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Kumho Ecsta PS71

The Kumho Ecsta PS71 is a mid-range Ultra High Performance summer tire that consistently impresses with confident wet-weather grip and secure, predictable handling. It often feels close to more expensive premium options for day-to-day pace, especially in the rain, and many drivers rate it as strong value. The main compromises are higher road noise and tread life that can be below average depending on vehicle and driving style.

8.1
Tire Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
High Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
86%
Wet Grip
81%
Road Feedback
80%
Handling
80%
Wear
72%
Comfort
74%
Buy again
70%
82 Reviews
78% Average
595,111 miles driven
15 Tests (avg: 9th)
Kumho Ecsta PS71

Kumho Ecsta PS71

Summer Mid-Range
BETA
8.1 / 10
Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews · High Confidence · Updated 23 Feb 2026

The Tire Reviews Score is the most comprehensive tire scoring system available. It aggregates professional test data from multiple independent publications, user reviews, and consistency analysis using Bayesian statistical methods, weighted normalisation, and recency-adjusted scoring to produce a single, reliable performance rating.

Learn more about our methodology
Wet
84.9
2x / 35 tests
Dry
70.5
1.8x / 19 tests
Value
62.9
0.42x / 22 tests
Comfort
59
0.32x / 11 tests

Cross-category scores are derived metrics that combine data from multiple test disciplines to evaluate real-world performance characteristics.

Braking
81.3
26 tests
Handling
72.7
15 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 15
Publications: 6
Period: 2018 - 2025
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 82
Avg Rating: 77.7%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.33
History Points: 10
Methodology & Configuration
Scoring Process
  1. Collect Test Data: Gather results from professional tire tests across multiple publications. Minimum 1 test(s) required.
  2. Normalize Positions: Convert test positions to percentile scores using exponential weighting (factor: 1.2).
  3. Apply Recency Weighting: More recent tests are weighted higher with a decay rate of 0.95.
  4. Incorporate User Reviews: Factor in user review data (minimum 5 reviews). Weight: 15%.
  5. Bayesian Smoothing: Apply Bayesian prior (score: 7, weight: 1.5) to prevent extreme scores with limited data.
  6. Calculate Final Score: Combine all components using normalization factor of 1.1. Max score with limited data: 9.5.
Component Weights
Test Data
80%
User Reviews
15%
Consistency
5%
All Configuration Parameters
ParameterValueDescription
safety_weight 0.7 Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
performance_weight 0.55 Weight multiplier for performance metrics
comfort_weight 0.4 Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
value_weight 0.45 Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
user_reviews_weight 0.15 How much user reviews contribute to the final score
test_data_weight 0.8 How much professional test data contributes to the final score
consistency_weight 0.05 How much score consistency contributes to the final score
recency_decay_rate 0.95 Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
min_test_count 1 Minimum number of professional tests required
min_review_count 5 Minimum number of user reviews required
score_version 1.9 Current version of the scoring algorithm
score_normalization_factor 1.1 Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
confidence_factor_weight 0.2 How much data confidence affects the final score
position_penalty_weight 0.2 Penalty applied for poor test positions
gap_penalty_threshold 12 Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
min_metrics_count 2 Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
limited_data_threshold 2 Number of tests below which data is considered limited
single_test_penalty 0.75 Score multiplier when only one test is available
critical_metric_penalty 0.7 Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
critical_metric_threshold 70 Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
position_exponential_factor 1.2 Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
position_exponential_threshold 0.9 Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
gap_multiplier_critical 3 Multiplier for critical gap penalties
max_category_weight 2 Maximum weight any single category can have
max_score_limited_data 9.5 Score cap when data is limited
bayesian_prior_weight 1.5 Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
bayesian_prior_score 7 Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
evidence_test_multiplier 1.9 Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
evidence_metric_divisor 3 Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
evidence_review_divisor 10 Divisor for review count in evidence calculation
combined_penalty_floor 0.2
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test Auto Bild 2025 225/40 R18 4/21 12 metrics
2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test ADAC 2025 225/40 R18 13/18 10 metrics
2025 Summer Tire Test Shootout Auto Bild 2025 225/40 R18 4/52 2 metrics
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test Auto Bild 2023 225/45 R18 5/21 11 metrics
2023 Summer Tire Market Overview Auto Bild 2023 225/45 R18 12/48 2 metrics
2022 Tire Reviews UUHP Summer Tire Test Tire Reviews 2022 255/35 R19 6/10 9 metrics
2021 ADAC Summer Tire Test - 225/50 R17 ADAC 2021 225/50 R17 3/17 1 metrics
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test Auto Bild 2020 245/45 R18 17/20 10 metrics
2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tire Test ADAC 2020 225/40 R18 9/16 1 metrics
2020 Tire Market Overview Braking Test Auto Bild 2020 245/45 R18 5/49 2 metrics
2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test Auto Bild 2019 225/45 R17 20/20 11 metrics
2019 Summer 53 Tire Braking Shootout Auto Bild 2019 225/45 R17 18/45 2 metrics
2018 Ace 235/45 R18 Summer Tire Test ACE 2018 235/45 R18 2/11 0 metrics
2018 Test World Summer Tire Test Test World 2018 225/45 R17 8/16 7 metrics
2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars 2018 245/30 R20 7/8 7 metrics

