Dunlop Tires: Are They Any Good? (+13 Brands Compared)
The Dunlop brand (founded in 1889) covers all rubber products, from rubber boots to tires.
How good are Dunlop tires, and are they worth the money?
Why Buy Dunlop Tires?
Dunlop is part of the Goodyear group. When you search for Dunlop tires, you frequently end up on the Goodyear website.
Available ranges of tires include the following:
- Direzza – sporty and high-performance.
- Grandtrek – Light trucks and SUVs.
- Graspic – winter tires.
- Signature – All-season tires.
- SP – performance tires and some specialist winter tires.
- SP Sport – performance tires.
- SP Sport Maxx – luxury sports cars.
Dunlop tires offer various features that prioritize affordability and performance across various vehicle tires.
What Makes Dunlop Special?
All tire manufacturers incorporate features to improve tire performance.
Dunlop’s technology includes:
- Noise shield – incorporating a foam layer for a reduction (up to 50%) in road noise.
- Multi-blade – better winter traction.
- Stronger bond between tire and rim giving precision and stability on the road.
- Runonflat reduces the risk of a blowout and lets you drive on a puncture.
- Rim protection protects expensive alloy wheels.
- Hybrid overlay with increased wear resistance.
- New silica compounds for specific applications.
Not every tire has every feature, but these features confer additional benefits on specific tires compared with the competition.
Why Are Dunlop Tires Expensive?
All tires are expensive. Contribution factors to the cost of Dunlop tires include:
Innovation
No tire manufacturer can produce a tire, wash their hands, and consider the job done.
Every tire manufacturer strives to make their tires perform better on wet surfaces or ice, last longer, and incorporate safety features.
Research and development costs add to the tire price, and maintaining a team of specialist scientists and engineers is expensive.
Quality Control
You can be confident that when you fit your Dunlop tires, you have a safe, quality product on your vehicle—regulating tire safety names investment in quality control and standards.
You may not think about the extensive testing necessary to ensure your tires are safe on the road, but an element of the price you pay includes testing and standardizing tire performance.
Brand Reputation
What is the value of a brand name?
You have hundreds of tire brands available, but you don’t have the time or the inclination to read through tire specifications when you need tires for your SUV or compact sedan.
Most people decide on a brand they can trust and stick with it.
You pay a premium for a respected brand to cover the marketing cost that makes you aware of the brand.
Local Manufacture
Dunlop originated in Dublin (Ireland) but has plants in many countries.
Depending on economic circumstances having a local Dunlop plant may increase or reduce the cost of your Dunlop tires.
Typically, Dunlop tires have a similar global price because of averaging out differences in costs because each manufacturing site is not a stand-alone operation. Some places have higher labor costs, increasing the cost of tires for everyone.
Dunlop has joint venture agreements with some companies, and the licensing fees may add to the tire cost.
Rising Cost of Raw Materials
Supply chain disruption, dwindling resources, and the need for sustainable solutions mean periodically, the raw materials to make tires are expensive.
In the short term, this increasing cost may stay with the manufacturer, but eventually, it increases the cost of tires for everyone.
Does Goodyear Make Dunlop Tires?
Goodyear owns Dunlop (75% share), and Dunlop has joint ventures with other companies like Sumitomo in Japan (owns 25%).
Dunlop makes some tires (mainly specialist) in dedicated factories, and other companies produce Dunlop tires under license.
Your Dunlop tire may be from a production line owned by another company, but it will contain all the necessary Dunlop technology to give you Dunlop performance.
Dunlop Warranty vs. Actual Performance
The Dunlop warranty is the same as Goodyear.
You get the shorter 24 months or 24,000 miles and need to use the tires strictly per the guidelines on tire rotation and driving style.
Searching for customer reviews on Dunlop tires indicates that most people enjoy the drive and are too busy to comment.
Here is one five-star review posted on Carid.com.
They (SP Sport Maxx) are utterly superb and as good as any tire in the dry. Not quite 100% in the wet, but up there with the best of them. What they do have is great comfort and noise levels – Lester, Philadelphia PA.
Dunlop Recommended Tires
Dunlop recommends the following tires for typical vehicle classes:
Compact sedans: Sport BluResponse; Winter Sport 5; SP Sport FM800.
