Looking for a tire that offers spirited performance without sacrificing all-season capability? The Firestone Firehawk GT is an option, though its ratings suggest some important trade-offs. But how does it measure up against other high performance all-season tires, and what trade-offs should you expect?
The Firestone Firehawk GT holds a Tire Grade of 4.2/10, bringing budget-friendly pricing, and wide size availability to the table in the high performance all-season segment. On the other hand, modest snow grip and quicker tread wear are worth keeping in mind.
Here, we break down everything you need to know about the Firestone Firehawk GT. Along the way, we compare it to the premium Goodyear Eagle GT II, the budget-friendly Hankook Ventus V2 concept2, and the average-priced Bridgestone Potenza RE92. We’ll also highlight potential drawbacks and provide the key stats to guide your decision.
Tire Owner Feedback
Side-by-Side Comparison
Below, we compare the Firestone Firehawk GT against the top-rated alternatives in the High Performance All-Season category. For a deeper look at each alternative, see the Recommended Alternatives section further down.
Detailed Review
Our ratings are based on aggregated feedback from real-world drivers. Each tire’s Tire Grade reflects thousands of miles of owner-reported data — the more miles driven, the higher our confidence in the score.
Firestone Firehawk GT
Customer Ratings
Wet Weather
6.8 of 10
Winter Weather
4.6 of 10
Dry Weather
7.9 of 10
Ride Comfort
6.1 of 10
Tread Wear
5.7 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 460
UTQG Traction Rating: B-A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 50,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 6.9 of 10
Wet Grip: 6.8 of 10
Cornering: 7.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.1 of 10
Responsiveness: 7.8 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 5.3 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 4.4 of 10
Ice Grip: 4.2 of 10
Comfort Level: 6.5 of 10
Road Noise: 5.7 of 10
The Firestone Firehawk GT competes in the high performance all-season segment but falls short of top performers in key areas. It may suit budget-conscious drivers willing to accept trade-offs in grip, comfort, or longevity compared to higher-rated alternatives.
Dry Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
On dry roads, the Firestone Firehawk GT delivers acceptable performance for its category. While it may not match the sharpest-handling competitors, it provides stable, predictable behavior for everyday driving conditions. Within the category, this level of dry traction and handling is par for the course, with most competitors delivering a similar experience.
Wet Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Wet performance is adequate but not a standout strength of this tire. While it handles light rain reasonably well, extra caution is advised in heavy downpours or standing water situations. Within the category, this level of wet traction and hydroplaning resistance is par for the course, with most competitors delivering a similar experience.
Ride Comfort and Noise Level
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Comfort is acceptable but falls short of the segment leaders. Some road noise and firmness may be noticeable, particularly on rough surfaces or during extended highway driving. Within the category though, some competitors do deliver stronger ride comfort and noise control, so this is worth weighing if it’s a top priority for you.
Winter/Snow Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Winter performance is limited with this tire. While it can handle light dustings, it struggles in deeper snow and icy conditions. Drivers in areas with regular winter weather should consider dedicated snow tires or a more winter-capable all-season option. Within the category, this level of winter and snow traction is par for the course, with most competitors delivering a similar experience.
Treadwear and Longevity
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Treadwear is a relative weakness of this tire, which is common for high-performance designs that prioritize grip. Expect to replace these sooner than touring-oriented alternatives, though the trade-off is enhanced performance. Within the category though, some competitors do deliver stronger tread life and longevity, so this is worth weighing if it’s a top priority for you.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price point
- Widely available tire sizes
- Backed by manufacturer warranty
- Adequate for light-duty driving
Cons
- Slightly elevated road noise on paved surfaces
- Less effective traction in light snow and icy conditions
- Tread life may be shorter than touring alternatives
- May not suit all driving styles
Value Analysis
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Firestone Firehawk GT offers good value as a mid-range tire. Its performance in key areas is stronger than most of the competition at a similar price, and reasonable longevity when properly maintained rounds out the package. While some rivals may edge it out in specific metrics, the overall balance of performance and cost makes it a worthwhile consideration for high performance all-season drivers.
The Verdict
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Firestone Firehawk GT is a budget option with notable trade-offs in balanced performance and reliability. However, if you are sensitive to road noise or often drive in light snow and icy conditions, you might want to consider other alternatives. Overall, this tire may leave you wanting more. Consider the alternatives discussed above before committing, especially if well-rounded performance is a priority.
