Launched in 2013, the Crugen line is Kumho’s dedicated SUV brand and has sold roughly 65.3 million units worldwide. The new Crugen GT Pro consolidates that experience into a comfort-focused SUV tire engineered for quieter operation and improved ride quality.
Its headline improvement is lower rolling resistance, which boosts fuel efficiency. Among domestic SUV tires, it is the only product to earn an energy consumption efficiency Grade 2 for rolling resistance (RR). Kumho also reports a UTQG treadwear rating of 800 across all sizes, translating into more than a 20% mileage improvement over competing tires.
Kumho applied its “Kumho EV Technology” to address electric-vehicle demands, designing the tire to remain stable under EV-specific high torque and heavier loads. A noise-canceling internal structure also reduces pattern noise at highway speeds.
At a press briefing at the Grand Hyatt in Yongsan, Seoul, Yoon Min-seok, executive vice president of global marketing at Kumho Tire, said the market now expects a combination of performance, comfort, quietness and strong brand value. “The Crugen GT Pro balances performance, comfort and safety as a premium SUV tire,” he said.
Yoon added that only some sizes are available now, with the full lineup expected by next month. “Initial market response has exceeded expectations. Demand is so strong we are reviewing higher internal targets,” he said.
The move fits a broader premiumization strategy as SUVs take a larger share of the market. SUV share of new-car registrations rose from 47.6% in 2019 to 67.6% last year. Meanwhile, tires 19 inches and larger now account for 51.9% of the market, driving demand for premium, high-inchage products.
Developed for the expanding SUV segment and the transition to electrified vehicles, the Crugen GT Pro aims to meet the durability and NVH demands of electric SUVs, which typically put higher loads and torque on tires.
Kumho is also refining its product portfolio. The premium EV tire Ennov sits at the top, while Majesty is positioned for sedans and Crugen for premium comfort SUVs. The company segments other lines into value Solus, sport Ecsta and winter Wintercraft to sharpen market coverage.
Following the domestic launch, Kumho plans a North American debut in September, then broader global rollouts later this year.
Jung Il-taek, CEO of Kumho Tire, said the Crugen GT Pro responds to consumers’ shift from sedans to SUVs by marrying ride comfort and economy—qualities family SUV buyers prioritize. “Kumho will continue to lead the premium tire market through technological leadership,” he said.
