Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 91% · 6
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 2 times and the WinterCraft WP52+ once. The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 4.5% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Continental for its consistent dry handling and curved aquaplaning advantage, plus its stronger overall 2026 results. Choose Kumho if its lower measured cost per kilometre and strong 2025 wet performance matter more, bearing in mind the wet-results reversal in 2026.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- Stronger curved aquaplaning result in both full Auto Bild tests
- Faster dry handling in both full Auto Bild tests
- Shorter snow braking and higher comfort scores in both full tests
Where the WinterCraft WP52+ is stronger
- Shorter wet braking and faster wet handling in Auto Bild's 2025 test
- Shorter dry braking in Auto Bild's 2026 full test
- Lower cost per kilometre in both full Auto Bild tests
Conclusion
Continental comes out ahead overall in two of the three shared Auto Bild tests: second to Kumho's tenth in the 2026 braking test, then joint first to Kumho's joint eighth in the full 2026 winter test. The order reversed in Auto Bild's 2025 winter test, where Kumho was third and Continental seventh. The two full tests used different sizes, so the reversal matters more than a simple count of placings: neither tyre held the same overall advantage in both.
Continental's most dependable edges are curved aquaplaning, where it led by about 11% in 2026 and 13% in 2025, and dry handling, where it was faster in both full tests. It also stopped slightly shorter on snow in both sizes, though the gaps of roughly 1% to 2% are narrow. Its wet performance was much less consistent. It braked about 10% shorter than Kumho in each 2026 test and was faster through the wet handling course in the full test. In 2025, Kumho instead braked about 6% shorter and handled about 2% faster in the wet. Continental's relatively weak wet braking and handling that year were unusual beside its strong 2026 showing.
Kumho has a clear case of its own. It finished ahead overall in 2025 on strong wet results and snow handling, and in 2026 it recorded the shorter dry stop in the full test. It also cost about 26% less per kilometre in the 2025 full test and 36% less in 2026. Predicted wear did not consistently favour it: Continental lasted about 5% longer in 2025, while Kumho lasted about 7% longer in 2026. Continental is the better fit for a driver prioritising dry handling, resistance to aquaplaning in bends and the stronger 2026 wet results. Kumho suits someone who puts more weight on its 2025 wet performance and lower measured running cost, while accepting that its 2026 wet and snow results were less competitive.
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.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs WinterCraft WP52+ at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | WinterCraft WP52+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 2 | 1 | |
| Dry4 measurements | 3 | The WinterContact TS 870 P averaged a 1.3% higher speed on the dry handling course (2 tests) | 1 |
| Wet11 measurements | 8 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 4.5% shorter in the wet (3 tests) | 3 |
| Snow9 measurements | 8 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 1.5% shorter on snow (3 tests) | 1 |
| Comfort4 measurements | 3 | 1 | |
| Value4 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | Level | 9.3/10 |
| Owner rating33 and 6 reviews | 85% | The WinterCraft WP52+ by 6 points | 91% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | The WinterCraft WP52+ by 17 points | 100% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | +44.5% | The WinterContact TS 870 P was dearer in 2 of 2 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 123 | 63 sizes made in both | 115 |
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 3 tests, 2025 to 2026
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 | WinterContact TS 870 P | Field | WinterCraft WP52+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 50 Sets | P2 of 50 | P10 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tyre Test | P7 of 20 | P3 of 20 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterContact TS 870 P
WinterCraft 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 96%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow.
Where each scores higher
WinterContact TS 870 P
WinterCraft 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
WinterContact TS 870 P
WinterCraft WP52+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the WinterCraft WP52+ 91% from 6. 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 | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | WinterCraft WP52+ | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43.95 | 1.4% | 43.35 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 114.1 | 1.3% | 112.7 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 47.5 | 4.5% | 49.5 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 81.75 | 1.4% | 80.7 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 12.37 | 1.3% | 12.53 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 84.4 | 2.1% | 82.55 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 2.67 | 11.7% | 2.39 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 28.87 | 1.5% | 29.3 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 3,902 | 1.9% | 3,821 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 58.05 | 0.2% | 57.95 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 3.2 | 1.6% | 3.15 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| scored | 10.7% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 69 | 0.2 dB | 69.2 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 47,720 | 1.1% | 48,335 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| 8.11 | 1.3% | 8.24 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
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 WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the WinterCraft WP52+ 9.3 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | WinterCraft WP52+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 92 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 88 | ||
| 77 | Comfort | 46 | ||
| 76 | Value | 79 | ||
| 73 | Snow | 68 | ||
| 30 | Ice | 35 | ||
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
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | WinterCraft WP52+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 9 | ||
| 8.7 | Handling | 9 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 8.3 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 7.8 | Ice Grip | 8.4 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the WinterCraft WP52+ 91% from 6. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
- 85%from 33 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 294,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Across 26 owner reviews averaging 85.8%, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is most consistently praised for strong, confidence-inspiring grip in both the wet and the dry, often paired with a notably quiet, comfortable ride. Many owners also report good longevity for a winter tyre, with several noting healthy tread remaining after substantial mileage. Winter performance is generally rated as capable, but a meaningful minority (around two in five of those mentioning it) found snow traction lacking, and opinions are split on ice grip and steering feel; a small number also note it can feel softer when temperatures rise.
