Kumho Winter Craft WP52 vs Vredestein Wintrac Pro
- TR Score
- 8.3/10
- Owners say
- 68% · 9
- TR Score
- 9.0/10
- Owners say
- 87% · 30
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro finished ahead 6 times and the Winter Craft WP52 once, with one level. The Winter Craft WP52 lasted 27.1% longer in the wear tests; the Wintrac Pro held 9% more grip in curved aquaplaning.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Vredestein Wintrac Pro for wet-heavy winters, frequent highway use in rain/slush, and drivers prioritising dynamic control on snow. Choose Kumho WinterCraft WP52 for maximum value, short dry stops, quieter cruising and high-mileage ownership, especially in milder winter regions with occasional snow.
Where the Winter Craft WP52 is stronger
- Consistently shortest or near-shortest dry braking (often 3-5% shorter than Vredestein)
- Excellent tread life and value (e.g., 64,000 km predicted; lower price by ~20%)
- Low noise and good efficiency in several tests
Where the Wintrac Pro is stronger
- Stronger wet control and aquaplaning resistance across multiple tests
- Better snow performance on average (braking, traction, handling)
- Sportier, more precise handling character
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.
Winter Craft WP52 vs Wintrac Pro at a glance
| Category | Winter Craft WP52 | Gap | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won8 shared tests | 1 | 1 level | 6 |
| Dry11 measurements | 10 | The Winter Craft WP52 stopped 2.3% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 0 |
| Wet27 measurements | 10 | The Wintrac Pro held 9% more grip in curved aquaplaning (5 tests) | 17 |
| Snow21 measurements | 4 | The Wintrac Pro stopped 2.2% shorter on snow (8 tests) | 14 |
| Ice2 measurements | 0 | The Wintrac Pro stopped 1.4% shorter on ice (2 tests) | 2 |
| Comfort5 measurements | 2 | 3 | |
| Value10 measurements | 6 | The Winter Craft WP52 lasted 27.1% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 4 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.3/10 | The Wintrac Pro by 0.7 | 9.0/10 |
| Owner rating9 and 30 reviews | 68% | The Wintrac Pro by 19 points | 87% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 63% | The Wintrac Pro by 30 points | 93% |
| Pricein the 5 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Wintrac Pro was dearer in 5 of 5 | +18.7% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 84 | 42 sizes made in both | 119 |
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 8 tests, 2022 to 2024
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 | Winter Craft WP52 | Field | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test | P7 of 12 | P6 of 12 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test | P12 of 16 | P3 of 16 | |
| 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tyre Test | P7 of 11 | P7 of 11 | |
| 2023 Winter Tyre Test 54 Set Braking Test | P25 of 54 | P17 of 54 | |
| 2023 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | P9 of 11 | P8 of 11 | |
| 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test | P9 of 15 | P5 of 15 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P17 of 20 | P12 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tyre Market Overview | P19 of 56 | P20 of 56 |
Performance profile
16 measurements from the 8 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winter Craft WP52
Wintrac Pro
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 97%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 10 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Winter Craft WP52
Wintrac Pro
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
Winter Craft WP52
Not ahead in any category
Wintrac Pro
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. 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 | Winter Craft WP52 | Gap | Wintrac Pro | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42.76 | 2.3% | 43.78 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.45 | 0.8% | 72 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 110.3 | 0.8% | 109.5 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 39.64 | 0.2% | 39.57 | 4-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 40.5 | 3% | 39.3 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60.19 | 1.3% | 59.38 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 77.2 | 1.8% | 78.53 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 6.5% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 14.66 | 2.4% | 14.31 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 80.4 | 1.1% | 81.41 | 2-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2.47 | 9% | 2.66 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 22.34 | 2.2% | 21.86 | 1-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.98 | = | 5.98 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1,541 | 1.7% | 1,569 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 86.79 | 0.5% | 86.32 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 57 | 0.3% | 57.23 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 3.3% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3.61 | 1.8% | 3.55 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 18.4 | 1.4% | 18.15 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.2% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.18 | 0.2 dB | 72.38 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50,604 | 27.1% | 40,093 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.7 | 0.7% | 8.66 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | 1.7% | 5.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 64.9 | 3.9% | 67.35 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Winter Craft WP52 scores 8.3 and the Wintrac Pro 9 out of 10.
| Winter Craft WP52 | Category | Wintrac Pro | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | Dry | 67 | ||
| 68 | Wet | 86 | ||
| 21 | Comfort | 33 | ||
| 72 | Value | 29 | ||
| 38 | Snow | 58 | ||
| 56 | Ice | 67 | ||
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
| Winter Craft WP52 | Category | Wintrac Pro | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.7 | Dry Grip | 8.9 | ||
| 6.8 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 6.9 | Road Feedback | 8.5 | ||
| 7.1 | Handling | 8.2 | ||
| 6.8 | Wear | 8.7 | ||
| 7.3 | Comfort | 8.7 | ||
| 7.3 | Snow Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 5.3 | Ice Grip | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
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.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
- 87%from 30 reviews
- 93%would buy again
- 226,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the Vredestein Wintrac Pro is a highly confidence-inspiring winter tyre with standout wet-road grip and surprisingly sporty, summer-like steering feel and stability in cold dry conditions. Most users also praise strong traction and braking in snow/slush, along with good comfort, low noise for the category, and impressive tread life/value over multiple seasons. A smaller subset note higher fuel consumption/rolling resistance and that the tyre can need some warm-up or a short bedding-in period to deliver its best grip.
