Sumitomo Encounter HT2 Tire Review and Ratings
Dry Conditions – 80%
Wet Conditions – 80%
Snow – 70%
Comfort – 80%
Noise Reduction – 80%
Durability – 80%
Price Check
Check the price of this tire at the following retailers:
Amazon TireRack DiscountTire PriorityTire SimpleTireDon't know the correct size tire to purchase? Start here!
Tires have come a long way in the past several decades. As perfect as they are, there is still a big flaw. You won’t find one tire that’s good at everything. This is why we have different categories of tires, with the touring options being the most common ones.
Considering that most people need a set of tires to serve them safely for a few years, it’s no surprise that these are so popular. The touring segment covers multiple different types, depending on several factors. For SUV and light truck use, we usually refer to these as highway tires.
As the name suggests, these are the kind of tires you’ll be getting if you’re racking up a lot of miles. You’ll get safe performance from a well-refined tire that lasts a long time. The model in question for today comes from the mid-range segment from Sumitomo.
In late 2022, the company announced the Encounter HT2, which replaces the Encounter HT. The question here is whether Sumitomo managed to improve on a tire that was already a pretty good performer.
Pros
- Attractive price
- Handles quite well
- Dry and wet performance is pretty good for a mid-range model
- There is some usable traction in lighter snow conditions
Cons
- The treadwear warranty isn’t on the same level as its direct competitors
- It’s not the most refined tire in this category
The Features of the Sumitomo Encounter HT2
Sumitomo offers the Encounter HT2 with all the necessary features to make it a proper highway tire. It’s an all-season model that comes in sizes mostly for SUVs and light trucks.
For its year-round performance, the tire is made from an all-season rubber compound, designed to perform well on wet and snow-covered roads. In addition, the tread pattern is optimized for the perfect contact surface to ensure it doesn’t lack in terms of dry traction.
There are two aspects of the tire’s wet performance. The wave-shaped sipes across the tread blocks are designed to improve traction. While they help in dry conditions, their primary purpose is damp roads and packed snow.
On the other hand, the tread pattern also features 4 wide circumferential grooves for the most optimal water evacuation properties. The lateral grooves are there to help, and the tire should offer excellent aquaplaning resistance.
Sumitomo kept refinement in mind and implemented the curved shoulder blocks and grooves. They should help the tire keep the noise levels down and minimize vibrations in certain conditions.
Sumitomo Encounter HT2 in Dry Conditions
As a highway tire, the Encounter HT2 is a model that does an excellent job despite being a mid-range model.
The grip and traction levels on dry roads are very good, offering the performance you’d need for daily driving conditions. Even though you probably won’t be pushing it often, it’s good to know that there’s some headroom, meaning you won’t be driving on the limit all the time. The braking distances are pretty short and not too far off the best-in-class models.
Highway tires aren’t the most dynamic option, so you shouldn’t expect miracles. Sumitomo’s model is decently responsive and feels natural with a good amount of weight. You will have some feedback, so it’s not the numbest tire in this category.
Sumitomo Encounter HT2 on Wet or Slippery Roads
Wet roads aren’t ideal, but that’s not a massive problem for the Encounter HT2. It’s not on the same level as Contiental’s models, but it’s quite good.
The tire’s traction levels on damp surfaces are very good, and it will remain planted unless you push it too much. You’re looking at similarly impressive grip levels, meaning the tire can handle slightly higher speeds when entering a corner. The tire remains controllable even in these conditions, which is a good thing. In terms of the braking distances, they’re pretty short, putting this tire near the top of its class.
On the other hand, we have harsh rain, something that this tire won’t struggle with. The tread pattern evacuates water efficiently, resulting in excellent aquaplaning resistance.
Sumitomo Encounter HT2 in Snow
Like with most all-season tires, winter performance is on the table as long as you’re aware of the limitations.
The Encounter HT2 delivers solid traction on snow, allowing you to accelerate without any massive issues. It corners well, and you won’t notice it struggling if you’re not pushing it hard. The braking distances are decent, but I believe they could be better and a bit shorter.
Driving on ice isn’t something that any all-season tire will excel at, and the same goes for this one. There is some usable traction, but you’ll still need to drive with a bit of caution.
Sumitomo Encounter HT2 Off-Roading
Highway tires are technically a type of touring model, meaning that they’re designed for road use. The Encounter HT2 is a model you shouldn’t take off-roading unless it’s a short drive on a dirt road. There isn’t enough traction for regular use, and you’ll reduce the tire’s lifespan.
