Is Dunlop a good tyre brand?

Dunlop is one of the most historically significant names in tyres, and in Australia it’s long been treated as a premium, OE-grade brand. It’s a common factory fitment on new Australian-delivered vehicles and a familiar sight in the aftermarket. In tier terms it sits in the premium / upper Tier 1–2 bracket, competing with Bridgestone, Goodyear and Continental. It’s also the control-tyre brand in Australian Supercars racing, which underlines its performance credibility.

Who owns Dunlop in Australia now?

This is the part that confuses people. Ownership of the Dunlop brand has been fragmented globally for decades, with Sumitomo, Goodyear and Continental all holding rights in different regions. For years Goodyear owned the rights to the Dunlop consumer brand in Australia, while Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) built the racing tyres. In a deal reported at around US$701 million and expected to complete around mid-2025, Sumitomo agreed to buy Dunlop’s consumer-tyre brand rights for markets including Australia back from Goodyear. So going forward, Dunlop and Goodyear are separate stables locally. Our Bridgestone vs Dunlop piece looks at where that leaves buyers.

Are Dunlop tyres made in Australia?

No. Dunlop tyres sold here are imported — for example, Dunlop’s control tyres used in Australian motorsport have long been produced by Sumitomo in Japan, and consumer tyres come from various overseas plants. Australia no longer has a mass-market tyre factory. As we explain in where your tyres are actually manufactured, the country of manufacture matters far less than the specific model and whether it meets your car’s load index and speed rating.

What Dunlop tyre ranges are sold in Australia?

Prices below are a 2026 guide only and vary by size and retailer.

Range	Best for
SP Sport / Sport Maxx	Passenger cars and performance/sports cars; grip and steering feel
SP Touring / EnaSave	Everyday commuters; comfort, wear and fuel economy
Grandtrek	SUVs, utes and 4WDs; highway (H/T) and all-terrain (A/T) patterns

The Grandtrek family is the one most Australians know — a genuinely capable SUV and 4WD range that turns up in our touring and towing guides, such as best towing tyres for a dual-cab ute and best tyres for a grey nomad touring setup. If you want the full breakdown of tread types, see all-terrain vs highway-terrain vs mud-terrain.

How much do Dunlop tyres cost, and are they worth it?

Dunlop is priced as a premium brand — broadly in line with Goodyear and a little below the dearest Michelin options in many sizes. As with any tyre, weigh it on cost per kilometre rather than the up-front figure. For an OE replacement on a car that came with Dunlops from the factory, sticking with the same brand is a sensible, no-surprises choice; budget-minded buyers might compare a strong mid-tier brand and read premium vs budget tyres first.

What are the downsides?

Two things to keep in mind. First, the brand’s ownership reshuffle means it’s worth checking that the specific model you want is current and well stocked in your size. Second, like all premium brands, Dunlop costs more than budget rubber, and some sporty Sport Maxx compounds trade tread life for grip. Never drop below your placard’s load or speed rating to chase a lower price.

Frequently asked questions

Are Dunlop and Goodyear the same?
Not any more in Australia. Goodyear controlled the Dunlop brand here for years, but Sumitomo Rubber Industries has been acquiring Dunlop’s consumer-tyre rights for this market.

Are Dunlop Grandtrek tyres any good?
Yes — the Grandtrek H/T and A/T tyres are well-regarded for Australian SUVs and 4WDs, and appear across our towing and touring guides.

Is Dunlop better than Bridgestone?
Both are premium OE brands and both are strong; it comes down to the specific model and your vehicle. See Bridgestone vs Dunlop.

Do Dunlop tyres come with a warranty?
Yes — a manufacturer’s warranty against defects, plus your Australian Consumer Law rights. Keep your receipt and fitting records.

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Prices and product ranges are a 2026 guide only and change frequently — confirm current pricing and specifications with your retailer. This article is general information, not vehicle-specific advice.

External sources: V8 Sleuth — Dunlop brand sold off by Goodyear; Dunlop Tyres Australia.