Sumitomo Tires

You can’t talk about well-established Japanese tire companies without mentioning Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. This Japanese tire company has many brands under its portfolio. Sumitomo is a name for the parent company that also owns Ohtsu, a budget brand. But they produce tires under the name Sumitomo. For starters, Sumitomo is the fifth largest tire manufacturer in the world. In terms of overall sales, it even beats industry heavyweights, such as Pirelli, Hankook, and Yokohama.

WHY BUY SUMITOMO TIRES?

i. Well established Legacy

Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd has a century’s worth of manufacturing experience. Sumitomo offers a great pedigree in its range of tires for its local as well as the global market. For the commercial and passenger-vehicle market, this is a brand that is known to create high-quality designs. Through multiple brands such as Dunlop Tires, the company has run global operations. This signifies the company’s influence and success.

ii. Advances in Technology

Investing in research and development centers is what every tire manufacturing company must for continued success. This is done to allow the incorporation of new technologies within its designs. Sumitomo is one of the few tire companies that conducts its own technology research and development.

iii. Design Characteristics

Tire Control

When it comes to measuring how effective a tire is, it is understood that handling is the most important characteristic. A driver holds vehicle handling to be of vital concern, regardless of the terrain or weather conditions. Sumitomo Tires are engineered in many types such as standard summer radials. This type of Sumitomo tire is intended for all-season driving. There are also winter tires. These are for snow driving. These tires are designed with elements such as siping, a 5-rib pattern and biting edges.

Lifespan

When shopping for a tire, another important aspect that must be considered is the build quality of the tire. When buying a tire, many people expect them to last for a longer period of time. This is the reason why this factor remains important. The tire will survive If it is strong and robust. Every driver seeks to avoid replacing tires because it is a hassle. And Sumitomo alleviates this concern by engineering resilient tires.

Line Up for Sumitomo Tires

1. Sumitomo HTR Enhance L/X Tires
2. Sumitomo HTR T4 Tires
3. Sumitomo Touring LS Tires)

SUMITOMO TOURING ALL-SEASON TIRES REVIEW

1. Sumitomo HTR Enhance L/X Tires

Top Pick

Sumitomo HTR Enhance L/X Tires

Features

• 15-19 inch sizes
• H, T, V, and W-speed ratings
• 70,000-mile limited treadwear warranty

The Sumitomo HTR Enhance L/X is an affordably designed stylish looking touring all-season tire. It has been designed to focus on giving you the traction and handling you need throughout the year. This Sumitomo tire is said to have a longer-lasting tread life because it is built for a wide range of sedan and coupe drivers. The Sumitomo HTR Enhance L/X is suitable for use in all four seasons. This model was built from a robust all-season tread compound and sporting. This is a unique asymmetric five-rib tread pattern that helps this tire to deliver more even treadwear. Uneven tread wear is further reduced by a Siping around the tread block. It does all this while boosting traction on wet road surfaces and in snow.

The HTR Enhance L/X has an additional width on the outside shoulder block. This with jointless nylon cap ply, internal steel belts, and the reinforced bead will give you a smoother ride. They will also provide you with a more stable cornering and better handling when traveling at higher speeds. These Sumitomo All-Season tires are branded with the M+S symbol. They also include numerous lateral and circumferential grooves. The function of these grooves is to give your sedan and coupe an added traction on wet surfaces or roads that have a light coat of snow.

Pros

• Very good dry traction
• Steering is responsive
• The cornering grip is also stable
• They don’t cost a lot

Cons

• This model has poor traction on wet or snow-covered pavement
• In most cases, the tread wears faster than expected

2. Sumitomo HTR T4 Tires

Top Pick

The HTR T4 is one of the budget-friendly touring all-season tires from Sumitomo. The HTR T4 is designed for drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans, and crossovers. HTR T4 is an abbreviation for High Technology Radials – T-Speed Rated – 4-Season. This means that it has a sports year-round traction with a longer-lasting tread life. This will give you a more comfortable ride quality. The supercomputer designed all-season carbon black tread compound and symmetric tread pattern will provide you with predictable all-season traction and handling. Enhanced stability and steering response is delivered by the HTR T4 tire’s continuous center rib and notched shoulders. Increased braking and acceleration on dry or wet roads is also provided.

