Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
Verified87 reviews
Have only done 8,000Kms but found them average across the board, except wet handling where they are probably the worst tyres I've had. However, I don't feel it's so bad that I'd dump them and change them. Wear is good so far and they are reasonably quiet. I drive a Toyota Corolla Cross, so the poor grip may be due to the suspension setup on this car, but compared to the Pirelli PZero Neros I had on my last car, these are nowhere near as good. Show details
only 35k driven mazda 3 2017 – Still have reasonable treads on mazda 3 - 2017 35k km mileage. But two tyres side walls are having cracked lines. Need to change all tyres without taking any risk now. Show details
Ok in dry, terrible in the wet – A Mazda CX-30 isn't exactly a high-powered performance car but yet these tires struggle with this car and its 110kw's. Wheel spins taking off from red lights in the wet, wheel spins taking off with wheels on an angle (e.g. a give-way slip lane). Dry is ok, and road noise is good but these seem very expensive for sub-par wet performance. Life seems short as well, 60% left driven just over 12,000 kms. Show details
In-depth reviews
Came fitted with a 2014 Mazda 3 – The tyres have lasted 6 years. They perform well, and are fun to drive on. Dry traction is great. Wet traction is good, but there are other tyres with better wet grip like the Hankook Ventus SV2. I've been impressed we got 80.000kms out of the tyres. Tyres still had a year of tread left. One tyre had to be replaced due to age with a Winrun R330.… Read more
I chose to replaced the other 3 tyres as well with Winrun R330 later to match. Winrun has good dry handling and average wet performance. Cost for a set of for installed was $400. Treadwear life on Winrun tyres tends to be short... will be happy if we got 40,000 or 50,000 kms.
Hankook Ventus SV2 at $670 for 4 installed is the replacements I would have gotten had I not already had 1Winrun R330 on the vehicle, with the 3 worn Dunlops.
Dunlop Sport Maxx replacement would have cost $820 for 4 installed. For the same price, a better option is the continental MaxContact 6, which has the best wet weather scores.
Summary: 1 star lost for wet traction, 1 star lost due to mediocre value. Tyres are good and safe if your car comes with them. Hankook provides a much better value.
Great tyre for price point – The Dunlop SP SportMaxx TT is an excellent all rounder. I would doubt there is a better tyre for most cars & conditions in this price point. I noticed the complaint from a Subaru AWD owner and in Dunlops defence, Subaru's AWD system chews out front tyres faster than the rears for some reason. I think they get 'pushed' a little whilst cornering or… Read more
the drive split perhaps, but there is definitely something to it. Anyway, the Sport Maxx TT are awesome. I got a full set for $600 fitted in 245-40-18. My car has around 400hp & the V8 develops a lot of torque. I don't drive it in the rain but the dry weather grip is very good. They look good, are quiet and offer exceptional grip even under duress. The Dunlops replaced Hankook S2 Nobles which wore faster than I would have liked. They are down to the wear indicators @28000km. I check tyre pressure every two weeks without fail & rotate my own wheels when I do the oil change every 4-5000 kms. My reason to purchase the Dunlop besides the great deal, was the amount of positive reviews relating to handling and tyre endurance. I am impressed at this stage and will be interested to check their progress at the first rotation. I cannot stress how important it is to check tyre pressure regularly. Every month is a good habit to get into and rotate your tyres every six months. I believe most people's tyre issues come from alignment & failing to rotate/check pressure on a consistent basis. Safe driving folks & thanks Dunlop.
High performance, low mileage – These tyres were factory fitted as original equipment. The specific tyre size in this review refers to 225/40/R18 92W. I really enjoyed driving my Alfa Giulietta with the Sport Maxx TT. They responded beautifully and kept their composure under duress which inspired confidence in both wet and dry conditions. They weren’t too noisy either, though… Read more · 1
that is dictated by surface conditions as well.
One thing they didn’t have was longevity, but that is to be expected.
Therefore if you expect longevity (ie 50,000km and above) and fantastic performance as well, look elsewhere.
