Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro vs Kumho Winter Craft WP52

Test Results

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

While it might look like the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 is better than the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.

Key Strengths

Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro

• Consistently strong wet and dry handling with precise feel
• Very good straight-line and curved aquaplaning resistance
• Low noise and high subjective comfort
• Competitive dry braking and frequent wet-braking wins in certain tests

Kumho Winter Craft WP52

• Shorter snow braking with stronger traction and snow handling
• Lower rolling resistance (often ~3-6% better) for improved efficiency
• Competitive wet and dry braking with stable all-round manners
• Lower purchase price in tested sizes, enhancing value

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro and Kumho Winter Craft WP52.

In total the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro has been reviewed 4 times and drivers have given the tire 89% overall.

The Kumho Winter Craft WP52 has been reviewed 8 times and drivers have given the tire 69% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro.

Conclusion

Overall results lean toward the Kumho: four overall test wins to the Falken's one, driven by more convincing snow performance and efficiency. Where snow depth and frequency rise, the WP52's shorter snow braking (often 3-8% gains), stronger traction, and composed snow handling make for safer, easier progress. Its lower rolling resistance and price further strengthen the value case.

The Falken remains compelling for drivers prioritizing feel and confidence on wet motorways and mixed dry/wet commutes. It repeatedly edges wet/dry handling tests and often resists aquaplaning better, while keeping cabin noise low and comfort high. If you rarely see snow but face frequent rain and standing water, the HS02 Pro fits well. If genuine winter grip, lower running costs, and overall balance matter most, choose the WP52.

Key Differences

• Snow performance: Kumho leads in snow braking, traction, and handling across most tests (often 3-8% advantages).
• Wet/dry handling feel: Falken typically steers and grips better, winning multiple handling metrics.
• Aquaplaning: Falken usually resists aquaplaning better (notably straight aqua in 2023 TR test), though results can vary by test.
• Efficiency: Kumho has consistently lower rolling resistance and a lower price point.
• Noise/comfort: Falken scores very quiet and comfortable subjectively; Kumho is slightly louder but acceptable.
• Overall results: Kumho takes more overall test podiums (4 vs 1), reflecting broader winter balance.

Overall Winner: Kumho Winter Craft WP52

Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.

Similar Comparisons

Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:

Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro Top Comparisons

No other comparisons available for this tire.

Kumho Winter Craft WP52 Top Comparisons

No other comparisons available for this tire.

Footnote

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

Why is this important? Tire 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 tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tire 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 tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.