Comparison: Kumho Ecsta HS52 vs. BFGoodrich Advantage vs. GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs. Dunlop Winter

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When comparing the Kumho Ecsta HS52 and the BFGoodrich Advantage, two summer tyres that have faced off across multiple independent test seasons, a clear picture emerges: these two tyres have distinct strengths that appeal to very different driver priorities.

The Kumho Ecsta HS52 is the successor to the Kumho Ecsta HS51, carrying forward and improving on its predecessor's balanced performance formula. Across all test rounds, it consistently ranks higher overall — finishing 3rd out of 51 tyres in one Autobild test and 8th out of 50 in the ADAC evaluation, compared to the BFGoodrich Advantage's 20th and 21st positions in the same tests respectively. These results alone speak volumes about the gap in overall competitiveness.

Wet Weather Performance

The most decisive differentiator between these two tyres is wet weather performance. The Kumho Ecsta HS52 earned praise across multiple test years for its short wet braking distances and confident wet handling — Autobild rated its wet performance at an impressive 2.0 in 2018. In contrast, the BFGoodrich Advantage has repeatedly struggled on wet surfaces, scoring only 3.2 in the same test and showing a persistent tendency to understeer in wet conditions, a weakness flagged again in 2022 and 2024 testing. For drivers in regions with frequent rain, this is a critical distinction.

Dry Performance and Comfort

On dry roads, the tables partially turn. The BFGoodrich Advantage delivers dynamic dry handling, stable cornering behaviour, and notably short dry braking distances, alongside a genuinely quiet, comfortable ride — its most consistent strength across all test editions. Autobild 2024 also highlighted its low rolling resistance and competitive pricing as key positives.

The Kumho Ecsta HS52 is no slouch in the dry either — testers noted solid dry braking and handling — but its dry performance rating of 2.7 in 2018 lagged behind the BFGoodrich's 2.4. A minor weakness noted across tests is a slightly delayed steering response, though this does not prevent it from ranking highly overall.

Sustainability and Efficiency

Neither tyre excels in environmental metrics. The Kumho HS52 has received criticism for weaker efficiency and sustainability scores, while the BFGoodrich Advantage performs somewhat better in this category, with a respectable 2.6 environmental rating in 2018 and low rolling resistance noted in 2024.

Verdict

The Kumho Ecsta HS52 is the stronger all-round summer tyre. Its superior wet grip, consistently high test rankings, and excellent price-to-performance ratio make it the recommended choice for the vast majority of drivers. With our rating of 74%, it clearly outpoints the BFGoodrich Advantage's 68%.

The BFGoodrich Advantage finds its niche with drivers who prioritise dry handling dynamics, cabin comfort, and a quiet ride, and who primarily drive in drier climates. However, its recurring wet weather weakness is a significant drawback that holds it back in overall rankings and makes it a difficult recommendation for year-round European conditions.