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  • Kumho Ecsta PS31
  • Kumho Ecsta PS31
Tire Rack Test

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The Ecsta PS31 is Kumho's Ultra High Performance Summer tire developed for drivers who emphasize handling and performance in dry and wet conditions for their sports cars, sporty coupes and performance sedans. Like all summer tires, the Ecsta PS31 is not intended to be driven in near freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.

Kumho Ecsta PS31A high-technology summer compound features High Dispersible Micro Silica for a more even distribution of silica throughout the contact patch and High Grip Resin to enhance dry and wet traction. The compound is molded into a directional tread pattern with a solid center rib for improved high-speed stability and 3D Dimple Design heat dimples help minimize heat buildup in the tread blocks, increasing durability for reduced wear. Optimized lateral groove angles resist irregular wear while maximizing water displacement during wet-weather cornering, and the four wide, circumferential main grooves work with diagonal-sipe microgrooves to evacuate water from the footprint for hydroplaning resistance.

The tire features a computer-simulated structure to provide uniform contact pressure for even wear, and the reinforced internal construction includes a two-ply polyester casing beneath twin wide, steel belts and two full layer nylon cap plies for improved impact resistance, high-speed handling and durability.

Tire Rack Test Results Kumho Ecsta PS31

Does Firestone Hit the Ultra High Performance Summer Mark? (07:33)

Firestone wants to hit the bull's eye with its new Firehawk Indy 500. The target is specific: an outstanding blend of dry and wet street traction and handling.

How accurate is Firestone's aim in the Ultra High Performance Summer category ripe with contenders including the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2, Dunlop Direzza DZ102 and Kumho Ecsta PS31?

Read the Full Test Report

Ratings Charts & Reviews Kumho Ecsta PS31

Tire Category: Ultra High Performance Summer

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Price
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Kumho Ecsta PS31
Good
94%
$0
1.1M
7.3 - Good
8.0 - Good
8.0 Hydroplaning Resistance
8.0 Wet Traction
8.4 - Good
8.4 Corner Stability
8.6 Dry Traction
8.3 Steering Response
N/A
N/A Light Snow Traction
N/A Deep Snow Traction
N/A Ice Traction
8.3 - Good
8.4 Ride Quality
8.2 Noise
8.1 - Good

Customers Say

Customer surveys indicate the Kumho Ecsta PS31 excels in dry traction, with many reviewers scoring it 9-10 for confident grip and responsive handling in summer conditions. Wet traction also earns praise (7-9 range), though a few note reduced hydroplaning resistance in heavy rain. Ride comfort receives consistent 7-10 ratings, with drivers highlighting smoothness and acceptable noise levels for a performance tire. Treadwear scores (7-10) reflect satisfaction with durability, particularly for spirited driving. As an Ultra High Performance Summer tire, it delivers strong results in its intended categories, with no significant weaknesses reported in core performance areas.

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Customers Like:

120 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 105 positive
  • 15 negative

Most customers give wet traction scores of 8-10, praising confident grip and wet handling. Some note lower scores (0-6), indicating occasional concerns in heavy rain.

August 29, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.1 out of 5 Star Rating
4.1 out of 5

...These Kumho's are... very stable in the wet...

Really great tire. The OEM Goodyear tires were awful - poor dry traction, lethal in the wet and noisy.

These Kumho's are really quiet, have great dry traction and are very stable in the wet. The ride is also improved over the OEM tires. I don't have a lot of miles on them but so far I could not be happier given the price/performance tradeoff. Highly recommended and I would purchase them again for sure.

Vehicle: 2014 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV
Miles Driven on Tires: 6,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly City
Location: CARY, NC
Driving Style: Average
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October 09, 2018 (Verified Purchase)

3.9 out of 5 Star Rating
3.9 out of 5

...It shines in the wet and has pretty good dry grip, but does give up grip much sooner than the OEM Bridgestone...

