Falken vs Sumitomo: two renowned tire brands that have captured the attention of car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
In this post, I’ll delve into a comprehensive comparison between these two giants, examining their rich histories, dry, wet, and snow performances, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and uncovering the pros and cons of each.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
So, let’s dive in and discover the ultimate tire champion.
Falken vs Sumitomo – Comparison Table
| Falken | Sumitomo | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1909 |
| Made In | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand | Japan and the United States |
| Parent | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. Falken
Falken is a renowned tire brand that originated in Japan in 1983.
It is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a prominent Japanese company.
From its inception, Falken has strived to deliver high-quality tires that combine performance and durability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its innovative technologies and commitment to excellence.
Falken has made significant advancements in tire engineering, constantly pushing boundaries to enhance driving experiences.
With a focus on motorsport and extensive research and development, Falken has developed a diverse range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
With its Japanese precision and expertise, Falken continues to cater to the needs of drivers worldwide, earning a reputation as a trusted and reliable tire brand.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
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 Falken Azenis FK510 vs the Sumitomo HTR Z5.
In my evaluation, I rate the Falken Azenis FK510 with a dry performance score of 4.6 out of 5.
This tire has garnered high praise for its exceptional dry dynamics, sporty handling, and consistent performance at high speeds.
It boasts short braking distances, excellent grip, and traction, making it a top contender for dry road conditions.
On the other hand, the Sumitomo HTR Z5 receives a solid 4.4 out of 5 for its superior dry handling, maximum performance in summer conditions, and enhanced dry traction through wide circumferential grooves.
While both tires offer impressive dry performance, the Falken Azenis FK510 takes the lead with its slightly higher rating.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S vs the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02.
Based on my research, I would rate the wet performance of the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S tire as 4.6 out of 5.
This tire has received positive feedback for its excellent wet traction, all-season performance, resistance to hydroplaning, and handling in wet conditions.
In comparison, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tire has an overall wet performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
While it also offers good wet traction and stability due to its design and silica-enhanced tread compound, limited wet braking details suggest it may not perform as well in that aspect.
Therefore, the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S tire emerges as the better choice 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 – Falken Espia EPZ II vs Sumitomo Ice Edge.
Based on my research, I would rate the snow performance of the Falken Espia EPZ II tire as 4.7 out of 5.
It offers strong traction and performance in various winter conditions, with the latest technology in tread design, compound, and construction.
The reviews highlight superb traction even in harsh weather conditions, and its asymmetrical tread pattern enhances handling in snowy conditions.
As for the Sumitomo Ice Edge tire, I would rate its snow performance as 4.5 out of 5.
It provides reliable snow performance, advanced technology, excellent traction, and a studdable option.
Considering these ratings, the Falken Espia EPZ II tire seems to have a slight edge in snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Falken | Sumitomo | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 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, Falken and Sumitomo tires offer impressive mileage warranties.
Falken tires provide a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while Sumitomo tires offer up to 90,000 miles.
However, when it comes to average lifespan, Falken tires typically last between 20,000 to 80,000 miles.
On the other hand, Sumitomo tires have a reputation for lasting between 55,000 to 70,000 miles.
Overall, both brands offer reliable and durable tires with varying mileage expectations.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Falken 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:
| Falken | Sumitomo | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $67 to $579 /ea | $84 to $475 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea | HTR Enhance LX2 goes from $84 – $162 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea | Encounter AT goes from $146 – $475 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Falken
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Performance and stability, especially at high speeds | ❌ No the best dry road braking performance |
| ✔ Generally more affordable compared to other premium brands | |
| ✔ Praised for their off-road performance |
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 Falken:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
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?
Considering the dry performance, the Falken Azenis FK510 takes the lead with a rating of 4.6 out of 5, while the Sumitomo HTR Z5 follows closely with a rating of 4.4.
In terms of wet performance, the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S earns a rating of 4.6, surpassing the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 with a rating of 4.4.
For snow performance, the Falken Espia EPZ II receives a rating of 4.7, slightly surpassing the Sumitomo Ice Edge with a rating of 4.5.
Considering the overall ratings, Falken emerges as the better pick between the two tire brands.
