So, you’re in the market for new tires and have come across the Kumho Crugen HP71. You’re probably wondering if these tires are the right fit for you, and whether they can handle the diverse driving conditions you face. Let’s dive into what these tires offer and whether they meet the hype.
The Kumho Crugen HP71 is on par with the leading competition, providing reliable performance and good value. However, it falls slightly short in treadwear and winter traction compared to top-tier options.
In this article, we’ll explore the features, performance, pros, cons, and alternatives to the Kumho Crugen HP71, helping you decide if these tires are the right choice for you.
Kumho Crugen HP71
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.1 of 10
Wet Weather
8.4 of 10
Winter Weather
7.3 of 10
Tread Wear
7.5 of 10
Dry Weather
8.9 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.4 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 640
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 65,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.3 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.4 of 10
Cornering: 8.8 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.0 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.8 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 7.8 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.6 of 10
Road Noise: 8.2 of 10
The Kumho Crugen HP71 is a crossover/SUV touring all-season tire designed for drivers who want reliable performance in various conditions. This tire aims to balance comfort, traction, and durability, making it a solid choice for everyday driving.
Performance Features
- Wet Traction: The Kumho Crugen HP71 provides dependable wet performance with a wet traction rating of 8.4. Its hydroplaning resistance is rated at 8.3, ensuring stability in rainy weather. While it might not top the charts compared to the highest-rated competitors, it holds its own in wet conditions, offering a secure driving experience.
- Dry Handling: On dry roads, the Crugen HP71 shines with a dry performance rating of 8.9. The tire offers excellent corner stability at 8.8 and dry traction at 9.0, giving drivers confidence during spirited driving. The steering response is also commendable at 8.8, making it responsive and easy to handle.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: This tire ensures a comfortable ride with a rating of 8.6 for ride quality and 8.2 for noise levels. It delivers a smooth driving experience, keeping road noise at a minimum and providing a pleasant journey, whether you’re commuting or on a road trip.
- Treadwear: The Crugen HP71 has a treadwear rating of 7.5, indicating moderate durability. While it may not last as long as some premium competitors, it still offers good value for its performance class.
Comparison to Leading Competitors
- Wet Performance: The Crugen HP71 performs well in wet conditions but falls slightly behind top competitors in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. However, it still provides reliable performance that ensures safety on rainy days.
- Dry Performance: In dry conditions, the Crugen HP71 competes well with leading tires, offering strong corner stability, dry traction, and steering response. It may not be the absolute best but provides very respectable performance.
- Comfort and Noise: The tire offers good ride comfort and low noise levels, making it a pleasant choice for everyday use. While some premium competitors might edge it out slightly in noise reduction, the Crugen HP71 is still very quiet.
- Treadwear: The treadwear rating is moderate. It doesn’t match the longevity of some of the top-tier tires but still offers a decent lifespan for its price point.
Pros
- Solid dry traction (9.0) and corner stability (8.8), providing confident handling
- Reliable wet performance (8.4), with good hydroplaning resistance (8.3)
- Comfortable ride quality (8.6) and low noise (8.2) for a pleasant driving experience
- Responsive steering (8.8) for easy handling and control
Cons
- Treadwear rating (7.5) is lower, potentially requiring more frequent replacements
- Wet performance slightly trails behind the top competitors
- Winter traction (7.8) is lower, making it less ideal for severe winter conditions
The Verdict
The Kumho Crugen HP71 is a well-rounded tire suitable for crossover and SUV drivers looking for a dependable all-season option. It excels in dry conditions, provides a comfortable ride, and performs reliably in wet weather. While its treadwear and winter traction might not be the best in class, it offers good value and solid performance for everyday driving needs.
Kumho Crugen HP71 Problems
The Kumho Crugen HP71 is appreciated for its balanced performance and comfort, but like any tire, it has its share of potential drawbacks. Understanding these issues is essential for making an informed purchase decision.
Road Noise and Comfort
- Increased Road Noise: Some drivers have reported that the Kumho Crugen HP71 generates more noise than expected, particularly at higher speeds. This can be noticeable on long highway drives, where the hum from the tires might become a bit intrusive compared to quieter competitors.
- Ride Comfort: While generally providing a comfortable ride, the tire can feel somewhat firmer on rough or uneven surfaces. This is a minor trade-off for its overall durability and performance.
Tread Wear and Longevity
- Moderate Tread Life: The Crugen HP71 has a treadwear rating of 7.5, which is on the lower side compared to some top-tier all-season tires. This means that while the tire offers good performance, it may not last as long as some higher-rated options, potentially requiring more frequent replacements.