My plan when purchasing these tires was to buy them along with 15" wheels to downsize the OEM wheels on my Fiesta ST, as the OEM 17" wheels required a short sidewall which caused the car to "crash" over bumps. I chose the Kumho tires based on price and reviews (specifically those pertaining to wet weather performance). These tires have been almost exactly what I thought they'd be, a jack of all trades for summer perormance. The Kumho probably doesn't have the highest rating in any one category, but I'd say it's above average in almost all ways. It shines in the wet and has pretty good dry grip, but does give up grip much sooner than the OEM Bridgestone. Overall, I like them and feel that they do it all well with no glaring faults - especially considering the price. I'd recommend them to budget minded shoppers, but probably not to someone who wouldn't mind spending more for higher levels of performance and ultimate grip.

Vehicle: 2016 Ford Fiesta ST
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MIDDLETOWN, NY
Driving Style: Spirited
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July 30, 2018

4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

...PS31 were recommended as they are firm tires, more complain to my OEM tire feeling, and wow, I'm amazed, the change was night and day... Tires brake on a breath, corner as good as the OEM Dunlop Sports and have grip on wet pavemente...

Astonished bythe performance of this tires either on the dry and on wet pavement, before this set I had chinese A1 Antares tiresc that slipped all over the place, had less than 200 miles on 'em, changed them st the tire desler less than 2 weeks after as they felt horrible in general. PS31 were recommended as they are firm tires, more complain to my OEM tire feeling, and wow, I'm amazed, the change was night and day. Tires brake on a breath, corner as good as the OEM Dunlop Sports and have a grip on wet pavemente, so far I' aamazed at this tires, and woul by them again on a hearthbeat.

Vehicle: 2011 BMW 135i Coupe M Sport Package Built Before 9/10
Miles Driven on Tires: 50
Driving Conditions: Mostly City
Location: Indio, CA
Driving Style: Spirited
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145 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 133 positive
  • 12 negative

Most customers give dry traction excellent scores of 9s and 10s, highlighting responsive handling and reliable grip. Some lower scores note occasional concerns, but overall performance aligns with Ultra High Performance Summer expectations.

November 09, 2016

4 out of 5 Star Rating
4 out of 5

On my first Autocross with these tires on, I broke my personal best... I took seconds off my time...

On my first Autocross with these tires on, I broke my personal best. Some track. Worse conditions than the month before, because rain had washed some sand across some of the turns. I took seconds off my time. The ride is soft, which is great for my back. They are definitely less responsive than the Bridgestone Pole Positions that they replaced. BUT, in actual track lap time, they are faster. Incredible bargain!

Vehicle: 1999 Mazda Miata
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: CINCINNATI, OH
Driving Style: Spirited
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July 16, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4 out of 5 Star Rating
4 out of 5

...Incredibly sticky while blasting through curves well into triple digit speeds on a summer day. Steering is precise and instant. The tires make zero complaint when reaching G limits in a fast, tight curve...

For the price, it's a solid tire for road warriors engaging in spirited driving. I have them on my GTI VR6, purchased after a big brake upgraded necessitated larger wheels. They're rather low profile wrapped around my BBS RC wheels, and ride quality suffers, especially with my stiff H&R suspension setup. But the car's not set up for comfort, it's set up for fun, and these tires deliver. Incredibly sticky while blasting through curves well into triple digit speeds on a summer day. Steering is precise and instant. The tires make zero complaint when reaching G limits in a fast, tight curve. Acceptable performance in the rain, but I've had a few sketchy experiences with them suddenly hydroplaning on Highway 680 either way between San Bruno and Daly City during heavy downpours.

Note that these tires do not like sitting. Car was in storage for a while and rarely driven between 2019 and 2024. Some of the tires deformed during this time, and there's a noticeable bump and vibration, especially on my rear right, even though tire pressure was maintained during downtime. This commonly happens though to sitting tires though, and I don't fault the tires for it.

Vehicle: 1995 Volkswagen GTi VR6
Miles Driven on Tires: 15,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: CONCORD, CA
Driving Style: Spirited
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141 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 130 positive
  • 11 negative

Customers praise ride comfort with scores 8-10, noting quiet performance (noise mostly 9s/10s). Some report lower noise scores (0-6), indicating occasional road noise concerns.

