Menu

Kumho WinterCraft WP71

Premium Touring Winter Winter rated

The Kumho WinterCraft WP71 is a mid-range, premium-touring winter tire that shines most when the weather turns properly wintry. Across both driver feedback and independent tests it regularly delivers strong snow and slush traction, with reassuring straight-line braking that can be particularly impressive for the price. However, it is less convincing when conditions are wet-but-not-snowy, where cornering grip and overall handling precision can feel below the class leaders. Road noise is also a recurring complaint, especially at lower urban speeds.

The quick answer

Owners say 61% from 17 owner reviews 35% would buy again Read the reviews
Tests say 11th average finish across 9 independent tests Latest: P7 of 11 · 2019 See every test
Strengths & weaknesses Wet, Comfort Value, Dry Relative to its rivals across every test we hold

Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tire - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated December 2025.

  • 17owner reviews
  • 166,905miles driven
  • 9professional tests
Kumho WinterCraft WP71 1 photos

Tire Reviews Score

Kumho WinterCraft WP71

7.2/10

Better than 51% of winter tires

  • Medium Confidence
  • 6 tests
  • 17 owner reviews
Scores of the 278 winter tires we have tested

How this score is built

Better than Weight
Independent tests6 tests · 4 publications · 2017-2019 56% 88%
Owner reviews17 owner reviews · rated 61% 7% 12%
Combined 51% 7.2

A fixed curve turns the combined figure into the 0 to 10 score, so roughly the top 10% of a group score 9 or more.

Category by category

How it compares with other winter tires in each area, and how much each area counts. 50 is the middle of the group.

Category Better than Weight Tests
WetBraking, handling and aquaplaning in the wet 63% 30% 6
SnowBraking, traction and handling on snow 45% 23% 6
IceBraking, traction and handling on ice Not tested, counted as average 18% –
DryBraking and handling on dry roads 24% 17% 5
ValueWear, efficiency and cost 41% 6% 5
ComfortNoise and ride comfort 51% 5% 5

Weights are shares of the test result. Owner reviews are blended in afterwards.

By discipline

The same results grouped by what the tire was doing. They are not counted a second time.

BrakingEvery braking test, on any surface 73% 6
HandlingEvery handling test, on any surface 25% 5

Confidence

  1. Limited
  2. Medium
  3. High

Its own test results decide 87% of the test figure. The other 13% is the average for its group, and it shrinks as more tests arrive.

High needs at least 3 tests, with its own results deciding 90% or more. Medium needs 2 tests and 70%. Anything less is Limited: expect the number to move as tests arrive.

The tests behind it

Only measured results count. A test that published its placings alone is listed, but not scored.

  1. 2019 2019 19 Inch Performance Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars · 255/35 R19 P7 / 11
  2. 2019 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tire Test Auto Bild · 225/45 R17 P20 / 20
  3. 2019 2019 Winter Tire Test Market Overview Auto Bild · 225/45 R17 P10 / 53
  4. 2017 2017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad · 225/55 R17 P8 / 10
  5. 2017 2017 50 Winter Tire Shoot Out Auto Bild · 225/50 R17 P16 / 50 Placing only
  6. 2017 2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 225/50 R17 P12 / 20
Show all 9 tests
  1. 2017 2017 235/55 R17 SUV Winter Tire Test ACE · 235/55 R17 P6 / 8 Placing only
  2. 2017 2017 AMS Performance 18 inch Winter Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport · 225/40 R18 P9 / 10
  3. 2016 2016 AZ Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16 Auto Zeitung · 205/55 R16 P11 / 14 Placing only
All Tests
View Test Results

Tested 9 times by independent publications, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 averages a finish of 11th.

9 Tests
0 Test Wins
11th Average
6th Best
20th Worst
Finishing position in each test1stLast20162019

Finishing position in each test

The latest test

2019 19 Inch Performance Winter Tire Test P7 of 11

Strong: Snow Braking, Snow Handling Weak: Dry Handling Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+

YearTestResultAward
20192019 19 Inch Performance Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Sportscars · 255/35 R19P7 / 11
20192019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/45 R17P20 / 20
20192019 Winter Tire Test Market OverviewAuto Bild · 225/45 R17P10 / 53
20172017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Allrad · 225/55 R17P8 / 10
20172017 50 Winter Tire Shoot OutAuto Bild · 225/50 R17P16 / 50
20172017 Auto Bild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/50 R17P12 / 20
20172017 235/55 R17 SUV Winter Tire TestACE · 235/55 R17P6 / 8
20172017 AMS Performance 18 inch Winter Tire TestAuto Motor Und Sport · 225/40 R18P9 / 10
20162016 AZ Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16Auto Zeitung · 205/55 R16P11 / 14

