Solar tires are made by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., the same Japanese company behind Sumitomo, Falken, and Dunlop brand tires.
Solar is known as a value focused global brand offering dependable all season tires for passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries positions Solar as an entry level line that leverages the same OE approved manufacturing used across its premium brands.
Knowing that Solar shares a manufacturer with Sumitomo helps explain how the brand delivers reliable quality at a lower price point.
This guide covers who owns Solar, where the tires are manufactured, the brand’s background, and how Solar compares to sister brand Sumitomo.
So let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Solar tires are made by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., a Japanese company founded in 1909. Solar is positioned as a value focused entry level brand, distributed in the United States through retailers including Walmart, and backed by Sumitomo’s OE approved manufacturing standards.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Solar Tires and Who Owns the Brand?
Solar is manufactured by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., with product details available on SimpleTire’s Solar Tires brand profile.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries is one of the largest tire companies in the world, also owning Falken and, since 2025, the full Dunlop brand.
Solar leverages Sumitomo’s original equipment approved manufacturing to deliver reliable quality at an accessible price.
The brand is widely distributed through Walmart, which has helped make Solar one of the more visible budget tire names in the country.
Where Are Solar Tires Manufactured?
Solar tires are manufactured at Sumitomo Rubber Industries facilities across Japan and other global regions.
Sumitomo’s global manufacturing operations and brand portfolio are documented on Wikipedia’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries entry.
Because Solar shares manufacturing infrastructure with Sumitomo’s other brands, quality control remains consistent across product lines.
Sumitomo continues to invest in manufacturing capacity across its global tire operations, benefiting the entire brand family including Solar.
What Is the Background of the Solar Brand?
Sumitomo developed Solar as a value focused brand to compete in the budget segment of the US tire market.
The Solar 4XS Plus has become the brand’s core product, known for reliable all season performance.
Solar’s widespread availability through Walmart has helped the brand build strong consumer recognition despite its budget positioning.
Today Solar continues to expand as one of Sumitomo’s key entry level brands in North America.
How Does Solar Compare to Sumitomo Tires?
Solar and Sumitomo are sister brands, both manufactured by Sumitomo Rubber Industries.
Solar is positioned as the more budget focused option, while Sumitomo covers a broader range including performance and touring categories.
Both brands benefit from the same parent company’s engineering and quality standards.
Drivers seeking the lowest possible price from Sumitomo’s portfolio often choose Solar over the standard Sumitomo lineup.
Are Solar Tires a Good Value?
Solar tires are generally seen as a strong value option, offering a 45,000 mile limited manufacturer warranty on the flagship Solar 4XS Plus.
Owner reviews frequently mention solid wet and dry traction along with a smooth, quiet ride for the price.
Because Solar is backed by Sumitomo’s manufacturing standards, quality control tends to be more consistent than many pure budget imports.
For everyday commuters seeking a dependable low cost tire, Solar remains a solid option.
Where Can You Buy Solar Tires?
Solar tires are widely available at Walmart locations across the United States.
Several online tire retailers also stock the Solar lineup with local installer coordination.
Independent tire shops in some regions carry Solar as well, depending on local distribution agreements.
Shoppers comparing Sumitomo family brands may also want to read Who Makes Sumitomo Tires and Who Makes Dunlop Tires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Tires
Who owns Solar tires?
Solar is owned and manufactured by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., the same company behind Sumitomo, Falken, and Dunlop.
Where can I buy Solar tires?
Solar tires are widely available at Walmart, along with select independent tire shops and online retailers.
Is Solar related to Sumitomo tires?
Yes, Solar and Sumitomo are sister brands manufactured by the same parent company.
Are Solar tires good?
Yes, Solar tires are generally well regarded for the price, offering reliable all season performance backed by Sumitomo’s manufacturing.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.