Kumho Solus TA71 Review: The All-Season Tire That Might Surprise You

Don’t know the correct size tire to purchase? Start here!

The Kumho Solus TA71 is an all-season tire designed for drivers seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and affordability. Developed by the South Korean tire manufacturer Kumho, this model caters to a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, minivans, and crossovers.

The TA71 aims to provide a reliable and versatile driving experience, suitable for various road conditions and weather patterns. Its all-season tread compound and optimized tread pattern are engineered to deliver confident handling, effective braking, and enhanced traction on both dry and wet surfaces.

Kumho positions the Solus TA71 as a value-oriented option for budget-conscious drivers who desire a blend of performance and durability without compromising safety or ride quality. With its competitive pricing and Kumho’s reputation for manufacturing high-quality tires, the TA71 appeals to a broad spectrum of drivers seeking a cost-effective replacement for their daily commutes or casual weekend adventures.

Tire Construction and Design

The Kumho Solus TA71 is a premium all-season tire designed for a wide range of passenger vehicles, from sedans and coupes to crossovers and minivans. Its construction features an advanced silica-enhanced tread compound that provides exceptional grip on both dry and wet surfaces, while also promoting improved fuel efficiency and tread life.

The tire’s symmetric tread pattern is engineered with a continuous center rib and intermediate tread blocks, which enhance stability and responsiveness during high-speed driving and cornering maneuvers. The tread design also incorporates wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches, which help evacuate water from the contact patch, improving hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.

Beneath the tread, the Kumho Solus TA71 features a twin steel belt package reinforced with spirally wrapped nylon for increased strength and durability. This robust internal construction contributes to the tire’s high-speed capability and helps maintain its shape under heavy loads, ensuring consistent performance throughout its lifespan.

Additionally, the tire’s casing utilizes a polyester cord body that provides a comfortable ride by absorbing road impacts and minimizing vibrations. This construction also enhances the tire’s overall durability and resistance to punctures and other forms of damage.

Performance on Different Surfaces

The Kumho Solus TA71 is an all-season tire designed to provide reliable performance across various road conditions. On dry surfaces, the tire’s advanced tread compound and optimized siping pattern ensure excellent traction and responsive handling. The tire maintains a firm grip, allowing for confident cornering and precise steering input.

When it comes to wet conditions, the Solus TA71 shines with its hydroplaning resistance. The directional tread pattern effectively channels water away from the contact patch, ensuring maximum grip and reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Braking distances on wet roads are impressively short, instilling a sense of security in adverse weather.

While the Solus TA71 is not a dedicated winter tire, it offers decent performance in light snow and icy conditions. The siping and tread design provide a reasonable level of traction, allowing for controlled acceleration and braking on slippery surfaces. However, for extreme winter conditions or heavy snowfall, dedicated winter tires may be a better choice for optimal safety and performance.

Treadwear and Durability

The Kumho Solus TA71 is designed to deliver impressive treadwear and durability, ensuring a long-lasting performance on the road. This tire features a unique tread compound that is engineered to resist excessive wear, even under demanding driving conditions. The symmetrical tread pattern, with its optimized siping and groove design, promotes even wear distribution, helping the tire maintain its traction and handling capabilities for an extended period.

One of the standout features of the Solus TA71 is its high treadwear rating, which is a testament to Kumho’s commitment to producing tires that offer exceptional value for money. With proper maintenance and rotation, this tire can easily achieve its advertised mileage rating, providing drivers with a cost-effective solution for their daily driving needs.

Furthermore, the tire’s robust construction, featuring a reinforced casing and advanced belt package, enhances its overall durability and resistance to impacts and punctures. This added protection ensures that the Solus TA71 can withstand the rigors of daily driving, whether on city streets or highways, without compromising its structural integrity or performance.

Overall, the Kumho Solus TA71 is a tire that prioritizes treadwear and durability, offering drivers a reliable and long-lasting solution for their vehicles. With its impressive treadwear rating and robust construction, this tire is designed to provide a hassle-free driving experience for many miles to come.

