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Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Kumho Ecsta HS52 — Compared (September 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
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6 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 84 | 90 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 90 | 90 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 96% | 100% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 98% | 100% |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 79 | 76 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 86 | 80 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 99% | 96% |
| Wet Braking - Concrete (% of best) | 96% | 89% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) | 99% | 92% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 94% | 97% |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 81 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 85 | 70 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 70 | 80 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 91 | 75 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 84 | 83 |
| DriverReviews owners | 84 | 78 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 | Kumho Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 84 | 79 |
| Dry | 87 | 90 |
| Wet | 82 | 78 |
| Comfort | 83 | 70 |
| Noise | 70 | 80 |
| Treadwear | 91 | 75 |
| Handling | 84 | 83 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Tire A
Tire B
The professional test results behind the scores
Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.
| Discipline | Category | Tire A | Tire B | Δ | Both? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curved Aquaplaning | Curved | 97% #4/10 · 2022 ViBilagare Eco vs Normal Tyre Test | 82% #20/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | +15.6 | Different tests |
| Dry Braking | Dry | 96% #2/10 · 2020 Teknikens 17 Inch Summer Tyre Test | 100% #2/44 · 2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview | -4.2 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 98% #2/8 · 2021 ViBilagare Summer Tyre Test | 100% #3/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | -1.8 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 100% #1/10 · 2020 Teknikens 17 Inch Summer Tyre Test | 88% #16/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | +11.6 | Different tests |
| Fuel Consumption | Fuel | 95% #2/8 · 2021 ViBilagare Summer Tyre Test | 100% #46/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | -4.7 | Different tests |
| Abrasion | Other | 49% #5/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 54% #3/16 · 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | -4.9 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 97% #5/13 · Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres | 98% #7/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | -0.9 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 92% #13/16 · 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 68% #5/16 · 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | +24.2 | Same test |
| Value | Other | 42% #2/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | 57% #2/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | -15.5 | Different tests |
| Wear | Other | 100% #1/16 · 2026 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 75% #8/16 · 2026 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | +25.3 | Same test |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 50% #2/10 · 2020 Teknikens 17 Inch Summer Tyre Test | 13% #8/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | +37.5 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 96% #2/6 · 2025 AMS Sustainability Tyre Test | 94% #16/16 · 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | +2 | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Total | 0% #1/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | 0% #12/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | 0 | Same test |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 99% #4/10 · 2022 AZ SUV Tyre Test | 96% #6/44 · 2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview | +3 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | Wet | 96% #10/16 · 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 89% #2/16 · 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | +6.2 | Same test |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 99% #2/10 · 2026 autozurnal Eco Summer Tyre Test | 92% #15/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +6.9 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 94% #1/10 · 2020 Teknikens 17 Inch Summer Tyre Test | 97% #14/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | -2.6 | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is widely regarded as a premier touring tire, consistently praised for its exceptional longevity, comfort, and low noise levels. While most users report a transformative improvement in ride quality and fuel efficiency compared to OEM tires, a minority of drivers note a 'vague' steering feel due to soft sidewalls and occasional reports of increased noise as the tire ages.
Pros
- Exceptional tread life and durability
- High levels of ride comfort and noise suppression
- Excellent fuel efficiency and low rolling resistance
- Strong, predictable grip in both dry and wet conditions
- Significant improvement over factory-fitted eco-tires
Cons
- Soft sidewalls can lead to vague steering feedback and body roll
- Reported increase in road noise as the tire wears
- Not suitable for aggressive or sporty driving styles
- Occasional reports of structural issues or vibration at higher mileages
Observations
- Users with heavy EVs and diesel estates report impressive mileage, often exceeding 40,000 miles.
- Drivers of vehicles with stiff 'sports' suspension noted that the tire's soft sidewall helps significantly with comfort, though it reduces steering precision.
- Some users on 16-inch and 17-inch wheels noted that the tire's comfort-oriented design makes the vehicle feel less 'sharp' compared to UHP alternatives.
The Kumho Ecsta HS52 is widely regarded as a high-value summer tire that delivers impressive dry and wet grip, often punching above its price point. While most users praise its handling and braking capabilities, opinions on comfort and noise levels are polarized, and there are notable inconsistencies regarding tread longevity.
Pros
- Excellent dry and wet braking performance
- Strong cornering grip and handling confidence
- High value-for-money proposition
- Responsive and direct steering feedback
Cons
- Inconsistent tread wear reports, with some users experiencing premature degradation
- Noise levels can be intrusive at higher speeds
- Sensitivity to tire pressure, affecting ride comfort
- Occasional reports of high-speed vibration or balancing issues
Observations
- Users reported that the tire feels particularly sporty and direct on smaller 16-inch fitments.
- SUV owners noted surprisingly strong wet-weather performance, though some experienced faster wear patterns on heavier vehicles.
- Ride comfort is highly dependent on precise tire pressure; even slight deviations can lead to a harsh or uncomfortable experience.
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
Community feedback for the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is largely positive, highlighting exceptional durability, great wet performance, and high comfort levels. Some users note drawbacks such as softer sidewalls affecting sharp handling during spirited driving, while others debate comparisons with rival brands like Michelin and Continental.
