Kumho Ecsta

Initial Review, 130 Miles on Tires
April 22, 2013

I used these April 21, 2013 at a Vancouver, British Columbia autocross event. The weather ranged from sunny to cloudy, damp to rain, and the tires stuck like glue in all of it. I was expecting them to not do great in wet conditions, but as long there is no standing water/puddles, the tires are great. They do hydroplane above 90 km/h in standing water, but I've had slightly worn all seasons that performed worse. There is a lot of tire noise at speeds below 50 km/h, but it gets less noticeable at higher speeds. The ride quality is also not great, but high noise and low ride quality is expected in a tire with capabilities as high as this one. The tread wear from autocross appears to be better than the Kumho Ecsta 4x all-seasons I used in very wet winter autocross events. I highly recommend these tires for anyone looking for a new autocross tire.

Initial Review, 5,000 Miles on Tires
April 04, 2013

I drive my 328i to work most days, and live in Edmonton, Canada - where we can get all four seasons in an afternoon, and our winter takes its toll on everything. I bought the Michelins because they were held out to be a great combination of ride, handling, traction and wear. They replaced the rock hard run flats that came stock with the BMW - yikes... Anyways, I was very impressed with the Michelins on everything, from dry straight to twisty wet - except the ice. At anything below freezing, the Michelins turn into hockey pucks. It makes driving more fun, but less safe!!!

I would absolutely recommend these to fellow BMW drivers, but would also recommend that they look at some of the lower cost alternatives - like the Pirellis, Contis or even the Kumho Ecstas. I will likely take a look at replacing these with a 4 Season (NOT all season) tire like the Pirelli or Kumho 4S - just so long as I don't have to take a huge hit on performance. As it is, the Michelin is a fantastic "almost" all season tire, and if I lived in Europe or south of the Snow belt, I'd buy it again. Or maybe I should just move to So Cal...

Initial Review, 9,000 Miles on Tires
February 07, 2013

Coming off a cheap pair of dealership tires that were put on my Altima 3.5SE MT, obviously these are night and day better. However, I will tell you that these tires have completely changed the driving characteristics of my vehicle. I have been driving sport sedans for the last decade, and have purchased many tires. The best set of tires I've ever owned were the Good Year Assurance Triple Treds on my 2007 VW Passat. Those are great in all conditions. I live in New England where we run the full gamut of weather patterns (Snow, Ice, Dry, Wet) throughout the year. However, they don't make an 18" tire in this size. I can tell you that you will be very satisfied with cornering and overall handling of this tire. It is also very quiet even at 100+mph. W/ 270hp coupled to a 6-speed FWD car as light as the altima, it was very hard to hook the tires when accelerating. With the Kumhos on, I can actually drive my car the way it was meant to be driven.

Initial Review, 19,000 Miles on Tires
April 05, 2013

Not understanding all the hate for this tire. Most likely it's because they come standard on 2010 thru 2013 GTI's and drivers who never experience sub-zero temperatures and snow have no need for an A/S tire on a high-performance car. As a result, they compare this tire to either max or extreme performance summer tires.
However, comparing this tire to the Kumho ECSTA 4X A/S tires on my son's Mazda 3, I would rate them at least as equals, and probably a bit better when below zero.
Additionally, using a regular rotation period of 5k miles, these tires demonstrate fantastic wear resistance. Currently at 19k miles and less than 50% wear. Very quiet on the freeway as well. The only negative is the braking and cornering traction in the wet should be a little higher.

Initial Review, 7,000 Miles on Tires
December 27, 2009

Well this is a pretty crappy tire. It doesn't accel in any category that I can tell. The wet traction (where it's supposed to shine) is not all that good. Neither is the dry. The noise is ---awful now that they are about 60% worn down.....all in all it's not really any good.



I'll go back to a Fuzion ZRi or BFG G-Force Sport before this again. The ONLY redeeming quality was the now gone rebate I got.



These are like the Kumho Ecsta SPT only worse in every way by a slight amount...except price...much pricier per mile.