Water is channeled away by the four circumferential grooves. They do this in wet weather so that they can enhance traction and reduce the risk of hydroplaning. To further improve water drainage and overall performance, the club-shaped sipes lead into wider lateral grooves. Biting edges for grip on snow-covered road surfaces is also provided by multi-siped tread blocks.

Pros

• Dry traction and cornering is Excellent
• Responsive and predictable Steering
• Comfortable riding tire
• This model of tires value-priced
• It also comes with a 75,000-mile tread warranty

Cons

• Outstanding traction and handling in Wet and winter weather
• As tires wear down, they are a bit noisy

3. Sumitomo Touring LS Tires

Sumitomo Touring LS Tires

Sumitomo designed the Touring LS to provide you with all-season traction in dry, wet, or even winter conditions. This model does all this while providing you with a comfortable ride and long-lasting tread life. It has been engineered for drivers of coupes, sedans, crossovers, and minivans. The Sumitomo Touring LS Tires are available in T, H and V-speed rated sizes. And to increase year-round traction, the Touring LS is equipped with an advanced all-season carbon black tread compound and symmetric tread pattern. It uses its computer-optimized design, to do this. Enhanced dry or wet cornering traction is done by the tire’s shoulder blocks. This is useful on all types of road surfaces. Added steering response and braking stability are provided by a continuous center rib.

The Sumitomo Touring LS tires are also designed with four circumferential grooves. The function of these is to channel water away in wet and slush-covered road conditions. They do this while reducing the risk of hydroplaning in rough weather. Biting edges that deliver additional traction and handling on snowy surfaces are also provided by the added sipes that are around the tire.

Pros

• Dry, wet, and snow traction is outstanding
• A good feeling is provided by the steering
• The tire is comfortable for riding
• tread life is Long-lasting
• An excellent warranty

Cons

• A little less road noise is needed

SUMITOMO WINTER TIRES REVIEW

(Sumitomo Ice Age Tires)

1. Sumitomo Ice Age Tires

Sumitomo Ice Age Tires

In cold weather temperatures, the Sumitomo winter tires employ an extra-flexible rubber. These rubber features act like plastics as they tend to harden up in low temperatures.

The Sumitomo Ice Edge tires are equipped with a unique 3D Sipe technology. The use of this technology is to allow the tire to have a strong grip on slippery road surfaces. This is more useful especially on melting ice or slushy roads. The Sumitomo Ice Edge tires are also equipped with a soft silica tread compound. The function of this compound is to help maintain grip in slush. The smooth silica tread also functions well without giving problems because it is complemented with a very hard base compound.

The sidewall of the Sumitomo Ice Edge tire is very tough. This is because it is supported by a bead apex. The function of a bead apex is to make the tire durable for a long time. This complements the durability of the Sumitomo Ice Edge tire. And while not costing much, the bead apex also makes it a well-rounded choice, on-paper. One of the biggest challenges drivers face when driving through water or snow is Aquaplaning. Aquaplaning is where water builds-up in front of the tire instead of being displaced. But the Sumitomo Ice Edge tire is equipped with high hydroplaning resistance, which is sometimes referred to as aquaplaning resistance.