“Advice on new tyres So my car got stolen (RIP) and I bought a 16' MB c200d with rears 245/40r18 Its time to change them and I don't know what to do. A/S are not needed because snow is very rare in central Spain. Winter temperatures range between 0-10°C and summer range from 30 to 40. As I drive 25-30000 km per year I especially value wet performance and durability (Minimum 35-40000 km). The problem is, the tyres that would fit perfectlly to me are not available in this size (GY efficient grip performance 2 -best tyres i've ever had- and Michelin Primacy 5). What i've seen is Firestone (both roadhawk 2 and roadhawk sport), continental PC7, GY assy 6, Michelin PS5, bridgestone T6, Dunlop sport TG, kormoran/tigar/Taurus summer 2, nexen sport, hancook (Ventus evo 137 and Ventus prime 4) and kumho ps72. Even though It would be nice to save some money, i'm worried about losing rear grip when wet (its my first rwd) so its not important. What would you pick? Read more”
“Hankook ventus prime 4 VS Goodyear efficientgrip performance 2 I cannot decide between these two tires for ages now. Customer reviews seem all over the place. I drive a tuned volkswagen polo mk6 2020. I need something that inspires confidence for spirited driving in corners with good stability, mainly dry handling and braking but also relatively comfortable. So far I've learned that the goodyear is more comfortable, better in the wet, better at braking but extremely lousy in handling because of the soft sidewalls. Can someone that has used the EGP2 confirm those claims or are they exaggerating. Base spec polos are known for a harsh ride and I live in the balkans. The roads are full of potholes and sometimes you can't even drive around them. specs: 195/55R16 87V”
“close call, if you looking for rolling resistance Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is the right one but otherwise is PC6. You can see how the newer PC7 fair against the Goodyear below”
“17" Goodyear efficient grip performance 2 small leak Hi, On my VW Touran 2019, 1.5 TSI, 17" alu oem wheels I have set Goodyear efficient grip performance 2 . There is a small leak lets say the pressure goes fro m 2.5psi to 2 psi in approx 7-10 days. The VW tpms warns me usually every 2-3 weeks. Those are summer tires, I just removed them for swapping with winter ones and I haven't cleaned them yet. They are quite dirty at the moment. The leaking one, pictured, was in the front this year, I switch them front/back every year. In my opinion it can do one last year (next summer) in the back. How would you fix the leak? I read those slime sprays damages the tire internally over time, but them its really approaching end of life fast in my opinion... I did visual inspection, I really dont see anything except maybe 1or two very tiny mark that could have been a nail puncture or something but its nothing sure... Maybe soap+ water? Thanks for hints. Ps: I have the tool somewhere for the indicator measurement, I cant find it right now.”
Based on 9 community posts
Kumho Ecsta HS52
Community opinion on the Kumho Ecsta HS52 is generally positive regarding its rigid sidewalls, dry grip, responsiveness, and budget-friendly pricing, though some users report mixed experiences with wet weather performance, aquaplaning, or durability over time.
“Mini review of the Kumho Ecsta HS52 I was running some Hankook's on my GT before and the tire wall not stiff enough. Now I've mounted these Kumho Ecsta HS52's and I highly recommend them: The tire wall is nicely rigid and they grip great in the dry, took quite some intent to make them loose traction. Additionally, I've accidentally ran over a pretty big sharp looking rock at decent speed that aimed right in a tread groove (thinnest part) and the thing shrugged it off no problem. And all of this for a damn good price too! So if anyone's looking for good tires, now you know.”
“What’s up with these tyres? Kumho ectsa hs52 date code 3923, tyres are (UK) legal regards tread but I can’t imagine this damage is normal. Both front tyres have this, looks like the tread is tearing apart in multiple places. I did not fit these tyres but it was mot’d 3 months ago and has done 2k miles since. I’ve owned the car 11 months but only noticed this very recently. I am getting them replaced on Monday with little use before then but I’m curious how this has happened. Is it just a shit brand? Wear is even across the face so I don’t think it would be the alignment or anything to do with the car and the damage is random across the contact patch. It’s a Peugeot 508 2l diesel so quite a bit of weight on the nose. Fitting Bridgestone Turanza 6. Rear tyres are good, but a different brand (horizon horace 2122 date)”
“I had the kumho ecsta hs52's on my previous car. I was very satisfied with them. Good grip in the dry and wet and very responsive. Kumho in general makes really good tires”
“Bad i have hs52 on my audi a3 8l quattro 1.8t i have no grip with rain.. Like cant corner fast it just goes straight... Dry its fine but wet forget it. My oncle has the same experience with kuhmo on his bmw 118 diesel he got some rims and they had pretty good threats kumho on it. He said all it wanted was to drift and spin out. He said a couple of times it did a 180 he said never again i said same don't trust my car with these tyres. Im gonna get some new rim 17" and Goodyear asymmetric 6. To replace my 16" stock rims with kumho... I have had bad tyres but never this bad. Like 1 ere prix were even better in my Mercedes even doh they became ovals.”
Based on 16 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 | B · Kumho Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Premium Touring tires | Summer Premium Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | — |
| Tread depth | 8/32″ | — |
| UTQG | 300 A - AA A | — |
| Sidewall | Black Side Wall - Raised Black Lettering | — |
| Max pressure | 50 psi | — |
Which one should you actually buy?
Goodyear
Kumho
Winner: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 — better treadwear, comfort and wet. Pick the Kumho Ecsta HS52 if noise and dry matter most to you.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 91 vs 75 on treadwear.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 83 vs 70 on comfort.
Kumho Ecsta HS52 scores 80 vs 70 on noise.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 scores 82 vs 78 on wet.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.