Kumho - summer tyres 2026 - market overview, tests, reviews
We have chosen just a few of the Kumho summer tyres based on the most recent independent tests to help you navigate the range. The models below cover both comfort‑oriented touring and sportier UHP options, drawing on 2023–2025 results from ADAC, Auto Bild, Vi Bilägare and others. Where relevant, we note if a tyre has been replaced by a newer generation.
Kumho Ecsta HS52
Kumho’s mainstream touring tyre has been widely tested and, importantly, it replaces the older Ecsta HS51. In 2024 it delivered a well-balanced performance: ADAC rated it “good” in 215/55 R17 for safe dry and wet handling, very high projected mileage, low wear and low fuel use, with only minor aquaplaning weaknesses and a relatively high weight. Vi Bilägare placed it 3rd in 215/55 R17, and Auto Bild rated it “good” in 205/55 R16, highlighting convincing wet/dry grip and short braking distances at an attractive price; ride comfort was noted as merely average. It also ranked 2nd in Auto Bild’s dedicated braking trial in the same size. Overall, the HS52 is a strong value pick for everyday driving with excellent efficiency and longevity.
Kumho Ecsta Sport (PS72)
Aimed at enthusiastic drivers, the Ecsta Sport (PS72) posted a standout 2025 result: “very good” and 1st place in Die Reifentester’s 225/40 R18 comparison. While detailed category splits were not published in that test, the overall verdict positions the PS72 among the front‑running UHP tyres in this size.
Kumho Ecsta PS71
The long‑proven PS71 remains competitive, especially in wet safety. In 2025 Auto Bild rated it “exemplary” in 225/40 R18 and praised its strong aquaplaning reserves, secure handling and short braking distances, also performing well in the separate braking discipline. Contrastingly, ADAC’s 2025 test in the same size judged it “satisfactory”: very short dry braking and good wet performance were offset by lower projected mileage, higher wear, some dry‑road comfort and handling compromises, and higher weight. Earlier results were positive too—ACE (2023) “highly recommended” and Auto Bild (2023) “good”—with occasional notes about elevated noise. For drivers prioritising wet grip and value, the PS71 still makes sense, but frequent high‑mileage users may prefer the HS52’s efficiency or consider the PS72 for sportier needs.
| Name | Rating | Type | Previous model | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kumho Ecsta Sport (PS72) | Summer | 2025 | ||
| Kumho Ecsta PS71 | Summer | 2024 | ||
| Kumho Ecsta PS71 SUV | Summer | 2022 | ||
| Kumho Ecsta HS52 | Summer | Kumho Ecsta HS51 | 2022 |
Tyres which were evaluated in tests from mostly European autoclubs.
| # | Name | Our rating | Test results | Achievements | Dimensions | Price from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kumho Ecsta PS71 | 2025: 4. Autobild
6. Autobild
4. Autobild
12. Autobild
7. ACE
5. Autobild
| Aquaplaning - longitudal Aquaplaning - cross Exterior noise Wet braking Wet handling …+1 |
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| 2 | Kumho Ecsta Sport (PS72) | 2026: 7. ACE
1. Die Reifentester
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| 3 | Kumho Ecsta HS52 | 2024: 2. Autobild
5. Autobild
3. ADAC
3. Vibilagare
8. Tyre Reviews
8. ADAC
13. Autoklub ČR
| Dry braking Wet braking Wet circle cornering Aquaplaning - cross Aquaplaning - longitudal …+1 |
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| 4 | Kumho Ecsta PS71 SUV | 2025: 6. Autobild
| Wet braking Dry handling Exterior noise |
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Tested 2x in 2026, 2x in total.
Tested 3x in 2026, 15x in total.
Tested 1x in 2026, 1x in total.
Tyres which were not featured in any test - new models, older models and non-mainstream models.
| # | Name | Dimensions | Price from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kumho Ecsta PS71 |
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| 2 | Kumho Road Venture APT KL51 |
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| 3 | Kumho Ecsta X3 KL17 |
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| 4 | Kumho Solus KH27 |
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| 5 | Kumho Ecsta KH11 |
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| 6 | Kumho AT61 |
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| 7 | Kumho Hs51 |
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| 8 | Kumho Crugen HP71 |
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| 9 | Kumho Road Venture MT51 |
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| 10 | Kumho Ecsta Le Sport KU39 |
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| 11 | Kumho ECSTA Sport S PS72 ! Newer model available: 1 |
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| 12 | Kumho Crugen Premium KL33 |
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| 13 | Kumho Crugen HP91 |
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| 14 | Kumho Ecsta Ps31 |
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| 15 | Kumho Ecowing ES31 |
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| 16 | Kumho Ecowing ES01 KH27 |
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| 17 | Kumho Ecsta HS51 ! Newer model available: Kumho Ecsta HS52 |
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| 18 | Kumho Solus KH17 |
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| 19 | Kumho PorTran KC53 |
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| 20 | Kumho Radial 857 |
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| 21 | Kumho Road Venture MT KL71 |
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