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Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 Test Results

Tyre Reviews tests: 1 Tested 2025 to 2026 8 publications

Tested 10 times by independent publications, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 has taken 1 test wins with an average finish of 4th. Its strongest discipline is Subj. Dry Handling, beating 65% of the field across 6 tests; its weakest is Curved Aquaplaning, at 22% across 5 tests.

  • 10Independent tests
  • 1Test wins
  • 2Podium finishes
  • 4thAverage finish
  • 61%Field beaten on average
  • 8Publications
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

10 tests, 2025 to 2026

0%50%100%20252026Average 61%2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test (2025): P5 of 9, Beat 50% of the field2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test (2025): P1 of 8, Beat 100% of the field2026 ACE Summer Tyre Test (2026): P7 of 10, Beat 33% of the field2026 Summer Braking Super Tyre Test - How do 52 Tyres Perform in Wet and Dry Braking? (2026): P4 of 50, Beat 94% of the fieldThe BEST Summer Tyres for 2026 Tested and Rated (2026): P4 of 12, Beat 64% of the field2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test (2026): P6 of 20, Beat 68% of the field2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test (2026): P6 of 9, Beat 25% of the field2026 Motor Summer Tyre Test (2026): P4 of 9, Beat 63% of the field2026 AutoView Value Sport Tyre Test (2026): P2 of 4, Beat 67% of the field2026 AutoView Sport Tyre Test (2026): P4 of 7, Beat 50% of the field
Share of the field beaten in each test, oldest to newest. Hover or tap a point for the test.
  • Test win
  • Second
  • Third
  • Average 61%
The latest test

2026 AutoView Sport Tyre Test P4 of 7

The Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was the highest placed Korean tyre here, fourth overall, and it earns that on the everyday measures rather than the sporting ones. Quietness, low weight, price and respectable braking make it easy to live with. What it does not yet do is let a driver use the grip it has, and that precision is the gap between it and the European tyres at the top of this test.

Strong: Noise Winner: Continental MaxContact MC7

Record by discipline

Where the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tyres. Field beaten is the share of the other tyres it outranked in that measurement.

Discipline Tests Avg finish Field beaten Firsts
Dry
Dry Braking 9 P5.4 of 14.2 52% -
Dry Handling 6 P4.3 of 10.7 64% -
Dry Circle Speed 2 P3 of 5.5 67% 1
Subj. Dry Handling Strong 6 P3.3 of 10.2 65% 2
Wet
Wet Braking 9 P4.2 of 14.2 60% 1
Wet Handling 5 P4.4 of 12 64% -
Subj. Wet Handling 3 P2 of 13.7 92% 2
Wet Circle 5 P5 of 11.8 53% -
Straight Aqua 6 P8.5 of 11.2 27% -
Curved Aquaplaning Weak 5 P9 of 11.8 22% -
Off road
Gravel Handling 1 P3 of 9 75% -
Gravel Traction 1 P3 of 9 75% -
Sand Traction 1 P4 of 9 63% -
Grass Traction 1 P6 of 9 38% -
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 6 P6 of 10.2 42% -
Subj. Noise 2 P2 of 8.5 86% 1
Noise 6 P6.7 of 10.3 53% 2
Value
Wear 1 P13 of 20 37% -
Value 1 P7 of 20 68% -
Rolling Resistance 6 P5.7 of 11.3 58% -
Abrasion 1 P11 of 20 47% -

Head-to-head record

Overall finishing position against the tyres that have most often shared a test with the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72. Only tyres tested alongside it at least three times are listed.