Noise and Comfort Levels

The Kumho Solus TA71 delivers an exceptionally quiet and comfortable ride, making it an excellent choice for those who value a serene driving experience. This tire’s advanced tread design and optimized casing construction work in tandem to minimize road noise, ensuring a peaceful cabin environment even at higher speeds.

One of the standout features of the Solus TA71 is its ability to absorb road imperfections and vibrations effectively. The tire’s specially engineered sidewall and robust internal structure work together to dampen shocks and provide a smooth, comfortable ride, even on rough or uneven surfaces. This not only enhances the overall driving experience but also contributes to reduced fatigue during long journeys.

Furthermore, the Solus TA71’s unique tread pattern and advanced compound formulation help to minimize tread noise, a common issue with many tires. This results in a remarkably quiet ride, allowing you to enjoy your music or conversations without the intrusive drone of tire roar. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating city streets, the Solus TA71 ensures a tranquil and relaxing driving environment.

Overall, the Kumho Solus TA71 strikes an impressive balance between ride quality and noise reduction, offering a refined and comfortable driving experience that sets it apart from many competitors in its class.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

The Kumho Solus TA71 tire is designed to offer excellent fuel efficiency, helping drivers save money at the gas pump and reducing their carbon footprint. The tire’s low rolling resistance construction minimizes energy loss as the tire rolls, resulting in improved fuel economy. Independent testing has shown that vehicles equipped with the Solus TA71 can achieve up to 5% better gas mileage compared to vehicles running on less efficient tires.

In addition to its fuel-saving capabilities, the Solus TA71 is also an environmentally friendly choice. The tire’s manufacturing process utilizes eco-friendly materials and techniques, reducing the overall environmental impact. The tire’s long treadlife also means fewer tires end up in landfills, further reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Kumho’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the Solus TA71’s design. The company has implemented various eco-friendly initiatives in its manufacturing facilities, such as energy-efficient processes, waste reduction programs, and water conservation efforts. By choosing the Solus TA71, drivers can enjoy the benefits of improved fuel economy while also contributing to a greener future.

Pricing and Value for Money

The Kumho Solus TA71 is a budget-friendly option in the grand touring all-season tire segment. Its pricing is quite competitive when compared to other tires in the same category from more established brands. While the exact pricing may vary depending on the tire size and your location, the Solus TA71 typically falls in the mid-range to lower end of the pricing spectrum.

Despite its relatively affordable price tag, the Solus TA71 offers a compelling value proposition. It delivers a well-balanced performance across various driving conditions, making it a versatile choice for daily commuters and highway cruisers alike. The tire’s ability to provide a comfortable and quiet ride, coupled with its respectable treadwear and durability, contributes to its overall value.

Furthermore, the Solus TA71 boasts a respectable treadwear warranty, which can provide peace of mind and add to the tire’s long-term value. Kumho’s reputation for manufacturing quality tires at reasonable prices also adds to the tire’s appeal for value-conscious consumers.

While the Solus TA71 may not match the performance or refinement of premium tire offerings from top-tier brands, it strikes a good balance between cost and capability. For drivers seeking a reliable and affordable all-season tire that can handle a variety of driving scenarios without breaking the bank, the Kumho Solus TA71 presents an attractive value proposition.

Comparison with Competing Tire Models

The Kumho Solus TA71 stands out in the crowded market of all-season tires, holding its own against popular models from major brands. In terms of overall performance, it compares favorably with the Michelin Defender T+H and the Continental TrueContact Tour. While the Michelin may edge out the Kumho in treadwear and longevity, the Solus TA71 offers better grip and handling, especially in wet conditions.

Compared to the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus, the Kumho tire delivers superior dry and wet traction, although the Bridgestone may have a slight advantage in terms of fuel efficiency. The Solus TA71 also outperforms the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring in most performance metrics, with better responsiveness and cornering stability.