The grand delusion with true sports tyres and their intended purpose is that they also last as long as a touring tyre, not true!
Kind of like F1 engines they provide exhilarating performance, but have a short lifespan.
Most people criticise the mileage of these tyres but need to accept that performance and mileage don’t go hand in hand particularly when tyres are involved.
Anyhow for what they are, these tyres perform fantastically well, and yes they cost a fair bit and don’t last very long in comparison to what we would normally expect.
You get what you pay for during their lifespan though, which is great performance.
I just changed mine today at 37800km.
They were beginning to shudder in really tight turns and also at low speeds especially in the wet so it was a clear sign that they needed replacing.
I actually went with Michelin PS4’s this time and even though it’s only been a day with the new Michelin’s, I actually already miss the Sport Maxx’s, especially their response and taughtness.
Anyhow I’m going to give the Michelin PS4’s a chance to bed in, and while they also are a very grippy and quieter tyre, they apparently should last a little longer, and they were a bit cheaper too.
I do sense the Sport Maxx TT had a firmer side wall as the New Michelin PS4’s seem a little more spongy. That’s one aspect I’m not sure I can endure, time will tell.
All that been said if the PS4’s don’t deliver then I’m going back to the Sport Maxx TT in a heartbeat.
Overall the Dunlop Sport Maxx TT’s provide fantastic grip, responsiveness to driver input and composure which in turn (pun intended) inspires confidence.
They just don’t last that long but they are lots of fun!
Highly recommended for their intended purpose.
Positive reviews
Excellent tyre and great price – So I bought these tyres for the rear of my HSV Clubsport R8 over 12 months ago and they have been awesome. Still have miles of tread left on them. Not the stickiest tyre I've owned (the car came with Continentals) but superb handling and longevity and at half the price of the original tyres. Highly recommend. Show details
Excellent tyre. Big improvement over original dunlops sportsmaxx – Just replaced Dunlop sports maxx GT run flats on BMW X5. (Model f15) with same. 315/35R20 back 275/40R20 front. 50000km still plenty of tread but well worn on inside shoulder. (Camber was well out!) Was happy with handling of old tyres in wet and dry, but unhappy with noise and ride. Hesitated about getting same. Considered continentals, but… Read more
in the end stuck with what I knew. Dunlop must have changed the compound over 4 years because new tyres are very quiet and much better ride. (In fact had to check that they were run flats) Could not be happier. Dry handling seems the same. Have not tried out in the wet. Time will tell if I get the same wear! Big call out for tyrepower in Ballina. Matched price and Mark was excellent. I really appreciate great service.
Very surprised how good they were – I have had these tyres on my 2018 BMW X5 30D since new and am only now replacing them at 50,900kms. There is still a mountain of tread left but they are wearing on the inside of the tyre due alignment issues. I will be getting the alignment checked every 3-4 months now instead of annually and I think I can easily get around 75,000 out of these… Read more
tyres. They have never let me down in either dry or wet conditions. Around 80% or more of my driving is on open country roads or highway/freeways and the car doesn't get flogged when driving. I also ensure tyre pressures are checked each fortnight as a rule anyway. I have no hesitation in recommending these tyres.
