When it comes to choosing the perfect tire for your vehicle, the Dunlop vs Toyo debate is one that often arises.
In this post, I’ll delve deep into the world of these two renowned tire brands.
We’ll explore their fascinating histories, compare their performances in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, examine their mileage warranties and lifespan, analyze their prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll settle on the ultimate question: which brand reigns supreme? Let’s dive in!
Dunlop vs Toyo – Comparison Table
| Dunlop | Toyo | |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1889 | 1945 |
| Made In | Germany or Japan | Japan, Malaysia or the United States |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) & Continental AG (Germany) | Toyo Tire Corporation (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. Toyo
Toyo Tire Corporation, a renowned Japanese brand, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1945.
Founded in Japan, Toyo has grown to become a leading global tire manufacturer.
Operating under the parent company Toyo Tire Corporation, they have built a reputation for providing high-quality tires for a diverse range of vehicles.
Over the years, Toyo has developed advanced tire technologies and innovative designs to meet the evolving needs of drivers around the world.
With a strong commitment to performance, safety, and durability, Toyo has become a trusted choice for drivers seeking reliable tires.
With its Japanese heritage and global presence, Toyo continues to push the boundaries of tire engineering, ensuring exceptional performance and driving experiences for customers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- High-performance cars
- Luxury cars
- Family cars
- Trucks
- Buses
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 Toyo Proxes R1R.
Based on my research and personal dry performance rating, both the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 and the Toyo Proxes R1R receive a commendable score of 4.4 out of 5.
These tires exhibit excellent dry traction, handling, and braking capabilities.
The Dunlop tire boasts optimal steering precision and a reputation for good dry performance.
On the other hand, the Toyo tire features an arrowhead tread design, high-grip compound, and block stiffness maintenance during aggressive braking.
As both tires offer similar levels of dry performance, I declare a tie between the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 and the Toyo Proxes R1R.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Dunlop Signature HP vs the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S.
Based on my research and personal wet performance rating, I would rate the Dunlop Signature HP tire at 4.4 out of 5.
It offers good wet traction and all-season performance.
The asymmetric tread pattern and enhanced all-season tread compound contribute to its wet performance.
On the other hand, the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S tire receives a wet performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It excels in wet braking and performs reliably on wet roads, thanks to its dynamic taper and improved rib design.
Therefore, the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S emerges as the winner in terms 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 Toyo Observe GSi-6.
Based on my research and personal rating, the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 tire receives a snow performance rating of 4.6 out of 5, while the Toyo Observe GSi-6 tire receives a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Both tires offer reliable snow performance, with their respective features contributing to their effectiveness on snowy surfaces.
Considering the minimal difference in ratings, I would declare it a tie between the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 and the Toyo Observe GSi-6 for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Dunlop | Toyo | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 60,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles. | The actual lifespan of Toyo tires can range from 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the mileage warranty and average lifespan of Dunlop and Toyo tires differ slightly.
Dunlop offers a treadwear warranty of up to 60,000 miles, while Toyo provides a warranty of up to 65,000 miles.
On average, Dunlop tires last between 15,000 to 50,000 miles, whereas Toyo tires have an actual lifespan ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
In terms of longevity, Toyo tires generally offer a slightly longer lifespan compared to Dunlop tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Dunlop vs Toyo.
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 | Toyo | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $86 to $857 /ea | $82 to $1,030 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Winter Maxx 2 goes from $86 – $162 /ea | Extensa HP II goes from $82 – $253 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | SP Sport Maxx GT goes from $315 – $857 /ea | Open Country M/T goes from $297 – $1,030 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Dunlop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Dunlop tires have good handling | ❌ Complaints about their tread life |
| ✔ Solid overall performance | |
| ✔ Low pressure |
Toyo
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Generally considered to be of high quality, offering durability and reliability | ❌ Some of their tires can get expensive |
| ✔ Toyo offers a wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles and driving needs, including all-season, summer, and winter tires | |
| ✔ Excellent traction and handling in rugged terrain |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Dunlop:
- Direzza ZIII
- Signature HP
- Grandtrek AT20
Some of Toyo’s best tires are shown below:
- Proxes Sport
- Open Country A/T III
- Extensa A/S II
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the information provided, it is clear that both Dunlop and Toyo offer excellent dry performance, with a tie in this category.
However, Toyo takes the lead in wet performance, while the snow performance is a tie between the two brands.
In terms of mileage warranty and average lifespan, Toyo has a slight advantage.
Considering all these factors, I declare Toyo as the better pick overall between the two tire brands.