Sumitomo vs Toyo – two tire brands that have been making waves in the automotive industry for years.
In this post, I’ll take you on a journey to explore these brands in-depth.
We’ll dive into their captivating histories, examine their performances on dry, wet, and snowy roads, unravel their mileage warranties and average lifespan, compare their prices, and weigh their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll uncover which brand reigns supreme.
So, buckle up and let’s begin this thrilling comparison!
Sumitomo vs Toyo – Comparison Table
| Sumitomo | Toyo | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1909 | 1945 |
| Made In | Japan and the United States | Japan, Malaysia or the United States |
| Parent | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (Japan) | Toyo Tire Corporation (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. 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
2. Toyo
Toyo Tire Corporation, a renowned Japanese brand, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1945.
Founded in Japan, Toyo has grown to become a leading global tire manufacturer.
Operating under the parent company Toyo Tire Corporation, they have built a reputation for providing high-quality tires for a diverse range of vehicles.
Over the years, Toyo has developed advanced tire technologies and innovative designs to meet the evolving needs of drivers around the world.
With a strong commitment to performance, safety, and durability, Toyo has become a trusted choice for drivers seeking reliable tires.
With its Japanese heritage and global presence, Toyo continues to push the boundaries of tire engineering, ensuring exceptional performance and driving experiences for customers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- High-performance cars
- Luxury cars
- Family cars
- Trucks
- Buses
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 Sumitomo HTR Z5 vs the Toyo Proxes R1R.
Based on my research, I would rate the Sumitomo HTR Z5 and Toyo Proxes R1R tires equally for dry performance, both receiving a score of 4.4 out of 5.
The Sumitomo HTR Z5 showcases excellent dry handling, while the Toyo Proxes R1R offers exceptional dry traction and handling.
Both tires feature designs that enhance grip and control on dry roads.
Therefore, I declare it a tie, as both options offer similar levels of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 vs the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S.
In my evaluation, I rate the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tire’s wet performance at 4.4 out of 5.
With its silica-enhanced tread compound and asymmetric tread pattern, this tire offers good wet traction and stability.
Its design contributes to grip on wet surfaces, and the reported ride comfort adds to its appeal.
Although wet braking details are limited, the tire’s next-generation version suggests satisfactory performance.
On the other hand, the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S tire receives a wet performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It excels in wet braking and delivers reliable performance with its dynamic taper and improved rib design.
Considering the slightly higher wet performance rating, the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S stands as the better tire 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 – Sumitomo Ice Edge vs Toyo Observe GSi-6.
In my opinion, as someone who rates snow performance from 1 to 5, both the Sumitomo Ice Edge and Toyo Observe GSi-6 tires offer excellent snow performance.
With a rating of 4.5, both tires demonstrate advanced technology, excellent traction, and good snow performance.
The Sumitomo Ice Edge impresses with its studdable option and cold-weather compound.
Meanwhile, the Toyo Observe GSi-6 showcases Microbit studless technology, serrated stability ribs, a high-grip silica compound, and an aggressive tread design.
Since both tires exhibit similar levels of snow performance, it’s a tie between them.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Sumitomo | Toyo | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Overall, Sumitomo tires are known to have a relatively high lifespan, with most models lasting between 55,000 to 70,000 miles. | The actual lifespan of Toyo tires can range from 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
After gathering information, I discovered that Sumitomo tires offer a treadwear warranty of up to 90,000 miles, while Toyo tires have a warranty of up to 65,000 miles.
On average, Sumitomo tires tend to last between 55,000 to 70,000 miles, indicating a relatively high lifespan.
In contrast, Toyo tires typically range from 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
Therefore, if you prioritize longevity, Sumitomo tires might be a better choice compared to Toyo tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Sumitomo vs Toyo.
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:
| Sumitomo | Toyo | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $84 to $475 /ea | $82 to $1,030 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | HTR Enhance LX2 goes from $84 – $162 /ea | Extensa HP II goes from $82 – $253 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Encounter AT goes from $146 – $475 /ea | Open Country M/T goes from $297 – $1,030 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
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 |
Toyo
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Generally considered to be of high quality, offering durability and reliability | ❌ Some of their tires can get expensive |
| ✔ Toyo offers a wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles and driving needs, including all-season, summer, and winter tires | |
| ✔ Excellent traction and handling in rugged terrain |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Sumitomo:
- HTR A/S P02
- HTR Enhance L/X
- HTR Z5
Some of Toyo’s best tires are shown below:
- Proxes Sport
- Open Country A/T III
- Extensa A/S II
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Considering the criteria of dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, and average lifespan, the overall better pick between Sumitomo and Toyo tires is Sumitomo.
Sumitomo tires offer similar dry performance, good wet performance, excellent snow performance, and a higher mileage warranty with a relatively higher lifespan.
Additionally, Sumitomo tires are known for their affordability.
While Toyo tires have their advantages, Sumitomo emerges as the better choice overall.
