Michelin vs Sumitomo, two tire giants battling it out for supremacy.
In this post, I’ll dive deep into their histories, scrutinize their performances on dry, wet, and snowy roads, unravel their mileage warranties, explore their average lifespan, evaluate their prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll uncover the ultimate winner in the tire arena.
Join me on this captivating journey to determine the better brand overall.
Michelin vs Sumitomo – Comparison Table
| Michelin | Sumitomo | |
| Country of Origin | France | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1889 | 1909 |
| Made In | Canada, France, Germany, Spain, and the United States | Japan and the United States |
| Parent | Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA (France) | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. Michelin
The Michelin brand has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1889 in France.
Originally established by the Michelin brothers, André and Edouard, the company quickly gained recognition for its innovative tire designs.
Over the years, Michelin has become synonymous with excellence in the tire industry.
It has pioneered numerous advancements, including the first removable pneumatic tire, the radial tire, and the run-flat tire.
These innovations have revolutionized the automotive industry, enhancing safety and performance.
Michelin’s commitment to quality and durability has earned the brand a reputation for producing high-performance tires trusted by drivers worldwide.
As part of the Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA, the brand continues to push boundaries, constantly striving for excellence and remaining at the forefront of tire technology.
Today, Michelin remains a global leader in the tire industry, providing a wide range of high-quality tires for various vehicles and applications.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Commercial trucks
- Motorcycles
- Bicycles
- Racing cars
- Aircraft
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 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs the Sumitomo HTR Z5.
As the one giving the dry performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S a 4.7 and the Sumitomo HTR Z5 a 4.4.
The Michelin tire has exceptional dry grip, precise steering and handling, short braking distances, and endorsements from renowned manufacturers.
The Sumitomo tire boasts superior dry handling, maximum performance in summer conditions, and enhanced dry traction.
While both tires offer strong dry performance, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S edges slightly ahead with its higher rating.
Therefore, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S would be the better tire for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 vs the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02.
Based on my research and the wet performance rating I have given, both the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 and the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tires have a rating of 4.4 out of 5 in terms of wet performance.
This indicates that both tires offer good wet traction and grip, thanks to their respective design features.
Therefore, I would declare a tie between these two tires as they both demonstrate 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 – Michelin X-Ice Xi3 vs Sumitomo Ice Edge.
In my opinion, as the one giving the snow performance rating, the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 tire receives a slightly higher score of 4.6 out of 5, compared to the Sumitomo Ice Edge tire which scores 4.5 out of 5.
Both tires offer commendable snow performance, with the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 showcasing exceptional grip, hydroplaning resistance, and long-lasting performance.
Its specialized V-shaped tread pattern and Flex-Ice tread compound further enhance its traction on icy and snowy surfaces.
While the Sumitomo Ice Edge also provides advanced technology and excellent traction, the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 edges slightly ahead in overall snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Michelin | Sumitomo | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Michelin tires are designed to last between 45,000 to 85,000 miles on average. | 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, both Michelin and Sumitomo offer treadwear warranties of up to 90,000 miles, indicating their confidence in the longevity of their tires.
However, when it comes to average lifespan, Michelin tires tend to last between 45,000 to 85,000 miles, while Sumitomo tires generally have a lifespan of 55,000 to 70,000 miles.
It’s important to note that these figures are averages and can vary depending on various factors such as driving conditions and maintenance.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Michelin 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:
| Michelin | Sumitomo | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $112 to $1,160 /ea | $84 to $475 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | X-ICE Snow goes from $112 – $493 /ea | HTR Enhance LX2 goes from $84 – $162 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Pilot Sport 4S goes from $236 – $1,160 /ea | Encounter AT goes from $146 – $475 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Michelin
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Probably the most reputed brand in the industry | ❌ Some of their tires can get very expensive |
| ✔ Michelin tires are known for their high quality and durability | |
| ✔ Their tires are equipped with advanced technologies that provide maximum fuel-saving, noise reduction, and 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 Michelin:
- Pilot Sport 4S
- Defender T+H
- Premier A/S
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 comparisons and key takeaways, the winner for dry performance is the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.
The wet performance is a tie between the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 and the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02.
In terms of snow performance, the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 takes a slight lead.
Both brands offer similar mileage warranties, but Michelin tires tend to have a longer average lifespan.
Considering all these factors, Michelin emerges as the better pick overall.