Kumho Eco Solus KL21 Tire Review & Rating
Designed to deliver touring all-season performance, the Kumho Eco Solus KL21 is built as both original equipment and as a replacement model for today’s SUV’s, crossovers and minivans. With its new “eco” friendly tread compound and lower rolling resistance, Kumho has attempted to create a tire that increases fuel efficiency while also reducing CO2 gas emissions.
Kumho utilizes a unique High Dispersible Silica tread compound and symmetric tread pattern on the KL21 that is designed to provide dependable all-weather traction, as well as lowering the rolling resistance of the tire for better fuel economy. The company claims this design improves fuel efficiency by as much as 5%.
Four circumferential grooves and numerous lateral grooves work to enhance wet handling and reduce the risk of hydroplaning. Road noise has been addressed through Kumho’s proprietary noise simulation, which helps this tire deliver less of the annoying outside road noise.
Inside the tire are two full-width high-tensile steel belts that are spirally wrapped with nylon for added strength and durability throughout the speed range, while also increasing ride comfort. Sizes are available from 16-20 inches, and a 60,000 mile tread warranty is included as well.
Pros
- Dry traction and handling
- Steering response
Cons
- Wet traction as tire wears down
- Ride comfort
- Winter handling
- Shorter than expected treadlife
Overall Thoughts
We had high hopes for the KL21 when we started our review, but unfortunately the tire just doesn’t live up to expectations. Yes, it certainly delivers good dry performance along with responsive steering and feel. But the negatives far outweigh the pluses.
Traction on wet surfaces was only fair, and winter handling performance is nearly non-existent. This is backed up by review after review from other drivers that have had the same issues. Anything over a light dusting of snow and it can be problematic. This is an issue for most any all-season tire, but was more glaring for this model.
In addition, the ride just isn’t as comfortable as it could be. Hitting potholes and other bumps can be quite jarring. Perhaps the biggest single issue has to do with the poor treadlife. Getting anywhere close to 60,000 miles out of this tire will be difficult for even the most prudent of drivers. Again, we continue to hear the same thing from other drivers.
Overall Kumho makes some very good tires, but we feel the KL21 is not one of them. We believe there are far better options available than this model.
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What Vehicles Will The Kumho KL21 Fit?
(This is not a complete list of ALL vehicles this tire will fit)
- BMW X3
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Dodge Durango
- GMC Canyon
- Honda Odyssey, CRV
- Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Kia Sorento, Sportage
- Lexus RX350, RX400H, RX330
- Nissan Quest, Murano
- Pontiac Vibe
- Toyota Rav4, Prius, Sienna, Venza
- Volvo XC90
Tire Sizes
16″
215/65R16 98H BSW
235/65R16 103T BSW
215/70R16 100H BSW
P235/70R16 104T BSW
P235/70R16 104T BSW
17″
215/60R17 96H BSW
225/60R17 99H BSW
235/60R17 102T BSW
255/60R17 106V BSW
225/65R17 102H BSW
P235/65R17 103T BSW
245/65R17 102H BSW
18″
225/55R18 98H BSW
235/55R18 104V XL/RF BSW
255/55R18 109V XL/RF BSW
P235/60R18 102H BSW
245/60R18 105H BSW
265/60R18 110H BSW
275/60R18 113V BSW
235/65R18 106T BSW
P255/65R18 109H BSW
P275/65R18 114T BSW
P265/70R18 114T BSW
19″
275/45R19 108V XL/RF BSW
285/45R19 107V BSW
255/50R19 107V XL/RF BSW
235/55R19 105V XL BSW
245/55R19 103H BSW
255/55R19 111V XL/RF BSW
275/55R19 111V BSW
P255/60R19 108H BSW
20″
P245/50R20 102V BSW
255/50R20 109V XL/RF BSW
265/50R20 107V BSW
Price Range
Kumho KL21 prices range from approximately $98 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discount prices, coupons and special offers on this tire.
Warranty
Kumho provides a 6-year or 60,000 mile tread warranty on the KL21. 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 tire replacement during the first 2/32 inch of wear. A prorated amount is then given down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth.
Share this review
I have these tires on my 2013 Santa fe. Just hit 110000 miles. Original tires that cam on vehicle. Best mileage ever.
I have had these on a 2001 Dodge Intrepid and they were original factory tires on my 2015 Kia Sorento. I have had very good mileage out of these tires. 55K and 65K. I rotate them every 5K. You should do this on all tires if you want any longevity out of them. Only complaint is that they are noisy after they start to wear down.
Came on my 2015 Durango, just hit 36k miles. Worn to tread bars. Handling was good, wear terrible!
Hi Doug. Thank you for sharing your experience. Can you give more details?
have over70000 miles on set on 2013 sorento tread still show alot of depth left
I have these tires on my 2014 KIA Sorento which has 60,000 miles on them. So, it is time to replace them. Considering the cons you listed, what is a better option to this brand? I am looking for the lowest cost option of course.
Dennis, other models that deliver much better performance would include the Bridgestone H/L Alenza Plus, Michelin Premier LTX, Continental LX20 or Pirelli Scorpion Verde AS Plus.
I have used these tyres on my grand Cherokee from new ie 3 sets and never get more than 35K out of a set of 4. Going to ry something different this time. Stories of 60k plus are simply untrue and can’t be real users.