Choosing the right all-terrain tire, such as the Firestone Destination XT, is not merely a wise decision – it’s pivotal for ensuring optimal performance during your regular commutes and those adventurous off-road escapades we all desire. Let’s delve into its features and performance to gauge how it fares in the competitive all-terrain tire market.
The Firestone Destination XT offers a robust dry grip and consistent performance across various terrains but doesn’t mask a few areas that could see improvement, such as its ice grip.
When compared with other leading competitors it holds its ground, providing a balanced performance and emerging as a sturdy option amidst a plethora of different driving needs and preferences.
In this review, we’re zooming in on the Firestone Destination XT, spotlighting its strengths and not avoiding its weaker areas across diverse performance aspects. We’ll also compare it against its counterparts, with the goal of providing you a guide that not only informs but also aids in directing your decision-making towards an option that aligns with your specific driving needs and expectations.
Firestone Destination XT
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
8.5 of 10
Winter Weather
8.2 of 10
All Terrain
8.7 of 10
Tread Wear
8.8 of 10
Dry Weather
9.1 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.4 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: N/A
UTQG Traction Rating: N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating: N/A
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 50,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 9.1 of 10
Mud Grip: 8.6 of 10
Sand Grip: 8.5 of 10
Rock Grip: 8.7 of 10
Hydroplaning: 8.5 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.5 of 10
Cornering: 8.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.0 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.9 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.7 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.0 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.5 of 10
Road Noise: 8.3 of 10
Description & Review
The Firestone Destination XT emerges as a solid contender in the all-terrain tire category, offering a blend of durability and performance that appeals to both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers. With a design that emphasizes stability and grip across diverse terrains and conditions, this tire seeks to be a reliable partner for your vehicle, whether you’re navigating through challenging off-road terrains or enjoying a smooth drive on the highway.
One of the notable strengths of the Destination XT is its commendable performance on various off-road terrains. With a dirt grip rating of 9.1 and mud grip of 8.6, it showcases a robust ability to navigate through challenging landscapes with confidence and stability. The tire’s 8.7 rock grip also indicates a solid performance on rocky terrains, making it a versatile choice for those who frequently venture off the beaten path. The sand grip, rated at 8.5, ensures that even in loose and shifting terrains, the tire maintains a reliable connection with the ground.
However, the Destination XT does exhibit some limitations, particularly in wet conditions. With a hydroplaning score of 8.5 and wet grip of 8.5, it may not offer the same level of confidence in rainy weather as some of its competitors in the category. This is something potential buyers might want to consider, especially if they reside in regions prone to frequent rainfalls.
In terms of winter performance, the Destination XT puts forward a respectable show with an 8.9 in mild snow grip and 8.7 in heavy snow grip. However, it does fall short in ice grip, scoring only a 7.0, indicating that extra caution and perhaps additional equipment like tire chains might be necessary for icy conditions.
Comfort and noise are crucial aspects for any tire, and with scores of 8.5 and 8.3 respectively, the Destination XT offers a fairly comfortable and quiet ride, although it might not be the top performer in these areas. It ensures that your journeys are relatively serene and free from intrusive road noise, contributing to a pleasant driving environment.
When it comes to treadwear, the Destination XT scores a respectable 8.8, suggesting that it offers a good lifespan and durability, ensuring value for money in the long run.
The Firestone Destination XT presents itself as a reliable, all-terrain tire that performs admirably across various terrains, from dirt and mud to rocks and sand. While it does exhibit some weaknesses in wet and icy conditions, its overall solid performance in off-road terrains and respectable comfort and treadwear metrics make it a worthy consideration for drivers who seek adventure without compromising too much on on-road performance and comfort. It stands as a rugged, durable option that can confidently accompany you on your next journey, wherever the road may take you.
DRY WEATHER PERFORMANCE
In dry conditions, the Firestone Destination XT demonstrates a strong performance:
- Dry Grip: With a Dry Grip rating of 9.3, the Destination XT provides excellent traction and stability, making it a dependable choice for dry weather driving.
- Responsiveness: Scoring a 9.0 in Responsiveness, the tire offers prompt and reliable reactions to steering inputs, thanks to its robust construction and design.
WET WEATHER PERFORMANCE
The Destination XT exhibits certain strengths and weaknesses in wet conditions:
- Hydroplaning Resistance: With a Hydroplaning rating of 8.5, the tire provides a reasonable resistance to hydroplaning, although it may not be the top performer in this aspect among its peers.
- Wet Grip: The tire scores an 8.5 in Wet Grip, indicating a decent but not outstanding performance during rainy weather, which might warrant extra caution on wet roads.
WINTER PERFORMANCE
The tire offers varied performance in winter conditions:
- Mild Snow Grip: With a Mild Snow Grip rating of 8.9, the Destination XT provides reliable performance in light snow, ensuring a stable and controlled drive.
- Heavy Snow and Ice Grip: Scoring 8.7 and 7.0 in Heavy Snow and Ice Grip respectively, the tire offers reasonable grip in heavy snow but may require additional caution or equipment in icy conditions.
RIDE COMFORT AND NOISE LEVEL
- Comfort Level: With a Comfort Level rating of 8.5, the tire provides a fairly smooth and comfortable ride, although there are competitors that score higher in this aspect.
