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KumhoEcsta PA51
  • KumhoEcsta PA51
  • KumhoEcsta PA51
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The Ecsta PA51 is Kumho's Ultra High Performance All-Season tire developed for the drivers of sporty coupes, sports cars and performance sedans who want satisfying driving dynamics and effective all-season grip. Designed to combine the responsive handling and high-speed traction expected of a performance tire along with year-round capability, the Ecsta PA51 can be used in dry, wet and wintry conditions, even in light snow.

The all-season tread compound of the Ecsta PA51 uses high-grip resins and a high-stiffness compound to improve dry grip and handling, and the outside shoulder and circumferential rib of the asymmetric pattern are strengthened to help resist deformation during aggressive maneuvers. Variable pitch sequence technology optimizes the tread design to minimize noise and enhance comfort. High silica content in the compound improves wet traction, and four wide, circumferential grooves and open shoulder slots help evacuate water to increase hydroplaning resistance. The zig-zag, inboard groove aids grip in snowy conditions, and full-depth sipes provide the biting edges needed for traction in snow and on ice.

Utilizing two polyester plies for the casing helps the Ecsta PA51 balance comfort and durability, and the two wide, steel belts are reinforced by a single, nylon cap ply that aids steering response and provides high-speed capability.

Tire Rack Test Results Kumho Ecsta PA51

Testing Entry Level Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires 2020: Kumho Ecsta PA51(01:35)

Kumho’s Ecsta PA51 is a strong, well-balanced performer. We use it as a benchmark competitor against the newest on the market.

Read the Full Test Report

Ratings Charts & Reviews KumhoEcsta PA51

Tire Category: Ultra High Performance All-Season

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Kumho Ecsta PA51
Good
90%
2.8M
7.9 - Good
8.4 - Good
8.4 Hydroplaning Resistance
8.4 Wet Traction
8.9 - Excellent
8.9 Corner Stability
9.0 Dry Traction
8.9 Steering Response
6.4 - Fair
7.0 Light Snow Traction
6.3 Deep Snow Traction
5.8 Ice Traction
8.2 - Good
8.3 Ride Quality
8.2 Noise
8.0 - Good

Kumho Reviews

Feedback consistently shows the Kumho Ecsta PA51 excels in dry traction (9-10 scores) with precise steering and confident cornering, earning praise for ultra-high performance handling. Wet traction scores (7-10) highlight strong hydroplaning resistance and reliable grip in rain. Winter traction shows mixed results: snow performance (6-9) is adequate for light conditions, but ice and deep snow scores (0-8) reveal limitations for severe winter use. Comfort stands out with smooth ride quality (7-10) and low noise (7-10), appealing to daily drivers. Treadwear ratings (7-10) suggest solid durability for an all-season UHP tire, though a few note faster wear under aggressive driving. Ideal for drivers prioritizing dry/wet performance with light winter capability.

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Customers Like:

203 reviews mention "Wet Traction"

  • 186 positive
  • 17 negative

Customers praise the Kumho Ecsta PA51's wet traction, with most ratings between 8-10. High scores highlight confident grip and excellent hydroplaning resistance, making it a strong all-season performer in rainy conditions.

July 17, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
3.9 out of 5 Star Rating
3.9 out of 5

...Nearly unnoticeable difference in the dry and the wet, though it will slip in moderate snow...

If you want "super hards" on your daily driver maximizing performance for all weather conditions, don't pass this tire up (UTQG 500 Traction AA Temp A). 20,000 miles mixed mileage, religious tire rotations and hawkish preservation of relatively high tire pressures (35 front, 32 rear) with no issues. Good longitudinal and lateral stability, very predictable and performs well under lateral stress (55 mph cloverleaf curves). Nearly unnoticeable difference in the dry and the wet, though it will slip in moderate snow. This is not a tire you would put on a saloon or luxury car, you will hear friction running it's course and as a very hard compound, "comfort" is not a factor I chose when purchasing the tire, the stock summer tires offered a quieter and smoother ride - but lasted about 15,000 miles. These Kumho PA51s are on pace for about 55,000 miles based on inspection results, and similar Kumho tire products I have purchased on average last between 50,000 and 70,000 miles.
Overall: 8.5/10
Endurance: 10/10
Dry Traction: 8/10 (It's not a summer or racing tire)
Wet Traction: 9/10 (Keeps traction with the road at highway speed in small puddled standing water)
Cornering: 9/10 (You can hear when the tire is at its lateral limit)
Response: 9/10 (If there is torsion lag, its hard to feel)
Snow: 6/10 (Go very very slow - take those 30mph corners at 10.)
Ride Comfort: 5/10 (You will feel the seams between the asphalt)
Noise: 6/10 (You will hear the tire manipulating physics)

Vehicle: 2019 Subaru WRX
Miles Driven on Tires: 20,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: YAPHANK, NY
Driving Style: Spirited

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December 03, 2020
(Verified Purchase)
4 out of 5 Star Rating
4 out of 5

...Since I have put them on, I've experienced on dry, wet, and snow covered roads all within a week here in Pennsylvania. And I have had no problems crawling out of my driveway with 2-3" of snow and no issues on slushy roads so far...

