When it comes to selecting the perfect tires for your vehicle, the choice between Goodyear and Kumho can be quite perplexing.
In this post, I’ll delve into the depths of these two renowned tire brands, examining their histories, dry and wet performances, snow capabilities, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, pros, and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
Get ready for an exhilarating comparison: Goodyear vs Kumho!
Goodyear vs Kumho – Comparison Table
| Goodyear | Kumho | |
| Country of Origin | United States | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1898 | 1960 |
| Made In | mostly in Akron, United States, but the company also has factories in Venezuela, India, Turkey, and Malaysia | South Korea, or in China or Vietmnam |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA) | Doublestar (China) |
About the Brands
1. Goodyear
The Goodyear brand, founded in 1898 in the United States, is a renowned tire manufacturer and a subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
It has a rich history that spans over a century.
Goodyear has consistently displayed a commitment to innovation, quality, and performance.
Throughout the years, they have developed groundbreaking technologies and patented tire designs that revolutionized the industry.
The brand’s success can be attributed to its dedication to providing reliable tires for various vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and aircraft.
Goodyear’s products have garnered a reputation for their durability, traction, and superior handling.
Over time, the company has expanded its global footprint, establishing a strong presence in numerous countries.
Today, Goodyear remains a trusted and respected name in the tire industry, continuously pushing boundaries to meet the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Commercial trucks
- Buses
- Motorcycles
- Racing cars
- Farm equipment
- Heavy earth-moving machinery
- Aircraft
- Bicycles
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 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 vs the Kumho Ecsta PS91.
In my personal evaluation, I rate the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 with a dry performance score of 4.5 out of 5.
This tire has garnered highly positive reviews for its exceptional dry braking, handling speed, and traction.
On the other hand, the Kumho Ecsta PS91 receives a dry performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It boasts enhanced grip, quick responsiveness, durability at high speeds, and a track-inspired performance.
Both tires exhibit impressive dry performance, but the Kumho Ecsta PS91 edges slightly ahead.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady vs the Kumho Solus TA71.
In my assessment, I would rate the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tire’s wet performance at 4.3 out of 5.
Its design features, like the asymmetric tread pattern and traction grooves, indicate a focus on reliable wet traction.
Positive feedback on handling and traction from a review further supports this rating.
On the other hand, the Kumho Solus TA71 tire’s overall wet performance would be rated at 4.1 out of 5.
While its asymmetric tread design and wide grooves contribute to wet performance, mixed reviews raise concerns about sudden breakaway in wet conditions.
Therefore, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady emerges as the winner in terms of 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 – Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT vs Kumho WinterCraft WP71.
As the one providing the snow performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate both the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT and the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 with a solid 4.4.
Both tires exhibit reliable snow performance characteristics, such as Winter Reactive Technology, directional tread design, and good handling capabilities.
Considering their similar ratings, it seems that both tires offer comparable levels of snow performance.
Therefore, I would declare a tie between the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT and the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 in terms of their snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Goodyear | 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 | Goodyear tires are expected to last anywhere between 30,000 to 65,000 miles on average. | 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, the Goodyear tires come with a mileage warranty of up to 80,000 miles, ensuring long-lasting performance.
On average, Goodyear tires are expected to last between 30,000 to 65,000 miles.
On the other hand, Kumho tires offer a treadwear warranty that replaces unserviceable tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining.
Kumho tires are known for their impressive lifespan, typically ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 miles.
Both brands offer reliable options, but Kumho tires have a slightly longer average lifespan.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Goodyear 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:
| Goodyear | Kumho | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $75 to $1,027 /ea | $54 to $550 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Eagle RS-A goes from $75 – $299 /ea | Solus TA11 goes from $54 – $158 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Eagle NCT5 goes from $317 – $1,027 /ea | Road Venture MT71 goes from $222 – $550 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Goodyear
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles | ❌ Goodyear tires can be more expensive compared to other brands |
| ✔ Goodyear tires are known for their high quality and durability | |
| ✔ Long history of producing specialized tires for racing |
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 Goodyear:
- Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
- Assurance WeatherReady
- Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
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 evaluations of dry performance, Kumho Ecsta PS91 slightly outperforms the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3.
In terms of wet performance, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady takes the lead with a higher rating.
Snow performance is comparable between the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT and the Kumho WinterCraft WP71, resulting in a tie.
When it comes to mileage warranty and average lifespan, Kumho tires offer a longer lifespan.
Considering these factors, Kumho emerges as the better pick overall, offering good performance, value for money, and longevity.