- Strong wet grip and confident wet cornering
- Strong dry grip with secure traction
- Noticeably quiet on the road
- Comfortable, supple ride quality
- Snow traction not as strong as expected for some drivers
- Ice grip is inconsistent depending on conditions
- Steering feel not the sharpest
Summarised by AI from 26 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 33 WinterContact TS 870 P reviewsI've driven the tyres in the winter, but on roads devoid of snow and ice so I can't comment on that. They made me feel very secure, however, I have to say that they are far too sporty for my driving style and needs. They carry a lot of responsibility for my decision to buy the car, as they are very comfortable, quiet and make the car feel very surefooted and responsive in the dry and in the wet.
There is one gripe, though, they have absolutely no rim protection, so I blame them for all the scratching on my wheels. I would expect more from a tyre of this class from a reputable brand, and, honestly, it is a strong enough reason (albeit the only one) for me not to buy them again. In every other aspect they are brilliant, they even equal summer tyres in fuel consumption.
Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
- 91%from 6 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 40,507 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the Kumho WinterCraft WP52 plus delivers impressively strong winter performance for the price, with repeated praise for confident grip (especially in wet conditions) and secure handling. Reviews consistently highlight low road noise and noticeably improved ride comfort versus some premium or run-flat alternatives, with multiple users describing a premium feel and excellent value. No recurring performance drawbacks were reported across the reviews.
- Strong wet grip and water shedding
- Confident handling and traction in cold/winter conditions
- Low road noise / quiet ride
- Good ride comfort
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 6 WinterCraft WP52+ reviewsI bought these after looking at the tests. They offer performance close to premium tires while being very affordable. That's actually the reason I chose this tire. If you don't have extreme winter conditions where you are, you can go for this tire. If the winter conditions are bad, Barum might be a good alternative since it's still reasonably priced.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 123 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 115 of the WinterCraft WP52+, 63 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | WinterCraft WP52+ |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 123 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 115 sizes, 13 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 63 sizes 205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16225/55 R16225/60 R16235/60 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17205/60 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17and 51 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B99%C1% | B82%A18% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C61%B37%D1% | C65%D32%B2%E1% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 70-73 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 223 of 223 | 209 of 211 |
| On the market since | - | 2025 |
| Replaced | Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) | - |
| Replaced by | Continental WinterContact 8 S | - |
| Awards | Highly Recommended: Best Winter SUV Tyre (DriverReviews, 2025/26) Winner: Best Winter SUV Tyres (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Winter Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2024) | Winner: Winter Touring Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2026/27) |
| Price in the shared tests | The WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tyre in 2 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 44.5% 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.
Three independent Auto Bild tests put the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ side by side: the 2025 winter tyre test, the 2026 winter tyre braking test and the 2026 winter tyre test. Continental placed ahead in both 2026 tests, including a share of first place in the full test. Kumho was ahead in 2025, finishing third to Continental's seventh.
The clearest difference is wet braking, but its direction changes. Continental stopped about 10% shorter in both 2026 tests, while Kumho stopped about 6% shorter in Auto Bild's 2025 test. That 2025 result is an unusual reversal of their 2026 form, not a reason to dismiss Kumho's wet performance.
Continental was consistently stronger in curved aquaplaning and dry handling. Its snow-braking advantage was small in both sizes. Kumho cost less per kilometre in both full tests, although neither tyre led for predicted wear in both years.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs WinterCraft WP52+: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ the better tyre?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 2 times and the WinterCraft WP52+ once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the WinterCraft WP52+ 9.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the WinterCraft WP52+?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 8 of the 11 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.5% shorter in the wet across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 3 of the 4 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 1.3% higher speed on the dry handling course across 2 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 8 of the 9 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.5% shorter on snow across 3 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 8.8/10 for the WinterCraft WP52+.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the WinterCraft WP52+ 91% from 6. 83% of WinterContact TS 870 P owners would buy it again, against 100% for the WinterCraft WP52+.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the WinterContact TS 870 P was the dearer tyre in 2 of them, by 44.5% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The WinterContact TS 870 P is made in 123 sizes (16 to 23 inch) and the WinterCraft WP52+ in 115 (13 to 21 inch). 63 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the WinterContact TS 870 P is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the WinterCraft WP52+ B and C.
More comparisons with these tyres
vs 
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
8-16 in 25 shared tests
vs 
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
3-14 in 21 shared tests
vs 
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Alpin 7
5-0 in 5 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
5-9 in 15 shared tests
vs 
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
1-2 in 4 shared tests
vs 
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
13-3 in 17 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
8-10 in 18 shared tests
vs 
Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ vs Linglong Sport Master Winter
3-1 in 4 shared tests
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.
Review the WinterContact TS 870 P Review the WinterCraft WP52+
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.
Discussion