I recently picked up a new set of Kuhmo Ecsta PA51's to replace the Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season tires that came on my 2017 Civic Si. This is the first new set of tires on this car, so this review will be more of a comparison of the two. I don't have more than 100 miles on the new set, but I can already tell you how much better they are than the Eagles. Everything across the board seems better, from ride comfort and sound to all around traction. Since I have put them on, I've experienced dry, wet, and snow covered roads all within a week here in Pennsylvania. And I have had no problems crawling out of my driveway with 2-3" of snow and no issues on slushy roads so far. The ride is so much smoother and quieter than before and soaks up small bumps. Overall they are a huge upgrade over the factory tires.

So a little backstory on the Eagles - I bought my car brand new in October 2017 and went straight into winter with new tires. From the very first snow I did not like the Eagles. I would slip and slide out of the driveway to just get to the road. Pulling out on a slight incline with a minimal amount of snow on the ground and I would spin and slide to get moving. I would get constant slippage and wheel-hop on just barely wet roads while trying to accelerate. The ride was loud and pretty choppy in general. They were just bad from the start, but I managed two more winters and 21k miles out of them. They still had enough tread on them for this winter and probably all summer - but I was literally sick of them. I was skeptical buying a cheaper tire (than the eagles) as replacements, but I am 100% satisfied with them.

Vehicle: 2017 Honda Civic Si Coupe
Miles Driven on Tires: 100
Driving Conditions: Mostly City
Location: MONROEVILLE, PA
Driving Style: Spirited

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January 07, 2022
(Verified Purchase)
5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

Excellent performance, they are speed rated, wet and dry over 100 mph...

Excellent performance, they are speed rated, wet and dry over 100 mph, on the regular after 500 mile break in period, these are awesome tires.

Vehicle: 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan
Miles Driven on Tires: 6,500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: NEWPORT, OR
Driving Style: Spirited

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80 reviews mention "Winter Traction"

  • 55 positive
  • 25 negative

The Kumho Ecsta PA51 delivers confident snow performance in its Ultra High Performance All-Season category, with most winter traction ratings between 7-10. While ice traction shows occasional lower scores, customers highlight reliable grip in light snow and slush, aligning well with its intended all-season capabilities.

August 17, 2023
(Verified Purchase)
4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

...Great in the snow and rain. Hardly any tire spin on wet or dry conditions...

I have always bought goodyear tires but was on a budget when I first bought these tires. For the price you pay for these tires these go a long way. I was definitely not easy on these tires. Great in the snow and rain. Hardly any tire spin on wet or dry conditions. I will be buying another set of these for my car again and probably as long as I have it. Highly Recommend!

Vehicle: 2004 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE
Miles Driven on Tires: 15,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: LINCOLN, NE
Driving Style: Spirited

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February 20, 2021
(Verified Purchase)
4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

...We live in Michigan so see sub freezing winters, rain, black top & concrete road surfaces (and big holes) and +90F Summers. Quiet, hold the road well and good in snow and wet...

So far great all round tire. We live in Michigan so see sub freezing winters, rain, black top & concrete road surfaces (and big holes) and +90F Summers. Quiet, hold the road well and good in snow and wet. After being impressed with our first purchase, we did buy a second set for one of our other cars , also performing well, but only 500 miles in cold weather to date.

Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Accent SE 5-Door
Miles Driven on Tires: 11,400
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: CANTON, MI
Driving Style: Average

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January 12, 2022
(Verified Purchase)
3.7 out of 5 Star Rating
3.7 out of 5

...Snow traction is good even at < 1/2 tread life....

These tires were overall decent for the price but they wore out faster than expected. 30k on a 45k tire is somewhat disappointing. They were quiet and performed well in all conditions. Snow traction is good even at < 1/2 tread life. I did have issues with tire pressure fluctuations something to watch for. I�d recommend this tire for the price they seem safe. I am opting for a higher mileage tire this time.

