Menu
Kumho Winter Craft WP52 View Gallery (4)
155-255/35-80 R13-21 297 sizes Winter rated
Tested by Tire Reviews View Test »

Kumho Winter Craft WP52

Previous Kumho Tires Premium Touring Winter

The Kumho Winter Craft WP52 is a mid-range premium touring winter tire that majors on dry-road security and strong value. It consistently impresses for dry braking and predictable handling, and most drivers report dependable traction in winter conditions. The trade-off is that wet performance can feel less confidence-inspiring, particularly in standing water, where aquaplaning resistance is a known weak point.

8.6
Tire Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
High Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
78%
Wet Grip
68%
Road Feedback
70%
Handling
73%
Wear
74%
Comfort
74%
Buy again
64%
Snow Grip
73%
Ice Grip
50%
8 Reviews
69% Average
82,000 miles driven
11 Tests (avg: 11th)
Kumho Winter Craft WP52

Kumho Winter Craft WP52

Winter Mid-Range
BETA
8.6 / 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
Category Scores
Ice
91.7
1.2x / 2 tests
Dry
83.9
1.13x / 13 tests
Snow
77.5
1.5x / 27 tests
Wet
75.1
1.93x / 34 tests
Value
74.2
0.42x / 18 tests
Comfort
68.3
0.32x / 6 tests
Cross-Category Performance

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

Braking
83.3
32 tests
Handling
77.7
18 tests
Traction
75.9
7 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 11
Publications: 5
Period: 2022 - 2025
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 8
Avg Rating: 69.2%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.34
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 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! Auto Bild 2025 225/40 R18 4/52 2 metrics
2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad 2024 245/45 R18 7/13 12 metrics
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2024 205/55 R16 15/23 15 metrics
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test ADAC 2024 215/55 R17 12/16 10 metrics
2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test Auto Bild 2024 205/55 R16 2/55 2 metrics
2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars 2023 225/40 R18 7/12 12 metrics
2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test Auto Bild 2023 225/45 R18 25/54 2 metrics
2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test Tire Reviews 2023 225/45 R18 9/13 14 metrics
2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test ADAC 2023 225/45 R17 9/15 13 metrics
2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2022 215/55 R17 17/22 16 metrics
2022 Winter Tire Market Overview Auto Bild 2022 215/55 R17 19/57 2 metrics

Videos

Best 11 Winter Tires for 2023/24 - Tested and Rated

Best 11 Winter Tires for 2023/24 - Tested and Rated

In Depth Tire Comparisons
View More Comparisons
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Kumho Winter Craft WP52
Hankook Winter i cept evo3 vs Kumho Winter Craft WP52
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Kumho Winter Craft WP52
Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Kumho Winter Craft WP52
Kumho Winter Craft WP52 vs Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
Kumho Winter Craft WP52 vs Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
All Tests
View Test Results
11
Tests
11th
Average
2nd
Best
25th
Worst
Latest Tire Test Results
2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets!
225/40 R18 • 2025
4th/52
2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test
205/55 R16 • 2024
2nd/55
2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17 • 2024
12th/16
The Kumho WinterCraft WP52 receives a satisfactory rating for driving safety, with weaknesses on dry roads limiting its overall performance. It lacks precision and feedback on dry surfaces, requiring frequent steering corrections and exhibiting a tendency to oversteer. While its braking distance is good, its aquaplaning performance on wet roads is below average. However, it performs well on snow and ice, with good braking and handling. Its environmental performance is mixed, with a long lifespan and good fuel efficiency, but a higher weight and concerns about sustainability due to its production in Korea and China.
View Test Results
Size Fuel Wet Noise
13 inch
155/80 R13 79 T D B 71
155/80R13 79 T D B 71
155/80R13 79 T D B 71
14 inch
165/70 R14 81 T D B 71
175/65 R14 82 T D B 71
185/60 R14 82 T D B 71
185/70 R14 88 T D B 71
165/70 R14 81 T D B 71
175/65 R14 82 T D B 71
185/60 R14 82 T D B 71
165/70R14 81 T D B 71
185/60R14 82 T D B 71
175/65R14 82 T D B 71
175/65R14 82 T D B 71
165/70R14 81 T D B 71
185/70R14 88 T D B 71
185/60R14 82 T D B 71
15 inch
195/65 R15 91 T C B 72
185/65 R15 88 T D B 71
185/65 R15 88 H D B 71
195/55 R15 85 H C B 72
195/65 R15 91 T C B 72
195/65 R15 95 T XL C B 72
195/65 R15 91 H C B 72
185/65 R15 88 T D B 71
185/65 R15 88 H D B 71
195/65 R15 95 T XL C B 72
195/65R15 95 T XL C B 72
185/65R15 88 H D B 71
195/65R15 91 H C B 72
195/65R15 95 T XL C B 72
195/65R15 91 T C B 72
195/55R15 85 H C B 72
185/65R15 88 H D B 71
185/65R15 88 T D B 71
16 inch
205/55 R16 91 H C B 72
205/55 R16 91 T C B 72
205/55 R16 91 H C B 72
205/55 R16 94 V XL C B 72
205/60 R16 92 H C B 72
205/60 R16 96 H XL C B 72
215/60 R16 99 H XL C B 72
205/55 R16 94 H XL C B 72
215/60 R16 99 H XL C B 72
205/55 R16 91 T C B 72
205/55 R16 94 V XL C B 72
205/60 R16 92 H C B 72
205/60 R16 96 H XL C B 72
215/60R16 95 H C A 71
215/60R16 95 H C A 71
205/60R16 92 H C B 72
205/55R16 94 V XL C B 72
205/55R16 91 T C B 72
215/60R16 99 H XL C B 72
205/60R16 96 H XL C B 72
205/55R16 94 V XL C B 72
205/55R16 94 H XL C B 72
205/55R16 91 T C B 72
205/60R16 92 H C B 72
215/60R16 99 H XL C B 72
205/60R16 96 H XL C B 72
205/55R16 91 H C A 72
17 inch
205/50 R17 93 V XL C B 72
215/55 R17 98 V XL C B 72
225/45 R17 94 V XL C B 72
225/50 R17 94 H C B 72
225/50 R17 98 V XL C B 72
215/55 R17 98 V XL C B 72
225/60 R17 103 V XL C B 72
235/65 R17 108 V XL C B 72
225/50 R17 94 H C B 72
225/50 R17 98 V XL C B 72
225/45 R17 94 V XL C B 72
205/50 R17 93 V XL C B 72
225/45 R17 91 H C B 72
225/45R17 94 V XL C B 72
225/45R17 91 H C B 72
225/50R17 94 H C B 72
225/50R17 98 V XL C A 72
235/65R17 108 V XL C B 72
205/50R17 93 V XL C B 72
225/45R17 94 H XL C A 72
225/45R17 94 V XL C B 72
225/50R17 94 H C B 72
215/55R17 98 V XL C A 72
225/45R17 91 H C B 72
225/60R17 103 V XL C B 72
205/50R17 93 V XL C B 72
18 inch
245/45 R18 100 V XL C B 72
225/40 R18 92 V XL C B 72
235/60 R18 107 V XL C B 72
235/60 R18 107 H XL C A 71
235/60 R18 107 H XL C A 71
235/60 R18 107 H XL C A 71
245/45R18 100 V XL C A 72
225/40R18 92 V XL C B 72
235/60R18 107 H XL C A 71
235/60R18 107 V XL C B 72
235/60R18 107 H XL C A 71
20 inch
255/45 R20 105 V XL B A 72
255/45 R20 105 V XL B A 72
255/45 R20 105 V XL B A 72
255/45R20 105 V XL B A 72
255/45R20 105 V XL B A 72
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 >>

