Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Kumho Winter Craft WP52
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 88% · 9
- TR Score
- 8.3/10
- Owners say
- 68% · 9
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 finished ahead 3 times and the Winter Craft WP52 once. The Blizzak 6 held 39.1% more grip in curved aquaplaning; the Winter Craft WP52 stopped 2% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Bridgestone Blizzak 6 for mixed or severe winters, high-speed wet roads, and long-term value through wear and efficiency. Choose Kumho Winter Craft WP52 if you prioritize lower price, quieter rides, and top-tier dry braking in milder winter use.
Where the Blizzak 6 is stronger
- Outstanding wet grip and handling; wins wet handling and wet circle in both 2024 tests
- Class-leading aquaplaning resistance (up to +61.6% in curved aquaplaning)
- Consistently shorter snow stops and stronger snow traction across all tests
Where the Winter Craft WP52 is stronger
- Excellent dry braking; best-in-test stops in multiple sizes
- Competitive wet braking (ties/wins select runs) with stable all-round manners
- Lower cabin noise in both 2024 tests
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Blizzak 6 vs Winter Craft WP52 at a glance
| Category | Blizzak 6 | Gap | Winter Craft WP52 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 3 | 1 | |
| Dry4 measurements | 1 | The Winter Craft WP52 stopped 2% shorter in the dry (2 tests) | 3 |
| Wet12 measurements | 8 | The Blizzak 6 held 39.1% more grip in curved aquaplaning (2 tests) | 2 |
| Snow9 measurements | 8 | The Blizzak 6 stopped 2.6% shorter on snow (4 tests) | 1 |
| Comfort2 measurements | 0 | The Winter Craft WP52 was 0.8 dB quieter (2 tests) | 2 |
| Value3 measurements | 3 | The Blizzak 6 had 4.4% lower rolling resistance (2 tests) | 0 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.4/10 | The Blizzak 6 by 1.1 | 8.3/10 |
| Owner rating9 and 9 reviews | 88% | The Blizzak 6 by 20 points | 68% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 75% | The Blizzak 6 by 12 points | 63% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | +47.3% | The Blizzak 6 was dearer in 3 of 3 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 193 | 59 sizes made in both | 84 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 4 tests, 2024 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Blizzak 6 | Field | Winter Craft WP52 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P6 of 51 | P4 of 51 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test | P4 of 12 | P7 of 12 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P4 of 20 | P15 of 20 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tyre Braking Test | P1 of 55 | P2 of 55 |
Performance profile
12 measurements from the 4 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Blizzak 6
Winter Craft WP52
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 2 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Blizzak 6
Winter Craft WP52
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Blizzak 6
Winter Craft WP52
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Blizzak 6 88% from 9 reviews and the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tyres posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Blizzak 6 | Gap | Winter Craft WP52 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43.3 | 2% | 42.45 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 107.6 | = | 107.6 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 39 | 0.9% | 38.68 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 80.36 | 1.9% | 78.82 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 14.03 | 3.4% | 14.55 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 78.1 | 5.4% | 74.15 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 2.97 | 39.1% | 2.17 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 27.13 | 2.6% | 27.83 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 2,666 | 3.5% | 2,574 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 61.35 | 0.1% | 61.3 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 3.27 | 1.9% | 3.21 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 73.3 | 0.8 dB | 72.5 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 44,300 | 18.6% | 37,350 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 8.13 | 4.4% | 8.5 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tyres shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Blizzak 6 scores 9.4 and the Winter Craft WP52 8.3 out of 10.
| Blizzak 6 | Category | Winter Craft WP52 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | Dry | 93 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 68 | ||
| 49 | Comfort | 21 | ||
| 67 | Value | 72 | ||
| 74 | Snow | 38 | ||
| 61 | Ice | 56 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Blizzak 6 | Category | Winter Craft WP52 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.2 | Dry Grip | 7.7 | ||
| 9.2 | Wet Grip | 6.8 | ||
| 8.7 | Road Feedback | 6.9 | ||
| 8.9 | Handling | 7.1 | ||
| 8.3 | Wear | 6.8 | ||
| 8.6 | Comfort | 7.3 | ||
| 9.1 | Snow Grip | 7.3 | ||
| 9.1 | Ice Grip | 5.3 | ||
Owners rate the Blizzak 6 88% from 9 reviews and the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
- 88%from 9 reviews
- 75%would buy again
- 75,369 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 delivers excellent winter performance, with strong grip on snow and ice and confident climbing and cornering in cold, mountain conditions. Multiple reviewers describe it as very stable and among the best winter tyres they've used. Overall sentiment is strongly positive across all reviews.
