Considering the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 for your vehicle but unsure if it’s the right fit? You’re not alone. With countless tire options out there, choosing the perfect one can be a real challenge. This review will give you the straight facts about the HTR Enhance LX2, helping you make an informed decision.
The Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 is a solid performer in wet and dry conditions and offers a comfortable ride but shows some limitations in deep snow and ice traction compared to leading competitors. It’s a good choice for those prioritizing wet and dry performance with some winter capability.
In this article, we’ll dive into the key features, performance metrics, and real-world feedback on the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2. You’ll learn how it stacks up against top competitors and find out if it’s the right tire for your driving needs.
Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.7 of 10
Wet Weather
8.7 of 10
Winter Weather
7.9 of 10
Treadwear
8.6 of 10
Dry Weather
9.1 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.6 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 660
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 90,000 Miles (T-Rated Tires)
5 Years / 70,000 Miles (H & V-Rated Tires)
4 Years / 50,000 Miles (W-Rated Tires)
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.7 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.7 of 10
Cornering: 8.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.2 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.3 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.6 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.7 of 10
Road Noise: 8.5 of 10
The Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 stands out as a reliable Grand Touring All-Season tire, designed to deliver consistent performance across various weather conditions. This tire is crafted to offer a balanced driving experience, combining comfort, durability, and reliable traction for everyday driving needs.
Sumitomo has engineered the HTR Enhance LX2 with a focus on versatility and dependability. The tire features an advanced tread compound aimed at optimizing performance in both wet and dry conditions. Its tread pattern, with carefully designed grooves and sipes, ensures excellent water evacuation and enhanced traction on wet roads, while maintaining solid stability and grip on dry surfaces. The tire also includes reinforced sidewalls for added durability and resistance against impacts and abrasions.
One of the notable aspects of the HTR Enhance LX2 is its ability to provide a smooth and comfortable ride without compromising on performance. This makes it an excellent choice for drivers seeking a tire that can handle daily commutes as well as long-distance journeys with ease.
WET WEATHER PERFORMANCE
The HTR Enhance LX2 excels in wet conditions:
- Hydroplaning Resistance: Rated at 8.7, the tire’s design effectively channels water away, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
- Wet Traction: With a score of 8.7, it offers reliable grip and stability on rainy days.
DRY WEATHER PERFORMANCE
In dry conditions, the HTR Enhance LX2 performs admirably:
- Corner Stability: Scoring 8.9, it provides steady and secure cornering.
- Dry Traction: With a rating of 9.2, it ensures excellent grip, particularly during quick maneuvers and tight turns.
- Steering Response: At 9.1, the tire offers precise and responsive handling.
WINTER/SNOW PERFORMANCE
The HTR Enhance LX2 offers reasonable performance in winter conditions:
- Light Snow Traction: Rated at 8.3, it handles light snow effectively.
- Deep Snow Traction: With a score of 7.6, it provides adequate traction in deeper snow.
- Ice Traction: At 7.8, it offers decent performance on icy surfaces.
RIDE COMFORT AND NOISE LEVEL
Balancing performance with comfort:
- Ride Quality: Rated at 8.7, the tire is designed to reduce vibrations, ensuring a smooth ride.
- Noise Level: With a score of 8.5, it maintains a quiet and pleasant driving experience.
TREAD WEAR AND LONGEVITY
Durability is a key strength of the HTR Enhance LX2:
- Robust Composition: Constructed with long-lasting materials for extended tire life.
- Efficient Tread Design: Promotes even wear and maintains performance over time.
PROS
- Excellent wet and dry traction.
- Comfortable and quiet ride.
- Durable construction with good treadwear.
- Solid performance in light snow conditions.
CONS
- Performance in deep snow and ice could be better.
- Some road noise compared to premium options.
The Verdict
The Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 is a commendable choice for drivers looking for a versatile and reliable Grand Touring All-Season tire. Its balanced performance, comfort features, and durability make it a strong contender in its category, suitable for a variety of vehicles and driving conditions.
Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 vs Competitors
| Tire | Hydroplaning Resistance | Wet Traction |
|---|---|---|
| Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 | 8.7 | 8.7 |
| Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive | 9.3 | 9.4 |
| Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Riken Raptor HR | 8.3 | 8.5 |
| Tire | Corner Stability | Dry Traction | Steering Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 | 8.9 | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
| Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.2 |
| Riken Raptor HR | 9.0 | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Tire | Light Snow Traction | Deep Snow Traction | Ice Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 | 8.3 | 7.6 | 7.8 |
| Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive | 9.0 | 8.6 | 8.5 |
| Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 | 8.2 | 7.7 | 7.4 |
| Riken Raptor HR | 7.8 | 7.2 | 6.5 |
| Tire | Ride Quality | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 | 8.7 | 8.5 |
| Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive | 9.3 | 8.8 |
| Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| Riken Raptor HR | 8.8 | 8.4 |
| Tire | Treadwear |
|---|---|
| Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 | 8.6 |
| Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive | 9.5 |
| Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 | 9.0 |
| Riken Raptor HR | 8.6 |
Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 Problems
The Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 is known for its excellent wet and dry traction, comfortable ride, and solid performance in light snow. However, some user feedback and performance metrics highlight areas that could be potential drawbacks. Understanding these issues is essential for making an informed decision that matches your driving needs and expectations.
