Dry grip and value are the clearest strengths of the Kumho Ecsta KU31 in generally positive owner feedback. Wet grip also attracts substantially more praise than criticism, though some drivers find it less reassuring in rain. Tread life and noise are usually viewed favorably, with later-use accounts including good mileage, but both also draw a sizeable minority of complaints. A smaller group reports increasing noise as the tread wears, sometimes alongside uneven wear. Most returning owners remain positive, while two are less satisfied in later accounts, so there is no uniform ageing pattern. Several replacement-mileage accounts support useful life without establishing one dependable lifespan.
What owners mention most counted across 141 reviews
I thought that I would go for a cheaper tire to the Conti Sport Contacts that I had on before - to save money. However after only 11,500 miles on the front they will need replacing soon. With the Contis I could get 20,000 to 22,000 from the front (and 35k on the back). So they have ended up costing me more!!
I will be going back to the Contis, better grip and feel, plus last twice as long.
I had 2 of these fitted to the front of my Celica a week ago after reading reviews on this site. They replaced Michelin Primacy HP's, and I doubt they will match the Michelins for overall grip, but the Kumho's are noticably quieter, so swings and roundabouts. I haven't had much time on them yet but can say that wet grip seems reasonably good. Dry grip also seems good, but we haven't had much in the way of dry roads since they were fitted so will update soon. So far for the price I have to say they are great value.
Check out how the BEST all seasons tires perform against premium summer and winter tires!
If anything these tires inspire total confidence in dry conditions, testing them to the traction limits in the wet on country routes - great fun! feedback from the tires is quite good comparable to Yokos but a lot cheaper.
They are reasonably quiet on motorways cruising at a tad above the legal speed limit :)
These are the best budget tires ive ever bought, ill be buying these again!
Which tires do you drive?
Researching the Kumho Ecsta KU31? Rate the tires you actually drive - and help the next buyer choose.
These are an good budget tire but lets leave it as that, some reviews on here comparing them to Michelin, Contis and Bridgetsone make me laugh, as they are no where near them in terms of performance, dry and wet grip and handling etc. They may up there with the durability but thats it, I have these on an Honda Accord and im easy going driver mainly in and around town and ocasionally when I do put my foot down these tires perform AVERAGE.
Fitted after reading good things on owners forums and yes great tires for the money. These are up with the best for ?70 a tire these are a steal. No way would i pay for Michelin , Pirelli or Goodyear. As much confidence as when using expensive Yokos on prevous car. These tires have taken me across Europe and taken mile after mile of 130 cruising.
This is an update on running on KU 31`s all round. The last set fitted to the front were not balanced correctly however they still inspire great confidence for such a competetive price. Shortly before the Ku 31`s were replaced by Falkens they were truly tortured on a old airfield trying to get comparative data on g force generated in cornering. Holding a steady 45 mph while on a representation of a roundabout the Khumos did start to squeal but just gripped and gripped, the Focus was able to generate more cornering force than O/e equipped Volvo V70 r , Volkswagon Passat and Golfs and varius BMW`s. It was only the Evo x that topped the cornering force. As you`d expect.
Good looking, perform well, lasted on front over 20000 miles' but very noisy. One of the four had a particular fault, I had new wheel bearings and several trips to Audi re noise only to find it was the tire.
Dry grip much better than I expected. Easily as good as Goodyear Eagle F1 I had before at more than twice the price. We have had no rain in the last three months (God bless Australia!) so can't comment on wet grip. Have done only 2000 km but tires look as new with little or no wear. Very very happy so far.
Excellent dry grip, slight understeer in the wet around roundabouts but I exeperienced the same with Michelins which these tires replaced.
Comfort good, feedback positive. Quieter ride. Just about to replace my rear Bridgstones which now suffer from heel and toe wear with KU31's
Fitted after reading good things on owners forums and yes great tires for the money. These are up with the best for ?70 a tire these are a steal. No way would i pay for Michelin , Pirelli or Goodyear. As much confidence as when using expensive Yokos on prevous car. These tires have taken me across Europe and taken mile after mile of 130 cruising.
