Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 Review — Entry SP Sport Maxx for NZ Performance Cars
Overall Rating: 8.6 / 10
Category: High Performance
Price in NZ: From $386 per tyre
Best for: Toyota 86, Mazda MX-5, Honda Civic Sport — entry sports car fitments
Quick Verdict
The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 is the foundation of Dunlop’s SP Sport Maxx performance hierarchy — below the 050 Plus and 060 Plus, and significantly below the flagship RT 2. At $386 it sits at the accessible end of genuine Dunlop performance, delivering the SP Sport Maxx compound characteristics (responsive handling, strong wet grip) at a price accessible for Toyota 86 and MX-5 owners who want Dunlop performance credentials without the RT 2’s premium. It is the choice for sports car owners whose primary requirement is reliable performance in NZ conditions without the extreme dry-performance focus of the top-tier Maxx tyres.
Our best performance tyres NZ guide provides a full comparison of all UHP options at this price point.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | High Performance |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | A (highest) |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | C |
| Speed Ratings | V (240), W (270) km/h |
| Available Rim Sizes | 16″, 17″, 18″ |
| NZ Price Range | $386 – $500 (varies by size) |
Performance Profile
Wet safety: EU Label A — the SP Sport Maxx compound achieves Dunlop’s top wet grip rating even in the entry 050 variant. For NZ rain, this A-rating provides genuine safety confidence.
Dry handling: Good performance character — more engaging than a touring tyre, with the steering feedback and lateral grip typical of the Maxx family. Not as sharp as the 050 Plus or RT 2, but a clear upgrade from budget alternatives.
Tread life: Good — consistent with Dunlop’s compound durability standards.
050 vs 050 Plus vs 060 Plus — Which SP Maxx?
| Model | Wet Grip | Dry Feel | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP Sport Maxx 050 | A | Good | $386+ | Entry sports car performance |
| SP Sport Maxx 050 Plus | A | Very Good | $426+ | Mid-range UHP |
| SP Sport Maxx 060 Plus | A | Very Good | $341+ | Mid-range value |
| SP Sport Maxx RT 2 | A | Excellent | $598+ | Flagship UHP |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- EU Label A wet grip from the SP Sport Maxx family
- Accessible entry into genuine Dunlop performance
- Available in 16″ for older sports cars
Cons
- 060 Plus ($341) is cheaper and delivers similar performance
- Below 050 Plus and RT 2 in outright handling feel
Sources
- Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 — dunlop.eu — accessed 2026-06-04
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/dunlop/ — accessed 2026-06-04
Related Pages
- Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 Plus — better value at lower price
- Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT 2 — the performance flagship
- Best Performance Tyres NZ — full comparison
- Dunlop Tyres NZ — full brand overview
- NZ WoF Tyre Requirements — legal tyre standards