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Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 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 | Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 83 | 90 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 86 | 90 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 99% | 95% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 100% | 99% |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance | Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 88 | 76 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 84 | 80 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 97% | 87% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 99% | 99% |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance | Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 34 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 85 | 70 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance | Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 71 | 80 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance | Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 73 | 75 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | EfficientGrip Performance | Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 78 | 83 |
| DriverReviews owners | 84 | 78 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance | Kumho Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 75 | 79 |
| Dry | 84 | 90 |
| Wet | 86 | 78 |
| Comfort | 54 | 70 |
| Noise | 71 | 80 |
| Treadwear | 73 | 75 |
| Handling | 78 | 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 99% #2/15 · 2019 Summer and All Season Tyre Test | 95% #9/16 · 2026 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | +4.4 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 100% #5/7 · 2019 NAF Summer Tyre Test | 99% #12/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +1.3 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 99% #2/7 · 2019 NAF Summer Tyre Test | 67% #14/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +32.2 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 94% #3/14 · 2018 New and Worn Summer Tyre Test | 100% #16/16 · 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | -5.6 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 91% #17/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | 68% #5/16 · 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | +23.2 | Different tests |
| Value | Other | 98% #19/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | 57% #2/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +40.4 | Different tests |
| Wear | Other | 70% #15/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | 75% #8/16 · 2026 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | -4.4 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 33% #3/13 · 2019 Swedish Summer Tyre Test | 11% #9/16 · 2026 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | +22.2 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 98% #4/12 · 2018 Gute Fahrt Summer Tyre Test | 97% #5/16 · 2026 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | +0.6 | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Total | 0% #9/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | 0% #12/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 97% #6/13 · 2019 Swedish Summer Tyre Test | 87% #5/16 · 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | +10.6 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 99% #6/9 · 2018 AZ Summer AND All Season Tyre Test | 99% #2/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | -0.6 | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance is widely regarded as a premium, comfort-oriented touring tire that excels in noise reduction, ride quality, and wet-weather safety. While users consistently praise its ability to transform the driving experience into a quieter and more refined one, many report significant concerns regarding rapid tread wear and a soft sidewall construction that can negatively impact steering feedback and handling precision during spirited driving.
Pros
- Exceptional ride comfort and low road noise levels
- Strong wet-weather grip and aquaplaning resistance
- Noticeable improvements in fuel efficiency
- High levels of confidence for daily, sensible driving
Cons
- Rapid tread wear, particularly on the front axle
- Soft sidewalls leading to 'floaty' handling and reduced steering feedback
- Susceptibility to sidewall damage and bulging from potholes
- Diminished performance and grip as tread depth drops below 3mm
Observations
- Drivers of vehicles with stiffer sports suspensions often report that the soft sidewalls ruin the car's 'go-kart' handling feel.
- Users with heavier vehicles or those with high-torque engines frequently report faster-than-average tread wear and occasional traction loss.
- Owners of smaller hatchbacks and city cars generally report higher satisfaction with comfort, though some note the tires feel 'boat-like' compared to firmer 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
Community opinion on the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance is generally positive regarding comfort, fuel efficiency, and quietness, though some users report concerns over sidewall durability against potholes and early cracking. Reviewers note that tread design can vary slightly by size, but overall performance and smoothness remain strong compared to cheaper alternatives or all-season tires.
“GOODYEAR EfficientGrip Performance 205/55 R17 91V - reliability and resistance to damage question Hello guys! I'm driving Skoda Octavia. not a racer, just a usual 40yo man. I have a set of GOODYEAR EfficientGrip Performance 205/55 R17 91V on the car, and during the last 2 months I lost three tires, all the same way - pothole on the road, visibly small, front right wheel, instantly deflates, and a hole in tire not on tread but on the side - irreparable, new tire for 130eur, repeat again. Do you by chance know if it's the pattern for the model, or am I getting EXTREMELY unlucky? Can you maybe suggest some tire models and characteristics to look into to stop this from happening? I have only 2 out of 4 original tires left, so maybe it makes sense to change the entire set. Read more”
“goodyear efficientgrip performance notches Hello! I bought a new goodyear efficientgrip performance 215/55/18 tires for my car. And it was surprise to see so many notches on the summer tire (1st & 2nd photo). Although the internet image doesn’t have any (3rd photo). What could it be and is it normal? Read more”
“Thanks for the comments and suggestions. As it turns out I could not get the Continental PremiumContact 6 so I ordered a set of Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 225/60 R16 102W XL from local shop. I have had these Goodyears in several cars in the past and they have been very good so far. Hopefully same continues with the W140.”
“FWIW the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 225/60 R16 102W XL tyres arrived and were installed today. The difference with previous tyres is like night and day. I have a 1200 km work trip later this week and I thought I'd take the Benz out. Interesting to see how they "break in" and how much if at all difference there is in mpg.”
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 | B · Kumho Ecsta HS52 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Premium Touring tires | Summer Premium Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | — |
| Tread depth | 9/32″ | — |
| UTQG | 340 A A | — |
| Sidewall | Raised Black Lettering - Serrated Black Lettering | — |
| Max pressure | 50 - 51 psi | — |
Which one should you actually buy?
Goodyear
Kumho
Winner: Kumho Ecsta HS52 — better comfort, noise and dry. Pick the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance if wet matters most to you.
Kumho Ecsta HS52 scores 70 vs 54 on comfort.
Kumho Ecsta HS52 scores 80 vs 71 on noise.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance scores 86 vs 78 on wet.
Kumho Ecsta HS52 scores 90 vs 84 on dry.
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.