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Kumho WinterCraft WP71 View Gallery (1)
195-315/35-75 R15-22 187 sizes Winter rated

Kumho WinterCraft WP71

Kumho Tires Premium Touring Winter

The Kumho WinterCraft WP71 is a Premium Touring Winter tire designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

7.8
Tire Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
High Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
67%
Wet Grip
61%
Road Feedback
53%
Handling
53%
Wear
73%
Comfort
51%
Buy again
41%
Snow Grip
78%
Ice Grip
75%
17 Reviews
61% Average
166,905 miles driven
9 Tests (avg: 11th)
Kumho WinterCraft WP71

Kumho WinterCraft WP71

Winter Mid-Range
BETA
7.8 / 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
Snow
88
1.5x / 11 tests
Comfort
80.2
0.32x / 5 tests
Wet
66.5
1.93x / 16 tests
Value
63.1
0.42x / 12 tests
Dry
54.6
1.13x / 10 tests
Cross-Category Performance

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

Braking
77.9
17 tests
Handling
60.3
15 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 9
Publications: 6
Period: 2016 - 2019
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 17
Avg Rating: 61.3%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.41
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
2019 19 Inch Performance Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars 2019 255/35 R19 7/12 10 metrics
2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tire Test Auto Bild 2019 225/45 R17 20/21 12 metrics
2019 Winter Tire Test Market Overview Auto Bild 2019 225/45 R17 10/47 2 metrics
2017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad 2017 225/55 R17 8/11 10 metrics
2017 50 Winter Tire Shoot Out Auto Bild 2017 225/50 R17 16/45 0 metrics
2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2017 225/50 R17 12/21 11 metrics
2017 235/55 R17 SUV Winter Tire Test ACE 2017 235/55 R17 6/8 0 metrics
2017 AMS Performance 18 inch Winter Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2017 225/40 R18 9/10 9 metrics
2016 AZ Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16 Auto Zeitung 2016 205/55 R16 11/14 0 metrics
All Tests
View Test Results
9
Tests
11th
Average
6th
Best
20th
Worst
Latest Tire Test Results
2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tire Test
225/45 R17 • 2019
20th/21
Short wet braking, good wet handling, low noise
Poor dry grip, high wear, high rolling resistance
Conditionally recommended
2019 19 Inch Performance Winter Tire Test
255/35 R19 • 2019
7th/12
Sporty driving qualities in the snow, short dry braking distances, low noise.
Understeer in the dry and wet, long wet braking.
2019 Winter Tire Test Market Overview
225/45 R17 • 2019
10th/47
View Test Results
Size Fuel Wet Noise
16 inch
215/70R16 100 T D C 72
215/70R16 100 T D C 72
17 inch
235/65R17 108 H XL D C 72
225/60R17 99 H D C 72
225/60R17 99 H D C 72
235/65R17 108 H XL D C 72
265/65R17 116 H XL C C 72
265/65R17 116 H XL C C 72
235/65R17 108 H XL D C 72
235/65R17 108 H XL D C 72
225/60R17 99 H D C 72
225/60R17 99 H D C 72
265/65R17 116 H XL C C 72
18 inch
235/60R18 107 H XL D C 72
235/60R18 107 H XL D C 72
235/60R18 107 H XL D C 72
235/60R18 107 H XL D C 72
20 inch
255/45R20 105 V XL D C 72
255/45R20 105 V XL D C 72
255/45R20 105 V XL D C 72
255/45R20 105 V XL D C 72
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 >>

Questions and Answers for the Kumho WinterCraft WP71

Ask a question
November 25, 2023

Had anyone had any issues with these tires, issues such as car woobles / bounces at / over speeds of 100km/h? I use the same tire service to exchange all tires on rims for winter & summer season, but the summer tires (Nexxen) don’t show this behavior so I’m thinking that this might be a tire issue and not the balancing when put up on the rims. I’m thinking of an inside wire problem most likely. Had anyone experienced the same behavior? Tires are 2019 DOT, git them in 2020 brand new and only drove about 10.000km so far on them on a Hyundai IX35. I didn’t hit any pot holes, kerbs etc..

It could be a balance issue, of if they've been stored incorrectly they might have a flatspot which could take some time to run out.

If you think there might be internal damage it's best to get them inspected by a professional.
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Review Summary

Based on 13 user reviews

Kumho WinterCraft WP71 earns mixed feedback: most praise strong snow/slush traction and acceptable wet braking, but many criticize wet cornering grip and vague dry handling at the limit. Noise-especially at low speeds-is a frequent complaint, while comfort is average and wear appears acceptable from limited reports. Overall, it suits budget winter use with good snow performance, but drivers sensitive to noise or demanding confident wet/dry handling may be disappointed.

