Kumho Ecsta PS71 vs Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
- TR Score
- 8.5/10
- Owners say
- 77% · 94
- TR Score
- 8.4/10
- Owners say
- 70% · 18
In the 9 independent tests that ran both tires, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 finished ahead 6 times and the N Fera Sport SU2 3 times. The Ecsta PS71 stopped 5.5% shorter in the wet; the N Fera Sport SU2 lasted 9.3% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Kumho Ecsta PS71 if you prioritize wet-road safety, confidence at speed in rain, and dynamic security. Choose Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 if you value a quieter ride, better fuel economy, and typically longer life with strong overall value for daily use in predominantly dry conditions.
Where the Ecsta PS71 is stronger
- Class-leading wet braking and handling across tests (e.g., −11% wet braking vs SU2 in 2025 AB)
- Superior aquaplaning safety (straight and curved) with consistent margins
- Strong overall results and podiums/shootout performance (e.g., 4/21 in 2025 AB; 4/52 in 2025 shootout)
Where the N Fera Sport SU2 is stronger
- Low noise and better comfort in multiple tests
- Lower rolling resistance and fuel consumption (ADAC 2025), good environmental rating
- Often better projected mileage/abrasion and competitive value in ADAC-style scoring
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.
Ecsta PS71 vs N Fera Sport SU2 at a glance
| Category | Ecsta PS71 | Gap | N Fera Sport SU2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won9 shared tests | 6 | 3 | |
| Dry10 measurements | 5 | Level between the two. | 5 |
| Wet20 measurements | 19 | The Ecsta PS71 stopped 5.5% shorter in the wet (8 tests) | 0 |
| Comfort5 measurements | 0 | The N Fera Sport SU2 was 2.5 dB quieter (4 tests) | 5 |
| Value10 measurements | 3 | The N Fera Sport SU2 lasted 9.3% longer in the wear tests (5 tests) | 7 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.5/10 | The Ecsta PS71 by 0.1 | 8.4/10 |
| Owner rating94 and 18 reviews | 77% | The Ecsta PS71 by 7 points | 70% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 63% | The Ecsta PS71 by 25 points | 38% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +3.6% | The Ecsta PS71 was dearer in 2 of 4 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 133 | 97 sizes made in both | 138 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire 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 9 tests, 2020 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Ecsta PS71 | Field | N Fera Sport SU2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test | P4 of 20 | P14 of 20 | |
| 2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P13 of 18 | P10 of 18 | |
| 2025 Summer Tire Test Shootout | P4 of 52 | P16 of 52 | |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test | P5 of 20 | P17 of 20 | |
| 2023 Summer Tire Market Overview | P12 of 50 | P14 of 50 | |
| 2021 ADAC Summer Tire Test - 225/50 R17 | P3 of 17 | P8 of 17 | |
| 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test | P17 of 20 | P6 of 20 | |
| 2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tire Test | P9 of 16 | P5 of 16 | |
| 2020 Tire Market Overview Braking Test | P5 of 50 | P7 of 50 |
Performance profile
9 measurements from the 9 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Ecsta PS71
N Fera Sport SU2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 5 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Ecsta PS71
N Fera Sport SU2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Ecsta PS71
N Fera Sport SU2
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Ecsta PS71 77% from 94 reviews and the N Fera Sport SU2 70% from 18. 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 tires 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 | Ecsta PS71 | Gap | N Fera Sport SU2 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 114 | 0.4% | 113 | 3-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.8 | 1.3% | 71.9 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 114 | 5.5% | 121 | 8-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 118 | 6.5% | 126 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 45.9 | 3% | 44.6 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 14.73 | 2.1% | 15.05 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 57 | 3.5% | 55.2 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.6 | 6.3% | 10 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 6.4% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 74.18 | 2.5 dB | 71.68 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 20,994 | 9.3% | 22,303 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.77 | 0.1% | 8.75 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | 1.8% | 5.6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 85.7 | 12.8% | 74.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 tires 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 Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Ecsta PS71 scores 8.5 and the N Fera Sport SU2 8.4 out of 10.
| Ecsta PS71 | Category | N Fera Sport SU2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | Dry | 78 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 76 | ||
| 11 | Comfort | 91 | ||
| 18 | Value | 29 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Ecsta PS71 | Category | N Fera Sport SU2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 | Dry Grip | 8.1 | ||
| 8 | Wet Grip | 7.7 | ||
| 8 | Road Feedback | 7.8 | ||
| 8 | Handling | 7.7 | ||
| 7 | Wear | 5.6 | ||
| 7.4 | Comfort | 6.4 | ||
Owners rate the Ecsta PS71 77% from 94 reviews and the N Fera Sport SU2 70% from 18. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Kumho Ecsta PS71
- 77%from 94 reviews
- 63%would buy again
- 686,811 milesdriven by reviewers
Most owners rate the Kumho Ecsta PS71 as a strong budget performance tire, with a clear majority praising its dry grip and handling and nearly half calling the wet grip confidence-inspiring. Value for money is a consistent highlight, with many feeling it runs pricier brands close for everyday road use. The main drawback is refinement: around a third of owners mention road noise, and opinions on tread life are mixed rather than conclusive. A smaller but notable group also report vibration/balancing niggles, with a few mentioning tramlining.
