When it comes to choosing the perfect tires for your vehicle, the options can seem overwhelming.
That’s why I decided to delve into the world of Kumho vs Nitto, two renowned tire brands known for their exceptional quality and performance.
In this post, we’ll explore the rich history of both brands and analyze their dry, wet, and snow performances.
We’ll also take a close look at their mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and uncover the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme in the tire world.
Kumho vs Nitto – Comparison Table
| Kumho | Nitto | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1960 | 1949 |
| Made In | South Korea, or in China or Vietmnam | Bartow County, GA, China, Japan, and Malaysia |
| Parent | Doublestar (China) | Toyo Tire Corporation (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. 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
2. Nitto
Nitto is a renowned tire brand with its roots in Japan.
Founded in 1949, it is now a subsidiary of the Toyo Tire Corporation since the acquisition in 1979.
Nitto has built a solid reputation for producing high-quality tires that deliver exceptional performance and reliability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition globally for its innovative tire technologies and cutting-edge designs.
Nitto offers a diverse range of tires, catering to various vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
With a commitment to excellence, Nitto consistently emphasizes research and development to meet the ever-evolving demands of the automotive industry.
Today, Nitto tires are sought after by drivers who seek superior traction, handling, and durability.
With its Japanese heritage and affiliation with Toyo Tire Corporation, Nitto continues to be a trusted and respected name in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Sports utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Crossovers
- High-performance cars
- Off-road vehicles
- Side by side vehicles
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 Kumho Ecsta PS91 vs the Nitto NT555 G2.
In my opinion, as the one assigning the dry performance ratings, the Kumho Ecsta PS91 receives a rating of 4.6 out of 5, while the Nitto NT555 G2 scores a commendable 4.5 out of 5.
Both tires exhibit exceptional dry performance characteristics, including enhanced grip, responsive handling, and quick acceleration.
Although Kumho Ecsta PS91 edges slightly ahead with its track-inspired performance and high-speed durability, both tires offer similar levels of dry performance.
Therefore, I would declare it a tie between the Kumho Ecsta PS91 and the Nitto NT555 G2 in terms of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Kumho Solus TA71 vs the Nitto Motivo.
Based on my research, I would rate the Kumho Solus TA71 tire’s wet performance as 4.1 out of 5.
While it offers somewhat reliable wet traction, mixed reviews raise concerns about sudden breakaway.
The asymmetric tread design and wide grooves contribute to wet performance, but the mixed reviews affect the overall rating.
On the other hand, the Nitto Motivo tire scores 4.3 out of 5 in wet performance.
It provides good wet traction and handling, with an all-season design and an enhanced silica rubber compound.
Therefore, I declare the Nitto Motivo 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 – Kumho WinterCraft WP71 vs Nitto SN2 Winter.
In my opinion, as the one giving the snow performance rating from 1 to 5, both the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 and Nitto SN2 Winter tires offer similar levels of snow performance with a rating of 4.4.
The Kumho WinterCraft WP71 showcases a uniform block design, directional tread pattern, and premium touring winter tire classification, while the Nitto SN2 Winter tire boasts a silica-enhanced tread compound, symmetrical tread pattern, and lower freezing temperature technology.
Therefore, it would be fair to declare a tie between these two tires in terms of snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Kumho | Nitto | |
| Treadwear Warranty | Replacement for unserviceable tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining | up to 75,000 mile tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Kumho tires are known for their long-lasting performance, with most of their tires lasting from 60,000 to 80,000 miles. | On average, Nitto tires can last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, there is a difference in the mileage warranty and average lifespan between Kumho and Nitto tires.
Kumho offers a treadwear warranty that replaces unserviceable tires with over 2/32″ tread remaining.
On the other hand, Nitto provides a tread life warranty of up to 75,000 miles.
In terms of average lifespan, Kumho tires are known to last between 60,000 and 80,000 miles, while Nitto tires typically last from 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Kumho vs Nitto.
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:
| Kumho | Nitto | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $54 to $550 /ea | $97 to $1,447 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Solus TA11 goes from $54 – $158 /ea | Neo Gen goes from $97 – $352 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Road Venture MT71 goes from $222 – $550 /ea | Trail Grappler M/T goes from $279 – $1,447 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
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 |
Nitto
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks | ❌ Some of their tires can get very expensive |
| ✔ Generally considered to be of good quality, offering durability and reliability | |
| ✔ Solid performance tires |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Kumho:
- Ecsta PS31
- Solus TA71
- Road Venture AT51
Some of Nitto’s best tires are shown below:
- NT555 G2
- Terra Grappler G2
- Motivo
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After considering the dry, wet, and snow performance, as well as the mileage warranty and average lifespan, it is clear that both Kumho and Nitto offer excellent tires.
However, taking into account their overall performance, value for money, and market presence, I would declare Nitto as the better pick.
Nitto provides a wide range of tire options, generally considered to be of good quality, with solid performance and durability.
Though some Nitto tires can be expensive, they offer a reliable choice for various vehicle types.