Negative reviews
Expected better, did not have a good experience with these, disintegration was unexpected and poor – Road feel and response in the dry and wet were good, if a bit on the heavy side. Grip was not progressive - hard launches caused wheel hop all the time. As tread reduced, it got to the point where the inside edge of the tyre dis-integrated at speed on the motorway without warning. Only just it hit the tread-wear indicator. Also had some scary-aqua plane moments. Would not buy again Show details
2018 Mazda SP25 Astina which tramlines because of terrible, hard tyres – These tyres only perform averagely if warmed up. My steering is awful because of hard tyres! Still plenty of tread left but I kinda wish there wasn’t so I could bring myself to replace the tyres. When the tyres are cold, any notch in the road and my steering wheel gets told what to do by what’s happening on the road instead of my driving input.… Read more
Turning corners is find but driving straight, if there’s road surface change, forget it! I love my car and it’s only got 17000ks on the clock but these tyres make me want to get rid of it. Would not recommend
wore out like butter near the stove – grip is pretty great in the dry, its ehhh in the wet, its been 5 months and about 7000kms since I put them on. back tyres are done, nothing left, and front tyres are at about 50% if that. sidewalls looks like its been rubbing on my fender, but im not sure if thats the case. i wouldnt get them again. i had winruns on the rear before and they lasted a whole year. and no burnouts were done, just hard cornering etc. Show details
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Recent reviews
Dangerous in the wet – Tyres are 4yrs old with about 50% tread left. The sidewalls look old and deteriorating which seems to be an issue but the worst is the wet weather grip mid corner is outright dangerous. Even driving sedately from the lights I lost control when turning. Don’t buy these - they’re fine in dry weather but should not be used in wet. Show details
Loud!!! – These tyres came as standard on my Mazda SP25 2018. They are good... but loud on coarse chipped road surfaces. Like very very loud. I have installed dynamat sound proofing which has made a small improvement. I will be changing soon to Michelin Pilot Sport 4 or Primacy. Show details
Great Tyre – Standard fitment to our 2014 SP25 Mazda 3. Have never had a problem with grip or feeling like the tyres would let go around corners in wet or dry. 96,000klms so far and still have more left, but i will replace just to make sure wet performance of the car is not compromised. Very pleased with the mileage. Show details
An ok tyre for daily drive – I bought this tyre for my wife after her rare tyre got punctured. This tyre does not handle very well during wet conditions but handles fine when the weather is warm and dry. Since all of her tyres are Dunlop sport maxx, I can't be for sure if the car would be handling better or worse when using a different brand, but this brand does handle fine… Read more
for her subaru sedan. I found this tyre wear slower than my Pierreli tyres, so it's a good thing that this tyre lasts longer, however we do have plans to change brands after all 4 tyres are worn.
Only lasted 20,000km – I own a GLC250 petrol - Front Tyres only lasted 20,000km and i drive fairly normal since i have a toddler in the car most of the time. It was wearing unevenly and noisy. You really need to pump these tyres quite high around 45PSI from memory otherwise they wont last long. No problem in wet. Show details
Noisy tire – More than half of thread remain, not even complete 2 years from manufacture date. But noise, I doubted wheel bearings but it was the tire itself. Confirmed by replacing with 2 different tires which was in bad condition even. Show details
Best in the range – Car came with Bridgestone Potenza PZero that are rubbish with no take off grip. Look silly Bridgestone 001 with no longevity. These dunlop grip the best yet. Corner great. Kilometres so far great. Wet weather grippy. Low road noise. All tyres were RFT run flats. Show details
Good tyre, more spring than others – i had to replace my Pirelli P Zeros on my 2018 Highline Golf recently after doing 35,000 kms and was offered a competitive deal by Beaurepaires in Kew which i couldn't pass up. Seem to be a good tyre so far and good alternative to the Pirelli Show details
Don't bother buying these for your car – My current car (G6ET) had these tyres fitted from new (unfortunately) as did my previous vehicle (XR6T). Don't waste your money putting these on your car. They fail to provide decent traction in the dry and give practically no traction in the wet and that's with driving sedately. For each car I changed my tyres over to Michelins even though… Read more
the Dunlops had plenty of tread left on them they were that bad.....Michelin Pilot Sport 3 on the XR6T and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on the G6ET.
The difference between the Dunlops and Michelins is night and day. A quick Google shows why Michelin Pilot Sports are so highly recommended
Find out how Dunlop SP Sport Maxx compares to other Passenger Tyres
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Very poor mileage – These came fitted as OEM on my Hyundai Genesis. 13,000km and they are certainly more than 50% gone. Anyone that knows the Genesis would understand it's hardly a performance vehicle, more like driving a pillow, so it isn't hard driving I can be certain of that. From what I can see, the Michelin Primacy 3 is the pick of the tyres for the Genesis so will be trying them. Show details
These tyres are not good for the money or for comfort – Hi, I have a 2018 VW Golf Comfortline hatch which had 17 inch wheels and Bridgestones as factory standard. In January 2019 I changed to 18 inch x 7.5 inch wide rims with Dunlop Sport Maxx 050+ tyres (225/40/18). The ride immediately became noisy, rumbles a lot and ride firmed up well above expectations.I am SO Disappointed in this tyre and will… Read more
NOT use again and cannot recommend them. For now I have gone back to the 17inch Factory rims and tyres. Comfort is Heaven and its certainly not the Dunlop tyres. I have owned several Performance cars with upto 20/30/245 tyres and all have been fine. Must admit they were never shod with Dunlops.
