Cosmo RC-17 vs Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 tires

All-season tires are the most preferred tire types in the US thanks to their excellent adaptability to suit different climatic conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow. When it comes to picking a reliable all-season tire without putting in too much, Cosmo and Sumitomo brands present capable options.

The RC-17 from Cosmo and the HTR A/S P03 from Sumitomo are two reliable all-season options in the budget category. Cosmo is a brand known for its spirited lineup of tires integrated with high-value engineering, and it positions the RC-17 as a versatile touring tire. Backed by a solid mileage warranty, it utilizes a lightweight construction that aids in reducing rolling resistance and improving fuel efficiency.

In contrast, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 features advanced fin-shaped tread channels for enhanced water drainage and ‘Miura-Ori’ 3D sipes for biting winter traction. The Sumitomo tire is designed to maximize the handling potential of modern sedans and sports cars. While the Cosmo excels at delivering a smooth, eco-conscious ride, the Sumitomo offers a more aggressive, stability-focused performance backed by a robust mileage warranty on its H and V-rated sizes.

So, which one is a better option? Let’s try to answer the question by doing Cosmo RC-17 vs Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 tires comparison, where we analyse traction, handling, and longevity aspects of the two tires based on their SimpleScore rating. SimpleScore is our in-house scoring mechanism that rates each tire on a scale of 0 to 10.

Cosmo RC-17 tires

Designed for sedans, coupes, and CUVs, the Cosmo RC-17 is a decent all-season touring tire that offers adequate comfort and consistent reliability. Engineered with a multi-rib tread pattern, the RC-17 focuses on delivering a smooth, stable ride by optimizing the contact patch for even wear and predictable steering response.

Its advanced rubber compound is infused with silica to enhance wet-weather performance, providing shorter braking distances and reducing the risk of hydroplaning during heavy rain. Besides providing great grip, the RC-17 features specialized tread pitch sequencing to significantly lower cabin noise, ensuring a quiet environment for highway drives.

Securing an 8.2 overall SimpleScore, the Cosmo RC-17 assures dependable all-weather traction, handling, and longevity.

Get Cosmo RC-17 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 tires

Developed for modern sedans and sports cars, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 is a high-performance all-season tire engineered to provide a nice blend of performance and durability. It features an innovative ‘Miura-Ori’ 3D siping technology, which prevents tread block deformation under stress, resulting in sharper steering response and improved winter traction. Its asymmetric tread pattern is optimized with fin-shaped grooves that rapidly evacuate water, significantly reducing hydroplaning risks.

Built to last, the HTR A/S P03 comes with a robust 65,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty on H and V-rated sizes. By combining an advanced silica-enhanced rubber compound for low rolling resistance with a cross-designed tread, the Sumitomo tire returns enhanced performance with even wear.

Achieving an 8.5 SimpleScore, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 offers reliable traction, handling, and superb longevity.

Get Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Cosmo RC-17 vs Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 tires on traction

When you buy an all-season tire, you look at the kind of traction it provides, as it ultimately determines your confidence behind the wheel. Good traction ensures better grip in wet conditions and sudden braking.

The Cosmo RC-17 scores an 8.0 in traction, which looks great for a tire of its class. It features an anti-hydroplaning tread design and a diamond groove pattern, which helps to remove water from the contact patch. With its multi-sipe shoulder, it provides extra biting edges for increased grip in wet conditions. The tire feels stable when you use it on your car for regular commutes in the city, making it predictable.

At 8.1, the traction score of the Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 looks slightly better. It gives you a more performance-oriented driving experience. It features a fin-shaped tread design that pushes out water more efficiently, mitigating the risk of hydroplaning. It features multiple sipes and a compound rich in silica that ensures a stronger grip in both dry and wet conditions. You’ll feel more confident during acceleration and braking at higher speeds.

With a slightly better score, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 is a better choice in terms of traction.