Midsize sedans: Sport Maxx RT2; Sport BluResponse; SP Sport 01; Winter Sport 5.
Compact SUVs: Winter Sport 5 SUV; Sport Maxx RT2 SUV; SP Sport LM 705.
Midsize SUVs: Winter Sport 5 SUV.
Full-size SUVs: Grandtrek PT2A.
Full-size light-duty trucks: Grandtrek AT20.
| Winter Sport 5 | Sport BluResponse | Sport Maxx RT2 | Grandtrek AT20 | |
| Driving conditions | Winter on-road tires | Summer on-road tire. | All season. | All terrain. |
| Selling points. | Excellent performance on snow. Rim protection. Improved fuel efficiency. | Excellent handling in wet conditions. Fuel efficient. Lower noise. | RT stands for racing technology. Run on flat. Rim protection. Noise shield. | Excellent grip in all seasons. Use on and off road. |
| Price per tire | Starts under $100 to $250 | Starts under $100 to $250. | Starts under $100 to $300 | Around $170 to $300 |
| Rim Sizes | 16”- 20” | 15” – 17” | 17” – 20” | 16” – 18” |
| Warranty – treadwear. | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 24 months or 24,000 miles |
| Fuel efficiency (A-E) | C-D (EU Label A-E) | A-C | B-D | C-D |
| Wet Grip braking (A-E) | B-D | A-C | A-B | B-D |
| Rolling noise (A-C or dB measurement) | 69 dB | A-B (lower than 69 dB) | A-B (lower than 69 dB) | A-B (lower than 69 dB) |
| Extreme snow. | 3PMSF snowflake rating | No | No | No |
| Ice traction. | No | No | No | No |
For comparison with other brands, consider the Sport Maxx RT2 with the equivalent recommendation for a compact SUV like the Toyota RAV4 and the Grandtrek AT20 for a light truck like the Ford 150.
Comparison of Dunlop with Other Brands
#1 Dunlop vs. Michelin
For a compact SUV, the Michelin Cross Climate 2 compares for price, but the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 tire performs better for wet grip braking and noise; the only significant advantage to Michelin is the snowflake rating.
If you live in an area with extreme snow, you probably change between summer and winter tires to maximize fuel efficiency and wet grip braking.
You may prefer to drive the higher-performance tire for 80% of the year and switch to a dedicated winter tire for a few weeks or months.
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | Michelin Cross Climate 2 | |
| Price | Under $100 to $300 | $170 – $350 |
| Rim Size | 17” – 20” | 15” – 20” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 60,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-D | B-C |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | A-B | B |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 69 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | 3PMSF rated. |
The Michelin Defender LTX is similar in performance and price to the Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 for a pickup truck, and Michelin offers a substantial treadwear warranty and more rim sizes.
| Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | Michelin Defender LTX | |
| Price | Around $170 to $300 | $143 – $466 |
| Rim Size | 16″ – 18″ | 15” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 50,000 – 70,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | C-D | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B-D | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. |
| Rolling Noise | A-B (lower than 69 dB) | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. |
| Suitability for Snow | No | Not snowflake rated. |
#2 Dunlop vs. Bridgestone
Bridgestone recommends Weatherpeak for a compact SUV, and the matching Dunlop tire is the Sport Maxx RT2.
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | Bridgestone Weatherpeak | |
| Price | Under $100 to $300 | $160 – $270 |
| Rim Size | 17” – 20” | 15″ – 20″ |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 70,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-D | C |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | A-B | A |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 70 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | 3PMSF Snowflake rated for extreme snow. |
The Dunlop tire is more affordable but has slightly less wet braking performance. If you don’t need the snowflake rating, then the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 matches the Bridgestone WeatherPeak’s performance and costs less.
| Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | Bridgestone Dueler A/T | |
| Price | $170 to $300 | $300- $350 |
| Rim Size | 16” – 18” | 16″ – 20″ |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 60,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | C-D | D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B-D | C |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 72-73 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | 3PMSF snowflake rated. |
For full-size pickups, the Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 is more affordable and performs better than the Bridgestone Dueler. The only advantage to Bridgestone in comparison is the snowflake rating.
