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Summer tire Summer Ultra High Performance tires Updated September 2026

Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV review

The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV is generally regarded as a high-performance tire that excels in dry handling, cornering predictability, and cabin quietness. While many users praise its performance as an original equipment choice for performance-oriented vehicles, there are notable concerns regarding tread longevity and potential structural deformation issues.

Relative score
77/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
61/100
13 reviews
Road tests
73/100
2 published tests

Owners rate it 11.5 points lower than the instrumented road tests do — see the two score breakdowns below for where they disagree.

Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV
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

61.2%
Would buy again 63%
Dry
Overall dry
85.3%
Corner stability
87%
Dry traction
83%
Steering response
83%
Wet
Overall wet
76.2%
Wet traction
67%
Comfort
Overall comfort
72.3%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
63.1%
Handling
Overall handling
87%
By source
DriverReviews92%114 reviews Tyre Reviews72%3 reviews

By road tests

72.7%
Dry
94.6%
Wet
90.8%
Noise
67.9%
By discipline (% of best in test)
Dry Braking
90%
Dry Handling
80%
Wet Braking
90%
Wet Handling
90%
Straight Aquaplaning
40%
Inside Noise level
50%
Rolling Resistance
10%
tire Weight
30%
Price
30%
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 13 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV is generally regarded as a high-performance tire that excels in dry handling, cornering predictability, and cabin quietness. While many users praise its performance as an original equipment choice for performance-oriented vehicles, there are notable concerns regarding tread longevity and potential structural deformation issues.

Pros

  • Exceptional dry handling and cornering stability
  • Low road noise levels contributing to a quiet ride
  • Predictable performance and driver confidence in various conditions
  • Strong performance as an original equipment (OE) fitment for performance vehicles

Cons

  • Reports of premature tread wear and limited mileage
  • Significant concerns regarding structural deformation and vibration
  • Noticeable decline in wet weather traction as the tread wears down
  • Higher price point compared to some competitors with similar performance ratings

Worth knowing

  • Users with high-performance vehicles like the Subaru STi and Nissan GTR report that the stiff sidewall construction is well-matched to their handling characteristics.
  • Drivers of SUVs and 4x4s have reported issues with tire deformation when the vehicle is left stationary for extended periods.
Test results

2 published test appearances

Placement within each field. Open a test for the discipline-by-discipline result.

2020 SUV 4x4 Summer tire Test · 255/55 R18

2nd of 10
Best: Wet Braking · 2nd Weakest: Rolling Resistance · 10th
DisciplinePlacementField position
Wet Braking2nd of 10
Wet Handling2nd of 10
Dry Braking2nd of 10
Dry Handling5th of 10
Rolling Resistance10th of 10
Straight Aqua8th of 10
Noise6th of 10
Price9th of 10
Gravel Handling3rd of 10
Gravel Traction5th of 10
Sand Traction8th of 10
Grass Traction4th of 10
Mud Traction2nd of 10

2019 Auto Express SUV tire Test · 235/50 R18

4th of 8
DisciplinePlacementField position
Head-to-head

Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV compared

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