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Last updated 5/09/2025 - Originally published 5/09/2025
Written by SimpleTire, Expertly reviewed by Brett Antosh
Established in 1960 in South Korea, Kumho is a subsidiary of Chinese tire manufacturer Doublestar, and in the US region, it has its base in Atlanta. It offers innovative and value-driven tires for use on passenger cars, light trucks, CUVs, SUVs, minivans, and commercial trucks, and its portfolio is loaded with a range of all-season, UHP summer, all-terrain, all-weather, mud-terrain, UHP all-season, winter, highway, and touring tires.
Nitto, on the other hand, was founded in 1949 in Japan and is now a part of Toyo Tire Corporation and has its headquarters in Cypress, CA. Positioning itself as an enthusiast-centric brand, Nitto has launched an outstanding range of tires on the market, including Grappler Series, N-Series, and Motivo. Offering tires for passenger cars, SUVs, CUVs, light trucks, and ATVs/UTVs, its portfolio includes all-terrain, mud-terrain, all-season, UHP summer, racing, performance, track competition, and highway tires.
The Kumho Ecsta V730 and the Nitto NT555 G2 are the two dependable Ultra-High-Performance (UHP) summer tires that we have chosen for the comparison. For those seeking a punchy performance on and off the track, these UHP summer tires are two of the strongest contenders on the market and can be used in warmer weather conditions on wet and dry surfaces.
Whether you own a coupe, sedan, or sports car, both the Ecsta V730 and the NT555 G2 can deliver a thrilling performance. But, which of the two is better for your driving needs, and how are they on the traction, handling, and longevity fronts? Let’s find this out in this Ecsta V730 vs NT555 G2 tires comparison using our proprietary tire rating system - SimpleScore.
Kumho Ecsta V730 tires
First, let’s talk about the Kumho Ecsta V730, the tire made its debut in 2021 and comes with tremendous capabilities when it comes to delivering a performance-rich driving experience. The tire is good for driving in summer conditions and is optimized for sharper handling response on and off the track.
There are features that contribute to maximizing grip during punchy performance, and the tread is also tuned to provide confident cornering and the much-needed endurance for longer service. Traction and steering response are great, and the tire also ensures hydroplaning resistance, straight-line stability, heat control, and driving pressure resistance.
Overall, the Ecsta V730 is rated at 8.4 SimpleScore, kudos to its exceptional handling response, reliable traction, and long-lasting service.
Get Kumho Ecsta V730 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Nitto NT555 G2 tires
The Nitto NT555 G2 is another great UHP summer tire that is good at fulfilling the duty of being a performance-rich tire. Launched in 2020, and like its peer, the NT555 G2 can be used in warmer weather conditions. Tagged as the “next-generation” ultra-high-performance summer tire by the manufacturer, it can deliver a spirited driving experience on the streets and tracks.
Its design and construction complement the higher rpm machines, and the tire can run glued to the pavement without compromising on the performance part. It is engineered for enhanced traction, especially when you mount those staggered fitments on the rear wheels, and can offer optimum straight-line stability, increased grip, sharper wet handling with hydroplaning resistance, improved dry and wet cornering, and precision through the turns.
Overall, the NT555 G2 scores an equally amazing 8.4 SimpleScore like its rival, thanks to its outstanding handling, solid traction, and longer tread life.
Get Nitto NT555 G2 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Kumho Ecsta V730 vs Nitto NT555 G2 tires on traction
While the overall details of the Ecsta V730 and the NT555 G2 look impressive, let’s get into further detailing and insights on these tires, starting with their traction abilities. Precap here, they both give a tough competition to each other on the traction front, with one of them marginally taking over the other.
The Ecsta V730 achieves an 8.5 SimpleScore for its great traction performance in dry and wet conditions. The innovative asymmetric tread pattern of this tire features wide-outside shoulder blocks for enhanced traction, and there are lateral sipes to provide extra traction command in wet conditions. The dual circumferential grooves optimize water channelling for increased wet grip, and the rib-type central tread block pattern provides extra grip and traction in dry conditions.
Contrarily, the NT555 G2 scores a nearly identical 8.4 SimpleScore rating in traction. There are larger tread blocks that expand the tire's reach and contact with the surface for consistent grip, and the twin center rib further boosts the traction, especially in dry conditions. The large tapered blocks on the tread are tuned to increase grip and ensure optimum contact with the road/tread. Similarly, the circumferential grooves help in maintaining contact with the surface in wet conditions by expelling the water from the footprint. Thanks to the reinforced shoulder tread blocks, the NT555 G2 maintains solid dry grip.
When both tires are compared on the traction front, the Ecsta V730 gains a slight advantage over the NT555 G2 because of a marginally better score.
