Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

Initial Review, 9,000 Miles on Tires
July 01, 2012

Hello All! These tires came as OE on my 2012 Sorento EX GDI. After reading reviews and driving mostly 9,000 highway miles, I've developed a few opinions about them. Firstly, I wouldn't necessarily buy them as replacements unless I get one HECK of a deal. I've driven in reasonable to torrential rain storms and have found that the traction these tires provide in slick surfaces is reasonable at best. From time to time the wheel would pull to a side as I went through moderate puddles of water on the freeway, something I've only experienced with substantial wear on other tires. I didn't feel very inspired, but I didn't feel as if the car was going to veer off the side of the road and crash. I'd describe we weather traction as 'safe' at best.
Not long after I purchased the car, I had a chance to go to Mammoth, Ca during a snow storm. Without AWD or the use of chains, the tires tracked pretty decent, however after reading the reviews, I can honestly agree with many people on the website when they say the tires can handle light snowfall at best. With the use of the downhill-brake assist feature on the car, I wasn't worried about going downhill, more ensuring I had adequate distance for braking. Driving with these tires in snow forces you to remember all the things your dad would tell you if you learned to drive in the early 80's.... distance, distance, distance, slow, slow, slow. It wasn't bad and you'd certainly get where you were going, but you have to think more while you're driving to get there safely.
In dry weather... the tires are fairly quite, corner pretty good and have an 'eco' rating to them. They're wearing pretty well, however with age the tires are getting louder (shouldn't that happen near the end of the service life). I keep meticulous care of my car (and tires) and am a pretty smart car guy, but i'm quite certain I wouldn't purchase these tires when it comes time to replace them. Pirelli and Continental are more legit.