- Road Noise: The Destination XT has a Road Noise rating of 8.3, indicating a relatively quiet driving environment, but not the quietest in its category.
TREAD WEAR AND LONGEVITY
The Firestone Destination XT puts forth a commendable performance in terms of tread wear and longevity. Its durable construction and thoughtful tread design contribute to its lifespan, making it a viable option for those seeking a balance between cost-effectiveness and performance across various driving conditions.
PROS
- Versatile All-Terrain Performance: Offers reliable grip across a variety of terrains, including dirt, mud, and rocks.
- Respectable Dry Weather Handling: Provides solid dry grip and responsiveness, ensuring a stable and controlled drive in dry conditions.
- Reasonable Comfort and Noise Levels: Offers a fairly comfortable ride and a relatively quiet driving environment.
CONS
- Ice Grip: The ice grip score of 7.0 indicates a notable weakness in icy conditions and might necessitate additional precautions or alternative tire choices for winter driving.
- Wet Weather Performance: With scores of 8.5 in both hydroplaning resistance and wet grip, the tire may not be the most reliable option in wet conditions.
Firestone Destination XT Problems
The Firestone Destination XT is acknowledged for its robust performance across multiple terrains and conditions, yet it is crucial to delve into certain aspects where it might pose challenges to users, particularly focusing on the metrics where it scored lower.
ICE GRIP
Navigating through icy terrains can be a tricky endeavor, and here the Destination XT might present a challenge for some drivers. With a score of 7.0 in Ice Grip, it indicates that while the tire provides some level of traction on icy surfaces, it is notably lower than some competitors. For those who frequently drive in icy conditions, especially in harsh winters, this is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a tire.
WET WEATHER PERFORMANCE
While the tire demonstrates a respectable performance in various conditions, it slightly lags in terms of Wet Weather Performance, scoring 8.5 in both Hydroplaning and Wet Grip. This suggests that while the tire can handle wet conditions reasonably well, it may not provide the same level of stellar performance as it does in dry conditions, which might be a concern for drivers who often find themselves navigating through rainy weather.
COMFORT LEVEL
The tire scores an 8.5 in Comfort Level, which, while not the lowest, is on the lower end of the spectrum among the provided metrics. This indicates that while the tire can manage to provide a decent level of comfort, it may not be the top performer in this category. For drivers who prioritize a smooth and comfortable ride, this is an important factor to consider.
Firestone Destination XT Alternatives
While the Firestone Destination XT is a commendable performer, boasting impressive all-terrain capabilities and a sturdy performance across varied conditions, it’s always wise to explore other viable options in the all-terrain tire market to find the optimal balance between performance and price. Here are three potential alternatives:
FALKEN WILDPEAK AT3W
- Overall Rating: 9.0 out of 10
- Dry and Wet Weather Performance: Exceptional ratings of 9.4 and 9.0 in dry and wet conditions respectively, indicating reliable traction and handling.
- Winter Weather Performance: With scores of 9.1 and 8.9 in mild and heavy snow grip, and 8.2 in ice grip, this tire offers commendable winter performance.
- Ride Comfort and Road Noise: Scoring 8.9 and 8.6 respectively, this tire provides a comfortable ride with moderate road noise.
SUMITOMO ENCOUNTER AT
- Overall Rating: 9.0 out of 10
- Dry and Wet Weather Performance: Impressive scores of 9.4 and 8.8 in dry and wet conditions respectively, suggesting reliable traction and handling.
- Winter Weather Performance: Rated at 9.2, 9.1, and 8.2 for mild snow, heavy snow, and ice grip respectively, it provides reliable winter performance.
- Ride Comfort and Road Noise: Both metrics score 9.0 and 8.7, indicating a balanced combination of comfort and acceptable noise levels.
TOYO OPEN COUNTRY AT III
- Overall Rating: 9.0 out of 10
- Dry and Wet Weather Performance: With scores of 9.4 and 8.9 in dry and wet conditions respectively, this tire ensures solid performance in both scenarios.
- Winter Weather Performance: Rated at 9.1, 8.8, and 8.2 for mild snow, heavy snow, and ice grip respectively, it provides reliable winter performance.
- Ride Comfort and Road Noise: Both metrics score 8.9 and 8.3, indicating a balanced combination of comfort and acceptable noise levels.
While the Firestone Destination XT remains a solid option in the all-terrain tire category, these alternatives present their own unique strengths, especially in specific areas like winter performance and ride comfort. Your final selection should consider these factors against your specific driving conditions and preferences, ensuring a choice that aligns perfectly with your driving needs.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Firestone Destination XT asserts a strong presence in the all-terrain tire market, showcasing a potent combination of powerful performance across diverse terrains and notable durability. Its remarkable dry grip, adept cornering capabilities, and responsive steering carve out a niche for it as a versatile option suitable for a wide array of driving scenarios. Furthermore, its respectable performance in both wet and snowy conditions amplifies its overall versatility.
While the tire does expose some challenges, such as somewhat limited performance on icy surfaces, it counterbalances these minor shortcomings with a moderate comfort level and a notably durable tread life. A thorough exploration of these characteristics in relation to your specific driving conditions and needs is crucial. The Firestone Destination XT emerges as a potentially stellar choice for your vehicle, but it’s imperative to consider all factors to ensure your selection seamlessly aligns with your unique needs for safety, comfort, and overall performance.
