Kumho Ecsta PA31 Tire Review: The Ultimate Tire For Smooth Drive

By David Barlow

Last Updated: September 18, 2021

Cars need good tires in order to perform at their fullest potential. That’s why it’s important to consider the best options for your car.

To assist you in making the best decision, we have personally picked and tested hundreds of different high-quality tire brands. Read our Kumho Ecsta PA31 review to see if these fit your style.

Table of Contents

Introduction To Kumho Tire

Kumho Tire Company

Established in 1960, Kumho Tire (originally named Samyang Tire) belongs to the Asiana Groups of Korea. Over the past half-century, it has become the second-largest manufacturer in Korea and the Top 10 in the tire industry worldwide.

The company produces various lineups such as the Ecsta, Sense, Solus, and Road Venture to satisfy the unique needs of different drivers. The Ecsta, designed for mid-range sports sedans or coupes, guarantees a great performance throughout all seasons.

Kumho Ecsta PA31

The Kumho Ecsta PA31 is one of the best-selling sport tires of the Ecsta lineup. The directional spike design allows for enhanced handling and braking. Large circumferential grooves aid in engine kickstart and increase grip by preventing water absorption.

Kumho increased the sipe density around the Ecsta PA31’s spikes to optimize the driving experience in wet conditions. Deeper treads also increased water absorption to prevent slipping on roads.

The Kumho Ecsta line uses Escot technology to enhance tension distribution. This technology reduces friction between the tires and the road surface at higher speeds. Its steel belt is nylon-coated to form a reliable, sturdy structure for spectacular cornering.

Our Kumho Ecsta PA31 emphasizes driver comfort that many other sports tires often overlook. Designed with variable pitch shoulder blocks to reduce any noise and imbalance from the wheels. Kumho wanted a product for customers looking for a blend of performance and pleasure.

Kumho Ecsta PA31 reviews: Pros & Cons

Pros

Good performance on dry and wet roads
Excellent traction
Advanced handling response
Low noise level
Stable speed control
Great driving experience

Cons

Average cornering ability
Poor grip on ice and snow
Short lifespan

Kumho Ecsta PA31 Tire Drive Test

We tested the Kumho Ecsta PA31 tires on a Chevrolet Malibu 2019 in a variety of weather conditions. Scroll down to see our results.

Dry Performance

On dry roads, the Kumho Ecsta PA31 shows outstanding handling with great cornering stability. We also tested the tires on muddy, sandy roads, and the tire maintained a stable grip and responsive steering.

Wet Performance

This tire kept its great benefits even when we drove under heavy rain. The density of Sipes and tread edges helps to avoid water slippage and increase grip. We felt more secure when accelerating and braking sharply with the Kumho Ecsta PA31 tires.

Snow Performance

Directional spikes on these tires kept our vehicles safe in the snow. However, the engine had some trouble working at its full potential. We had to slow down and drive carefully to maintain grip. Despite its great performance on dry roads, the Ecsta PA31 isn’t comparable to actual winter tires in terms of handling.

Treadwear

All-season tires have never been a winner in the race for longevity. Kumho tires may lose their original performance only after 50,000 miles, but this is still much better compared to their competitors.

Noise

Driving with the Kumho Ecsta PA31 feels like driving on butter. The ride is incredibly smooth, with much less noise compared to other tires. We did not hear any growls caused by friction with the road surface.

At higher-than-average speeds, some noise might be hearable, but it’s very minimal. The Ecsta PA31 delivers a calmness that always leaves us satisfied after every ride.

Comfort

Sports tires are not known to be comfortable, but the Kumho Ecsta PA31 breaks the mold by delivering the best of both worlds. We found the tires may not perform as well on mountain roads or inclines, but the manufacturer has done a good job of reducing vibrations on highways.

If you’re looking for a smooth drive, we would definitely recommend these tires. The Kumho Ecsta PA31 is an ergonomic product for those who care about both performance and luxury.