Videos

These are the BEST UUHP TIRES you can buy for your car in 2022/23!

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15
Tests
9th
Average
2nd
Best
20th
Worst
Latest Tire Test Results
4th/52
2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18 • 2025
13th/18
The Kumho Ecsta PS71 achieves a "satisfactory" overall rating due to its "satisfactory" performance in driving safety, hindered by its performance on dry roads. It performs well on wet roads. Its environmental performance is also "satisfactory," contributing to the overall rating. On dry roads, it offers inadequate feedback, lacks precision, and is sensitive to temperature, resulting in unstable handling. However, it achieves excellent braking. On wet roads, it performs well, with near-excellent braking and excellent handling. Its aquaplaning resistance is good, but it narrowly misses a "good" rating for lateral aquaplaning. Its environmental performance is limited by a low projected mileage and average abrasion and efficiency.
The Kumho Ecsta PS71 impressed with excellent aquaplaning reserves (scoring best in the straight aquaplaning test), convincing driving dynamics, secure handling and short braking distances in all conditions. Its wet handling performance was particularly noteworthy, achieving some of the best times in the wet handling course. The tire offered good mileage of over 42,000 kilometers and excellent cost performance at just €7.49 per 1000 kilometers, making it a value choice among the premium performers. Its balanced abilities and excellent price-performance ratio earned it an "exemplary" rating.
Size Fuel Wet Noise
16 inch
205/55R16 91 V B B 70
205/60R16 92 V A A 71
205/60R16 92 V A A 71
205/60R16 96 V XL C B 70
205/60R16 92 V A A 71
17 inch
215/45R17 91 V XL A A 72
265/65R17 112 V C A 72
235/65R17 108 V XL C A 72
235/65R17 108 V C A 72
225/45R17 91 W C B 70
215/45R17 91 W XL B A 70
225/45R17 91 W C B 70
215/55R17 94 W D A 70
215/55R17 94 W B A 71
225/45R17 94 W XL B A 69
225/45R17 94 Y XL C A 72
225/45R17 94 Y XL C A 72
205/50R17 93 Y XL C A 72
225/45R17 91 Y D A 71
225/50R17 98 Y XL C A 72
225/45R17 91 W C A 71
215/45R17 91 Y XL C A 72
225/50R17 98 W XL C A 71
215/55R17 94 W D A 70
225/45R17 91 Y D A 71
225/45R17 91 W C A 71
225/50R17 98 Y XL C A 72
225/50R17 98 Y XL C A 72
215/55R17 94 W D A 70
205/50R17 93 Y XL C A 72
215/45R17 91 Y XL C A 72
215/45R17 91 W XL B A 70
215/55R17 94 H A B 69
225/45R17 94 Y XL C A 72
225/50R17 98 W XL C A 71
18 inch
235/60R18 103 T B A 71
235/60R18 103 T B A 71
235/60R18 103 T B A 71
235/60R18 107 V XL A A 72
235/60R18 107 V XL A A 72
235/60R18 107 W XL C B 72
235/60R18 107 W XL C B 72
235/60R18 107 W XL C B 72
245/45R18 100 Y XL C A 72
245/40R18 97 Y XL D A 72
245/45R18 100 Y XL C A 72
225/40R18 92 Y XL D A 72
225/40R18 92 Y XL D A 72
245/40R18 97 Y XL D A 72
225/40R18 92 Y XL D A 72
245/45R18 100 Y XL C A 72
255/35R18 94 Y XL D A 72
19 inch
235/35R19 91 Y XL D A 72
20 inch
255/45R20 101 V B A 71
255/45R20 105 V XL B A 73
255/45R20 101 V B A 71
255/45R20 101 V B A 71
255/45R20 105 V XL B A 73
255/45R20 105 V XL B A 73
255/45R20 101 V B A 71
245/35R20 95 Y XL D A 72
255/45R20 105 Y XL C A 73
245/35R20 95 Y XL D A 72
245/35R20 95 Y XL D A 72
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Kumho Ecsta PS71 >>

