wheel weights.

Dry Performance: Where This Tire Shines

On dry pavement, the Hankook Optimo H724 performs better than I expected for its price point. During my test period, I drove extensively on suburban roads, interstate highways, and city streets. The tire delivers confident straight-line stability and predictable behavior during lane changes.

Braking on dry surfaces felt reassuringly firm. I never experienced any unsettling moments when I needed to stop quickly — the tire grips the asphalt well and scrubs off speed without drama.

That said, this isn’t a performance tire, and pushing it through corners aggressively will remind you of that quickly. The sidewalls flex noticeably during harder turns, and the steering feel is somewhat vague. For normal, everyday driving, though? Perfectly adequate.

I’d rate dry traction at about a 7.5 out of 10. For context, a tire like the Hankook Kinergy GT would score higher here thanks to its more modern compound and updated construction, but the Optimo H724 holds its own in normal driving scenarios.

Wet Performance: Decent, But Know Its Limits

Wet traction is where budget tires usually reveal their compromises, and the Optimo H724 is no exception — though it’s far from terrible. In light to moderate rain, the tire maintains reasonable grip. The four circumferential grooves do a serviceable job of channeling water away from the contact patch.

However, during heavy downpours, I did notice a reduction in confidence. The steering feels lighter, and the car takes slightly longer to respond to inputs. I wouldn’t call it unsafe, but it definitely demands more caution and reduced speed compared to a premium all-season tire.

Hydroplaning resistance is average. On waterlogged highway sections during a heavy rainstorm, I could feel the tires start to float at speeds that wouldn’t concern me on a higher-end all-season. My advice: respect the conditions and slow down. At moderate speeds, the H724 handles rain just fine.

I’d rate wet performance at about a 6 out of 10. It gets the job done for daily commuting in typical US weather, but if you live in the Pacific Northwest or another high-rainfall region, you might want to consider a tire with better wet credentials.

Winter and Snow Performance

Let me be upfront: the Hankook Optimo H724 is not a winter tire and does not carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. I wouldn’t recommend it for any serious winter driving.

I did drive on it during a couple of light frost mornings and very light dustings of snow. In those conditions, the tire was manageable but noticeably slippery. The rubber compound stiffens considerably in cold temperatures, which reduces grip on cold pavement even before any snow or ice enters the picture.

If you live in the Sun Belt, Florida, Texas, or Southern California, this probably doesn’t matter to you. But for drivers in the Midwest, Northeast, or mountain states, you’ll absolutely want dedicated winter tires or at least a more capable all-season alternative when temperatures regularly dip below 40°F.

Ride Comfort and Noise

This is arguably the Optimo H724’s strongest suit. For a tire in the $55 to $85 price range, the ride quality is genuinely impressive. It soaks up road imperfections smoothly and doesn’t transmit harsh impacts through the cabin.

During my time with these tires, I drove over some notoriously rough roads in my area — patchy asphalt, expansion joints, and even a stretch of old concrete highway — and the H724 handled them all with composure. It’s a comfortable tire, period.

Noise levels are also respectable. At highway speeds, there’s a subtle hum, but it’s not intrusive. I’ve driven on budget tires from other brands that sound like they’re grinding gravel at 65 mph — the Optimo H724 doesn’t have that problem. It’s quiet enough for long highway drives without fatiguing your ears.

If ride comfort is your primary concern, this tire punches above its weight class. I’d rate it an 8 out of 10 in this category.

Tread Life and Durability

The Optimo H724 carries a UTQG treadwear rating of 700, which is well above average and indicates strong longevity. After several weeks of consistent daily driving, the tread showed minimal signs of wear. The 9/32-inch tread depth provides a solid starting point, and the compound seems engineered to last.

Hankook offers a limited mileage warranty on this tire, though the specifics vary by size. I’d recommend checking the exact warranty terms for your particular size before purchasing, as the coverage amount can differ.

Based on the wear patterns I observed during my test period, I’m confident this tire will deliver long service life for most drivers. The wear was even across the tread face, which suggests good contact patch distribution and well-engineered casing geometry.

One tip: keep up with regular tire rotations (every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, per most manufacturer recommendations) and maintain proper inflation. Budget tires tend to be more sensitive to uneven wear from neglect than premium options, and taking care of these basics will help the H724 reach its full tread life potential.

Handling and Steering Feel

Handling is where you’ll most clearly feel the “budget” nature of this tire. The steering response is adequate for everyday driving but lacks the crispness and precision you’d get from a sportier option like the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2.

Turn-in is a bit lazy, and mid-corner feedback through the steering wheel is muted. For spirited driving or curvy back roads, the H724 won’t inspire confidence. It’s designed for going to work, picking up groceries, and cruising the highway — and it does those things well.

On straight-line highway driving, stability is good. The tire tracks true and doesn’t wander or feel floaty at typical interstate speeds. It’s in dynamic maneuvers and emergency lane changes where you’ll notice the limits of the softer sidewall construction.

How Does It Compare? Optimo H724 vs. Alternatives

To put the Optimo H724 in proper perspective, here’s how it stacks up against some common competitors in the budget all-season touring category:

As the table shows, the Optimo H724’s biggest advantage is price. It undercuts most competitors while delivering comparable ride comfort and tread life. Where it falls behind is wet traction and winter capability.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the General AltiMAX RT43 is a notable step up in wet performance. The Cooper CS5 Grand Touring also outperforms the H724 in most measurable categories but costs noticeably more per tire.

