Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire Review and Ratings
Dry Conditions – 80%
Wet Conditions – 70%
Snow – 60%
Comfort – 70%
Noise Reduction – 70%
Durability – 80%
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In the world of tires, there are many options depending on the application. Ranging from touring to massive off-road tires and everything in-between, there is a model for everyone. In many situations, there are categories of tires that blend performance in multiple conditions, tires like all-terrain ones, for example.
These are the kinds of models you’ll be considering if you own an off-road capable SUV or a light truck, but don’t go on the most extreme adventures. All-terrain tires are designed to combine on and off-road performance and be a solid option on both sides. They won’t excel in either, but will be safe and good enough for most people.
You’ll find plenty of options in this category, including many from the mid-range segment. Sumitomo is one of them and is a manufacturer that may not be the most popular one in this segment, but it’s one that offers a nice combination of performance and affordability.
One such model is the Encounter AT, an all-season all-terrain tire whose goal is to offer a bit of everything for every situation. So, can the Japanese model offer the performance it advertises?
Pros
- Grip and traction levels on dry roads are excellent
- Off-road performance on hard packed surfaces is pretty good
- More affordable than many of its mid-range rivals
- The feedback isn’t as muted as with some of its rivals
Cons
- Refinement isn’t its strongest side
- Snow performance trials behind its mid-range rivals
The Features of the Sumitomo Encounter AT
Considering that we’re talking about a mid-range tire, you shouldn’t expect the latest and greatest features in the industry. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the Encounter AT will be a bad performer.
One of the most important features of any tire capable of offering year round performance is the rubber compound. Sumitomo designed the tire with an all-season compound allowing it to perform in colder temperatures and not struggle too much on damp roads.
The tread pattern features a 5-rib design slightly aggressive design which is where the off-road performance should come from. In addition to that, the higher void area should help with traction on unpacked snow as well as aquaplaning resistance.
Speaking of snow performance, another notable feature of this tire is the 3PMSF rating. Tires with this rating are generally better in snowy conditions than the M+S rated ones. It doesn’t mean it will be a complete replacement for a dedicated snow tire, but it should be a bit more usable.
Even though it’s an off-road capable tire, Sumitomo also paid attention to the refinement. Notably, the tire’s tread pattern is designed to keep the noise levels as low as possible, which is a drawback of having an aggressive pattern.
Sumitomo Encounter AT in Dry Conditions
The Encounter AT is positioned as an affordable all-terrain tire and as such it offers pretty solid performance in dry conditions.
Despite the lower price tag, which is often a sign of mediocre performance, Sumitomo’s tire does a good job in these conditions. The grip and traction levels will be below most touring tires on the market, which is to be expected considering the category.
The performance is there, and the tire does reasonably well for daily driving. It’s not a tire that you’d push hard, but it can hold the road good enough, which is what most people are after. The braking distances aren’t the shortest in the mid-range segment, but they are still safe, so no complaints there.
These kinds of tires aren’t known for their dynamic handling characteristics, and this one is no different. The responsiveness is okay for the category, but it does provide a good amount of feedback, which is always nice to have.
Sumitomo Encounter AT on Wet or Slippery Roads
Another surprising aspect of the Encounter AT is the fact that it deals with wet conditions very well.
The sipes are doing a phenomenal job on damp roads, allowing the tire to deliver dependable traction. It’s not impossible to get it to slip, but in most daily driving scenarios you won’t experience that. The cornering grip is excellent as well, and the tire will remain well-balanced. Once you go over its limits it will turn to understeer, which is pretty standard with most tires.
I wouldn’t call this the best wet performer, but it can handle getting pushed before it starts to let go. The best part about it is that it continues to communicate and is predictable. Another positive aspect is the short braking distances.
The tire continues to show exceptional results even in pouring rain. Thanks to the tread pattern, aquaplaning is not an issue, and the tire keeps its stability with no issues.
Sumitomo Encounter AT in Snow
Winter performance with the Encounter AT is decent, but not as impressive as some other aspects.
As a 3PMSF rated tire, maybe I was expecting a bit more out of it. The performance on unpacked snow is solid and will be fine as long as you’re treating it as an all-season tire. It’s more or less a similar situation with packed snow – good enough, but nothing to write home about.
On one hand, as an all-season tire you shouldn’t expect it to perform in anything more than light snow. With that said, some of its rivals do a better job.
The most important thing is that it’s safe enough to be driven in lighter conditions, as long as you’re not expecting too much of it.
Sumitomo Encounter AT Off-Roading
The Encounter AT is an off-road capable tire, and it delivers on its promise up to a point.
Starting off light, you have hard packed surfaces, something that this tire can tackle easily. There’s plenty of traction for these conditions, offers short braking distances and remains easy to handle. The pattern isn’t the best at preventing rocks from getting stuck, but it’s not terrible.
