Skip to content
Summer tire Summer Extreme Performance tires Updated May 2026

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT review

The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT is a polarizing ultra-high-performance summer tire that excels in dry-weather handling and steering feedback but receives highly inconsistent feedback regarding wet-weather safety and tread longevity. While many users praise its quiet ride and stability on premium sedans, a significant portion of the user base reports poor traction in wet or cold conditions and premature sidewall degradation.

Relative score
75/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
71/100
86 reviews
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT
Scores

Two scoring systems, side by side

Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.

By owner reviews

70.9%
Would buy again 57%
Dry
Overall dry
86.8%
Corner stability
72%
Dry traction
86%
Steering response
76%
Wet
Overall wet
69.9%
Wet traction
67%
Snow & ice
Overall snow & ice
70%
Comfort
Overall comfort
70.9%
Noise
Overall noise
95%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
67%
Handling
Overall handling
72%
By source
DriverReviews92%1,476 reviews Tyre Reviews70%72 reviews Tire Rack69%10 reviews
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 86 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT is a polarizing ultra-high-performance summer tire that excels in dry-weather handling and steering feedback but receives highly inconsistent feedback regarding wet-weather safety and tread longevity. While many users praise its quiet ride and stability on premium sedans, a significant portion of the user base reports poor traction in wet or cold conditions and premature sidewall degradation.

Pros

  • Exceptional dry-weather grip and cornering stability
  • Quiet and comfortable ride quality for a performance tire
  • Strong steering feedback and predictable handling characteristics
  • Attractive aesthetic design with effective rim protection

Cons

  • Significant loss of traction and aquaplaning risk in wet or cold conditions
  • Inconsistent tread life, with many reports of rapid wear or premature inner sidewall failure
  • High price point relative to competitors with similar or better performance
  • Susceptibility to tramlining and harshness on poor road surfaces

Worth knowing

  • Users with high-horsepower AWD vehicles (Audi Quattro, etc.) generally report better satisfaction with the tire's performance than those with high-torque RWD sports cars.
  • Owners of larger, heavier vehicles (Audi A7, BMW 6-series) frequently report issues with sidewall integrity and inner-edge wear.
  • The tire is noted to be particularly unsuitable for winter or near-freezing temperatures, with multiple reports of it becoming brittle and losing all traction.
Where to buy

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT specs & sizes

Prices vary by size, so each one links out separately.

Specifications
Tread depth10/32″
UTQG240 A A
SidewallBlackwall
Max pressure51 psi

TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Head-to-head

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT compared

Compare any two