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Summer tire Summer Ultra High Performance tires Updated May 2026

Kumho Ecsta LE Sport review

The Kumho Ecsta LE Sport is widely regarded as a high-value performance tire that punches above its price point, offering impressive dry and wet grip for spirited driving. While many users praise its handling characteristics and comfort, opinions are polarized regarding its long-term durability and road noise, with some reports of inconsistent tread wear and sidewall fragility.

Relative score
75/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
71/100
43 reviews
Kumho Ecsta LE Sport
Scores

Two scoring systems, side by side

Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.

By owner reviews

71%
Would buy again 61%
Dry
Overall dry
80.7%
Corner stability
72%
Dry traction
77%
Steering response
73%
Wet
Overall wet
76%
Wet traction
72%
Comfort
Overall comfort
78.2%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
72.3%
Handling
Overall handling
72%
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 43 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Kumho Ecsta LE Sport is widely regarded as a high-value performance tire that punches above its price point, offering impressive dry and wet grip for spirited driving. While many users praise its handling characteristics and comfort, opinions are polarized regarding its long-term durability and road noise, with some reports of inconsistent tread wear and sidewall fragility.

Pros

  • Excellent price-to-performance ratio
  • Strong dry and wet traction
  • Predictable, progressive handling at the limit
  • Improved ride comfort compared to some OEM alternatives

Cons

  • Inconsistent tread life across different vehicle setups
  • Reports of sidewall weakness and bubbling
  • Increased road noise on imperfect surfaces
  • Performance drop-off as the tire reaches the end of its tread life

Worth knowing

  • Users with high-torque, front-wheel-drive vehicles frequently reported accelerated front-tire wear.
  • Drivers of heavier vehicles (e.g., Alfa Romeo 159) noted that the tire performs well initially but may struggle with the vehicle's weight over time.
  • Owners of performance-oriented cars (e.g., Golf R, Audi RS4) noted that the tire provides excellent value for rear-axle fitments.
Test results

1 published test appearance

Placement within each field. Open a test for the discipline-by-discipline result.

2018 Auto Review 225/45 R17 tire Test · 225/45 R17

10th of 11
DisciplinePlacementField position
Head-to-head

Kumho Ecsta LE Sport compared

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