Are you searching for a tire that delivers a smooth, quiet ride with confident all-season performance? The Firestone FT140 is an option, though its ratings suggest some important trade-offs. But how does it compare to other grand touring options, and what trade-offs might you encounter?
With precise dry pavement control, and budget-friendly pricing, the Firestone FT140 stands out as a strong grand touring all-season contender. That said, modest snow grip and noticeable road feel may factor into your decision.
We’ve put together a comprehensive look at the Firestone FT140 and what it has to offer. We put it head-to-head with competitors including the Michelin CrossClimate2 at the premium end, the Vredestein HiTrac All Season in the middle, and the affordable Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91. Plus, we address common complaints and dig into the real-world performance data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Price Comparison
| Tire | Price Category |
|---|---|
| Firestone FT140 | Budget |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | Premium |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | Mid-Priced |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | Budget |
Wet Performance
| Tire | Hydroplaning Resistance | Wet Traction |
|---|---|---|
| Firestone FT140 | 7.2 | 7.3 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.4 | 9.4 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 9.0 | 9.1 |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | 8.4 | 8.5 |
Dry Performance
| Tire | Corner Stability | Dry Traction | Steering Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firestone FT140 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 7.9 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 8.9 |
Winter/Snow Performance
| Tire | Light Snow Traction | Deep Snow Traction | Ice Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firestone FT140 | 5.7 | 4.3 | 4.0 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.2 | 8.8 | 8.4 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 8.3 | 7.6 | 7.4 |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | 7.2 | 6.4 | 6.2 |
Comfort Performance
| Tire | Ride Quality | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Firestone FT140 | 7.5 | 6.8 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.1 | 8.6 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 9.1 | 8.7 |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | 8.7 | 8.5 |
Treadwear Performance
| Tire | Treadwear |
|---|---|
| Firestone FT140 | 7.8 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.1 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 8.7 |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | 8.0 |
Detailed Review
Firestone FT140
Customer Ratings
Overall Rating
5.0 of 10
Wet Weather
7.2 of 10
Winter Weather
4.7 of 10
Dry Weather
8.0 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.2 of 10
Tread Wear
7.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 560
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 50,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 7.2 of 10
Wet Grip: 7.3 of 10
Cornering: 7.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.2 of 10
Responsiveness: 7.9 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 5.7 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 4.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 4.0 of 10
Comfort Level: 7.5 of 10
Road Noise: 6.8 of 10
The Firestone FT140 competes in the grand touring 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
The Firestone FT140 performs well on dry pavement with predictable handling and good traction. Steering response is confident, and the tire maintains composure through corners. Most drivers will find the dry performance more than adequate for daily driving. Within the category though, some competitors do deliver stronger dry traction and handling, so this is worth weighing if it’s a top priority for you.
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 though, some competitors do deliver stronger wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, so this is worth weighing if it’s a top priority for you.
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 though, most competitors deliver noticeably stronger winter and snow traction, so keep this in mind if it’s a high priority for you.
Treadwear and Longevity
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Treadwear is respectable for this tire category. With proper maintenance including regular rotations and correct inflation, you can expect reasonable longevity. Driving style and road conditions will naturally affect how long the tires last. Within the category, this level of tread life and longevity is par for the course, with most competitors delivering a similar experience.
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
- Limited long-term data due to newer market presence
Value Analysis
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
As a budget tire, the Firestone FT140 falls short of the value mark compared to its direct competitors. While it is not a poor tire by any means, its performance ratings relative to its price point lag behind several alternatives in the same segment. Factor in reasonable longevity when properly maintained, and the overall cost-to-performance ratio is a consideration worth weighing. If value is a priority, comparing it against higher-scoring options in this grand touring all-season category is recommended.
The Verdict
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Firestone FT140 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 FT140 Problems
While the Firestone FT140 is a capable tire, real-world feedback from drivers has highlighted a few areas of concern. These include challenges in light snow, ice, or slush, faster than expected tread wear, and wet weather performance concerns. It’s important to note that many of these issues are reported by a minority of owners and can often be mitigated 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.
Light Snow, Ice, and Slush Performance
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Some drivers have noted that the Firestone FT140 can feel less confident in light snow, slush, or on icy surfaces. While deep snow traction is generally adequate, packed snow, slush, and glazed or black ice conditions can be more challenging compared to dedicated winter tires.
Tread Wear Patterns
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Several reviews mention faster than expected tread wear or uneven wear patterns on the Firestone FT140. Some drivers report cupping or feathering, particularly when alignment or rotation schedules aren’t maintained.
Wet Weather Concerns
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Some drivers have reported that the Firestone FT140 doesn’t inspire as much confidence in wet conditions as expected. Hydroplaning resistance and wet braking have been mentioned as areas where the tire could improve.
Road Noise
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Multiple drivers have reported that the Firestone FT140 produces noticeable road noise, especially at highway speeds. While some describe it as a low hum, others find it louder than expected compared to their previous tires.
The Bottomline
While the Firestone FT140 is a strong tire overall, it is not without its concerns. Issues such as reduced traction in light snow, ice, or slush, shorter tread life, wet weather concerns have been noted by some drivers. If these problems worry you, consider looking into our recommended alternatives.
Firestone FT140 Alternatives
While the Firestone FT140 is a strong tire overall, some drivers have noted its extra road noise and lower performance in light snow or icy conditions. If these issues are a concern for you, consider these recommended alternatives.
Michelin CrossClimate2
Michelin CrossClimate2
Overall: A premium grand touring all-season tire known for its proven durability and high performance, the Michelin CrossClimate2 is built for drivers who demand the best. It offers a robust performance package that can address some of the FT140’s concerns.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the FT140’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the FT140’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the FT140’s winter capability.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the FT140.
Vredestein HiTrac All Season
Vredestein HiTrac All Season
Overall: The Vredestein HiTrac All Season 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: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the FT140’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the FT140’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the FT140’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 FT140.
Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91
Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91
Overall: A budget-friendly option, the Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 offers good value for drivers who want reliable performance without a high price tag. While it may not match the FT140 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 FT140’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the FT140’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the FT140’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 FT140.
Each of these alternative tires brings its own strengths to the table.
- The Michelin CrossClimate2 is a premium choice with proven durability and strong performance in many conditions.
- The Vredestein HiTrac All Season offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort at a solid average price.
- The Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Depending on your driving needs and what matters most to you, these tires can be great alternatives to the Firestone FT140.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Firestone FT140 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. While these issues are not widespread, they are worth considering if you have specific performance needs.
In the end, the Firestone FT140 sits near the bottom of its category in overall ratings. Consider alternatives like the Michelin CrossClimate2, Vredestein HiTrac All Season, and the Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 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.
