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Kumho PorTran KC53 vs Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 — Compared (September 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
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7 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Why this score
| Source | PorTran KC53 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | – | 66 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 85 | 87 |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | PorTran KC53 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | – | 69 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 75 | 86 |
Snow
Why this score
| Source | PorTran KC53 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | – | 82 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | – | 82 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | PorTran KC53 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 60 | 73 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | PorTran KC53 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | – | 99 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | PorTran KC53 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 70 | 55 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | PorTran KC53 | BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 80 | 70 |
| DriverReviews owners | 78 | – |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Kumho PorTran KC53 | Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 74 | 69 |
| Dry | 85 | 75 |
| Wet | 75 | 76 |
| Snow | – | 82 |
| Comfort | 60 | 73 |
| Noise | – | 99 |
| Treadwear | 70 | 55 |
| Handling | 80 | 70 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Tire A
Tire B
Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.
The professional test results behind the scores
Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.
| Discipline | Category | Tire A | Tire B | Δ | Both? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 14% #7/16 · 2019 ADAC Van 215/65 R16 C Tyre Test | 7% #15/31 · 2019 All Season Tyre Performance Overview | +7.6 | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Kumho PorTran KC53 receives mixed feedback, primarily serving as a budget-friendly option for caravans and heavy-duty trailers. While some users report impressive structural longevity and durability under load, others have experienced premature sidewall cracking and quality control inconsistencies.
Pros
- High load-bearing capacity suitable for caravans and heavy trailers
- Excellent structural integrity and tread retention over long periods
- Cost-effective solution for low-mileage towing applications
Cons
- Reports of premature sidewall cracking and degradation
- Inconsistent quality control between individual units
- Potential for accelerated aging of rubber compounds
Observations
- Users specifically utilizing these for caravan applications appreciate the reinforced 8-ply construction and high load index.
- Performance appears highly dependent on storage conditions, as some units show significant cracking within 2-3 years.
The Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 is generally regarded as a competent all-weather tire that excels in wet and winter conditions, providing reliable traction in cold temperatures. While users appreciate its performance in adverse weather, the tire receives mixed feedback regarding its longevity, road noise, and handling characteristics during warmer months.
Pros
- Excellent wet weather grip and stability on motorways
- Strong performance in snow and icy conditions
- Quiet and smooth ride quality during the first two years of ownership
- Aesthetically pleasing tread design
Cons
- Noticeable increase in road noise, described by some as excessive
- Soft compound feel during high-temperature summer driving
- Concerns regarding long-term durability and premature tread cracking
- Unusual steering feedback during low-speed maneuvering
Observations
- Drivers of compact hatchbacks, such as the VW Golf, report acceptable dry and wet grip but note a peculiar sensation in steering feel.
- Performance in warmer climates (30°C+) results in a 'soft' feeling during cornering, suggesting the compound is better suited for temperate or cold environments.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Kumho PorTran KC53 | B · Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Touring tires | All Season Premium Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Van | Passenger Car / Crossover |
Which one should you actually buy?
Kumho
Yokohama
Winner: Kumho PorTran KC53 — better treadwear, dry and handling. Pick the Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 if comfort matters most to you.
Kumho PorTran KC53 scores 70 vs 55 on treadwear.
Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 scores 73 vs 60 on comfort.
Kumho PorTran KC53 scores 85 vs 75 on dry.
Kumho PorTran KC53 scores 80 vs 70 on handling.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.