#3 Dunlop vs. Goodyear
Comparing the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 with Goodyear Assurance All Season for a small or midsize SUV:
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | Goodyear Assurance All Season | |
| Price | Under $100 to $300 | Under $100 to $200 |
| Rim Size | 17” – 20” | 14” – 20” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-D | No EU label, but has a low rolling resistance for good fuel efficiency. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | A-B | UTQG rated A. |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | No EU label, but considered relatively quiet. |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | No. |
Both Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 and Goodyear Assurance All Season offer similar performance, so compare prices for the most affordable.
Comparing the Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 with Goodyear Wrangler Trailrunner AT for a full-size truck like the Ford F150:
| Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | Goodyear Wrangler Trailrunner AT | |
| Price | $170 to $300 | $170 – $350 |
| Rim Size | 16” – 18” | 15” – 20” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 60,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | C-D | Exempt class; will vary with loading. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B-D | Exempt class. Sawtooth design with sipes to increase traction. |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | Exempt class. Computer-optimized tread pattern reduces noise. |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | 3PMSF winter rating. |
The Dunlop Grandtrek is marginally cheaper, but the Goodyear Trailrunner tire has more sizes. The Dunlop tire is quiet and has excellent performance, while the Goodyear tire is more durable (better mileage warranty) and has a 3PMS rating.
#4 Dunlop vs. Cooper
Comparing the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 with Cooper Endeavor Plus for a small crossover:
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | Cooper Endeavor Plus | |
| Price | Under $100 to $300 | $100 – $260 |
| Rim Size | 17” – 20” | 16” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-D | No EU label |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | A-B | No EU label |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | No EU label |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | No |
Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 and Cooper Endeavor Plus tires offer similar prices, but the warranty on the Cooper tire is more generous, indicating greater durability.
The Dunlop tire provides better performance, however.
Comparing Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 with Cooper Discoverer AT3 for a full-size light truck:
| Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | Cooper Discoverer AT3 | |
| Price | $170 to $300 | $197 – $400 |
| Rim Size | 16” – 18” | 15” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | C-D | D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B-D | C |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 73-75 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | 3PMSF snowflake rated |
The Dunlop Grandtrek is more affordable, but the Cooper Discoverer has more sizes and offers similar performance with a better warranty.
#5 Dunlop vs. Continental
Comparing Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 with Continental All Season Contact for a small crossover SUV:
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | Continental All Season Contact | |
| Price | Under $100 to $300 | Starts under $100 to about $200 |
| Rim Size | 17” – 20” | 13″ – 20″ |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | No treadwear warranty. |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-D | B-C |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | A-B | B |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 71-72 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | 3PMSF Snowflake rated for extreme snow. |
Both Dunlop and Continental offer similar fuel efficiency and braking performance, but the Continental All Season is better suited for winter driving.
Comparing the Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 with Continental Viking Contact 7 for a full-size pickup:
| Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | Continental Viking Contact 7 | |
| Price | $170 to $300 | $110 – $160 |
| Rim Size | 16” – 18” | 15″ – 22″ |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | Two years from date of purchase – not treadwear. |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | C-D | C-D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B-D | D-E |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 71-72 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | 3PMSF snowflake rated. |
While the difference in prices is obvious, but the Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 is quieter and performs better than the Continental Viking Contact 7.
#6 Dunlop vs. Yokohama
The Yokohama Advan Fleva recommended for a CUV like the Honda CR-V matches the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2’s performance with excellent wet braking.
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | Yokohama Advan Fleva V701 | |
| Price | Under $100 to $300 | Starts under $100 |
| Rim Size | 17” – 20” | 15” – 20” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | Limited warranty |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-D | C-D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | A-B | A |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | A-B (quiet) |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | No |
On the other hand, the Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 is quieter with excellent performance than the Yokohama Geolander AT G015 for a full-size pickup truck.
The Yokohama tire is less fuel efficient and has poorer wet grip braking, but it has a better warranty and is snowflake rated for winter use.
| Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | Yokohama Geolander AT G015 | |
| Price | $170 to $300 | $100 – $250 |
| Rim Size | 16” – 18” | 15” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 60,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | C-D | E |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B-D | C |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 71 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | 3PMSF snowflake rated |
#7 Dunlop vs. Hankook
If you want excellent value-for-money tires for your SUV, the Hankook Ventus EVO3 beats the Dunlop Maxx RT2 in fuel efficiency, rolling noise, and warranty.
