Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 vs Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
- TR Score
- 9.2/10
- Owners say
- 84% · 41
- TR Score
- 8.4/10
- Owners say
- 70% · 18
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 finished ahead 3 times and the N Fera Sport SU2 once.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Pick the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 if you want the more dependable all-round performance tire-especially for wet-road confidence and consistently stronger test standings-while accepting some compromises in steering feel and, in some tests, noise. Choose the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 if your priority is lowest cost and efficiency and you're a moderate driver who values quiet cruising, but be cautious if braking performance is your top safety priority or you drive hard frequently (the braking/precision limitations recur across reports).
Where the Ecsta Sport PS72 is stronger
- Stronger overall test consistency and higher placements across full comparative tests (AutoView 4/7, Autobild 6/20, ACE 7/10)
- Wet performance edge in handling-style metrics (e.g., Autobild wet handling 82.6 vs 82.0 km/h; wet circle 14.6 vs 14.82 s; better curved aquaplaning 3.43 vs 3.38 m/s²)
- Refinement in certain contexts-quietest in AutoView's noise measurement (47.8 vs 49.04 dB) and praised for non-intrusive sound characteristics
Where the N Fera Sport SU2 is stronger
- Better value/efficiency proposition (Autobild value index 12.13 vs 12.44; lower rolling resistance 8.04 vs 8.15 kg/t)
- Can deliver very competitive dry braking in the 245/45 R19 dataset (33.9 m vs 34.4 m), including a top-3/50 braking ranking in the braking-only super test
- Lower pass-by noise in Autobild (70.6 vs 74.1 dB) and noted as quiet in test commentary
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 Sport PS72 vs N Fera Sport SU2 at a glance
| Category | Ecsta Sport PS72 | Gap | N Fera Sport SU2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 3 | 1 | |
| Dry7 measurements | 3 | 4 | |
| Wet8 measurements | 5 | 2 | |
| Comfort4 measurements | 1 | 2 | |
| Value3 measurements | 2 | 1 | |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.2/10 | The Ecsta Sport PS72 by 0.8 | 8.4/10 |
| Owner rating41 and 18 reviews | 84% | The Ecsta Sport PS72 by 14 points | 70% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 82% | The Ecsta Sport PS72 by 44 points | 38% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 86 | 69 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 4 tests in 2026
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 Sport PS72 | Field | N Fera Sport SU2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 AutoView Sport Tire Test | P4 of 7 | P5 of 7 | |
| 2026 Autobild Summer Tire Test | P6 of 20 | P9 of 20 | |
| 2026 Summer Braking Super Tire Test - How do 52 Tires Perform in Wet and Dry Braking? | P4 of 50 | P3 of 50 | |
| 2026 ACE Summer Tire Test | P7 of 10 | P10 of 10 |
Performance profile
5 measurements from the 4 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Ecsta Sport PS72
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 97%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 10 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Ecsta Sport PS72
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 Sport PS72
N Fera Sport SU2
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Ecsta Sport PS72 84% from 41 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 Sport PS72 | Gap | N Fera Sport SU2 | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115 | = | 115 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 62.1 | 0.6% | 61.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 6.6% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 44.8 | 0.2% | 44.9 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 106 | 0.2% | 106 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 51.3 | 0.7% | 51 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 19.2% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 14.6 | 1.5% | 14.82 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 56.5 | 2.1% | 57.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 11.3 | 1.5% | 11.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 1.1% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 60.95 | 1.2 dB | 59.82 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 29,969 | 0.9% | 29,708 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 8.15 | 1.3% | 8.04 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 1,605 | 6.6% | 1,719 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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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 Sport PS72 scores 9.2 and the N Fera Sport SU2 8.4 out of 10.
| Ecsta Sport PS72 | Category | N Fera Sport SU2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92 | Dry | 78 | ||
| 88 | Wet | 76 | ||
| 35 | Comfort | 91 | ||
| 49 | 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 Sport PS72 | Category | N Fera Sport SU2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 8.1 | ||
| 8.8 | Wet Grip | 7.7 | ||
| 8.6 | Road Feedback | 7.8 | ||
| 8.6 | Handling | 7.7 | ||
| 8.3 | Wear | 5.6 | ||
| 7.7 | Comfort | 6.4 | ||
Owners rate the Ecsta Sport PS72 84% from 41 reviews and the N Fera Sport SU2 70% from 18. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
- 84%from 41 reviews
- 82%would buy again
- 160,312 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 highly overall (average 81.6%), most often praising its strong value for money and genuinely impressive dry performance, with confident handling and high-speed stability. Wet grip also comes through as a notable strength for around a third of reviewers, helping it feel safe and predictable in poor weather. Comfort and road noise are generally seen as good for a performance tire, though a smaller but meaningful group find it noisier or less refined than expected. The main recurring downside is vibration or balancing/out-of-round issues mentioned by around one in six owners, with tread life only getting mixed, limited commentary so far.
