Sumitomo vs Vredestein – two tire brands that have earned a reputation for excellence.
In this post, I’ll delve into their histories, compare their performances in dry, wet, and snow conditions, analyze their mileage warranties and average lifespan, examine their prices, and weigh up their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
Get ready to uncover the ultimate tire showdown!
Sumitomo vs Vredestein – Comparison Table
| Sumitomo | Vredestein | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Netherlands |
| Year Founded | 1909 | 1908 |
| Made In | Japan and the United States | Enschede, Netherlands |
| Parent | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (Japan) | Apollo Tyres, Ltd (India) |
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. Vredestein
Vredestein is a tire brand with a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1908 in the Netherlands.
Initially established as a rubber factory, Vredestein has since become renowned for its high-quality tires.
The company has consistently focused on innovation, allowing it to develop cutting-edge technologies and deliver exceptional performance.
In 1912, Vredestein produced its car tire, marking the beginning of its expansion into the automotive industry.
Vredestein was acquired by the Indian Apollo Tyres, Ltd in 2009 and the company name was changed to Apollo Vredestein B.V.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its expertise in crafting tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, agricultural machinery, and industrial equipment.
Today, Vredestein operates as part of Apollo Tyres, Ltd, a Indian parent company, leveraging its manufacturing facilities and research capabilities to continue producing reliable and innovative tires that meet the needs of drivers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Commercial vehicles
- Tractors
- Bicycles
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 Vredestein Ultrac Vorti.
Based on my research and personal rating system, the Sumitomo HTR Z5 receives a dry performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
Its exceptional dry handling and focus on maximum performance in summer conditions, along with wide circumferential grooves for enhanced traction, contribute to its strong performance on dry roads.
Similarly, the Vredestein Ultrac Vorti receives a rating of 4.3 out of 5 for its short braking distances, precise handling, high-traction tread compound, and responsive steering.
Both tires offer impressive dry performance, making it a tie between the two.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 vs the Vredestein Quatrac Pro.
Based on my research, as the one giving the wet performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tire at 4.4 and the Vredestein Quatrac Pro tire at 4.6.
Both tires offer good wet performance, with the HTR A/S P02 providing good wet traction and the Quatrac Pro excelling in wet handling and braking.
However, the Quatrac Pro shows a slight advantage with its improved wet grip and accurate handling.
Therefore, the Vredestein Quatrac Pro is the better tire for wet performance, albeit by a small margin.
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 Vredestein Wintrac Pro.
In my assessment, I rate the Sumitomo Ice Edge tire with a snow performance rating of 4.5 out of 5.
This rating suggests that the tire delivers reliable snow performance, thanks to its advanced technology, excellent traction, and good snow performance.
The availability of a studdable option and a cold-weather compound further enhances its overall snow performance.
Likewise, after considering the research, I rate the Vredestein Wintrac Pro tire with an overall performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
This rating indicates that the tire is specifically designed to provide reliable snow performance, offering maximum grip and confident control.
Its excellent winter performance and great overall performance make it well-suited for winter conditions.
Taking these ratings into account, it’s clear that both tires offer similar levels of snow performance, resulting in a tie.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Sumitomo | Vredestein | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 70,000 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 average mileage of Vredestein tires is between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
After conducting my research, I found that Sumitomo tires offer a higher mileage warranty compared to Vredestein tires.
Sumitomo tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 90,000 miles, while Vredestein tires have a treadwear warranty of up to 70,000 miles.
Moreover, on average, Sumitomo tires tend to last between 55,000 to 70,000 miles, whereas Vredestein tires have an average lifespan of 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
Overall, Sumitomo tires are known to have a longer lifespan than Vredestein tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Sumitomo vs Vredestein.
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 | Vredestein | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $84 to $475 /ea | Not Available |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | HTR Enhance LX2 goes from $84 – $162 /ea | Not Available |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Encounter AT goes from $146 – $475 /ea | Not Available |
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 |
Vredestein
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Premium brand with a long history of more than 115 years of experience | ❌ Not available in large tire marketplaces like Discount Tire |
| ✔ Praised for their performance, including traction and handling on both wet and dry surfaces | |
| ✔ Good value for their price |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Sumitomo:
- HTR A/S P02
- HTR Enhance L/X
- HTR Z5
Some of Vredestein’s best tires are shown below:
- Quatrac Pro
- Ultrac Vorti
- Wintrac Pro
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the comparison of dry, wet, and snow performance, as well as mileage warranty and lifespan, both Sumitomo and Vredestein tires have their strengths.
The Sumitomo HTR Z5 and Vredestein Ultrac Vorti perform equally well in dry conditions.
Vredestein Quatrac Pro has a slight edge in wet performance.
For snow performance, both Sumitomo Ice Edge and Vredestein Wintrac Pro offer similar levels of reliability.
However, in terms of mileage warranty and average lifespan, Sumitomo tires have an advantage.
Therefore, considering all factors, Sumitomo is the better pick overall.