On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict

Alternative Tires
View All
NokianNokian Snowproof 3P
Nokian Snowproof 3P
9.4/1090% 1 review
Dry80Wet96Comfort62Value82Test scores
GoodyearGoodyear UltraGrip 9+
Goodyear UltraGrip 9+
9.4/1086% 6 reviews
Dry30Wet91Comfort54Value73Test scores
VredesteinVredestein Wintrac
Vredestein Wintrac
9.3/1085% 5 reviews
Dry82Wet86Comfort77Value50Test scores
HankookHankook Winter i cept RS2
Hankook Winter i cept RS2
9.0/1080% 50 reviews
Dry70Wet94Comfort37Value43Test scores
 Compare 6 shared tests
HankookHankook Winter I cept RS3
Hankook Winter I cept RS3
8.8/1078% 28 reviews
Dry60Wet93Comfort36Value52Test scores
MichelinMichelin Alpin 5
Michelin Alpin 5
8.6/1085% 33 reviews
Dry48Wet88Comfort18Value80Test scores
 Compare 6 shared tests
KumhoKumho Winter Craft WP52
Kumho Winter Craft WP52
8.3/1068% 9 reviews
Dry93Wet68Comfort21Value72Test scores
LaufennLaufenn I Fit+
Laufenn I Fit+
8.2/1091% 4 reviews
Dry54Wet53Comfort58Value66Test scores
FalkenFalken Eurowinter HS449
Falken Eurowinter HS449
8.1/1085% 35 reviews
Dry8.5Wet8.7Comfort8.4Wear8.5Owner ratings
 Compare 1 shared test
Running Costs
View Test

In 225/45 R17, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 is projected to cost €34.49 per 1,000 miles to buy and run - about €862 over 25,000 miles - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tire Test.

Continental WinterContact TS 860€23.86
Michelin Alpin 6€25.05
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+€26.05
Kumho WinterCraft WP71€34.49
Tire purchase + fittingExtra fuel vs the most efficient tirecost per 1,000 miles
Assumes a typical car doing 29 mpg (rolling resistance causing 20% of fuel use), fuel at €6.25 per gallon and €70 fitting per set of four. Purchase prices are from the time of the 2019 test; financing costs are excluded.
Dimensions & Label Scores
View All

Size Range78 sizes available

195-315Width35-75Profile15-22Rim92-116 T-WLoad/Speed Index

EU LabelAcross 78 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.

Noise

72-75dB

3PMSF on every size

Popular sizes225/45 R17245/45 R19205/50 R17235/55 R17215/55 R17225/50 R17
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 in the wet?
Across the 6 wet-braking tests it has featured in, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 stops 3.1% longer than premium rivals, 2.5% shorter than mid-range rivals and 1.4% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews wet score of 63/100, and owners rate it 6.1/10 in the wet from 17 reviews.
How good is the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 in the dry?
Across the 5 dry-braking tests it has featured in, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 stops 0.8% shorter than premium rivals, 1.9% shorter than mid-range rivals and 6.1% longer than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews dry score of 24/100, and owners rate it 6.7/10 in the dry from 17 reviews.
How good is the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 in the snow?
Across the 6 snow-braking tests it has featured in, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 stops 0.5% longer than premium rivals, 0.6% shorter than mid-range rivals and 35.4% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews snow score of 45/100, and owners rate it 7.8/10 in the snow from 17 reviews.
How fuel efficient is the Kumho WinterCraft WP71?
Across the 5 tests measuring rolling resistance, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71's rolling resistance is 6.8% higher than premium rivals, 4.7% higher than mid-range rivals and 6.8% higher than budget rivals.
How many miles does the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 last?
Based on test and owner data, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 is expected to last around 24,121 miles (38,819 km).
More questions about the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 (9)
What do owners say about the Kumho WinterCraft WP71?
Across 17 owner ratings the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 averages 61%. Owners rate Snow Grip highest at 7.8 out of 10 and Comfort lowest at 5.1. 4 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles. 36% of owners score it 70% or better.
How much does the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 cost to run?
In 225/45 R17, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 is projected to cost €34.49 per 1,000 miles to buy and run - about €862 over 25,000 miles - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tire Test. The cheapest to run in that test is the Continental WinterContact TS 860, at €23.86.
What is the Kumho WinterCraft WP71's EU tire label rating?
Across its range, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 most commonly carries EU label ratings of D for fuel efficiency, C for wet grip and 72 dB for noise.
How comfortable and quiet are the Kumho WinterCraft WP71?
Owners rate the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 5.1 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 14 reviews.
How well do the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 7.3 out of 10 for wear across 14 reviews. 4 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles, and the typical review covers 5,000 miles.
Would owners buy the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 again?
35% of owners say they would buy the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 again, based on the 17 owner reviews that answered the question. 6% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
What do owners say about the Kumho WinterCraft WP71's road noise?
Of the 13 owner reviews analyzed for the Kumho WinterCraft WP71, 9 mention road noise: 0 praise it (quiet) and 9 criticise it (noisy). One owner wrote: "It gets too much road noise". Read those reviews
What do owners say about the Kumho WinterCraft WP71's snow traction?
Of the 13 owner reviews analyzed for the Kumho WinterCraft WP71, 9 mention snow traction: 7 praise it (strong snow traction) and 2 criticise it (weak snow traction). One owner wrote: "The snow traction actually turned out to be really good". Read those reviews
What sizes does the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 come in?
The Kumho WinterCraft WP71 is available in 196 sizes, ranging from 195-315/35-75 R15-22.
Owner Questions (1)
Ask a question
Had anyone had any issues with these tires, issues such as car woobles / bounces at / over speeds of 100km/h? Show more 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.. Show less
November 25, 2023
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.

