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Kumho Solus KH21 vs Kumho Solus KL21 — 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.
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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 | Solus KH21 | Solus KL21 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 79 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 63 | 73 |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | Solus KH21 | Solus KL21 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 71 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 57 | 67 |
Snow
Why this score
| Source | Solus KH21 | Solus KL21 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 45 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | Solus KH21 | Solus KL21 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 73 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 57 | 65 |
Noise
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | Solus KH21 | Solus KL21 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 63 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 70 | 73 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | Solus KH21 | Solus KL21 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 37 | 61 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Kumho Solus KH21 | Kumho Solus KL21 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 58 | 76 |
| Dry | 63 | 83 |
| Wet | 57 | 76 |
| Snow | – | 72 |
| Comfort | 57 | 76 |
| Noise | – | 86 |
| Treadwear | 70 | 81 |
| Handling | 37 | 61 |
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.
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 Kumho Solus KL21 is a polarizing tire that frequently serves as original equipment on SUVs and crossovers. While many owners report exceptional tread life and value, a significant subset of users expresses concerns regarding road noise, inconsistent grip in adverse weather, and premature structural degradation.
Pros
- Exceptional tread longevity and durability, with some users reporting over 60,000 miles of use.
- Strong value proposition as a cost-effective alternative to premium tire brands.
- Generally reliable performance in dry, warm-weather conditions.
- Consistent ride comfort for daily commuting and long-distance driving.
Cons
- Reports of excessive road noise and a harsh ride quality.
- Poor traction and braking performance in snow, ice, or cold conditions.
- Inconsistent quality control, with isolated reports of tire deformation or premature wear.
- Lack of confidence-inspiring grip during emergency braking maneuvers.
Observations
- Users with mid-size SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento report highly variable experiences, ranging from extreme longevity to early failure.
- The tire is frequently noted as a standard OEM fitment for Korean-manufactured SUVs, which influences user expectations regarding replacement intervals.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Kumho Solus KH21 | B · Kumho Solus KL21 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | All Season Touring tires | All Season Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
Which one should you actually buy?
Kumho
Kumho
Winner: Kumho Solus KL21 — better handling, dry and wet. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Kumho Solus KL21 scores 61 vs 37 on handling.
Kumho Solus KL21 scores 83 vs 63 on dry.
Kumho Solus KL21 scores 76 vs 57 on wet.
Kumho Solus KL21 scores 76 vs 57 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.