Kumho Ecsta XS Tire Review & Rating

With pavement hugging grip and straight line performance, the Ecsta XS from Kumho is engineered for use on the street or for track competition as well. Built especially for drivers of high performance sports cars and sedans, the XS holds up to the demands of SCCA racing.

This tire sports an attractive and very aggressive asymmetric tread design that uses an ultra-fine carbon black and a unique synthetic resin that enhances high speed cornering grip and much quicker steering response. Wider shoulder on the outboard side of tire also deliver increased road response.

Wet traction handling on the Kumho XS is increased due to circumferential grooves and lateral aqua grooves in the tread.

For those who are looking at utilizing this model for competition use, heat cycling is an available option. Why heat cycling? The advantages are a tire that gives a better overall tread life, as well as added traction and grip.

Inside the tire you will find two high-tensile steel belts that are nylon spirally wrapped for added strength and high speed driving. Finally, tuned sidewalls on the XS provide lateral deflection for increased steering response and handling capabilities.

Pros

• Cornering grip is simply as good as it gets
• Excellent dry handling and steering response
• Riding comfort is above average for its class
• Treadlife better than expected

Cons

• Wet traction could be improved on

Overall Thoughts

Just as you would expect from an ultra-high performance summer tire, the Ecsta XS excels in providing the ultimate in cornering grip and response. In fact, trying to break this tire loose from a clean road surface is nearly impossible. It also gives a pretty comfortable ride, although comfort is not why anyone should buy this tire.

On the other hand, we can’t rank it at the top of the class due to its wet traction. If Kumho would make some changes in the tire to enhance wet handling, this would be at the top. That said, this is still a great tire that offers some of the best dry traction you will find.

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What Vehicles Will The Ecsta XS Fit?

(This is not a complete list of ALL vehicles this tire will fit)

• BMW 325i, M3
• Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro
• Ford Focus, Mustang
• Honda S2000, Civic
• Mazda Protégé, Miata
• Mini Cooper S
• Nissan 240SX
• Pontiac G8
• Porsche 911, Boxster
• Subaru Impreza, WRX STi
• Toyota MR2
• Volkswagen Golf GTi

Tire Sizes

15″

205/50R-15 86W BSW

16″

225/50R-16 92W BSW
265/45R-16 98W BSW

17″

215/45R-17 87W BSW
235/45R-17 93W BSW
245/40R-17 91W BSW
245/45R-17 95W BSW
255/40R-17 94W BSW
285/40R-17 101W BSW
315/35R-17 102W BSW
335/35R-17 106W BSW

18″

225/45R18 XL 94W BSW
235/40R18 XL 95W BSW
245/35R18 XL 92W BSW
245/40R-18 93W BSW
265/35R18 XL 97W BSW
315/30R-18 98W BSW

19″

285/35R-19 99W BSW

Price Range

Prices on the XS range from approximately $110 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discounts, coupons and special offers on this tire.

Click Here To Find The Current Price On All Kumho Ecsta XS Sizes

Warranty

As you would expect from a tire in this category, Kumho does not provide a mileage warranty. There is a 1-year or first 2/32 inch of wear guarantee on the tire’s uniformity unless the tires have been shaved.

Materials and workmanship are warranted for 6-years and include free replacement during the first 2/32 inch of wear. The remaining amount is prorated down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth left on the tire.

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