Tests 68 · 14 tests Owners 69 · 8,191 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 18 in 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test (straight aquaplaning)
“Those are Kumho Ecsta PS71s, thread width is supposed to be 245mm, the actual one is hardly 235. How so?”
Head-to-head
Updated
Kumho Ecsta PS71 vs Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 — Compared
Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 14 + 8 road tests and 8,191 + 1,068 owner reviews. How we score
Ecsta Sport PS72 is ahead, 80–68
Add your size for an exact match
/R
Both Amazon links then search this exact size.
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Tests 78 · 8 tests Owners 83 · 1,068 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 20 in 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test (wet handling (tester's mark))
“Ako ides na Kumho onda dodaj par eura gore po gumi i uzmi Ecsta Sport S PS72. Puno bolja guma od bazne ecste”
Category by category
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
-
75
Dry
Ecsta Sport PS72 +1186Why this score
Source Ecsta PS71 Ecsta Sport PS72 Professional tests (TWG score) · 12 / 8 tests 78 87 Reviews found online 72 85 Ecsta PS71: 60% × 77.6 + 40% × 71.7 = 75
Ecsta Sport PS72: 60% × 86.6 + 40% × 85.3 = 86
-
85
Wet
Ecsta Sport PS72 +388Why this score
Source Ecsta PS71 Ecsta Sport PS72 Professional tests (TWG score) · 13 / 8 tests 92 88 Reviews found online 75 88 Ecsta PS71: 60% × 91.8 + 40% × 74.6 = 85
Ecsta Sport PS72: 60% × 88.1 + 40% × 87.5 = 88
-
69
Comfort
Ecsta PS71 +168Why this score
Source Ecsta PS71 Ecsta Sport PS72 Professional tests (TWG score) · 2 / 5 tests 75 58 Reviews found online 65 75 Ecsta PS71: 40% × 74.6 + 60% × 65.3 = 69
Ecsta Sport PS72: 40% × 57.9 + 60% × 75.4 = 68
-
36
Noise
Ecsta Sport PS72 +2864Why this score
Source Ecsta PS71 Ecsta Sport PS72 Professional tests (TWG score) · 8 / 7 tests 16 63 Reviews found online ≈ 66 (est.) ≈ 66 (est.) Ecsta PS71: 60% × 15.6 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 36
Ecsta Sport PS72: 60% × 62.5 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 64
No owner ratings of noise for Ecsta PS71 or Ecsta Sport PS72. 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.
-
52
Treadwear
Ecsta Sport PS72 +2173Why this score
Source Ecsta PS71 Ecsta Sport PS72 Professional tests (TWG score) · 6 / 1 tests 46 70 Reviews found online 60 78 Ecsta PS71: 60% × 46 + 40% × 59.8 = 52
Ecsta Sport PS72: 60% × 69.9 + 40% × 78 = 73
-
73
Handling (owners)
Ecsta Sport PS72 +1386Why this score
Source Ecsta PS71 Ecsta Sport PS72 Reviews found online 73 86 -
48
Efficiency
Ecsta Sport PS72 +2371Why this score
Source Ecsta PS71 Ecsta Sport PS72 Professional tests (TWG score) · 7 / 5 tests 48 71
Scores at a glance
| Category | Kumho Ecsta PS71 | Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 68 | 80 |
| Dry | 75 | 86 |
| Wet | 85 | 88 |
| Comfort | 69 | 68 |
| Noise | 36 | 64 |
| Treadwear | 52 | 73 |
| Handling (owners) | 73 | 86 |
| Efficiency | 48 | 71 |
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.
Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Not important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Recomputed
Headline score
68
/ 100
Ecsta PS71
80
/ 100
Ecsta Sport PS72
The professional test results behind the scores
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.
| Discipline | Category | Ecsta PS71 | Ecsta Sport PS72 | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 95% #9/52 · 2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout | 95% #9/50 · 2026 Summer Braking Super Tyre Test - How do 52 Tyres Perform in Wet and Dry Braking? | – | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 98% #12/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | 99% #3/4 · 2026 AutoView Value Sport Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) | Dry | 92% #2/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | 88% #4/4 · 2026 AutoView Value Sport Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Curved Aquaplaning | Wet | 86% #6/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 94% #5/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 100% #1/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 96% #14/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 100% #2/52 · 2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout | 93% #4/50 · 2026 Summer Braking Super Tyre Test - How do 52 Tyres Perform in Wet and Dry Braking? | – | Different tests |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 99% #5/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | 96% #8/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 100% #2/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | 99% #5/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) | Wet | 89% #4/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | 100% #1/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 94% #10/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | 97% #3/4 · 2026 AutoView Value Sport Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Noise | Noise | 97% #17/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 100% #1/4 · 2026 AutoView Value Sport Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Abrasion | Treadwear | 51% #14/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 70% #11/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Wear | Treadwear | 50% #14/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 76% #13/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 83% #15/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | 82% #12/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Total Cost of Ownership | Cost | #7/20 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | #6/20 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Value | Cost | 37% #11/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 89% #7/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #4/52 2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout | #7/10 2026 ACE Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
Tire A Ecsta PS71
Pros
- Outstanding wet weather grip and aquaplaning resistance
- High value for money compared to tier-one premium brands
- Predictable handling and solid cornering stability in both dry and wet conditions
Cons
- Noticeable road noise or droning at motorway speeds on certain vehicles
- Occasional reports of balancing difficulties or out-of-round/egg-shaped tires
- Softer sidewalls can lead to slightly vague steering response around center or tread block movement
Tire B Ecsta Sport PS72
Pros
- Exceptional value and significantly lower price point compared to tier-one premium brands
- Strong and predictable grip in both wet and dry conditions
- Quieter road noise and high ride comfort relative to other performance tires
Cons
- Occasional reports of out-of-round tires causing persistent vibrations at highway speeds
- Stiffer sidewalls can result in a firmer ride or slight tracking issues when cold
- Some users noted faster-than-expected wear under aggressive, spirited driving conditions
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Tire A
Positive
Kumho Ecsta PS71
Community members generally view the Kumho Ecsta PS71 as a capable and reliable mid-range ultra-high performance tire offering solid grip and value for money compared to premium alternatives. While perceived as good once warmed up, some drivers note that it does not quite reach the ultimate grip level of top-tier brands and question its tread wear longevity.
z4-forum.com
·2023-01-29
“Steve; have a look at Kuhmo Ecsta PS71s. I just fitted a set on my new wheels for my 440i. Weapon of choice for the 'non tyre snob' IMHO. Much cheaper than the 'big' brands, heat up quickly and they also look really nice (for a black round tyre). Can't comment on noise, as the exhaust on mine is so noisy I can't hear the radio, let alone tyres!”
r/tires
·5 upvotes ·2022-10-17
“Those are Kumho Ecsta PS71s, thread width is supposed to be 245mm, the actual one is hardly 235. How so?”
bimmerforums.co.uk
·1 upvote ·2024-05-05
“On Blackcircles all the 245/40 R19 ditch finders cost around £100 and have a poor wet grip & all the decent mid range cost around £170 and have A rated wet grip. Would you risk it for £240? I know I wouldn't. The cheapest A wet rated is a Kuhmo Ecsta PS71 at £136 if you really want to keep the cost down. If you want a relatively soft comfortable tyre then a Hankook S1 Evo 3 is an excellent choice.”
