Kumho Ecsta PA31 Tire Review & Rating

The Kumho Ecsta PA31 is the company’s latest high performance all-season tire designed for sport coupes and sedan drivers. With high traction street performance in mind, the PA31 also combines lower noise and increased comfort to go with a longer tread life.

A new high-tech tread compound and directional tread pattern deliver increased grip on dry or wet pavement, while also providing increased steering response, cornering stability and braking capabilities.

The tire’s four circumferential grooves and numerous cross grooves enhance wet traction and reduce the risk of hydroplaning, which is strong point on this tire. Winter handling is improved through high density sipes around the tread and unique tread block edges that give the tire added bite in the rain or on snow and ice, although don’t expect winter tire like grip.

Inside the tire you’ll find two steel belts with nylon reinforcement and Kumho’s Escot Technology that optimizes cord tension distribution in the sidewall. Ride comfort is increased through the use of variable pitch shoulder blocks that reduce road noise. Kumho has 15-18 inch sizes available in the PA31, and all sizes feature a V-speed rating. A 50,000 mile tread warranty is also included.

Pros

• Dry traction and handling
• Smooth and quiet ride
• Braking performance

Cons

• Would like just a bit more cornering grip
• Bump up wet traction

Overall Thoughts

Kumho has done a good job with the new Ecsta PA31 as high performance all-season tires go. The traction and handling in year round conditions is good, and ride comfort is equally as impressive. Our biggest concern here is that we would like to see an increase in wet traction, especially when driving at higher speeds. Braking performance on dry or wet road surfaces is pretty good overall. Naturally, performance in snow and ice is mediocre, but this is an all-season tire after all. 

Cornering grip and overall stability are above average for the PA31, although we tend to like to push the limits and feel we should be able to get a bit more out of it. But for the vast majority of drivers, it delivers solid performance that is more than adequate. A 500 UTQG rating means you should get a longer lasting tread life, which has been confirmed in other driver reviews as a real plus.

Overall, the PA31 delivers solid performance and comes in at a lower price than comparable brand name tires. All in all we really like this model and highly recommend it.

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What Vehicles Will The Kumho PA31 Fit?

(This is not a complete list of ALL vehicles this tire will fit)

• BMW 128i
• Chevrolet Cruze, Malibu, HHR
• Chrysler 200
• Dodge Avenger
• Ford Focus, Fusion
• Honda Civic, CRZ
• Hyundai Veloster
• Mazda Miata
• Mercedes-Benz E320
• Mini Cooper
• Scion FR-S
• Subaru BRZ, Impreza
• Volkswagen Jetta

Tire Sizes

15″

195/50R15 82V BSW
205/50R15 86V BSW
185/55R15 82V BSW
195/55R15 85V BSW
175/65R15 84V BSW

16″

205/50R16 91V XL/RF BSW
225/50R16 92V BSW
245/50R16 97V BSW
185/55R16 83V BSW
195/55R16 87V BSW
205/55R16 91V BSW
215/55R16 97V XL/RF BSW
225/55R16 99V XL/RF BSW
195/60R16 89V BSW
215/60R16 95V BSW
235/60R16 100V BSW

17″

205/45R17 84V BSW
215/45R17 91V XL/RF BSW
225/45R17 94V XL/RF BSW
235/45R17 97V XL/RF BSW
245/45R17 99V XL/RF BSW
205/50R17 93V XL/RF BSW
215/50R17 95V XL/RF BSW
225/50R17 94V BSW
235/50R17 96V BSW
215/55R17 94V BSW
225/55R17 97V BSW
235/55R17 99V BSW

18″

215/35R18 84V XL/RF BSW
225/40R18 92V XL/RF BSW
235/40R18 95V XL/RF BSW
245/40R18 97V XL/RF BSW
215/45R18 89V BSW
225/45R18 95V XL/RF BSW
225/50R18 95V BSW
235/50R18 97V BSW
215/55R18 95V BSW
235/55R18 100V BSW
245/55R18 103V BSW

Price Range

Kumho Ecsta PA31 prices range from approximately $60 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discount prices, coupons and special offers on this tire.

Click Here To Find The Current Prices On All Kumho Ecsta PA31 Sizes

Warranty

Kumho provides a 6-year or 50,000 mile tread warranty on the PA31. (Mileage is reduced by half if front and rear sizes are different.) Tire uniformity is guaranteed for the first year or first 2/32 inch of wear.

Materials and workmanship are warranted for 6-years and include free replacement during the first year or first 2/32 inch of wear. A prorated amount is given for the remaining time period or down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth.

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