Kumho Winter Craft WP52 vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
- TR Score
- 8.3/10
- Owners say
- 68% · 9
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 87% · 33
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished ahead 5 times and the Winter Craft WP52 not once. The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 3.5% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 if you regularly face wet or snowy conditions, drive enthusiastically, or prioritize maximum safety margins. Choose Kumho Winter Craft WP52 if budget is key and your winter driving is mostly mild or urban with limited exposure to heavy snow or sustained wet.
Where the Winter Craft WP52 is stronger
- Strong value proposition with significantly lower purchase price
- Competent dry braking and stable, safe general road manners
- Occasional aquaplaning strengths (notably curved aquaplaning in one test)
Where the Pilot Alpin 5 is stronger
- Class-leading snow performance (braking, traction, handling)
- Excellent wet grip and braking with strong aquaplaning resistance
- Consistently high dry performance and precise, sporty handling
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 Pilot Alpin 5 at a glance
| Category | Winter Craft WP52 | Gap | Pilot Alpin 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won5 shared tests | 0 | 5 | |
| Dry7 measurements | 0 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 2.1% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 5 |
| Wet15 measurements | 2 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 3.5% shorter in the wet (5 tests) | 12 |
| Snow13 measurements | 0 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 6.3% shorter on snow (5 tests) | 13 |
| Comfort3 measurements | 0 | The Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.5 dB quieter (2 tests) | 3 |
| Value3 measurements | 0 | The Pilot Alpin 5 had 2.8% lower rolling resistance (3 tests) | 3 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.3/10 | The Pilot Alpin 5 by 1.2 | 9.5/10 |
| Owner rating9 and 33 reviews | 68% | The Pilot Alpin 5 by 19 points | 87% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 63% | The Pilot Alpin 5 by 21 points | 84% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Pilot Alpin 5 was dearer in 4 of 4 | +36% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 84 | 21 sizes made in both | 81 |
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 | Winter Craft WP52 | Field | Pilot Alpin 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P4 of 51 | P2 of 51 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test | P7 of 12 | P1 of 12 | |
| 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test | P7 of 11 | P1 of 11 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P25 of 54 | P2 of 54 | |
| 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test | P9 of 11 | P1 of 11 |
Performance profile
11 measurements from the 5 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winter Craft WP52
Not ahead on any measurement here
Pilot Alpin 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. 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
Pilot Alpin 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
Winter Craft WP52
Not ahead in any category
Pilot Alpin 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9 reviews and the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33. 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 | Pilot Alpin 5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 141 | 2.1% | 138 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.45 | 0.9% | 70.81 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 64.5 | 0.9% | 65.1 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 120 | 3.5% | 117 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60.19 | 4.4% | 57.53 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50.3 | 2.2% | 51.4 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 16.54 | 1.6% | 16.27 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 54.2 | 3.5% | 56.1 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.3 | 5.8% | 8.8 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 87 | 6.3% | 81 | 0-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.98 | 7.4% | 5.54 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 539 | 6.2% | 573 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 86.79 | 2.9% | 84.26 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36.5 | 2.9% | 37.5 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 8.7% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.6 | 5.4% | 12.2 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 11.1% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.6 | 1.5 dB | 71.15 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.59 | 2.8% | 8.35 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Pilot Alpin 5 9.5 out of 10.
| Winter Craft WP52 | Category | Pilot Alpin 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | Dry | 99 | ||
| 68 | Wet | 90 | ||
| 21 | Comfort | 89 | ||
| 72 | Value | 59 | ||
| 38 | Snow | 92 | ||
| 56 | Ice | 80 | ||
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 | Pilot Alpin 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.7 | Dry Grip | 9 | ||
| 6.8 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 6.9 | Road Feedback | 8.8 | ||
| 7.1 | Handling | 8.9 | ||
| 6.8 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 7.3 | Comfort | 8.3 | ||
| 7.3 | Snow Grip | 9 | ||
| 5.3 | Ice Grip | 8 | ||
Owners rate the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9 reviews and the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33. 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.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
- 87%from 33 reviews
- 84%would buy again
- 357,850 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 highly overall (average 82.7%), with the clearest consensus around strong snow traction and unusually capable dry-road performance for a winter tire. Wet grip also earns plenty of praise, and a smaller group highlights sharp steering feel and secure snow handling. Complaints are more mixed, but around a quarter of owners mention either firmer-than-expected ride comfort or disappointing ice performance, and a smaller minority report noticeable road noise and weak slush behavior.
