Kumho Ecsta HS52

The Kumho Ecsta HS52 is a Premium Touring Summer tyre designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

Tyre review data from 17 tyre reviews averaging 81% over 118,848 miles driven, and 7 tests with an average result of 5th.

Dry Grip 91%
Wet Grip 83%
Road Feedback 87%
Handling 81%
Wear 72%
Comfort 70%
Buy again 83%
Expected Mileage 27,867 miles (44,847 km) High Confidence
Test Data

27,867 miles (44,847 km) from 4 test(s)

First On MarketJanuary 1970
Wheel Size14 - 20"
Width175 - 245mm
Profile40 - 65
Rolling ResistanceA - D
Wet GripA - B
Noise (dB)69 - 72
Winter RatingNot Winter Rated

The Ecsta HS52 is ranked 43rd of 157 Summer Premium Touring tyres.

This tyre replaced the Kumho Ecsta HS51.

In Depth Tyre Comparisons

Tests Included

7

Best Result

2nd

Worst Result

8th

Average Result

5th

Latest Tyre Test Results

2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test
3rd of 16 tyres
  • The Kumho Ecsta HS52 earns a solid rating in driving safety, providing good steering feedback and secure handling at the limit on dry roads, complemented by a short braking distance. On wet roads, it impresses with its braking performance and wet handling, offering good grip and easy, secure maneuverability. However, its aquaplaning performance is rated as average. Overall, the Kumho receives a good rating for wet performance. In terms of environmental impact, the Kumho achieves only an average outcome. While it scores well in projected mileage and wear, its higher tyre weight results in only average efficiency. The sustainability of this tyre, produced in China/Korea, is rated as sufficient.
View Full Test >>
2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test
4th of 21 tyres
  • Convincing performance on wet and dry roads, short wet and dry braking distances, affordable price.
  • Moderate rolling comfort.
  • Good.
View Full Test >>

2024 Tyre Tests

2023 Tyre Tests

2022 Tyre Tests

Alternative Tyres

Best Result: 1st (2025)
Best Result: 1st (2025)
Best Result: 1st (2025)
Best Result: 1st (2025)
Best Result: 1st (2025)
Best Result: 1st (2025)
Best Result: 1st (2025)
Best Result: 2nd (2025)

SizeFuelWetNoise
14 inch
185/60 R14 82 HDB70
175/65 R14 82 HDB70
175/65 R14 82 HDB70
15 inch
185/65 R15 88 HCB70
195/55 R15 85 VDA71
195/65 R15 91 VCA71
185/65 R15 88 HCB70
195/55 R15 85 HDA71
195/65 R15 91 HCA71
195/65 R15 91 HCA71
195/55 R15 85 VDA71
185/65 R15 88 HAB70
195/65R15 91 VCA71
16 inch
205/55 R16 91 VCA71
215/60 R16 95 VAA70
215/60 R16 95 VAA70
205/55 R16 91 VCA71
205/55 R16 94 V XLCA72
205/55 R16 94 V XLCA72
205/55R16 91 HAB69
205/55R16 91 VAA71
17 inch
225/60 R17 99 VBA71
18 inch
225/40R18 92 Y XLBA72
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Kumho Ecsta HS52 >>

Questions and Answers for the Kumho Ecsta HS52

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March 11, 2023

Does this tyre have Alloy Wheel Rim protection built into the sidewall?