ADVANTAGE: Kumho Ecsta V730
Kumho Ecsta V730 vs Nitto NT555 G2 tires on handling
Next, let’s discuss the most important consideration factors while buying UHP summer tires – the handling performance! It is related to the tire’s agility, which relates to steering response, cornering performance, braking efficiency, stability, ride control, and lane changing ability. Another precap - both tires again gave each other a tough competition.
Commencing with the Ecsta V730, it achieves an 8.7 SimpleScore and confirms that it won’t disappoint the drivers whether taken on track or street. The tire utilizes a high-strength carcass and optimized footprint design for enhanced lateral cornering. The wider outside blocks and sipes on the asymmetric tread pattern improve the Ecsta V730’s steering response in wet conditions, while the reinforced center rib enhances straight-line stability and dry road steering response. There are wave-shaped micro-grooves to resist heat buildup and the zigzag-shaped under-center grooves improve water channeling for better stability in wet conditions. The inner construction of the tire is strong and durable to prevent tire deformation and provide consistent and uninterrupted handling performance.
On the contrary, the NT555 G2 achieves an 8.8 SimpleScore in handling to offer exemplary controllability at higher speeds. The twin center ribs provide increased straight-line stability, and the large tapered blocks ensure confident cornering performance. For better wet handling, there are circumferential grooves to channel water from the contact patch area. Additionally, the reinforced shoulder tread blocks allow the tire to corner with greater control, and the high stiffness and silica-rich rubber compound provide improved handling response.
Here, we see that the Nitto UHP summer tire leads by a small margin. The performance of the Kumho UHP summer tire isn’t on the negative side, though.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto NT555 G2
Kumho Ecsta V730 vs Nitto NT555 G2 tires on longevity
No one likes to invest in a tire that wears faster, and thankfully, both tires picked for comparison here are good on the longevity front. But which one is better? Let’s find out in this longevity analysis of the Ecsta V730 and the NT555 G2 tires.
First, let’s discuss the Ecsta V730 that scores an 8.0 SimpleScore in longevity. The wider flat footprint of this UHP summer tire prevents irregular wear, and the Heat Dispersion Technology controls heat buildup for a longer use. The internal construction of the Ecsta V730 utilizes a high-strength carcass for increased durability, which prevents tire deformation and uneven tread wear.
On the other hand, the NT555 G2 earns a better 8.1 SimpleScore in longevity, turning out to be a better option for those who prefer a longer service from their tires. The wider base with larger tread blocks helps evenly distribute driving pressures for consistent and even wear, thus offering a longer performance. The overall high stiffness in construction and robust silica compound allows the NT555 G2 to resist wear and serve longer.
Again, we see that the NT555 G2 excels the Ecsta V730 on the longevity front!
ADVANTAGE: Nitto NT555 G2
When to use each
Both the Ecsta V730 and the NT555 G2 are good for use in warmer weather conditions, when the temperature typically remains above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. During the summer season, these tires are optimized to provide outstanding performance on dry and wet roads. For those who want a set of UHP tires that can serve year-round, the better alternative could be the UHP all-season tires. The tires compared here are not qualified for winter use and are also not Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified.
Which one should you choose?
Based on overall SimpleScore, both the Ecsta V730 and the NT555 G2 are equally good and get a similar 8.4 overall SimpleScore. However, they both dominate in different areas, and therefore, your selection should be based on your driving style and preferences. Simply put, you can choose between traction vs handling and longevity as the Ecsta tires are good with their traction performance, while the NT555 G2s are better on the handling and longevity fronts.
Another important purchase consideration factor is price. The Ecsta V720 is available at a starting price of at least $146 per tire, while the NT555 G2 is available at a starting price of at least $149 per tire. This means a set of four Ecsta tires will cost you at least $584, whereas a set of four NT555 G2 tires will cost you at least $596.
Looking at SimpleScore, you should consider the Ecsta V730 if you:
- Drive a vehicle like the Ford Mustang, Mitsubishi Lancer, or Porsche Boxster.
- Need a tire that’s better in traction (8.5 vs 8.4).
- Need a tire that’s relatively more affordable.
- Want a UHP summer tire that’s available in 15- to 19-inch rim sizes.
On the other hand, you should prefer the NT555 G2 if you:
- Drive a vehicle like the Maserati GranTurismo, BMW M3, or Infiniti Q60.
- Need a tire that’s better in handling (8.8 vs 8.7).
- Want a tire that’s better in longevity (8.1 vs 8.0).
- Are comfortable paying more to buy a tire that’s better in handling and longevity.
- Want a UHP summer tire that’s offered in 17- to 22-inch rim sizes.
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.