Vehicle: 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen TDI
Miles Driven on Tires: 30,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: RENO, NV
Driving Style: Average

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234 reviews mention "Dry Traction"

  • 224 positive
  • 10 negative

Most customers give the Kumho Ecsta PA51 excellent dry traction scores of 9-10, praising its responsive handling and confident grip. High ratings reflect strong performance in its Ultra High Performance All-Season category.

February 20, 2020
3.8 out of 5 Star Rating
3.8 out of 5

...The steering is accurate and responsive with good mid corner stability. Dry grip and braking is more than enough for street driving...

Needed new tires, did a lot of research to find something that didn't break the bank. Wanted to avoid no name Chinese brands (never going this route again). Loved driving on extreme summers (RS3s and RE-71s) in the past but did not fit my needs for this car. Settled on all seasons for the tread life. So far I've found this tire to be a nice balance for daily commuting with the occasional spirited drive. Does a pretty good job of soaking up bumps. The steering is accurate and responsive with good mid corner stability. Dry grip and braking is more than enough for street driving. Can't comment on wet performance yet, no rain here in SoCal. Factor in the price and this tire is a great overall value. Only minor complaint is this tire does have noticeable tread noise. Will purchase again if I can get decent tread life.

Vehicle: 2015 Lexus GS 350 F Sport RWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: EL MONTE, CA
Driving Style: Spirited

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February 13, 2021
(Verified Purchase)
3.8 out of 5 Star Rating
3.8 out of 5

...Dry traction was fantastic and I found surprising amount of grip from the PA51, a huge upgrade from the TA71s on my last car...

I bought these tires to replace the horrible Conti Extreme Contact DWS tires that came on the car when I bought it. I sizes I had were 235/45R17 in the front and 255/40R17 in the rear. I found this to be the perfect size combination for the vehicle. The tires balanced up nicely and I had no problems with vibrations during my ownership. I didn't experience too much snow while I had these tires but in light snow they performed adequately on a RWD car. Deep snow was a no-go and ice was....well ice and this is an A/S tire. Rain traction was great; these tires have plenty of sipes to disperse water. Dry traction was fantastic and I found a surprising amount of grip from the PA51, a huge upgrade from the TA71s on my last car. To me these are the best inexpensive performance A/S tires. I have and will continue to recommend them. I have also installed them on customer vehicles with no complains so far.

Vehicle: 1999 Mercedes-Benz E430 Sport Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 11,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: ALEXANDRIA, VA
Driving Style: Spirited

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May 11, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...I've thrown my G8 GXP into corners VERY hot and these bad boys held on without breaking much of a sweat...

great tires, within 24 hours of having them mounted I drove my car 800 miles home and have put great miles on the car since! They generated a little more noise than I was expecting. that the only thing that caught me surprised. beyond that and short of a track environment, which these aren't appropriate for, they are phenomenal daily tires. I've thrown my G8 GXP into some corners VERY hot and these bad boys held on without breaking much of a sweat. unfortunately picked these up on a closeout sale and wont be able to buy more sooner. but absolutely thrilled with these. in rain they perform better than expected, but as a cautious Wisconsinite living in Tennessee i made sure i picked a tire with great siping for the bite through water. these are definitely a great tire!

Vehicle: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: NASHVILLE, TN
Driving Style: Spirited

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237 reviews mention "Ride Quality"

  • 213 positive
  • 24 negative

Most customers rate ride comfort and noise levels as excellent, with many 9s and 10s. The PA51 delivers a smooth, refined driving experience expected in Ultra High Performance All-Season tires, though a few lower scores are noted.

May 24, 2020
(Verified Purchase)
4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...Balanced ride and has strong composure over road bumps. Oh yeah very quiet too...

Just installEd my Kuhmo pa51 From and it's was a raining heavily. Took it to the free way to test them out, man so much grip, didn't feel like it's was raining. Impressed with the balanced Ride and has Strong composure over road bumps. Oh yeah Very quiet Too. Overall I would recommend this tire if your looking for all year confidence and comfort with reasonable pricing. Haven't tested it in snow but I am sure based on the tire capabilities that it will exceed my expectations. Safe driving everyone.

Vehicle: 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan V8
Miles Driven on Tires: 25
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: QUEENS VILLAGE, NY
Driving Style: Average

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September 17, 2019
(Verified Purchase)
N/A out of 5 Star Rating
Not Yet Rated

I am thoroughly pleased with the performance and comfort of them. They also are very quiet...

