Comparison: Kumho WinterCraft WP51 vs. Kumho WinterCraft WP52 (2026)
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WP51 for pure snow and ice grip; WP52 for all-round winter balance and comfort.
Within Kumho's winter tyre range, the WinterCraft WP51 and WinterCraft WP52 represent two distinct generations of the brand's approach to the cold season. The WinterCraft WP51 is the older model, focused on smaller passenger cars and built around a strong snow-and-ice character. The WinterCraft WP52 is its direct successor, broadening the brief considerably — more dimensions, more balanced wet and dry performance, and a noticeably quieter, more comfortable ride. If you are choosing between the two, the decision largely comes down to the size your car needs, the conditions you drive in most, and whether all-round wet-road capability or raw winter grip is the higher priority.
WinterCraft WP51
WinterCraft WP52
These tyres were not tested together. The comparison below is inferred from separate tests by normalizing both tyres against 9 shared benchmark tyres, so treat it as an estimate.
Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Kumho WinterCraft WP51Kumho WinterCraft WP52Choose the WinterCraft WP51 if you drive a smaller car with 13–17 inch wheels and spend much of winter on ice and packed snow — its winter grip credentials are genuine, and its lower price point makes it attractive for budget-conscious buyers who want a tyre that performs where winter is harshest. Choose the WinterCraft WP52 if your car takes larger rim sizes, or if wet-road performance, quieter running, and lower running costs matter as much as snow capability — it is the more complete, modern tyre of the two, and the better all-round choice for mixed winter driving. Bear in mind that the WP52 has itself been succeeded by the WP52+, which earns stronger ratings in current tests, so if your size is available in that newer model, it is worth the comparison before buying.
Compare prices across all available dimensions for these tyres.
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VSVSVSKumho WinterCraft WP51 vs Continental WinterContact TS 860
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