Questions and Answers for the Kumho Ecsta PS71

Ask a question
August 19, 2019

Which pressure do You recommend for track. I use 2.9 kg on road.

Start with your road pressure and keep adjusting back to it as the tires heat up, then you can balance the car once everything is warm.
May 14, 2021

Hi! Is PS71 or PS91 better for a use on a Hobby-car only in the summer? The rim is 8x18 and the car is an Alfa Romeo Spider MY2001.

I would say the PS91 is the more sport focused and newer pattern, however if it's a summer only hobby car you could also consider something like the Cup 2.
November 16, 2023

Does the Kumho Ecsta PS71 SUV come with rim protection?

Rim protection varies by size, we don't store data for each side so you would have to contact Kumho with your tire size to find out.
January 23, 2025

Are ECSTA PS71’s a run flat tire? We have recently had these fitted to our 2020 A1 Audi, replacing Goodyear Eagle F1’s. Tire size is 215/40/18

I believe there are some sizes of the PS71 in runflat, but you would have to check the sidewall for some sort of runflat marking. It might be branded XRP on a Kumho tire.
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Review Summary

Based on 80 user 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.

Strengths
  • Wet grip
  • Dry grip
  • Predictable handling
  • Value for money
  • High-speed stability
  • Comfort (generally)
Areas for Improvement
  • Road noise
  • Tread wear/longevity
  • Balancing issues/egg-shaped defects

Top 3 Kumho Ecsta PS71 Reviews

Given 88% while driving a Audi A5 2.0TFSI Quattro (275/30 R20) on mostly motorways for 2,000 spirited miles
Had these tires on a 2019 Audi A5 Sportback S-Line with 20" Rims. After 2000km, I love these tires. My requirements were everyday comfort and minimal road noise, with a great balance in performance.

They were great in the dry, but where I really noticed their edge was in the wet. They give plenty of confidence while driving, braking, turning, and braking in the turn on wet roads, and this was exactly like the reviews I had read before.

Summary, highly recommend.
August 7, 2025
Given 79% while driving a Hyundai 2011 Sonata 2.4 gls (245/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 15,000 spirited miles
After 15k km or so of street driving, I took the car these are on to my first ever autocross event. These tires held up extremely well for being an over 300tw tire. They jumped about 6psi when they got hot, but they held a consistent pressure once they were hot. Dropped them 5-8 psi at all corners and they were happy and consistent; no sidewall rollover and neutral, linear handling. They don't show any major damage from the event, but they probably will be lucky to get another 10k or so from them. I'm not sure I can blame that on the tires though, as the last 3 sets of other brands I've had on the car have also only lasted about 30k at most. They are pretty noisy after a while though and they tend to scallop the inner edge a bit.
May 21, 2025
Given 81% while driving a BMW E30 (205/45 R16) on track for 500 spirited miles
After being used to old Federal 595RSR track tires, these are most certainly not in the same ball-park for outright grip as more aggressive track-orientated tires. I will say, I have been immensely surprised at an initial outing at Cadwell Park, covering around 100 track miles.
The Kumho provides a surprising amount of grip for a regular street tire; which eventually breaks away predictably. You can feel the taller tread blocks moving around a little, but it adds to the fun enabling the car to move around a bit more than a track tire would perhaps let you.
The tires seemed to wear a minimal amount and were not overcome by heat or scorching as I had feared they would; running about 32psi.
Will be interested to see how they continue to wear and perform with a few more trackdays.
July 21, 2025

How would you rate the Kumho Ecsta PS71?

