When it comes to choosing the perfect set of tires for my vehicle, I always find myself caught between the options of Kumho and Toyo.
That’s why I decided to delve deep into the world of tire brands and compare Kumho vs Toyo in an in-depth analysis.
In this post, I’ll be exploring their rich histories, examining their dry, wet, and snow performances, unraveling their mileage warranties, determining their average lifespans, scrutinizing their prices, and highlighting the pros and cons of each.
By the end, we’ll uncover which brand emerges as the better choice overall.
Let’s dive in!
Kumho vs Toyo – Comparison Table
| Kumho | Toyo | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1960 | 1945 |
| Made In | South Korea, or in China or Vietmnam | Japan, Malaysia or the United States |
| 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. Toyo
Toyo Tire Corporation, a renowned Japanese brand, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1945.
Founded in Japan, Toyo has grown to become a leading global tire manufacturer.
Operating under the parent company Toyo Tire Corporation, they have built a reputation for providing high-quality tires for a diverse range of vehicles.
Over the years, Toyo has developed advanced tire technologies and innovative designs to meet the evolving needs of drivers around the world.
With a strong commitment to performance, safety, and durability, Toyo has become a trusted choice for drivers seeking reliable tires.
With its Japanese heritage and global presence, Toyo continues to push the boundaries of tire engineering, ensuring exceptional performance and driving experiences for customers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- High-performance cars
- Luxury cars
- Family cars
- Trucks
- Buses
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 Toyo Proxes R1R.
In my evaluation, I rate the Kumho Ecsta PS91 with a dry performance score of 4.6 out of 5.
Its exceptional grip, responsive handling, durability at high speeds, and track-inspired performance contribute to its impressive rating.
Similarly, the Toyo Proxes R1R also receives a high rating of 4.4 out of 5 for its outstanding dry traction and handling, supported by its arrowhead tread design, high-grip compound, and balanced performance.
With both tires offering similar levels of dry performance, I declare it a tie between the Kumho Ecsta PS91 and Toyo Proxes R1R.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Kumho Solus TA71 vs the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S.
In my evaluation of the Kumho Solus TA71 and the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S tires, I rate the Kumho Solus TA71 with a wet performance score of 4.1 out of 5.
While it offers somewhat reliable traction in wet conditions, there are concerns about sudden breakaway.
On the other hand, the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S receives a wet performance score of 4.6 out of 5, indicating excellent wet braking and reliable performance.
Therefore, considering the higher rating, I declare the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S as the superior 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 Toyo Observe GSi-6.
Based on my research and snow performance ratings, I would rate the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 tire as 4.4 and the Toyo Observe GSi-6 tire as 4.5 out of 5.
Both tires offer reliable snow performance with their unique features.
The WinterCraft WP71 boasts a uniform block design and directional tread pattern, while the Observe GSi-6 stands out with Microbit studless technology and serrated stability ribs.
Considering the minimal difference in ratings, I would declare this comparison a tie.
Ultimately, both tires excel in providing good handling, stability, and snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Kumho | Toyo | |
| Treadwear Warranty | Replacement for unserviceable tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining | up to 65,000 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 actual lifespan of Toyo tires can range from 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, there’s a notable difference between the mileage warranty and average lifespan of Kumho and Toyo tires.
Kumho offers a treadwear warranty that covers replacement for tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining, while Toyo provides a tread life warranty of up to 65,000 miles.
On average, Kumho tires last between 60,000 to 80,000 miles, showcasing their durability.
In contrast, Toyo tires tend to have an average lifespan ranging 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 Toyo.
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 | Toyo | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $54 to $550 /ea | $82 to $1,030 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Solus TA11 goes from $54 – $158 /ea | Extensa HP II goes from $82 – $253 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Road Venture MT71 goes from $222 – $550 /ea | Open Country M/T goes from $297 – $1,030 /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 |
Toyo
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Generally considered to be of high quality, offering durability and reliability | ❌ Some of their tires can get expensive |
| ✔ Toyo offers a wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles and driving needs, including all-season, summer, and winter tires | |
| ✔ Excellent traction and handling in rugged terrain |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Kumho:
- Ecsta PS31
- Solus TA71
- Road Venture AT51
Some of Toyo’s best tires are shown below:
- Proxes Sport
- Open Country A/T III
- Extensa A/S II
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the evaluation of dry performance, I found Kumho Ecsta PS91 and Toyo Proxes R1R to be equally impressive.
In terms of wet performance, Toyo Proxes Sport A/S stands out with its excellent wet braking and reliability.
Regarding snow performance, both Kumho WinterCraft WP71 and Toyo Observe GSi-6 offer reliable traction.
Kumho tires have a longer average lifespan and provide good value for money, while Toyo offers a wider range of tire options.
Considering all factors, I declare Toyo as the better pick overall.