Kumho Ecsta PS71 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- TR Score
- 8.5/10
- Owners say
- 77% · 94
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 135
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 finished ahead 5 times and the Ecsta PS71 not once. The Ecsta PS71 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 1.3% higher speed; the Pilot Sport 5 lasted 39.4% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Kumho Ecsta PS71 for top wet confidence on a budget and strong upfront value. Choose Michelin Pilot Sport 5 for the best all-round performance, quieter ride, sharper dry handling, and far longer tread life-ideal for enthusiastic drivers and high-mileage owners.
Where the Ecsta PS71 is stronger
- Excellent wet handling/braking with top-tier aquaplaning resistance
- Compelling purchase price and strong cost-per-1,000 km
- Competitive stopping distances in both wet and dry
Where the Pilot Sport 5 is stronger
- Class-leading all-round performance with multiple overall test wins
- Significantly better wear and lower abrasion for long life
- Precise dry handling, shorter dry stops, and refined comfort/noise
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 Pilot Sport 5 at a glance
| Category | Ecsta PS71 | Gap | Pilot Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won5 shared tests | 0 | 5 | |
| Dry7 measurements | 1 | The Pilot Sport 5 stopped 1.5% shorter in the dry (5 tests) | 6 |
| Wet15 measurements | 6 | The Pilot Sport 5 stopped 1.2% shorter in the wet (5 tests) | 8 |
| Comfort4 measurements | 0 | The Pilot Sport 5 was 1 dB quieter (3 tests) | 4 |
| Value7 measurements | 1 | The Pilot Sport 5 lasted 39.4% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 6 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.5/10 | The Pilot Sport 5 by 0.9 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner rating94 and 135 reviews | 77% | The Pilot Sport 5 by 8 points | 85% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 63% | The Pilot Sport 5 by 20 points | 83% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Pilot Sport 5 was dearer in 3 of 3 | +30.4% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 133 | 53 sizes made in both | 66 |
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 5 tests, 2023 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 | Pilot Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test | P4 of 20 | P1 of 20 | |
| 2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P13 of 18 | P3 of 18 | |
| 2025 Summer Tire Test Shootout | P4 of 52 | P2 of 52 | |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test | P5 of 20 | P2 of 20 | |
| 2023 Summer Tire Market Overview | P12 of 50 | P6 of 50 |
Performance profile
9 measurements from the 5 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Ecsta PS71
Pilot Sport 5
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 97%: 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
Not ahead in any category
Pilot Sport 5
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
Not ahead in any category
Pilot Sport 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Ecsta PS71 77% from 94 reviews and the Pilot Sport 5 85% from 135. 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 | Pilot Sport 5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 114 | 1.5% | 112 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.6 | 1.1% | 74.4 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 111 | 1.2% | 109 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 118 | 1.9% | 116 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 46.1 | 0.3% | 46.2 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 14.73 | 0.7% | 14.83 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 55.7 | 1.3% | 55.1 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.6 | 3.6% | 11 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 6.4% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 74.77 | 1 dB | 73.73 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 24,499 | 39.4% | 34,004 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.63 | 1.2% | 8.52 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | 1.8% | 5.6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 85.7 | 34.5% | 56.1 | 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 Pilot Sport 5 9.4 out of 10.
| Ecsta PS71 | Category | Pilot Sport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | Dry | 93 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 96 | ||
| 11 | Comfort | 22 | ||
| 18 | Value | 59 | ||
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 | Pilot Sport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 | Dry Grip | 9 | ||
| 8 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 8 | Road Feedback | 8.1 | ||
| 8 | Handling | 8.3 | ||
| 7 | Wear | 8 | ||
| 7.4 | Comfort | 8.2 | ||
Owners rate the Ecsta PS71 77% from 94 reviews and the Pilot Sport 5 85% from 135. 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.
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- 85%from 135 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 1,150,326 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 very highly overall, with most highlighting standout grip in both the dry and wet and plenty of confidence for fast road driving. Comfort and refinement are also frequently praised for a UHP tire, with many finding it quiet and easy-going day to day. Wear is more divisive: many report strong mileage, but around one in ten complain of quicker wear than expected (and a smaller group mention uneven wear). Around one in eight owners also wish for sharper, more precise steering feel compared with sportier rivals.
- Outstanding wet grip and confidence in the rain
- Very strong dry grip with big reserves
- Comfortable, compliant ride for a performance tire
- Refined, relatively quiet motorway manners (especially when new)
- Steering feel can be a bit vague or slower to respond than rivals
- Can wear quicker than expected for some drivers
- Not happy when pushed hard on track; can overheat and lose grip
Summarised by AI from 121 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 135 Pilot Sport 5 reviewsI have driven on PS5 for the first season in my 150HP car (Cupra Leon ST).
