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Hankook and Kumho are two of South Korea’s most prominent tyre brands, both recognised globally for their innovative designs and reliable performance.
From performance tyres to EV tyre options, these brands have been at the forefront of tyre development, carving out significant market shares and earning a reputation for quality and value.
With decades of experience in the tyre industry and diverse model line-ups, Hankook and Kumho have consistently impressed both industry experts and everyday motorists.
This article will serve as a comprehensive comparison of the two brands, exploring their history, innovation, and the tyres they offer today to help you make an informed choice.
Founded in 1941, Hankook stands as South Korea's leading tyre manufacturer, credited with establishing the country's first-ever tyre production facility.
Now a global leader, Hankook ranks among the top seven tyre manufacturers worldwide. Over the years, it has evolved from a mid-range contender to a premium player in the industry.
This remarkable growth is fuelled by their expertise across various segments, including tyres for electric vehicles (EVs), summer performance, and high-performance driving.
The company operates five advanced R&D centres strategically located in South Korea, Germany, China, Japan, and the USA.
These centres drive the development of cutting-edge and market-specific technologies.
Hankook’s dedication to research and development keeps it at the forefront of innovation, ensuring its products meet the ever-changing demands of the global market.
Hankook’s diverse portfolio includes a variety of tyre models, each incorporating modern designs and technologies to deliver superior performance.
These features make many of their tyres highly favoured among motorists.
The Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3, a premium summer tyre, is designed for high-end vehicles. It delivers exceptional performance in both wet and dry conditions, thanks to its advanced compound technologies.
Over 1,910 customers have reviewed the Ventus S1 Evo 3 as follows:
As the predecessor to the Ventus S1 Evo 3, the Ventus S1 Evo 2 offers ultra-high performance with excellent handling and stability, especially at higher speeds.
Over 1,730 customers have reviewed the Ventus S1 Evo 2 as follows:
Engineered for comfort and performance, the Hankook Ventus Prime 3 provides outstanding grip and stability on wet and dry roads. It’s a top choice for premium saloons and coupes.
Over 2,300 customers have reviewed the Ventus Prime 3 as follows:
The Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 is an eco-friendly summer tyre designed for efficiency and longevity. Its reliable performance in wet and dry conditions makes it ideal for everyday use.
Over 1,150 customers have reviewed the Kinergy Eco 2 as follows:
An all-season tyre, the Hankook Kinergy 4S 2 delivers consistent performance throughout the year. Its unique tread design enhances grip and minimises the risk of aquaplaning.
Over 2,250 customers have reviewed the Kinergy 4S 2 as follows:
Hankook tyres are widely regarded as a top choice in the market, blending high performance, quality, and affordability.
In a similar vein to Kumho, Hankook has earned an overall rating of 4.5/5 stars from over 18,965 customers on Blackcircles.com, underscoring their strong reputation among drivers.
Motorists worldwide have trusted Hankook for decades, and with their continuous innovations, the brand is poised to remain a key player in the tyre industry for years to come.
Buy Hankook tyresKumho are also a South Korean tyre manufacturer that values themselves on their commitment to innovation, quality, and providing tyres that deliver exceptional performance at a competitive price point.
Renowned for their diverse range of models, Kumho caters to various driving needs and vehicle types, developing tyres for vehicles such as 4x4/SUVs and passenger cars.
Kumho produce over 68 million tyres a year, building on their manufacturing expertise since their first production year back in 1960.
The evolution of their tyre production has seen Kumho be the home of 5 R&D facilities across Europe, North America, and Asia, where they continue to develop cutting-edge technologies and market-specific designs to meet the demands of modern motorists.
These facilities focus on enhancing tyre performance, safety, and durability, ensuring Kumho remains a competitive force in the global tyre industry and a top pick amongst customers in the market for mid-range tyres.
With such an extensive model line-up, Kumho are no strangers to producing a variety of quality tyres for motorists to choose from.
Here are a few of the most popular Kumho tyres according to Blackcircles.com customers.
The Kumho Ecsta PS71 is an ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre, designed to deliver exceptional handling and stability at high speeds.
Its advanced tread design ensures excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions, making it an ideal choice for sports cars and performance sedans.
Over 6,690 customers have reviewed the Kumho Ecsta PS71 as follows:
The Kumho Ecowing ES31 focuses on fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness, offering a balance of long-lasting performance and lower rolling resistance.
Its reliable grip on wet and dry roads makes it an excellent option for everyday passenger vehicles, providing enhanced comfort and fuel efficiency.
Over 5,960 customers have reviewed the Ecowing ES31 as follows:
The Kumho Ecsta HS52 combines high performance with durability, designed for both comfort and sporty driving.
This tyre features excellent wet grip, enhanced cornering stability, and a smooth, quiet ride.
Over 780 customers have reviewed the Ecsta HS52 as follows:
The Kumho Solus 4S HA32 is a versatile all-season tyre engineered to perform in various weather conditions, including light snow.
Its innovative tread pattern provides optimal grip and reduces the risk of aquaplaning, making it a reliable choice for year-round driving.
Over 1,635 customers have reviewed the Solus 4S HA32 as follows:
The Kumho Ecsta PS71 SUV is a high-performance summer tyre tailored specifically for SUVs and crossover vehicles.
It offers outstanding handling, braking, and stability at high speeds, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience on both wet and dry roads.
Over 6,690 customers have reviewed the Ecsta PS71 SUV as follows:
Kumho offers an array of quality tyres at a respectable mid-range price, making them a popular choice for drivers seeking a balance of performance and affordability.
Renowned for their innovative designs and reliability, Kumho tyres cater to a variety of vehicle types and driving needs.
With over 60 years of experience and a strong focus on research and development, Kumho has earned positive reviews from motorists worldwide, solidifying their reputation as a dependable and value-driven tyre manufacturer.
Buy Kumho tyresChoosing between Hankook and Kumho tyres ultimately comes down to your driving needs and budget.
Both brands offer impressive tyre ranges, with Hankook being better suited for those prioritising premium quality, while Kumho is a great mid-range choice for excellent performance and price ranges.
We hope this guide helps you make the right decision for your vehicle and driving preferences!
We love to hear from our customers. Connect with us today and let’s start a conversation.