Winter Performance
- Deep Snow Traction: While the tire performs adequately in light snow, with a rating of 8.3, its deep snow traction, rated at 7.6, could be better. This might be a concern for drivers in regions with heavy snowfall.
- Ice Traction: The tire's performance on ice is rated at 7.8, which, although decent, does not match the capabilities of dedicated winter tires. Drivers in icy conditions might find the tire's grip less reliable compared to specialized winter options.
Noise Levels
- Road Noise: Some users have reported that the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 generates more road noise than expected for a Grand Touring All-Season tire. This could be a consideration for those prioritizing a quieter ride, especially at highway speeds.
Tread Wear and Longevity
- Varied Tread Life: Although the tire is constructed with durable materials, user experiences with tread life have varied. Some drivers report faster-than-expected tread wear, which may be influenced by driving habits and vehicle type. Regular maintenance is crucial to maximizing the tire's lifespan.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Performance Against High-End Competitors: When compared to high-end alternatives like the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive or Vredestein Quatrac, the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 offers solid performance but might fall short in areas like ice traction and deep snow performance. For drivers prioritizing these aspects, other tires may offer better overall performance.
It's important to note that experiences with the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 can vary widely based on a multitude of factors, including vehicle specifications, driving habits, and the specific conditions in which the tires are used.
The Bottom Line
While the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 provides a well-rounded set of benefits, including excellent wet and dry traction, comfortable ride, and good treadwear, potential buyers should consider these potential issues in the context of their specific driving needs. For those facing harsh winter conditions or prioritizing low road noise, exploring other options might be beneficial.
Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 Alternatives
While the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 is a reliable Grand Touring All-Season tire, you might be considering other options that better fit your specific needs. Here are three top alternatives, each with unique strengths. We’ll include a budget-conscious choice for those looking to save some cash without sacrificing too much performance.
Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
Overall Rating: 9.2 of 10
Wet/Dry: This tire shines with a wet traction rating of 9.4 and a dry performance rating of 9.4, making it one of the best in its class.
Winter/Snow: It’s also outstanding in winter conditions with a light snow traction rating of 9.0 and a deep snow traction rating of 8.6.
Comfort: It offers a smooth and quiet ride, scoring 9.1 in comfort, which is slightly higher than the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2.
Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.5, it surpasses the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2, promising a longer lifespan.
Comparison: The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive exceeds the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 in wet performance, winter traction, and treadwear, making it a solid choice for those seeking top-tier performance in all conditions.
Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3
Overall Rating: 8.8 of 10
Wet/Dry: It boasts strong wet and dry ratings, with a wet traction rating of 9.0 and dry performance rating of 9.3. Its winter performance is good, with a 7.8 overall rating in snow and ice conditions.
Winter/Snow: While not as strong as the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive, it still offers decent winter capabilities, making it a versatile option.
Comfort: The tire is comfortable with a ride quality rating of 9.1, although its noise level is slightly lower at 8.8.
Treadwear: It has a treadwear rating of 9.0, which is comparable to the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2.
Comparison: The Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 is on par with the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 in wet and dry conditions but offers slightly better winter performance. It is a great option if you need an all-season tire that handles diverse weather well.
Riken Raptor HR
Overall Rating: 8.4 of 10
Wet/Dry: With wet and dry ratings of 8.4 and 9.1 respectively, it performs well across various conditions. Its winter performance is average, with a 7.1 rating for ice traction.
Winter/Snow: It handles light snow decently with a rating of 7.8, but its deep snow and ice performance are lower, making it less suitable for harsh winter conditions.
Comfort: It offers a comfortable ride with a ride quality rating of 8.8, and it’s relatively quiet with a noise rating of 8.4.
Treadwear: The tire has a good treadwear rating of 8.6, making it a durable choice for the price.
Comparison: While the Riken Raptor HR might not match the top-tier performance of the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2, it offers a very competitive alternative at a lower price. It’s a great pick for those who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
- The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive is ideal for top performance in all conditions.
- The Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 offers balanced excellence with a slight edge in winter performance.
- The Riken Raptor HR provides solid performance at a budget-friendly price.
Depending on your driving needs and budget, these options present viable choices to consider alongside the Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 impresses with its strong wet and dry performance, providing reliable cornering, good steering response, and solid traction. It also delivers a comfortable and relatively quiet ride, making it suitable for daily driving and long trips. However, it shows some weaknesses in winter conditions, particularly in deep snow and ice traction, making it less ideal for harsh winter climates.
Overall, the HTR Enhance LX2 is on par with the leaders in wet and dry performance but lags behind in winter traction. If you live in a mild climate or prioritize wet and dry performance over winter capability, this tire is a strong contender. Good luck and happy motoring.
