Comparison: Kumho HA32 Solus 4S vs. Pirelli Cinturato All Season Plus (2026)

The wet picture throws up an interesting twist. Despite the Pirelli holding a higher overall wet score, the direct head-to-head braking test actually recorded the Kumho stopping in 49.3 metres versus the Pirelli's 51.1 metres in wet conditions — a small but genuine reversal. That said, the Pirelli's aquaplaning resistance is considerably stronger, and Pirelli designed the Cinturato All Season Plus with directional tread channels specifically to expel water and reduce aquaplaning risk. The Kumho has known weaknesses in aquaplaning, flagged across multiple test seasons, and its wet handling can exhibit mild understeer under pressure. For drivers who regularly face standing water or heavy rain, the Pirelli's aquaplaning advantage is the more safety-critical consideration, even if the Kumho's wet braking in that one test was fractionally shorter.

On dry roads, the gap between these two is significant and measurable. In the one shared test that recorded braking distances, the Pirelli stopped from 100 km/h in 39.8 metres versus the Kumho's 44.3 metres — a 4.5 metre advantage that reflects a meaningful real-world difference in emergency stops. The Pirelli's dry braking score across all its tests sits dramatically higher than the Kumho's, and testers consistently note its short dry stopping distances as a genuine strength. The Kumho, to its credit, is not described as dangerous on dry roads — its handling is rated as stable and safe — but it gives away a noticeable margin in braking confidence. For everyday driving, the Pirelli simply feels more planted and responsive on a dry surface.

Snow is where the Kumho HA32 Solus 4S genuinely earns its place. Its snow score of 70.8 significantly outpaces the Pirelli's 52.5 — a substantial difference that shows up in real testing as better snow traction and shorter snow braking distances. Across multiple test seasons, the Kumho's snow capability has been one of its most consistently praised qualities: good traction, stable behaviour, and short stopping distances in wintry conditions. The Pirelli Cinturato All Season Plus, despite carrying the 3PMSF marking, struggled noticeably on snow and ice in testing — with extended stopping distances and understeer on snow flagged as clear weaknesses. For drivers in regions where genuine winter conditions are a regular occurrence, this gap is hard to ignore and tips the balance significantly toward the Kumho.

The Pirelli is the more comfortable tyre of the two in most respects, scoring higher on both comfort and noise metrics. Its rolling resistance score of 96 — versus the Kumho's 58.7 — is one of the most dramatic gaps in this comparison, and was specifically praised for fuel efficiency. Real-world owners rate the Pirelli's price-to-quality ratio positively, suggesting the efficiency gains are genuinely felt over time. The Kumho is not particularly harsh, and testers have noted its quiet rolling behaviour as a positive, but it carries a meaningfully higher rolling resistance penalty which adds up on long journeys. Mileage is reasonable for both, though the Pirelli holds a modest advantage there too. Worth noting: the Pirelli Cinturato All Season Plus has been discontinued from Pirelli's current catalogue, so availability may be limited to existing stock.