Sumitomo Encounter HT2 for Sporty Driving
There are several things that a highway tire like the Encounter HT2 can do, but sporty driving isn’t one of them. The performance levels are pretty good, but only for daily driving, not for having fun on a twisty road. It’s the same with the handling. Yes, it’s responsive enough considering the category, but it’s far from a performance-oriented tire.
Does the Sumitomo Encounter HT2 Ride Comfortably?
The tire does a pretty decent job in terms of refinement, but I feel like there’s room for improvement.
Comfort is something that the Encounter HT2 does well, which is what most people would be looking for in a highway tire. Going over bumps isn’t the most harsh experience, and even though it absorbs them well, some models do a slightly better job. Also, it doesn’t minimize vibrations as well as the X FIT HT.
The noise levels are solid, and the tire won’t be terrible for long drives at constant speeds. It produces a hum, which is to be expected, but it’s not making ear-piercing tones that will be tiring after a long drive. There are some notes over certain surfaces, which is its biggest weakness here.
Sumitomo Encounter HT2 Warranty
When it comes to warranty, you’d expect to get less than the premium models, but that’s not always the case. The Encounter HT2 comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is behind the TerrainContact H/T or the LTX M/S2. With that said, it’s also behind the likes of the Pinza HT and the Crugen HT51.
Sumitomo Encounter HT2 Pricing: Is It Worth the Price?
As a mid-range model, the Encounter HT2 is priced somewhere in the middle of its category. With most sizes, you’re looking at a tire that’s a bit more affordable than the Vredestein model, with some marginal difference between this model and the Kumho tire.
Should I Buy the Sumitomo Encounter HT2?
There are some compromises with mid-range tires, and the same can be said about the Encounter HT2.
The tire’s performance is pretty good throughout the year, including light winter. It’s not a model you’ll be pushing on a twisty road, mainly because it’s not made for that. It handles well, it’s predictable at the limit, and you’ll have a lot of worry-free miles.
With that said, it’s not perfect. The refinement levels, even though good, are not perfect. The warranty is a bit of a letdown, especially when you compare it with similarly priced competitors.
It may seem like I’m critiquing the Encounter HT2, but I think it’s a pretty good tire. The balance between price and performance is excellent, and as long as you can live with the no-so-perfect refinement, you won’t have a lot to complain about.
What Vehicles Will the Sumitomo Encounter HT2 Fit?
Here’s a sample list of cars that the Sumitomo Encounter HT2 will fit:
- Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Dodge Journey
- GMC Yukon, Sierra
- Honda CR-V, Pilot
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- RAM 1500
- Toyota Tacoma, Tundra
Tire Sizes of the Sumitomo Encounter HT2
16″
- 215/70R16 100T
- 225/70R16 103T
- 225/75R16 104T
- LT 225/75R16 115/112T
- 235/70R16 106T
- 235/75R16 112T XL
- LT 235/85R16 120/116S
- 245/70R16 107T
- 245/75R16 111T
- LT 245/75R16 120/116S
- 255/70R16 111T
- 265/70R16 112T
- 265/75R16 116T
- LT 265/75R16 123/120S
17″
- 225/65R17 102H
- 235/65R17 104T
- LT 235/80R17 120/117S
- 245/65R17 107H
- 245/70R17 110T
- LT 245/70R17 119/116S
- LT 245/75R17 121/118R
- 265/65R17 112T
- 265/70R17 115T
- LT 265/70R17 121/118S
18″
- 235/55R18 100H
- 235/60R18 103H
- 235/65R18 106H
- 245/60R18 105H
- 255/65R18 111T
- 265/60R18 110T
- 265/65R18 114T
- 265/70R18 116T
- LT 265/70R18 124/121S
- 275/65R18 116T
- LT 275/65R18 123/120T
19″
- 225/55R19 99V
- 235/45R19 99V XL
- 235/55R19 101H
- 245/55R19 103T
- 255/60R19 109H
20″
- 235/55R20 102H
- 245/50R20 102H
- 245/60R20 107H
- 255/50R20 105H
- 255/55R20 107H
- 265/50R20 107T
- 275/45R20 110H XL
- 275/55R20 117H XL
- 275/60R20 115H
22″
- 275/45R22 112V XL
- 275/50R22 111H
- 285/45R22 114H XL