Sumitomo Encounter AT Review

Following a simple yet effective format, the Sumitomo Encounter AT is designed to deliver off-road grip with on-road civility for your truck or SUV.

PROS

  • Impressively capable off-road
  • Extremely quiet
  • Great winter traction
  • Extra warranty features

CONS

  • Not as capable as some in its class

 

A surprise performer in the All Terrain segment, we don’t mean to knock the Encounter AT by saying we didn’t expect big things from it, but we didn’t. Sumitomo isn’t a well-known brand, though it is a quality one and this tire is proof.

The Encounter AT makes use of a conventional five-row tread pattern with a reasonably dense center section of tread lugs that offer great highway stability, while also managing to grip off-road surfaces impressively well.

Off-road the jagged tread blocks deliver grip in all directions, while the alternating length shoulder tread blocks help give extra grip on loose surfaces.

On-road performance in wet weather is always a bit of a challenge for an AT tire and while the Encounter AT isn’t immune to those drawbacks the large central channels, as well as siping on the tread blocks, give it enough grip to avoid any complaints.

Jagged siping on the shoulder tread blocks also help this tire achieve a certification for use in true winter weather and as a result you’ll spot the three-peak mountain snowflake logo on the sidewall. Owners overwhelmingly praise the tire for its grip in snow.

With all this capability one of the most surprising features of the tire is how quiet is it. Owners regularly report just how impressed they are with the low noise levels compared to their last set.

Is the Sumitomo Encounter AT Any Good?

In terms of outright off-road capability, the Encounter AT doesn’t quite match up to some of the top tier offerings, nor would you expect it to for the price. It’s also far more civilized than the hyper-aggressive off-road tires. That said, we’re seriously impressed with this tire and user reviews back it up.

A relatively unknown offering and brand, it’s a great example of not judging a book by its cover. The Sumitomo Encounter AT delivers on everything you want in an all-terrain tire.

Sumitomo Encounter AT Price

Pricing for the Sumitomo Encounter AT starts at just around $130 per tire.

 

Sumitomo Encounter AT Warranty

Sumitomo backs the Encounter AT with a 60,000 mile tread life warranty. That’s a bit lower than the best in the industry at 65,000 miles but is still quite impressive.

It also comes with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee as well as two years of roadside assistance, including a flat tire change or tow.

Plus, a standard limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the tire.

Sumitomo Encounter AT Sizes

15-inch sizes
235/75R15
235/75R15
31X10.5R15LT

16-inch sizes
225/75R16
235/70R16
235/85R16
245/70R16
245/75R16
245/75R16
255/70R16
265/70R16
265/75R16
LT265/75R16
LT285/75R16

17-inch sizes
235/70R17
235/75R17
LT235/80R17
245/65R17
245/70R17
LT245/70R17
LT245/75R17
255/65R17
255/70R17
265/65R17
LT265/70R17
265/70R17
285/70R17
LT285/70R17
LT315/70R17

18-inch sizes
255/70R18
265/60R18
265/65R18
265/70R18
LT265/70R18
LT275/65R18
275/65R18
LT275/70R18
LT285/65R18
LT325/65R18

20-inch sizes
LT265/60R20
275/55R20
275/60R20
LT275/65R20
LT285/55R20
LT305/55R20
LT325/60R20