Barum Polaris 6 vs Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
- TR Score
- 8.6/10
- Owners say
- 81% · 6
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 91% · 6
The Polaris 6 and the WinterCraft WP52+ have met in 4 independent tests and the record is level at 2-2. The Polaris 6 stopped 1.8% shorter on snow; the WinterCraft WP52+ lasted 13% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Pick the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ for its more consistent dry and wet braking advantage. Pick the Barum Polaris 6 if snow braking, ADAC's measured ice braking advantage and lower exterior noise matter more to you.
Where the Polaris 6 is stronger
- Shorter snow braking in all four shared tests
- Better ice braking in ADAC's 2026 test
- Lower pass-by noise in all three tests that measured it
Where the WinterCraft WP52+ is stronger
- Shorter wet braking in all four shared tests
- Shorter dry braking in all three full tests
- Quicker wet handling in both Auto Bild winter tests
Conclusion
Kumho has the more consistent advantage on cleared roads. It stopped shorter in the dry in Auto Bild's 2025 and 2026 winter tests and ADAC's 2026 test, with the gap particularly clear in the two 2026 full tests. It also stopped shorter in the wet in every shared test. That wet lead was substantial in ADAC's test, but only about 1% in Auto Bild's 2026 winter test and its 50-set braking test. Kumho was quicker in wet handling in both Auto Bild winter tests. Its third place against Barum's eighth in 2025, and eighth against tenth in 2026, fit that broader road-grip picture.
Barum's strongest case is winter braking. It stopped shorter on snow in all four tests, though the 2025 gap was too small to treat as a practical advantage. ADAC also measured about 6% shorter ice braking and found Barum precise on snow. Snow performance is not one-sided: Kumho was quicker in snow handling in both Auto Bild winter tests, and its snow traction was close to Barum's in their 2026 test. Barum was quieter in all three tests with pass-by noise measurements. Aquaplaning results varied between tests, so neither tire has a reliable lead there.
The overall results need some care. Barum placed seventh against Kumho's tenth in Auto Bild's 2026 braking test because that ranking used wet and snow stopping together; Kumho still had the shorter wet stop. Barum also placed eighth against twelfth in ADAC's test, despite Kumho's much shorter wet braking and longer predicted tread life. ADAC marked both down for dry handling and did not recommend Barum. Wear and running results changed with the test too: Kumho's predicted life was much longer in ADAC's test, while Auto Bild found the tires nearly level in 2025 and Kumho slightly ahead in 2026. Choose Kumho if dry and wet braking matter most; Barum makes more sense if snow and ice braking, along with lower exterior noise, are the priorities.
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Polaris 6 vs WinterCraft WP52+ at a glance
| Category | Polaris 6 | Gap | WinterCraft WP52+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 2 | 2 | |
| Dry5 measurements | 1 | The WinterCraft WP52+ stopped 6.9% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 4 |
| Wet15 measurements | 2 | The WinterCraft WP52+ stopped 4.6% shorter in the wet (4 tests) | 13 |
| Snow11 measurements | 6 | The Polaris 6 stopped 1.8% shorter on snow (4 tests) | 5 |
| Ice1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Comfort5 measurements | 4 | The Polaris 6 was 1.8 dB quieter (3 tests) | 1 |
| Value7 measurements | 3 | The WinterCraft WP52+ lasted 13% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 4 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.6/10 | The WinterCraft WP52+ by 0.7 | 9.3/10 |
| Owner rating6 and 6 reviews | 81% | The WinterCraft WP52+ by 10 points | 91% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 60% | The WinterCraft WP52+ by 40 points | 100% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | +6.6% | The Polaris 6 was dearer in 2 of 3 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 92 | 75 sizes made in both | 115 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 4 tests, 2025 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Polaris 6 | Field | WinterCraft WP52+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P10 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P7 of 50 | P10 of 50 | |
| 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 | P8 of 16 | P12 of 16 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P8 of 20 | P3 of 20 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 4 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Polaris 6
WinterCraft WP52+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 94%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 4 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Polaris 6
WinterCraft WP52+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Polaris 6
WinterCraft WP52+
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the WinterCraft WP52+ 91% from 6. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Polaris 6 | Gap | WinterCraft WP52+ | Wins | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 153 | 6.9% | 143 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 69.7 | 0.5% | 70 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 157 | 4.6% | 151 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 146 | 12.6% | 128 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 49.4 | 1.6% | 50.1 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 12.76 | 1.8% | 12.53 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 51.1 | 2.6% | 52.3 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 8.5 | 3.7% | 8.7 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 79 | 1.8% | 80 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 788 | 0.2% | 788 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 35.4 | 1.6% | 36 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 10.2 | 1.5% | 10.3 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 66 | 6% | 71 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.7% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 68.73 | 1.8 dB | 70.5 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 25,901 | 13% | 28,308 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 8.22 | 0.2% | 8.24 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 5.3 | 5.4% | 5.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 108 | 12% | 95 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Polaris 6 scores 8.6 and the WinterCraft WP52+ 9.3 out of 10.
| Polaris 6 | Category | WinterCraft WP52+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Dry | 92 | ||
| 61 | Wet | 88 | ||
| 87 | Comfort | 46 | ||
| 77 | Value | 79 | ||
| 80 | Snow | 68 | ||
| 79 | Ice | 35 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Polaris 6 | Category | WinterCraft WP52+ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.8 | Dry Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 8.5 | Wet Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 8.5 | Road Feedback | 9 | ||
| 8.5 | Handling | 9 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 8.3 | ||
| 8.5 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 9.3 | ||
| 8 | Ice Grip | 8.4 | ||
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the WinterCraft WP52+ 91% from 6. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Barum Polaris 6
- 81%from 6 reviews
- 60%would buy again
- 21,100 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report that the Barum Polaris 6 offers excellent value, with notably low noise levels and a very comfortable, smooth ride. High-scoring reviews also praise its generally confident on-road behavior and good overall performance for the price. A recurring minority concern is a very soft, wobbly/bouncy feel that can reduce confidence compared with firmer, sportier tires.
