Kumho Winter Craft WP52 - Test Results

Test Statistics

11

Tests Completed

11^th

Average Position

2^nd

Best Result

25^th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Kumho Winter Craft WP52 - Official Image

Kumho Winter Craft WP52 shows a split personality: consistently excellent in dry braking and value/wear, but hampered by aquaplaning resistance and broadly average-to-below wet and snow performance. Multiple tests crown it best or among the best for dry stopping and cost of ownership, and it occasionally delivers top-tier wet braking. However, recurrent aquaplaning deficits and middling wet/snow handling/braking in full tests weigh down overall rankings despite strong braking shootout results.

Performance Strengths

Dry Braking and Dry Performance Strong Details
• 1st place dry braking in 2024 ADAC 17" (42.1 m)
• 1st place dry braking in 2023 ADAC 17" (42.6 m)
• 2nd place dry braking in 2024 Auto Bild (43 m)
• Top-5 dry handling in 2022 Auto Bild (3/23) and 2024 Auto Bild (5/23)
Wear, Value and Cost of Ownership Strong Details
• 1st wear and 1st value in 2022 Auto Bild (41,713 km; best value 11.03/1000)
• 1st wear, 1st value, 1st price in 2023 ADAC (64,000 km; best value 1.72/1000; €110)
• Good abrasion 2nd/15 in 2023 ADAC
Wet Braking Peaks Moderate Details
• 1st wet braking in 2024 Winter 55 Braking Test (34.6 m)
• Tied best wet braking in 2024 Auto Bild full test (54 m)
• 6/52 wet braking in 2025 Autobild shootout (+9.5%)
Noise/Comfort (select tests) Moderate Details
• 1st noise in 2023 ADAC (70.9 dB)
• 2nd noise in 2024 Auto Bild SUV (72.9 dB)
Ice Braking (limited but notable) Minor Details
• 3rd ice braking in 2023 ADAC (19.7 m)
• 5th ice braking in 2024 ADAC (17.1 m)

Performance Weaknesses

Aquaplaning Resistance (Straight and Curved) Strong Details
• 22/23 straight aqua and 22/23 curved in 2024 Auto Bild (+13.6% and +49.6%)
• 18/22 straight aqua and 20/22 curved in 2022 Auto Bild (+7.6% and +30.3%)
• 13/16 straight aqua and 12/16 curved in 2024 ADAC (+11.1% and +29.4%)
• 12/13 wet circle and 13/13 curved aqua in 2024 Auto Bild SUV (+11.1% and +27%)
Comprehensive Wet Handling Package Strong Details
• 9/13 wet handling and 12/13 wet circle in 2024 Auto Bild SUV (+7.1% and +11.1%)
• 10/12 wet handling in 2023 Sportscars (+4.9%)
• 18/22 wet handling and 21/22 wet circle in 2022 Auto Bild (+4.0% and +6.2%)
Snow Performance Consistency Moderate Details
• Snow braking 18/23 and traction 18/23 in 2024 Auto Bild (+4.1% and +4.8%)
• Snow braking 20/22 and traction 20/22 in 2022 Auto Bild (+7.5% and +6.9%)
• Snow braking 26/31 in 2023 AB shootout (+8.3%)
• SUV test snow braking 9/13 and traction 7/13 in 2024 (+9.3% and +6.2%)
Rolling Resistance/Efficiency Moderate Details
• 18/22 in 2022 Auto Bild (+35.3%)
• 18/20 in 2024 Auto Bild (+24.3%)
• 9/13 in 2023 Tire Reviews (+16.4%)
Overall Consistency Across Full Tests Moderate Details
• 15/23 overall in 2024 Auto Bild despite best-in-class braking elements
• 12/16 overall in 2024 ADAC
• 17/22 overall in 2022 Auto Bild
• 9/13 overall in 2023 Tire Reviews

Performance Over Time

Test History

of 52

2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets!

2025
Winner: Dunlop Winter Response 2

View Test

of 13

2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test

2024
Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

Good.

Strong:
Noise

Weak:
Curved Aquaplaning, Wet Circle

View Test

of 23

2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test

2024
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870

The Kumho Wintercraft WP52 offers a balanced performance with sporty handling and short braking distances across various weather conditions. However, its low resistance to aquaplaning and low milea...

Strong:
Dry Braking, Wet Braking

Weak:
Wear, Curved Aquaplaning, Straight Aqua

View Test

of 16

2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test

2024
Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

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, requir...

Strong:
Dry Braking

View Test

of 55

2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test

2024
Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak 6

Strong:
Wet Braking

View Test

of 12

2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test

2023
Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Good.

Weak:
Straight Aqua

View Test

of 54

2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test

2023
Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

View Test

of 13

2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test

2023
Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

The Kumho Winter Craft WP52 has a similar performance overall to the Falken, but it was a little better in the snow and had a slightly better rolling resistance, but couldn't match the Falken in we...

Strong:
Price, Subj. Wet Handling

Weak:
Straight Aqua, Wet Braking, Wet Handling

View Test

of 15

2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test

2023
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870

The Kumho WINTERCRAFT WP52 tire provides only satisfactory steering feedback and precision on dry roads, requiring occasional corrections due to its elastic response. It tends to oversteer during d...

Strong:
Noise, Dry Braking, Abrasion, Price, Value, Wear

View Test

of 22