Kumho starts producing new Highway-Terrain class tires

Kumho has introduced a new all-season tire, the Kumho Road Venture H/T, to the US market. This tire is designed primarily for paved surfaces but can handle moderate off-road conditions, making it suitable for SUV and pickup truck owners who need a comfortable ride for daily driving.

 To improve performance on wet roads, a specialized rubber compound with a unique resin that enhances traction in the rain was developed, along with a tread pattern featuring four wide longitudinal grooves. Meanwhile, the wavy sipes increase traction on snow, allowing the new tire to earn the 3PMSF rating. Additionally, an optimized internal structure and a compound containing high-dispersion micro-silica have made the tires more durable, with a 10% increase in tread life compared to the previous generation model.

The tires also feature a reinforced polyester carcass construction, and the increased sidewall stiffness has improved handling when cornering, while the inter-block bridges have reduced noise and provided a comfortable ride.

As electrification has impacted the off-road segment of the automotive market, the new Kumho tires have been adapted to the characteristics of electric vehicles, such as increased weight and torque, making them a versatile option for vehicles with all types of powertrains, emphasizes Kumho.

Prior to the release of the new tire, Kumho commissioned independent testing to compare it with leading products in the Highway-Terrain category, and the company reports that the Road Venture HT outperformed its competitors in terms of ride quality and handling on wet surfaces, as well as showing good results in wet and dry braking tests.

"Thanks to the significantly improved construction, tread pattern, and materials used, the Road Venture HT tires combine exceptional performance, durability, and comfort, allowing drivers to feel confident all year round," said Sean Denlein, Kumho's US sales and marketing president, adding that "the company continues to strive to offer premium products with an excellent price-quality ratio."

In the US market, the Road Venture HT will be available in 43 sizes, ranging from 235/75 R15 to 285/45 R22, with a warranty mileage of 80,000 km for LT sizes and 120,000 km for P-metric sizes, which the company calls the best warranty in the industry. The tires are designed for vehicles such as the Nissan Armada and Frontier, Dodge RAM, Ford Explorer, Toyota Tundra, and others.