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Kumho Ecsta PA51
  • Kumho Ecsta PA51
  • Kumho Ecsta PA51
Tire Rack Test

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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 Kumho Ecsta PA51

Tire Category: Ultra High Performance All-Season

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Kumho Ecsta PA51
Good
90%
2.7M
7.8 - Good
8.3 - Good
8.4 Hydroplaning Resistance
8.3 Wet Traction
8.9 - Excellent
8.9 Corner Stability
9.0 Dry Traction
8.9 Steering Response
6.3 - Fair
7.0 Light Snow Traction
6.2 Deep Snow Traction
5.8 Ice Traction
8.2 - Good
8.3 Ride Quality
8.1 Noise
7.9 - Good

Customers Say

Drivers consistently rate the Kumho Ecsta PA51 as a strong performer in its Ultra High Performance All-Season category, with standout dry traction (frequent 9-10 scores) praised for sharp handling and responsive steering. Wet traction earns high marks (7-10 range) for reliable grip and hydroplaning resistance. Winter traction shows generally positive results in light snow (6-9 scores), though ice performance draws mixed feedback, with some noting reduced confidence. Comfort receives consistent praise for smooth ride quality, while treadwear ratings (7-10) suggest satisfactory longevity for spirited driving. Ideal for drivers prioritizing year-round capability with a focus on dry and wet performance over extreme winter conditions.

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Customers Like:

192 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 175 positive
  • 17 negative

Customers praise the PA51's wet traction, with most scoring 9s and 10s for confident grip and hydroplaning resistance. Some note solid performance with 7-8 ratings in heavy rain.

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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May 24, 2020 (Verified Purchase)

4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...Took it to the free way to test them out, man so much grip, didn't feel like it's was raining...

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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75 customers mention "Winter Traction"

  • 53 positive
  • 22 negative

Customers report strong snow and deep snow traction with scores mostly 7-10, though ice traction shows more variability with some ratings 0-6. Most praise winter performance for an all-season tire, but a few note limitations in severe icy conditions.

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... 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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May 16, 2020 (Verified Purchase)

3.6 out of 5 Star Rating
3.6 out of 5

...Light snow and ice isn't a problem for these tires. Most all season performance tires have a deep snow weakness. Not an issue for me...

This is my third time buying Kuhmo brand tires. The first two times, I bought the Ecsta Platinum LX line for my Honda Accords. They were PHENOMENAL for the price. Even better than $175 Michelins. I paid $83 each for them back in 2010... so it was half the price of overpriced brands. Since then, I've only gone astray once and tried General Altimax.. they were okay, but immediately noticed lower quality from what I was used to with the Kuhmos I had twice before.

Now, onto these tires! I now own an Acura and just had to replace the Continentals that came with it. Tire rack was out of the Kuhmo Ecsta Platinums I had loved so much in the past.. so I tried these. They actually were slightly more expensive than the platinum series- so I figured they'd be even better. I wasn't wrong one bit!!! These tires are SO QUIET and soft.. yet balanced to give you some pretty decent performance if you like to get a little crazy on the road at times. Wet traction is decent, and hydroplane resistance is good. Light snow and ice isn't a problem for these tires. Most all season performance tires have a deep snow weakness. Not an issue for me. They'll do fine if you know how to drive in the snow. I am certain these tires will last as long as the ones I had years ago. People put too much issue in a tire having 80k warranty for treadlife. Ridiculous. Most tires will dry rot before the tread wears out! Defeats the purpose. Kuhmo tires will last you 4 years easily. I refuse to pay twice the price for a tire, only to have it last a year longer. I refuse to pay for TV ads, and everything else that drives the cost on Mich and other brands overpriced.

This specific series of tire are the same ones that come on a new Kia Stinger sports sedan... so that says a lot! You can look that one up! THESE ARE GREAT TIRES! BUY THEM, TRUST ME!! I ordered them, set of 4 off here for $428 free shipping. Final price total. I ordered them at 9pm on a Tuesday, and they arrived at my local tire shop Thursday!

Vehicle: 2008 Acura TL Automatic Transmission
Miles Driven on Tires: 0
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MIDDLE RIVER, MD
Driving Style: Spirited
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220 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 210 positive
  • 10 negative

Most customers give high marks for dry traction, with most scoring 9s and 10s. Some 7-8s note responsive handling and reliable grip in dry conditions.

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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224 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 201 positive
  • 23 negative

Customers praise the PA51's ride comfort and low noise, with most scoring 9s and 10s. Some note 7-8 ratings, while a few report lower comfort in certain conditions.

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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February 20, 2020

3.8 out of 5 Star Rating
3.8 out of 5

...soaking up bumps... Only minor complaint is this tire does have noticeable tread noise...

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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March 03, 2020 (Verified Purchase)

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

I swapped from 16 rim to 18 rim and was very concerned about the ride quality suffering. I will say so far I am very impressed with these. Smooth riding, pretty quiet so far and traction seems great compared to what I had...

I have only had these a short time, I swapped from 16" rim to 18" rim and was very concerned about the ride quality suffering. I will say so far I am very impressed with these. Smooth riding, pretty quiet so far and traction seems great compared to what I had. For a lower cost tire I love them so far. I have yet to try them in snow but that will happen soon. My car was horrible with the old tires - Which were about 50% tread. I have a feeling these will be much better.

Vehicle: 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
Miles Driven on Tires: 500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MURRYSVILLE, PA
Driving Style: Average
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166 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 136 positive
  • 30 negative

Most customers rate treadwear highly, with scores of 9-10 praising long-lasting performance. Several note 7-8 scores, indicating good durability for all-season use. A few lower ratings (0-6) mention premature wear concerns, but these are less common.

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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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.

Read the Full Test Report

View Road Manners & Dry/Wet Track Results Video

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.

Read the Full Test Report

View Snow Traction/Handling Results Video

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