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Sumitomo Encounter AT
  • Sumitomo Encounter AT
  • Sumitomo Encounter AT
Tire Rack Test

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The Encounter AT is Sumitomo's Off-Road All-Terrain tire developed for drivers of pickup trucks, crossovers and SUVs who want go-anywhere capability and durability combined with confident all-season traction, even in snow.

Utilizing a rugged, all-terrain compound molded into a purposeful pattern, the Encounter AT is designed to perform on any surface. The open tread design features stepped edges on the center blocks for added bite in loose terrain, and the open shoulders employ connecting ribs for improved stability. Four wide, circumferential grooves effectively evacuate water from the contact patch for confident grip where standing water is present, and in-block sipes create the additional biting edges needed for traction on slippery surfaces. Winter-focused zigzag sipes in the shoulders and the independent tread blocks work together to provide snow traction. All tires in the Encounter AT lineup meet the industry's severe snow service requirements and are branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.

The Encounter AT's internal construction consists of a two-ply polyester casing beneath two wide steel belts. A spirally wound reinforcement adds increased support for enhanced stability and ride comfort.

Note: While non-winter tires featuring the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol may provide additional longitudinal snow traction beyond what all-season (M+S) tires not bearing the symbol can deliver, they do not match the capability of a true winter tire in all adverse weather conditions.

Related Information: What is the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF)?

Tire Rack Test Results Sumitomo Encounter AT

Testing Off-Road All-Terrain Tires 2021: Sumitomo Encounter AT (2:23)

The Sumitomo Encounter AT is built to offer powerful off-road abilities as an Off-Road All-Terrain tire, but hopes its on-road capabilities have what it takes to compete against two other competitors in the space.

Read the Full Test Report

Ratings Charts & Reviews Sumitomo Encounter AT

Tire Category: Off-Road All-Terrain

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Sumitomo Encounter AT
Excellent
95%
2.7M
8.3 - Good
8.7 - Excellent
9.0 Dirt Traction
8.6 Sand Traction
8.4 Mud Traction
8.7 Rock Traction
8.8 - Excellent
8.8 Hydroplaning Resistance
8.8 Wet Traction
9.1 - Excellent
9.0 Corner Stability
9.3 Dry Traction
9.1 Steering Response
8.4 - Good
8.8 Light Snow Traction
8.6 Deep Snow Traction
7.8 Ice Traction
8.6 - Excellent
8.8 Ride Quality
8.3 Noise
8.7 - Excellent

Customers Say

Ratings data demonstrates the Sumitomo Encounter AT excels in dry traction, with consistent 9-10 scores for confident handling on rugged terrain. Wet traction earns strong marks, with most ratings in the 8-10 range, though a few note slight hydroplaning concerns. Winter performance is robust in snow and deep snow, though ice traction shows occasional variability (7-10 scores). Ride comfort receives praise for smoothness, with noise levels generally acceptable for an all-terrain tire. Treadwear stands out as a highlight, with many customers reporting long-lasting performance even under heavy off-road use. Overall, it delivers reliable capability in its intended off-road and all-terrain roles.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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Customers Like:

229 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 218 positive
  • 11 negative

Most customers rate the Sumitomo Encounter AT's wet traction as excellent, with scores of 9-10 highlighting confident grip and reliable hydroplaning resistance in wet conditions. Some 7-8s note solid performance for all-terrain use.

June 09, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...They are loud when compared with others, but I find they provide excellent traction in rain and snow...

This is my second set and I refused to consider anything else. They are loud when compared with others, but I find they provide excellent traction in rain and snow, and lasted me about 60,000 miles with regular rotation

Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500 4wd Crew Cab
Miles Driven on Tires: 500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: AMSTON, CT
Driving Style: Spirited
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May 08, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...Good tire, great traction and response on dry and wet roads...

About a thousand miles so far. Good tire, great traction and response on dry and wet roads. Low noise, but can be heard if you shut off the radio. Worth the lower price compared to American named companies.

Vehicle: 2017 Honda Ridgeline AWD RTL-T
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: WATERTOWN, WI
Driving Style: Average
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September 25, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

3.5 out of 5 Star Rating
3.5 out of 5

...The previous set of tires still had legal tread depth but were getting pretty slick feeling in wet weather. This newer version tire is a exhibits a considerable performance improvement in both wet and dry conditions...

I bought this set of tires to replace the earlier version of the same tire that served me well for about 50,000 miles. The previous set of tires still had legal tread depth but were getting pretty slick feeling in wet weather. This newer version tire is a exhibits a considerable performance improvement in both wet and dry conditions. That is quite a trick as I would have guessed the shallower tread depth of a worn tire would provide better dry performance. All wet or dry, I get crisper response to steering input, more stable under cornering and controllable under braking. Tread wear is not a huge issue for me if a tire works well, but these look like they will go a long way at this time.

Vehicle: 2007 Toyota Tundra 2wd Double Cab
Miles Driven on Tires: 5,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: SAINT SIMONS ISLAND, GA
Driving Style: Spirited
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149 customers mention "Winter Traction"

  • 137 positive
  • 12 negative

Most customers report excellent winter performance with snow and deep snow traction scoring 9s and 10s. Ice traction shows strong results (7-10), though some variability highlights the tire's focus on rugged all-terrain capability.

September 18, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...Traction on cold icy conditions has been extremely gripping.

These tires are a perfect choice for the average commuter in an SUV type Vehical . My wife has been extremely happy, all seasons of driving have given a great testing for these tires. They have never left her stranded, and they wear beautifully. Even without studs, traction on cold icy conditions has been extremely gripping.

Vehicle: 2012 Kia Sorento LX
Miles Driven on Tires: 50,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: FRANKLINVILLE, NY
Driving Style: Spirited
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January 17, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

3.9 out of 5 Star Rating
3.9 out of 5

Surprisingly competent in snow (on an AWD CRV), but no surprise that snow tires are better in heavy snow...