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | Hankook Ventus EV03 | |
| Price | Under $100 to $300 | $150 – $250 |
| Rim Size | 17” – 20” | 17” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 50,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-D | A |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | A-B | B |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 69-70 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | No |
The Hankook Dynapro AT-M performs a little better but not as well as the Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 for a full-size light-duty truck.
The Hankook tires are noisier and cost less than the Dunlop. For most parameters, the Dunlop truck tire is the better option.
| Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | Hankook Dynapro AT-M | |
| Price | $170 to $300 | $90 – $300 |
| Rim Size | 16” – 18” | 15″ – 22″ |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 50,000 |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | C-D | D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B-D | D |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 71-72 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | No |
#8 Dunlop vs. Pirelli
The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 and Pirelli Scorpion Verde offer similar prices, but the Dunlop is the better performer for a small SUV like Subaru Forester.
However, the Pirelli tire classes as environmentally friendly.
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | Pirelli Scorpion Verde | |
| Price | Under $100 to $300 | Under $100 to $240 |
| Rim Size | 17” – 20” | 16” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | Manufacturer limited warranty. |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-D | C |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | A-B | B |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 71 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | No |
For a pickup truck, both Dunklop Grandtrek AT20 and Pirelli Scorpion ATR have similar prices, but the latter has more sizes.
The Dunlop tire is quiet and has reasonably good performance, while the Pirelli offers a better warranty and has self-cleaning treads, promoting durability when you use your tires over gravel.
| Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | Pirelli Scorpion ATR | |
| Price | $170 to $300 | $150 – $250 |
| Rim Size | 16” – 18” | 14” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 50,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | C-D | D-E |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B-D | C-E |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 71-74 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | No |
#9 Dunlop vs. Toyo
For a small crossover like the Honda CR-V, the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 and Toyo Celsius CUV have comparable prices, but the former performs better overall.
However, the Toyo tire is snowflake rated and provides better handling in winter conditions.
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | Toyo Celsius CUV | |
| Price | Under $100 to $300 | $140 – $290 |
| Rim Size | 17” – 20” | 16” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 60,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-D | C-E |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | A-B | C |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 69-72 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | 3PMSF |
Comparing tires suitable for a full-size pickup, the Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 costs about the same as the Toyo Open Country AT III for smaller rims, but the latter has more sizes.
The Dunlop tire is quiet and has good all-around performance, although the Toyo tire is more durable (better mileage warranty), has a 3PMSF rating, and has self-cleaning tread blocks.
| Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | Toyo Open Country A/T III | |
| Price | $170 to $300 | $200 – $700 |
| Rim Size | 16” – 18” | 15” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | C-D | No EU label, but the AT Plus rates D. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B-D | No EU label, but the AT Plus rates D. |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | No EU label, but the AT Plus rates 70-74 dB. |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | 3PMSF snowflake rating |
#10 Dunlop vs. Falken
The Falken Ziex ZE950 is similar in cost and performance to the Dunlop recommended tire for a compact SUV.
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | Falken Ziex ZE950 | |
| Price | Under $100 to $300 | $150 – $240 |
| Rim Size | 17” – 20” | 15” – 20” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 65,000 to 45,000 miles, depending on the speed rating. |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-D | No EU label, but other Zeix range tires rate C. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | A-B | No EU label, but other Zeix range tires rate A. UTQG rating AA. |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | No EU label, but other Zeix range tires rate 67 dB. |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | No. |
The Falken Wildpeak AT has an advantage in severe snow but otherwise matches Dunlop Grandtrek AT20’s performance for a pickup.
Choosing between these manufacturers is likely to be on personal preference and availability.
| Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | Falken Wildpeak A/T | |
| Price | $170 to $300 | $150 – $240 |
| Rim Size | 16” – 18” | 15” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | C-D | C-E |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B-D | B-D |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 71 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | 3PMSF snow rating |
#11 Dunlop vs. Firestone
The Firestone All Season does not perform as well as the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2, and you don’t benefit from a cost saving as they match on price.
