Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 7 + 23 road tests and 2,387 + 13,422 owner reviews. How we score
Too close to call: Ecsta HS52 79, Primacy 4 80.
Both Amazon links then search this exact size.
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Tests 83 · 7 tests Owners 75 · 2,387 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 21 in 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test (dry braking)
“I have kuhmo ecsta hs52's on my renault megane during spring and summer and they are really good. No complaints at all. My milage did go up a little bit but that's it”
Tests 84 · 23 tests Owners 77 · 13,422 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 20 in 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test (wet braking)
“Well my answer is none of the above. You choose, they are all a lottery imo. I just bought some Michelin Primacy 4 for mine today. Size 215/55 R18”
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
| Source | Ecsta HS52 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 7 / 21 tests | 86 | 86 |
| Reviews found online | 80 | 75 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–0 | 100% | 99% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 | 99% | 100% |
Ecsta HS52: 60% × 86.4 + 40% × 80.1 = 84
Primacy 4: 60% × 85.9 + 40% × 75.4 = 82
| Source | Ecsta HS52 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 7 / 22 tests | 89 | 85 |
| Reviews found online | 78 | 80 |
| Curved Aquaplaning (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 | 82% | 86% |
| Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 | 95% | 98% |
| Wet Braking (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–0 | 96% | 94% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 | 91% | 92% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 | 97% | 98% |
Ecsta HS52: 60% × 89.2 + 40% × 77.5 = 84
Primacy 4: 60% × 85.5 + 40% × 79.5 = 83
| Source | Ecsta HS52 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 5 tests | ≈ 68 (est.) | 75 |
| Reviews found online | 66 | 76 |
Ecsta HS52: 40% × 68.1 (est.) + 60% × 65.9 = 67
Primacy 4: 40% × 75.4 + 60% × 75.8 = 76
No road tests of comfort for Ecsta HS52. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.20).
| Source | Ecsta HS52 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 15 tests | 64 | 74 |
| Reviews found online | ≈ 66 (est.) | ≈ 66 (est.) |
| Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 | 98% | 98% |
Ecsta HS52: 60% × 63.9 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 65
Primacy 4: 60% × 73.6 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 71
No owner ratings of noise for Ecsta HS52 or Primacy 4. The owner half is the owners’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.
| Source | Ecsta HS52 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 5 / 3 tests | 80 | 85 |
| Reviews found online | 70 | 75 |
| Wear (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 | 77% | 87% |
Ecsta HS52: 60% × 79.7 + 40% × 69.6 = 76
Primacy 4: 60% × 84.8 + 40% × 75.4 = 81
| Source | Ecsta HS52 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews found online | 77 | 75 |
| Source | Ecsta HS52 | Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 5 / 15 tests | 43 | 93 |
| Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 | 67% | 83% |
| Category | Kumho Ecsta HS52 | Michelin Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 79 | 80 |
| Dry | 84 | 82 |
| Wet | 84 | 83 |
| Comfort | 67 | 76 |
| Noise | 65 | 71 |
| Treadwear | 76 | 81 |
| Handling (owners) | 77 | 75 |
| Efficiency | 43 | 93 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Ecsta HS52
Primacy 4
Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.
In the overall rankings of 2 tests that ran both, Kumho Ecsta HS52 finished ahead 1 times and Michelin Primacy 4 1 times.
| Discipline | Category | Ecsta HS52 | Primacy 4 | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 100% | 99% | +1.4 | 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 215/55 R17 |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% | 100% | −1.0 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Curved Aquaplaning | Wet | 82% | 86% | −3.7 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 95% | 98% | −3.2 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 96% | 94% | +2.3 | 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 215/55 R17 |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 91% | 92% | −0.6 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 97% | 98% | −0.6 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Noise | Noise | 98% | 98% | −0.4 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Wear | Treadwear | 77% | 87% | −10.6 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Fuel Consumption | Efficiency | 93% #15/16 · 2026 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 96% #7/10 · 2022 ViBilagare Eco vs Normal Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 67% | 83% | −16.4 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 77% #5/16 · 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 63% #10/10 · 2022 AutoBild SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Cost | #7/21 | #3/21 | – | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Value | Cost | 98% | 83% | +15.0 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17 |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #3/44 | #8/44 | – | 1–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 215/55 R17 |
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
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.
