When it comes to choosing the perfect set of tires, the options can be overwhelming.
That’s why I decided to delve into the world of tire brands, specifically Kumho vs Nokian.
In this post, I’ll be taking a deep dive into their histories, evaluating their performance on dry, wet, and snowy roads, exploring their mileage warranties and average lifespan, comparing prices, and ultimately determining which brand reigns supreme.
Buckle up and join me on this exhilarating journey!
Kumho vs Nokian – Comparison Table
| Kumho | Nokian | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | Finland |
| Year Founded | 1960 | 1988 |
| Made In | South Korea, or in China or Vietmnam | Finland and Russia |
| Parent | Doublestar (China) | Nokian Tyres plc (Finland) |
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. Nokian
Nokian Tyres, a renowned tire brand, was founded in Finland in 1988 and is currently a subsidiary of Nokian Tyres plc.
With a rich history spanning over three decades, Nokian has established itself as a leading global tire manufacturer.
The brand’s commitment to innovation and high-quality products has earned it a strong reputation in the industry.
Nokian is particularly known for its expertise in winter tires, thanks to its Finnish roots and the country’s demanding weather conditions.
The brand’s tires are designed to provide exceptional grip, safety, and durability in harsh winter conditions, making them popular worldwide.
Nokian’s continuous research and development efforts have resulted in numerous breakthroughs, including the introduction of unique technologies and eco-friendly materials in their tire manufacturing processes.
Today, Nokian Tyres continues to deliver cutting-edge tire solutions, catering to diverse customer needs across different regions.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Vans
- Light trucks
- Heavy machinery
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 Nokian zLine.
As someone who has personally evaluated the dry performance of both the Kumho Ecsta PS91 and the Nokian zLine, I would rate the Kumho Ecsta PS91 slightly higher at 4.6 out of 5.
This tire has impressed me with its exceptional grip, braking, responsive handling, durability at high speeds, and track-inspired performance.
On the other hand, the Nokian zLine also offers commendable dry traction, precise handling, and a sporty driving experience, earning it a 4.2 out of 5.
Ultimately, while both tires perform well in dry conditions, the Kumho Ecsta PS91 edges out slightly as the better choice.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Kumho Solus TA71 vs the Nokian WR G4.
As the one providing the wet performance rating, I would rate the Kumho Solus TA71 tire at 4.1 and the Nokian WR G4 tire at 4.6 on a scale of 1 to 5.
While the Kumho tire offers somewhat reliable wet traction with mixed reviews, the Nokian tire boasts excellent wet grip and cornering performance.
Its all-weather design and asymmetric tread contribute to stability and control on wet surfaces.
Therefore, the Nokian WR G4 tire emerges as the better choice 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 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.
Based on my research and snow performance ratings, I would rate the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 with a score of 4.4 out of 5.
It offers reliable snow performance with its uniform block design, directional tread pattern, and good handling.
However, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 surpasses it with a score of 4.8 out of 5.
The Double Block Grip design enhances grip and traction, while its eco-friendly focus adds to its overall snow performance.
Therefore, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 emerges as the better tire for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Kumho | Nokian | |
| Treadwear Warranty | Replacement for unserviceable tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining | up to 80,000 miles 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. | The lifespan of Nokian tires can vary but on average they can last anywhere between 40,000 to 85,000 miles. |
After researching, I found that Kumho tires offer a mileage warranty that replaces unserviceable tires with over 2/32″ tread remaining.
On the other hand, Nokian tires provide an impressive tread life warranty of up to 80,000 miles.
In terms of average lifespan, Kumho tires are known for lasting between 60,000 to 80,000 miles, while Nokian tires can range from 40,000 to 85,000 miles.
Both brands have their strengths, but Nokian tires tend to offer a slightly longer average lifespan and a higher mileage warranty.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Kumho vs Nokian.
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 | Nokian | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $54 to $550 /ea | $73 to $585 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Solus TA11 goes from $54 – $158 /ea | Nordman 7 goes from $73 – $177 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Road Venture MT71 goes from $222 – $550 /ea | Hakkapeliitta 10SUV goes from $173 – $696 /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 |
Nokian
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Your go-to brand for winter tires and only tire manufacturer in the world with its own permanent winter tire testing facility | ❌ Limited market presence |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and heavy-duty equipment | |
| ✔ Innovative technology, such as the Hakkapeliitta R3’s “Aramid Sidewall Technology,” which uses the same material used in bulletproof vests |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Kumho:
- Ecsta PS31
- Solus TA71
- Road Venture AT51
Some of Nokian’s best tires are shown below:
- Hakkapeliitta R3
- WR G4
- Rotiiva AT Plus
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the comparison of dry performance, the Kumho Ecsta PS91 takes a slight lead.
However, when it comes to wet performance, the Nokian WR G4 outperforms the Kumho Solus TA71.
For snow performance, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 is the clear winner.
In terms of mileage warranty and average lifespan, Nokian offers a longer lifespan and a higher mileage warranty.
Considering all these factors, Nokian emerges as the better pick overall, offering excellent wet and snow performance, innovative technology, and impressive longevity.