Within Hankook’s own lineup, the Hankook Kinergy GT represents the next tier up, offering improved wet grip, better handling response, and a more modern tread design. If you can stretch your budget by $15 to $25 per tire, it’s worth considering.

Who Should Buy the Hankook Optimo H724?

This tire makes the most sense for a specific type of driver. Here’s who I’d recommend it to:

• Budget-conscious commuters who need reliable daily transportation tires without breaking the bank.
• Drivers of older vehicles where spending $150+ per tire on a car worth $5,000 doesn’t make financial sense.
• Warm-climate residents in states like Florida, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, and Southern California who rarely deal with snow or ice.
• Low-speed, low-stress drivers who stick to city streets and moderate highway speeds.
• Sedan and minivan owners looking for a quiet, comfortable ride on a budget.

Who Should Skip This Tire?

Conversely, the Optimo H724 is not the right choice for everyone:

• Performance enthusiasts — if you enjoy spirited driving, look at the Hankook Ventus R-S4 instead, which is built for high-grip driving experiences.
• Drivers in snowy climates — the H724’s cold-weather performance is genuinely poor, and you’d be putting yourself at risk in winter conditions.
• Heavy rain drivers — if you regularly drive in torrential rain, invest in a tire with better hydroplaning resistance.
• Anyone wanting the latest technology — this is an older tire design that doesn’t incorporate modern features like variable-pitch tread blocks or advanced silica compounds.

Real-World Driving Scenarios I Tested

Highway Commuting

I spent a significant portion of my test period on the interstate, commuting during typical rush-hour traffic. The H724 performed admirably here. It’s quiet at highway speeds, stable in its lane, and comfortable over the long haul. After several days of highway driving, I found the tire to be a perfectly pleasant highway companion.

Fuel economy seemed consistent with what I’d expect from a touring all-season tire. The rolling resistance felt moderate — not class-leading, but not noticeably worse than other tires I’ve tested in this price range.

Suburban and City Streets

In stop-and-go city driving, the Optimo H724 is in its element. Low-speed comfort is excellent, and the tire handles potholes and rough pavement with grace. I drove over some truly awful road surfaces during my testing — the kind of roads where you can feel every patch job and utility cut — and the H724 absorbed it all without complaint.

Rain and Wet Roads

I intentionally drove in several rainstorms to evaluate wet performance. In light rain, the tire performs respectably. In moderate rain, it’s acceptable with some added caution. In a genuine downpour on the highway, I reduced my speed by about 10 mph from my usual pace and felt adequately safe doing so.

Light Gravel and Unpaved Roads

I also took the tires onto a short stretch of unpaved gravel road. This isn’t what the tire is designed for, but many US drivers occasionally encounter these conditions. The H724 handled it okay — traction was limited, as expected, but the tire didn’t feel dangerous or unpredictable. Just take it slow.

Installation Tips and Maintenance

A few practical notes for anyone considering the Optimo H724:

• Tire pressure: Stick to the pressure listed on your vehicle’s door jamb placard, not the maximum pressure stamped on the tire sidewall. For most sedans, this is typically 32 to 35 PSI.
• Rotations: Rotate every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for even wear. With a symmetric tread pattern, the H724 can be rotated in any direction.
• Alignment: If your old tires showed uneven wear, get an alignment before or at the time of installation. This is critical for maximizing tread life on any tire.
• Balancing: I had no balancing issues, but if you notice vibrations after installation, have the shop recheck the balance.

Pricing and Where to Buy

As of my review, the Hankook Optimo H724 typically retails between $55 and $85 per tire depending on size. That puts a full set of four at roughly $220 to $340 before installation — which is remarkably affordable.

You can find the H724 at major US tire retailers including:

• Tire Rack
• Discount Tire / America’s Tire
• Walmart Auto Care
• Costco (availability varies)
• Amazon (with local installer options)
• Pep Boys

I’d recommend checking Tire Rack and Discount Tire first, as they frequently run promotions and rebates that can bring the per-tire cost down even further. Some retailers also offer free mounting and balancing when you purchase through them, which can save you another $60 to $80 on the full set.

The Verdict: Is the Hankook Optimo H724 Worth It?

After spending considerable time driving on the Hankook Optimo H724, my overall impression is positive — with important caveats. This is a budget tire, and it performs like one. You’re not getting cutting-edge wet grip, sporty handling, or winter capability. What you are getting is a comfortable, quiet, long-lasting all-season tire at a price that’s hard to beat.

For the everyday commuter in a mild to warm climate who just needs to get to work, run errands, and make the occasional road trip, the H724 delivers real, honest value. It does the fundamentals well and doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not.

If your budget allows for a step up, I’d point you toward the Hankook Kinergy GT for better all-around performance, or the General AltiMAX RT43 for improved wet traction. But if every dollar counts and you need a dependable set of tires today, the Optimo H724 is a legitimate choice that won’t let you down on dry roads.

My Final Ratings

Overall Score: 6.8/10 — A solid budget pick for warm-climate commuters who value comfort and tread life over performance and wet grip.

At the end of the day, the Hankook Optimo H724 does exactly what it promises: it gets you from point A to point B safely, quietly, and affordably. That might not sound exciting, but for millions of US drivers, that’s exactly what they need. And for what it costs, I think it delivers genuine peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions