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Last updated 2/19/2025 - Originally published 2/19/2025
Written by SimpleTire, Expertly reviewed by Brett Antosh
Bridgestone and Kumho are two popular tire manufacturers, which offer a range of tires for passenger vehicles, SUVs, CUVs, light trucks, and commercial vehicles. Bridgestone was founded in 1931 and is the second-largest tire manufacturer in the world with its global footprint in over 150 countries. Kumho was founded in 1960 and is a wholly-owned brand of the Chinese tire company Doublestar and makes next-gen tires for passenger and commercial vehicles. Both brands offer superb quality tires in different categories such as all-season, all-weather, ultra-high-performance, all-terrain, winter, mud-terrain, etc.
All-season tires are designed to be used year-round in dry, wet, or light winter weather conditions. These tires offer drivers consistent handling, a long tread life, reliable traction, and a quiet, comfortable ride, making them extremely popular among daily drivers. Additionally, these tires are generally backed by a mileage warranty, ensuring the best value for the money for the drivers.
Today, we will be looking at some of the best all-season tires from Bridgestone and Kumho — Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus and Kumho Solus TA51a. Both tires are designed for use on passenger vehicles such as coupes, sedans, CUVs, SUVs, and minivans. We will be taking a look at some of the similarities and differences between these two tires in the Ecopia EP422 Plus vs Solus TA51a tires comparison.
Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus tires
The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is an all-season tire designed for use on coupes, sedans, and minivans, and offers drivers enhanced fuel efficiency with a quiet, comfortable ride. These tires are designed with a special tread compound and an innovative design for low rolling resistance and a smoother ride experience which is paired with a 70,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, making it an overall great choice for your vehicle.
The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus scored an average SimpleScore of 8.8 out of 10 thanks to all the features and tire elements.
Get Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Kumho Solus TA51a tires
The Kumho Solus TA51a is an all-season tire designed for use on passenger vehicles and offers drivers year-round traction, reliable handling with a long tread life. The tire is built with noise-canceling tread for a comfortable and quiet ride and is also backed by a 75,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty on T-speed rated sizes and a 65,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty on sizes with an H-speed rating and above.
The Kumho Solus TA51a is also backed by Kumho’s Road Hazard Warrant and a full refund or exchange within 30 days from the purchase date (restrictions and limitations apply). Thanks to these features, the Kumho Solus TA51a received an average SimpleScore of 8.8 out of 10.
Get Kumho Solus TA51a tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus vs Kumho Solus TA51a tires on traction
When shopping for tires, it's important to consider traction. Traction is what keeps your tires surefooted to the road, ensuring you stay in control behind the wheel. This factor plays a pivotal role in driving safety, impacting how quickly you can brake, how well your tires resist hydroplaning, and your overall ability to maneuver. The traction of a tire depends on various factors, including its tread design, pattern, and the type of rubber used, all working together to enhance its performance.
In traction, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus offers a great score of 8.7 thanks to the wide grooves within the tread that remove water from the tread for added hydroplaning resistance and confident grip in wet, dry, or light winter weather conditions.
The Kumho Solus TA51a scored a great score of 8.6 in traction thanks to the four wide linear grooves that improve hydroplaning resistance by improving water drainage.
With a slightly better SimpleScore, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus takes the win here. However, you can be assured that both tires will deliver solid traction in dry, wet, and light winter conditions.
ADVANTAGE: Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus
Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus vs Kumho Solus TA51a tires on handling
When selecting tires, it's essential to focus on handling, as it greatly impacts your ability to control the vehicle, especially at higher speeds. Optimal handling allows for smooth maneuvering, and effortless lane changes, and overall enhances your driving pleasure. This vital aspect is affected by various factors, including tread design, the type of rubber used, and the incorporation of cutting-edge technology in tire manufacturing.
The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus scored a great score of 8.8 in handling thanks to the symmetrical tread pattern and sidewall design which provides smooth cornering performance and lane-switching maneuverability.
In handling, the Kumho Solus TA51a received a great score of 8.5 thanks to the high silica chamfer block edge that bites into the road, which in turn improves handling.
The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus continues with its winning streak in handling. The tire received a better score than the competitor Kumho Solus TA51a.
ADVANTAGE: Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus
Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus vs Kumho Solus TA51a tires on longevity
Longevity is of paramount importance to drivers when selecting tires, as it directly impacts the mileage they can attain on a single set. As the tread gradually diminishes over time, the significance of tires offering prolonged longevity becomes evident, ensuring consistent handling and traction over an extended period. Factors such as tread design, rubber composition, and tire construction together influence the tire's lifespan.
In longevity, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus scored an excellent score of 9.4 which is paired with a 70,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. The tires are designed to deliver an optimized footprint, which in turn allows for even tread wear for a longer tread life. Additionally, the low rolling resistance of the tire improves fuel efficiency.
The Kumho Solus TA51a received an excellent score of 9.3 in longevity thanks to a unique tread design that resists uneven tread wear, which is also aided by high silica chamfer block edges. Additionally, the tire has a low rolling resistance design that reduces fuel consumption without compromising on performance. The Kumho Solus TA51a is also backed by an up to 75,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
While both tires go toe to toe in longevity with excellent scores, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus takes the win again. However, interestingly, the Kumho Solus TA51a has a slightly better mileage warranty of 75,000 vs 70,000 miles.
ADVANTAGE: Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus
When to use each
Both Ecopia EP422 Plus and Solus TA51a are top-of-the-line all-season tires designed for use throughout the year in dry, wet, or light winter weather conditions. These tires are designed to deliver great traction on wet and dry roads and are most suited for driving on paved surfaces. Additionally, as these tires are not Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, they should not be used in moderate to severe winter weather conditions, where winter tires are more suited.
Which one should you choose?
So which of these tires is the better choice for you? Well, the answer depends on your personal preference as both tires are top-of-the-line and offer excellent performance in all avenues. Additionally, both tires have their own set of advantages and disadvantages that can help you make a decision. For instance, based on SimpleScore, the Kumho Solus TA51a scores better in overall rating, traction, longevity, and handling, making it the better choice.
Another important factor to consider when purchasing a tire is its price. The Ecopia EP422 Plus costs $163.99 per tire or $655.96 for a set, whereas the Solus TA51a costs $93 per tire or $372 for a set of the tire size 185/65R15.
(Note - Prices may vary depending on the tire size.)
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus if you:
- Drive a car like the Audi Q5 Allroad or something like the BMW 330e.
- Want a tire with better performance in traction (8.7 vs 8.6), handling (8.8 vs 8.5), and longevity (9.4 vs 9.3).
- Are willing to pay more for better performance.
On the other hand, you should choose the Kumho Solus TA51a if you:
- Drive something like the Dodge Caravan, or a car like the Mazda 3.
- Want a tire with a better mileage warranty (75,000 v 70,000 miles).
- Want a tire with a brand warranty — Kumho’s Road Hazard Warranty, and a full refund or exchange within 30 days from the purchase date (restrictions and limitations apply).
- Want a more affordable tire that also offers great performance.
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, and our agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.