When it comes to choosing the perfect tires for my vehicle, the decision often boils down to two prominent brands: Nitto vs Sumitomo.
In this post, I’ll delve into a comprehensive comparison between these tire giants, exploring their history, dry, wet, and snow performances, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, as well as uncovering the pros and cons of each.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme in the tire industry.
Let’s dive in!
Nitto vs Sumitomo – Comparison Table
| Nitto | Sumitomo | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1949 | 1909 |
| Made In | Bartow County, GA, China, Japan, and Malaysia | Japan and the United States |
| Parent | Toyo Tire Corporation (Japan) | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. Nitto
Nitto is a renowned tire brand with its roots in Japan.
Founded in 1949, it is now a subsidiary of the Toyo Tire Corporation since the acquisition in 1979.
Nitto has built a solid reputation for producing high-quality tires that deliver exceptional performance and reliability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition globally for its innovative tire technologies and cutting-edge designs.
Nitto offers a diverse range of tires, catering to various vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
With a commitment to excellence, Nitto consistently emphasizes research and development to meet the ever-evolving demands of the automotive industry.
Today, Nitto tires are sought after by drivers who seek superior traction, handling, and durability.
With its Japanese heritage and affiliation with Toyo Tire Corporation, Nitto continues to be a trusted and respected name in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Sports utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Crossovers
- High-performance cars
- Off-road vehicles
- Side by side 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 Nitto NT555 G2 vs the Sumitomo HTR Z5.
In my evaluation, I rate the Nitto NT555 G2’s dry performance at 4.5 out of 5.
It excels in cornering grip, responsive steering, dependable handling, and quick acceleration in dry and hot conditions.
The presence of tapered tread blocks further enhances its dry traction and stability.
Similarly, the Sumitomo HTR Z5 scores a commendable 4.4 out of 5.
It offers superior dry handling, maximum performance in summer conditions, and wide circumferential grooves for enhanced traction.
Both tires demonstrate outstanding capabilities, making it a tie in terms of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Nitto Motivo vs the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02.
Based on my research and personal rating, I would give the Nitto Motivo tire a wet performance rating of 4.3 out of 5.
It offers good wet traction and handling due to its all-season design and new silica rubber compound.
However, it may not be as competitive as some newer options.
On the other hand, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tire receives a slightly higher rating of 4.4 out of 5 for its good wet traction, silica-enhanced tread compound, and asymmetric tread pattern.
Although wet braking details are limited, the tire should provide satisfactory performance.
Therefore, in terms of wet performance, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tire edges out as the winner.
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 – Nitto SN2 Winter vs Sumitomo Ice Edge.
In my evaluation, I rate the snow performance of the Nitto SN2 Winter tire at 4.4 out of 5.
This rating indicates that the tire delivers reliable snow performance due to its silica-enhanced tread compound, symmetrical tread pattern, and lower freezing temperature technology.
On the other hand, the Sumitomo Ice Edge tire receives a snow performance rating of 4.5 out of 5.
This rating suggests that it also provides reliable snow performance, thanks to its advanced technology, excellent traction, good snow performance, studdable option, and cold-weather compound.
Considering their similar levels of snow performance, I declare a tie between these two tires.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Nitto | Sumitomo | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 75,000 mile tread life warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | On average, Nitto tires can last anywhere between 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, the Nitto tires offer a mileage warranty of up to 75,000 miles, while Sumitomo tires provide a warranty of up to 90,000 miles.
However, in terms of average lifespan, Nitto tires typically last between 40,000 to 60,000 miles, while Sumitomo tires have a higher average lifespan of around 55,000 to 70,000 miles.
So, although Sumitomo tires have a longer warranty, both brands offer tires with decent longevity.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Nitto 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:
| Nitto | Sumitomo | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $97 to $1,447 /ea | $84 to $475 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Neo Gen goes from $97 – $352 /ea | HTR Enhance LX2 goes from $84 – $162 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Trail Grappler M/T goes from $279 – $1,447 /ea | Encounter AT goes from $146 – $475 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Nitto
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks | ❌ Some of their tires can get very expensive |
| ✔ Generally considered to be of good quality, offering durability and reliability | |
| ✔ Solid performance tires |
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 Nitto:
- NT555 G2
- Terra Grappler G2
- Motivo
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, both Nitto and Sumitomo tires demonstrate exceptional capabilities, resulting in a tie.
In terms of wet performance, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tire edges out as the winner.
However, when it comes to snow performance, both Nitto SN2 Winter and Sumitomo Ice Edge tires offer reliable performance, resulting in a tie.
While Nitto offers a mileage warranty of up to 75,000 miles, Sumitomo provides a warranty of up to 90,000 miles.
Overall, considering the factors discussed, Sumitomo emerges as the better pick between the two tire brands.