- Excellent value for money versus premium rivals
- Strong dry grip with lots of confidence
- Sharp, capable dry handling through corners
- Stable and planted at motorway/high speeds
- Vibration/balancing or out-of-round issues at speed
- Can be noisy on some surfaces or at higher speeds
- Tread life concerns from a minority (seems to wear quickly for some)
Summarised by AI from 38 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 41 Ecsta Sport PS72 reviewsBought them to replace Hankook ventus prime 4 (Touring type of tires), did a bunch of research before buying, they were really cheap ! So i bought them, you notice the difference in handling and cornering immediately, yes they are UHP and they deliver on that, not that the hankook's were inferior but the Kumhos are a different experience during fast cornering. I drive mainly on mountain passes, they stick like glue on the tarmac they hold well on the wet, haven't drove hard yet on really heavy rain but they seem to do great, no aquaplaning as of now. Sidewalls are not hard as a rock but they aren't soft, they don't deform during cornering, riding on them is nice and comfortable. The only negative as a first impression is this, went from a 68db tire to a 71db on the highway noise is significant worse with those Kumho, you can feel and hear every imperfection of the road, if you care about the noise buy the version with the foam inside I think they call it K version or something.
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: 86 sizes of the Ecsta Sport PS72 and 138 of the N Fera Sport SU2, 69 of them made in both.
| Category | Ecsta Sport PS72 | N Fera Sport SU2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 86 sizes, 17 to 21 inch | 138 sizes, 16 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 69 sizes 205/45 R17215/45 R17215/55 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17205/40 R18215/40 R18215/45 R18215/55 R18225/35 R18225/40 R18and 57 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A95%B5% | A64%B34%C2% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C77%B10%A8%D5% | C36%A26%D25%B13% |
| EU label noise | 70-74 dB B100% | 68-75 dB B80%A20% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 0 of 182 | 2 of 266 |
| Replaced | Kumho Ecsta PS91 | Nexen N Fera SU1 (2012) |
| Awards | Winner: Summer Value Performer (17in and above) (WhatTire, 2026/27) | - |
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.
Kumho's Ecsta Sport PS72 and Nexen's N Fera Sport SU2 sit in the “affordable sport summer” space, aimed at drivers who want a noticeable step up in grip and response without paying premium-tire prices. Across four shared professional tests in three popular performance sizes (225/40-45 R18 and 245/45 R19), they trade blows depending on whether the emphasis is outright braking, wet composure, refinement, or cost-per-kilometer.
The pattern that emerges is clear: the Kumho more often looks like the safer, more rounded performer on measured dynamic tests (especially wet handling metrics), while the Nexen tends to win on purchase economics and efficiency, and can be competitive in pure braking in some contexts. Where they differ most is not peak grip, but how they deliver it-Kumho with stronger objective balance but noted steering/ride drawbacks, Nexen with decent everyday manners for the money but recurring “braking and precision” caveats in multiple reports.
Conclusion
Overall, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 comes out ahead as the more consistently capable performance tire across mixed conditions. It placed higher in every full comparative test listed (4/7 vs 5/7 in AutoView; 6/20 vs 9/20 in Autobild; 7/10 vs 10/10 in ACE). It also leads most of the wet-dynamics measures in Autobild-wet handling (82.6 vs 82.0 km/h), wet circle (14.6 vs 14.82 s), and curved aquaplaning (3.43 vs 3.38 m/s²)-and edges wear very slightly (48,230 vs 47,810 km). The trade-off is “sportiness feel”: AutoView notes slower, lighter steering and earlier understeer, and Autobild measured higher pass-by noise there (74.1 dB vs 70.6 dB).
The Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 is best understood as the value/efficiency play with some genuinely strong points, but with a recurring risk area: braking and precision consistency. It is cheaper on the value index (12.13 vs 12.44 price/1000), has marginally better rolling resistance (8.04 vs 8.15 kg/t), and can match or beat Kumho in dry braking in the 245/45 R19 data (33.9 m vs 34.4 m) and straight-line aquaplaning (92.9 vs 91 km/h). However, multiple qualitative notes flag delayed turn-in and, in AutoView/ACE especially, braking as the clearest weakness (AutoView had it near the back on both wet and dry braking; ACE reported the longest stops and highlighted it as a major safety concern). The practical takeaway: if you want the more complete all-rounder with fewer “red flags” across tests, choose the Kumho; if budget and efficiency dominate and you're willing to accept more compromise in braking/precision (and verify performance in your exact size/car), the Nexen can still make sense.
Ecsta Sport PS72 vs N Fera Sport SU2: your questions
Is the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 or the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 the better tire?
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 finished ahead 3 times and the N Fera Sport SU2 once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Ecsta Sport PS72 scores 9.2 and the N Fera Sport SU2 8.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Ecsta Sport PS72 or the N Fera Sport SU2?
The Ecsta Sport PS72 led 5 of the 8 wet measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in the dry?
The N Fera Sport SU2 led 4 of the 7 dry measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.7/10 for the Ecsta Sport PS72 and 6.4/10 for the N Fera Sport SU2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Ecsta Sport PS72 84% from 41 reviews and the N Fera Sport SU2 70% from 18. 82% of Ecsta Sport PS72 owners would buy it again, against 38% for the N Fera Sport SU2.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Ecsta Sport PS72 is made in 86 sizes (17 to 21 inch) and the N Fera Sport SU2 in 138 (16 to 22 inch). 69 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Ecsta Sport PS72 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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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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