Kumho Winter Craft WP52 vs Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
- TR Score
- 8.3/10
- Owners say
- 68% · 9
- TR Score
- 6.6/10
- Owners say
- 71% · 8
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 finished ahead 5 times and the Premitra Snow WP6 twice. The Winter Craft WP52 stopped 7.4% shorter in the wet; the Premitra Snow WP6 held 24.2% more grip in curved aquaplaning.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Kumho WinterCraft WP52 for the safest all-round winter road use-especially in wet, cold-dry conditions and for strong value and wear. Pick Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 if your priority is aquaplaning security on waterlogged motorways and you drive more often in deeper slush/snow, accepting longer wet stopping distances.
Where the Winter Craft WP52 is stronger
- Class-leading wet braking across sizes (up to ~18% shorter vs WP6)
- Consistently better dry braking and stable dry/wet handling
- Strong wear and overall value in comparative tests
Where the Premitra Snow WP6 is stronger
- Excellent aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved)
- Competitive snow braking and snow slalom in several tests
- Low external noise in some evaluations
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 Premitra Snow WP6 at a glance
| Category | Winter Craft WP52 | Gap | Premitra Snow WP6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 5 | 2 | |
| Dry5 measurements | 5 | The Winter Craft WP52 stopped 5.5% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 0 |
| Wet18 measurements | 7 | The Premitra Snow WP6 held 24.2% more grip in curved aquaplaning (3 tests) | 11 |
| Snow10 measurements | 4 | The Premitra Snow WP6 stopped 2.8% shorter on snow (4 tests) | 6 |
| Ice1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Comfort2 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Value5 measurements | 3 | The Winter Craft WP52 had 4.4% lower rolling resistance (2 tests) | 2 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.3/10 | The Winter Craft WP52 by 1.7 | 6.6/10 |
| Owner rating9 and 8 reviews | 68% | The Premitra Snow WP6 by 3 points | 71% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 63% | Too close to call | 63% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | +2.3% | The Winter Craft WP52 was dearer in 1 of 2 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 84 | 38 sizes made in both | 63 |
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 7 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 | Premitra Snow WP6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P4 of 51 | P44 of 51 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test | P7 of 12 | P11 of 12 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P12 of 16 | P13 of 16 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P2 of 55 | P41 of 55 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P25 of 54 | P34 of 54 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P17 of 20 | P15 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P19 of 56 | P11 of 56 |
Performance profile
13 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winter Craft WP52
Premitra Snow WP6
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 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 4 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
Premitra Snow WP6
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
Premitra Snow WP6
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9 reviews and the Premitra Snow WP6 71% from 8. 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 | Premitra Snow WP6 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 139 | 5.5% | 147 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71 | 1% | 70.2 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 125 | 7.4% | 135 | 5-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 133 | 5.2% | 140 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 47.4 | 0.1% | 47.3 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 14.66 | 1.9% | 14.41 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 46 | 6.9% | 49.1 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.4 | 24.2% | 9.3 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71 | 2.8% | 69 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 402 | 0.1% | 404 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36.3 | 1.2% | 35.8 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12 | 2.5% | 12.3 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 56 | 7.6% | 61 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.75 | 0.7 dB | 72.05 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 27,282 | 21.9% | 23,550 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.5 | 4.4% | 8.89 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71 | 9.9% | 64 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Premitra Snow WP6 6.6 out of 10.
| Winter Craft WP52 | Category | Premitra Snow WP6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | Dry | 44 | ||
| 68 | Wet | 63 | ||
| 21 | Comfort | 46 | ||
| 72 | Value | 50 | ||
| 38 | Snow | 36 | ||
| 56 | Ice | 12 | ||
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 | Premitra Snow WP6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.7 | Dry Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 6.8 | Wet Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 6.9 | Road Feedback | 7.7 | ||
| 7.1 | Handling | 7.7 | ||
| 6.8 | Wear | 7.9 | ||
| 7.3 | Comfort | 6.8 | ||
| 7.3 | Snow Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 5.3 | Ice Grip | 7.8 | ||
Owners rate the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9 reviews and the Premitra Snow WP6 71% from 8. 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.
Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
- 71%from 8 reviews
- 63%would buy again
- 30,000 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally report the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 as a strong-performing winter tire, with frequent praise for confident grip in snow/ice and capable wet-road handling, especially considering the price. Most high-scoring reviews are very satisfied and would buy it again. A smaller minority report notable road noise/humming, sometimes described as a growl or drone, which can undermine overall comfort.