- Treadwear Warranty Concerns: Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the treadwear warranty, suggesting that the actual tire life may not always meet their expectations under normal driving conditions. This can be particularly concerning for those who drive extensively and expect longer tread life from their tires.
Winter Performance Limitations
- Ice and Snow Traction: Although the Kumho Crugen HP71 performs adequately in light snow and wet conditions, its traction on ice and deeper snow is less impressive. With a winter traction rating of 7.8, it falls behind some of its competitors in severe winter conditions. Drivers in areas with harsh winters might need to consider dedicated winter tires for better safety and performance.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Performance Against High-End Competitors: While the Crugen HP71 holds its own in dry and wet conditions, it may not match the top competitors in terms of overall comfort, noise reduction, and tread life. For those who prioritize these aspects, exploring other options might provide a better balance for daily driving needs.
The Bottom Line
The Kumho Crugen HP71 offers a well-rounded performance for crossover and SUV drivers, but it’s important to be aware of its potential drawbacks. Issues like increased road noise, moderate tread life, and less-than-stellar winter traction should be considered in the context of your driving habits and conditions. Balancing these factors will help ensure that this tire meets your specific needs and expectations.
Kumho Crugen HP71 Alternatives
When considering alternatives to the Kumho Crugen HP71, it’s important to explore options that fit different needs and budgets. Here are three top picks, each with its own strengths, including a budget-friendly choice.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall Rating: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive stands out as a high-performance all-season tire. It excels in various conditions, making it a great alternative.
- Performance: This tire is a top contender with a wet traction rating of 9.5 and dry performance rating of 9.5. It also performs exceptionally well in winter, with light snow traction at 9.4 and deep snow traction at 9.2. This makes it a versatile option for all weather conditions.
- Comfort: Offering a smooth and quiet ride, it scores 9.2 in comfort, which is slightly better than the Crugen HP71.
- Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.2, it promises a longer lifespan, outlasting the Crugen HP71.
Comparison: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive surpasses the Crugen HP71 in wet and winter performance, as well as treadwear. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking top-tier performance across all seasons.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Overall Rating: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is a strong candidate for those wanting a high-performance all-season tire that handles diverse weather conditions well.
- Performance: It boasts impressive wet and dry ratings, with wet traction at 9.4 and dry performance at 9.5. Its winter performance is also decent, with an overall rating of 8.7 in snow and ice conditions.
- Comfort: The tire is comfortable with a ride quality rating of 9.1, although its noise level is a bit lower at 8.5.
- Treadwear: It has a treadwear rating of 8.3, which is comparable but slightly lower than the Crugen HP71.
Comparison: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is on par with the Crugen HP71 in wet and dry conditions but offers better winter performance. It’s a solid option if you need an all-season tire that performs well in various weather conditions.
Yokohama Geolandar CV G058
Overall Rating: The Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 is a solid, budget-friendly all-season tire that doesn’t skimp on performance.
- Performance: With wet and dry ratings of 9.1 and 9.2 respectively, it handles various conditions well. Its winter performance is average, with a 7.9 rating for ice traction.
- Comfort: It offers a comfortable ride with a ride quality rating of 9.0, and it’s relatively quiet with a noise rating of 8.6.
- Treadwear: The tire has a good treadwear rating of 9.0, making it a durable choice for the price.
Comparison: While the Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 might not match the top-tier performance of the Crugen HP71 in every category, it offers a competitive alternative at a lower price. It’s a great pick for those who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Each of these alternatives provides distinct benefits:
- The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is ideal for those seeking top performance in all conditions.
- The Michelin CrossClimate SUV offers balanced excellence with a slight edge in winter performance.
- The Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 provides solid performance at a budget-friendly price.
Depending on your driving needs and budget, these options are worth considering alongside the Kumho Crugen HP71.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Kumho Crugen HP71 offers a solid balance of performance, comfort, and value for crossover and SUV drivers. Its strengths lie in its dependable dry and wet traction, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving. The ride quality is comfortable, and it keeps road noise to a minimum, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.
However, there are some areas where the Crugen HP71 could improve. The treadwear rating is lower than some of its competitors, which means you might need to replace them sooner. Additionally, its winter traction is not as strong, making it less ideal for severe winter conditions.
Overall, the Kumho Crugen HP71 is on par with many of the leading tires in its category. It may not lead the pack, but it provides good performance at a reasonable price.
Good luck and happy motoring.
