Kumho Road Venture AT52 vs Falken Wildpeak AT4W: The all-new Falken Wildpeak AT4W enters the scene, challenging the well-established Kumho Road Venture AT52, which has been delivering solid off-road performance since its launch in 2021. With the AT4W promising cutting-edge advancements, this battle in the off-road segment is shaping up to be an intense showdown of rugged durability and trail-blazing capability!
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Results: Kumho Road Venture AT52 vs Falken Wildpeak AT4W
Results below were taken from Tyre Review’s The BEST All Terrain Tyre Test with a total of 5 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Kumho Road Venture AT52 vs Falken Wildpeak AT4W based on the relevant performance category. The Kumho Road Venture AT52 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the off road tires which has the converted 3 peak mountain logo, snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 35×12.5 R17. The testing vehicle is a 4×4 off road vehicle in the form of Ford- F150.
Dirt
In the world of off-road tires, dirt performance is a critical measure of a tire’s ability to navigate rugged terrains with precision and control. In dirt handling, the Falken Wildpeak AT4W completed the test 0.81 seconds faster than the Kumho Road Venture AT52, demonstrating a clear advantage in agility on loose surfaces. Additionally, the Wildpeak AT4W scored higher in subjective dirt handling with 10 points compared to the AT52’s 9 points, reflecting a more responsive and confidence-inspiring experience for drivers tackling challenging off-road conditions.
Wildpeak AT4W :
- +1% in dirt handling
- +5% in subjective dirt handling
Snow
Both the Kumho Road Venture AT52 and Falken Wildpeak AT4W are 3-peak mountain certified, ensuring suitability for snow-covered roads. In snow braking, the AT52 stopped 3.5 meters shorter than the Wildpeak AT4W, demonstrating superior grip on icy surfaces. During snow handling, the AT52 completed the course 2.66 seconds faster than the AT4W, showing better control in challenging turns. For subjective snow handling, the AT52 narrowly edged out the AT4W with 8.5 points compared to 8 points, highlighting a slightly more confident driving feel in snowy conditions.
Wildpeak AT4W :
- -13% in snow braking
- -3% in snow handling
- -3% in subjective snow handling
Wet
In wet conditions, the Kumho Road Venture AT52 brake 3.45 meters shorter than the Falken Wildpeak AT4W in braking tests, showcasing better grip during sudden stops. However, in wet handling, the AT52 completed the lap 0.7 seconds faster, providing a slight edge in agility. Subjectively, the Wildpeak AT4W scored a perfect 10 compared to the AT52’s 9.75, indicating a slightly better driving feel in wet handling scenarios. In straight-line aquaplaning, the AT4W excelled by maintaining control at 8.7 km/h higher speeds than the AT52, highlighting superior resistance to water buildup.
Wildpeak AT4W :
- -5% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling
- +1% in subjective wet handling
- +9% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry performance, the Falken Wildpeak AT4W stopped 1.58 meters shorter than the Kumho Road Venture AT52 in braking, offering better grip on dry roads. During dry handling, the AT52 completed the course 0.2 seconds faster than the AT4W, showing a slight edge in agility. However, in subjective dry handling, the AT52 outscored the AT4W with a perfect 10 compared to 9.5, indicating a more confident and precise driving feel on dry surfaces.
Wildpeak AT4W :
- +4% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling
- -3% in subjective dry handling
NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness)
In NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) performance, the Falken Wildpeak AT4W outshined the Kumho Road Venture AT52. For comfort, the Wildpeak scored a perfect 10 compared to the AT52’s 8.5, delivering a noticeably smoother ride. In noise levels, the Wildpeak also achieved a perfect 10, slightly ahead of the AT52’s 9.5, offering a quieter driving experience on various surfaces.
Wildpeak AT4W :
- +8% in subj. comfort
- +2% in subj. noise
Price
For the 35×12.5 R17 size, the Falken Wildpeak AT4W costs $342, making it 9% more expensive than the Kumho Road Venture AT52, priced at $314.
Tire size: 35×12.5 R17
Difference: +9% more expensive for Wildpeak AT4W
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
As a tire expert, I can confidently say that both the Kumho Road Venture AT52 and Falken Wildpeak AT4W bring impressive strengths to the table. The Kumho Road Venture AT52 excels in snow and wet, with better braking performance and a slightly more connected driving feel, making it a strong contender for challenging terrains. On the other hand, the Falken Wildpeak AT4W shines in dry braking, alongside better comfort and noise levels for a smoother, quieter ride.
Dr Edwin Pang