The size of the HS52 tyre reviews tested (205/55 R16) did not have any rim protection built into the tyre, however it might be that larger sizes of the HS52 do have rim protection. Kumho will be able to give you the best answer based on your size.
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YouTube Review

Top 3 Kumho Ecsta%20HS52 Reviews

Given 52% while driving a SEAT Leon (205/55 R16) on mostly town for 2,100 easy going miles
Run away! After 2,100 km, abnormal wear on my front passenger tire on the outside and the tread.
I've never seen that in 27 years of driving with my other tires.
Helpful 88 - tyre reviewed on April 21, 2025
Given 76% while driving a Lancia Lancia Y 1.2 (195/55 R15) on mostly country roads for 10,000 spirited miles
I bought these for my 2007 Lancia Ypsilon just after buying the car, so I cant compare to other tires on the same car. But this is a car without ESP and I could do crazy things with these tires without loosing any grip. Also I used them all winter, even in -3 C they grip like crazy. Very spirited driving in roundabouts and mountain roads, 150 kph in the highway etc, a lot of fun. BUT after 15k km the front ones are done, they look disgusting now. they formed one line/crack to the width of the tire in one spot, like you can see where they started the loop or something. Cheap fun but for short time.
Helpful 97 - tyre reviewed on March 12, 2025
Given 99% while driving a Nissan X Trail (215/60 R17) on a combination of roads for 31,068 average miles
I think the tests listed are spot on. What I was impressed with for a summer tyre was the grip they had in the wet on an SUV. Never once did if sense them losing grip on wet roundabouts or anywhere else. They are a bit pricey though at almost $1000 fitted in Australia. Wearing wise, I’m in need of a new set of boots after 2yrs and 50k/klms.
Helpful 104 - tyre reviewed on January 28, 2025
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Latest Kumho Ecsta%20HS52 Reviews

Given 91% while driving a Honda 1997 Honda Civic EJ9 1.4iS (185/60 R14) on a combination of roads for 25,000 spirited miles
Great tires! I have been driving them now for 3rd season, dry grip feels great, not much experience on the wet grip but overall great tire considering its price range. I was kinda reserved about the Kumho brand, this is the first tire I have tried from Kumho and I would definitely buy them again. I got a new vehicle and these tire will be going to them also. The wear is also great. I was expecting to get worse with time but they still hold on and feel very responsible and adequate. They still have a lot of rubber left on them considering having driven 40k km on them.
Helpful 51 - tyre reviewed on June 27, 2025
Given 80% while driving a Honda Prelude (205/50 R16) on mostly country roads for 2,000 spirited miles
I've owned this car for over a decade now, so I've had the opportunity to experience it on many sets of tyres. It's not a daily driver and the car is used on weekends for spirited drives in the mountains, some long trips away and occasional track use.
I came across these after the owner of my local tyre shop (who I know well) recommended them to me. I was a little skeptical at first, since I origninally wanted a set of Bridgestone’s, but he said these would do the same job for approx £200 less.
Straight away I was surprised by how different the car felt after the change. The steering felt more responsive, and the car felt more compliant over bumps. The handling is very predictable and compared to previous tyres there's virtually no tyre squeal, even if I really push. I've only driven with them a few times in the rain, but they feel perfectly fine and stable even in heavy downpours. I guess the big question for me is if I regret not buying the Bridgestone’s? And I'm happy to report that I don't. For my type of driving, they do everything I ask, and I've never found myself wishing I had more grip even on some spirited drives.
The negatives: Compared to the previous set of Yokohama’s I had on the car, there's not quite as much feel through the steering wheel. It's not a big problem for me, as my car has adjustable shocks, so a few more clicks of rebound and that feel comes back. But it's worth mentioning for those who are looking for a sportier tyre. The only other negative I would mention is the looks. I feel a bit daft for saying that, as I've never really cared how my tyres look on the car, but after coming from other brands, these look like economy tyres by comparison. But this is hardly a big issue, just a small note. Overall, these tyres are the best I've experienced on the car yet, which is high praise from me, so I would absolutely buy them again.
Helpful 72 - tyre reviewed on May 19, 2025
There's a new all season tire, can it be best?!
Given 93% while driving a Opel Opel Combo Life (205/60 R16) on a combination of roads for 100 average miles
Dry grip is great. Wet grip (flat asphalt in a roundabout) is also great.
Helpful 75 - tyre reviewed on March 31, 2025
Given 90% while driving a Peugeot 207cc (205/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 500 average miles
So I will be comparing it to the last 2 sets of tires before the Kumhos. Toyo proxes cf2 & Nokian Line. So middle/ upper middle class tires.