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | Firestone All Season | |
| Price | Under $100 to $300 | $160 – $220 |
| Rim Size | 17” – 20” | 14” – 20” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 65,000 miles. |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-D | D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | A-B | B |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | 71 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | No. |
While the Firestone tire for pickup trucks has more sizes than the Dunlop equivalent, they cost and perform at similar levels.
| Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | Firestone Destination LE3 | |
| Price | $170 to $300 | $150 – $250 |
| Rim Size | 16” – 18” | 15” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 70,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | C-D | No EU label. Firestone scores this as the best for fuel efficiency. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B-D | No EU label. Firestone scores this in the best zone. |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | No EU label. Firestone scores this as quiet and smooth. |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | No. |
#12 Dunlop vs. Nexen
The Nexen Roadian range is budget tires in comparison with Dunlop tires. You pay significantly less, but the Nexen’s performance does not match the Dunlop tires.
If you drive in wet conditions and like a smooth, comfortable ride, you are better with Dunlop. As the Dunlop tires have better fuel efficiency, it may be a false economy to buy cheaper tires but need more fuel.
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | Nexen Roadian GTX | |
| Price | Under $100 to $300 | Starts at $150 |
| Rim Size | 17” – 20” | 17” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 70,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-D | Nexen rating 9/10 |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | A-B | UTQG AA (best rating). Nexen rating 8/10 |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | Nexen rating 10/10 |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | Nexen rating 6/10 |
| Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | Nexen Roadian MTX | |
| Price | $170 to $300 | Starts at $257 |
| Rim Size | 16” – 18” | 15” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | No treadwear warranty |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | C-D | Nexen rating 6/10 |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B-D | Nexen rating 8/10 |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | Nexen rating 7/10 |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | No. |
#13 Dunlop vs. Kumho
Kumho tires for SUVs and light trucks offer a similar (or lower) price to Dunlop but not a similar performance. If your climate means you regularly drive in the rain, the Dunlop tires are the best in wet handling.
Overall, most people will prefer the upgrade in performance provided by Dunlop.
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | Kumho Crugen HP71 | |
| Price | Under $100 to $300 | Starts at $142 |
| Rim Size | 17” – 20” | 16” – 22” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-D | No details |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | A-B | Kumho scores 9/10 wet, 8.5/10 dry. |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | Kumho scores 9.5/10 |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | Kumho scores 8/10 |
| Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | Kumho Road Venture AT52 | |
| Price | $170 to $300 | Starts at $173 |
| Rim Size | 16” – 18” | 15” – 20” |
| Warranty | 24 months or 24,000 miles | 50,000 – 55,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | C-D | No details |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B-D | Kumho scores 7/10 for wet and dry. |
| Rolling Noise | Lower than 69 dB | Kumho scores 6/10 |
| Suitability for Snow | No. | Kumho scores 8/10. Has 3PMSF rating. |
Better Alternatives for Dunlop
Dunlop tires are mid-range price-wise, with good performance, and less expensive when compared to Michelin or Bridgestone.
If you need a tire with a starting price below $100, you can try Cooper, Douglas, or Kumho.
Dunlop tires class as super quiet, and most other brands are noisy by comparison. Other quiet tires for passenger cars are Yokohama and Hankook, with rolling noise of around 68dB.
Dunlop tires provide the best performance in wet conditions with safe short braking distances.
Other tire brands with excellent wet grip performance include Bridgestone, Falken, and Yokohama.
Can You Buy Dunlop Tires Cheaply?
Dunlop tires are competitively priced, but you can save money by buying slightly used tires or shopping around.
When you buy your Dunlop tires from a discount tire warehouse, ensure the tires are still under warranty.
Different tire suppliers run various sales, so when you know you need a tire change, it is worth keeping a watchful eye on potential sale prices online and in your area.
Conclusion
Dunlop offers a lot of technology at a competitive price.
You can get a tire that performs superbly for fuel efficiency, wet handling, and road noise by paying a few dollars more than a super cheap tire.
Dunlop has an excellent reputation as a trusted tire brand.
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