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Head-to-head Updated

Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Kumho Ecsta HS52 — 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 10 + 7 road tests and 39 + 2,372 owner reviews. How we score

Too close to call: Primacy 4+ and Ecsta HS52 are level at 78.

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Michelin Primacy 4+
Tire AMichelin

Primacy 4+

Summer

± 4

Tests 85 · 10 tests Owners 70 · 39 reviews

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

Kumho Ecsta HS52
Tire BKumho

Ecsta HS52

Summer

± 5

Tests 84 · 7 tests Owners 74 · 2,372 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”

Category by category

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

Key facts

  • In 4 tests that measured dry braking for both, Primacy 4+ won 1 and Ecsta HS52 won 3 (average 97% vs 98% of the best).
  • In 4 tests that measured wet braking for both, Primacy 4+ won 2 and Ecsta HS52 won 2 (average 93% vs 94% of the best).
  • In 3 tests that measured straight aquaplaning for both, Primacy 4+ won 3 and Ecsta HS52 won 0 (average 97% vs 95% of the best).
  • In 3 tests that measured wear for both, Primacy 4+ won 2 and Ecsta HS52 won 1 (average 86% vs 74% of the best).
  1. 78

    Dry

    Ecsta HS52 +5
    83
    Why this score
    SourcePrimacy 4+Ecsta HS52
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 7 tests8286
    Reviews found online7179
    Dry Braking (% of best) · 4 shared tests · wins 1–397%98%
    Dry Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–199%100%

    Primacy 4+: 60% × 82.3 + 40% × 70.6 = 78

    Ecsta HS52: 60% × 86.4 + 40% × 78.7 = 83

  2. 79

    Wet

    Ecsta HS52 +6
    85
    Why this score
    SourcePrimacy 4+Ecsta HS52
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 7 tests8390
    Reviews found online7477
    Curved Aquaplaning (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 1–188%84%
    Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 3–097%95%
    Wet Braking (% of best) · 4 shared tests · wins 2–293%94%
    Wet Braking (concrete) (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–290%92%
    Wet Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–198%99%

    Primacy 4+: 60% × 82.6 + 40% × 73.8 = 79

    Ecsta HS52: 60% × 89.9 + 40% × 76.5 = 85

  3. 71

    Comfort

    Primacy 4+ +4
    67
    Why this score
    SourcePrimacy 4+Ecsta HS52
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / – tests73≈ 69 (est.)
    Reviews found online6966

    Primacy 4+: 40% × 73.3 + 60% × 69 = 71

    Ecsta HS52: 40% × 68.6 (est.) + 60% × 66 = 67

    No road tests of comfort for Ecsta HS52. The test half is the tested tires’ average (69): owners’ comfort ratings barely follow the road tests.

  4. 73

    Noise

    Primacy 4+ +8
    65
    Why this score
    SourcePrimacy 4+Ecsta HS52
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 7 / 3 tests7764
    Reviews found online≈ 67 (est.)≈ 67 (est.)
    Noise (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–099%98%

    Primacy 4+: 60% × 76.7 + 40% × 66.6 (est.) = 73

    Ecsta HS52: 60% × 63.8 + 40% × 66.6 (est.) = 65

    No owner ratings of noise for Primacy 4+ or Ecsta HS52. The owner half is the owners’ average (67): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.

  5. 85

    Treadwear

    Primacy 4+ +10
    75
    Why this score
    SourcePrimacy 4+Ecsta HS52
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 4 / 5 tests9580
    Reviews found online6967
    Abrasion (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–082%66%
    Wear (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 2–186%74%

    Primacy 4+: 60% × 95.3 + 40% × 68.9 = 85

    Ecsta HS52: 60% × 80.1 + 40% × 67.1 = 75

  6. 65

    Handling (owners)

    Ecsta HS52 +12
    77
    Why this score
    SourcePrimacy 4+Ecsta HS52
    Reviews found online6577
  7. 78

    Efficiency

    Primacy 4+ +35
    43
    Why this score
    SourcePrimacy 4+Ecsta HS52
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 8 / 5 tests7843
    Fuel Consumption (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–097%95%
    Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–092%88%
Scores at a glance
CategoryMichelin Primacy 4+Kumho Ecsta HS52
Relative Score 78 78
Dry 78 83
Wet 79 85
Comfort 71 67
Noise 73 65
Treadwear 85 75
Handling (owners) 65 77
Efficiency 78 43

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
± 4

Primacy 4+

± 5

Ecsta HS52

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.