Questions and Answers for the Kumho Winter Craft WP52

Ask a question
Sorry, we don't currently have any questions and answers for the Kumho Winter Craft WP52. Why not submit a question to our tire experts using the form below!
Ask a question

We will never publish or share your email address

captcha

To verify you are human please type the word you see in the box below.

Review Summary

Based on 6 user reviews

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.

Strengths
  • Dry grip and handling
  • Snow traction
  • Value for money
Areas for Improvement
  • Average-to-weak wet braking/grip
  • Increased road noise

Top 3 Kumho Winter Craft WP52 Reviews

Given 74% while driving a Audi A4 1.8T Quattro (225/50 R17) on a combination of roads for 5,000 average miles
Fitted these tires late 2023. The price was good and the reviews were OK. After one very mild winter I can say that these tires are not perfect but they don't disappoint.

Dry grip is good, wet grip is also ok. Under braking the car is predictable and stable. Didn't experience any aquaplanning at all.

They're very resistant to wear, after about 8000km they appear good as new, but time will tell how long they last.

Grip on snow is mediocre but combined with the AWD the car managed everything I threw at it, from 20cm of fresh snow to awfully wet sludge on a dirt road, they got me through.

They're very comfortable over potholes, a bit noisy but that's expected from an aggressive tire pattern, they're structurally strong although a bit heavy (tire fitter told me it's the heaviest he had at that size) and they increased fuel consumption slightly. They're not sporty but they're not meant to be, so I won't be commenting on that.

The Pirelli Sottozero 3 I had before were a bit better in every way but the price on the Kumho's makes them worth it.
Kumho Winter Craft WP52 image
Helpful 1026
April 9, 2024
Given 69% while driving a Tesla Model 3 LR (225/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 25,000 average miles
25,000km already done with these wp52s, they are generally good but a slight feeling of vagueness in terms of grip in the wet, in the dry you can feel the tires working in the turns, always this feeling a little vague. On the snow the traction is good, it does the job.
The tires consume a little more than summer tires, and they are of course a little noisier.
But the price-performance ratio is very good compared to the competition, for cheap it does the job without being exceptional.
Kumho Winter Craft WP52 image
Helpful 980
March 4, 2024
Given 60% while driving a Hyundai elantra (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 8,000 average miles
Good dry handling and traction, average wet and below expectations on snow as for a winter tire. Noise depends a lot on tire pressure
Helpful 1153
February 28, 2023

How would you rate the Kumho Winter Craft WP52?

Click a star to start your review

180 reviews submitted this month Earn your Contributor badge No account needed

Latest Kumho Winter Craft WP52 Reviews

Initial Impressions Review
Given 73% while driving a Volkswagen Golf mk5 (205/55 R16) on for 18,000 miles
Very good tire for snow. Good at dry and wet cornering. Not good at wet braking, distance of braking is longer but tire is good for controlling that distance if you put breaking pad harder when you got to lower speed it will not slide in tricky situations.
Helpful 70
January 14, 2026
Given 78% while driving a Audi A3 Sportback (205/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 3,000 average miles
I have WP52 on my A3 Sportback. Very good tire, excellent grip on snow, and dry roads, satisfy grip on wet road.
Helpful 944
February 28, 2023
Given 79% while driving a Ford 05 Mondeo 185 (modded) diesel (195/55 R15) on a combination of roads for 3,000 spirited miles
Nice grip both on snow and on dry/wet roads. Wear seems a little high, but we'll see how long they'll last.
Helpful 1020
January 16, 2023
Rate the Kumho Winter Craft WP52