When it comes to choosing the right tires for your vehicle, the options seem endless.
That’s why I decided to delve into the world of tires and compare two popular brands: Falken vs Kumho.
In this post, we’ll explore their histories, assess their performances on dry, wet, and snowy roads, examine mileage warranties and average lifespan, analyze prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
So, let’s dive in and discover the ultimate tire for your needs.
Falken vs Kumho – Comparison Table
| Falken | Kumho | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1960 |
| Made In | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand | South Korea, or in China or Vietmnam |
| Parent | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) | Doublestar (China) |
About the Brands
1. Falken
Falken is a renowned tire brand that originated in Japan in 1983.
It is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a prominent Japanese company.
From its inception, Falken has strived to deliver high-quality tires that combine performance and durability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its innovative technologies and commitment to excellence.
Falken has made significant advancements in tire engineering, constantly pushing boundaries to enhance driving experiences.
With a focus on motorsport and extensive research and development, Falken has developed a diverse range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
With its Japanese precision and expertise, Falken continues to cater to the needs of drivers worldwide, earning a reputation as a trusted and reliable tire brand.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
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 Falken Azenis FK510 vs the Kumho Ecsta PS91.
In my opinion, as the one giving the dry performance rating from 1 to 5, both the Falken Azenis FK510 and the Kumho Ecsta PS91 exhibit exceptional dry performance.
With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 for both tires, they have received highly positive reviews, showcasing their impressive grip, handling, and braking capabilities in dry conditions.
Both tires offer excellent traction, responsiveness, and durability at high speeds.
Therefore, I would declare this comparison a tie, as both the Falken Azenis FK510 and the Kumho Ecsta PS91 are excellent choices for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S vs the Kumho Solus TA71.
Based on my research and personal rating, I would rate the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S tire with a 4.6 out of 5 for wet performance.
This tire has consistently received positive feedback, highlighting its good wet traction, all-season performance, resistance to hydroplaning, and handling in wet conditions.
On the other hand, the Kumho Solus TA71 tire receives a 4.1 out of 5 for wet performance.
While it offers somewhat reliable wet traction, mixed reviews express concerns about sudden breakaway.
Therefore, I declare the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S 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 – Falken Espia EPZ II vs Kumho WinterCraft WP71.
In my evaluation, I rate the Falken Espia EPZ II tire’s snow performance at 4.7 out of 5.
This tire showcases strong traction and performance in a range of winter conditions, including icy, slushy, and snowy surfaces.
The tire’s advanced tread design, compound, and construction contribute to both winter performance and longer tread life.
Positive reviews highlighting its exceptional traction in harsh weather conditions further reinforce its snow performance capabilities.
The asymmetrical tread pattern enhances handling in all conditions, including snowy surfaces.
On the other hand, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 tire scores 4.4 out of 5 in snow performance.
It offers reliable traction with its uniform block design, premium touring winter tire classification, directional tread pattern, and good handling and stability.
Ultimately, the Falken Espia EPZ II emerges as the better tire for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Falken | 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 | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 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, Falken tires offer a mileage warranty of up to 80,000 miles, guaranteeing their tread life.
On the other hand, Kumho tires provide a warranty that replaces unserviceable tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining.
In terms of average lifespan, Falken tires typically last between 20,000 and 80,000 miles.
Meanwhile, Kumho tires are renowned for their long-lasting performance, with most models 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 – Falken 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:
| Falken | Kumho | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $67 to $579 /ea | $54 to $550 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea | Solus TA11 goes from $54 – $158 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea | Road Venture MT71 goes from $222 – $550 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Falken
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Performance and stability, especially at high speeds | ❌ No the best dry road braking performance |
| ✔ Generally more affordable compared to other premium brands | |
| ✔ Praised for their off-road performance |
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 Falken:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
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 such as dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, and average lifespan, it is evident that Falken is the better pick overall.
Falken tires exhibit exceptional dry performance, good wet traction, and outstanding snow performance.
With a mileage warranty of up to 80,000 miles, Falken offers a range of durable and long-lasting options.
Additionally, Falken tires are generally more affordable compared to other premium brands.
Therefore, Falken emerges as the winner in this comparison.