- strong snow traction
- good ice grip
- confident wet handling/grip
- good value for money
- increased road noise/humming
Summarised by AI from 8 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 8 Premitra Snow WP6 reviewsThe Maxxis WP6 is good enough for normal Dutch winter driving. Straight-line aquaplaning resistance is good and overall grip levels are acceptable.
However, on dry and wet roads the tires lack feedback when cornering. Steering feel is vague and the car feels slightly floaty, especially in faster bends and motorway exits.
Snow traction is good and steering on snow is acceptable. On icy roads the rear of the car felt unstable, with a subtle side-to-side movement.
Previously driven on Firestone Winterhawk 2, Michelin Alpin A4 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5. Of those, the Dunlop offered the best overall balance and driver confidence.
Overall I’m satisfied, but I would not buy them again. Next time I would try the Kumho WP52 or return to a premium brand.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 84 sizes of the Winter Craft WP52 and 63 of the Premitra Snow WP6, 38 of them made in both.
| Category | Winter Craft WP52 | Premitra Snow WP6 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 84 sizes, 13 to 21 inch | 63 sizes, 14 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 38 sizes 175/65 R14185/55 R15185/60 R15185/65 R15195/55 R15195/65 R15185/60 R16195/45 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16and 26 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B86%A14% | B70%C28%A1% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C67%D30%B3% | D79%C21% |
| EU label noise | 71-72 dB B100% | 69-72 dB B73%A27% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 298 of 298 | 71 of 71 |
| On the market since | - | 2020 |
| Replaced | Kumho Winter Craft WP51 | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Winter Craft WP52 was the dearer tire in 1 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 2.3% 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 value-leaning premium-touring winter tires against each other: Kumho WinterCraft WP52 and Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6. Across seven shared tests from 2022-2025 and multiple sizes, the Kumho consistently finishes higher overall, highlighted by standout wet-braking results and balanced dry/wet road manners.
Maxxis counters with notably stronger aquaplaning resistance and a mild edge in some snow metrics. The question is whether Maxxis's water-clearing security and snow braking offset Kumho's repeatedly shorter stopping distances on wet and dry tarmac and its better wear/value performance in key tests.
Conclusion
Overall, the Kumho WinterCraft WP52 emerges as the more rounded road-biased winter tire. It repeatedly delivers shorter wet and dry braking (e.g., 33.5 m vs 41 m wet in 225/40 R18, and 32.6 m vs 35.6 m in 245/45 R18) and places far higher in big comparative rankings (4/52 vs 44/52; 2/55 vs 41/55). Kumho also shows strong wear/value credentials in 2022 testing and solid ice braking, making it the safer all-rounder for mixed winter commutes dominated by rain, slush, and cold dry roads.
The Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 suits drivers prioritizing hydroplaning security and occasional snow-focused use. It leads straight and curved aquaplaning consistently and nicks some snow categories, though it suffers from longer wet braking and slower, less precise steering. For most everyday winter driving, Kumho is the safer bet; for frequent standing-water motorways or deeper slush where float speed matters, Maxxis has appeal.
Winter Craft WP52 vs Premitra Snow WP6: your questions
Is the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 or the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 the better tire?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 finished ahead 5 times and the Premitra Snow WP6 twice. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter Craft WP52 scores 8.3 and the Premitra Snow WP6 6.6 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winter Craft WP52 or the Premitra Snow WP6?
The Premitra Snow WP6 led 11 of the 18 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 24.2% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Winter Craft WP52 led 5 of the 5 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.5% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Premitra Snow WP6 led 6 of the 10 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.8% shorter on snow across 4 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winter Craft WP52 had 4.4% lower rolling resistance (2 tests). Owners rate wear 6.8/10 for the Winter Craft WP52 and 7.9/10 for the Premitra Snow WP6.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.3/10 for the Winter Craft WP52 and 6.8/10 for the Premitra Snow WP6.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winter Craft WP52 68% from 9 reviews and the Premitra Snow WP6 71% from 8. 63% of Winter Craft WP52 owners would buy it again, against 63% for the Premitra Snow WP6.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the Winter Craft WP52 was the dearer tire in 1 of them, by 2.3% 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 Premitra Snow WP6 in 63 (14 to 20 inch). 38 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 Premitra Snow WP6 B and D.
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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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