Tread Wisely: How to Choose the Right Off-Road Tyres

When preparing for an off-road adventure, choosing the right tyres for your 4x4 is crucial. The right set of tyres can mean the difference between conquering rugged trails and getting stuck in a muddy mess. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the differences between various types of off-road tyres. In this guide, we’ll explore the features and benefits of mud-terrain and all-terrain tyres to help you make an informed decision for your next adventure.


Understanding Your Tyre Options:


Mud-Terrain Tyres: The Kumho Road Venture MT71/MT51

Mud-terrain tyres, like the Kumho Road Venture MT71, are engineered for extreme off-road conditions. These tyres feature an aggressive tread pattern with deep, wide lugs designed to provide maximum traction in muddy, rocky, and uneven terrains. The robust sidewalls and softer rubber compound enhance grip and durability, allowing your vehicle to navigate steep inclines and rough surfaces with ease.


Mud-terrain tyres excel in off-road conditions, but they do have some drawbacks on paved roads. These tyres can be noisier and may not offer the same level of handling and fuel efficiency as all-terrain tyres.


All-Terrain Tyres: The Kumho Road Venture AT52

All-terrain tyres, like the Kumho Road Venture AT52, strike a balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort. These tyres are designed for drivers who split their time between highways and off-road trails. The tread pattern provides adequate traction in a variety of conditions, making them versatile for different terrains.


All-terrain tyres are ideal for weekend warriors and those who need a reliable tyre for both daily driving and occasional off-road excursions.



Choosing the Right Tyre for Your Needs

Deciding between mud-terrain and all-terrain tyres depends on your specific driving habits and the environments you frequent.

If you frequently drive in extreme off-road conditions, mud-terrain tyres are likely the better choice. The Kumho Road Venture MT71 offers exceptional traction and durability in the toughest terrains. However, keep in mind that these tyres can be noisier on highways and may impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency.


On the other hand, if you split your driving time between highways and off-road trails, all-terrain tyres provide a more balanced solution. The Kumho Road Venture AT52 offers reliable performance both on and off-road, with a quieter ride and better fuel economy. These tyres are perfect for those who need versatility without sacrificing comfort on paved roads.


Additional Factors to Consider

Beyond the type of tyre, other important factors come into play when selecting the right tyres for your 4x4.


Tyre Size:
Choosing the right tyre size is critical for your vehicle’s performance and safety. Ensure the height and width of the tyres are suitable for your specific vehicle. Be aware of your state’s or territory’s regulations regarding tyre size to avoid legal and insurance issues.


Load Capacity: Make sure the tyres you choose have a load capacity that matches your vehicle’s weight and towing capacity. Kumho offers a range of load ratings for their tyres. If you’re unsure, consult with your local tyre fitter.


Durability and Tread Life: Off-road tyres need to withstand harsh conditions. Look for tyres with robust construction and materials that resist punctures and wear. The tread life is also important, especially if you plan to use the tyres on both roads and trails.



The Importance of Tyres in Off-Roading

Tyres are one of the most crucial modifications you can make to your 4x4. They are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the ground, affecting your ability to navigate tough terrains and ensuring your safety.


Upgrading your tyres can dramatically improve your vehicle’s off-road capabilities. Better traction helps you tackle challenging trails, while enhanced durability reduces the risk of punctures. With the right tyres, you can explore rough terrains with confidence and enjoy a safer, more comfortable ride.


Exploring Tyre Options

Kumho offers a range of off-road tyres to suit different needs and preferences.


Kumho Road Venture AT52: This tyre provides all-season traction with deep lateral grooves and aggressive side-biters for excellent grip. Designed for durability, the AT52 ensures prolonged tread life and reliable performance in various conditions.


Kumho Road Venture MT71: Engineered for precision navigation in extreme terrains, the MT71 features a high-void tread pattern for superior traction. Its advanced compound technology enhances handling and wear performance, making it ideal for off-road enthusiasts.


Kumho Road Venture MT51: This tyre offers maximum grip with high blocks and zig-zag grooves, providing exceptional traction on all terrains. The robust performance of the MT51 ensures reliability and durability, making it a great choice for serious off-road adventures.

Embark on Your Off-Road Journey


Whether you’re an experienced off-roader or a newcomer to the trails, choosing the right tyres is essential for a successful adventure. Kumho’s Road Venture range offers a variety of options to meet your off-roading needs. Explore the possibilities and equip your 4x4 with tyres that will take you where you want to go, safely and confidently.


Final Thoughts

Selecting the right off-road tyres is a critical decision that impacts your vehicle’s performance and your overall adventure experience. By understanding the differences between mud-terrain and all-terrain tyres, and considering factors like tyre size and load capacity, you can make an informed choice that suits your driving habits and the terrains you’ll encounter.


With Kumho Tyres, you’re equipped to tread wisely and conquer any trail. Prepare for your next off-road journey with confidence, knowing you’ve chosen the best tyres for your 4x4.