Rival Shared tests Ahead Behind Level Finished ahead
Hankook Ventus Evo 8 shared: 2 ahead, 6 behind Compare with Ventus Evo 8 2 6 - 25%
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 6 shared: 3 ahead, 3 behind Compare with Pilot Sport 5 6 3 3 - 50%
Kleber Dynaxer HP5 4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind Compare with Dynaxer HP5 4 4 0 - 100%
Falken Azenis FK520 4 shared: 3 ahead, 1 behind Compare with Azenis FK520 4 3 1 - 75%
Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 4 shared: 3 ahead, 1 behind Compare with N Fera Sport SU2 4 3 1 - 75%
Vredestein Ultrac Pro 4 shared: 3 ahead, 1 behind Compare with Ultrac Pro 4 3 1 - 75%
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 4 shared: 2 ahead, 2 behind Compare with Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 4 2 2 - 50%
Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo 4 shared: 2 ahead, 2 behind Compare with Potenza Sport Evo 4 2 2 - 50%
Pirelli Cinturato C3 4 shared: 1 ahead, 3 behind Compare with Cinturato C3 4 1 3 - 25%
Continental PremiumContact 7 4 shared: 1 ahead, 2 behind Compare with PremiumContact 7 4 1 2 1 33%
Yokohama Advan Sport V107 3 shared: 3 ahead, 0 behind Compare with Advan Sport V107 3 3 0 - 100%
Giti GitiSport S2+ 3 shared: 2 ahead, 1 behind Compare with GitiSport S2+ 3 2 1 - 67%
Nokian Powerproof 2 3 shared: 2 ahead, 1 behind Compare with Powerproof 2 3 2 1 - 67%
Toyo Proxes Sport 2 3 shared: 2 ahead, 0 behind Compare with Proxes Sport 2 3 2 0 1 100%
Linglong Sport Master 3 shared: 2 ahead, 1 behind Compare with Sport Master 3 2 1 - 67%
Continental SportContact 7 3 shared: 2 ahead, 1 behind Compare with SportContact 7 3 2 1 - 67%

Against its own line

The same record for the tyre it replaced and the tyre that replaced it.

Tyre Tests Wins Avg finish Field beaten
Kumho Ecsta PS91 Predecessor 8 0 7th 23%
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 This tyre 10 1 4th 61%

Performance Analysis

Drawn from 10 tests. Updated September 8, 2026.

Across 10 summer tyre tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 shows a clear pattern as a high-grip, sporty performer with particularly strong wet-surface grip (braking/handling) and competitive dry handling, frequently landing in the upper mid-pack and occasionally at the very top overall (1st/8 in 2025 Die Reifentester). Where it tends to lose the most points is in hydroplaning resistance (both straight and curved aquaplaning), which is repeatedly near the bottom of the field and can undermine confidence and safety in deeper water despite otherwise good wet grip.

Secondary traits are mixed: comfort is often weak (especially in enthusiast tests), rolling resistance is generally mediocre-to-poor, and noise performance is inconsistent-sometimes class-leading in cabin noise/subjective ratings, but also among the loudest in at least one SUV and one large-group test. Overall, PS72 looks like a strong value-oriented UHP option for drivers prioritizing grip and steering feel, but it needs caution in heavy standing water and is not a consistent comfort/efficiency leader.

Performance Strengths

  • Wet Grip (Braking & Handling on Damp/Wet Asphalt) Strong
    Details
    • 1st place overall with standout wet results in 2025 Die Reifentester UHP test (1st/8 wet braking, 1st/8 subjective wet handling)
    • Top wet handling cluster in 2026 AutoBild Summer 245/45 R19: 4th/20 wet braking, 4th/20 wet handling, 2nd/20 wet circle, and 1st/20 subjective wet handling
    • Strong wet braking ranking in the 2026 AutoBild braking mega-test: 3rd/50 wet braking (+7.5% from best)
    • Consistently upper-mid wet results in multiple 2026 tests (e.g., Motor 225/45 R17: 4th/9 wet braking and 4th/9 wet handling; Tyre Reviews 225/45 R17: 4th/12 wet braking)
  • Dry Handling / Sportiness (Laptime & Subjective Feel) Moderate
    Details
    • Near-front dry handling pace in 2026 Tyre Reviews test: 3rd/13 dry handling (+0.4% from best) and 1st/13 subjective dry handling
    • Strong dynamic performance in 2026 Motor test: 3rd/9 dry handling (+1.1% from best) and 2nd/9 subjective dry handling (+2.6% from best)
    • Dry cornering capability highlights: 1st/4 dry circle speed in 2026 AutoView Value Sport test, and 3rd/9 dry handling in 2026 Auto Bild Allrad SUV test
  • Dry handling Strong in 5 of 9 tests
    Details
  • Wet handling Strong in 4 of 9 tests
    Details
  • Wet braking Strong in 4 of 9 tests
    Details
  • Wet grip Strong in 3 of 9 tests
    Details

