Head-to-head Updated

Kumho Ecsta HS52 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 — Compared

Relative Score (0–100): 60% professional tests, 40% owner reviews.

Ecsta Sport PS72 leads, 79–76 Narrow edge

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Tire AKumho

Ecsta HS52

Summer

Tests 81 · 7 tests Owners 71 · 2,328 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 16 in 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test (wear)

“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.”

Tire BKumho

Ecsta Sport PS72

Summer

Tests 77 · 8 tests Owners 81 · 998 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 4 in 2026 AutoView Value Sport Tyre Test (noise)

“Kumho ecsta sport S. Huge improvement Just finished off the stock Michelin Pilot sport 4 street tires. They were so darn loud. I had my track tires on and they were significantly quieter than the PS4 tires. So I decided to switch to the Kumho Ecsta Sport S (PS72) in a 225/40/18 Immediately noticed a slightly more compliant ride (taller sidewall is the cause?) and much quieter even on crosshatch concrete. They’re relatively cheap at $160 per tire. Treadwear is much lower at 240 so I’ll see how long they last.”

Category by category

Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.

  1. 82

    Dry

    Ecsta Sport PS72 +4
    86
    Why this score
    SourceEcsta HS52Ecsta Sport PS72
    Professional tests (TWG score)8586
    Reviews found online7685
    Dry Braking (% of best)100%95%
    Dry Handling (% of best)99%99%
  2. 79

    Wet

    Ecsta Sport PS72 +4
    83
    Why this score
    SourceEcsta HS52Ecsta Sport PS72
    Professional tests (TWG score)8483
    Reviews found online7182
    Wet Braking (% of best)99%84%
    Wet Circle (% of best)91%96%
    Wet Handling (% of best)97%99%
  3. 65

    Comfort

    Ecsta Sport PS72 +4
    69
    Why this score
    SourceEcsta HS52Ecsta Sport PS72
    Professional tests (TWG score)–65
    Reviews found online6076
  4. 65

    Noise

    Ecsta HS52 +2
    63
    Why this score
    SourceEcsta HS52Ecsta Sport PS72
    Professional tests (TWG score)6460
  5. 74

    Treadwear

    Ecsta HS52 +2
    72
    Why this score
    SourceEcsta HS52Ecsta Sport PS72
    Professional tests (TWG score)7870
    Reviews found online6775
  6. 76

    Handling

    Ecsta Sport PS72 +7
    83
    Why this score
    SourceEcsta HS52Ecsta Sport PS72
    Reviews found online7683
Scores at a glance
Kumho Ecsta HS52 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72: scores by category (0–100)
CategoryKumho Ecsta HS52Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
Relative Score 76 79
Dry 82 86
Wet 79 83
Comfort 65 69
Noise 65 63
Treadwear 74 72
Handling 76 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.

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Recomputed
Headline score

Ecsta HS52

Ecsta Sport PS72

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.

DisciplineCategoryEcsta HS52Ecsta Sport PS72ΔBoth?
Curved Aquaplaning Curved 82% #18/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 82% #9/9 · 2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test −0.5 Different tests
Dry Braking Dry 100% #2/55 · 2024 Summer Tyre Market Overview 95% #3/7 · 2026 AutoView Sport Tyre Test +5.4 Different tests
Dry Handling Dry 99% #12/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 99% #11/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test +0.1 Different tests
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 67% #14/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 79% #6/9 · 2026 Motor Summer Tyre Test −11.9 Different tests
Abrasion Other 44% #30/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 70% #11/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test −26.0 Different tests
Noise Other 98% #8/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 100% #1/4 · 2026 AutoView Value Sport Tyre Test −2.2 Different tests
Value Other 55% #13/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 89% #7/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test −34.0 Different tests
Wear Other 100% #1/16 · 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 76% #13/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test +24.4 Different tests
Overall Ranking Overall 11% #9/16 · 2026 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 25% #4/7 · 2026 AutoView Sport Tyre Test −13.9 Different tests
Straight Aqua Straight 95% #10/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test 91% #9/9 · 2026 Motor Summer Tyre Test +4.3 Different tests
Total Cost of Ownership Total 0% #12/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test 0% #6/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test 0.0 Different tests
Wet Braking Wet 99% #2/55 · 2024 Summer Tyre Market Overview 84% #8/9 · 2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test +15.3 Different tests
Wet Circle Wet 91% #15/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 96% #8/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test −4.3 Different tests
Wet Handling Wet 97% #14/21 · 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 99% #4/9 · 2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test −2.1 Different tests

Pros, cons & observations

Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.

