When it comes to shocks and struts, two big names often considered are KYB and Gabriel.
Both brands offer high-quality products, but which one is better?
This article will compare KYB vs Gabriel in terms of quality, performance, and price.
We will also help you decide which brand is the best fit for your needs.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and if you click them to make a purchase, Auto Buyer Guru Blog will earn a commission.
Table of Contents
KYB vs Gabriel Shocks & Struts

Quality
KYB and Gabriel are both known for providing good quality shocks and struts.
KYB is a Japanese company that has been in the business since 1948.
Did you know KYB is the original equipment supplier to 1 in 5 cars in the world? KYB is said to produce shocks for Toyota, Nissan, and Honda.
They have a long history of manufacturing quality shocks and struts.
Gabriel is an American company founded in 1907 that produces top-notch shocks and struts.
Both offer reliable products that will last for years with proper maintenance when it comes to quality.
However, there are slight differences between KYB vs Gabriel shocks and struts.
For example, KYB offers a limited lifetime warranty on all its products. In contrast, Gabriel only provides a one-year warranty on their suspension & cushions, while their shocks warranty varies from 3-5 years, depending on the model.
However, the quality difference between these two companies is noticeable when it comes to how long each product can last before needing replacement due to wear-and-tear issues such as leaking fluid inside the shock body itself that doesn’t use high-grade materials like those used by KYB/Gabriel.
You will also see that users would often compare these two brands on several forums, but most would put KYB ahead of them in most cases.
Performance
KYB shocks are a well-known and respected brand in the automotive industry.
KYB are known for their good quality, performance, and durability.
Gabriel shocks are a good quality brand but may not be as well-known as KYB or have the same reputation as KYB.
Both companies manufacture top-notch shocks and struts that perform well on any vehicle type or driving condition you may encounter them in (i.e., off-roading).
However, KYB shocks outperform Gabriel shocks in most cases when it comes to performance.
KYB shocks are more durable and can withstand more abuse than Gabriel shocks.
They can also dissipate heat better, which prevents them from overheating under heavy use. KYB shocks also offer a smoother ride than Gabriel shocks.
Both brands offer improved handling and ride comfort over stock components from other manufacturers like Monroe or Rancho (which are often cheaper).
Price
KYB and Gabriel both offer high-quality shocks and struts at a fair price.
However, KYB is usually a bit more expensive than Gabriel.
The price difference between KYB and Gabriel shocks is not drastic, and both brands offer products at a fair price for the quality you get.
For example, the KYB Excel-G Strut sells for around $85-$100 online, while the Gabriel Ultra Strut can cost slightly less (at the time of this post).
You will notice that pricing between these two brands’ prices can be more or less expensive than one another depending on the model you are looking at, the fit for your vehicle, or even the different promotional offers available from various sellers.
- The World's Best Complete Strut Assembly from the most trusted name in OEM quality shocks and struts
- Designed for proper ride height and original handling capabilities
- Exact fitment engineered and pre-assembled for professional results
- Includes a fatigue tested, and improved coil spring with corrosion resistant coating
- Left and right specific design and components, as the vehicle manufacturer intended
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Combines shock and spring technology, economical solution for heavier duty use
- Constant-rate front coil springs can help improve stability and restore or maintain ride height
- Variable-rate rear coil springs provide 500 lbs. per pair of load capacity [Not to exceed vehicle GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Product does not increase payload]
- An economical solution for heavier duty use,
- Rear: Chevrolet: 1999 - 18 Silverado 1500, 2007 Silverado 1500 Classic; Dodge: 1994 - 01 Ram 1500, 1994 - 02 Ram 2500, 1994 - 02 Ram 3500
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Is Better, KYB or Gabriel?
KYB shocks are usually more expensive than Gabriel shocks, but the price difference is not drastic. Both brands offer products at a fair price and quality products.
However, when it comes to a combination of quality, performance, and price, KYB is the better brand.
Gabriel shocks are still a high-quality option, but KYB offers products that outperform Gabriel in most cases.
If you are looking for a reliable shock or strut that will last for years without issue, KYB is the best option.
However, if you are on a tight budget and do not want to spend too much money, Gabriel is still a good choice.
Disclaimer
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and if you click them to make a purchase, Auto Buyer Guru Blog will earn a commission. The decision to purchase these links is completely yours and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.