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Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 vs Toyo Proxes Sport 2

Kumho's Ecsta Sport PS72 and Toyo's Proxes Sport 2 sit in the “serious summer road tyre” space, aimed at drivers who want confident grip and sharp responses without moving to semi-slick territory. Across three shared 2026 tests (including a large 245/45 R19 group test and a dedicated 50+ tyre braking shootout), these two show a clear split in priorities: braking security and running costs versus hydroplaning reserves and refinement.

On paper their headline results can look similar in places (both shared 6th in a summer SUV test), but the detailed data reveals a consistent pattern. The Kumho repeatedly delivers shorter wet (and dry) stopping distances and better test economics, while the Toyo tends to feel and score stronger in dry handling and stands out for straight-line and lateral aquaplaning resistance-yet often doesn't convert that into equally strong wet handling or braking outcomes.
Ecsta-Sport-PS72 VS Proxes-Sport-2

Test Results

Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been three tests which compare both tyres directly!

Summary of three total tests comparing both tyres directly
TyreTest WinsPerformance
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72two
two wins
one draws in one tests

While it might look like the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 is better than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.

Key Strengths

  • Consistently shorter braking distances: wins wet braking in all shared tests (e.g., 42.4 m vs 46.1 m; 27.1 m vs 29.5 m) and also edges dry braking (34.4 m vs 34.6 m)
  • Strong ownership proposition: better projected wear (48,230 km vs 38,420 km) and best value metric in the shared Autobild test (12.44 vs 16.4 price/1000)
  • Efficient rolling performance: lower rolling resistance in both tests reported (e.g., 8.15 vs 8.61 kg/t; 7.62 vs 8.25 kg/t)
  • More capable on loose/soft surfaces in the SUV-oriented test: better gravel/sand/grass traction and gravel handling (including a large sand traction gap: 10,019 N vs 8,487 N)
  • Stronger aquaplaning reserves: higher straight aquaplaning speeds in both shared handling tests (e.g., 94.9 vs 91.0 km/h) and better lateral aquaplaning metrics
  • Dry handling edge: slightly higher dry handling speeds and higher subjective dry handling score (8.7 vs 8.0 points in Autobild)
  • Lower external noise in shared tests (e.g., 71.3 dB vs 74.1 dB; 71.0 dB vs 72.9 dB)
  • Good comfort reported by professional testers, aligning with its lower noise and stable high-speed wet evacuation focus

Dry Braking

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 stopped the vehicle in 0.58% less distance than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
34.4M
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
34.6M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
34.4M
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
34.6M (+0.2M)
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
34.4M
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
34.6M (+0.2M)
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
34.4M
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
34.6M (+0.2M)

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 was 0.49% faster around a lap than the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
102.3Km/H
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
102.8Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Toyo Proxes Sport 2

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
100Km/H (-0.7Km/H)
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
100.7Km/H
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
104.6Km/H (-0.3Km/H)
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
104.9Km/H

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 scored 8.05% more points than the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
8 Points
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
8.7 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Toyo Proxes Sport 2

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
8 Points (-0.7 Points)
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
8.7 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 stopped the vehicle in 5.43% less distance than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
41.3M
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
43.67M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
27.1M
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
29.5M (+2.4M)
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
42.4M
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
46.1M (+3.7M)
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
54.4M
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
55.4M (+1M)

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was 0.47% faster around a wet lap than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
84.55Km/H
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
84.15Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
82.6Km/H
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
81.8Km/H (-0.8Km/H)
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
86.5Km/H
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
86.5Km/H

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 scored 31.03% more points than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
8.7 Points
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
6 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
8.7 Points
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
6 Points (-2.7 Points)

Wet Circle

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was 1.67% faster around a wet circle than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
17.7s
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
18s
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Circle: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
14.6s
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
15.29s (+0.69s)
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
20.8s (+0.1s)
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
20.7s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 was better during two straight aqua tests. On average the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 floated at a 3.63% higher speed than the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
89.05Km/H
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
92.4Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Toyo Proxes Sport 2

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
91Km/H (-3.9Km/H)
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
94.9Km/H
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
87.1Km/H (-2.8Km/H)
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
89.9Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 slipped out at a 3.95% higher speed than the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
2.92m/sec2
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
3.04m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Toyo Proxes Sport 2

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
3.43m/sec2 (-0.08m/sec2)
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
3.51m/sec2
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
2.4m/sec2 (-0.16m/sec2)
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
2.56m/sec2

Gravel Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one gravel handling [km/h] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was 1.57% faster around a lap than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
63.8Km/H
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
62.8Km/H
Gravel Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Gravel Handling [Km/H]: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
63.8Km/H
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
62.8Km/H (-1Km/H)

Gravel Traction

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one gravel traction tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 had 3.91% better traction on gravel than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
10810N
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
10387N
Pulling Force in Newtons, higher is better

Best In Gravel Traction: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
10810N
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
10387N (-423N)

Sand Traction

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one sand traction tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 had 15.29% better traction in sand than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
10019N
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
8487N
Pulling Force in Newtons, higher is better

Best In Sand Traction: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
10019N
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
8487N (-1532N)

Grass Traction

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one grass traction tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 had 2.71% better traction on grass than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
2584N
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
2514N
Pulling Force in Newtons, higher is better

Best In Grass Traction: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
2584N
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
2514N (-70N)

Subj. Comfort

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 and Toyo Proxes Sport 2 performed equally well in subj. comfort tests.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
7.3 Points
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
7.3 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Both tyres performed equally well

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
7.3 Points
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
7.3 Points

Noise

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 was better during two noise tests. On average the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 measured 3.2% quieter than the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
73.5dB
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
71.15dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Toyo Proxes Sport 2