Performance Weaknesses

  • Aquaplaning Resistance (Straight & Curved) Strong
    Details
    • Bottom-ranked aquaplaning in 2026 Motor 225/45 R17: 9th/9 straight aquaplaning (+9.4% from best) and 9th/9 curved aquaplaning (+13.8% from best)
    • Very weak aquaplaning in 2026 Tyre Reviews 225/45 R17: 11th/12 straight aquaplaning (+9.4% from best) and 12th/12 curved aquaplaning (+15.3% from best)
    • Consistently poor in 2025 Auto Express: 8th/9 straight aquaplaning (+5.0% from best) and 8th/9 curved aquaplaning (+17.6% from best)
    • Only mid-to-lower aquaplaning in 2026 AutoBild 245/45 R19: 14th/20 straight aquaplaning and 11th/20 curved aquaplaning (+13.6% from best)
  • Comfort / Ride Compliance Moderate
    Details
    • Last place comfort in 2026 Motor test: 9th/9 subjective comfort (+11.6% from best)
    • Low comfort ranking in 2026 Tyre Reviews: 11th/13 subjective comfort (+14.1% from best)
    • Below-average comfort tendency in 2026 AutoView Sport: 5th/7 subjective comfort (+7% from best)
  • Efficiency & Wear (Rolling Resistance / Longevity) Moderate
    Details
    • Rolling resistance consistently mid-to-poor: 6th/9 in 2026 Motor (+27.2% from best) and 6th/13 in 2026 Tyre Reviews (+26% from best)
    • Wear/longevity not a standout in 2026 AutoBild 245/45 R19: 13th/20 wear (48,230 km; +24.4% from best) and 12th/20 rolling resistance (+22.2% from best)
  • Aquaplaning resistance Strong in 4 of 9 tests
    Details
  • Ride comfort Strong in 3 of 9 tests
    Details
  • Road noise Strong in 3 of 9 tests
    Details
  • Rolling resistance Strong in 3 of 9 tests
    Details

Do owners agree with the tests?

Every tester write-up on the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 (9 tests) and 39 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.

Where owners and testers agree

  • Dry handling strength in 5 of 9 tests 14 praise, 0 criticise of 39 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Dry grip strength in 2 of 9 tests 16 praise, 1 criticise of 39 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Value for money strength in 2 of 9 tests 16 praise, 0 criticise of 39 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Wet grip strength in 3 of 9 tests 12 praise, 1 criticise of 39 reviews · Read those reviews

Where they disagree

  • Ride comfort weakness in 3 of 9 tests 9 praise, 3 criticise of 39 reviews · Read those reviews

Raised by owners, not by any test of this tyre

  • High-speed stability no test mentions it 10 praise, 0 criticise of 39 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Sidewall stiffness no test mentions it 6 praise, 2 criticise of 39 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Vibration and balance no test mentions it 1 praise, 5 criticise of 39 reviews · Read those reviews

Every test, newest first 10

Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.

2026 8 tests
P4 of 7 Beat 50% of the field

2026 AutoView Sport Tyre Test

AutoView 225/45 R18

The Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was the highest placed Korean tyre here, fourth overall, and it earns that on the everyday measures rather than the sporting ones. Quietness, low weight, price and respectable braking make it easy to live with. What it does not yet do is let a driver use the grip it has, and that precision is the gap between it and the European tyres at the top of this test.

StrongNoise WinnerContinental MaxContact MC7

P2 of 4 Beat 67% of the field

2026 AutoView Value Sport Tyre Test

AutoView 235/40 R18 Best Value

The Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 is the value champion of this test and finishes a close second once price is weighed in. It offers genuine cornering grip and good refinement for the money, held back mainly by long braking and a snappy limit that needs more development. Its appeal is further blunted by supply problems following a factory fire, which has made it hard to buy.

StrongDry Circle SpeedSubj. ComfortNoise WeakDry BrakingDry HandlingSubj. Dry HandlingWet Braking WinnerContinental MaxContact MC7

P4 of 9 Beat 63% of the field

2026 Motor Summer Tyre Test

Motor 225/45 R17 Godna polecenia (Recommended)

The Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 takes fourth place with a strong overall result. It loses ground to higher-ranked rivals on wet surfaces mainly due to below-average aquaplaning resistance. Otherwise, its performance across tests is consistently good. Rolling resistance is on the poor side.