When pitted against budget-friendly options like the Falken Sincera SN250 A/S or the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02, the Kumho tire stands out with its more refined ride quality and longer treadlife. While these budget tires may be cheaper upfront, the Solus TA71 provides better value in the long run with its superior durability and performance.

Overall, the Kumho Solus TA71 strikes an excellent balance between performance, comfort, and affordability, making it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a reliable all-season tire without breaking the bank.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the Kumho Solus TA71 tires. Here are some recommendations:

Installation:

• Have your tires installed by a professional technician who follows the manufacturer’s guidelines and uses the correct tools and equipment.
• Ensure proper wheel balancing and alignment after installation to prevent uneven wear and premature tire degradation.
• Check the tire pressure and adjust it according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific make and model.

Maintenance:

• Regularly inspect your tires for signs of wear, cuts, bulges, or other damage, and replace them if necessary.
• Rotate your tires according to the recommended schedule (usually every 5,000-8,000 miles) to promote even wear across all four tires.
• Keep your tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure levels, as underinflation can lead to excessive wear and decreased fuel efficiency.
• Avoid overloading your vehicle, as excess weight can strain the tires and cause premature wear.
• If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, consider using winter tires during the colder months for improved traction and safety.
• When storing tires, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of ozone, which can degrade the rubber.

By following these installation and maintenance tips, you can maximize the lifespan and performance of your Kumho Solus TA71 tires, ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customer reviews and feedback for the Kumho Solus TA71 tires have been generally positive, with many praising their performance, durability, and value for money. Here’s a summary of what drivers have to say:

Many customers have been impressed with the tire’s grip and handling, particularly in wet and snowy conditions. The tread design and compound seem to provide excellent traction, ensuring a safe and confident driving experience. Drivers report feeling secure even during sudden maneuvers or emergency braking situations.

The ride quality has also received positive feedback, with customers appreciating the smooth and comfortable ride offered by the Solus TA71. The tires effectively absorb bumps and irregularities in the road, providing a pleasant driving experience even on rougher surfaces.

In terms of treadwear and durability, many customers have reported getting excellent mileage out of these tires. Several drivers have mentioned that the tires have lasted longer than expected, with some even claiming to have gotten over 50,000 miles out of a single set.

On the downside, some customers have noted that the tires can be a bit noisy, especially on rougher surfaces or at higher speeds. However, this seems to be a minor complaint for most, with the overall performance and value outweighing the slight increase in road noise.

Overall, the consensus among customers is that the Kumho Solus TA71 tires offer an excellent balance of performance, durability, and affordability. Many drivers have expressed their satisfaction with the tires and have recommended them to others seeking a reliable and cost-effective option.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Kumho Solus TA71 is a well-rounded and reliable all-season tire that offers a balanced performance across various driving conditions. Its advanced tread design and compound provide excellent traction on both dry and wet surfaces, ensuring a safe and confident driving experience. Additionally, the tire’s noise-reducing features contribute to a comfortable and quiet ride, making it a suitable choice for daily commuting and long-distance travel.

One of the standout features of the Kumho Solus TA71 is its impressive treadwear durability. With its high-quality construction and reinforced internal structure, this tire can withstand the rigors of everyday driving and maintain its performance over an extended period. This not only translates to a longer lifespan but also represents a cost-effective investment in the long run.

While the Kumho Solus TA71 may not be the most affordable option in the market, its overall value proposition is hard to ignore. Its competitive pricing, coupled with its excellent performance and durability, makes it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a reliable and cost-effective tire solution.

In conclusion, the Kumho Solus TA71 is a tire that strikes a perfect balance between performance, comfort, and longevity. Whether you’re navigating city streets, highways, or tackling inclement weather conditions, this tire delivers a confident and enjoyable driving experience. With its well-rounded capabilities and value-for-money proposition, the Kumho Solus TA71 is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a dependable all-season tire that won’t break the bank.