- very quiet/low road noise
- comfortable, smooth ride quality
- strong value for money/affordability
- generally stable and precise enough in normal driving
- soft, wobbly/bouncy feel that can reduce confidence
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 6 Polaris 6 reviewsThis year I decided to replace my original Michelin CrossClimates in the front axel, since the CCs started to crack at the edges, as many have reported. I also wanted a more winter biased tire, since I live in a Nordic country. I chose BP 6 after reading many reviews and because they seemed to have a good price/performance ratio. I haven't had a chance to drive a lot, so I can't give a very detailed analyzes. My first impressions are pretty good. There is more grip on snow and ice compared to CC. However the tire is softer than CC, but also wierdly bouncier. Since I drive a rear driven car, I don't feel comfortable inflating fronts more, than rears, but this is something I am considering in order to make the tire more drivable.
Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
- 91%from 6 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 40,507 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the Kumho WinterCraft WP52 plus delivers impressively strong winter performance for the price, with repeated praise for confident grip (especially in wet conditions) and secure handling. Reviews consistently highlight low road noise and noticeably improved ride comfort versus some premium or run-flat alternatives, with multiple users describing a premium feel and excellent value. No recurring performance drawbacks were reported across the reviews.
- Strong wet grip and water shedding
- Confident handling and traction in cold/winter conditions
- Low road noise / quiet ride
- Good ride comfort
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 6 WinterCraft WP52+ reviewsI bought these after looking at the tests. They offer performance close to premium tires while being very affordable. That's actually the reason I chose this tire. If you don't have extreme winter conditions where you are, you can go for this tire. If the winter conditions are bad, Barum might be a good alternative since it's still reasonably priced.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 92 sizes of the Polaris 6 and 115 of the WinterCraft WP52+, 75 of them made in both.
| Category | Polaris 6 | WinterCraft WP52+ |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 92 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 115 sizes, 13 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 75 sizes 155/65 R14165/65 R14165/70 R14175/65 R14175/70 R14185/60 R14185/65 R14185/70 R14165/65 R15175/50 R15175/65 R15185/55 R15and 63 more | |
| EU label wet grip | C89%D11% | B82%A18% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C50%D35%B16% | C65%D32%B2%E1% |
| EU label noise | 71-73 dB B100% | 70-73 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 109 of 109 | 209 of 211 |
| On the market since | - | 2025 |
| Awards | - | Winner: Winter Touring Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2026/27) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Polaris 6 was the dearer tire in 2 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 6.6% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
Four independent tests put the Barum Polaris 6 and Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ side by side: Auto Bild's 2025 and 2026 winter tire tests, its 2026 50-set winter braking test, and ADAC's 2026 winter tire test. Each tire placed higher twice. Kumho finished third against Barum's eighth in Auto Bild's 2025 test and eighth against tenth in its 2026 test. Barum placed higher in the braking test and ADAC's test.
The clearer distinction is in the measurements. Kumho braked shorter on dry roads in all three full tests and on wet roads in all four, although its wet braking lead was narrow in Auto Bild's 2026 tests. Barum stopped shorter on snow in all four, with the two virtually level in 2025, and was quieter in every test that measured noise. ADAC also found better ice braking from Barum. The tests used different tire sizes, and their overall placings do not tell quite the same story as the individual braking results.
Polaris 6 vs WinterCraft WP52+: your questions
Is the Barum Polaris 6 or the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ the better tire?
The Barum Polaris 6 and the Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ have met in 4 independent tests and the record is level at 2-2. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Polaris 6 scores 8.6 and the WinterCraft WP52+ 9.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Polaris 6 or the WinterCraft WP52+?
The WinterCraft WP52+ led 13 of the 15 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.6% shorter in the wet across 4 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterCraft WP52+ led 4 of the 5 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 6.9% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Polaris 6 led 6 of the 11 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.8% shorter on snow across 4 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The WinterCraft WP52+ lasted 13% longer in the wear tests (3 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the Polaris 6 and 8.3/10 for the WinterCraft WP52+.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Polaris 6 was 1.8 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.5/10 for the Polaris 6 and 8.8/10 for the WinterCraft WP52+.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the WinterCraft WP52+ 91% from 6. 60% of Polaris 6 owners would buy it again, against 100% for the WinterCraft WP52+.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the Polaris 6 was the dearer tire in 2 of them, by 6.6% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Polaris 6 is made in 92 sizes (14 to 20 inch) and the WinterCraft WP52+ in 115 (13 to 21 inch). 75 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Polaris 6 is graded C for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the WinterCraft WP52+ B and C.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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