When it comes to choosing the right tires for your vehicle, the options can be overwhelming.
That’s why I decided to dive into the world of tire brands and compare two popular contenders: Dunlop vs Sumitomo.
In this post, we’ll explore their fascinating histories, evaluate their performances in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, analyze their mileage warranties and average lifespan, scrutinize their prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll crown the ultimate champion in this tire brand showdown.
Let’s get rolling!
Dunlop vs Sumitomo – Comparison Table
| Dunlop | Sumitomo | |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1889 | 1909 |
| Made In | Germany or Japan | Japan and the United States |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) & Continental AG (Germany) | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. Dunlop
The Dunlop tire brand, founded in 1889 in the United Kingdom, has a rich and storied history.
It was established by John Boyd Dunlop, who invented the first practical pneumatic tire.
Dunlop quickly gained popularity and became a leading tire manufacturer, known for its innovative designs and high-quality products.
Over the years, the company expanded its operations globally, offering a wide range of tires for various applications.
In 1999, Dunlop became a subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a prominent American tire manufacturer.
This acquisition brought together two industry giants, combining their expertise and resources.
Under Goodyear’s ownership, Dunlop continued to thrive, benefiting from the parent company’s global reach and advanced technologies.
Today, Dunlop remains a trusted and respected brand in the tire industry, known for its commitment to performance, durability, and safety.
It continues to innovate and develop cutting-edge tire technologies, catering to the diverse needs of drivers worldwide.
With its strong legacy and the backing of Goodyear, Dunlop continues to be a symbol of excellence in the tire market.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Motorcycles
- Commercial trucks
- ATVs (All-Terrain 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 Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT2 vs the Sumitomo HTR Z5.
In my assessment, I would rate both the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 and the Sumitomo HTR Z5 with a dry performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
The Dunlop tire boasts a strong reputation, excellent grip and handling, short braking distances, and precise steering.
On the other hand, the Sumitomo tire excels in dry handling, focuses on maximum performance in summer conditions, and enhances dry traction with wide circumferential grooves.
Considering their similar ratings, I declare it a tie between these two tires in terms of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Dunlop Signature HP vs the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02.
In my evaluation of the Dunlop Signature HP and the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tires, I rate both with a strong 4.4 out of 5 for wet performance.
The Dunlop Signature HP received positive feedback for its good wet traction, all-season performance, and enhanced wet performance due to its asymmetric tread pattern and all-season tread compound.
The Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 also offers good wet traction, thanks to its silica-enhanced tread compound and asymmetric tread pattern that enhance grip and stability.
While wet braking details are limited, the tire’s design and reported ride comfort contribute to its wet performance.
Therefore, I declare a tie as both tires exhibit similar levels of 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 – Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 vs Sumitomo Ice Edge.
As the one giving the snow performance rating from 1 to 5, I have thoroughly researched both the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 and the Sumitomo Ice Edge tires.
Based on my findings, I rate the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 at 4.6 and the Sumitomo Ice Edge at 4.5 in terms of snow performance.
Both tires offer reliable traction and good snow performance, with unique features that contribute to their effectiveness on snowy surfaces.
Therefore, I declare this comparison a tie as both tires exhibit similar levels of snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Dunlop | Sumitomo | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 60,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles. | Overall, Sumitomo tires are known to have a relatively high lifespan, with most models lasting between 55,000 to 70,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the mileage warranty and average lifespan of Dunlop and Sumitomo tires differ.
Dunlop offers a treadwear warranty of up to 60,000 miles, while Sumitomo provides a warranty of up to 90,000 miles.
However, the average lifespan of Dunlop tires ranges from 15,000 to 50,000 miles.
On the other hand, Sumitomo tires tend to last longer, with an average lifespan of 55,000 to 70,000 miles.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Dunlop 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:
| Dunlop | Sumitomo | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $86 to $857 /ea | $84 to $475 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Winter Maxx 2 goes from $86 – $162 /ea | HTR Enhance LX2 goes from $84 – $162 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | SP Sport Maxx GT goes from $315 – $857 /ea | Encounter AT goes from $146 – $475 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Dunlop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Dunlop tires have good handling | ❌ Complaints about their tread life |
| ✔ Solid overall performance | |
| ✔ Low pressure |
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 Dunlop:
- Direzza ZIII
- Signature HP
- Grandtrek AT20
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?
After carefully considering the key takeaways and evaluating the performance, warranty, and lifespan of Dunlop and Sumitomo tires, I declare Sumitomo as the better pick overall.
Both brands performed similarly in dry, wet, and snow conditions.
However, Sumitomo tires have a longer average lifespan and offer a higher mileage warranty, providing better value for money.
Additionally, Sumitomo tires are known for their affordability and wide availability.
Therefore, I recommend choosing Sumitomo tires for their solid performance, durability, and reasonable prices.