- Strong snow traction and confidence in winter conditions
- Outstanding dry grip for a winter tire
- Very good wet grip
- Secure, sporty handling on dry roads
- Ice grip can be poor and unpredictable for some
- Firm or bumpy ride comfort for a winter tire
- Noticeable road noise at speed
Summarised by AI from 27 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 33 Pilot Alpin 5 reviewsGreat tire, i replaced my GY Ultragrip performance 3 with this and i can say they are even better on snow than GY. Where Michelin lacks to GY is on wet. I find goodyear a bit better on wet surfaces but both tires are excepional.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 84 sizes of the Winter Craft WP52 and 81 of the Pilot Alpin 5, 21 of them made in both.
| Category | Winter Craft WP52 | Pilot Alpin 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 84 sizes, 13 to 21 inch | 81 sizes, 16 to 23 inch |
| Made in both | 21 sizes 205/60 R16215/65 R16225/50 R17235/45 R17235/55 R17215/40 R18215/50 R18215/55 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18225/55 R18225/60 R18and 9 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B86%A14% | B58%C40%D2% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C67%D30%B3% | C60%D30%B9% |
| EU label noise | 71-72 dB B100% | 68-75 dB B70%A30% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 298 of 298 | 96 of 96 |
| On the market since | - | 2017 |
| Replaced | Kumho Winter Craft WP51 | Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 (2012) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Pilot Alpin 5 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 36% 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 pits two very different winter propositions against each other: the Kumho Winter Craft WP52, a value-focused premium-touring tire, versus the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, an ultra-high-performance winter tire aimed at drivers who prioritize precision and maximum grip. Both target passenger cars but with distinct intents and pricing.
Across five shared professional tests from 2023-2025, the Michelin consistently finished at or near the top, sweeping all five overall comparisons. The Kumho often delivered competent, safe behavior-particularly on dry roads and with decent snow ability for its class-but struggled to match Michelin's across-the-board pace, especially in wet and snow metrics where stopping distances and handling margins matter most.
Conclusion
The data is unequivocal: Michelin's Pilot Alpin 5 dominates the objective categories that most affect winter safety and control-snow braking/traction/handling, wet braking and handling, aquaplaning resistance, and typically dry stopping-while also running quieter and with slightly lower rolling resistance in multiple tests. Its margins are often small in the dry but meaningfully larger in the wet and on snow (commonly 5-10% gains in braking and traction), translating to tangible real-world safety buffers.
The Kumho WP52 remains a sensible, budget-conscious option with good general manners, competitive dry braking, and occasional strengths (e.g., curved aquaplaning in one test). If you're cost-led and drive mostly urban or mild-winter routes, it gets the job done. But for drivers facing mixed conditions, frequent wet, or reliable snow, the Pilot Alpin 5 is the clear benchmark despite its higher price-offering the broadest performance envelope and the most consistent safety margin.
Winter Craft WP52 vs Pilot Alpin 5: your questions
Is the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 or the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 the better tire?
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished ahead 5 times and the Winter Craft WP52 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter Craft WP52 scores 8.3 and the Pilot Alpin 5 9.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winter Craft WP52 or the Pilot Alpin 5?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 12 of the 15 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.5% shorter in the wet across 5 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 5 of the 7 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.1% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 13 of the 13 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 6.3% shorter on snow across 5 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Pilot Alpin 5 had 2.8% lower rolling resistance (3 tests). Owners rate wear 6.8/10 for the Winter Craft WP52 and 9/10 for the Pilot Alpin 5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Pilot Alpin 5 was 1.5 dB quieter (2 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.3/10 for the Winter Craft WP52 and 8.3/10 for the Pilot Alpin 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9 reviews and the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33. 63% of Winter Craft WP52 owners would buy it again, against 84% for the Pilot Alpin 5.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Pilot Alpin 5 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 36% 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 Pilot Alpin 5 in 81 (16 to 23 inch). 21 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 Pilot Alpin 5 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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