- Strong dry grip with plenty of confidence
- Very capable wet grip for the price
- Secure, enjoyable dry handling
- Excellent value for money versus premium rivals
- Road noise can be intrusive, especially at speed
- Tread life is inconsistent, with some reporting faster wear
- Can be hard to balance or develop vibrations
Summarised by AI from 87 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 94 Ecsta PS71 reviewsJust looking around for replacements in a couple of thousand miles. Unless I hear outstanding reviews from other Elroq owners I'm going to stick with Kumho Ecsta PS71 EV and stick with the different width/ profiles front and rear. These Kumhos have completely out performed the Bridgstones I had on my ID.3 - I coudln't wait to get rid of them when they had to be replaced at 8,000miles.
Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
- 70%from 18 reviews
- 38%would buy again
- 141,160 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers describe the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 as a strong value-focused performance tire with very good dry and wet grip, confident handling, and stability at speed for the money. However, a large share of users report short tread life (often with heavy/uneven shoulder wear) and many also mention poor refinement as the tire ages, including increased road noise and a harsher ride. Overall sentiment is mixed, with performance praised but longevity and comfort commonly limiting repeat purchases.
- Very good dry grip and handling
- Strong wet grip and confidence in rain
- Good value/price versus premium brands
- Stable and predictable at higher speeds
- Fast wear/short tread life (often uneven shoulder wear)
- High road noise and mediocre comfort/harsh ride
- Weaker performance in cold temperatures
Summarised by AI from 15 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 18 N Fera Sport SU2 reviewsI've driven the tire's about 40 000km on my family diesel wagon.The final result is four summers and they're gone.The protector is about 4mm,the outer side of the tires is melted like slick tire,and pieces of rubber come off.After a little bump one of the tires got a puncture in the side board,which surprised me a little,but for the price everything is OK.The grip is very good in wet and dry,they perform good in dynamic driving...when they new :)
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 133 sizes of the Ecsta PS71 and 138 of the N Fera Sport SU2, 97 of them made in both.
| Category | Ecsta PS71 | N Fera Sport SU2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 133 sizes, 16 to 22 inch | 138 sizes, 16 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 97 sizes 195/55 R16205/55 R16205/65 R16205/45 R17205/55 R17215/45 R17215/55 R17215/65 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17215/40 R18and 85 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A71%B24%C5%D0% | A64%B34%C2% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C41%B22%D21%A17% | C36%A26%D25%B13% |
| EU label noise | 68-75 dB B96%A4% | 68-75 dB B80%A20% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 0 of 404 | 2 of 266 |
| On the market since | 2016 | - |
| Replaced | - | Nexen N Fera SU1 (2012) |
| Replaced by | Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Ecsta PS71 was the dearer tire in 2 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 3.6% on average. Each test priced the tires 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 pits two value-focused UHP summer tires with different priorities: the Kumho Ecsta PS71, a wet-weather and aquaplaning specialist with surprising all-round pace, versus the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2, a quieter, more efficient option that often favors dry-road manners and running costs. Across nine shared tests from 2020-2025 in 17-18-inch sizes, both proved competitive, but in different ways.
The data show a consistent pattern: Kumho dominates in wet braking, wet handling, and aquaplaning safety, while Nexen typically rides quieter, sips less fuel, and can offer better mileage and value in some test methodologies. The most recent 2025 Auto Bild test underscores the gap in the wet (PS71 shorter wet braking by ~11% and stronger aquaplaning), while ADAC 2025 flips the script on environment and value, rating the SU2 higher overall despite Kumho's shorter stops.
Conclusion
If you frequently face rain, standing water, or mixed conditions, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 is the safer, faster-stopping choice. It repeatedly posts shorter wet braking distances (8 wins to 0), stronger wet handling, and better straight/cornering aquaplaning resistance-advantages that are meaningful in real-world emergency stops and motorway downpours. In 2025 Auto Bild, it paired that grip with strong wear and excellent cost-per-1,000 km.
If your priorities are refinement, efficiency, and lower ownership costs, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 deserves a look. It's typically quieter, has lower rolling resistance and fuel use, and often achieves better projected mileage and abrasion in ADAC-style scoring, which helped it to a higher overall mark in ADAC 2025. Dry braking is often close-and sometimes a Nexen win-though the Kumho still tends to steer and stop better when the road is wet. Bottom line: choose Kumho for wet-road confidence and dynamic security, choose Nexen for comfort and day-to-day economy.
Ecsta PS71 vs N Fera Sport SU2: your questions
Is the Kumho Ecsta PS71 or the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 the better tire?
In the 9 independent tests that ran both tires, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 finished ahead 6 times and the N Fera Sport SU2 3 times. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Ecsta PS71 scores 8.5 and the N Fera Sport SU2 8.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Ecsta PS71 or the N Fera Sport SU2?
The Ecsta PS71 led 19 of the 20 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.5% shorter in the wet across 8 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
Across the shared tests the dry measurements are split 5-5 between the Ecsta PS71 and the N Fera Sport SU2.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The N Fera Sport SU2 lasted 9.3% longer in the wear tests (5 tests). Owners rate wear 7/10 for the Ecsta PS71 and 5.6/10 for the N Fera Sport SU2.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The N Fera Sport SU2 was 2.5 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.4/10 for the Ecsta PS71 and 6.4/10 for the N Fera Sport SU2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Ecsta PS71 77% from 94 reviews and the N Fera Sport SU2 70% from 18. 63% of Ecsta PS71 owners would buy it again, against 38% for the N Fera Sport SU2.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Ecsta PS71 was the dearer tire in 2 of them, by 3.6% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Ecsta PS71 is made in 133 sizes (16 to 22 inch) and the N Fera Sport SU2 in 138 (16 to 22 inch). 97 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Ecsta PS71 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the N Fera Sport SU2 A and C.
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Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire 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 tires 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 Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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