StrongSubj. Dry Handling WeakStraight AquaCurved AquaplaningSubj. Comfort WinnerContinental PremiumContact 7

P6 of 9 Beat 25% of the field

2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test

Auto Bild Allrad 255/45 R19 Gut (Good)

The Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 finishes in a shared sixth place and is noted for a strong showing in the off-road tests combined with dynamic dry handling, posting the third-fastest time on the dry course. It is the cheapest tyre in the test. Gravel traction and gravel handling speed are both in the top three. The testers identify wet performance as its weakness, with results in wet handling and wet braking sitting in the lower half of the rankings.

WeakNoise WinnerHankook Ventus Evo

P6 of 20 Beat 68% of the field

2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test

Auto Bild 245/45 R19 gut (Good)

The Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 also finishes sixth and performs particularly well in wet conditions, with good braking and handling results. Dry performance is competitive across the board. The purchase price is among the lowest in the finalist group, making it a strong value option. Rolling noise is slightly above average, which is the main comfort-related limitation.

StrongSubj. Wet HandlingWet Circle WinnerHankook Ventus Evo

P4 of 12 Beat 64% of the field

The BEST Summer Tyres for 2026 Tested and Rated

Tyre Reviews 225/45 R17 Tested by Tyre Reviews Recommended

The Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 finished joint 4th overall and earned a Recommended award. It was consistently near the front for objective grip with top-four placements across wet and dry braking and handling, and it backed that up with one of the top subjective dry handling scores and a strong subjective wet score. My notes repeatedly mention steering and predictability, which fits the balanced results. Its clear weaknesses were aquaplaning performance, where it was low in both straight and curved tests, and comfort, where it sat towards the back on subjective scoring.

StrongSubj. Dry Handling WeakStraight AquaCurved Aquaplaning WinnerPirelli Cinturato C3

P7 of 10 Beat 33% of the field

2026 ACE Summer Tyre Test

ACE 225/40 R18

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 took seventh on 131 points with a "recommended" rating and at €69 represented the second-cheapest tyre in the test. Its dry safety score of 49 placed it in the lower half - below the top group of Pirelli, Continental, Bridgestone, and Michelin but ahead of Linglong and Nexen. Its wet safety score of 62 matched Falken, with a reasonable wet braking result of 23 out of 30 but unremarkable wet handling at 15 out of 20. Its economy score of 20 tied with Michelin at the joint lowest. A tyre that avoids the dramatic strengths and weaknesses seen elsewhere in the field, sitting in the mid-pack across almost every category - and offering that consistency at a price point well below the premium brands.

WinnerMichelin Pilot Sport 4 S

2025 2 tests
P1 of 8 Beat 100% of the field

2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test

Die Reifentester 225/40 R18

The Korean newcomer shocked the established brands by performing well across almost every discipline. It delivered good to very good results in wet and dry braking, handling and aquaplaning. This balance makes it the surprise star of the test and earns it a place among the winners, especially considering its competitive price.

StrongSubj. Dry HandlingWet BrakingSubj. Wet Handling

P5 of 9 Beat 50% of the field

2025 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test

Auto Express 225/40 R18

The new Kumho made an impressive debut with strong wet and dry handling performances and excellent refinement, despite weaknesses in other areas. It struggled in wet braking, aquaplaning, and wet cornering, ranking eighth in each, yet delivered the fourth-fastest wet lap thanks to great traction, stability, and precise balance. In the dry, it again paired poor braking with strong handling, finishing joint-fourth, though it needed assertive steering and was noisy under pressure. It excelled in comfort, recording the lowest noise levels and absorbing bumps well, and offered strong economy with the second-lowest rolling resistance.

StrongSubj. NoiseRolling Resistance WeakWet BrakingWet CircleStraight AquaCurved Aquaplaning WinnerPirelli P Zero PZ5

Third-party awards

Editorial picks by other publications, based on published data rather than measurements held on this site.

  • Winner Summer Value Performer (17in and above) WhatTyre · 2026/27

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