When it comes to choosing the perfect tires for your vehicle, the options seem endless.
That’s why I’ve decided to delve into the intriguing world of Bridgestone vs Kumho.
In this post, I’ll explore their rich histories, analyze their dry, wet, and snow performances, investigate their mileage warranties and average lifespan, compare their prices, and uncover their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
Let’s dive in!
Bridgestone vs Kumho – Comparison Table
| Bridgestone | Kumho | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1931 | 1960 |
| Made In | United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentine, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Italy, Hungary, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, China, Australia, or Japan | South Korea, or in China or Vietmnam |
| Parent | Ishibashi family (Japan) | Doublestar (China) |
About the Brands
1. Bridgestone
Bridgestone, a renowned tire brand, originated in Japan in 1931 and is currently owned by the Ishibashi family.
The company was founded by Shojiro Ishibashi, who aimed to produce high-quality tires for automobiles and other vehicles.
Over the years, Bridgestone has established itself as a global leader in the tire industry, offering a wide range of innovative and durable products.
Bridgestone’s success can be attributed to its commitment to research and development, allowing the brand to continually introduce new technologies and advancements.
The company’s focus on quality and performance has made it a trusted choice for drivers worldwide.
Bridgestone tires are known for their superior grip, durability, and excellent handling in various road conditions.
With a strong presence in both the consumer and commercial markets, Bridgestone has expanded its operations globally.
The brand has manufacturing facilities in numerous countries, enabling it to meet the growing demand for its products.
Bridgestone’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its eco-friendly initiatives, including the development of fuel-efficient tires and recycling programs.
Through its long and successful history, Bridgestone has cemented its position as one of the most respected and reliable tire brands, offering drivers safety, performance, and comfort on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks
- Buses
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
- Performance vehicles
- Sports cars
- Off-road vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles
- Commercial trucks
- Agricultural vehicles
- Construction equipment
- Mining equipment
- Motorcycles
- Aircraft
2. Kumho
Kumho Tire is a renowned tire brand founded in 1960 in South Korea. It is a subsidiary of the Chinese tire conglomerate Doublestar.
The company has a rich history of innovation and excellence in the tire industry.
Over the years, Kumho has established itself as a global leader, providing high-quality tires for various vehicles.
Since its inception, Kumho has focused on research and development to create cutting-edge tire technologies.
They have continuously invested in improving performance, safety, and environmental sustainability.
The brand’s commitment to quality has earned them recognition and numerous awards.
Kumho’s tire range covers a wide spectrum of applications, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and racing vehicles.
They offer a diverse selection of tires known for their durability, traction, and excellent handling capabilities.
With a strong global presence, Kumho has built a reputation for delivering reliable and innovative tires that meet the needs of drivers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- High-performance cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
- Light trucks
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R vs the Kumho Ecsta PS91.
Based on my research and personal dry performance rating, I would rate the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R at 4.8 out of 5, and the Kumho Ecsta PS91 at 4.6 out of 5.
Both tires have received highly positive reviews for their dry performance, showcasing exceptional grip, cornering, and braking abilities.
While the Potenza RE-71R is described as aggressive and has outstanding dry traction on the track, the Ecsta PS91 emphasizes enhanced grip, precise control, and agility.
With such minimal difference in ratings, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner.
Thus, I would consider it a tie in terms of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs the Kumho Solus TA71.
As someone who has personally evaluated the wet performance of both the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ and Kumho Solus TA71 tires, I would rate the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ slightly higher with a rating of 4.6 out of 5.
This tire has received commendation for its exceptional wet traction, thanks to features like wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that effectively expel water from the tread.
In contrast, the Kumho Solus TA71 received an overall wet performance rating of 4.1 out of 5.
While it offers decent wet traction according to some users, mixed reviews expressing concerns about sudden breakaway in wet conditions affected its rating.
Thus, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ emerges as the better tire for wet performance.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 vs Kumho WinterCraft WP71.
As the one responsible for assigning snow performance ratings from 1 to 5, I have analyzed the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 and the Kumho WinterCraft WP71.
After careful consideration, I rate the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 with a score of 4.7, indicating excellent snow performance, especially in terms of ice braking distance and traction.
Its design, including the Multicell compound for improved grip on snow and ice, further enhances its performance.
On the other hand, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 receives a rating of 4.4, indicating reliable snow performance with good handling and stability.
Therefore, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 emerges as the superior tire for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Bridgestone | Kumho | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | Replacement for unserviceable tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining |
| Average Tread Life | Bridgestone tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 45,000 to 80,000 miles. | Kumho tires are known for their long-lasting performance, with most of their tires lasting from 60,000 to 80,000 miles. |
Based on my research, Bridgestone tires offer a mileage warranty of up to 80,000 miles, indicating their potential tread life.
On the other hand, Kumho tires don’t have a specific mileage warranty but offer replacement for unserviceable tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining.
On average, Bridgestone tires are expected to last between 45,000 to 80,000 miles, while Kumho tires are known for their long-lasting performance, lasting from 60,000 to 80,000 miles.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Bridgestone vs Kumho.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Bridgestone | Kumho | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $113 to $674 /ea | $54 to $550 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Blizzak WS90 goes from $113 – $269 /ea | Solus TA11 goes from $54 – $158 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Potenza Race goes from $436 – $674 /ea | Road Venture MT71 goes from $222 – $550 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Bridgestone
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide array of choices | ❌ Confusing product lines |
| ✔ Specialized performance tires | |
| ✔ Some of the best warranty options in the tire industry |
Kumho
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ They can last a long time aka their tread life is amazing | ❌ Limited market presence |
| ✔ Good value for money | |
| ✔ They offer good performance |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Bridgestone:
- Potenza RE-71R
- Turanza QuietTrack
- DriveGuard
Some of Kumho’s best tires are shown below:
- Ecsta PS31
- Solus TA71
- Road Venture AT51
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After considering the key factors, including dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, and average lifespan, it is clear that Bridgestone emerges as the better pick overall.
While both brands have their strengths, Bridgestone offers exceptional dry performance with the Potenza RE-71R, superior wet performance with the Potenza RE980AS+, excellent snow performance with the Blizzak WS80, and a wide range of choices.
Additionally, Bridgestone’s mileage warranty options are among the best in the industry.
Therefore, Bridgestone is the winner in this comparison.