“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.”
“I have kuhmo ecsta hs52's on my renault megane during spring and summer and they are really good. No complaints at all. My milage did go up a little bit but that's it”
“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)”
Based on 17 community posts
The Michelin Primacy 4 is generally praised for its comfortable ride, low road noise, and strong braking and safety in both dry and wet conditions. While many users report excellent tread longevity across tens of thousands of kilometers, some note faster wear on heavier electric vehicles or rough surfaces. It is viewed as a premium touring tire that is unsuitable for winter conditions, prompting some drivers to weigh its high price against newer models like the Primacy 5 or cheaper alternatives.
“Gomme alternative a Primacy 4 Buongiorno, ho una Peugeot 208 del 2020 con delle Michelin Primacy 4 205/45 R 17 88 V, le ho da 4 anni, circa 20000km all’anno tranne quest’anno che non le ho sostituite con le invernali e che quindi dovrei portarle ad usura completa con il prossimo “giro” delle gomme per altri 20000km. In totale arriverò a quasi 100000km, quindi super ammortizzate e le consiglierei sempre anche per la tenuta. Visto che entro fine estate pensavo di sostituirle tutte e quattro, vorrei capire se ci fossero delle alternative un più economiche ma altrettanto valide (un cambio gomme al momento mi costa circa €650-700). Read more”
“I might try to have a look at one today. There are two Uniroyal shops near me. Whether they have one in stock to look at though...? The trouble is they look really nice online but I'd like to see them in the flesh first. The old tyres (above photo) that were on these wheels were that nice square edged profile that I like, much the same as the Michelin Pilot Sports. These are going on my sons Golf EV so I'm also trying to consider if they are A rated for fuel, the best wet grip I can find and the lowest decibel level. The best choice I can find is the Michelin Primacy 4 which are A, A and 68. But on Black Circles it says they were designed for BMW. I'm sure they fit any wheel but do those properties still hold? I've always bought Pilots but B, B and 72, and its this 72 that really bugs me, is whats making me invest so much time into getting the right tyre for Toms EV. I'm getting a Tesla this Tuesday which does in fact come with the Pilots so they must be good on EV's anyway. Who knew buying tyres was so complicated.”
“Michelin Primacy 4 or Conti UC6 - Virtus GT Hey, i recently got a Virtus GT with stock Apollo alnac 4g tyres - looking to upgrade them. As per ChatGPT my options are Michelin Primacy 4 and Continental UC6 - budget is not really a problem. Overall i want good grip, handling, comfort and low cabin noise. Not going for Pilot Sport 4, because don't want to compromise on comfort for performance when i am not going to push my car too much, hence PS4 is a no no. But read it somewhere that with Primacy 4, there is a noticeable difference in mileage not sure if it means going up or down. Need recommendations on what i should get! Thanks in advance”
Based on 43 community posts
| Attribute | A · Kumho Ecsta HS52 | B · Michelin Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | Summer |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 53 | 57 |
| Rim diameters | 14″ – 20″ | 15″ – 20″ |
| UTQG | — | 340 A A |
| Sizes in common | 40 | 40 |
Kumho Ecsta HS52
Michelin Primacy 4
Too close to call: Kumho Ecsta HS52 and Michelin Primacy 4 are within 2 points overall. Michelin Primacy 4 is stronger on efficiency, comfort and noise.
Michelin Primacy 4 scores 93 vs 43 on efficiency.
Michelin Primacy 4 scores 76 vs 67 on comfort.
Michelin Primacy 4 scores 71 vs 65 on noise.
Michelin Primacy 4 scores 81 vs 76 on treadwear.
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Neither, by our numbers: 84 vs 83 on the wet score, within 3 points.
Neither, by our numbers: 84 vs 82 on the dry score, within 3 points.
Michelin Primacy 4, 71 vs 65 on our noise score.
Michelin Primacy 4, 76 vs 67 on our comfort score.
Michelin Primacy 4, 81 vs 76 on our treadwear score.
Michelin Primacy 4, 93 vs 43 on our efficiency score.
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.
Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology
