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Kumho Solus KH21 vs Nitto NT 01 — Compared (May 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.
Nitto NT 01
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5 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 | Solus KH21 | NT 01 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 63 | 94 |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | Solus KH21 | NT 01 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 57 | 46 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | Solus KH21 | NT 01 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 57 | 46 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | Solus KH21 | NT 01 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 70 | 73 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | Solus KH21 | NT 01 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 37 | 83 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Kumho Solus KH21 | Nitto NT 01 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 58 | 66 |
| Dry | 63 | 94 |
| Wet | 57 | 46 |
| Comfort | 57 | 46 |
| Treadwear | 70 | 73 |
| Handling | 37 | 83 |
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
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Kumho Solus KH21 receives a mixed reception, with users divided between those who appreciate its value and durability for daily commuting and those who find its performance lacking under spirited driving conditions. While some drivers report satisfactory grip in varied weather, others highlight significant concerns regarding wet-weather traction and audible noise levels as the tire ages.
Pros
- Competitive price point compared to premium alternatives
- Acceptable dry and wet grip for standard, non-aggressive driving
- Decent tread longevity for daily use
Cons
- Significant loss of wet-weather performance after initial wear
- High levels of road noise and audible squealing during cornering
- Inconsistent grip levels on varying asphalt surfaces
- Noticeably stiff ride quality during the initial break-in period
Observations
- Users driving older, economy-focused vehicles like the Renault Scenic reported satisfactory performance for standard commuting needs.
- Drivers transitioning from premium all-season tires noted a firmer ride quality and increased noise levels.
The Nitto NT01 is widely regarded as a high-value, track-focused semi-slick tire that excels in dry conditions, offering impressive longevity compared to its competitors. While it provides exceptional grip and consistent performance for track enthusiasts, users must exercise extreme caution in wet conditions due to a significant risk of hydroplaning.
Pros
- Exceptional dry traction and grip levels
- Outstanding tread life and durability for a track-oriented tire
- Quick warm-up times, even on heavier vehicles
- High value-for-money proposition for track day participants
Cons
- Severe hydroplaning risk in standing water or heavy rain
- High levels of road noise
- Poor traction on painted road markings, especially when wet
- Limited communication/feedback compared to top-tier racing slicks
Observations
- Lightweight FWD vehicles, such as modified MINIs, benefit from rapid heat-up and high confidence during hillclimbs and circuit use.
- Heavy, high-torque vehicles (approx. 2 tons) report that the tires handle power well, though they may experience heat saturation after 6-7 consecutive laps.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Kumho Solus KH21 | B · Nitto NT 01 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | All Season Touring tires | — |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | — |
| Sizes available | — | 17 |
| Rim diameters | — | 14″ – 19″ |
| Tread depth | — | 6.3/32″ |
| UTQG | — | 100 A A |
| Sidewall | — | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | — | 51 psi |
Which one should you actually buy?
Kumho
Nitto
Winner: Nitto NT 01 — better handling, dry and treadwear. Pick the Kumho Solus KH21 if wet and comfort matter most to you.
Nitto NT 01 scores 83 vs 37 on handling.
Nitto NT 01 scores 94 vs 63 on dry.
Kumho Solus KH21 scores 57 vs 46 on wet.
Kumho Solus KH21 scores 57 vs 46 on comfort.
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.