VIEW THE RANGE
By Genevieve Waller July 24, 2025
Leading Tasmanian tyre dealer, Speedy Tyres in Devonport has again been named the Kumho Tyre National Platinum Dealer of the Year. The significant National award comes on the back of Speedy winning the Kumho Platinum Dealer of the year for Victoria and Tasmania in 2023 and follows the purchase of the business by new owners 14 months ago.
By Genevieve Waller July 24, 2025
One of South Australia’s longest established tyre dealers has changed hands and been renamed with the prospect of even better service for motorists in Adelaide’s north. St Agnes Tyre and Auto in Ridgehaven was originally known as Tyremag for over 48 years before recently being taken over and renamed by new owners Simon and Renee Hoff. St Agnes Tyre and Auto, just like its predecessor Tyremag, is still a local South Australian family-run tyre store and continues to be strongly aligned to Kumho Tyre as one of the tyre brand’s Platinum dealers.
By Genevieve Waller July 23, 2025
Kumho has announced it has been selected as the original equipment (OE) tyre supplier for Kia’s much anticipated new ute/pickup, the Tasman. The Kia Tasman will be equipped with Kumho’s Crugen HT51 , an all-season tyre, designed specifically for SUVs and pickups.
By Genevieve Waller May 26, 2025
Kumho Tyre have once again been part of a grand adventure, joining the crew from 4WD 24/7 on a trip across the Australian outback to one of the most remote pubs in the world. Jock McDonald and his team from the world’s most popular 4WD Youtube channel 4WD 24/7 , recently completed a journey across thousands of kilometres on the Kumho all-terrain Road Venture AT52s . Jock, along with fellow 4WD 24/7 member Jesse purchased two beaten up ex-backpacker rigs and made the journey from Brisbane to Birdsville as part of their Kincrome Bush Mechanic Challenge. Tackling harsh desert terrain, flash flooding and on-the-fly repairs, Jock and Jesse take on one of the channel’s biggest ever challenges! Check out part one below to see how the AT52s fare against the unforgiving Australian terrain.
By Genevieve Waller May 26, 2025
Kumho Tyre Australia , through the partnership with NRL club Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs , are helping to empower local teenagers through the newly introduced Game-Changers program. The Bulldogs Game-Changers has been developed as a unique and authentic educational program designed to equip high school students with essential life skills. The program is a community collaboration uniting schools, industry, law enforcement and the spirit of sport to empower students to confidently navigate real-life challenges. As part of the program, Kumho Tyre Australia supports students through a road safety topic that is one of seven core topics that include: mental health, physical health, financial literacy, safe social media use, career planning and leadership.
By Genevieve Waller April 22, 2025
A leading German tyre industry website has judged Kumho Tyre’s brand new Ecsta PS72 Sport as amongst the three top tyres in a wide spread performance tyre comparison test in Europe. Die Reifentester , which is a major German tyre website, whose name translates to “The Tyre Testers” used identical Volkswagen Golf GTIs to judge critical performance, safety and handling of eight of Europe’s best selling 225/40 ZR18 size performance tyres. The tests were overseen by leading tyre tester and former tyre developer Dirk Vincken, along with experienced motoring journalist Joachim Fischer, with the team comparing the tyres at the ATP proving ground at Papenburg in Germany. The Kumho Ecsta PS72 Sport was one of only three tyres, and the only non-European tyre in the comparison to be badged as “very good”. The testers said the Kumho performed well across the board, earning it the “very good” overall rating. Four of the seven tyres in the comparison were European manufactured, while there were two from Korean makers and one from Japan. The Kumho Ecsta PS72 Sport shared the winners’ podium with two European tyres, as the Kumho impressed in all disciplines, with good to very good results, and despite being amongst the least expensive tyres in the test. 
By Genevieve Waller April 22, 2025
Kumho Tyre Australia has launched its most advanced and accomplished ultra-high performance tyre ever with the arrival of the new Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 .  The new Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 is the result of collaboration between Kumho’s European Technical Centre (KETC) in Germany and Kumho R&D headquarters in Korea, and is part of Kumho’s recently announced Premium Selection Range .
By Genevieve Waller April 13, 2025
Turn Tyres into Travel with the Purchase of 2 or More Kumho Tyres*
By Genevieve Waller March 27, 2025
Kumho Tyre has again been chosen by global automotive giant, Volkswagen Group to be the original equipment (OE) tyre supplier on two of its new models from two of its leading brands. The Kumho Ecsta PS71 has been chosen by Volkswagen Group as the OE fit tyre for both the new Volkswagen Tiguan and the Cupra Terramar compact sports SUVs. The new Volkswagen Tiguan and the Cupra Terramar are both based on Volkswagen Group's latest MQB Evo platform.
By Genevieve Waller February 24, 2025
Kumho Tyres has announced a new Premium Selection Range, which has been carefully curated with a line of tyres that represent the pinnacle of Kumho’s craftsmanship in performance and premium tyres. The Premium Selection Range contains three different Kumho Premium tyres, catering for a wide selection of performance and premium machines, with the range including the Crugen HP71, the Ecsta PS71 and the Ecsta PS72.