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Sumitomo Encounter HT2
  • Sumitomo Encounter HT2
  • Sumitomo Encounter HT2
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The Encounter HT2 is Sumitomo's Highway All-Season tire for drivers of pickups, SUVs, crossovers and full-sized vans looking for dependable year-round traction with a smooth, quiet ride. Built to balance the needs of the daily commute with the cross-country trip, the Encounter HT2 is engineered to deliver traction for dry, wet and wintry driving conditions, even in light snow.

The all-season compound is molded into an optimized, symmetric tread design built to provide simple rotation options, even tread wear and stable dry, dynamic handling traits. Smooth, curved shoulder grooves help trap airborne noise in the pattern for a quiet, comfortable ride. Wide, interconnected circumferential grooves help channel water from the footprint for enhanced hydroplaning resistance and confidence in inclement weather. Wave-shaped lateral sipes integrated into the robust tread blocks help create stable, biting edges for traction on wet and wintry roads.

Internal construction of the Encounter HT2 features a two-ply polyester casing with a reinforced bead apex designed to increase durability and control in high-load conditions. High-strength, twin steel belts are covered by a full-width, jointless polyamide cap ply for high-speed stability.

Tire Rack Test Results Sumitomo Encounter HT2

Testing Highway All-Season Tires: Sumitomo Encounter HT2 (02:25)

The Sumitomo Encounter HT2, a contender in the Highway All-Season tire arena, caught the attention of our team and we decided to test it against a couple of similar tires to see how it performed.

Our evaluation used 2022 Ford Explorer ST test vehicles fitted with new, full tread depth 265/60R18 tires mounted on 18x8.0 wheels.

Read the Full Test Report

Ratings Charts & Reviews Sumitomo Encounter HT2

Tire Category: Highway All-Season

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Sumitomo Encounter HT2
Excellent
95%
862K
9.1 - Excellent
7.5 - Good
8.1 Dirt Traction
7.8 Sand Traction
7.3 Mud Traction
6.7 Rock Traction
8.9 - Excellent
8.9 Hydroplaning Resistance
8.9 Wet Traction
9.2 - Excellent
9.2 Corner Stability
9.3 Dry Traction
9.1 Steering Response
7.9 - Good
8.5 Light Snow Traction
7.9 Deep Snow Traction
7.2 Ice Traction
8.9 - Excellent
9.1 Ride Quality
8.7 Noise
9.2 - Excellent

Customers Say

Drivers consistently rate the Sumitomo Encounter HT2 as a reliable highway all-season tire, with strong scores (7-10) across key categories. Treadwear earns praise for durability, with many noting excellent longevity. Comfort receives high marks for a smooth, quiet ride. Winter traction is generally positive in light snow, though ice performance shows occasional lower scores (3-7), suggesting cautious use in icy conditions. Wet traction is consistently reliable, with good hydroplaning resistance. Dry traction stands out as a strength, with reviewers highlighting confident handling and responsive steering. Overall satisfaction centers on its balanced performance for daily driving, though ice capability may require extra care in harsh winter conditions.

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Customers Like:

48 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 48 positive
  • 0 negative

Customers praise wet traction, with most scoring 9-10 for excellent rain grip. A few rate 7-8, noting reliable handling in wet conditions.

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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26 customers mention "Winter Traction"

  • 25 positive
  • 1 negative

Customers praise snow traction with most scoring 9s-10s. Ice traction varies (3-10); reliable in light winter conditions.

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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54 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 54 positive
  • 0 negative

Most customers give the Sumitomo Encounter HT2 excellent dry traction scores of 9-10, praising its reliable grip and responsive handling. Some rate it 7-8, noting solid performance in highway conditions.

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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53 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 53 positive
  • 0 negative

Customers praise the Encounter HT2's ride quality and noise comfort, with most scoring 9s and 10s. Ratings between 7-8 indicate solid performance in its intended highway all-season use.

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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37 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 35 positive
  • 2 negative

Customers overwhelmingly praise the Encounter HT2's treadwear, with most scoring 9s and 10s. High ratings highlight exceptional durability and long-lasting performance in highway all-season use.

February 16, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4 out of 5 Star Rating
4 out of 5

Good wear...

Good wear, good traction, tires don’t make much noise cornering.

Vehicle: 2017 Honda CR-V AWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: ELKVIEW, WV
Driving Style: Average
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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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Consumer Reviews

Media Gallery

Testing Highway All-Season Tires: Sumitomo Encounter HT2 (02:25)

The Sumitomo Encounter HT2, a contender in the Highway All-Season tire arena, caught the attention of our team and we decided to test it against a couple of similar tires to see how it performed.

Our evaluation used 2022 Ford Explorer ST test vehicles fitted with new, full tread depth 265/60R18 tires mounted on 18x8.0 wheels.

Read the Full Test Report

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