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
Fiat Grande Punto 1.9JTD. I've tried Bridgestone Potenza, nice once warm, lasted 14k miles. Pirelli P Zero Nero, excellent, but only 17k miles. Falken lasted 21k miles, but wrecked the car's ride and produced a lot of noise. Kumho KU31... As good as the Pirelli P Zero Nero, half the price, double the mileage, smooth ride especially after the Falkens, good on limit performance, average on wet roads but then again it is only a summer tire. Given the price, ride comfort, quietness on the motorway and longevity an absolute winner!
Great tires at a great price. I'm already on my second set. The major trade off is the noise. But the time you near 35,000 km on these, the roar becomes unbearable. Will be keen to explore quieter models from Kumho for my next set. Overall, a fantastic brand.
Check out how the BEST all seasons tires perform against premium summer and winter tires!
Nothing wrong with the tire, but 4000 miles and I'm nearly needing another set (1 track day included) - they provide less and less grip as the tire wears which is to be expected, but not so good when they lack grip from the off - driving them on track highlighted all the issues they have (obviously they're not a track-day tire). Won't be buying them again as unfortunately, they're a good budget tire, but won't ever match the Pirellis they replaced
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On my third set of these in 20", for the most part ive been impressed how ever as they wear they seem to get noisier and noisier.
My first set got splits in the sidewalls, Kumho tried saying it was due to low air pressure how ever i check my pressures between once and twice a week so i call BS or being from "a dodgey tire shop" they were probably parellel imports, After a few phone calls they were replaced under warranty.
Gave them the benefit of the doubt with a second set, they were fine.
Third and current set wear has been good and have been satisfied with them up until 4 days ago when i went to get the wheels flipped on the rims and found that the sidewall on the inside has become very soft and jelly-like so currently looking at getting off these tires ASAP! will not be buy another set....
keen on a set of Bridgestone RE002's next as they seem to be all the rave ATM
Bought the car with Arrowsmiths on the front and Nexen CP641's on the back... This combination was hopeless, nay dangerous in the wet and snow... Got rid of the Arrowsmiths and fitted P6000's on front... Better grip altogether, but lots of understeer.
Answer, move P6000's to the rear and fit Kumhos to the front... What a difference! Car goes where it's pointed in all conditions. Road noise and rolling resistance are both low. Seriously considering Kumhos for the Elan once the Pilot Sports are finished.
Nice grip in the dry but what most of the reviews hear seem to omit is that these tires have very soft sidewalls. This is good for comfort but it makes steering less precise and there's less road feedback. I have to say for this reason I'm a bit disappointed with this purchase. They feel stodgy and lethargic, and I suspect their rolling resistance will be higher than average - not good for fuel consumption.
The grip in Dry is perfect! after all this is a very cheap tire to buy so don't try to compare this with Bridgestone however for its range its the best, lasted with me for over 80000 kilometers!
After 35000 Kilometers u start to feel the Tire getting noisy under breaking or at high speed corners however in the wet breaks are phenomenal! Don't be fooled though the car will DRIFT if u take a high speed corner or if you do drive with aggressiveness but if your careful in the rain they will be extremely good for you! Good Tire i don't regret buying them but am going back to Bridgestones! :)
This is the third set of Kumhos I have fitted I am that impressed with them. I have tried Pirelli P7s and Michelin Pilots before and the Kumhos beat them both - Pirellis by a mile and Michelins by a bit, but the Kumhos are so much better value. The wear is comparable to the Michelins and both wet and dry performance is impressive, with stopping distances improved over both P7 and Michelins in all conditions. I generally get 20000 miles from the fronts and 10000 miles from the rears.