Initial Review, 3,000 Miles on Tires
March 26, 2013

Compared to the stock Michelin, these tires are a fantastic value... Tires are just as good in every area as the Michelin, but even better in snow/ice, overall cornering, and wet traction... only failure might be treadwear might be diminished (who cares at 1/3 the cost???)

Initial Review, 9,250 Miles on Tires
March 21, 2013

Replaced my Original equipment tires with these Kumho's and it is a whole new vehicle. I am very amazed at what a difference these 4X tires make. A friend recommended them, and I think I owe him a beer!!! Thank you Kumho.

Initial Review, 30,000 Miles on Tires
March 19, 2013

Excellent tire dry and driven aggresively. Good tire when driving straight through rain soaked highways. Lively (slides) evenly when wet out and on entrance/exit ramps. Fairly poor with snow but this can be somewhat/largely attributed to the 235mm width. Safe travels.

Initial Review, 5,000 Miles on Tires
March 18, 2013

Just passed 5000 miles, bought this set in lieu of the OEM Michelin Primacy, mostly due to price, but for the specs as well. Not sure what kind of ice other drivers are talking about on here, but these tires are ABSOLUTELY USELESS ON ICE. Traction control kicked in with every start and even on mild curves, during a recent snow storm I was unable to get up the slightest of hills. I got better ice traction out of a nearly bald set of tires on my Pathfinder beater (2WD) than I did with these.

Water traction is significantly better, dry traction fantastic, and tread wear excellent as well. Experienced a near collision within the first 1000 miles when a driver swung into my lane without looking, I swerved hard to the right and the tires maintained control. There is a bit of an issue with (subtle) road noise, kind of sounds like bouncing one of those large rubber balls on linoleum at the toy store, becomes more pronounced above 80 mph. Great tire overall for the money.

Initial Review, 500 Miles on Tires
March 13, 2013

These tires are great so far much better then the Dunlop's that cam on my 2011 Subaru WRX. they made a huge difference in handling with an proper alignment. I am very vigorous on checking inflation rates as well. Dry weather- Hnadles excellent steering response turn-in and driver control/confidence. Wet- Handles great in my opinion drove through plarge puddles with plenty of confidence no hydroplaning in the rain now this might be bias due to the Subaru AWD system(4wheels are always in motion)But over all I like them so far and have owned several Kumho's in the past like the Ecsta and ASX. My favorite were the ASX and I really wanted the 4X this time around but didn't have the budget. So there you go if you want an inexpinsive affordable tire with great control low noise and grip in dry weather and decent in wet weather BUY THIS. If you have the extra money get the KUMHO 4X and Im sure you will be happy.

Initial Review, 10,000 Miles on Tires
March 16, 2013

I purchased these as a year round alternative for my Saab. These tires are towards the bottom end price-wise so don't expect otherwise. They performed very well in all areas, except for winter, which was okay. Dry and even wet conditions they were better than I expected. This vehicle has had all new suspension installed. The tires seemed to harden up in the cold temps. Getting that initial "bite" to start off is where these lacked. I do have a manual transmission so it is tricky to get traction at times. I have had snow tires and know that all seasons will never be the best. With that said, they tracked okay in the snow once moving. There are better options out there for all season winter use. But after 10k, these tires still have 7/32" tread depth and should last me 40-50k.
They ride quietly and feel very solid, yet smooth. The steering response was sharp. Overall satisfied with these tires.

