As an avid car enthusiast, I have always been on the lookout for the perfect tires to enhance my driving experience.
In this post, I will delve into the fascinating world of tire brands, specifically General vs Sumitomo.
Join me as we explore the rich history, analyze dry, wet, and snow performances, compare mileage warranties, discuss average lifespan, delve into prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we will determine which brand reigns supreme and guarantees an exceptional driving experience.
General vs Sumitomo – Comparison Table
| General | Sumitomo | |
| Country of Origin | United States | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1915 | 1909 |
| Made In | Waco TX, Uvalde TX, Mayfield KY, Bryan OH, Charlotte NC, and Mt. Vernon IL in the US | Japan and the United States |
| Parent | Continental AG (Germany) | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. General
General Tire, founded in 1915 in the United States, has a rich history as a tire manufacturer.
Originally established as the “The General Tire & Rubber Company,” it quickly gained prominence in the automotive industry.
Over the years, the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality led to its expansion and solid reputation.
General Tire became recognized for producing high-performance tires for all types of vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
In 1987, the German company Continental AG acquired General Tire, further enhancing its global reach and technological advancements.
Today, General Tire continues to offer a wide range of reliable and durable tires, combining cutting-edge technology with a legacy of excellence.
With Continental AG as its parent company, General Tire remains a trusted and respected brand, providing drivers with safety, performance, and comfort on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Trucks
- Crossover vehicles
- Light trucks
- Commercial vans
- Off-road vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
- Performance 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 General G-MAX RS vs the Sumitomo HTR Z5.
As the one giving the dry performance rating on a scale of 1 to 5, I find the General G-MAX RS to be exceptional with a rating of 4.8.
Its crisp handling, strong braking, sure-footed grip with Smart Grip Technology, and ultra-high-performance design contribute to its outstanding capabilities.
On the other hand, the Sumitomo HTR Z5 also performs well with a rating of 4.4, showcasing superior dry handling and maximum performance in summer conditions.
While both tires offer strong dry performance, the General G-MAX RS edges slightly ahead.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the General AltiMAX RT43 vs the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02.
As the one giving the wet performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate both the General AltiMAX RT43 and Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tires with a score of 4.4.
According to my research, the General AltiMAX RT43 provides good traction and consistent performance on wet roads.
Similarly, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 offers grip and stability on wet surfaces through its silica-enhanced tread compound and asymmetric tread pattern.
Although wet braking details for the HTR A/S P02 are limited, it should still offer satisfactory wet braking performance.
Therefore, I declare a tie between these two tires 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 – General AltiMAX Arctic vs Sumitomo Ice Edge.
Based on my research and personal snow performance rating, I would consider the General AltiMAX Arctic tire slightly superior.
With a score of 4.6 out of 5, it offers reliable snow performance, thanks to its studdable design, innovative compound, and tread pattern technologies.
The positive reviews praising its traction, grip, and handling on various winter surfaces, including snow and ice, further support its capabilities.
While the Sumitomo Ice Edge tire is commendable with a score of 4.5, the General AltiMAX Arctic emerges as the winner, albeit by a narrow margin.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| General | Sumitomo | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles. | Overall, Sumitomo tires are known to have a relatively high lifespan, with most models lasting between 55,000 to 70,000 miles. |
In terms of mileage warranty and average lifespan, Sumitomo tires outperform General tires.
Sumitomo offers a treadwear warranty of up to 90,000 miles, while General offers up to 65,000 miles.
On average, General tires last between 30,000 to 75,000 miles, while Sumitomo tires have a relatively high lifespan of 55,000 to 70,000 miles.
Overall, if longevity is a priority, Sumitomo tires would be the better choice.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – General 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:
| General | Sumitomo | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $71 to $595 /ea | $84 to $475 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Altimax RT43 goes from $71 – $187 /ea | HTR Enhance LX2 goes from $84 – $162 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Grabber X3 goes from $238 – $595 /ea | Encounter AT goes from $146 – $475 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
General
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Excellent price performance ratio, providing good value for their price | ❌ General tires are generally considered to be in the mid-range segment |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles | |
| ✔ Availability |
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 General:
- Grabber A/T X
- Altimax RT43
- Grabber HTS60
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 given criteria, I would declare General as the better pick overall.
With exceptional dry performance, strong braking, and sure-footed grip, the General G-MAX RS stands out.
While both brands offer good wet performance, General’s AltiMAX RT43 performs consistently in wet conditions.
Additionally, the General AltiMAX Arctic tire’s superior snow performance, positive reviews, and studdable design make it a winner.
Although Sumitomo offers a better mileage warranty, General’s performance advantages and wider range of options give it the edge.
Considering these factors, General emerges as the better choice.