Tested 16 times by independent publications, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT has taken 2 test wins with an average finish of 5th.
2015 EVO Magazine Performance Tyre Test P6 of 10
The Dunlop performed consistently, but not outstandingly in any test, other than straight line aquaplaning.
Overall finishing position against the tyres that have most often shared a test with the Dunlop SportMaxx RT. Only tyres tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
| Rival | Shared tests | Ahead | Behind | Level | Finished ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Continental Sport Contact 5
15 shared: 5 ahead, 10 behind
|
15 | 5 | 10 | - | 33% |
 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
11 shared: 3 ahead, 8 behind
|
11 | 3 | 8 | - | 27% |
 Bridgestone Potenza S001
10 shared: 9 ahead, 1 behind
|
10 | 9 | 1 | - | 90% |
 Hankook Ventus S1 evo2
10 shared: 6 ahead, 4 behind
|
10 | 6 | 4 | - | 60% |
 Vredestein Ultrac Vorti
8 shared: 6 ahead, 2 behind
|
8 | 6 | 2 | - | 75% |
 Pirelli P Zero
8 shared: 3 ahead, 5 behind
|
8 | 3 | 5 | - | 38% |
 Toyo Proxes T1 Sport
7 shared: 6 ahead, 1 behind
|
7 | 6 | 1 | - | 86% |
 Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3
7 shared: 4 ahead, 3 behind
|
7 | 4 | 3 | - | 57% |
 Falken FK453
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
|
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Kumho Ecsta KU39
6 shared: 5 ahead, 1 behind
|
6 | 5 | 1 | - | 83% |
 Fulda SportControl
6 shared: 4 ahead, 2 behind
|
6 | 4 | 2 | - | 67% |
 Apollo Aspire 4G
5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind
|
5 | 5 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Nokian zLine
5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind
|
5 | 5 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Yokohama Advan Sport V105
5 shared: 4 ahead, 1 behind
|
5 | 4 | 1 | - | 80% |
 Michelin Primacy 3
5 shared: 3 ahead, 2 behind
|
5 | 3 | 2 | - | 60% |
 Pirelli CINTURA/TO P7
4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind
|
4 | 4 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Nexen N8000
4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind
|
4 | 4 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Uniroyal RainSport 2
4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind
|
4 | 4 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Bridgestone Turanza T001
4 shared: 3 ahead, 1 behind
|
4 | 3 | 1 | - | 75% |
 Semperit Speed Life
3 shared: 3 ahead, 0 behind
|
3 | 3 | 0 | - | 100% |
The same record for the tyre it replaced and the tyre that replaced it.
| Tyre | Tests | Wins | Avg finish | Field beaten |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT Predecessor | 8 | 0 | 5th | 60% |
| Dunlop SportMaxx RT This tyre | 16 | 2 | 5th | 70% |
| Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 Successor | 40 | 0 | 7th | 55% |
Drawn from 16 tests. Updated October 13, 2025.
Across 16 summer tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT delivers consistently strong safety-oriented performance with standout braking and several podiums, highlighted by a win in Sport Auto 2013 and multiple top-four finishes in large comparison fields. Its average overall position of 4.7 reflects solid competitiveness, especially in braking-focused and performance-oriented evaluations. However, performance variability appears in certain UK magazine tests and some larger touring-focused evaluations, where subjective grip/feel and wear were noted weaknesses, causing bottom-half results in a few instances.