ADVANTAGE: Sumitomo HTR A/S P03

Cosmo RC-17 vs Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 tires on handling

All-season tires need great handling to help you gain better control over the steering. When you’re changing lanes or driving at high speeds, improved handling enhances the manoeuvrability of the vehicle. Both tires are great when it comes to handling and cornering.

The Cosmo RC-17 earns a fantastic handling score of 8.1, and you’ll experience more comfort rather than sharp handling with this tire. It features 3D blocks, which help the tire maintain stability, while the overall tread layout makes your steering smooth and predictable. Although it’s suitable for daily commuting, the steering response may feel a bit relaxed in sporty cars.

The Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 returns an impressive handling score of 8.6, and this is a good choice for performance driving. Thanks to the optimized tread design, the Sumitomo’s tire profile is perfectly maintained during cornering, which gives you better stability and control. While turning, the tire feels more responsive, and you’ll get better feedback through the steering wheel. The ride feels more controlled when you take corners or drive on highways.

The Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 emerges as the winner in terms of handling and earns a higher score.

ADVANTAGE: Sumitomo HTR A/S P03

Cosmo RC-17 vs Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 tires on longevity

For drivers who use their cars regularly, longevity is one of the most important deciding factors when it comes to buying tires. The long-term value and frequency of replacement depend on the longevity of the tire. The Cosmo and Sumitomo offer excellent tread life and durability.

The Cosmo RC-17 offers a decent longevity score of 8.6, and it is backed by a 45,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. The Cosmo’s tread design ensures even wear when you use it under normal driving conditions. It is suitable for moderate use in the city but wouldn’t be a great option for heavy commutes over long distances.

With an exceptional longevity score of 9.0, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 comes with a 65,000 mile limited manufacturer warranty and has a compound rich in silica. The reinforced construction of the HTR A/S P03 improves resistance to wear, which helps it maintain its performance over time. The all-season tire is suitable for performance driving and lasts longer than the Cosmo tire.

With an excellent score, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 is a superb option for drivers seeking longer tread life.

ADVANTAGE: Sumitomo HTR A/S P03

When to use each

All-season tires are suitable for regular commutes and balance grip, comfort, and longevity across different conditions. These tires offer the right mix of traction and handling throughout the year.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly tire for daily commutes, the Cosmo RC-17 would be a practical choice. It’s suitable for drivers seeking comfortable rides with low noise and predictable performance in city conditions.

The Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 would be a suitable choice for you if you’re looking for a more engaging driving experience. It works well on highways, long drives, and regular commutes. If you want better handling and grip from your all-season tire, go for the HTR A/S P03. It gives you a more refined and confident feeling when you drive at higher speeds.

Which one should you choose?

When you choose an all-season tire, you need to decide what you want during your rides. The Cosmo RC-17 is a better choice if you’re on a budget and need a comfortable tire for everyday use. The HTR A/S P03, on the contrary, is the right option in terms of traction (8.1 vs. 8.0), handling (8.6 vs. 8.1), and longevity (9.0 vs. 8.6). It’s suitable for drivers who want more from their tires.

Considering the prices of the 185/55R16 83H tire size, the cost of each Cosmo RC-17 is around $71, which brings the price of four such tires to $284. On the other hand, one Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 costs around $113, which means four such tires would cost you approximately $452 (a difference of $180).

Based on SimpleScore, you should buy the Cosmo RC-17 if:

• You drive vehicles like the Volkswagen Jetta, Buick Encore, Chrysler Pacifica, and the Dodge Caravan
• Prefer comfort over sporty performance
• Want a budget-friendly tire

On the other hand, you may go for the Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 if you:

• Drive vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Jeep Renegade, Ford EcoSport, or the Mercedes-Benz 560SL
• Want better traction (8.1 vs. 8.0)
• Need superior handling (8.6 vs. 8.1)
• Prefer an all-season tire with a longer service life (9.0 vs 8.6)
• Need a tire that offers a longer mileage warranty (65,000 vs 45,000 miles)

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.