Mud performance is something that you’ll get but shouldn’t rely on too much. Driving on shallower patches isn’t too big of an issue and you’ll be fine. The deeper ones are a problem because the tread pattern isn’t as aggressive as some of its rivals like the Open Country A/T III. It’s a similar story with sand, as the tire isn’t designed to tackle those conditions.
If you’re into something more extreme like rock crawling, this tire will disappoint you. Since it’s not made for these conditions, the most you can expect to get is going over smaller obstacles. For the larger ones, you can go for a rugged-terrain or a mud-terrain tire.
Sumitomo Encounter AT for Sporty Driving
All-terrain tires are made for tackling off-roading conditions while being decent on the road. As such, they’re not the best choice for sporty driving. This includes the Encounter AT which, despite being a solid performer, is far from a sporty tire.
Does the Sumitomo Encounter AT Ride Comfortably?
All-terrain tires aren’t the best when it comes to refinement and the Encounter AT acceptable in this regard.
The noise levels are average, meaning that it’s not the loudest when compared to its rivals, but it’s far from the quietest. Even though it’s not particularly aggressive, there are some tones you’ll hear. They’re not too noticeable around town, but you’ll hear them a bit more at higher speeds.
People think that softer tires are comfortable and they’re partially right. The softer nature of Sumitomo’s tire means that it will dampen larger bumps excellently. With that said, it will also produce some secondary motion in the process. It’s not terrible and wobbly, but it’s noticeable in some cases.
Sumitomo Encounter AT Warranty
Most all-terrain tires come with a warranty, and the same goes for this one. The Encounter AT has a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is pretty decent for the price. It sits between he Wildpeak A/T3W and the A/T4W.
Sumitomo Encounter AT Pricing: Is It Worth the Price?
Affordability is one of the several traits of Sumitomo tires. The Encounter AT is on the more affordable side of the mid-range segment. A 16-inch LT-metric is a bit more affordable than the Discoverer Stronghold AT.
Should I Buy the Sumitomo Encounter AT?
There is a buyer for most tires on the market, so there’s a group of people that would find the Encounter AT an excellent choice.
Performance on paved roads is surprisingly well, especially in dry and wet conditions. I wouldn’t compare it with its premium rivals, but for this category, it does an outstanding job. Snow performance is a bit disappointing as I was expecting more. Don’t get me wrong, it’s perfectly usable and if that’s what you’re after, you’ll be fine.
Off-road performance is available, in certain conditions. The tire will handle most hard packed surfaces, which is what more people need. Some shallow mud or smaller obstacles are something it can tackle, but for harsher conditions, you’ll need to look at tires with more aggressive pattern.
The refinement is decent enough if you’re willing to accept some compromises. With slightly noticeable tones and a ride that may feel bouncy at times, it’s a tire that you’ll need to live with. On the flip side, it’s affordable, while still offering a decently long treadwear warranty.
Overall, the Encounter AT is an excellent tire for people looking for a tire that can handle lighter off-road performance, while remaining pretty decent on the road. There are better models, but they’re also pricier. In other words, this is a good choice if you’re on a tighter budget.
What Vehicles Will the Sumitomo Encounter AT Fit?
Here’s a sample list of cars that the Sumitomo Encounter AT will fit:
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Dodge Dakota
- Ford Explorer
- GMC Sierra
- Jeep Commander
- Kia Sorento
- Lexus LX
- Nissan Titan
- RAM 1500
- Toyota Tundra
Tire Sizes of the Sumitomo Encounter AT
15″
- 235/75R15 109T XL
- 235/75R15 105T
- LT 31X10.50R15 109R
16″
- LT 225/75R16 115/112R
- 235/70R16 106T
- LT 235/85R16 120/116R
- 245/70R16 107T
- 245/75R16 111T
- LT 245/75R16 120/116R
- 255/70R16 111T
- 265/70R16 112T
- 265/75R16 116T
- LT 265/75R16 123/120R
- LT 285/75R16 126/123R
17″
- P 235/70R17 108T XL
- 235/75R17 109T
- LT 235/80R17 120/117R
- 245/65R17 107T
- 245/70R17 110T
- LT 245/70R17 119/116S
- LT 245/75R17 121/118R
- 255/65R17 110T
- 255/70R17 112T
- 265/65R17 112T
- 265/70R17 115T
- LT 265/70R17 121/118S
- LT 285/70R17 121/118S
- P 285/70R17 117T
- LT 315/70R17 121/118S
18″
- 255/70R18 113T
- 265/60R18 110T
- 265/65R18 114T
- 265/70R18 116T
- LT 265/70R18 124/121S
- 275/65R18 116T
- LT 275/65R18 123/120S
- LT 275/70R18 125/122S
- LT 285/65R18 125/122S
- LT 325/65R18 127/124R
20″
- LT 35X12.50R20 121Q
- LT 265/60R20 121/118R
- 275/55R20 117T XL
- 275/60R20 115T
- LT 275/65R20 126/123S
- LT 285/55R20 122/119R
- LT 285/60R20 125/122R
- LT 305/55R20 121/118S
- LT 325/60R20 121/118S