Top themes
#value for money#wet and dry grip#tire wear longevity#sporty handling performance#warm up temperature behavior#mid-range alternative comparison
Based on 23 community posts
Tire B
Positive
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
Community sentiment toward the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 is largely positive, with drivers praising its impressive dry and wet grip, responsive handling, and low cabin noise compared to premium alternatives like the Michelin Pilot Sport series. Most owners view it as an outstanding value proposition, offering near-flagship performance at a significantly lower price point. Minor criticisms focus on potential treadwear longevity, lack of rim protection, mixed feedback on highway noise, and occasional wheel balance or vibration issues.
civicxi.com
·2026-01-19
“Anyone else running these tires? Is it possible the tire(s) out of round? New hypergram wheels/new tires w/ aluminum hubcentric rings. Has vibrations, but most noticed front right. Balanced again same thing. Took the hub rings off with significant decrease but still there. Will try again with plastic rings followed by swapping wheels front to rear. If still going on will have to live with it”
r/elektrischrijden
·1 upvote ·2026-09-02
“Ik heb nog een paar nieuwe banden liggen voor die maat. Continental PremiumContact 7. Had je voor heel weinig mogen hebben. Die zijn echt wel beter dan die Hankooks. Overigens hoeft een goede band niet heel duur te zijn. Ik was zelf niet tevreden mer Hankook. De laatste nieuwe banden die ik heb laten monteren waren Kumho's Ecsta sport PS72. Die zijn weliswaar goedkoop, maar komen uitstekend uit veel testen. Ze hebben ook echt meer grip dan de Hankooks en Vredesteins die ik hiervoor had.”
r/F30
·6 upvotes ·2026-06-07
“Michelin PS5 vs Continental SC 7 vs Kumho PS72 for 437 wheels Looking for new tires for my F30 330i on 437M wheels (225/40R19 & 255/35R19). Main priorities are comfort, steering feel, low noise, and good grip for spirited driving. I’ve previously run Michelin PS5 and loved them, although they got a bit noisy over time. Now I’m deciding between: Michelin PS5 Continental SportContact 7 Kumho PS72 The Kumhos are much cheaper and reviews seem very positive. Are they really close to the PS5/SC7, or is it worth spending more?”
Top themes
#value for money#dry and wet grip#low road noise#Michelin PS4 comparison#balancing and vibration#ride comfort compliance#treadwear longevity
Based on 33 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Kumho Ecsta PS71 | B · Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | Summer |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 133 | 50 |
| Rim diameters | 16″ – 22″ | 17″ – 21″ |
| Tread depth | — | 9.4/32″ |
| UTQG | — | 320 A A |
| Treadwear warranty | — | 30,000 mi |
| Sidewall | Blackwall | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | — | 50 psi |
| Sizes in common | 44 | 44 |
Which one should you actually buy?
68
/ 100
Kumho Ecsta PS71
80
/ 100
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
Winner: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 — better noise, efficiency and treadwear. Where the Kumho Ecsta PS71 is ahead, it is by less than 3 points.
Pick tire B
You want a quieter cabin
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 scores 64 vs 36 on noise.
Pick tire B
You want lower fuel or energy use
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 scores 71 vs 48 on efficiency.
Pick tire B
You want the longest tread life
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 scores 73 vs 52 on treadwear.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 scores 86 vs 73 on handling.
Tire A · Kumho Ecsta PS71
Tire B · Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Ecsta PS71 or Ecsta Sport PS72?
Which is better in the wet, Ecsta PS71 or Ecsta Sport PS72?
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72, 88 vs 85 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, Ecsta PS71 or Ecsta Sport PS72?
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72, 86 vs 75 on our dry score.
Which is quieter, Ecsta PS71 or Ecsta Sport PS72?
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72, 64 vs 36 on our noise score.
Which is more comfortable, Ecsta PS71 or Ecsta Sport PS72?
Neither, by our numbers: 69 vs 68 on the comfort score, within 3 points.
Which lasts longer, Ecsta PS71 or Ecsta Sport PS72?
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72, 73 vs 52 on our treadwear score.
Which rolls more easily, Ecsta PS71 or Ecsta Sport PS72?
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72, 71 vs 48 on our efficiency score.
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.
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