- Strong grip on snow and ice
- Confident traction in cold/mountain conditions
- Stable, secure feel
- High overall satisfaction as a winter tyre
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 9 Blizzak 6 reviewsI might be one of the first people to buy Bridgestone winter tires and I've never regretted it. I used them for 2 years, and now I'm thinking of switching to all-season tires, so I'll be looking for other options. After 40,000 km, the insides of the rear tires wore out; I think it's related to the alignment and balance, so I'll be replacing them.
Kumho Winter Craft WP52
- 68%from 9 reviews
- 63%would buy again
- 97,000 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers find the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 to deliver strong dry grip and handling with generally good snow traction, making it a solid value purchase. Wet performance is adequate but not standout, with several users noting longer wet braking distances or a vague feel. Noise can be higher than average for some, though overall comfort is acceptable. Overall sentiment is moderately positive with a few recurring caveats in the wet.
- dry grip and handling
- snow traction
- value for money
- average-to-weak wet braking/grip
- increased road noise
Summarised by AI from 6 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 9 Winter Craft WP52 reviewsThey were not at all suitable for my car, which has a diesel engine and higher torque. I drive mostly in the city, and they showed signs of fraying as early as the first winter. I experienced the same issue with Hankook tires in the past. For those who drive a more powerful car or one with high torque, I would recommend something that holds up better to conditions in cities with less snow.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 193 sizes of the Blizzak 6 and 84 of the Winter Craft WP52, 59 of them made in both.
| Category | Blizzak 6 | Winter Craft WP52 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 193 sizes, 16 to 22 inch | 84 sizes, 13 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 59 sizes 185/50 R16185/55 R16195/45 R16195/50 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/45 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16205/65 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16and 47 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B100% | B86%A14% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C75%B25% | C67%D30%B3% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B87%A13% | 71-72 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 275 of 275 | 298 of 298 |
| Replaced | Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 (2019) | Kumho Winter Craft WP51 |
| Price in the shared tests | The Blizzak 6 was the dearer tyre in 3 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 47.3% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits two modern premium-touring winter tyres with strong reputations: Bridgestone's Blizzak 6 and Kumho's Winter Craft WP52. Across four shared professional tests in 16-18-inch sizes, both deliver confident winter road manners, but they prioritize different strengths.
The Blizzak 6 consistently dominates in wet grip, aquaplaning safety, snow performance, efficiency, and longevity, translating into three overall test wins. The WP52 counters with class-leading dry braking, slightly quieter road manners, and strong value, even edging Bridgestone in some headline rankings and tying in key wet-braking runs.
Conclusion
If you drive through mixed winter weather with frequent rain, slush, or heavy snow, the Blizzak 6 is the safer all-rounder: it stops shorter on snow in every shared test, grips better in the wet, resists aquaplaning far longer (up to +62% in curved aquaplaning), and lasts longer while rolling more efficiently. Its higher purchase price is offset by superior mileage and broader performance margins.
The Winter Craft WP52 suits buyers prioritizing sharp dry-road stopping, lower cabin noise, and a friendlier upfront price. It delivers balanced dynamics and competitive wet braking, but its aquaplaning reserves and wear lag the Bridgestone. Value-minded drivers in milder winters or mainly urban use may find the Kumho compelling, while those seeking maximum winter security should choose the Bridgestone.
Bottom line: Kumho for budget-conscious, quieter, dry-focused use; Bridgestone for best-in-class winter versatility and safety buffer.
Blizzak 6 vs Winter Craft WP52: your questions
Is the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 or the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 the better tyre?
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 finished ahead 3 times and the Winter Craft WP52 once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Blizzak 6 scores 9.4 and the Winter Craft WP52 8.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Blizzak 6 or the Winter Craft WP52?
The Blizzak 6 led 8 of the 12 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 39.1% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 2 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Winter Craft WP52 led 3 of the 4 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2% shorter in the dry across 2 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Blizzak 6 led 8 of the 9 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.6% shorter on snow across 4 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Blizzak 6 had 4.4% lower rolling resistance (2 tests). Owners rate wear 8.3/10 for the Blizzak 6 and 6.8/10 for the Winter Craft WP52.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Winter Craft WP52 was 0.8 dB quieter (2 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.6/10 for the Blizzak 6 and 7.3/10 for the Winter Craft WP52.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Blizzak 6 88% from 9 reviews and the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9. 75% of Blizzak 6 owners would buy it again, against 63% for the Winter Craft WP52.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the Blizzak 6 was the dearer tyre in 3 of them, by 47.3% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Blizzak 6 is made in 193 sizes (16 to 22 inch) and the Winter Craft WP52 in 84 (13 to 21 inch). 59 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Blizzak 6 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Winter Craft WP52 B and C.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tyres ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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