Kumho Winter Craft WP52 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
- TR Score
- 8.3/10
- Owners say
- 68% · 9
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 80% · 3
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 finished ahead 7 times and the Winter Craft WP52 3 times. The Winter Craft WP52 stopped 2.9% shorter in the dry; the Cinturato Winter 2 held 20.4% more grip in curved aquaplaning.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 if your winters are wet, slushy or snow-heavy, or you prioritize hydrodynamic safety and predictable handling. Choose Kumho Winter Craft WP52 if you drive mostly on cold, dry or lightly wet roads, value short dry stops and lower purchase cost, and want a strong price-to-performance proposition.
Where the Winter Craft WP52 is stronger
- Class-leading dry braking across sizes (e.g., 42.1 m vs. 43.6 m in ADAC 2024; 43.0 m vs. 44.5 m in Auto Bild 2024)
- Strong value and lower purchase price (often 25-35% cheaper; repeated 'Value' wins)
- Competitive longevity in several tests (e.g., 64,000 km predicted in ADAC 2023; low abrasion)
Where the Cinturato Winter 2 is stronger
- Superior wet performance and aquaplaning reserves (e.g., +60% better lateral aqua in Auto Bild 2024; shorter wet braking in most tests)
- Stronger snow/ice traction, braking and handling across the board
- Quieter and more refined ride in multiple tests
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.
Winter Craft WP52 vs Cinturato Winter 2 at a glance
| Category | Winter Craft WP52 | Gap | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won10 shared tests | 3 | 7 | |
| Dry11 measurements | 10 | The Winter Craft WP52 stopped 2.9% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 1 |
| Wet29 measurements | 7 | The Cinturato Winter 2 held 20.4% more grip in curved aquaplaning (5 tests) | 22 |
| Snow24 measurements | 3 | The Cinturato Winter 2 stopped 1.3% shorter on snow (10 tests) | 21 |
| Ice2 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Comfort5 measurements | 1 | 3 | |
| Value11 measurements | 5 | Level between the two. | 5 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.3/10 | The Cinturato Winter 2 by 1.0 | 9.3/10 |
| Owner rating9 and 3 reviews | 68% | The Cinturato Winter 2 by 12 points | 80% |
| Pricein the 6 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Cinturato Winter 2 was dearer in 6 of 6 | +28.2% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 84 | 30 sizes made in both | 41 |
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 10 tests, 2022 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 | Winter Craft WP52 | Field | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P4 of 51 | P9 of 51 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P15 of 20 | P13 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P12 of 16 | P7 of 16 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P2 of 55 | P4 of 55 | |
| 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test | P7 of 11 | P6 of 11 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P25 of 54 | P9 of 54 | |
| 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test | P9 of 11 | P6 of 11 | |
| 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P9 of 15 | P12 of 15 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P17 of 20 | P1 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P19 of 56 | P5 of 56 |
Performance profile
16 measurements from the 10 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winter Craft WP52
Cinturato Winter 2
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 94%: 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
Winter Craft WP52
Cinturato Winter 2
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
Winter Craft WP52
Cinturato Winter 2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 2 80% from 3. 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 | Winter Craft WP52 | Gap | Cinturato Winter 2 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 141 | 2.9% | 145 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.45 | 0.6% | 71.86 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.5 | 1.3% | 68.6 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.3% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 133 | 2.9% | 130 | 3-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 133 | 6.9% | 124 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60.19 | 3.7% | 57.97 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 46.4 | 2.2% | 47.4 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 3.2% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.67 | 1.9% | 12.43 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.7 | 5.5% | 52.4 | 1-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.8 | 20.4% | 9.2 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 80 | 1.3% | 79 | 2-8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.98 | 3.2% | 5.79 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 335 | 3.6% | 347 | 0-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 86.79 | 2.1% | 85 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 34.6 | 1.1% | 35 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 3.3% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.4 | 1.7% | 11.6 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60 | 2.7% | 59 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.98 | 0.3 dB | 71.65 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 29,385 | 5.4% | 27,630 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.98 | 1.3% | 8.86 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | = | 5.7 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 64.9 | 11.6% | 73.45 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Winter Craft WP52 scores 8.3 and the Cinturato Winter 2 9.3 out of 10.