Warranty

Tire Sizes

Price Range

Competitors & Alternatives

Treadlife Warranty:	6 Years / 50,000 Miles Half mileage if different size front/rear tires
Uniformity Warranty:	First 2/32″ of wear
Workmanship & Materials Warranty:	6 Years / Free replacement first 2/32″ of wear, then prorated to final 2/32″ remaining depth
Manufacturer’s Road Hazard Warranty:	None
Manufacturer Special Warranty:	None

Warranty summary for replacement tires purchased on or after 01/01/20

15		16
175/65R15	195/55R15	185/55R16	215/60R16
185/55R15	205/50R15	195/55R16	225/50R16
195/50R15		195/60R16	225/55R16
		205/50R16	235/60R16
		205/55R16	245/50R16
		215/55R16

17		18
205/45R17	225/50R17	215/35R18	235/40R18
205/50R17	225/55R17	215/45R18	235/50R18
215/45R17	235/45R17	215/55R18	235/55R18
215/50R17	235/50R17	225/40R18	245/40R18
215/55R17	235/55R17	225/45R18	245/55R18
225/45R17	245/45R17	225/50R18

Ecsta PA31 prices range approximately from ‎$81.74 to $157.22 (Tire Rack)

Hankook Ventus V2 concept2
Goodyear Eagle RS-A
Firestone Firehawk GT
Sumitomo HTR A/S P02

Kumho Ecsta PA31 – Compare Prices

We found 7 online tire retailers selling Kumho Ecsta PA31. Refer to the details below to get the best price:

Kumho Ecsta PA31
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Ecsta PA31 Ratings By Consumer

4.37

Based on 05 rating(s)

03 Consumer(s) would buy this tire again

Dry

92%

Wet

92%

Snow

80%

Comfort

92%

Noise

88%

Treadwear

80%

By 05 consumer(s)

Sort by

Findlay M.

These Kumho’s were purchased to replace Toyo Extensa HP. They’re on an 87 Corolla FX16. They were sticky straight away. There was no sticky feel like the Toyo’s (which never disappeared). I like the curve of the sidewall tread. It is easier to handle. These tires performed very well. I am very happy! This car usually has 200 treadwear tires. It is outside so I need something that can withstand freezing temperatures. It is not intended to be a daily driver but it is prepared for autocross so that it does not get too many street miles.

May 6, 2021

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Murtaza Hassan

These tires were on my car when I bought it. They looked good, but they weren’t completely new. It was 50k miles ago, and my tires are now at the end of their lives. These tires have been to Kansas twice from Washington State, once in the summer and once during winter. They have been driven from Washington to Georgia and then to New York. These tires have been driven up hills in snow and ice, where 4X4 trucks had difficulty getting up. These tires have been used in heavy cornering and rain. These tires have only been rotated once. These tires are the best I’ve ever driven on. They are virtually indestructible. They are the Nokia of tires. They’re better than summer tires in the summer and winter tires during the winter. To replace my pa31s, I bought Ecsta ps31s. I won’t buy another tire.

March 1, 2021

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Franco Hodson

Kumho PA31 was installed to replace Toyo Extensa H tires on a Corolla FX16 GT-S setup for autocross. These tires are great for street use as I race 200 treadwear tires. The Kumho’s perform better than the Toyo’s. The Kumho’s stick better than the Toyo’s, while the Toyo’s always felt a bit greasy when they were turned in. With the same pressure, the Kumho’s are stiffer. They are more confident in turns. Both have similar ride quality. The Kumho’s perform better in the rain too. Made in Malaysia, the Toyo’s are also made there. The Kumho’s are from Vietnam.

November 16, 2020

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Milton

I have the second set because i used the same tires on my 2013 wrx hatchback. These tires were purchased to replace the dunlop sport 600 that came with my car for winter. I am extremely happy with them. The subaru awd and winter/snowy weather traction is amazing. For all-season tires, dry and wet traction is excellent. These tires still have the same tread depth and noise levels as when they were new, even after 5000 miles. These tires are highly recommended!

September 25, 2020

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Shoaib R.

These tires were rated #1 in the price range, and they are rightfully so. These tires can be felt only in winter. I have heard they can develop temporary flat spots during cold mornings. I’m not sure if that is true. I trust that these are outdated reviews and that the manufacturer has resolved that issue.

June 3, 2020

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Kumho Ecsta PA31
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David Barlow

Automotive Experts at World Tire Review

Hi everyone, I’m David (Tireguy). I believe that finding tires can lead to a lot of confusion and frustration for almost every driver. That’s why I would like to bring my experiences and knowledges to develop World Tire Review blog, it will give people a deeper understanding of what choosing the right tire is really like!

Kumho Ecsta PA31 Tire Review: The Ultimate Tire For Smooth Drive