When it comes to tires, the choice between Kumho and Vredestein can be a tough one.
In this post, I’ll delve into the depths of their histories, scrutinize their performance on dry, wet, and snowy roads, examine their mileage warranties and average lifespans, compare their prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll have a clear winner in the Kumho vs Vredestein battle.
So, fasten your seatbelts and let’s dive right in!
Kumho vs Vredestein – Comparison Table
| Kumho | Vredestein | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | Netherlands |
| Year Founded | 1960 | 1908 |
| Made In | South Korea, or in China or Vietmnam | Enschede, Netherlands |
| Parent | Doublestar (China) | Apollo Tyres, Ltd (India) |
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. Vredestein
Vredestein is a tire brand with a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1908 in the Netherlands.
Initially established as a rubber factory, Vredestein has since become renowned for its high-quality tires.
The company has consistently focused on innovation, allowing it to develop cutting-edge technologies and deliver exceptional performance.
In 1912, Vredestein produced its car tire, marking the beginning of its expansion into the automotive industry.
Vredestein was acquired by the Indian Apollo Tyres, Ltd in 2009 and the company name was changed to Apollo Vredestein B.V.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its expertise in crafting tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, agricultural machinery, and industrial equipment.
Today, Vredestein operates as part of Apollo Tyres, Ltd, a Indian parent company, leveraging its manufacturing facilities and research capabilities to continue producing reliable and innovative tires that meet the needs of drivers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Commercial vehicles
- Tractors
- Bicycles
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 Vredestein Ultrac Vorti.
In my evaluation, I rate the Kumho Ecsta PS91 with a dry performance score of 4.6 out of 5.
This tire has received highly positive ratings for its enhanced grip, quick and responsive handling, high-speed durability, and track-inspired performance.
It excels in offering excellent traction, precise control, agility, and high-speed durability.
On the other hand, the Vredestein Ultrac Vorti receives a score of 4.3 out of 5 for dry performance.
It offers short dry braking distances, precise handling, a high-traction tread compound, and responsive steering.
These features make it a suitable choice for drivers of performance vehicles seeking confident and controlled driving experiences in dry conditions.
Considering the ratings, the Kumho Ecsta PS91 emerges as the superior option for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Kumho Solus TA71 vs the Vredestein Quatrac Pro.
In my assessment, I rate the Kumho Solus TA71 tire’s wet performance as 4.1 out of 5.
While it provides decent wet traction due to its asymmetric tread design and wide grooves, there have been mixed reviews mentioning concerns about sudden breakaway.
On the other hand, the Vredestein Quatrac Pro tire receives a 4.6 out of 5 for wet performance.
It excels in wet conditions, offering short braking distances and superb handling.
The design enhancements and its all-season nature contribute to its impressive wet performance.
Therefore, the Vredestein Quatrac Pro 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 – Kumho WinterCraft WP71 vs Vredestein Wintrac Pro.
As the one providing the snow performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 at 4.4 and the Vredestein Wintrac Pro at 4.6.
Both tires are designed to deliver reliable snow performance, with features like uniform block design, directional tread pattern, and good handling.
However, based on the research, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro seems to offer a slightly better overall performance, with excellent winter performance and a balanced winter profile.
Therefore, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro can be considered the winner in terms of snow performance, albeit by a narrow margin.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Kumho | Vredestein | |
| Treadwear Warranty | Replacement for unserviceable tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining | up to 70,000 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 average mileage of Vredestein tires is between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, Kumho tires offer a mileage warranty that replaces unserviceable tires with over 2/32″ tread left.
They have an average lifespan ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 miles.
On the other hand, Vredestein tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 70,000 miles.
However, their average lifespan falls between 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
In terms of longevity, Kumho tires tend to last longer than Vredestein tires, making them a reliable choice for extended use.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Kumho vs Vredestein.
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 | Vredestein | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $54 to $550 /ea | Not Available |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Solus TA11 goes from $54 – $158 /ea | Not Available |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Road Venture MT71 goes from $222 – $550 /ea | Not Available |
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 |
Vredestein
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Premium brand with a long history of more than 115 years of experience | ❌ Not available in large tire marketplaces like Discount Tire |
| ✔ Praised for their performance, including traction and handling on both wet and dry surfaces | |
| ✔ Good value for their price |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Kumho:
- Ecsta PS31
- Solus TA71
- Road Venture AT51
Some of Vredestein’s best tires are shown below:
- Quatrac Pro
- Ultrac Vorti
- Wintrac Pro
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the evaluation of dry performance, the Kumho Ecsta PS91 emerges as the superior choice.
However, when it comes to wet performance, the Vredestein Quatrac Pro takes the lead.
Considering snow performance, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro narrowly edges out the Kumho WinterCraft WP71.
In terms of longevity, Kumho tires tend to last longer.
While both brands have their strengths, Vredestein stands out as a premium brand with a long history.
Therefore, considering all factors, Vredestein is the better overall pick between the two.