Pros

• In low temperatures, the Sumitomo Ice Edge tire provides excellent traction and grip
• Added hydroplaning resistance
• The tread is serrated in a Triangle form
• They are also quiet tires
• They also perform excellently in a variety of road conditions like snow, slush, ice

Cons

• This type is weak in areas of dry weather conditions
• They also wear very quickly

SUMITOMO HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUMMER TIRES REVIEW

(Sumitomo HTR Z Tires, Sumitomo HTR Z II Tires, Sumitomo HTR Z III Tires)

1. Sumitomo HTR Z Tires

Sumitomo HTR Z Tires

Sumitomo built the HTR Z tires to deliver high-performance traction and cornering grip. This tire is specifically designed for drivers of sport coupes and sedans. The fact that it is a summer tire; it was not designed for driving in cold weather conditions or the winter. The center rib and large angled shoulder are utilized by a high-performance tread compound and directional tread pattern. The function of this is a continual blocking to increase dry traction and steering response. On the corners of dry and wet pavement, the HTR Z tire grips the road well and feels stable.

The HTR Z tires are also equipped with four circumferential grooves. These circumferential grooves are deeper and wider and their use is to enhance wet handling by channeling away water. Their other use is enhancing hydroplane resistance.

Pros

• Dry traction and stability are excellent
• A surprisingly comfortable ride is also provided by tires ride
• It is also one of the tires with a low price

Cons

• Cornering performance on heavier vehicles is negatively affected by Soft sidewall
• These tires are not for winter weather

2. Sumitomo HTR Z II Tires

Sumitomo HTR Z II Tires

The HTR Z II is a high-performance summer driving tire in the Sumitomo’s 2nd generation models. These models are High Technology Radials. They have been designed to provide outstanding dry and wet traction. The other use for this model of Sumitomo tires their ability of a glue-like cornering. This means that it is designed for drivers of all types of sport coupes and sedans. So if you are looking not only for higher performance but a budget-friendly priced tire, then the HTR Z II is the way to go.

A unique looking directional tread pattern is mixed with a high-performance micro carbon and silica tread compound to provide enhanced dry pavement traction. The function of the tread pattern is to utilize shorter and wider shoulder block stabilizers. In addition to an excellent even treadwear, they are developed to increase cornering grip and steering response.

The HTR Z II tires are also equipped with a deep circumferential rain groove. This provides excellent hydroplane resistance. Wet surface handling and performance is further increased by the multi-direction rain grooves. While improving steering response, they as well channel water away from the tire.

And to reduce outside road-noise, the variable-width lateral grooves and tread pitch sequence of Sumitomo work together. The Sumitomo HTRZ II is offered in 16-20 inch sizes.

Pros

• Very good dry and wet traction
• Cornering performance and overall stability is outstanding
• Responsiveness and excellent feedback is provided by the steering
• The tire is comfortable when riding

Cons

• As the tire wears down, they make a lot of noise on the road
• These tires are not for winter driving

3. Sumitomo HTR Z III Tires

Sumitomo HTR Z III Tires

The HTR Z III is the 3rd generation model from Sumitomo. It is among their best-selling high-performance summer driving tires. The HTR Z III was designed for drivers of sport coupes and sedans. This model was designed to deliver exceptional traction and handling. It delivers this on both dry and wet roads. And for more spirited drivers, it has an outstanding grip in the corners.

a 5-rib asymmetric tread pattern and larger shoulder blocks are mixed with silica enhanced high-performance tread compound. The use for this is providing increased dry and wet traction. Added steering response and stability is provided by the tire’s continuous center rib and intermediate tread blocks. This is provided throughout the speed range. It does all this while adding more cornering grip. It is also equipped with hard rubber filler in the sidewall. The function of this is to reduce flexing. It also adds firmness to lateral grip without sacrificing ride quality.

Through circumferential and lateral grooves, wet traction is also enhanced. These effectively channel away water from the tread. They also increase resistance to hydroplaning. Comfort is also one area that Sumitomo put a lot of its effort into. And due to the unique tread design, they come up with, the HTR Z III is one of the more comfortable riding tires in this class. It also reduces outside road noise that you can easily notice.