First of all sound; l would say all 3 have a similar level of road sound, which is remarkably low. And that reminds me when l tried Kumho KU31 back in 2015 which was so hard & loud, so that’s a huge improvement for Kumho in that section.

Then comes the comfort, and l believe that the HS52 is midway between being too soft+ comfortable & too hard+tough. And that suits my driving on a combination of different roads and conditions.

Being in the summer, I haven’t tried the wet grip yet but the dry grip is decent and l feel safe driving the car near it’s limits.

It’s too early for me to comment on the longevity but l will update that later on.

Overall, l’m satisfied with my purchase and l believe that the HS52 is an excellent value for money amongst most competitors.
Helpful 127 - tyre reviewed on September 5, 2024
Given 80% while driving a Mitsubishi Attrage GS (175/65 R14) on mostly town for 500 easy going miles
I put the tires on my small car size 175 65 14. What I got when I first touched the road was very good, different from the original Dunlop tires. that I was clear before The Kumho is quiet and can feel its grip on straight roads and curves. I definitely recommend it to all my friends.
Helpful 115 - tyre reviewed on May 16, 2024
Given 81% while driving a Citroën C3 (205/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 1,500 average miles
Very good on dry roads, excellent handling,it isn't very comfortable but it is very safe on braking.
Helpful 150 - tyre reviewed on August 23, 2023
Given 64% while driving a Volvo S60 2.5T (205/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 30 spirited miles
way to noisy and vibrational for me
Helpful 156 - tyre reviewed on August 2, 2023
Given 100% while driving a BMW 218i (205/60 R16) on mostly country roads for 35,000 easy going miles
I'm really happy about this tyres. After changing my winter tires (Bridgestone), the difference is incredible. Dry handling and brake : Super good tyres, really impressed. Wet handling and brake : Nothing to say, they are great. Wear : Too soon to say something.
Helpful 163 - tyre reviewed on March 17, 2023
Given 85% while driving a Kia Motors Rio (195/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 10,350 average miles
After reading a few reviews about the Kumho ECSTA HS52 and considering the affordable price for the 195/55 r16 tyre size I decided to buy them. I was happilly surprised how well the car handled especially on braking in the dry and wet, very short distance to stop and very stable. Comfort was okay, not too hard over rough roads and potholes, but a bit noisy ,mostly at high speeds. Economy is good with relaxed driving I achieved around 39 mpg and with more aggressive it rose to about 30 mpg. Couldn't judge the aquaplaning because I didn't find myself facing such heavy rain and standing water. Wear is good almost no difference between the rear and front tyres( front wheel drive car) and they still have a lot of tread left. For now my experience driving on the tyres is good, I will continue to use them next season and will update after.
Helpful 155 - tyre reviewed on November 17, 2022
Given 87% while driving a Volkswagen Golf (205/55 R16) on mostly country roads for 5,000 spirited miles
For a 16 inch tyre it feels pretty sporty! I'm impressed with them, came from the PS3.
Helpful 173 - tyre reviewed on October 1, 2022
Given 89% while driving a Fiat croma (205/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 5,000 average miles
Impressive summer tyre can compare performance to Nexen Su1 in 17" but I drive 16" now, Kumho make good tyres.
Helpful 167 - tyre reviewed on September 28, 2022
Given 80% while driving a Ford fusion (235/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 8,000 average miles
It does everything I've asked it to do in daily driving in town and motorways. Tyre pressure is very sensitive to comfort, slightly higher and it becomes very uncomfortable, must always be in the sweet spot. Overall grip is fantastic and I am very happy with the purchase.
Helpful 146 - tyre reviewed on August 20, 2022