Sumitomo Encounter HT2

Sumitomo Encounter HT2 255/70R18

4.8(257 store reviews)
$217.19 each
$868.76 set
or 4 interest-free payments of $217.19 Shop Pay Klarna Afterpay interest-free when paid on time
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Category
All-Season Highway
Tread warranty
60,000 miManufacturer limited
Load index
1132,535 lbs per tire
Speed rating
TUp to 118 mph
Know your tire

About the Sumitomo Encounter HT2

Highway-Ready Toughness for Every Season

Best forCUV, SUV, and light truck drivers seeking a dependable all-season highway tire with strong wet and dry performance and long tread life.

The Sumitomo Encounter HT2 is an all-season highway tire built for CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks. It delivers confident braking and handling across dry, wet, and light winter conditions, making it a practical year-round choice for drivers who spend most of their time on paved roads. A 60,000-mile limited tread life warranty underscores its long-term value.

The Encounter HT2 uses a symmetrical tread pattern with wave-shaped sipes that shorten braking distances on both wet and dry surfaces. Four wide circumferential grooves channel water away from the contact patch to resist hydroplaning. Curved shoulder grooves reduce road noise for a quieter ride, while reinforced twin steel belts combat uneven wear and 2-ply sidewalls add load-carrying strength and durability.

The numbers

Specifications

Size & Dimensions
Brand Sumitomo
Tire Model Encounter HT2
Part Number SUM-HT252
Tire Size 255/70R18
Section Width 255
Aspect Ratio 70
Rim Diameter 18
Overall Diameter 32.1
Overall Width 10.04
Sidewall Raised Black Lettering
Performance
Speed Rating T
Load Index 113
Load Range SL
Max Inflation Pressure 51
Tread Depth 12
Ratings
UTQG 640AB
Tread Wear 640
Traction A
Temperature B
Mileage Warranty 60K
Category
Tire Type Highway, All Season
Good to know

Questions about this tire

What does 255/70R18 113T mean?

255 is the tread width in millimeters, 70 means the sidewall is 70% of that width, and R18 is the 18-inch rim it mounts on. 113 is the load index (2,535 lbs per tire), and T is the speed rating (up to 118 mph).

What vehicles is the Sumitomo Encounter HT2 designed for?

The Encounter HT2 is built specifically for crossovers (CUVs), SUVs, and light trucks. With 56 sizes spanning 16- to 22-inch rim diameters, it fits a wide range of popular trucks and SUVs. The reinforced sidewall construction also supports the higher load demands typical of these vehicle types.

How does the Encounter HT2 handle wet roads and light snow?

Four wide circumferential grooves evacuate water efficiently, and wave-shaped sipes grip wet pavement to reduce stopping distances. In light snow or slush, those same sipes provide adequate traction for typical winter commuting. However, this tire does not carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, so drivers in regions with heavy snowfall or frequent icy conditions should consider a dedicated winter tire.

Is the Encounter HT2 a quiet tire for highway driving?

Yes. Curved shoulder grooves are engineered to dampen tread noise and vibration, keeping cabin noise levels low during highway cruising. While no highway all-season tire is completely silent, the Encounter HT2's tread geometry is specifically designed to minimize the noise that commonly builds at higher speeds.

What kind of tread life can I expect from the Encounter HT2?

Sumitomo backs the Encounter HT2 with a 60,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. Reinforced twin steel belts help the tread wear evenly over time. Actual mileage depends on proper inflation, regular rotation, and alignment maintenance, as recommended by Sumitomo.

Who manufactures the Sumitomo Encounter HT2?

The Encounter HT2 is made by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., a Japanese tire manufacturer with over a century of industry experience. SRI is a member of the broader Sumitomo Group and produces tires across multiple categories, including all-season, winter, and ultra-high-performance lines, for markets worldwide.

The brand

About Sumitomo Tires

Sumitomo Rubber Industries is a Japanese manufacturer with roots tracing back to 1909. The company produces tires under the Sumitomo name as well as under license for other brands, drawing on decades of rubber and materials engineering experience.

Shop all Sumitomo tires →

Vehicle Compatibility

Buying from TFS Wheels

Shipping, returns & guarantees

Authorized Dealer — 100% Brand New Wheels & Tires

TFS Wheels is an authorized dealer for every brand we carry. Every wheel and tire we ship is brand new, unused, and packaged in its original manufacturer's box. We never sell refurbished, demo, or return-stock product. All manufacturer warranties apply and our warehouse is staffed by people who only handle wheels and tires — no in-transit damage, no test-fits, no surprises.

Free Shipping (Lower 48)

Free shipping on every order — wheels, tires, and accessories — to the contiguous United States. No minimum order, no hidden fees.

Standard delivery is 4–7 business days; expedited is 1–4 business days. Orders placed before 1:00 PM ET typically ship the same day. We do not ship internationally or to PO boxes.

Fitment Guarantee

If a wheel or tire marked "Direct Fit" or "Aftermarket Fit" for your vehicle arrives and does not fit as expected, we cover both the restocking fee and return shipping. The same applies if the bolt pattern does not match — provided your vehicle information was submitted at checkout.

To qualify for the guarantee, enter your year, make, model, and submodel before placing the order.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Every wheel and tire is covered by the full manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Coverage terms vary by brand — most cover structural integrity for the life of the wheel and finish for 1 to 2 years from purchase. If you ever have a warranty question, contact us first; we work directly with the manufacturer on your behalf so you don't have to.

Accessories Included with Your Order

When you submit your vehicle information at checkout, the right lug nuts and (if needed) hub-centric rings are automatically added to your cart in the correct sizes — no guessing, no separate ordering.

TPMS sensors are also available in the cart. We program each sensor to your vehicle's exact year, make, model, and submodel before shipping, so they arrive ready to sync with your truck or car the moment they're installed. This typically saves customers the dealer or installer's programming fees, which often run several dozen dollars per wheel.

Returns

Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase on items in new, unused condition. A 25% restocking fee applies to general (change-of-mind) returns, and the buyer covers return shipping.

The restocking fee and return shipping are waived for incorrect items, transit damage, or fitment issues when vehicle information was provided at checkout. Single wheels, single tires, mounted items, special orders, and accessories (lug nuts, locks, hub-centric rings, TPMS sensors, installation kits) are final sale.

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What Happens After You Order

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