Dunlop Sport Maxx RT Review

Dunlop Sport Maxx RT

This write-up is a comprehensive review of the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tire, designed to help you determine whether the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT works for your vehicle and driving habits.

Our team has painstakingly researched test results, manufacturer stats, and genuine user reviews for the ultimate comprehensive review. Tires are a significant investment for your vehicle, and having the right tire for your car makes all the difference in the world. 

We narrowed down the pros, cons, benefits, and specific attributes of the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tires through thorough research to get you on the road.

Don’t have time to read everything? Here’s a quick summary of our review as well as pros & cons listed.

Conclusion:

Based on our research, we conclude that this tire is excellent overall but may not work for every driver. The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tires are summer tires for sports cars, coupes, and mid-size sedans. Therefore, they will not perform adequately on large trucks or utility vans.

The data and user experiences we gathered for this review suggest that while it is a top-performing tire and has outstanding user satisfaction, other tires of the same demographic and price range performed better on tests - and have strong user reviews.

Pros

  • Performs well in wet or dry conditions
  • Excellent traction around tight corners
  • Driver reviews suggest these work well for speed and sports cars

Cons

  • User reviews indicate poor ride comfort and high ride noise
  • Users report poor performance in snow and cold temperatures
  • Drivers state they could feel every bump in the road

How We Reached Our Verdict

This article starts by reviewing the original manufacturer’s usage intent and statistics for the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tires. Next, we scoured thousands of user reviews and countless tests and compared them to the original intention of the tires to see how they measure up.

We then provide a list of comparable tires to expand your search. Finally, check out the end of the article for further information on where we got our stats, specific user reviews, and direct links to research trials.

Keep reading to find out if the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tires are the right fit for your vehicle.

Dunlop Sport Maxx RT Tire Overview

Dunlop designed the Sport Maxx RT Tires to thrill drivers and create a smooth, comfortable driving experience in the summer months. This tire is for passenger cars and replaces the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT (and has since been replaced by the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2).

Dunlop did not design this summer tire for snow or icy conditions – so there are no tests available for how these tires perform in snow.

Dunlop intended the Sport Maxx RT tires to provide outstanding wet and dry grip, establish improved cornering control, engage short high-speed braking, and increase fuel efficiency.

Additionally, Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tires have several built-in capabilities and features. One of the most appealing is the RunOnFlat Technology feature, which allows drivers to ride on a flat tire at speeds up to 50 MPH, helping to reduce potentially dangerous roadside tire changes.

Also of note is the On Road Technology, which permits SUVs to reach speeds of up to 168 MPH and maintain excellent control. City drivers benefit from the Rim Protection Technology feature, as it provides backup rim protection – ideal for those that often need to park on curbs.

Finally, the Noise Shield Technology reduces in-vehicle noise by up to 50%, creating a peaceful ride for the entire family.

Compared to its counterparts, the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tires sit in the lowest place at 7.64 out of 10. The other tires tested against the Dunlop are the Yokohama ADVAN Sport V105, Bridgestone S-04 Potenza Pole Position, and the Michelin Pilot Super Sport. The Michelin tires ended up receiving the highest rating – 7.84.

Dunlop Sport Maxx RT Tire Breakdown

Let’s take a look at the features of this tire in greater detail to see how they perform in real life.

Performance

User reviews score the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT Tires at 85% in wet conditions. Some users state they experienced hydroplaning in torrential rain, but most agree that the tires maintain their traction.

However, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport has a higher overall performance rating (9/10) in wet conditions.

These tires excel in dry conditions and have an overall user rating of 89%. Drivers praise grip, traction, and tire control. These tires do not work well in dry and chilly climates.

The Sport Maxx RT is a summer tire and not designed for snow or icy conditions. Several users state that these tires are scary in winter weather.

Handling

The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tires scored 82% in general handling and 83% for road feedback based on driver reviews.

Most users praised the tires for their sharpness around corners and ability to maintain control at high speeds.

Noise and Comfort

Noise and comfort are subjective, but it seems as though users find the Dunlop tires to be quite loud and possibly uncomfortable. The overall noise score from user reviews is 65%, while the comfort score lands at 68%.

For comparison, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires have an 88% comfort rating and an 87% noise score.

Durability

Replacement tires purchased after 10/01/15 have a Uniformity Warranty (1 Year / first 2/32” wear) and a Workmanship & Materials Warranty (6 Years / Free replacement first year or 2/32” of wear then prorated until 2/32” remaining depth).

According to user reviews, drivers generally agreed that while the tire wasn’t the best in wear, the wear wasn’t unreasonable for a summer tire.

Price

These tires are among the most affordable for this tire style. The Yokohama tires tested against the Dunlop model, for example, may cost up to $300/tire – while the Dunlop tires will typically set you back at around $200/tire.

That said, user reviews generally stated that the price was high for a tire with low durability. Although the comparable tires may cost more, they last longer.

Other

Finally, user reviews suggest that 69% of drivers would re-purchase these tires, while 88% of users would re-purchase the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

Recommendations & Conclusions

Following extensive exploration into authentic user reviews and test results, we feel confident to make the following recommendations and conclusions.

Recommendations

Overall, these are great tires for summer driving and handling sports cars or coupes. They are not ideal for cold climates, snow, or oversized vehicles.

While it’s an enjoyable tire and most (69%) user reviews stated they would purchase the tire again, there are several complaints on the price/value comparison of this tire. We would not suggest purchasing these tires if you drive a considerable amount or need long-lasting tires.

When compared to competitors, Dunlop scored lowest in almost every category. Consider the three tires that consistently beat the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT in tests – the Yokohama ADVAN Sport V105, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport, or the Bridgestone Potenza S-04 tires.

Conclusions

While it is true that other tires consistently beat the Dunlop in tests, it does not detract from the fact that the Dunlop has many real-world supporters who have found them acceptable and top-notch summer tires.

According to road tests, the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT is commendable for its reasonable handling and overall road comfort. But, the same tests suggested that its traction and handling abilities could improve. The Dunlop tires are not bad, but others on the market may last longer on the road.

References

Manufacturer Warranty Brochure PDF

Dunlop Sport Maxx RT

Tire Test Results