Kumho vs Hankook: Korean Tyre Giants Comparison

Kumho tires vs Hankook: Which is better for UAE roads in 2025? Compare price, performance, durability for Dubai’s heat, deserts, and wet conditions.

Kumho tires, priced AED 250–800, and Hankook tires, AED 300–1000, are South Korean giants vying for UAE drivers’ trust in 2025, tackling 50°C Dubai heat, Sheikh Zayed Road’s 140 km/h speeds, and Al Qudra dunes. Both ESMA-compliant, Kumho’s Ecsta PS71 and Hankook’s Ventus Prime 3 suit Toyota Corolla and Nissan Pathfinder, but which excels in the UAE’s extreme conditions? With the UAE tyre market nearing USD 455.2 million by 2030, we compare these brands on price, performance, durability, and suitability for Dubai’s roads, deserts, and rare rains.

Kumho Overview

Founded in 1960 as Samyang Tire in Gwangju, South Korea, Kumho, now under Doublestar, is the second-largest Korean tyre maker. Producing 68 million tyres annually across six families (Ecsta, Solus, Wintercraft, I’Zen, Crugen, Road Venture), Kumho targets budget-conscious drivers with silica compounds for 7% fuel savings at AED 2.58/litre (Super 98, May 2025). UAE favorites include:

• Ecsta PS71: Ultra-high-performance, ~35 meters braking, AED 300–700.

• Solus TA51a: All-season, 8.8/10 SimpleScore, AED 250–600.

• Road Venture AT51: All-terrain, 4.0/5 off-road, AED 400–800.

Hankook Overview

Established in 1941 as Chosun Tire, Hankook is South Korea’s top tyre maker, ranking among the global top seven. Supplying Honda and Le Mans, Hankook’s Kinergy, Ventus, and Dynapro series offer eco-friendly designs and noise reduction (~68 dB). UAE drivers choose:

• Ventus Prime 3: All-season, 4.4/5 handling, AED 300–800.

• Dynapro AT2: All-terrain, 4.2/5 off-road, AED 400–1000.

• Kinergy Eco2: Fuel-efficient, ~68 dB, AED 300–600.

Comparison in UAE Conditions

Price

• Kumho: AED 250–800, e.g., Solus TA51a (AED 250–600). “Buy 3, get 1 free” deals in Ramadan 2025.

• Hankook: AED 300–1000, e.g., Kinergy Eco2 (AED 300–600). Slightly pricier but competitive. Kumho wins for budget buyers, per web:23.

Performance

• City Handling (Sheikh Zayed Road, 60–100 km/h):

  • Kumho Solus TA51a: 8.6/10, precise on Corolla.

  • Hankook Ventus Prime 3: 8.6/10, stable on Pathfinder.
    Both score 4.4/5, per web:5.

• Wet Grip (Simulated Rain):

  • Kumho Ecsta PS71: ~35 meters braking, 4.3/5.

  • Hankook Ventus Prime 3: ~36 meters, 4.2/5.
    Kumho edges out, per web:6.

• Off-Road (Al Qudra Dunes, 15–20 PSI):

  • Kumho Road Venture AT51: 4.0/5, grips sand.

  • Hankook Dynapro AT2: 4.2/5, excels in gravel.
    Hankook leads, per web:22.

Durability

• Heat Resistance (50°C, 10,000 km):

  • Kumho: 4.2/5, minor wear on AT51.

  • Hankook: 4.3/5, stable on Dynapro.
    Hankook slightly better, per web:23.

• Tread Life:

  • Kumho: 20,000–30,000 km, e.g., Solus TA51a (25,000 km).

  • Hankook: 30,000–40,000 km, e.g., Kinergy Eco2 (35,000 km).
    Hankook lasts longer, but Kumho reports warranty issues (web:24).

Suitability for UAE

• Kumho: Ideal for budget sedans (Corolla) and light off-road (Pathfinder). Ecsta PS71 suits sporty drives; Solus TA51a excels in wet grip (4.3/5).

• Hankook: Better for SUVs (Land Cruiser) and desert adventures. Dynapro AT2 shines off-road (4.2/5); Kinergy Eco2 offers quietness (~68 dB).

Pros and Cons

Kumho

• Pros: Affordable (AED 250–800), strong wet grip (4.3/5), fuel-efficient (~7% savings).

• Cons: Shorter tread life (20,000–30,000 km), warranty issues (web:24).

Hankook

• Pros: Durable (30,000–40,000 km), excellent off-road (4.2/5), quiet (~68 dB).

• Cons: Higher cost (AED 300–1000), slightly weaker wet grip (4.2/5).

Buying Tips

• Match Needs: Choose Kumho Solus TA51a for Corolla’s city commutes, Hankook Dynapro AT2 for Land Cruiser’s dunes, or Kumho Ecsta PS71 for sporty drives.

• Verify ESMA: Ensure 1.6 mm tread depth for UAE roads.

• Check DOT: Opt for 2024 tyres (e.g., 2324) for heat resistance.

• Seek Promotions: Look for “buy 3, get 1 free” at tyre retailers in 2025.

• Maintenance: Rotate every 5,000–10,000 km; maintain 32–35 PSI for city, 15–20 PSI for dunes; replace at 1.6 mm.

Conclusion

Kumho tires (AED 250–800) offer budget-friendly wet grip (4.3/5) for Toyota Corolla drivers, while Hankook tires (AED 300–1000) excel in durability (30,000–40,000 km) and off-road performance (4.2/5) for Nissan Pathfinder and Land Cruiser owners in the UAE. Both ESMA-compliant, Kumho suits cost-conscious city drivers, but Hankook’s longevity and desert prowess make it ideal for SUVs. Visit tyre retailers to find your fit for Dubai’s roads and dunes.

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