Strengths
  • Snow/slush grip and braking
  • Predictable/adequate wet braking
  • Value/price
  • Acceptable wear
Areas for Improvement
  • High road noise (especially 0-60 km/h)
  • Weak wet cornering/understeer
  • Vague/soft dry handling and feedback

Top 3 Kumho WinterCraft WP71 Reviews

Given 43% while driving a Mercedes Benz E320 CDI (245/45 R17) on mostly motorways for 10,000 average miles
It gets too much road noise. I have become disinclined to drive the car since the day I installed it. The only good thing is that it brakes well. Other than that, the car slides horizontally on corners. Definitely a tire I will not buy again.
Helpful 748
March 6, 2025
Given 59% while driving a Volkswagen Tiguan Sport 2.0 TDI 140hp (235/55 R17) on mostly country roads for 15,000 average miles
The price of the tire really was good and the snow reviews got me to get this tire due to living in the mountains. The snow traction actually turned out to be really good, including braking comparable to the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 for which I ultimately changed to. The tire really shocked me on how bad it was on the wet, the understeer was really bad and never felt comfortable / safe driving in the wet. Dry handling and feedback was nothing great, the grip did let go pretty quickly on fast short bends. Wear was a plus side, did around 20K Kilometers and the tread depth was still good. Noise levels are normall for a winter tire and the comfort levels also pretty normal for a 55 aspect ratio tire.
Helpful 889
March 5, 2023
Given 61% while driving a BMW 318D (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 1,000 spirited miles
First thing about this tire you notice is the noise. It is the loudest tire (from 0 to 60 km/h) ever to me. It changes the whole driving feeling. Comfort is ok, wear is great for now. Drove them on fresh snow uphill to mountain, all good. On the other hand, on cold and wet it is not good. ABS on downhill breaking turns on to much. Would not buy again.
Helpful 205
December 1, 2025

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Latest Kumho WinterCraft WP71 Reviews

Given 40% while driving a BMW 3 series (225/50 R17) on mostly motorways for 10,000 average miles
Just normal.
Helpful 127
December 21, 2025
Given 68% while driving a Peugeot 306 (195/45 R16) on a combination of roads for 1,000 spirited miles
Surprisingly good in the snow we had recently, they dealt with it flawlessly compared to GoodYears on my Saab which were terrible in comparison. They are fairly good in the wet as well, but their weakness is definitely dry roads. Handling feels vague compared to my previous tires on cornering. Quite noisy but these tires weren't designed for extreme comfort, they were designed for a job which they do satisfactorily. I'd buy them again if I needed a cheaper set of winter tires for occasional or seasonal use. Wouldn't keep them fitted all the time. Can't yet comment on wear.
Helpful 737
April 23, 2023
Given 73% while driving a Toyota Avensis (215/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 300 average miles
Afriend recommended these tires, I was pleasantly surprised how good they felt. In dry it handles and brakes very predictably, wet handling and braking is also great as long as one is driving reasonably, but the grip at the limit (meaning tight corners and high speeds) could be better. Snow grip is great, not so much on ice, only downside to this tire really, is the road noise on highways.
Helpful 764
April 3, 2022
Given 89% while driving a Kia Motors Sportage (245/45 R19) on a combination of roads for 80,000 average miles
I have these fitted to my AWD Kia Sportage find them excellent in snow and ice Bit noisy at low speed on dry roads but ok at motorway speeds
Helpful 832
December 2, 2021
Given 13% while driving a Mazda 3 MPS (205/50 R17) on mostly country roads for 5 spirited miles
I immediately sold the tires as they handled dangerously bad on my Mazda 3 MPS BK. It might be the size to be responsible for this. I was driving 50kmh doin slalom and the tires lost control so the stability system had to kick in. Driving 100kmh felt dangerous as the tires felt extremely soft and indirect like a sponge. I cannot recommend this tire. No I am warning not to buy this unless you are a very slow driver and want to save money. But even in that case there are better choices for example the Nexen or Fulda.
Helpful 934
November 1, 2021
Given 24% while driving a (205/50 R17) on mostly country roads for 0 miles
On a wet surface, a car slides down the ice ... On a dry, fast-moving car the car just floats ... In the second word tires are bad!!!
Helpful 980
December 2, 2018
Given 64% while driving a Mercedes Benz A180 CDI W176 (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 5,600 spirited miles
The rubber is to hard. Works well in dry and wet, but no grip on ice and snow. Water risistent is okay but not the best. I will go premium next time.
Helpful 604
February 11, 2018
Given 70% while driving a Alfa Romeo 1.9 JTD M (205/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 500 spirited miles
Steering turn in very firm, quite good lateral grip and braking on wet. Low-pitch rumbling noise on highway.
Helpful 622
December 19, 2017
Given 93% while driving a Kia Motors Sportage (245/45 R19 V) on a combination of roads for 5,000 average miles
excellent grip in deep slush and snow with good braking and quite at speed on dry roads but more noisy at low speed .
covered 5000 miles with no noticeable uneven tire wear .
would i recommend these ? Yes I would
Previously had Nokian WR4 winter tires and I would say that these are nearly as good
Helpful 619
December 17, 2017
Given 41% while driving a BMW 3 series (225/45 R17 V) on a combination of roads for 500 average miles
Total waste of money. Dry grip is good ( in fact quite good for a winter tire), but for this we have summer tires..The compound of this tire is hard and this is very bad. Comfort is low (even compared to low budget tires) and they are very, very noisy. Especially between 40 and 60km/h expect to hear a noise like a 10 year old winter tire.
On wet, lateral grip is low, handling not so precise as you would like, dsc blink often. Braking in wet is ok.
I didn't test them yet in snow but it can't be good; the rabber is to hard to have a good adherence in snow.
Definitely I wont buy Kumho winter tires again!!!
Helpful 561
November 24, 2017
Given 73% while driving a Suzuki vitara s 1,4 boosterjet (215/55 R17 H) on a combination of roads for 6,500 average miles
On the one hand I find these tires to be very good on snowy,dry and wet winding roads. They have a very good grip on snowy hills too. But on the other hand, they are a little bit noisy on highways. About wear....can't tell yet......
Helpful 874
February 14, 2017
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