Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 review

The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 has truly gone from hero to zero in just three years, because it was the joint runner up in our 2018 test. The five-year old RT 2 would normally be close to the end of its life, but with parent company Goodyear focusing heavily on its own products, it may be around for a while yet. 

Last time it was one of the wet-weather stars and was particularly effective in the aquaplaning tests. That performance is still there, with two podium finishes, but it was last in the handling and braking, and could only go one better in cornering.

The braking result is a concern, because it was still travelling at 26mph when the remarkable Hankook had stopped, and 13mph when the next best had come to a standstill. It lacked balance too, with a pointy turn-in that easily triggered a rear-axle slide. Once into the turn, the front was short of grip, forcing a long wait to get on the throttle. 

It was better on the dry track, where that sharp steering was an asset, but braking was again a low point, at two metres off the winning Michelin. 

Dunlop’s good economy remains, but the competition has moved on when it comes to combining that with wet grip.

We say...

Worrying wet braking result means a replacement for the Sport Maxx RT 2 can’t come soon enough for Dunlop.

Blackcircles says...

"This tyre has been popular, and more than 2,100 reviews have resulted in an overall score of 4.6/5. It’s a slightly older model and that may explain its lower position in this test."

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