Our car’s tires are vital components. They are what allows us to travel from one location to another. On the other hand, tires wear out over time and must be replaced for our cars to function correctly.
However, choosing new tires for our cars can be a challenging task. This is especially true when it comes to choosing the best tire brand. Many people desire to buy tires from a brand that is both economical and high-quality. If you’re looking for a brand like this, the two most popular options are Sumitomo and Kumho. However, you cannot purchase from both brands. You have to choose your set of new tires from one. As a result, in this quick guide, we’ll walk you through a comparison of the Sumitomo and Kumho tires so you can pick the best one for your vehicle.
Sumitomo vs Kumho Tires: Quick Comparison
Sumitomo tire manufacturer is one of the world’s most highly advanced tire makers. Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., a company based in Japan, owns the brand. The brand is well-known for employing premium manufacturing methods to provide clients with high-quality tires at a reasonable price.
Kumho Tires, on the other hand, is a Korean tire manufacturer. The brand is known for providing high-quality replacement and original tires for both SUVs and passenger vehicles. The Kumho Asian Group, which also comprises Asian Airlines, owns the brand. This partnership enables the brand to provide cutting-edge tire technology, high-quality materials, and cutting-edge designs.
The table below compares the two tire brands according to their customer review ratings:
| Features | Sumitomo | Kumho |
| Industry standing | 4 | 4 |
| Tire variety | 3 | 3.5 |
| Affordability | 3.4 | 4 |
| Customer satisfaction | 4 | 4 |
Kumho Vs Sumitomo: Detailed Analysis
Quality
Both brands perform wonderfully in terms of quality, but Kumho gets the lead. This brand employs a strategy that incorporates novel, cost-cutting production techniques with existing proven designs that have been shown to provide superior comfort, handling, and safety. The result is a set of high-quality tires that, in terms of longevity and performance, are comparable to more expensive options like Continental, Bridgestone, and Michelin, but without the hefty price tag.
On the other hand, Sumitomo uses polyamide to enhance the internal structure of their tires. The tires themselves are made up of a polyester string body with solid sidewalls, resulting in a tire that is tough and resistant to wear and tear.
Price
Both brands will provide you with reasonably priced tires when it comes to cost. However, compared to Sumitomo, Kumho tires are considered the most affordable, with tires starting at $70.
Range
Sumitomo has a wide choice of products to choose from. Tires for SUVs, sports vehicles, and small passenger cars are offered. The brand delivers a superb balance of quality and value across the board.
On the other hand, Kumho offers a wide choice of tires and caters to a wide range of markets. The brand creates ultra-high performance tires that compete in racing contests worldwide while also ensuring that the demands of ordinary motorists are met with well-crafted tires that are purposely built to cover a wide range of vehicles, conditions, and weather.
Fuel Efficiency
Sumitomo tires lead the pack in terms of fuel efficiency. This is because the brand produces tires with lower rolling resistance, which, along with the long-lasting tread compound used in the tires, helps boost total mileage and tire value per mile.
On the other hand, Kumho has begun to focus more on developing a tire that emits less carbon. They are reducing energy consumption and rolling resistance by using unique tread on their tires.
Warranty
When it comes to warranties, both brands perform admirably. Depending on the model, the Sumitomo tread warranty extends from 40,000 to 85,000 miles while Kumho tires extend from 40,000 to 80,000 miles.
Handling
Both the Sumitomo and Kumho tires have good handling characteristics. To improve the overall performance of their tires in a range of settings, Sumitomo employs technology such as the Unique 5 rib pattern, siping, integrated tread design, and biting edges.
On the other hand, Kumho uses innovative Silica gel throughout the contact patch of its tires, which helps boost traction on wet or dry surfaces. Their tire’s central rib provides stability over a wide speed range, and strong shoulder blocks convey that stability through corners.
Sumitomo Tires Pros and Cons
Pros
- They offer long-lasting warranties
- They have excellent all-terrain and high-performance tires
- They have some inexpensive models
Cons
- They only offer one winter tire model
- The brand has a limited selection of tires overall
Kumho Tires Pros and Cons
Pros
- Their tires are inexpensive
- Their tires tread life warranties are above average
- Most of their tires boast enhanced traction, handling, and steering responsiveness
Cons
- Few winter tires are available with this brand
Sumitomo vs. Kumho: Which One is Better?
If you want a brand that will provide you with a large selection of high-quality tires as well as good handling and warranty, you may go with any of the two brands. However, if you’re searching for a tire that increases fuel efficiency, the Sumitomo is a good option. If cost is a consideration, we suggest that you go for the Kumho tires.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Do Tires Have a Noise Rating?
The EU rating measures a tire’s noise emission in decibel. However, because many people are unfamiliar with decibel values, a loudspeaker picture with black waves represents the tire’s noise level. The lesser the waves, the more quiet the tire.
Are Kumho Tires Noisy?
Even though Kumho tires is considered a mid-range brand, tires from this brand provide remarkably quiet rides, even on rocky terrain.
What Tires Give The Quietest Ride?
The top 3 best quietest tires include Michelin Energy Saver A/S, Yokohama AVID Touring-S, and Michelin Defender T+H
Are Kumho Tires Made In China?
Kumho Tires operates three factories in South Korea and three more in China.
Are Sumitomo Tires Japanese?
Sumitomo is a Japanese tire and rubber company with a global presence. It is a member of the Sumitomo Group.
How Many Miles Do Sumitomo Tires Last?
Depending on the tire model you choose to purchase, Sumitomo tires will last between 50,000 and 70,000 miles.
What is the Typical Tire Warranty?
Tire warranties typically last between four and six years from the date of purchase, depending on the manufacturer.
Do Tire Warranties Cover Nails?
Damage to the tires caused by non-negligent driving is covered under road hazard warranties. This can involve things like driving over nails or other road debris. It’s worth noting, however, that this form of warranty does not cover damage to the car caused by a user mistake.
Final Take
We hope this article has provided you with all of the information you require regarding the Sumitomo vs. Kumho tires. However, judging which one is superior to the other is a matter of personal taste and preferences.