Surprisingly competent in snow (on an AWD CRV), but no surprise that snow tires are better in heavy snow. Good, quiet ride. They don’t squeal when you push hard on dry road. Will buy these again, and will try a set on my Sentra when it’s time for replacement.

Vehicle: 2017 Honda CR-V AWD EX-L
Miles Driven on Tires: 40,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: ELKVIEW, WV
Driving Style: Spirited
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August 16, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4 out of 5 Star Rating
4 out of 5

...I think they handle well in snow and sand w/o too much highway noise...

Been buying this tire or it's previous rev for the past 8 yrs. I think they handle well in snow and sand w/o too much highway noise. seem to last me well

Vehicle: 2013 Toyota Tacoma 4wd Double Cab
Miles Driven on Tires: 500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ
Driving Style: Spirited
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249 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 246 positive
  • 3 negative

Customers overwhelmingly rate dry traction as excellent, with most scoring 9s and 10s. High marks highlight confident grip and stability in rugged conditions, aligning perfectly with its off-road all-terrain design.

April 14, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

3.8 out of 5 Star Rating
3.8 out of 5

...Traction in all conditions is great and they give a smooth, quiet highway ride.

Great tires for my large powerful SUV. Traction in all conditions is great and they give a smooth, quiet highway ride.

Vehicle: 2016 GMC Yukon XL Denali
Miles Driven on Tires: 17,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: ANDOVER, NH
Driving Style: Spirited
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253 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 233 positive
  • 20 negative

Sumitomo Encounter AT delivers excellent comfort with most scores 9-10 for smooth ride quality and low noise, excelling in rugged all-terrain conditions as intended.

March 28, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...Comfort is great, noise is low, handling is great...

These tires have been on my 4Runner for over 7 years and over 60k miles, they seem to last forever. Comfort is great, noise is low, handling is great, no problem on light snow, never felt like hydroplaning was a risk, lateral cornering on wet on spirited driving has made the rear slip slightly but recovers quickly and never felt like actually losing control. For the price these tires are fantastic. I bought them because I wanted to save money and at the time felt like taking a gamble. But now that the time to replace them is approaching I am seriously considering getting another set. They are cheap compared to others, but they are definitely not low quality or low performing by any means.

Vehicle: 2014 Toyota 4Runner V6 Limited
Miles Driven on Tires: 60,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: FOLCROFT, PA
Driving Style: Average
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January 02, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...Comfort is great, mileage is off the chart...

In stock, received in just a few days, plus they were on sale. Water on road, they cut right thru with no hydroplaning. Light snow, my vehicle has electronic AWD. You kick it in and the front wheels dig in, the front rises, and you take off. Comfort is great, mileage is off the chart. These replaced the same tire only an earlier version. Old ones had 87,500 miles and not to wear bars, but they were 6 years old so I replaced them. For highway/city driving this tire is the best.

Vehicle: 2005 Buick Rainier CXL AWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: JESUP, IA
Driving Style: Easy Going
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February 24, 2024

4.9 out of 5 Star Rating
4.9 out of 5

These tires ride nice and the road noise is mostly quiet and definitely beats some of the other tire brands I've had on my other vehicles...

These tires are great. I first bought a set for my Durango. I was so impressed by this brand I bought a set for my Passat.

These tires ride nice and the road noise is mostly quiet and definitely beats some of the other tire brands I’ve had on my other vehicles.

Definitely worth buying. You can’t beat this price for what you get. I’ll most definitely buy this tire again when I need my next set of tires.

Vehicle: 2013 Volkswagen Passat 2.5L SE
Miles Driven on Tires: 5,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: JENSEN, UT
Driving Style: Average
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165 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 151 positive
  • 14 negative

Most customers rate treadwear as excellent with scores of 9-10, highlighting long-lasting performance in rugged conditions. Even lower scores (7-8) still reflect solid durability for all-terrain use.

November 02, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.1 out of 5 Star Rating
4.1 out of 5

...I got 60,000 miles on the first set and still did not wear down to the warning bars...

This is the second set of this tire I have used, although this appears to be a slightly different designation "HT2". I can see no obvious differences between the two sets. I got 60,000 miles on the first set and still did not wear down to the warning bars. I highly value wet weather performance and was satisfied with the performance of the first set, so I did not seriously research an alternate selection. I appreciate the very recent date codes on the tires as I do not put as many miles on my truck as I used to, and I do not like to use tires older than 5 years for expressway speeds with sometimes heavy loads and trailer towing.

Vehicle: 2007 Toyota Tundra 2wd Double Cab
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: ST SIMONS, GA
Driving Style: Spirited
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May 14, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...They are quiet and wear well.

Best tires I've ever had. They are quiet and wear well.

I will buy again, soon.

Vehicle: 2002 Toyota Highlander 2wd
Miles Driven on Tires: 60,000
Driving Conditions: All Highway
Location: NEENAH, WI
Driving Style: Easy Going
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August 16, 2024

4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

have 94000 on the set and probably have enough tread to push to 100,000 but am getting ready to buy another set...

have 94000 on the set and probably have enough tread to push to 100,000 but am getting ready to buy another set...

Vehicle: 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE w/Push Button Ignition
Miles Driven on Tires: 94,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: LEESBURG, FL
Driving Style: Average
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Consumer Reviews

Media Gallery

Testing Off-Road All-Terrain Tires 2021: Sumitomo Encounter AT (2:23)

The Sumitomo Encounter AT is built to offer powerful off-road abilities as an Off-Road All-Terrain tire, but hopes its on-road capabilities have what it takes to compete against two other competitors in the space.

Read the Full Test Report

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