Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 vs Kumho Ecsta PS71
Kumho repeatedly delivers shorter braking and quicker laps in the wet, while Dunlop counters with superior curved aquaplaning reserves, lower noise, and often better wear and efficiency. Recent 2025 results tilt toward the PS71 in overall ranking and cost-per-km, yet the RT 2 remains compelling for drivers prioritizing refinement and aquaplaning stability.
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 eleven tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 | four | |
| Kumho Ecsta PS71 | five | |
| two draws in two tests | ||
While it might look like the Kumho Ecsta PS71 is better than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 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
- Outstanding curved aquaplaning resistance (best-in-test lateral aquaplaning in 2025)
- Lower noise and better ride comfort in multiple tests
- Generally stronger wear/mileage and often better efficiency
- Consistently secure dry performance with short braking in several tests
- Dominant wet performance (wet braking and handling wins across most tests)
- Competitive dry braking in newer tests
- Excellent price/performance and often lower cost per 1,000 km
- Balanced, confidence-inspiring dynamics with strong overall rankings
Dry Braking
Looking at data from ten tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during seven dry braking tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 stopped the vehicle in 0.4% less distance than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Dry Braking: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was 0.13% faster around a lap than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 scored 14.29% more points than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from eleven tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during nine wet braking tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 stopped the vehicle in 6.52% less distance than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Wet Braking: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 stopped the vehicle in 5.51% less distance than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was 0.36% faster around a wet lap than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during four wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was 2.65% faster around a wet lap than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 scored 25% more points than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was 1.67% faster around a wet circle than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Wet Circle: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 floated at a 1.37% higher speed than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Straight Aqua: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 slipped out at a 10.25% higher speed than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 scored 40.17% more points than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during five noise tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 measured 1.45% quieter than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Noise: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during four wear tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 is predicted to cover 13.9% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Wear: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during two value tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 proved to have a 2.49% better value based on price/1000km than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Value: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during three price tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 cost 15.46% less than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Price: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 had a 7.17% lower rolling resistance than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 used 1.75% less fuel than the Kumho Ecsta PS71.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Kumho Ecsta PS71 emitted 5.82% less particle wear matter than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Abrasion: Kumho Ecsta PS71
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 Driver Reviews
Most drivers find the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 confidence-inspiring with strong wet and dry grip, low noise, and good comfort, often noting solid aquaplaning resistance and decent wear for the category. However, many report soft sidewalls leading to vague or wobbly handling and reduced precision, and a minority cite rapid performance drop-off as they wear or isolated build issues. Overall sentiment skews positive given the large number of high-scoring reviews.
Based on 92 reviews with an average rating of 77%
Kumho Ecsta PS71 Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Kumho Ecsta PS71 positively for strong wet and dry grip, predictable handling, and good value, often comparing it favorably to pricier premium options. Noise and faster wear appear as the main trade-offs, with several reports of increased road noise over time and below-average tread life for some vehicles. A minority report balancing/'egg-shaped' defects and tramlining, but these are not universal. Overall, the PS71 is a well-liked mid-range UHP tire focused on grip and value.
Based on 82 reviews with an average rating of 78%
I've always used kumho because the price well reflects in proformance if only they didn't need constant rebalencing.
I've had 4 duff pairs, ku31 x 2 pair, ku 39 x 2 pair that had to come off in the end they were so bad.
No amount of balencing can sort an egg shape tire.
These new ps71 are very soft, squishy, feel like running on 20psi with 30g wheel wobble even after twice rebalencing them & 1 of them is egg shape.
I am worn out with trying to get them right & think after years of kumho on... Continue reading this review using the link below
Conclusion
The Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 answers with class-leading curved aquaplaning reserves, quieter running, and typically better wear and efficiency, making it the calmer, longer-lasting option. If you drive in frequent heavy rain or want maximum wet braking security at a sharp price, choose the Kumho. If you value low noise, aquaplaning stability in bends, and longevity with solid all-round dry performance, the Dunlop is the safer long-term bet. The practical takeaway: PS71 for wet-grip confidence and value; RT 2 for refinement and mileage.
Key Differences
- Wet braking: PS71 leads convincingly (e.g., −12-13% vs RT 2 in 2025 shootout and Auto Bild 2025).
- Wet handling: PS71 repeatedly quicker; RT 2 shows occasional understeer in the wet.
- Aquaplaning split: PS71 better in straight-line; RT 2 clearly stronger in curved aquaplaning.
- Noise/comfort: RT 2 is quieter and often more comfortable.
- Wear and efficiency: RT 2 tends to last longer and can use less fuel; PS71 has had higher abrasion in some tests.
- Value: PS71 usually costs less and posts a lower cost per 1,000 km, boosting overall test positions.
Overall Winner: Kumho Ecsta PS71
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 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:
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Kumho Ecsta PS71 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.