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SumitomoEncounter HT2
  • SumitomoEncounter HT2
  • SumitomoEncounter 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
Good
92%
1M
8.6 - Excellent
7.1 - Good
8.0 Dirt Traction
7.0 Sand Traction
6.8 Mud Traction
6.7 Rock Traction
8.7 - Excellent
8.7 Hydroplaning Resistance
8.7 Wet Traction
9.1 - Excellent
9.0 Corner Stability
9.2 Dry Traction
9.0 Steering Response
7.4 - Good
7.9 Light Snow Traction
7.4 Deep Snow Traction
6.8 Ice Traction
8.8 - Excellent
8.8 Ride Quality
8.7 Noise
8.8 - Excellent

Sumitomo Encounter HT2 Reviews

Ratings highlight excellence in treadwear and comfort, with many customers scoring these categories 9-10. Winter traction receives strong praise for snow performance, though some note mixed results on ice. Wet traction impresses with consistent 8-10 scores for grip and hydroplaning resistance, while dry traction and responsive handling earn top marks across the board. The tire's quiet ride and durable construction align well with highway all-season expectations, making it a reliable choice for year-round driving.

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Customers Like:

53 reviews mention "Wet Traction"

  • 53 positive
  • 0 negative

Most customers rate Wet Traction highly with scores of 9s and 10s, praising confident grip and hydroplaning resistance in wet conditions. High scores reflect strong all-season performance.

November 02, 2023
(Verified Purchase)
4.1 out of 5 Star Rating
4.1 out of 5

...I highly value wet weather performance and was satisfied with the performance of the first set...

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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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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28 reviews mention "Winter Traction"

  • 27 positive
  • 1 negative

The Encounter HT2 delivers strong winter performance with most snow/deep snow scores 8-10. Ice traction holds up well (mostly 7-8), though occasional lower scores suggest variability in extreme ice conditions.

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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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, and lasted me about 60,000 miles with regular rotation

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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September 18, 2024
(Verified Purchase)
4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...Even without studs, 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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59 reviews mention "Dry Traction"

  • 59 positive
  • 0 negative

Customers overwhelmingly rate the Sumitomo Encounter HT2's dry traction as excellent, with most scoring 9s and 10s. High marks highlight responsive handling and confident grip in dry conditions, aligning perfectly with its highway-focused all-season design.

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 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

...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...

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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58 reviews mention "Ride Quality"

  • 58 positive
  • 0 negative

Customers praise the Sumitomo Encounter HT2's comfort, with most ride quality scores at 9-10 and noise levels consistently 8-10. High marks highlight a smooth, quiet highway experience, aligning perfectly with its all-season design for refined daily driving. A few noise scores dip to 7, but overall performance remains impressively comfortable.

February 03, 2026
(Verified Purchase)
4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

A quality, solid, and dependable ride. These tires have seen mountain unpaved roads & landfills... They still do so well on the hwy and deal with loads and wide temp swings...

A quality, solid, and dependable ride. These tires have seen mountain unpaved roads & landfills. They have seen towing heavy construction trailers and the poor city maintained streets. They still do so well on the hwy and deal with loads and wide temp swings. Highly recommend

Vehicle: 2000 GMC Sierra Classic 2500 4wd
Miles Driven on Tires: 18,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: PARKER, CO
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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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, no problem on light snow, never felt like hydroplaning was a risk...

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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41 reviews mention "Treadwear"

  • 39 positive
  • 2 negative

Sumitomo Encounter HT2's treadwear earns excellent ratings, with most scores 9-10. Customers highlight long-lasting durability and consistent highway performance, reinforcing its reputation for reliable mileage in all-season driving conditions.

January 02, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...Old ones had 87,500 miles and not to wear bars, but they were 6 years old so I replaced them...

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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March 28, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

These tires have been on my 4Runner for over 7 years and over 60k miles, they seem to last forever...

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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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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