August 11, 2020

4.2 out of 5 Star Rating
4.2 out of 5

...The Kumho's are the most comfortable Summer Performance tire I have ever seen! So compliant over bumps and dips but the grip is there when you need it...

Love these tires! I 've only owned them for two weeks but the difference from the 16" Arizonians I had are astonishing! The grip is great, in wet or dry and the comfort is on point with the Arizonians. The Arizonians are an All-Season passenger tire, built for a comfortable ride and good fuel mileage. The Kumho's are the most comfortable Summer Performance tire I have ever seen! So compliant over bumps and dips but the grip is there when you need it. For my Civic LX, they're the best buy.

Vehicle: 2011 Honda Civic Sedan LX
Miles Driven on Tires: 200
Driving Conditions: Mostly City
Location: CHICAGO, IL
Driving Style: Spirited
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November 08, 2021 (Verified Purchase)

4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...They are holding up well tread-wise and are super quiet and comfortable on the highway where I do most of my driving...

Bought the Kumho's for my mk6 Golf TDI on the recommendation of users of a mk6 GTI forum � over the course of 10,000 miles with them, I'm happy with my purchase and they provide fantastic value for the money. They are holding up well tread-wise and are super quiet and comfortable on the highway where I do most of my driving. Make no mistakes though, these tires still handle well when going for a B-road blast through the twisties. My Golf is lowered on H&R sport springs and the Kumho's match the performance well and inspire confidence when going on a spirited drive, although they feel a little softer when compared to my mk5 GTI's tires which are stiffer, but far noisier when cruising; this could also be down to suspension differences/tuning between the two however. For a daily driver summer tire, especially for highway cruising, I'd absolutely recommend these tires.

Vehicle: 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: EAST HAVEN, CT
Driving Style: Average
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June 27, 2017

4.1 out of 5 Star Rating
4.1 out of 5

...The Kumho PS31 is good everyday driver tire because they are quiet and comfy to ride on...

*** I will update after some miles driven and during the rainy season ***

Pros:
Good looking sidewall
None road noise
Very comfortable
Good price

Cons:
Sidewall too soft
Steering is lazy

I am living in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the road condition is bad. The Kumho PS31 is good everyday driver tire because they are quiet and comfy to ride on.

Handling of the PS31 is actually disappointing because I am switching from Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2 to them, and I even feel more stable cornering with my old tires since the sidewall is so soft on the PS31. I feel like the car doesn't want to turn when turning in. My old tires are 205/50, and the PS31 are 205/55, and I think it matters. I pumped up the tire pressure a little to get a sharper steering response, and hopefully, it will not affect how the tire wear.

I have the same size (205/55) Kumho KU22 on another car, and the sidewall feels a lot stiffer than the PS31. Also, the KU22 provide the same grip level as the PS31. I will only rate the PS31 a high performance summer tire instead of ultra high performance.

Vehicle: 1986 BMW 325es
Miles Driven on Tires: 100
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: SAN PABLO, CA
Driving Style: Spirited
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107 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 93 positive
  • 14 negative

Most customers praise the treadwear, with many scoring 9s and 10s. While some report scores between 7-8, a few note concerns with lower ratings (1-6), indicating mixed durability experiences.

June 09, 2022 (Verified Purchase)

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...I constantly check tire pressures and this is my 3rd set of these tires. Each set has given 40 to 42,000 miles, which is great...

My van is used in HVAC service industry. Always has weight in it and I drive harder than average. I constantly check tire pressures and this is my 3rd set of these tires. Each set has given 40 to 42,000 reliable miles, which is great. Excellent tire and great value.

Vehicle: 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris
Miles Driven on Tires: 30,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: LAFAYETTE, LA
Driving Style: Spirited
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Consumer Reviews

Media Gallery

Does Firestone Hit the Ultra High Performance Summer Mark? (07:33)

Firestone wants to hit the bull's eye with its new Firehawk Indy 500. The target is specific: an outstanding blend of dry and wet street traction and handling.

How accurate is Firestone's aim in the Ultra High Performance Summer category ripe with contenders including the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2, Dunlop Direzza DZ102 and Kumho Ecsta PS31?

Read the Full Test Report

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