As a passionate car enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the impact that tires can have on a vehicle’s performance.
Today, I want to delve deep into the world of tires and compare two renowned brands: General vs Kumho.
In this post, we will explore their rich histories, scrutinize their performance in dry, wet, and snow conditions, analyze their mileage warranties and average lifespan, examine their price ranges, and discuss the pros and cons of each.
By the end, we will determine which brand reigns supreme in the tire industry.
So buckle up and let’s get started!
General vs Kumho – Comparison Table
| General | Kumho | |
| Country of Origin | United States | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1915 | 1960 |
| Made In | Waco TX, Uvalde TX, Mayfield KY, Bryan OH, Charlotte NC, and Mt. Vernon IL in the US | South Korea, or in China or Vietmnam |
| Parent | Continental AG (Germany) | Doublestar (China) |
About the Brands
1. General
General Tire, founded in 1915 in the United States, has a rich history as a tire manufacturer.
Originally established as the “The General Tire & Rubber Company,” it quickly gained prominence in the automotive industry.
Over the years, the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality led to its expansion and solid reputation.
General Tire became recognized for producing high-performance tires for all types of vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
In 1987, the German company Continental AG acquired General Tire, further enhancing its global reach and technological advancements.
Today, General Tire continues to offer a wide range of reliable and durable tires, combining cutting-edge technology with a legacy of excellence.
With Continental AG as its parent company, General Tire remains a trusted and respected brand, providing drivers with safety, performance, and comfort on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Trucks
- Crossover vehicles
- Light trucks
- Commercial vans
- Off-road vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
- Performance vehicles
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 General G-MAX RS vs the Kumho Ecsta PS91.
Based on my research and personal dry performance rating, I would give the General G-MAX RS a score of 4.8 out of 5.
It excels in various aspects, such as crisp handling, strong braking, sure-footed grip with Smart Grip Technology, and its ultra-high-performance design.
Similarly, the Kumho Ecsta PS91 receives a rating of 4.6 out of 5, with enhanced grip, responsive handling, high-speed durability, and track-inspired performance.
While both tires showcase impressive dry performance capabilities, the General G-MAX RS edges slightly ahead.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the General AltiMAX RT43 vs the Kumho Solus TA71.
In my assessment of wet performance, I rate the General AltiMAX RT43 tire at 4.4 out of 5.
Multiple reviews highlight its good traction and consistent performance on wet roads.
This tire’s versatility in both wet and dry conditions makes it a reliable choice.
On the other hand, the Kumho Solus TA71 tire receives a rating of 4.1 out of 5 for wet performance.
While it offers decent wet traction, there are concerns about sudden breakaway.
Considering these ratings, the General AltiMAX RT43 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 – General AltiMAX Arctic vs Kumho WinterCraft WP71.
In my evaluation, I gave the General AltiMAX Arctic a snow performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Its studdable design, innovative compound, and tread pattern technologies contribute to its reliable performance on snow and ice.
The tire offers great traction, grip, and handling on various winter surfaces, including wet roads, loose snow, packed snow, and ice.
On the other hand, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 received a rating of 4.4 out of 5, offering uniform block design, directional tread pattern, and good handling.
Considering the slight difference, the General AltiMAX Arctic emerges as the winner for its slightly higher snow performance rating.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| General | Kumho | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty | Replacement for unserviceable tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining |
| Average Tread Life | General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 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, General tires offer a mileage warranty of up to 65,000 miles, ensuring their durability.
On the other hand, Kumho tires provide a replacement for tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining, guaranteeing their serviceability.
In terms of average lifespan, General tires typically last between 30,000 and 75,000 miles.
Kumho tires, however, are renowned for their long-lasting performance, with most models enduring 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 – General 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:
| General | Kumho | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $71 to $595 /ea | $54 to $550 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Altimax RT43 goes from $71 – $187 /ea | Solus TA11 goes from $54 – $158 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Grabber X3 goes from $238 – $595 /ea | Road Venture MT71 goes from $222 – $550 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
General
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Excellent price performance ratio, providing good value for their price | ❌ General tires are generally considered to be in the mid-range segment |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles | |
| ✔ Availability |
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 General:
- Grabber A/T X
- Altimax RT43
- Grabber HTS60
Some of Kumho’s best tires are shown below:
- Ecsta PS31
- Solus TA71
- Road Venture AT51
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the information provided, the General tire brand emerges as the better pick overall.
With its impressive dry performance rating, excellent wet performance, and reliable snow performance, General tires showcase a well-rounded performance.
Additionally, their mileage warranty and availability make them a practical choice.
While Kumho tires have their strengths, such as long-lasting tread life and good value for money, the General brand edges slightly ahead in terms of overall performance and market presence.