The grip both in dry and in the wet is excellent - I tried to push them to the limit many times and have never been able to lose the grip so far.
Although I have to mention that they feel very soft close at the limit - even though the grip always delivers in the end, the tire often „floats” when turning that you may start wondering if the tire will make it out of the corner.
Due to their softness, I find them comfortable as for the summer tire on small bumps.
Summing up - the grip is excellent, very safe and stable, breaking is sharp and… the tire itself looks amazing.
Something worth mentioning is that the rim protector doesn’t exist in this tire - if that’s something you care about, the PS5 is not for you.
Although I can’t find any cons in terms of safety in PS5, as a tire geek, I think about replacing them for the next season for something with more sharp/sporty steering (I would appreciate any recommendations).
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 133 sizes of the Ecsta PS71 and 66 of the Pilot Sport 5, 53 of them made in both.
| Category | Ecsta PS71 | Pilot Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 133 sizes, 16 to 22 inch | 66 sizes, 16 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 53 sizes 205/45 R16205/40 R17205/45 R17215/40 R17215/45 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17235/45 R17245/40 R17and 41 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A71%B24%C5%D0% | A89%B11% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C41%B22%D21%A17% | C82%B10%A9% |
| EU label noise | 68-75 dB B96%A4% | 70-75 dB B100% |
| On the market since | 2016 | 2022 |
| Replaced | - | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (2015) |
| Replaced by | Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 | - |
| Awards | - | Winner: Best Tires for Hot Hatches (Compact Sports Cars) (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Winner: Best Tires for Hot Hatches (DriverReviews, 2024/25) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Pilot Sport 5 was the dearer tire in 3 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 30.4% 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 pitches the value-driven Kumho Ecsta PS71 against the benchmark-setting Michelin Pilot Sport 5 in 18-inch ultra-/max-performance summer fitments. Across five shared professional tests from 2023-2025, the PS5 consistently finishes near the top and sweeps all overall wins, while the PS71 repeatedly surprises with strong wet grip and outstanding aquaplaning resistance at a much lower price.
Expect a classic trade-off: Michelin delivers more complete, polished performance-with superior longevity, refinement and dry precision-whereas Kumho counters with excellent wet handling/braking showings, best-in-class straight-line aquaplaning in multiple tests, and the strongest cost-per-1,000 km in key comparisons.
Conclusion
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is the more rounded tire: it wins all five shared tests, is typically quicker to stop on dry, offers more precise handling and steering, runs quieter, and crucially lasts far longer (circa +40-50% wear advantage in multiple tests). That durability also underpins strong lifecycle value despite a higher purchase price.
The Kumho Ecsta PS71 impresses where it matters in daily mixed-weather driving: wet handling and braking are repeatedly excellent, and its straight-line aquaplaning resistance is often best-in-test. If you prioritize grip confidence in rain and upfront savings, the PS71 is a standout. If you want the most complete package-sportier dry response, lower noise and rolling resistance, and far better tread life-the PS5 remains the safer, longer-term bet.
Bottom line: PS71 maximizes wet security and purchase value; PS5 maximizes all-round performance and ownership value over time.
Ecsta PS71 vs Pilot Sport 5: your questions
Is the Kumho Ecsta PS71 or the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 the better tire?
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 finished ahead 5 times and the Ecsta PS71 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Ecsta PS71 scores 8.5 and the Pilot Sport 5 9.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Ecsta PS71 or the Pilot Sport 5?
The Pilot Sport 5 led 8 of the 15 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.2% shorter in the wet across 5 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Pilot Sport 5 led 6 of the 7 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.5% shorter in the dry across 5 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Pilot Sport 5 lasted 39.4% longer in the wear tests (3 tests). Owners rate wear 7/10 for the Ecsta PS71 and 8/10 for the Pilot Sport 5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Pilot Sport 5 was 1 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.4/10 for the Ecsta PS71 and 8.2/10 for the Pilot Sport 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Ecsta PS71 77% from 94 reviews and the Pilot Sport 5 85% from 135. 63% of Ecsta PS71 owners would buy it again, against 83% for the Pilot Sport 5.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the Pilot Sport 5 was the dearer tire in 3 of them, by 30.4% 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 Pilot Sport 5 in 66 (16 to 22 inch). 53 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 Pilot Sport 5 A and C.
Which is the newer tire?
The Pilot Sport 5 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2022, the Ecsta PS71 in 2016. The Pilot Sport 5 replaced the Michelin Pilot Sport 4.
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Run either of these?
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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