Hankook vs Sumitomo: two tire brands that have caught my attention.
In this post, I’ll be delving into their histories, examining their performances on dry, wet, and snowy roads, exploring their mileage warranties, average lifespans, and prices.
By considering their pros and cons, I aim to determine which brand reigns superior.
Join me on this journey as we unravel the secrets behind Hankook and Sumitomo and uncover the ultimate tire champion.
Hankook vs Sumitomo – Comparison Table
| Hankook | Sumitomo | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1941 | 1909 |
| Made In | Clarksville, TN or Akron, OH, in addition to South Korea, China, Hungary, Indonesia, Germany, and Japan | Japan and the United States |
| Parent | Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. (South Korea) | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. Hankook
Hankook Tire is a renowned tire brand that originated in South Korea in 1941.
It is a subsidiary of Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd., the parent company responsible for its success.
Over the years, Hankook has established itself as a global leader in the tire industry, catering to diverse vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and buses.
The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has propelled its growth, allowing it to become one of the largest tire manufacturers worldwide.
With cutting-edge research and development capabilities, Hankook consistently introduces advanced tire technologies, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and durability.
Today, Hankook tires are trusted by millions of drivers around the globe, offering a wide range of products that deliver excellent traction, handling, and comfort across various road conditions.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Trucks (including light trucks and medium-duty trucks)
- Buses
- Race cars
- Golf carts
- 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 Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 vs the Sumitomo HTR Z5.
In my assessment, as someone who rates dry performance on a scale of 1 to 5, the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 receives a commendable rating of 4.6.
This tire excels in dry conditions with its impressive handling, cornering, and high grip silica tread compound.
The incorporation of innovative technologies enhances its performance on dry terrain.
Additionally, the aero-dynamic design contributes to noise reduction.
On the other hand, the Sumitomo HTR Z5 achieves a solid rating of 4.4, showcasing superior dry handling, maximum performance in summer conditions, and enhanced traction with wide circumferential grooves.
While both tires demonstrate strong dry performance, I declare the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 as the winner due to its slightly higher rating.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Hankook Kinergy GT vs the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02.
In my evaluation, both the Hankook Kinergy GT and the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tires demonstrate exceptional wet performance, receiving an identical rating of 4.4 out of 5.
The Kinergy GT showcases solid grip, traction, and effective stopping distance, while the HTR A/S P02 offers good wet traction, stability, and enhanced wet performance through its design.
Although wet braking details for the HTR A/S P02 are limited, the tire’s overall features suggest satisfactory wet braking performance.
Therefore, it is a tie between these two tires for superior 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 – Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 vs Sumitomo Ice Edge.
In my evaluation, I rate the Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 tire with a snow performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
Its silica-enhanced tread compound, optimized pattern design, dual function tread, and 3D sipes ensure reliable traction and grip.
On the other hand, the Sumitomo Ice Edge tire receives a slightly higher rating of 4.5 out of 5 for its advanced technology, excellent traction, and studdable option.
Considering these ratings, the Sumitomo Ice Edge emerges as the winner, offering marginally better snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Hankook | Sumitomo | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 100,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Hankook tires have an average tread life of around 40,000 to 60,000 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, Hankook tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 100,000 miles, while Sumitomo tires offer a warranty of up to 90,000 miles.
However, in terms of average lifespan, Hankook tires typically last between 40,000 to 60,000 miles, while Sumitomo tires generally have a longer lifespan, ranging from 55,000 to 70,000 miles.
Overall, Sumitomo tires tend to have a slightly higher average lifespan compared to Hankook tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Hankook 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:
| Hankook | Sumitomo | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $87 to $600 /ea | $84 to $475 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Kinergy ST H735 goes from $80 – $152 /ea | HTR Enhance LX2 goes from $84 – $162 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Dynapro MT2 RT05 goes from $191 – $600 /ea | Encounter AT goes from $146 – $475 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Hankook
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Hankook tires are known for their affordable prices | ❌ Limited weather categorization |
| ✔ Good durability and longevity | |
| ✔ Generous mileage warranties of up to 100,000 miles |
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 Hankook:
- Ventus S1 Noble2
- Kinergy PT
- Dynapro AT2
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 evaluations, the winner for dry performance is Hankook with their Ventus V12 evo2 tire.
In terms of wet performance, it’s a tie between Hankook’s Kinergy GT and Sumitomo’s HTR A/S P02 tires.
For snow performance, Sumitomo’s Ice Edge tire takes the lead.
When considering mileage warranty and average lifespan, Sumitomo tires generally have a slightly higher lifespan.
Therefore, taking all factors into account, the overall winner is Sumitomo.