Kumho Road Venture AT52 all-terrain tyre test

Having enjoyed running with the Kumho MT51 mud tyres for many years, when the new Road Venture AT52 all-terrain tyre was released, I was keen to test them in the same conditions as the mud tyres in the past.

When it was time for a new set of rubber, my local Tyrepower dealer had the AT52s ready to go. Over a comprehensive 32,000km, these new tyres have been tested on all types of surfaces and conditions and performed excellently.

In muddy conditions in Murray Sunset National Park, the wide voids and staggered shoulder lugs came into play, providing excellent self-cleaning properties. This meant the tyres shed mud quickly, maintaining traction even in the deep, sticky stuff.

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Corrugations on the Savannah Way and Arnhem Land were handled with ease, even with lowered tyre pressures, the tyre’s robust construction, reinforced sidewalls and high-strength steel belts allowed reduced pressures to be kept at higher speeds.

The Kumho AT52 loves sand of all types and depths, the Finke River Track, Simpson Desert and Arnhem Land beaches were no match, and the manual-geared Prado enjoyed this terrain for the first time. There was a high risk of staking on the Nyangumarta Highway however the tyre’s durability ensured that it could take on rough tracks like this without sustaining significant damage.

While the Kumho AT52 is an all-terrain tyre, its performance on bitumen is important too. On the blacktop, these tyres exhibited impressive stability and handling. The dual silica compound provided excellent wet and dry traction and even at higher speeds, the tyres maintained a firm grip, which translated to a confident driving experience.

Noise levels are low with the AT52. Kumho has incorporated advanced noise-cancelling technology into the tread design, which minimizes the road noise typically associated with aggressive tread patterns. This makes for a quieter, more comfortable ride on the highway.

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For me, durability is an important factor for all-terrain tyres, given the harsh conditions they are often subjected to. The Kumho AT52 tyres appear to be built to last, with its tough construction withstanding the rigours of off-road driving. In terms of longevity, the dual silica compound not only improves traction in wet conditions but also contributes to slower wear. This means that the tyres have maintained their performance characteristics.

The Kumho AT52 tyres are a robust and versatile option for those looking for a reliable all-terrain performance without breaking the bank. Tyres and suspension work the hardest when you are travelling and having a tyre that you can rely on in any condition is important and these tyres do that for me.

Having survived the harshest conditions I could throw at them, they came through without a scratch, chip or puncture and they are wearing nice and evenly.