Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 vs Toyo Proxes Sport 2
On paper their headline results can look similar in places (both shared 6th in a summer SUV test), but the detailed data reveals a consistent pattern. The Kumho repeatedly delivers shorter wet (and dry) stopping distances and better test economics, while the Toyo tends to feel and score stronger in dry handling and stands out for straight-line and lateral aquaplaning resistance-yet often doesn't convert that into equally strong wet handling or braking outcomes.
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 three tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 | two | |
| one draws in one tests | ||
While it might look like the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 is better than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 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
- Consistently shorter braking distances: wins wet braking in all shared tests (e.g., 42.4 m vs 46.1 m; 27.1 m vs 29.5 m) and also edges dry braking (34.4 m vs 34.6 m)
- Strong ownership proposition: better projected wear (48,230 km vs 38,420 km) and best value metric in the shared Autobild test (12.44 vs 16.4 price/1000)
- Efficient rolling performance: lower rolling resistance in both tests reported (e.g., 8.15 vs 8.61 kg/t; 7.62 vs 8.25 kg/t)
- More capable on loose/soft surfaces in the SUV-oriented test: better gravel/sand/grass traction and gravel handling (including a large sand traction gap: 10,019 N vs 8,487 N)
- Stronger aquaplaning reserves: higher straight aquaplaning speeds in both shared handling tests (e.g., 94.9 vs 91.0 km/h) and better lateral aquaplaning metrics
- Dry handling edge: slightly higher dry handling speeds and higher subjective dry handling score (8.7 vs 8.0 points in Autobild)
- Lower external noise in shared tests (e.g., 71.3 dB vs 74.1 dB; 71.0 dB vs 72.9 dB)
- Good comfort reported by professional testers, aligning with its lower noise and stable high-speed wet evacuation focus
Dry Braking
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 stopped the vehicle in 0.58% less distance than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.
Best In Dry Braking: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 was 0.49% faster around a lap than the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Toyo Proxes Sport 2
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 scored 8.05% more points than the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Toyo Proxes Sport 2
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 stopped the vehicle in 5.43% less distance than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.
Best In Wet Braking: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was 0.47% faster around a wet lap than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 scored 31.03% more points than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was 1.67% faster around a wet circle than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.
Best In Wet Circle: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 was better during two straight aqua tests. On average the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 floated at a 3.63% higher speed than the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72.
Best In Straight Aqua: Toyo Proxes Sport 2
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 slipped out at a 3.95% higher speed than the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Toyo Proxes Sport 2
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Gravel Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one gravel handling [km/h] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was 1.57% faster around a lap than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.
Best In Gravel Handling [Km/H]: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
See how the Gravel Handling winner was calculated >>
Gravel Traction
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one gravel traction tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 had 3.91% better traction on gravel than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.
Best In Gravel Traction: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
See how the Gravel Traction winner was calculated >>
Sand Traction
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one sand traction tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 had 15.29% better traction in sand than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.
Best In Sand Traction: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
See how the Sand Traction winner was calculated >>
Grass Traction
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one grass traction tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 had 2.71% better traction on grass than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.
Best In Grass Traction: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
See how the Grass Traction winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 and Toyo Proxes Sport 2 performed equally well in subj. comfort tests.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 was better during two noise tests. On average the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 measured 3.2% quieter than the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72.
Best In Noise: Toyo Proxes Sport 2
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one wear tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 is predicted to cover 20.34% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.
Best In Wear: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one value tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 proved to have a 24.15% better value based on price/1000km than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.
Best In Value: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 had a 6.41% lower rolling resistance than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 lost 7.44% less particle wear matter than the Toyo Proxes Sport 2.
Best In Abrasion: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 Driver Reviews
Drivers generally report the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 as a highly grippy, confidence-inspiring tire with strong wet and dry performance, good braking and stable, predictable handling at speed. Many also highlight excellent value versus premium rivals, often describing performance close to top-tier tires for much less money. The main recurring complaint is highway-speed vibration (often linked to balancing or possible out-of-round tires), with a smaller set noting it can be a bit noisier or firmer than some competitors.
Based on 24 reviews with an average rating of 84%
Toyo Proxes Sport 2 Driver Reviews
Drivers overwhelmingly praise the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 for outstanding dry and wet grip, sharp steering response, and confidence-inspiring, predictable handling even at high speeds. Many note strong value for money versus premium rivals, with several reporting good ride comfort for a sport tire and promising wear. Aquaplaning resistance and braking performance receive consistent compliments. A recurring minor downside is the lack of rim protection.
Based on 8 reviews with an average rating of 92%
They are not loud, but wouldn't they are necessarily quiet. You can hear them a bit depending on the road surface and speed.
Didn’t drive them too much in the rain, but seem to hold pretty well in wet conditions.
Mounted them in march this year and after 10-15k km I don’t see any major wear, but I would have to abstain on this one until I get them properly... Continue reading this review using the link below
It is simply a better tire in absolutely every single way. I drive like a ****, and these tires just give so much confidence. I can brake stupidly quick in both dry and mildly wet conditions, even through the corners. They hook up so well and are incredibly predictable - they really bite the road and mitigate so much understeer in my 2006 Leon FR.
When there’s a more significant layer of water on the road they don’t... Continue reading this review using the link below
Conclusion
The Toyo Proxes Sport 2 is the pick for drivers who prioritise high-speed water evacuation margins and a quieter, more comfort-oriented feel. It consistently posts higher aquaplaning thresholds (e.g., straight aquaplaning 94.9 vs 91.0 km/h in Autobild, and the best-in-test straight aquaplaning noted by testers), and it edges the Kumho in dry handling speed/subjective feel (e.g., 8.7 vs 8.0 subjective dry handling points). The practical takeaway: choose the Kumho for safer, shorter stops and better overall value; choose the Toyo if your priority is aquaplaning reserves, lower noise, and crisp dry-cornering feel-accepting that wet braking and longevity are the trade-offs.
Key Differences
- Wet braking is the biggest separator: Kumho is ~8% shorter in Autobild (42.4 m vs 46.1 m) and ~8% shorter in the braking super test (27.1 m vs 29.5 m)
- Aquaplaning resistance favours Toyo: higher straight-line thresholds (e.g., 94.9 vs 91.0 km/h) and better curved aquaplaning metrics in both shared tests
- Dry handling feel/speed tilts Toyo, but margins are small: ~0.3-0.7% faster speeds and higher subjective score (8.7 vs 8.0)
- Running costs strongly favour Kumho: longer projected wear (48,230 km vs 38,420 km) and better value index (12.44 vs 16.4)
- Noise/refinement favours Toyo: typically ~2.6-3.8% quieter in the reported dB results
- Mixed-condition versatility: Kumho shows a clear advantage in the SUV off-road traction set (gravel/sand/grass), while Toyo's weakness there was explicitly noted by testers
Overall Winner: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 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:
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Toyo Proxes Sport 2 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.