Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Kumho WinterCraft WP52+: This is a classic premium vs value winter-tire face-off. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, developed for high-performance cars and SUVs, is known for its exceptional balance in wet, snow, and dry winter conditions. Challenging it is the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+, a cost-conscious performance winter tire aiming to deliver solid cold-weather grip and everyday winter usability at a more accessible position.
The big question: can Kumho’s value-driven contender genuinely pressure one of the benchmark premium winter tires?
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Results: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Kumho WinterCraft WP52 plus
Results below were taken from 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test with a total of 20 tires tested including 1 reference summer tire. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Kumho WinterCraft WP52 plus based on the relevant performance category. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the middle European winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 225/40 R18 which is a common tire size for Subaru Impreza & BMW 3 Series. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a BMW M135i.
Wet
In wet braking, the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ stops 3.3 meters shorter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, which translates to about a 6% advantage for the Kumho. In wet handling, the Kumho again holds the edge, carrying 1.8 km/h more cornering speed than the Continental, a difference of roughly 2%. Straight-line aquaplaning is effectively even, with the Continental resisting water lift at just 0.3 km/h higher speed, a gap of 0% in practical terms.
Overall, the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ clearly performs better in wet braking and wet handling, while both tires deliver virtually identical straight-line aquaplaning resistance.
WinterCraft WP52 plus :
- +6% in wet braking
- +2% in wet handling (lap time)
- 0% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In snow braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stops 0.3 meters shorter than the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+, giving the Continental a marginal 1% advantage. Snow traction also slightly favors the Continental, delivering 32 N more pulling force, which is again about a 1% difference. In snow handling, however, the Kumho turns the tables, carrying 0.7 km/h higher cornering speed than the Continental, a gain of roughly 1%.
Taken together, the Continental TS 870 P shows a small edge in straight-line snow performance, while the Kumho WP52+ feels slightly more agile in snow handling, making overall snow performance between the two extremely close.
WinterCraft WP52 plus :
- -1% in snow braking
- -1% in snow traction
- +1% in snow handling (lap time)
Mileage
In wear performance, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P lasts 2,120 km longer than the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+, giving the Continental an endurance advantage of about 5%. In practical terms, the TS 870 P offers slightly better long-term durability, while the Kumho trades a small amount of mileage for its performance strengths.
WinterCraft WP52 plus :
- -5% in mileage
Dry
In dry braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stops 0.8 meters shorter than the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+, which equals roughly a 2% advantage for the Continental. In dry handling, the Continental also carries 2.0 km/h higher cornering speed than the Kumho, translating to about a 2% difference.
Overall, the Continental TS 870 P shows clearer strength on dry roads, delivering both shorter stopping distances and higher handling limits compared to the Kumho WP52+.
WinterCraft WP52 plus :
- -2% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling (lap time)
NVH
In subjective comfort, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P scores 1.3 points higher than the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+, which is a clear 7% advantage in perceived ride comfort. For noise, the Kumho is marginally quieter at 0.2 dB lower than the Continental, a difference of 0% in real-world perception.
Overall, the Continental delivers a noticeably more comfortable ride, while noise levels between the two tires are effectively the same in everyday driving.
WinterCraft WP52 plus :
- -7% in subjective comfort
- ~0% in exterior noise (-0.2 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P shows 0.68 N/kN lower resistance than the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+, which equals roughly an 8% advantage for the Continental.
Winter Response 2 :
- -8% in rolling resistance
Price
For size 225/40 R18, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is priced at €141, while the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ comes in at €97, making the Kumho €44 cheaper. This means the WinterCraft WP52+ costs about 45% less than the Continental, giving it a very clear price advantage.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- WinterContact TS 870 P : € 141
- WinterCraft WP52 plus : € 97
Difference: -45% more cheaper for WinterCraft WP52 plus
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
From my perspective as a tire engineer, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stands out for its stronger dry performance, higher comfort, lower rolling resistance, and longer wear, making it the more refined and technically balanced winter tire. The Kumho WinterCraft WP52+, on the other hand, impresses with its wet braking and wet handling performance while delivering a massive price advantage, offering very strong winter capability for drivers who want maximum value without paying a premium.
Dr Edwin Pang