| Winter Craft WP52 | Category | Cinturato Winter 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | Dry | 65 | ||
| 68 | Wet | 90 | ||
| 21 | Comfort | 42 | ||
| 72 | Value | 33 | ||
| 38 | Snow | 64 | ||
| 56 | Ice | 76 | ||
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
| Winter Craft WP52 | Category | Cinturato Winter 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.7 | Dry Grip | 8 | ||
| 6.8 | Wet Grip | 8.7 | ||
| 6.9 | Road Feedback | 8 | ||
| 7.1 | Handling | 7.7 | ||
| 6.8 | Wear | 6 | ||
| 7.3 | Comfort | 7.7 | ||
| 7.3 | Snow Grip | 9 | ||
| 5.3 | Ice Grip | 7 | ||
Owners rate the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 2 80% from 3. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Kumho Winter Craft WP52
- 68%from 9 reviews
- 63%would buy again
- 97,000 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers find the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 to deliver strong dry grip and handling with generally good snow traction, making it a solid value purchase. Wet performance is adequate but not standout, with several users noting longer wet braking distances or a vague feel. Noise can be higher than average for some, though overall comfort is acceptable. Overall sentiment is moderately positive with a few recurring caveats in the wet.
- dry grip and handling
- snow traction
- value for money
- average-to-weak wet braking/grip
- increased road noise
Summarised by AI from 6 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 9 Winter Craft WP52 reviewsThey were not at all suitable for my car, which has a diesel engine and higher torque. I drive mostly in the city, and they showed signs of fraying as early as the first winter. I experienced the same issue with Hankook tires in the past. For those who drive a more powerful car or one with high torque, I would recommend something that holds up better to conditions in cities with less snow.
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
- 80%from 3 reviews
- 20,000 milesdriven by reviewers
All 3 Cinturato Winter 2 reviewsIt’s the best winter tire I’ve had so far great wet and snow traction also the tire is very quiet (test say otherwise but on my car this tire is quiet) big downfall is the wear of the tire after 1 winter the tires lost almost half of their tread . Last winter was weak so maybe that’s because but I’ve heard that pirelli don’t last that long. Other than that great tire
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 84 sizes of the Winter Craft WP52 and 41 of the Cinturato Winter 2, 30 of them made in both.
| Category | Winter Craft WP52 | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 84 sizes, 13 to 21 inch | 41 sizes, 16 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 30 sizes 195/55 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17205/60 R17215/55 R17215/60 R17and 18 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B86%A14% | B91%A9% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C67%D30%B3% | C78%B16%D5% |
| EU label noise | 71-72 dB B100% | 69-72 dB B84%A16% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 298 of 298 | 74 of 74 |
| On the market since | - | 2021 |
| Replaced | Kumho Winter Craft WP51 | Pirelli Cinturato Winter (2015) |
| Replaced by | - | Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 |
| Price in the shared tests | The Cinturato Winter 2 was the dearer tire in 6 of the 6 tests that listed prices, by 28.2% 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.
Kumho's Winter Craft WP52 and Pirelli's Cinturato Winter 2 target the same premium-touring winter niche, but they achieve it with notably different balance. Across 10 shared tests, Pirelli takes more overall wins (7 vs. 3), driven by stronger wet and snow ability, while Kumho repeatedly posts class-leading dry stops and a compelling value story. If you're torn between crisp dry-road confidence and all-weather security, this comparison will clarify the trade-offs.
Conclusion
The pattern is clear: Pirelli is the safer bet when winter gets truly wet or wintry, while Kumho shines on cold, mostly dry roads at a lower price. Pirelli consistently brakes and handles better in the wet (up to 7.5% shorter wet stops and best-in-class aquaplaning resistance in multiple tests) and is more confidence-inspiring on snow and ice. Kumho counterpunches with some of the shortest dry braking distances on test (often 2-4% shorter than Pirelli) and outstanding value, and it can deliver excellent tread life depending on size and test.
Winter Craft WP52 vs Cinturato Winter 2: your questions
Is the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 or the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 the better tire?
In the 10 independent tests that ran both tires, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 finished ahead 7 times and the Winter Craft WP52 3 times. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter Craft WP52 scores 8.3 and the Cinturato Winter 2 9.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winter Craft WP52 or the Cinturato Winter 2?
The Cinturato Winter 2 led 22 of the 29 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 20.4% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 5 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Winter Craft WP52 led 10 of the 11 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.9% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Cinturato Winter 2 led 21 of the 24 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.3% shorter on snow across 10 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winter Craft WP52 shed 11.6% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests); the Cinturato Winter 2 had 1.3% lower rolling resistance (4 tests). Owners rate wear 6.8/10 for the Winter Craft WP52 and 6/10 for the Cinturato Winter 2.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.3/10 for the Winter Craft WP52 and 7.7/10 for the Cinturato Winter 2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 2 80% from 3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 6 tests that listed prices, the Cinturato Winter 2 was the dearer tire in 6 of them, by 28.2% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Winter Craft WP52 is made in 84 sizes (13 to 21 inch) and the Cinturato Winter 2 in 41 (16 to 20 inch). 30 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winter Craft WP52 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Cinturato Winter 2 B 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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