When it comes to choosing the perfect tires for your vehicle, it’s important to consider all the factors that contribute to a safe and reliable driving experience.
In this post, I’ll be delving into the world of tires and comparing two renowned brands: BFGoodrich vs Sumitomo.
We’ll explore their rich histories, assess their performances in dry, wet, and snow conditions, analyze their mileage warranties and average lifespans, delve into their price ranges, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand stands out as the ultimate champion.
So, buckle up and let’s dive into this thrilling comparison!
BFGoodrich vs Sumitomo – Comparison Table
| BFGoodrich | Sumitomo | |
| Country of Origin | United States | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1870 | 1909 |
| Made In | Tuscaloosa, AL, Woodburn, IN, or Opelika, AL in the US | Japan and the United States |
| Parent | Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA (France) | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. BFGoodrich
BFGoodrich, a renowned tire brand, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1870 in the United States.
Originally known as Goodrich, the company began producing rubber products and expanded into tires in the late 19th century.
They quickly gained prominence for their quality and innovative designs.
In 1988, Goodrich became a subsidiary of Uniroyal-Goodrich, which later merged with the French tire giant Michelin in 1990.
As a result, BFGoodrich became part of the Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin, solidifying its global presence.
BFGoodrich has always been at the forefront of tire technology, pioneering advancements such as all-terrain tires and radial tires.
Their tires have been trusted by drivers on various terrains, from racetracks to challenging off-road environments.
With a legacy spanning over a century, BFGoodrich continues to deliver high-performance tires, catering to diverse vehicles and driving needs.
Their strong association with Michelin ensures that the brand remains synonymous with quality, durability, and innovation in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Trucks
- Off-road vehicles
- Commercial vehicles
2. Sumitomo
Sumitomo, a renowned tire brand, has a rich history that began in 1909 in Japan.
Founded by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the company has become a global leader in the tire industry.
With over a century of expertise, Sumitomo has established a reputation for producing high-quality and reliable tires for various vehicles.
Over the years, Sumitomo has continuously evolved its tire manufacturing techniques, incorporating cutting-edge technology and innovative designs.
This commitment to innovation has allowed Sumitomo to offer a wide range of tire options suitable for diverse road conditions and vehicle types.
As a Japanese brand, Sumitomo has embraced the country’s ethos of precision engineering and meticulous attention to detail.
This commitment to excellence has earned the brand a loyal customer base worldwide.
Today, Sumitomo tires are known for their durability, performance, and excellent traction, providing drivers with a safe and comfortable driving experience.
With its longstanding history and affiliation with Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the Sumitomo brand remains a trusted choice for drivers seeking superior tires that combine Japanese craftsmanship, innovation, and reliability.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- High-performance and racing vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Agricultural applications
- Commercial vehicles
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 vs the Sumitomo HTR Z5.
As the one giving the dry performance rating, I would rate the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 at 4.7 and the Sumitomo HTR Z5 at 4.4 out of 5.
The BFGoodrich tire boasts excellent dry grip, traction, and handling.
It received the best dry traction rating among its competitors.
The Sumitomo tire focuses on maximum performance in summer conditions and offers outstanding grip and control.
Although both tires perform well in dry conditions, the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 edges slightly ahead with its higher rating.
Hence, it is the better tire for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport vs the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02.
Based on my research, I would rate the wet performance of the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport tire as 3.8 out of 5.
Although it offers adequate wet traction, reviews mention potential issues with longitudinal traction, longer stopping distances, and reduced acceleration for certain vehicles without AWD.
On the other hand, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tire receives a wet performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
Its silica-enhanced tread compound, asymmetric tread pattern, and reported good ride comfort contribute to its superior wet traction.
Therefore, I declare the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 as the better tire for wet performance.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – BFGoodrich Winter T/A KSI vs Sumitomo Ice Edge.
In my opinion, both the BFGoodrich Winter T/A KSI and Sumitomo Ice Edge tires exhibit commendable snow performance, receiving a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
The BFGoodrich Winter T/A KSI demonstrates reliable traction on snowy surfaces, with its high sipe density and saw-toothed groove edges.
Similarly, the Sumitomo Ice Edge impresses with its advanced technology and excellent traction.
While both tires offer studdable options and cold-weather compounds, it is difficult to declare a clear winner as their snow performance levels are comparable.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| BFGoodrich | Sumitomo | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 75,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | BFGoodrich tires are expected to last mostly between the 50,000 to 60,000 miles mark. | Overall, Sumitomo tires are known to have a relatively high lifespan, with most models lasting between 55,000 to 70,000 miles. |
After conducting research, I found that BFGoodrich and Sumitomo tires offer different mileage warranties and average lifespans.
BFGoodrich provides a treadwear warranty up to 75,000 miles, while Sumitomo offers a warranty up to 90,000 miles.
On average, BFGoodrich tires tend to last between 50,000 to 60,000 miles, while Sumitomo tires have a higher lifespan, typically lasting between 55,000 to 70,000 miles.
It appears that Sumitomo tires have a slight advantage in terms of both warranty and average lifespan.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – BFGoodrich vs Sumitomo.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| BFGoodrich | Sumitomo | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $112 to $747 /ea | $84 to $475 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Advantage Control goes from $112 – $238 /ea | HTR Enhance LX2 goes from $84 – $162 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Mud Terrain T/A KM3 goes from $217 – $747 /ea | Encounter AT goes from $146 – $475 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
BFGoodrich
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Competitively priced with above-average mileage on the tread-warranties | ❌ They lack tire diversity compared to other brands, and the brand’s passenger options are limited in sizes |
| ✔ Highly focused and specialized in all-season and off-road tires | |
| ✔ Great option for daily commutes and road trips |
Sumitomo
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Generally considered to have good performance, including grip, handling, and braking | ❌ None |
| ✔ Sumitomo tires are known for their affordable prices | |
| ✔ Widely available |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from BFGoodrich:
- All-Terrain T/A KO2
- Mud-Terrain T/A KM3
- Advantage T/A Sport LT
Some of Sumitomo’s best tires are shown below:
- HTR A/S P02
- HTR Enhance L/X
- HTR Z5
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the comparison of dry performance, BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 is the better pick.
For wet performance, Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 takes the lead.
In terms of snow performance, both BFGoodrich Winter T/A KSI and Sumitomo Ice Edge perform similarly well.
However, Sumitomo has the advantage in mileage warranty and average lifespan.
Considering all these factors, Sumitomo emerges as the better pick overall.