Initial Review, 25,000 Miles on Tires
March 17, 2013

Great tire. Nice and quiet. Decent response. Smooth ride... I'm no crazy driver but I do once in a while like to drive fast. My first concern was about 10-11k miles in when I was driving on wet road. I was making a decent curve and right away I noticed the car was going out of control. I never had that problem with them but I guess traction was reduced already. Ever since that day, I would be super careful driving in the rain. Great in the snow. We don't get crazy snow in North Jersey but it handle pretty well. Didn't leave me stuck anywhere. The one thing I did not like was the soft sidewall. Here in NJ we some of the worse roads I driven on and these tires didn't not like it. Three of them developed bubbles due to impact. Most of the impacts weren't as bad as of the ones I hit when my old falken 912 tires. When I saw bubbles, I was really disappointed. Tire still had good amount thread left and I was force to get new tires. :( Overall, I would recommend this tire but I would be more careful while driving but in NJ that's almost impossible. I didn't like that tirerack doesn't let you buy hazard protection if the manufacture offers it. This tire offer for 1 year or 1st 2/32nd thread but I was way over. I was stuck getting new tires..

Initial Review, 2,100 Miles on Tires
March 14, 2013

The original Nexen CP662 were surprisingly good for OEM tires, but these Kumhos are awesome. They're categorized as Ultra High Performance All Season, and they're all of that, yet they don't look like anything special. Under aggressive acceleration, wet or dry, the tires spin no more than half a revolution, then ferociously bite the pavement. The car seemingly rides on rails and the understeer threshold is much higher and more predictable. At under $90 each, they're an incredible bargain.

Initial Review, 100 Miles on Tires
March 10, 2013

Ok people I am going to be straight forward as I see people complaining about this tire. Look it is pretty much the cheapest tire you will get off tire rack. If you want quailty then pay more. You get what you pay for. Overall it is a good tire. I have only put 100 miles on them so this is a glimpse and I will do another review in the furture. It performs great during the dry but have not had them in the rain yet. It does not snow too often where I live so I cannot say about its snow ability. The tire is a little loud when driving and is not the smoothest of rides. I have even babied them and its still a rough drive. I'm not the best driver so I am used to it. C'mon people its a low profile tire of course its not going to be smooth. I am just hoping I get better tread wear than the other reviews. The way I drive I am probably going to eat through the tread anyways. I think it is more of a track tire than a daily driver. It would be perfect for a car that is only driven on the weekends. Just my opinion.

Initial Review, 12,000 Miles on Tires
March 08, 2013

This is the 4th set I have had of the Kuhmo Platinum. They are the most amazing tires I have ever owned. I have gone through sets of Michelins like candy. The Kuhmo's are superior in ride, handling and wearability. I highly recommend them

Initial Review, 10,000 Miles on Tires
March 09, 2013

These tires have been wonderful. I have excellent traction. Was really impressed with how well they did in the snow. I have a smooth ride with wonderful handling. Would buy these tires again.

Initial Review, 1,000 Miles on Tires
February 23, 2013

I bought the Kumho tires 5 weeks ago to replace original equipment Bridgestones. The difference in road noise and ride comfort was like evolving from primative Flinstone stone tires to a modern Jetson smooth ride. Handling characteristics on dry and wet roads are excellent. Sorry, I can not comment on ice and snow as I live in SW Florida. I will so definately buy these tires again, in fact I will be ordering the same type tires next week for my MINI Cooper S.

Initial Review, 1,500 Miles on Tires
January 08, 2013

Initially there is a tire pull or torque steer with these tires upon acceleration and deceleration. I had them rotated and most of that issue is gone. These are directional tires so it's hard to figure out which tire has the manufacturing issue causing the tire pull. The Sumitumos that were on it before dd not have this issue.

Initial Review, 27,000 Miles on Tires
February 23, 2013

I love the tire, but I'm disappointed on the mileage. Not sure what what type of warranty service I'll get. I was only able to get 27,000 miles on a 40 k tire.

Initial Review, 6,000 Miles on Tires
January 08, 2013

My wife drives the car primarily, but I get enough time behind the wheel both in city and on the highway. These tires seem to be wearing well so far. They are due for rotation, but haven't shown any significant disparity between the front and rear. They have been very competent in the wet weather especially under braking which was a key feature in choosing this tire for this area. Also very good value and the 205/55 x 15 is not as available of a size as it used to be. It allowed for a slight bump up in tread width from the stock 195/60. I'm glad Kumho offers it. I would buy this tire again based on value and above average performance.