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
74.1dB (+2.8dB)
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
71.3dB
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
72.9dB (+1.9dB)
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
71dB

Wear

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one wear tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 is predicted to cover 20.34% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
48230KM
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
38420KM
Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
48230KM
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
38420KM (-9810KM)

Value

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one value tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 proved to have a 24.15% better value based on price/1000km than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
12.44Price/1000
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
16.4Price/1000
Euros/1000km based on cost/wear, lower is better

Best In Value: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
12.44Price/1000
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
16.4Price/1000 (+3.96Price/1000)

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 had a 6.41% lower rolling resistance than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
7.89kg / t
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
8.43kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
8.15kg / t
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
8.61kg / t (+0.46kg / t)
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
7.62kg / t
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
8.25kg / t (+0.63kg / t)

Abrasion

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 lost 7.44% less particle wear matter than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
1605g
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
1734g
Total weight loss after wear test in grams, lower is better

Best In Abrasion: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
1605g
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
1734g (+129g)

Real World Driver Reviews

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 Driver Reviews

Drivers generally report the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 as a highly grippy, confidence-inspiring tyre with strong wet and dry performance, good braking and stable, predictable handling at speed. Many also highlight excellent value versus premium rivals, often describing performance close to top-tier tyres for much less money. The main recurring complaint is highway-speed vibration (often linked to balancing or possible out-of-round tyres), with a smaller set noting it can be a bit noisier or firmer than some competitors.

Based on 24 reviews with an average rating of 84%

Toyo Proxes Sport 2 Driver Reviews

Drivers overwhelmingly praise the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 for outstanding dry and wet grip, sharp steering response, and confidence-inspiring, predictable handling even at high speeds. Many note strong value for money versus premium rivals, with several reporting good ride comfort for a sport tyre and promising wear. Aquaplaning resistance and braking performance receive consistent compliments. A recurring minor downside is the lack of rim protection.

Based on 8 reviews with an average rating of 92%

Best Review for the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
Given 87% 245/40 R18 on a combination of roads for 10,000 average miles
Bought these tyres dur to the very good reviews of ps71. I do not have a sporty car, but the dry grip and braking it’s excellent. Never felt the tyres struggling for grip.

They are not loud, but wouldn't they are necessarily quiet. You can hear them a bit depending on the road surface and speed.


Didn’t drive them too much in the rain, but seem to hold pretty well in wet conditions.


Mounted them in march this year and after 10-15k km I don’t see any major wear, but I would have to abstain on this one until I get them properly... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 1048 - tyre reviewed on June 22, 2025
View all Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Toyo Proxes Sport 2
Given 86% 225/40 R18 on a combination of roads for 1,500 spirited miles
Previously, I had the Toyo Proxes Sports fitted - and I can honestly say that there is a night and day difference with the 2nd iteration.

It is simply a better tyre in absolutely every single way. I drive like a ****, and these tyres just give so much confidence. I can brake stupidly quick in both dry and mildly wet conditions, even through the corners. They hook up so well and are incredibly predictable - they really bite the road and mitigate so much understeer in my 2006 Leon FR.

When there’s a more significant layer of water on the road they don’t... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 1045 - tyre reviewed on September 25, 2023
View all Toyo Proxes Sport 2 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

If you value stopping performance and cost-of-ownership, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 is the more convincing all-round buy in this head-to-head. It wins dry braking in every shared comparison (34.4 m vs 34.6 m) and is decisively ahead on wet braking across all tests, including a large-margin result in Autobild (42.4 m vs 46.1 m, ~8% shorter) and the braking super test (27.1 m vs 29.5 m, ~8% shorter). It also brings tangible day-to-day advantages: longer projected wear (48,230 km vs 38,420 km, ~26% more) plus better value metrics and lower rolling resistance in the reported results.

The Toyo Proxes Sport 2 is the pick for drivers who prioritise high-speed water evacuation margins and a quieter, more comfort-oriented feel. It consistently posts higher aquaplaning thresholds (e.g., straight aquaplaning 94.9 vs 91.0 km/h in Autobild, and the best-in-test straight aquaplaning noted by testers), and it edges the Kumho in dry handling speed/subjective feel (e.g., 8.7 vs 8.0 subjective dry handling points). The practical takeaway: choose the Kumho for safer, shorter stops and better overall value; choose the Toyo if your priority is aquaplaning reserves, lower noise, and crisp dry-cornering feel-accepting that wet braking and longevity are the trade-offs.
Key Differences
  • Wet braking is the biggest separator: Kumho is ~8% shorter in Autobild (42.4 m vs 46.1 m) and ~8% shorter in the braking super test (27.1 m vs 29.5 m)
  • Aquaplaning resistance favours Toyo: higher straight-line thresholds (e.g., 94.9 vs 91.0 km/h) and better curved aquaplaning metrics in both shared tests
  • Dry handling feel/speed tilts Toyo, but margins are small: ~0.3-0.7% faster speeds and higher subjective score (8.7 vs 8.0)
  • Running costs strongly favour Kumho: longer projected wear (48,230 km vs 38,420 km) and better value index (12.44 vs 16.4)
  • Noise/refinement favours Toyo: typically ~2.6-3.8% quieter in the reported dB results
  • Mixed-condition versatility: Kumho shows a clear advantage in the SUV off-road traction set (gravel/sand/grass), while Toyo's weakness there was explicitly noted by testers
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Overall Winner: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.

Similar Comparisons

Looking for more tyre comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tyres:

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 Top Comparisons

No other comparisons available for this tyre.

Toyo Proxes Sport 2 Top Comparisons

No other comparisons available for this tyre.

Footnote

This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.

Why is this important? Tyre testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tyre Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.