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Latest Kumho Ecsta PS71 Reviews

Given 83% while driving a Mercedes Benz 220 cdi advantgarde (245/40 R17) on mostly motorways for 5,000 average miles
Excellent tire at an afforable price. I would buy it again
November 16, 2025
Given 100% while driving a Honda Integra R DC5 (215/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 3,000 spirited miles
Excellent tires, grip up well regardless of weather conditions. 10/10 would buy again.
September 9, 2025
Check out how the BEST all seasons tires perform against premium summer and winter tires!
Given 41% while driving a Peugeot e208 (225/45 R17) on mostly town for 15,000 easy going miles
Have 4 of theses on a 2022 Peugeot 208 EV, noisy tire, car isnt quiet as it was with the original Michelin E-primacy but the michelins are fierce money. The tire pressure monitor came on when driving one day and i stopped and checked all tires and they were ok , i even ran my had around all tires to see if there was a screw or a nail in the tire and nothing so continued driving and after about 10 minutes the car very noisy and handling was bad so i knew i had a puncture and pulled in. I have a compressor in the boot so i tried to pump up the tire and air was flying out so i got the tire sealant and it was workig but the tire was blowing up in lumps so i knew the tire was all twisted. When i looked at the tire there was a big piece of rubber that came away from the tire so i seems to me the tire was bad and deformed and these tires are only a little over half worn also from the picture you can see cracks in between the treads. Whe i was looking up tires i did see a lot of people complained about thes tires loosing their shape and thats exactly what happened to this tire. On my experience i wont be buying kumho tires again . The tire is gone back to the garage that fitted them so i will wait and see what happens. I now have to buy 2 new tires even though the kumhos are only half worn.
July 28, 2025
Given 67% while driving a Ford Mustang (255/40 R19) on mostly motorways for 12,000 spirited miles
Dry:
If you're driving in hot climates (from 20C up) they're quite good (8/10) because handling, braking and stiffness feel just right. They are super noisy for a summer tire, above 90kmh they feel on par with Vredestein Quatrac Pro which are all season tires! The grip is not comparable to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S but that's to be expected.

Wet:
Rain behavior is interesting because they do slip (cars tamer than my Mustang probably wont make them slip at all) but they slip predictably and progressively without snapping, the central grooves are wider than usual so aquaplaning doesn't happen easily. They're okay in my opinion, grip is limited but they warn you soon enough.

Cold:
Kumho PS71 are terrible in the cold (below 10C) they are super stiff and they snap easily even in the dry (cool if you want to do some drifting but dangerous) and they're terrifying in wet conditions, I went on a 18% steep downhill at around 3C temperature on a relatively dry road (it rained the night before but most of the road was dry with some wet patches) and the wheels locked up with minimal and gentle brake input so I had to engine brake at 4k rpm to not slide, this would never happen with Continental SportContact or Bridgestone Potenza high-end summer tire. I never tested these tires below freezing or during winter luckily.

Durability:
No rim protection which on big wheels and low profile should be standard, wear is disappointing considering how stiff the tire is, probably the hard compound tears down more than softer rubber. Rear axle went flush with the wear bars before 18tkm and the front before 25tkm of course the Mustang will eat through the rear tires like butter considering how heavy and powerful it is but a Pilot Sport 4S will last almost 30tkm and provide significantly more grip throughout the entire lifespan...

Conclusion:
Good budget tire for hot climates, to be avoided at all cost in cold environment. I would not buy this tire again unless I get a super good deal (max 110€ per tire compared to Continental which are 160€)
April 7, 2025
Given 59% while driving a Mazda MX5 (205/45 R16) on a combination of roads for 10,000 spirited miles
Tested on 2000 NB MX5 with Teinz coilovers

I have another review closer to the beginning of life for these tires, this is a near end of life update

got the MX5 aligned recently, and although it drove well before (its hard to find a poor handling mx5) the toe out on the front destroyed the tires faster than they otherwise would have worn.

however with the new alignment (F: 0 toe; -1.5 camber; 4.5 caster R: -1.3 camber; -0.50mm toe) both the car and tires feel alot better.

I also have done a track day with them, they felt great for about 1 1/2 laps of a ~1 minute track but become really greasy afterward as they overheat somewhat quick. this said that is not a criticism of the tire as it is not designed for track work.

Dry grip on the Twisties / Touge is very good and unless you are really pushing it (to the dismay of local law enforcement) these have more than adequate grip for fun spirited driving. However you can get them loose if you try and of course will not have the pace of dedicated semislicks.

wet grip is very good, you can get them loose with some ease if you try, however to do so would not be 'driving to conditions'. for their class in an Australian climate their wet grip is great (probably not PS4S great, but not so bad it's dangerous.)

only thing I'd say is wear is not that great, granted i did have a poor alignment that accelerated wear, but i would eyeball the wear as below average for it's class. not horrible, not great either. the PS71's on my MX5 have lasted 15,000 km of driving on a harsh alignment (toe out on front) 60-70% of that driving was at 7-9 tenths on twisty roads, so abnormally hard compared to most.