Kumho WinterCraft WP71 Owner Reviews

Review this tire

What owners say summarised from 13 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.

What owners mention most counted across 13 reviews

Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.

Owner ratings averaged from 17 ratings

  • Owner score 61%
  • Snow Grip 78%
  • Ice Grip 75%
  • Wear 73%
  • Dry Grip 67%
  • Wet Grip 61%
  • Road Feedback 53%
  • Handling 53%
  • Comfort 51%

Featured reviews

Most helpful 43%

“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...”

  • Mercedes Benz E320 CDI
  • 10,000 miles
Read full review → 845 found this helpful
Most critical 13%

“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...”

  • Mazda 3 MPS
  • 5 miles
Read full review → 1,034 found this helpful
Longest term 59%

“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...”

  • Volkswagen Tiguan Sport 2.0 TDI 140hp
  • 15,000 miles
Read full review → 975 found this helpful

All 14 Kumho WinterCraft WP71 reviews

Score spread across 14 written reviews
40%
Member
Just normal.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 5
  • Wet Grip 6
  • Road Feedback 2
  • Handling 1
  • Wear 7
  • Comfort 2
  • Buy again 1
  • Snow Grip 6
  • Ice Grip 6
Helpful 234
61%
Member
  • BMW 318D
  • 225/45 R17
  • 1,000 miles
  • A Combination of Roads
  • Spirited
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.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 5
  • Road Feedback 5
  • Handling 6
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 3
  • Snow Grip 7
Helpful 317
43%
Member
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.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 5
  • Road Feedback 2
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 2
  • Buy again 1
  • Snow Grip 3
  • Ice Grip 3
Helpful 845

Which tires do you drive?

Researching the Kumho WinterCraft WP71? Rate the tires you actually drive - and help the next buyer choose.

Own the Kumho WinterCraft WP71?
I drive something else - review any tire →
697 reviews submitted this month Earn your Contributor badge No account needed
68%
Member
  • Peugeot 306
  • 195/45 R16
  • 1,000 miles
  • A Combination of Roads
  • Spirited
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.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 5
  • Comfort 5
  • Buy again 6
  • Snow Grip 9
  • Ice Grip 8
Helpful 854
59%
Member
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.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 3
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 5
  • Wear 7
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 3
  • Snow Grip 8
  • Ice Grip 8
Helpful 975
73%
Member
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.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 7
  • Comfort 3
  • Buy again 7
  • Snow Grip 9
  • Ice Grip 8
Helpful 864
89%
Member
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
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 9
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 948
13%
Member
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.
24%
Member
  • 205/50 R17
  • Mostly Country Roads
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!!!
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 3
  • Wet Grip 1
  • Road Feedback 1
  • Handling 3
  • Wear 7
  • Comfort 1
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 1,072
64%
Member
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.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 683
70%
Member
Steering turn in very firm, quite good lateral grip and braking on wet. Low-pitch rumbling noise on highway.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 7
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 7
Helpful 716
93%
Member
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
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 10
Helpful 695
Find your next tire
All tire tests

The latest Tire Reviews tests

Summer Tires

All Season Tires

Winter Tires

SUV and All Terrain Tires

Track Tires

Rate your tires

My tires

Saved in this browser on this site. No account needed. Clearing browser data removes your choices.

Vehicle and size

Check the size, load and speed ratings on your vehicle. Saving a size does not confirm fitment.

Saved tires

Save tires from a tire page, test or comparison to keep them here.

Select 2–8 saved tires. Ranked comparisons require at least two shared tests.