Pros

• Dry and wet traction is excellent
• Exceptional cornering grip
• Outstanding steering response
• Very good ride quality

Cons

• A little more tread life is needed

SUMITOMO LIGHT TRUCK / SUV / CROSSOVER TIRES REVIEW

(Sumitomo Encounter HT Tires, Sumitomo HTR Enhance C/X tires, Sumitomo HTR Sport H/P Tires)

1. Sumitomo Encounter HT Tires

Sumitomo Encounter HT Tires

The Sumitomo Encounter HT Tires was designed for year-round all-season performance. This Sumitomo model is built for drivers of pickups, SUVs, and commercial vans. Top Features of the Sumitomo Encounter HT Tires include reliable traction and handling, comfortable ride quality, and longer tread life.

An all-season tread compound that is aligned to the asymmetric tread pattern and the continuous center rib is used by Sumitomo. And solid dry traction with a quicker steering response is the result of this. This process increases cornering and handling performance. It is also designed with four wide circumferential grooves. These cross grooves are numerous and their function is to enhance wet traction and help reduce the risk of hydroplaning. This tire does quite well in this area. The grip on wet pavement is further helped by zigzag sipes around the tread. They do all this while providing decent traction on snow-covered road surfaces. These biting edges of the Sumitomo Encounter HT Tires do their job in lighter amounts of snow. They also help with braking and acceleration.

To reduce road noise and deliver a smoother, Sumitomo has optimized the tread. This feature will provide you with a more comfortable ride quality. The Encounter HT is a mid-tier model of tires that provide you with a good level of comfort on all but the harshest bumps and road surfaces. This model is equipped with a two-ply construction. To give this tire a more attractive look, Sumitomo has added black letters on the sidewall.

Pros

• Dry/wet traction and handling is Very good
• Low noise when it is moving on the road

Cons

• This model of tires has traction on ice and hard-pack

3. Sumitomo HTR Enhance C/X tires

Sumitomo HTR Enhance C/X tires

The Sumitomo HTR Enhance C/X aims to give you superior traction and even treadwear throughout the year in different weather conditions. That’s why it is an all-season, performance touring tire. This model was designed for a wide range of SUV, minivan, and Crossover owners. This is one of the best Sumitomo tires that will provide you with a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. Added dry traction and handling capabilities are a final result from a combination of Sumitomo’s advanced all-season tread compound and a 5-rib asymmetric tread pattern. Cornering grip and stability at higher speeds is increased by the tires’ notched center rib and wider outside shoulder blocks. These functionalities are a plus for this tire.

Wider circumferential grooves and added sipes on the tread blocks have been included by Sumitomo. The use for this is to provide an increase in traction on wet pavement, as well as on snow and ice. However, the Enhance C/X is not very strong for winter performance. All HTR Enhance C/X tires are designed to deliver a quiet and smoother ride. The partial reason for this is the five-pitch tread block sequence that lowers the road noise. This is done while a multi-steel belt of the Enhance C/X is increasing the strength and providing for smooth handling.

Pros

• These are quiet tires
• They have outstanding dry traction
• They don’t cost so much

Cons

• They have poor traction on ice, snow, and other slippery areas

3. Sumitomo HTR Sport H/P Tires

Sumitomo HTR Sport H/P Tires

The Sumitomo HTR sport H/P is designed as an affordable and stylish looking all-season tire. This model was engineered to focus on giving you the traction and handling you need throughout the year. The Sumitomo HTR sport H/P is made for a wide range of sedan and coupe drivers. This model is said to have a longer-lasting tread life. It can do this while being used in all four seasons. It is engineered from a robust all-season tread compound and sporting. This is a unique asymmetric five-rib tread pattern. The function of this is to help the tire deliver more even treadwear. Uneven tread wear is further reduced by Siping around the tread block. This is done while also being used to boost traction on wet road surfaces and in snow.