I wouldn't recommend this tire to those who drive Touge / Track at pace often in summer or in a climate where you can run summer tires year round (like australia) . go for a semi slick in that case if you can stomach the poor wet performance. or a PS4/PS4s/PS5/PSs5 if it is in your size (PS4/PS5 also overheat on track so keep that in mind) a PS71 is simply not made for a Track/ heavy Touge use case.

if you need wet weather grip and take your car for a 6-8 tenths run every now and then but need a good daily tire, these tires will be great value for money.

a PSA:
get an alignment. Don't care if you've had the car for a month and the previous owner said they got one recently, get an alignment as any handling or wear issues cannot be blamed on the tire unless you personally have taken your car to get an alignment yourself. a fresh alignment, especially custom performance specs (do your research!) can have a monumental impact on how the car feels regardless of tire choice.
April 6, 2025
Given 90% while driving a Jaguar XF (245/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 1,000 average miles
Fitted to 2014 Jaguar XF, replacing Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 6s, and the difference is not that noticeable. Plenty of grip in the wet and dry, and good handling, although I drive fairly conservatively. Perfect for day to day use, and quite a bit cheaper than premium brands. Only unknown is wear as I’ve only had them for a month, but then the Goodyears tended to wear out fairly rapidly anyway.
April 1, 2025
Given 87% while driving a Mazda Mazda3 (BM/BN 2014 2018) (215/45 R18) on mostly motorways for 30,000 average miles
They perform well on dry and wet roads. I regularly drive on the highway. I've put 15,000 km on them and think they have reasonable wear. On the downside, I find them quite noisy and my car isn't well insulated, so I won't buy them again when they need replacing. I'll look for quieter ones.
March 24, 2025
Given 93% while driving a Ford Mk5 Mondeo 2.0 (225/50 R17) on a combination of roads for 1,200 spirited miles
In all but noise level the tire is top, better then many more expensive "premium" brands I have had over the years. Grip, handling, breaking and comfort both wet (most impressive) and dry, performs exceptionally well at low temp. Highly recommend.
March 16, 2025
Given 66% while driving a Citroën DS3 (205/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 10,000 spirited miles
A little bit disappointed with these tires. Bought them for a Citroen DS3 1.6 diesel (90hp).

I do mostly driving up and down the Peak District for my commute, so there's a lot of twisty roads and lots of braking and acceleration due to the hills.

Grip is great in the dry and wet, and have good aquaplane resistance on a straight line. Decent grip around the corners, but can occasionally trigger the traction control if you accidentally floor it mid corner. Fuel economy is decent, and from my experience, it has fairly low roll resistance. Braking distance is average, but stable.

However, I can see why these have good performance for the price, and it's because of the poor wear.

Bought these with 7mm tread new on all corners. They are already down to 3mm at the front and 6mm at the back, after only 10,000 miles.

They were £86 per tire when I got them. Would probably buy them again, if I was strapped for cash. But might be better to get something a little bit more expensive, but with better wear resistance.
January 16, 2025
Given 79% while driving a MINI Cooper S (205/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 350 spirited miles
Premium tire attributes for good price. Wet grip is great, tire construction is very good. Sidewall stiff enough for relatively lightweight Cooper S. Michelin Pilot Sports are better, but if budget won't stretch, these are a good substitute.
December 12, 2024
Given 100% while driving a Volvo V70D5 (205/60 R16) on a combination of roads for 18,000 spirited miles
Surprisingly good tires, both on dry and wet roads, I've never had a problem with braking, skidding, or aquaplaning. I can only recommend them.
October 14, 2024
Given 91% while driving a BMW 520d Tourer (265/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 23,500 average miles
Great tires for the price! 23,500 miles and 15 months driving before they were down to minimum wear markers and needed replaced, which on my BMW F11 520D rear wheel drive seems to be about average life expectancy. Tires never lost grip once, wet or dry. I would have preferred if they lasted at bit longer, but I tow a caravan about in the summer months which probably shortens their life.They seemed to get a little noiser when they were well worn down.
August 26, 2024
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