In the overall rankings of 4 tests that ran both, Michelin Primacy 4+ finished ahead 3 times and Kumho Ecsta HS52 1 times.

DisciplineCategoryPrimacy 4+Ecsta HS52ΔHead-to-head
Dry Braking Dry 97% 98% −0.9 1–3 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2024 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 205/55 R16
Dry Handling Dry 99% 100% −0.7 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Curved Aquaplaning Wet 88% 84% +4.5 1–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Straight Aquaplaning Wet 97% 95% +2.3 3–0 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Wet Braking Wet 93% 94% −0.6 2–2 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2024 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 205/55 R16
Wet Braking (concrete) Wet 90% 92% −1.7 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Wet Handling Wet 98% 99% −1.5 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Noise Noise 99% 98% +1.5 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Abrasion Treadwear 82% 66% +16.7 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Wear Treadwear 86% 74% +12.7 2–1 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Fuel Consumption Efficiency 97% 95% +1.7 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 92% 88% +3.3 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Also published by the testers (not in the score)
Price Cost 52% 77% −25.0 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Total Cost of Ownership Cost #9/20 #12/20 – 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test · 205/55 R16
Value Cost 59% 77% −17.5 0–3 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test · 215/55 R17
Overall Ranking Overall #5/55 #2/55 – 3–1 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2024 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 205/55 R16

Pros, cons & observations

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

Tire A Primacy 4+

Pros

  • Excellent ride comfort and a smooth, compliant 'limousine-like' feel over bumps
  • Strong and reliable grip in both wet and dry conditions, inspiring confidence
  • Noticeable improvement in quietness and traction compared to predecessor tires or factory options

Cons

  • Loud road noise and a harsh drone on rough or coarse asphalt surfaces
  • Soft sidewalls can reduce steering agility and initial responsiveness compared to dedicated sport tires
  • High premium price point relative to competitors
All owner themes in the Primacy 4+ review

Tire B 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

What real owners are saying

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

Tire A

Michelin Primacy 4+

We haven't collected enough community discussion about this tire yet.

Tire B

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/Mazda323 ·6 upvotes ·2026-06-14

“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.”
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/CarTalkUK ·1 upvote ·2025-01-11

“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”
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

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Michelin Primacy 4+ B · Kumho Ecsta HS52
CategorySummerSummer
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available6653
Rim diameters16″ – 21″14″ – 20″
Sizes in common3737

Which one should you actually buy?

Michelin Primacy 4+

Kumho Ecsta HS52

Too close to call: Michelin Primacy 4+ and Kumho Ecsta HS52 are within 2 points overall. Michelin Primacy 4+ is stronger on efficiency, treadwear and noise. Kumho Ecsta HS52 is stronger on handling, wet and dry.

Pick tire A You want lower fuel or energy use

Michelin Primacy 4+ scores 78 vs 43 on efficiency.

Pick tire B You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Kumho Ecsta HS52 scores 77 vs 65 on handling.

Pick tire A You want the longest tread life

Michelin Primacy 4+ scores 85 vs 75 on treadwear.

Pick tire A You want a quieter cabin

Michelin Primacy 4+ scores 73 vs 65 on noise.

Tire A · Michelin Primacy 4+
Check price on Amazon
Tire B · Kumho Ecsta HS52
Check price on Amazon

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Primacy 4+ or Ecsta HS52?

Which is better in the wet, Primacy 4+ or Ecsta HS52?

Kumho Ecsta HS52, 85 vs 79 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, Primacy 4+ or Ecsta HS52?

Kumho Ecsta HS52, 83 vs 78 on our dry score.

Which is quieter, Primacy 4+ or Ecsta HS52?

Michelin Primacy 4+, 73 vs 65 on our noise score.

Which is more comfortable, Primacy 4+ or Ecsta HS52?

Michelin Primacy 4+, 71 vs 67 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, Primacy 4+ or Ecsta HS52?

Michelin Primacy 4+, 85 vs 75 on our treadwear score.

Which rolls more easily, Primacy 4+ or Ecsta HS52?

Michelin Primacy 4+, 78 vs 43 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