I bought this car with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's which were extremely good tires. Because of near future updates on front and rear suspension, I decided to go with a less expensive tire when the Michelins wore out until the repairs were completed. I'm not at all sure that I will not stay with the Kumho's. I am thoroughly pleased with the performance and comfort of them. They also are very quiet. I endorse these tires with an A+ rating.

Vehicle: 1999 BMW 540i 6-Speed
Miles Driven on Tires: 7,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: JOHNSON CITY, TN
Driving Style: Average

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August 23, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...I am happy that these Kumhos have so far proved me right as they are quiet and comfortable at all speeds (I have taken them pass 100 mph). I finally feel like I am riding in a luxury vehicle.

This was an awesome purchase. The pricing was great and I couldn't be more pleased with the tires. I got them to replace the OEM tires I had on my 2018 BMW X3. The originals were run flat tires which typically, in my experience, provide a harsher ride and significantly more road noise than normal tires. I am happy that these Kumhos have so far proved me right as they are quiet and comfortable tires at all speeds (I have taken them pass 100 mph). I finally feel like I am riding in a luxury vehicle.

Vehicle: 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i Standard Brakes
Miles Driven on Tires: 4,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: SPRINGFIELD, MA
Driving Style: Average

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172 reviews mention "Treadwear"

  • 142 positive
  • 30 negative

Most customers rate treadwear highly, with scores of 9-10 praising long-lasting performance. While a few lower scores exist, the majority highlight excellent durability for all-season use.

September 21, 2022
(Verified Purchase)
4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...After 1.5 year of driving 15K miles ( 7-8/32), I can say these set of tires will last me about 3 years and 45K miles (at most) as specified by Kumho... I push my tires hard, the front tires had more treadwear than rear due to FWD, which was expected...

Absolutely love these tires for handling in dry and wet conditions. After 1.5 year of driving 15K miles (7-8/32), I can say these set of tires will last me about 3 years and 45K miles (at most) as specified by Kumho. I prefer highest performance all season tires that last about 3 yrs instead of longer promising under-performing tires (like the OEM continentals) which make you uncomfortable in wet conditions. These tires are much better than the OEMs as I have driven in heavy rain. I push my tires hard, the front tires had more treadwear than rear due to FWD, which was expected. I keep my tires inflated and check tire wear periodically. Having to replace one for nail damage, but Tirerack''s road-hazard program was a breeze to claim reimbursement.

Vehicle: 2013 Volvo S60 T5 FWD Standard Tires
Miles Driven on Tires: 15,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MARIETTA, GA
Driving Style: Spirited

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October 06, 2024
(Verified Purchase)
3.9 out of 5 Star Rating
3.9 out of 5

I have purchased a few sets of this tire and its prior version and have been very happy with the performance and how long they lasted.

I have purchased a few sets of this tire and its prior version and have been very happy with the performance and how log they lasted.

Vehicle: 1999 BMW 323i Sport Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: MOUNT LAUREL, NJ
Driving Style: Spirited

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July 26, 2022
(Verified Purchase)
5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...Minimal treadwear after a year and am very happy with the purchase. I was used to buying tires almost every year but this set will last much longer.

Tires have been great. Minimal treadwear after a year and am very happy with the purchase. I was used to buying tires almost every year but this set will last much longer.

Vehicle: 2013 Mazda Mazda3 5-Door i Touring
Miles Driven on Tires: 15,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: RIVERSIDE, CA
Driving Style: Average

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Consumer Reviews

Media Gallery

Testing Entry Level Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires 2020: Kumho Ecsta PA51(01:35)

Kumho’s Ecsta PA51 is a strong, well-balanced performer. We use it as a benchmark competitor against the newest on the market.

Read the Full Test Report

Testing Two of the Newest Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires - Winter Update(02:08)

In a competitive Ultra High Performance All-Season category focused on crisp, responsive handling, high-speed traction and all-season capability, nearly every brand has an entry. With every new release the current leader is the benchmark and it's a constant game of leapfrog.

Here's how two of the newest stack up against the latest and the greatest in the category.

View Road Manners & Dry/Wet Track Results Video



Read the Full Test Report

View All Winter Test Results

Testing Two of the Newest Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires(04:54)

In a competitive Ultra High Performance All-Season category focused on crisp, responsive handling, high-speed traction and all-season capability, nearly every brand has an entry. With every new release the current leader is the benchmark and it's a constant game of leapfrog.

Here's how two of the newest stack up against the latest and the greatest in the category.

View Snow Traction/Handling Results Video

Read the Full Test Report

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