A smooth ride, stable cornering, and better handling are final results that come from the additional width outside shoulder block, jointless nylon cap ply, internal steel belts, and a reinforced bead. The Sumitomo H/P tires are designed with the M+S symbol on the sidewall. They also include numerous lateral and circumferential grooves. The function of these grooves is to give your sedan and coupe added traction on wet surfaces. They have similar functionality on roads that have a light coat of snow.

Pros

• Very good dry traction
• They have lower prices.

Cons

• This model of Sumitomo tires has poor traction on wet or snow-covered pavement
• In most cases, the tread wears faster than expected

SUMITOMO HIGH-PERFORMANCE ALL-SEASON TIRES REVIEW

(Sumitomo HTR A/S P01 Tires And Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 Tires)

1. Sumitomo HTR A/S P01 Tires

Sumitomo HTR A/S P01 Tires

The HTR A/S P01 is another high-performance all-season tire from Sumitomo. This model is engineered for drivers of sport coupes, sedans, and sporty SUVs. HTR A/S P01 is an abbreviation for High Tech Radial, All-Season, and Premium 1st Generation. Along with the use of high tech materials in the tread design, the HTR sports are the latest in tire technology. In this model, dry and wet traction and handling is increased by an all-season tread compound that also contains added silica. Enhanced dry pavement handling is given by the tire’s directional tread pattern; intermediate tread blocks and continuous center rib. They also increase cornering performance and steering response.

The HTR A/S P01 is also equipped with four circumferential grooves and lateral grooves around the tread work. The function of this is to evacuate water away from the tire and reduce the risk of hydroplaning. Increased safety and added driving confidence is the final result from is. Sumitomo has also built-in added sipes to these types of tires. The main use for this is to help deliver improved snow traction when rough winter weather rolls around.

Pros

• Responsive steering
• They have outstanding dry traction
• They don’t cost so much

Cons

• Low Snow and ice traction

2. Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 Tires

Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 Tires

The Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 is a high-performance all-season tire from Sumitomo Tire Company. These types of tires were designed for drivers of sport coupes and higher performance sedans. So if you are looking to get more out of their tires, then this tire is the best for you. Sumitomo designed the HTR A/S P02 to provide excellent traction and handling response in wet and dry driving conditions. They are also reliable traction tires in light snow and ice. Added grip on wet and light snow-covered road surfaces is also provided by a silica all-season tread compound. And to enhance cornering and stability on dry pavement, they are equipped with an asymmetric tread pattern that includes wider shoulder blocks with notches.

To further enhance traction on wet roads, the tire’s center rib and deeper circumferential grooves combine with lateral grooves. They combine to decrease the likelihood of hydroplaning. Biting edges for traction in light snow, slush, and ice are also delivered by the Sumitomo P02 by adding 3-D sipes to the tread.

Pros

• Excellent cornering grip
• They also have reliable traction in wet and dry driving conditions
• The ride is quiet and comfortable
• They are sold at Lower prices

Cons

• Snow traction is less desirable

FAQs

Q. Which ones are the best Sumitomo Passenger Tires?

A. Currently, the passenger tires with a normal height that the Sumitomo Company is offering are in seven different models. Among the seven, the best is the HTR Enhance WX2, which is an all-season tire designed for a comfortable ride and long tread life.

Q. Which Sumitomo Tire is the best for an SUV, Crossover, or a Light Truck?

A. the Touring CX and HTR Sport H/P are the two best Sumitomo’s tires for a crossover, SUV, and light-truck lineup. These models are all-season touring tires for small and compact crossovers. The manufacturer has given them a 50,000 and 60 000 mile treadwear warranty respectively.

Read also: Polaris Ranger Tires

Recommendations

If you are looking for high-quality tires, then Sumitomo is a company that you can fully trust. They manufacture tires that are some of the most durable in each category they represent. This is so especially when they are being compared to other low-cost tires. And for daily driving, they are also very safe that you can confidently rely on them. They also provide a quiet and comfortable ride. Sumitomo tires are an excellent option if you’re on a budget.