If you were starting a tire brand, would you choose a historic name like Michelin? Or go for something catchy? Kumho and Discount Tire chose the latter with Road Hugger. It’s a name that sticks and attracts buyers.
Many tire brands have interesting names, like Lionhart, Achilles, and Hercules. Also, there’s Mastercraft. Established brands, however, prefer simple names. Look at Bridgestone, Michelin, and others. They trust in product quality.
Road Hugger, a new brand, focuses on marketing. Its name is just one example. Sadly, brands with unusual names often make low-quality tires.
Now, let’s talk about Road Hugger tires. Are they any good? It’s a mixed bag. Kumho and Discount Tire make them. They use methods similar to premium brands but with cheaper materials.
Road Hugger makes high-performance tires with all-season treads. They offer excellent grip and traction for corners. Also, they last longer than summer tires. Their prices are much lower than top brands. This makes them appealing to budget-conscious buyers. Now, let’s examine Road Hugger closely to see if they’re worth it.
Road Hugger Tires
Road Hugger only offers two all-season tires. These tires are not ideal for severe winter conditions. The issue is common with all-season tires, which struggle in deep snow or on ice.
As the name suggests, Road Hugger tires focus on grip and traction. They offer better cornering, acceleration, and braking than standard touring tires.
The lineup currently lacks summer tires and options for SUVs and crossovers. However, this may change. Road Hugger, a new brand under Discount Tire and America’s Tire, might expand its offerings. It is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for SUV and crossover tires.
Best Road Hugger Tires of 2024
1. Road Hugger GTP A/S
The Road Hugger GTP A/S is a standard all-season tire for passenger cars, available in sizes from 16 to 20 inches. It suits older mid-size models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Also, owners of 2010s cars like the Corolla or Civic might find it suitable.
This tire offers decent performance. However, it’s not on par with top brands like Michelin or Bridgestone, especially for newer cars that prioritize performance. Yet, it’s significantly cheaper, saving buyers $150 to $300 on a set of four tires.
It handles well, providing good feedback and decent traction. It’s okay in the rain, resisting hydroplaning. But it can feel less stable in tight turns and aggressive driving.
However, it struggles in the snow. Traction is poor, making it unsuitable for harsh winter conditions.
The tire is durable, with Discount Tire offering a 55,000-mile warranty. This falls slightly below the class average of 65,000 miles. Premium options, like the Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack, offer up to 80,000-mile warranties, but at a higher price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent responsiveness and steering feedback | Tends to feel unsettled during cornering in wet conditions |
| Provides secure traction and grip on dry surfaces | Snow traction falls below expectations |
| Good longitudinal traction in wet weather | Lacks traction on icy surfaces |
| Offers commendable tread life for its price |
2. Road Hugger GT Ultra
The Road Hugger GT Ultra targets high-performance cars. It uses an all-season tread, making it ideal for V6 muscle cars and mid-size sedans. However, it’s not recommended for powerful V8 models.
The GT Ultra offers a pleasant surprise. It doesn’t match top-tier tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4. Yet, it provides good performance for its price. It’s more responsive than typical grand-touring tires. This gives a satisfying on-center feel and enjoyable driving.
Its grip beats the GTP A/S but falls short of the best. However, it’s enough for drivers not pushing hard in every turn. Braking is decent.
In the rain, the GT Ultra excels. It resists hydroplaning well and offers good traction. It beats the GTP A/S in cornering but falls below top-tier tires.
Avoid high-speed driving on snowy roads with the GT Ultra. Traction is poor, leading to longer stops and unstable handling.
Road Hugger offers a 50,000-mile warranty, great for a low-priced, high-performance tire. Owners are happy with its longevity.
| Tire Model | Available Sizes |
|---|---|
| Road Hugger GTP A/S | Various sizes from 16″ to 20″ |
| Road Hugger GT Ultra | Various sizes from 16″ to 20″ |
Vehicle Model Road Hugger Tires Will fit
| Vehicle Model | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Mid-size sedans | Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu |
| Compact cars | Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus |
| V6 muscle cars | Some models may be compatible |
| Mid-size SUVs/Crossovers | Compatibility may vary |
Road Hugger Tires: Buying Guide
Positive Aspects of Road Hugger Tires
- Good Dry Handling: Both Road Hugger tire models have good traction and grip on dry roads. They are not as good as premium tires but are suitable for everyday use. This makes them stand out from other budget brands.
- Safe in the Rain: Road Hugger tires work well in the rain, unlike many low-cost options. They might not beat premium tires. Yet, they offer good protection against hydroplaning and keep braking distances short. This gives drivers peace of mind.
- Durable Tread Compound: Road Hugger provides tire treadwear warranties for both models to boost longevity. Meanwhile, Discount Tire offers free airchecks, flat tire repairs, and rotations to add value for customers.
Negative Aspects of Road Hugger Tires
- Unreliable in Wintry Conditions: Both the GTP A/S and GT Ultra models, with all-season treads, struggle on snow and ice. They lack good traction, especially in corners, making them unsuitable for winter driving.
- Lagging in Traction and Grip: Road Hugger tires offer good performance for the price. However, they lack the traction and grip of more expensive options. Even Kumho, the brand behind Road Hugger, offers better performance in different driving conditions. Consumers looking for higher performance and reliability should consider investing in an established tire brand.
Conclusion
Discount Tire’s Road Hugger tires offer low-cost safety. They are both affordable and safe.
These tires are easy to handle, especially within speed limits. They are also durable for their price. Moreover, the brand provides solid treadwear warranties.
So, I suggest Road Huggers to those on a budget who value safety. Yet, for those seeking top performance, investing in more expensive options might be wise.