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Last updated 1/15/2025 - Originally published 1/15/2025
Written by SimpleTire
A subsidiary of Giti Tires, GT Radial is a rapidly growing tire brand in the US, famous for its high-quality, budget-friendly products. The Singapore-based tire manufacturer rolls out all-season, all-terrain, winter, all-weather, and UHP tires for passenger cars, CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks. On the other hand, Laufenn is a member of the Hankook family, introduced in the US in 2014. The South Korean brand offers great traction, grip, quality, durability, handling, control, and longevity – all at aggressive prices! With the unpredictable weather underway, let’s have a look at the pocket-friendly all-weather tires from these brands.
Designed for coupes, sedans, minivans, and CUVs, the GT Radial MaxClimate and the Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 offer great traction, grip, handling, control, and stability in unpredictable weather conditions plus a longer service life. The newly launched all-weather tires return increased grip and control in moderate to severe winter conditions of ice and snow. While the GT Radial tire features an asymmetric tread design, the Laufenn tire has a directional tread pattern – both offering great year-round performance. So, which one is a better option? Let’s compare GT Radial MaxClimate vs. Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 tires based on our proprietary SimpleScore to know the answer.
GT Radial MaxClimate tires
Introduced in December 2024, the GT Radial MaxClimate is an all-weather tire designed for passenger cars and minivans. Thanks to its asymmetric tread pattern and all-weather rubber compound, the MaxClimate offers enhanced braking, traction, and control in dry, wet, and moderate to severe winter conditions. While the optimized tread pitch sequence reduces noise and vibration levels, the deep and wide circumferential grooves allow quick outflow of water to avoid the risk of hydroplaning and improve wet performance. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified GT Radial tire features full-depth zigzag sipes and grooves that lend improved traction and grip in different conditions including snow. GT Radial’s first attempt at an all-weather category tire, the MaxClimate is backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, 24-hour roadside protection, and a road hazard warranty.
Scoring a fantastic 8.2 average score, the GT Radial MaxClimate assures adequate traction, stability, control, and longevity in changing weather conditions.
Get GT Radial MaxClimate tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 tires
Designed for passenger cars, the Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 features a directional tread design with deep and wide aqua grooves that not only provide great grip and traction but also mitigate the risk of hydroplaning by flushing water and slush out of the tread for consistent performance in wet and snow. A high-grip rubber compound returns improved performance on every surface. The Laufenn all-weather tire comes with an interlocking center block for increased stability, angled semi-grooves for enhanced control, linear 3D sipes on the center and wave-type 2D on the shoulder tread boost handling, and the use of highly refined resin for enhanced performance on wet and snowy roads. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified tire is backed with a solid 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, 30-day free trial, and road hazard warranty.
Scoring an 8 out of 10, the Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 assures adequate traction, grip, control, and longevity in different driving conditions of snow, dry, and rain.
Get Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
GT Radial MaxClimate vs Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 tires on traction
All-weather tires are bought for their superior traction and grip in moderate to extreme winter conditions of snow and ice. Let’s check the traction scores of the MaxClimate and the G FIT 4S LH71.
Thanks to the MaxClimate’s full-depth zigzag sipes, the tire features extra biting edges that deliver increased grip and traction in wet, dry, and snow, further guaranteed by the 3PMSF certification. With a modest 7.6 traction score, the GT Radial’s circumferential grooves clear water and slush quickly to reduce the risk of hydroplaning and boost traction on slick surfaces.
On the other hand, the Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 features a high-grip rubber compound with refined resin for enhanced traction and grip in wet and snowy conditions. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification assures great performance in ice and snow thanks to its dense sipes and wide aqua grooves that avoid the risk of hydroplaning. It scores a 7.2 in traction.
With a better score, the GT Radial MaxClimate wins the traction tussle.
ADVANTAGE: GT Radial MaxClimate
GT Radial MaxClimate vs Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 tires on handling
It’s the control and stability that keeps you going on wet, ice, and snow, making all-weathers the go-to tires for people seeking superb handling and control in moderate to severe winters.
Thanks to the asymmetric tread design, the GT Radial MaxClimate returns precise steering response and enhanced stability in dry, wet, slush, and snow with a handling score of 8. Furthermore, the zigzag sipes and connected grooves improve grip and handling for a confident mild winter drive.
Boasting an 8.2, the Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 features an interlocking center block, angled semi-grooves, linear 3D sipes, and wave-type 2D on-the-shoulder block that assures great steering response and stability on different driving conditions.
The Laufenn all-weather tire wins the handling race with a better steering response.
ADVANTAGE: Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71
GT Radial MaxClimate vs Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 tires on longevity
All-weather tires are known to offer superior tread life with maximum performance in changing weather conditions. The tire’s longevity depends on various factors such as tire upkeep, tire quality, driving habits, and driving surface. Let’s check the longevity scores of the GT Radial and Laufenn.
The GT Radial MaxClimate with its optimized tread pattern assures even pressure distribution that resists uneven wear and promotes even wear across its tread life. With an excellent 9 in longevity, the GT Radial tire is backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
With an 8.8 longevity score, the Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 features a new silica and resin-packed rubber compound and directional tread pattern that returns great wearability throughout the tire’s lifecycle. It is also covered by the same 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
Despite putting on a better show, the Laufenn loses out to the GT Radial in the longevity fight.
ADVANTAGE: GT Radial MaxClimate
When to use each
All-weather tires are designed to offer exceptional grip, stability, traction, and durability. Packed with a limited manufacturer tread life warranty, all-weather tires offer a long service life and great performance in unpredictable weather conditions. However, if the weather is moderate with light winters throughout the year, you should pick all-season tires as they offer excellent year-round performance and a longer tread life.
For extreme wintry regions where the temperature remains below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for six months or more, choose winter tires as they are designed to withstand sub-freezing temperatures without losing their flexibility.
Which one should you choose?
In a nutshell, the GT Radial MaxClimate wins the comparison 2-1 as it carries an edge in traction and longevity while it falls short in the handling department. Contrarily, the Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 is a great performer when it comes to handling. Let’s check their prices to know which one is a better deal.
Comparing the prices of the 245/50R20 102V tire size, the GT Radial MaxClimate costs around $201 per tire, and four such tires cost $804, while the Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 costs around $202 per tire, and four such tires cost $808 (a difference of $4).
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the GT Radial MaxClimate if you:
- Drive vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Elantra, and Chevrolet Cruze
- Want a long-lasting tire (9 vs 8.8)
- Are looking for great traction (7.6 vs 7.2)
You can opt for the Laufenn G FIT 4S LH71 if you:
- Drive vehicles like the Acura MDX, Buick Electra E5, and Chevrolet Equinox EV
- Want fantastic handling (8.2 vs 8)
- Prefer tires with a mileage warranty (60,000 miles)
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help. Our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.