Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes

Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes

      Andrew P. Collins

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      The Kumho Solus 4S HA32 is a grand touring all-season tire with a tread design that resembles winter tires. It is indeed rated for severe snow, marked by the little mountain-range icon that indicates its capability, but it goes beyond merely being a suitable year-round option for various drivers. In March 2026, we tested these tires in conditions ranging from 70-degree sunshine to sub-zero rain and snow, and I was impressed with the car's performance overall.

      This review concentrates on genuine driving impressions, feel, and feedback—prioritizing driving experiences over numerical measurements.

      Additionally, Kumho is providing an $80 rebate as a prepaid MasterCard gift card with the purchase of a set of its tires on TireRack before March 2026 ends.

      Kumho Solus 4S HA32

      Driven

      Test Vehicle: BMW E46 330ci (stock, high mileage, very well-maintained)

      Tire Size: 205/50R17 (square)

      Tire Weight: 20 lbs

      UTOG: Treadwear: 600, Traction: A, Temperature: A

      Suspension & Geometry: Stock (OE BMW Sport Package suspension)

      Driving Conditions: Spirited backroad driving, casual cruising, open highway

      Location: Northeast USA

      Pros: Excellent wet and cold weather performance, minimal road noise, reasonable price

      Cons: Leaves maximum performance potential untapped

      Where to Buy: Check Price on TireRack

      Kumho Solus 4S HA32: Overview

      The Kumho Solus 4S HA32 is more than just an all-season tire; it qualifies as an all-weather tire. This distinction is crucial; it offers superior performance in snow and rain compared to standard budget all-seasons.

      Consider it the exemplary middle child in Kumho’s tire lineup. It features a unique V-shaped directional tread design intended to effectively channel water and slush during challenging weather conditions. Although Kumho often serves as OEM rubber for manufacturers like Hyundai, Kia, and some Volkswagens, the HA32 is considered a prime “Phase 2” tire — the option you select when the factory tires wear out, and you realize you have to navigate through slushy conditions in February.

      The HA32 is engineered for drivers in areas experiencing actual winter weather, without the extremes of a complete arctic environment from December to March. It provides significantly improved cold-weather traction compared to a typical M+S (Mud and Snow) tire, avoiding the mushy handling and faster wear that can occur when using dedicated winter tires during the hot summer months (a mistake made by quite a few people—don’t do it, as you’ll waste money). It serves as the “set it and forget it” solution for the pragmatic owner uninterested in extremely challenging driving conditions.

      Andrew P. Collins

      Kumho Solus 4S HA32: Assessment

      Price

      As of now, one of these Kumhos is priced at $166.42 each in the moderately sized 205/50R17 I use on the BMW’s original steel wheels featured in these images (nice wheels, right?). This purchase includes an automatic six-year, 60,000-mile warranty. For comparison, the most expensive grand touring tire available on TireRack in that size presently is the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Run Flat ($304.14), while the cheapest option is the Radar Dimax AS-9 ($85.44).

      The pricing appears justified given the durability and performance you can expect.

      Design Aesthetics

      The infinite “V” tire tread gives the impression of a sporty snow tire (though that isn’t quite accurate), but I find it visually appealing. The sidewalls are sleek, featuring just a small geometric graphic for decoration. The branding is simple and subtle.

      Initial Impressions (First 100 Miles)

      Transitioning from a set of worn Michelin Pilot Sport All-Seasons in a wider (and staggered) size resulted in an instantly noticeable difference—this was obviously expected. The Kumho felt considerably slower during cornering but found grip more effortlessly during acceleration on slushy and rainy spring streets. I was also quite impressed with the Kumhos' braking performance in bad weather right from the start.

      Andrew P. Collins

      Everyday Driving

      The Kumho Solus definitely felt comfortable on my mid-spec Y2K BMW. I’d say they lean towards the stiffer end among grand touring tires, but they are far from the harshness associated with true performance tires. Road noise did not bother me at all during city speeds.

      Cornering Performance

      If you’re switching from performance tires—like the worn Michelin Pilot Sport All-Seasons I replaced—the first noticeable aspect is the evident lack of eagerness. On the winding

Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes

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Driven: Kumho Solus 4S HA32 Eliminates the Hassle of Seasonal Tire Changes

The Kumho Solus HA32 is an all-weather tire that outperforms a budget all-season tire in snow, ice, and rain conditions. It offers solid performance at a mid-range price point.