Tested 4 times by independent publications, the Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 has taken 1 test wins with an average finish of 3rd.
Top Tire Review 2026 UUHP Tire Test P2 of 3
The Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 finished a strong second overall. It has no real weakness and genuine strengths in aquaplaning resistance and comfort, and for the money it makes a compelling case against the established premium names in the UUHP class.
Where the Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tires. Field beaten is the share of the other tires it outranked in that measurement.
| Discipline | Tests | Avg finish | Field beaten | Firsts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | ||||
| Dry Braking | 4 | P2.8 of 6.5 | 68% | 1 |
| Dry Handling | 4 | P4 of 6.5 | 36% | - |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 3 | P2.7 of 6 | 46% | - |
| Dry Circle | 1 | P3 of 10 | 78% | - |
| Subj. Road Score | 1 | P1 of 10 | 100% | 1 |
| Wet | ||||
| Wet Braking | 4 | P3.3 of 6.5 | 58% | - |
| Wet Handling | 3 | P3.3 of 7 | 57% | - |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 2 | P2.5 of 6.5 | 64% | - |
| Wet Circle | 3 | P3.3 of 7 | 44% | - |
| Straight Aqua | 2 | P2.5 of 5.5 | 79% | 1 |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 1 | P2 of 3 | 50% | - |
| Comfort | ||||
| Subj. Comfort | 3 | P2 of 5.3 | 82% | 1 |
| Noise | 3 | P3.3 of 5.3 | 51% | - |
| Value | ||||
| Rolling Resistance | 2 | P4.5 of 5.5 | 14% | - |
Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
| Rival | Shared tests | Ahead | Behind | Level | Finished ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
3 shared: 1 ahead, 1 behind
Compare with Pilot Sport 4 S |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 50% |
 Continental SportContact 7
3 shared: 0 ahead, 3 behind
Compare with SportContact 7 |
3 | 0 | 3 | - | 0% |
The same record for the tire it replaced and the tire that replaced it.
| Tire | Tests | Wins | Avg finish | Field beaten |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kumho Ecsta PS71 Predecessor | 15 | 0 | 9th | 53% |
| Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 This tire | 4 | 1 | 3rd | 57% |
Drawn from 4 tests. Updated July 7, 2026.
Across four UUHP summer tests, the Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 shows a clear pattern of strong all-round performance with standout braking ability and competitive wet grip, regularly finishing in the top half and even taking an overall win in a large-group comparison. Its results suggest a tire that can run close to class leaders in key dynamic metrics (often within ~1-4% of the best in wet and dry handling/braking), while also offering good subjective road manners/comfort in multiple tests.
The main weaknesses are efficiency and some inconsistency when the field broadens: rolling resistance repeatedly places near the bottom, and in one 8-tire test its wet braking/overall wet metrics slipped to mid-pack/lower-mid, indicating it's not uniformly top-tier in all wet disciplines versus the best premium options. Still, the overall profile is “value challenger” with genuinely high performance, especially where braking confidence and balanced wet handling matter most.
was the most comfortable tire on the road- Top Tire Review 2026 UUHP Tire Test (2026)
joint third for subjective comfort- 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tire Test (2026)
excels in comfort, noise control, and composure- 2025 Tire Rack UUHP Summer Tire Test (2025)
resisted straight-line aquaplaning better than either premium rival- Top Tire Review 2026 UUHP Tire Test (2026)
joint fourth for dry braking- 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tire Test (2026)
took the shortest dry braking distance at 110 ft- 2025 AutoView Sports Tire Test (2025)
excels in comfort, noise control, and composure- 2025 Tire Rack UUHP Summer Tire Test (2025)
Rolling resistance was the highest in the test- Top Tire Review 2026 UUHP Tire Test (2026)
Its rolling resistance is sixth as well- 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tire Test (2026)
Rolling resistance was the worst on test- 2025 AutoView Sports Tire Test (2025)
trailed on dry handling both against the stopwatch and in subjective steering feel- Top Tire Review 2026 UUHP Tire Test (2026)
It gives a little away in dry handling, sixth- 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tire Test (2026)
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
The Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 finished a strong second overall. It has no real weakness and genuine strengths in aquaplaning resistance and comfort, and for the money it makes a compelling case against the established premium names in the UUHP class.
The Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 is the cheapest tire in the test and delivers decent overall performance without any serious weaknesses. Wet skidpad grip matches the Hankook exactly, and dry braking is solid at 116 ft. Dry handling is a step behind the leaders, and wet braking distances are slightly longer. For the price, it represents a sensible budget option that doesn't compromise safety in a meaningful way.
The Ecsta Sport S finished third with 92.1 points. Best in dry braking and joint-best in lateral grip, with steering feel and rolling resistance the two main areas AutoView would like to see refined. Strong value for the performance on offer.
A new category leader that excels in comfort, noise control, and composure while still delivering quick, balanced wet and dry performance. Its road refinement is unmatched in the group, and while it’s just shy of the absolute best in ultimate grip, its overall package is outstanding.
Owner reviews, sizes and EU label data, comparisons and the Tire Reviews score. All Kumho tires