The Kumho Ecsta 4X II KU22 is a premium all-season ultra-high-performance tire with an asymmetric tread design. It is characterized by excellent grip in wet conditions, stable and easy handling in all weather conditions, acoustic comfort and a smooth ride, worthy of the most luxurious sedans.
Compared to its predecessor, the tires have a richer tread compound for improved handling on wet and winter road surfaces. The rubber is designed to combine ease of handling, agility and excellent all-season traction found on dry, wet and snowy roads.
Pros
- Good grip and stability on dry surfaces.
- Smooth and comfortable driving.
- The all-season tread pattern provides a good grip in winter conditions.
- Good warranty.
Cons
- Performance on wet asphalt.
Overall thoughts
The Kumho Ecsta 4X II tires (Kumho Eksta 4 Ex 2), presented in 2015, can be safely considered the reincarnation of the 2011 Kumho Ecsta 4X model, and is designed for active people who want to do what they like at any time of the year: whether it be volleyball on the beach or snowboarding in the snowy mountains – the Ecsta 4X II tires take them to any destination.
The tire rubber forms an innovative asymmetric tread with an increased shoulder area and rigid intermediate blocks of the working surface, which contribute to the sensitivity to steering commands and dynamic driving. The tire’s angled ribs provide continuous contact with the road, which helps to reduce noise levels while increasing stability in corners and straight sections. The four annular channels, together with numerous lateral grooves, increase aquaplaning resistance and wet grip, while the strategically placed sipes provide additional grip on snowy and icy surfaces.
Tire features
The lightweight inner construction of the tire provides the Ecsta 4X II with ease of rotation, while the double steel belts ensure the high strength and durability of this UHP tire.
The optimized rubber compound with the inclusion of highly dispersed silica maintains the elasticity of the tire tread over a wide temperature range, prevents the tire from overheating, and provides additional grip on wet surfaces. As a result, the Kumho Ecsta 4X II KU22 tires are characterized by high wear resistance and mileage, all at a relatively low price.
Performance on dry, wet and snowy surfaces
The asymmetrical design of the sporty Kumho Ecsta 4X II delivers exceptional comfort and performance in dry, wet and light snow conditions. Large blocks on the outside of the tread ensure good lateral stability when maneuvering and cornering at high speeds. The sawtooth center rib provides stable contact with the road surface and helps to reduce noise levels.
Numerous drainage grooves on the outer tread of the Kumho KU22 accelerate the clearing of the contact patch from water and melted snow, increasing the tire’s resistance to aqua and slash planning. Multidirectional sipes increase traction on snowy roads.
It can be said that the tire has rather poor grip on snowy roads, and the situation looks even worse when cornering. Ultimately, the braking distance is much longer than the class average. The same can be said for ice driving.
Is it possible to use the tire off-road?
The tire is not intended for off-road use. However, even if you did, note that the tire will not provide you with sufficient traction. Moreover, sharp objects can easily damage the tread rubber and even puncture the tire.
Prices for this model start at $ 91 and up. With your purchase, you will receive a 6-year or 40,000-mile warranty.
Drivers’ reviews
In general, most drivers are happy with the result. According to buyers, rubber simply cuts tightly into any type of asphalt pavement while accompanied by a low noise level. There is noise only on “rough” asphalt, but its overall level is low.
Tire Sizes
15″
205/55R15
16″
195/50ZR16
205/45ZR16
20″
275/40ZR20