- Strong wet grip and braking (good aquaplaning resistance)
- Stable, predictable handling with good steering feedback (sporty/summer-like feel)
- Very capable snow and slush traction and confidence
- Good comfort and generally quiet for a winter/UHP tyre
- Higher fuel consumption / rolling resistance than some alternatives
- Needs some warm-up or short bedding-in to reach best grip
Summarised by AI from 28 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 30 Wintrac Pro reviewsVery good tires for winter. Used in upstate New York from November to April. Great grip even in -15 F. Started to get a little vague when it was dry around 65F.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 84 sizes of the Winter Craft WP52 and 119 of the Wintrac Pro, 42 of them made in both.
| Category | Winter Craft WP52 | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 84 sizes, 13 to 21 inch | 119 sizes, 17 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 42 sizes 205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17205/60 R17215/55 R17215/60 R17215/65 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17225/60 R17225/65 R17and 30 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B86%A14% | B98%A2%C1% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C67%D30%B3% | D47%C46%E5%B1% |
| EU label noise | 71-72 dB B100% | 70-74 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 298 of 298 | 253 of 253 |
| On the market since | - | 2018 |
| Replaced | Kumho Winter Craft WP51 | Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S (2015) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Wintrac Pro was the dearer tyre in 5 of the 5 tests that listed prices, by 18.7% 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 pitches two very different winter tyres against each other: the Kumho WinterCraft WP52, a value-leaning premium-touring option, and the Vredestein Wintrac Pro, an ultra-high-performance winter tyre aimed at sportier driving. Across eight shared tests from ADAC, Auto Bild, Tyre Reviews and others, both regularly score "Good," but they get there via different strengths.
The Kumho consistently delivers short dry braking and strong longevity at a lower price, while the Vredestein more often leads in wet control and snow confidence. In several tests the WP52 stops shorter in the dry by 3-5%, yet the Wintrac Pro tends to edge wet braking, aquaplaning resistance and snow metrics. The result is a classic trade-off between value/durability and dynamic capability in poor conditions.
Conclusion
Big picture: the Vredestein Wintrac Pro is the more rounded dynamic performer in winter, taking more overall test wins (6 vs 1) thanks to stronger wet handling, aquaplaning resistance and slightly better snow braking/traction across sizes. If you prioritise confident control in changeable, wet-to-snowy conditions or drive a more powerful car, it's the safer bet.
The Kumho WinterCraft WP52 fights back with best-in-group dry braking in many tests, very good snow competence for its class, class-leading wear (often 30-40% longer life) and a clear price advantage. For high-mileage drivers, mixed urban use, and value-focused buyers who still want solid winter ability, the WP52 makes compelling sense. The practical takeaway: choose Vredestein for winter performance on wet/snow; choose Kumho for cost-per-kilometre, low noise and standout dry stopping.
Winter Craft WP52 vs Wintrac Pro: your questions
Is the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 or the Vredestein Wintrac Pro the better tyre?
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro finished ahead 6 times and the Winter Craft WP52 once, with one level. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter Craft WP52 scores 8.3 and the Wintrac Pro 9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winter Craft WP52 or the Wintrac Pro?
The Wintrac Pro led 17 of the 27 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 9% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 5 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Winter Craft WP52 led 10 of the 11 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.3% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Wintrac Pro led 14 of the 21 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.2% shorter on snow across 8 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winter Craft WP52 lasted 27.1% longer in the wear tests (3 tests); the Wintrac Pro had 0.7% lower rolling resistance (4 tests). Owners rate wear 6.8/10 for the Winter Craft WP52 and 8.7/10 for the Wintrac Pro.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.3/10 for the Winter Craft WP52 and 8.7/10 for the Wintrac Pro.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. 63% of Winter Craft WP52 owners would buy it again, against 93% for the Wintrac Pro.
Which is more expensive?
In the 5 tests that listed prices, the Wintrac Pro was the dearer tyre in 5 of them, by 18.7% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Winter Craft WP52 is made in 84 sizes (13 to 21 inch) and the Wintrac Pro in 119 (17 to 22 inch). 42 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winter Craft WP52 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Wintrac Pro B and D.
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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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