Not every tire brand has a good balance between cost and quality. So, finding cheap tires with stable performance is difficult for most users.
Fortunately, in the past few years, Sumitomo Tires has emerged with quality products at competitive prices. So, this brand from Japan is still worth a try.
In this Sumitomo Tires review, I will try to clarify its specific pros and cons and suggest some unique options.
Sumitomo Tires Overview
Sumitomo Tires is a common name for products manufactured by Sumitomo Rubber Industries Limited (SRI). This Japanese brand produces a lot of rubber tools, and tire tires are one of them.
It is not difficult for us to access seven models of Sumitomo tires, divided into two distinctly different segments. For the touring tire line, you will have two options: Tour Plus and Touring LS. Meanwhile, Enhance WX2, Enhance LX2, A/S PO2, A/S PO3, and Z5 are the 5 available names in the HTR tire list.
Sumitomo has also integrated many technologies that improve travel performance into touring and HTR tires.
Each also has to go through different rigorous testing steps. Only grade models that meet all stringent standards reach the consumer.
Why Choose Sumitomo Tires?
I usually don’t pay too much attention to cheap tires. But Sumitomo Tires is an exception. These products convinced me with their unique features.
Although not too special, it is difficult to find these features in cheap tires. It is also the reason why you should care about Sumitomo tires.
All-round comfort
Sumitomo pays excellent attention to the smoothness and sound used on all tire models. Even with HTR tires, they still find ways to give users the most comfortable feeling when operating.
Although the experience is not as complete as the high-end models, I still appreciate the effort of this brand.
With touring tires, Sumitomo has maintained mechanisms to minimize discomfort. I hardly felt any pain or noisy sounds despite moving continuously for a long time. And my long rides are now less stressful.
Durable
Durability is quite a rare factor on cheap tire models. I was pretty surprised with the 90000-mile lifespan of some Sumitomo models. It has far surpassed many other competitors in the same price range in terms of durability.
Stable traction
Whether a cheap or a high-end tire, traction is always a factor that significantly impacts performance. Understanding this problem, Sumitomo has applied many technologies to stabilize its products’ traction. The most prominent must be the sturdy tread structure and strict tests before shipment.
I checked all the tire models and found that the traction on each product was above average. But the most impressive are the two models of HTR tires, A/S and A/S PO3, with outstanding wet and dry acceleration performance.
Better handling in touring tire models
While cheap touring tires prioritize comfort, Sumitomo Tires products also have handling elements. It is not difficult for me to realize this improvement after trial use. In general, easier control will help the movement have stability and safety.
Who Makes Sumitomo Tires?
Behind these models is Sumitomo Rubber Industries Limited, the world’s leading rubber manufacturing corporation. Although not as famous in the West as Michelin or Bridgestone, this brand is trendy in Asia.
Although not focusing on tire production, the products from Sumitomo are of stable quality. A wealth of manufacturing experience has enabled them to create efficient products at low costs.
Where Are Sumitomo Tires Made?
While most cheap tire models are from China, Sumitomo tires are sourced from the United States and Japan. Therefore, the quality and perfection of these products are always at a high level.
Most Popular Sumitomo Tires
Via practical experience, I’ve objectively evaluated the popular Sumitomo tire models below. You should consult carefully to have an accurate view of this tire.
Passenger car
Sumitomo Ice Edge
Ice Edge is a specialized snow tire model for passenger vehicles from the Sumitomo brand. About performance, it is enough to serve you through the harsh winter.
I tried using tires to move in heavy snow conditions and icy roads. The results are reasonable when its high grip and stability have made the vehicle operation much more stable. It also maintains performance on both dry and wet roads.
The manufacturer has equipped the most intuitive indicators to control wear. It’s easy to tell how worn the tires are. Yet, I find the runtime is still relatively short, and this improvement is ineffective.
Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2
Compared to other products in the same segment, the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 has a much better grip on dry roads.
Just a few simple measurements allow me to know how much friction the tire creates. As a result, your vehicle will move more securely and safely.
Along with the grip, the cornering performance of the HTR Enhance LX2 is also a factor you should not ignore. Despite navigating through a series of dangerous turns, I did not see my car lose stability.