Tire A Ecsta HS52

Pros

  • Excellent wet and dry weather traction
  • Low road noise and quiet operation
  • Smooth and comfortable ride quality

Cons

  • A few reports of accelerated or abnormal tread wear
  • Slightly sensitive to tire pressure regarding comfort
  • Occasional complaints of high-speed vibration or imbalance early on
All owner themes in the Ecsta HS52 review

Tire B Ecsta Sport PS72

Pros

  • Excellent wet and dry grip with short braking distances
  • High value for money compared to Tier-1 premium brands
  • Stable, predictable handling and confident cornering

Cons

  • Reported instances of out-of-round tires causing high-speed steering vibrations
  • Occasional complaints about increased road noise on certain rough surfaces
  • Rapid tread wear reported by some users during aggressive, spirited driving
All owner themes in the Ecsta Sport PS72 review

What real owners are saying

From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score

Tire A

Kumho Ecsta HS52

Mixed

The Kumho Ecsta HS52 receives a polarized mix of reviews from the community, praised by many for its rigid sidewalls, strong dry grip, sharp steering responsiveness, and great value compared to premium alternatives. However, some users report disappointing wet weather performance, potential issues with aquaplaning resistance, and inconsistent test results across different sizes. Overall, it is viewed as a solid mid-range option, though experiences with wet traction and longevity vary significantly among drivers.

r/tires ·3 upvotes ·2025-09-23

“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)”

r/TyreReviews ·2 upvotes ·2026-02-07

“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”

r/TyreReviews ·1 upvote ·2026-01-22

“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.”

Top themes
#Dry grip and handling#Wet weather performance#Sidewall stiffness#Price and value#Comparison with competitors#Fuel economy and weight#Tread wear and durability

Based on 17 community posts

Tire B

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Positive

Community opinion on the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 (and Sport S variant) is overwhelmingly positive, with many drivers praising its impressive dry and wet grip, precise handling, and excellent ride comfort that rivals top-tier brands like Michelin. Users frequently highlight its exceptional value, noting it delivers a large percentage of premium performance at a significantly lower price point, though minor criticisms exist regarding rim protection, high-speed balancing, and occasional noise on specific road surfaces.

r/TyreReviews ·73 upvotes ·2026-04-04

“New summer tires A while ago, I made a post during my search for a new set of summer tires. In the end, I chose the Kumho PS72 Ecsta Sport S. My previous tires included the Michelin PS4S, Bridgestone Turanza T005, Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3, and Toyo Proxes Sport 2. With the Michelins being my favorite in terms of driving feel. By now, I’ve driven around 1,000 km on the Kumhos, and I’m pleasantly surprised. They offer excellent grip on dry roads and in corners, and they still perform well in wet conditions. My car has over 300 hp and AWD, so grip is definitely important. I can highly recommend these tires, especially considering the price. In terms of feel and performance, they don’t seem to fall short of the Michelin PS4S I had before, yet they cost me about half as much.”

r/TyreReviews ·57 upvotes ·2025-06-21

“Thoroughly delighted with the new Kumho Ecsta Sport S (PS72) 500 miles ago I swapped out my “winter” (Pirelli WeatherActives) set for these Kumhos and I have been extremely satisfied with performance, cornering, and especially ride comfort and quietness. Mind you, this is the Ecsta Sport S, which is above the Ecsta Sport A/S and Sport in terms of sportiness. The price was also a delight, at just a hair above US$1,000 including labor. Car is a 2013 Audi Q5 with the supercharged 3.0 V6 running 20x9 Porsche Macan wheels. Read more”

r/TyreReviews ·38 upvotes ·2026-05-31

“Kumho Sport PS72 (225/40/18) Absolutely in love with these tyres so far! I’ve currently only done about 150 miles in the warm UK weather, the dry grip is unbelievable & it feels so responsive. I moved from Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6’s to these, so you’d probably consider it a ‘downgrade’ however from what I’ve felt so far it feels great, we’re getting heavy rain over the next 5/6 days so I’ll be able to test the wet grip & braking so I’ll report back for that. One massive downside… the severe lack of Rim protection (as seen in the photos) if you regularly parking near kerbs or you’re a woman this is not ideal.”

Top themes
#Dry and Wet Grip#Ride Comfort and Quietness#Value for Money#Handling and Steering Response#Comparison to Premium Brands#Treadwear and Longevity

Based on 30 community posts

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Kumho Ecsta HS52 B · Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
CategorySummerSummer
Vehicle typePassenger Car / Crossover—
Sizes available—37
Rim diameters—17″ – 21″
Tread depth—9.4/32″
UTQG—320 A A
Treadwear warranty—30,000 mi
Sidewall—Blackwall
Max pressure—50 psi

Which one should you actually buy?

Kumho Ecsta HS52

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Winner: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 — better handling, dry and wet. It leads or ties in every category we score.

Pick tire B You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 scores 83 vs 76 on handling.

Pick tire B You want the most grip on dry roads

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 scores 86 vs 82 on dry.

Pick tire B Your priority is wet-weather safety

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 scores 83 vs 79 on wet.

Pick tire B You want the most comfortable ride

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 scores 69 vs 65 on comfort.

Tire A · Kumho Ecsta HS52
Tire B · Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

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How do we compare tires?

Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.

Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.

79

Narrow edge

Ecsta Sport PS72

Amazon