Firestone Firehawk GT Problems
While the Firestone Firehawk GT is a capable tire, some drivers have reported a few issues that might affect their overall experience. These include a bit more road noise, challenges in light snow, ice, or slush, and shorter tread life than touring alternatives. It’s good to know that many of these problems are from isolated reports or can be helped with proper maintenance like keeping the right air pressure, regular rotations, and proper alignment.
Understanding these concerns can help you decide if this tire is the right choice for your driving needs.
Road Noise
Typical
While many say the tire is quiet for its design, a few drivers have reported that it makes more road noise than factory tires or some premium options. This can be especially noticeable on paved roads.
Light Snow, Ice, and Slush Performance
Typical
The tire performs very well in deep snow, but some drivers have found that it does not grip as well in light snow, slush, or on icy roads. This can sometimes lead to slipping or less stable cornering in those conditions.
Tread Life Expectations
Typical
Performance-oriented tires like the Firehawk GT typically wear faster than touring tires due to their softer, grippier compounds. This is a normal trade-off for enhanced grip and handling. Regular rotation and proper inflation help maximize tread life.
Balancing and Installation Issues
Typical
A few reports mention problems during mounting or balancing the tire. Some drivers experienced vibrations or a wobbling feeling when the tires were new, which might require extra adjustments to get a smooth ride.
The Bottomline
While the Firestone Firehawk GT is a strong tire overall, it is not without its concerns. Issues such as higher road noise, reduced traction in light snow, ice, or slush, shorter tread life have been noted by some drivers. If these problems worry you, consider looking into our recommended alternatives.
Firestone Firehawk GT Alternatives
While the Firestone Firehawk GT is a strong tire overall, some drivers have noted its extra road noise, lower performance in light snow or icy conditions, and shorter tread life. If these issues are a concern for you, consider these recommended alternatives.
Goodyear Eagle GT II
Goodyear Eagle GT II
Overall: A premium high performance all-season tire known for its proven durability and high performance, the Goodyear Eagle GT II is built for drivers who demand the best. It offers a robust performance package that can address some of the Firehawk GT’s concerns.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides solid wet traction and effective hydroplaning resistance, even though its ratings are slightly lower than the Firehawk GT’s wet scores.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the Firehawk GT’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the Firehawk GT’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the Firehawk GT.
Hankook Ventus V2 concept2
Hankook Ventus V2 concept2
Overall: A budget-friendly option, the Hankook Ventus V2 concept2 offers good value for drivers who want reliable performance without a high price tag. While it may not match the Firehawk GT in every area, it stands out as a strong performer for its cost.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the Firehawk GT’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the Firehawk GT’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the Firehawk GT’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the Firehawk GT.
Bridgestone Potenza RE92
Bridgestone Potenza RE92
Overall: The Bridgestone Potenza RE92 is a well-balanced, average-priced tire that offers a good mix of performance and value. It delivers solid traction in most conditions and represents a strong alternative at its price point.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Delivers adequate wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, though it doesn’t quite match the Firehawk GT’s exceptional wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Provides dependable dry traction and stable handling for everyday driving.
- Winter Performance: Offers adequate winter performance, though its snow and ice traction are lower than the Firehawk GT’s ratings.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Offers a more comfortable and quieter ride than the Firehawk GT, with comparable tread life.
Each of these alternative tires brings its own strengths to the table.
- The Goodyear Eagle GT II is a premium choice with proven durability and strong performance in many conditions.
- The Hankook Ventus V2 concept2 is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
- The Bridgestone Potenza RE92 offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort at a solid average price.
Depending on your driving needs and what matters most to you, these tires can be great alternatives to the Firestone Firehawk GT.
Resources
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Final Thoughts
The Firestone Firehawk GT falls short of category leaders, with its strongest showing in balanced performance across categories. Drivers on a tight budget may find it serviceable, but those who prioritize all-around dependability should weigh the trade-offs carefully.
However, it’s important to note some of its drawbacks. Some drivers have also reported increased road noise less reliable traction in light snow or on icy roads, and Tread life may be shorter than touring alternatives.. While these issues are not widespread, they are worth considering if you have specific performance needs.
In the end, the Firestone Firehawk GT sits near the bottom of its category in overall ratings. Consider alternatives like the Goodyear Eagle GT II, Hankook Ventus V2 concept2, and the Bridgestone Potenza RE92 before committing, as they offer meaningfully better performance in key areas. If budget is the deciding factor, this tire may still work for light-duty use — but go in with realistic expectations about the issues mentioned above.
Good luck and happy motoring.