short braking distance on dry roads- 2015 Sport Auto 235/35 R19 UHP Tyre Test (2015)
short braking distance on dry roads- 2015 AZ 225/40 R18 Summer Tyre Test (2015)
short braking distances- 2014 Auto Bild Top 15 Summer Tyre Test (2014)
Strong wet grip, short braking distances on dry roads and low rolling resistance: this is the recipe for success for the all-rounder from Dunlop- 2014 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test (2014)
Excellent braking- 2013 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer Tyre Test (2013)
very low rolling resistance- 2015 Sport Auto 235/35 R19 UHP Tyre Test (2015)
low rolling resistance- 2015 AZ 225/40 R18 Summer Tyre Test (2015)
best rolling resistance- 2014 EVO Max Performance Summer Tyre Test (2014)
Strong wet grip, short braking distances on dry roads and low rolling resistance: this is the recipe for success for the all-rounder from Dunlop- 2014 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test (2014)
Low rolling resistance- 2013 Auto Review Performance Summer Tyre Test (2013)
Sporty handling qualities- 2014 Auto Bild Top 15 Summer Tyre Test (2014)
A very balanced tyre- 2013 European Summer Sports Tyre Test (2013)
very well balanced tyre- 2013 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer Tyre Test (2013)
top dry handling- 2012 Auto Bild Max Performance Tyre Test (2012)
more stable mid corner, and the RT giving more confidence to make mid turn corrections- 2012 Subjective Shootout - Battle of the heavyweights (2012)
Good handling on wet roads- 2015 Sport Auto 235/35 R19 UHP Tyre Test (2015)
A very balanced tyre- 2013 European Summer Sports Tyre Test (2013)
collecting small slides on the Dunlop is a much easier and quicker affair- 2012 Subjective Shootout - Battle of the heavyweights (2012)
Dynamic sporty handing on the wet and dry track- 2012 Auto Bild Max Performance Tyre Test (2012)
Slow response to steering- 2015 AZ 225/40 R18 Summer Tyre Test (2015)
slow reaction to the steering in the dry- 2015 Sport Auto 235/35 R19 UHP Tyre Test (2015)
required a lot of steering lock to get it turned- 2013 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test (2013)
needs a little more slip to get the car turning, which gives is the impression of being a slower tyre- 2012 Subjective Shootout - Battle of the heavyweights (2012)
held back by its subjective feel while track driving- 2012 EVO Summer Tyre Test (2012)
Very high wear- 2014 Auto Bild Top 15 Summer Tyre Test (2014)
High wear- 2012 Auto Bild Max Performance Tyre Test (2012)
Relatively long braking distances on wet surfaces- 2015 Sport Auto 235/35 R19 UHP Tyre Test (2015)
Every tester write-up on the Dunlop SportMaxx RT (13 tests) and 157 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
The Dunlop performed consistently, but not outstandingly in any test, other than straight line aquaplaning.
Well priced, best rolling resistance, good feel with the limit eas to judge, let down by the limit not being higher
Strong wet grip, short braking distances on dry roads and low rolling resistance: this is the recipe for success for the all-rounder from Dunlop
The best rolling resistance on test and the second quietest cabin noise seems at odds with Dunlops "sporty" image, but that's what the new Sport Maxx RT achieved. A second place in dry braking was a strong result, but during dry handling the Dunlop lacked a little sharpness and required a lot of steering lock to get it turned, finished eighth fastest. The Dunlops biggest problem was in the wet. While it finished third and fourth in the aquaplaning tests, the RT lacked front end bite during wet handling and washed out wide on the throttle. An overall third.
The lightest tyres on test, when compared to the heaviest they save 11.6kgs of unsprung weight! Almost as comfortable as the Goodyears, with excellent rolling resistance, these tyres show a good sporting character. Excellent tyres for the sportier driver.
The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT is a very well balanced tyre. While not the fastest in any test, the steering precision and agility of the tyre makes it a pleasure to drive. Excellent braking and no overheating on the long dry runs.
A strong raw performance in both the wet and dry gri[, the Sport Maxx RT was held back by its subjective feel while track driving
The new Dunlop SP SportMaxx RT replaces the somewhat average SportMaxx TT, and in replacing the TT Dunlop have addressed nearly all the shortcoming of the previous tyre. When compared to the previous version, the SportMaxx RT turns harder, brakes better and offers more feedback through the wheel. When compared to the Continental Sport Contact 5 things get a little closer. In the dry, on the heavy Audi S4 the SportMaxx RT needs a little more slip to get the car turning, which gives is the impression of being a slower tyre. Things swing back towards the RT once the car is turning, with the big heavy S4 more stable mid corner, and the RT giving more confidence to make mid turn corrections. Once past the limit in the dry, the RT is snaps quickly out of a slide with the lightest lift of the throttle. In the wet, on the lighter Audi TT S things are even closer. Again, when directly compared to the Conti the Dunlop feels slightly slower to turn, but the total grip offered is indistinguishable at the limit. Like the dry, once the total grip offered has been past and you find the car sliding, collecting small slides on the Dunlop is a much easier and quicker affair. Maybe not quite as fun, but definately a more desirable quality of tyre on the road.
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