It is a pity that Enhance LX2 does not have the same high tire durability as other Sumitomo products. Although the manufacturer has tried to compensate with an extended warranty program, I do not feel secure when using this tire model.
Sumitomo Touring LS T/H/DRAW
Touring LS T/H/V is the most suitable tire for you on long trips. The parameters indicate that this product has exceptionally stable traction in various conditions.
I’ve done real-world tests, and the results are the same on dry or wet surfaces.
The Sumitomo tire model has impressive durability and resistance, at least when compared to other touring designs. However, the manufacturer still offers users a warranty program for up to 85,000 miles.
Sumitomo HTR A/S P03
HTR A/S P03 is a tire with excellent balance that you should not ignore. The product performs well on both dry and wet terrain.
I’m entirely sure of my thoughts through the grip and brake performance tests. Even complicated cornering maneuvers are not a big obstacle for the A/S P03.
Stable traction is the next factor that attracts me. Despite moving continuously for a long time, I still quickly accelerate whenever.
It is a necessary element for more efficient vehicle operation. Despite creating quite a lot of drag friction, the tire does not produce a large amount of sound.
Light truck
Sumitomo Encounter HT
Encounter HT is the most stable choice among Sumitomo products for light truck models. It possesses steady wet and dry traction on a variety of surfaces.
So, I didn’t have too much trouble accelerating or dragging heavy objects behind.
Although it looks heavy, Sumitomo Encounter HT works exceptionally silently. Even the most sensitive sound meter doesn’t pick up too much from the tire.
Driving a light truck is hard work, so this improvement has made me much more comfortable. Like many other Sumitomo models, the Encounter HT is useless on snowy surfaces.
Sumitomo Encounter AT
To overcome areas with complex terrain, you need to use Sumitomo Encounter AT. This off-road tire is strong enough to take me through rocky areas or large sandy beaches. Also, its self-cleaning feature makes its grip and friction almost unchanged.
Usually, manufacturers will not provide warranties for off-road tire models. And the 60,000-mile after-sales program on Encounter AT is a very excellent point.
Unlike touring or all-season models, off-road tires like the Encounter AT operate pretty noisily, especially in rough areas.
Sumitomo Encounter HT2
Sumitomo Encounter HT2 is a valuable improved version of Encounter HT.
The product received a lot of boost in both performance and stability. I got the parameters through some tests and compared them with the front tire model. The difference between the performance of HT2 and HT is enormous.
Inheriting the characteristics of the old version, Encounter HT2 also moves quite silently, even on the most frictional surfaces. But its snow performance still hasn’t improved much.
SUV/Crossover
Sumitomo HTR Enhance CX2
Driving feel is the factor I appreciate most on the Sumitomo HTR Enhance CX2.
Even using a heavy SUV, it is still not easy for me to operate without too much effort. Combined with high dry traction, traveling with the tire is much better.
Once again, Sumitomo ignored the snow performance on their product. It is why Enhance CX2 has such lousy performance in this condition.
FAQs
Does Goodyear own Sumitomo?
The association agreement between Sumitomo and Goodyear has long since ended. Although Sumitomo still owns a large number of shares of Goodyear.
Are Falken and Sumitomo the same?
Not only acting as a manufacturer, but Sumitomo is also a supplier and sponsor for many other tire brands. The most prominent are Dunlop and Falken, which have a specific place in the market today.
Are Sumitomo tires quiet?
Most Sumitomo tire models maintain quite good silence. However, there are a few exceptions, most of which are off-road tires.
Does Michelin make Sumitomo tires?
No, it is not. Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. is the central unit producing Sumitomo tires.
How long do Sumitomo tires last?
Through several simulation tests, I have the complete results about the resistance of this tire line. Most tire models have a lifespan of about 55,000 to 60,000 miles, which is relatively high compared to the common ground. In the rest, there is endurance reaching 80,000 or even 90,000 miles.
How much do Sumitomo tires cost?
You will need to spend from $ 100 to $ 165 to own any model of Sumitomo Tires.
Conclusion
Above are the detailed Sumitomo Tires reviews that I think will be useful to you.
All are my actual experiences after many years of test driving with this brand. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.
Thank you for reading!