Performance tyres are not meant to last – I've a current BMW 3 series that now pushes out 500nm torque from 1200rpm to near redline in a light car. 255/30R20 sizing Pirelli P Zeros okay grip, bad handling, bad looks Bridgestone S001 bad grip, good handling. Good looks Both about the same k's Dunlop Maxx great grip, good handling. Good looks. These don't just spin so grippy, best tyres… Read more · 1
so far.
Long wear is low grip Short wear is high grip. With any motor Sport.
Pick one you want. I expect 10-15k max from the rears. 25-35k fronts.
Time will tell. I haven't noticed any tracking different to S001
Noisy after 44000 kms – These tyres cane standard on my Honda HRV VTi-L. Whilst initially they appeared O.K, over the course of 2 years the tyres got so noisy that I felt my wheel bearings had failed. Although there was plenty of tread left they had to be changed prematurely. They were subsequently replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport 4’s. All road noise is gone. Show details
Hi Gerry, Thank you for your review. We do… Read more
Absolute crap – Absolute crap. These are the factory tyres on Mercedes CLA. When you spend 100 grand on a car, you expect quality, but 7 months later these are worn and needing replaced. Save your money and buy pirelli or continental. Avoid these like the plague. And half of the reviews below are clearly fake. Separate reviews from supposedly independent people… Read more
use near identical wording. I guess Dunlop has an issue with these tyres to have to pay for fake reviews!
Hi Martin, Thank you for your feedback, we have… Read more
Worst tyre I’ve ever experienced – My 1979 Pontiac trans am has Nitto NT555’s fitted and drove great. I was told by Ozzy tyres that these Dunlop’s in 275 40 18s were a fantastic tyre. What tot as it feels like the blocks are to soft and the car tram tracks terribly. I had a wheel alignment to double check and still it would twitch left to right on most roads. I fitted the old NT’s back on and the problem was solved. Now to get my money back! Wish me luck... Show details
Hi there, thank you for sharing your review of… Read more
Top Tyres Great Wear – I have them on my 2014 Mazda 3 Astina 6s 2.5 ltr. I have driven over 213,000 km's so far (that's correct), mostly highway but also a lot of city, and on my 2nd set only. Got 120,000km out of my first set and now ready to purchase my 3rd set. Great tyres, great grip and extra long wearing. Luv em Show details · 1
Great tyres – I drive a ford falcon and have had these tyres on for years and no problems at all, they grip good, noise level is good , ride is good , great performing tyres as well, could be better in the rain though they do there job , affects the steering a lot so if you don't take care of your car might have issues , but recommended overall a durability tyre Show details · 1
Ordanary – I have had these tyres,on my Mercedes CLA 250 Sorts since new and its now done 27,000 and they are all down to the wear band. I have been happy with the handling in the dry and wet but not the wear. Expected to get much more K's out of them. Compared to price they are expensive. I now have to replace mine but not with Dunlop SP Show details
Hi there, thanks for your honest review on our Sport… Read more
Resistant to wear and strong grip – The brand of my car is Jaguar, and Dunlop is the original tyre of Jaguar. So I learned a lot about it. Dunlop's tires are very durable and have a good grip on the ground. The influence on the car is very important. If the tire quality is not good, it will affect the control of the steering wheel. Therefore, the quality of the tire affects the safety of driving. I recommend it. Show details · 1
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Hi John, Thanks for sharing your feedback. We’re… Read more (+1 reply)