This review dives deep into the Firestone WeatherGrip to help you make an informed decision. You’ll see how it stacks up against the premium Michelin CrossClimate2, the mid-range Vredestein HiTrac All Season, and the value-oriented Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91. We also cover known issues drivers have reported and break down the performance numbers that matter most.The Firestone WeatherGrip delivers responsive dry cornering, reassuring hydroplaning resistance, a noticeably cushioned ride, and strong performance in winter conditions for drivers who want a dependable grand touring all-season option. Yet, shorter tread life expectations and limited winter traction may give some drivers pause.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Price Comparison
| Tire | Price Category |
|---|---|
| Firestone WeatherGrip | Mid-Priced |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | Premium |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | Mid-Priced |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | Budget |
Wet Performance
| Tire | Hydroplaning Resistance | Wet Traction |
|---|---|---|
| Firestone WeatherGrip | 8.8 | 8.8 |
| 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 WeatherGrip | 8.9 | 9.2 | 8.9 |
| 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 WeatherGrip | 8.8 | 8.2 | 7.8 |
| 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 WeatherGrip | 8.6 | 8.1 |
| 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 WeatherGrip | 7.9 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.1 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 8.7 |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | 8.0 |
Detailed Review
Firestone WeatherGrip
Customer Ratings
Overall Rating
7.9 of 10
Wet Weather
8.8 of 10
Winter Weather
8.3 of 10
Dry Weather
9.0 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.4 of 10
Tread Wear
7.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 640-840
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 65,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.8 of 10
Cornering: 8.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.2 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.9 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.8 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.2 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.6 of 10
Road Noise: 8.1 of 10
The Firestone WeatherGrip is engineered for drivers who prioritize a smooth, quiet ride without sacrificing all-season confidence. It’s ideal for daily commuters and families seeking comfort, longevity, and reliable wet and dry performance throughout the year.
Dry Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
On dry roads, the Firestone WeatherGrip shows exceptional grip and responsive steering. Its excellent corner stability and dry traction give you a solid, confident feel behind the wheel. Whether you’re cruising on highways or winding through country roads, you’ll enjoy steady handling and precision. 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
In wet conditions, the Firestone WeatherGrip provides reliable traction and good hydroplaning resistance. The tread design effectively evacuates water, giving you confidence during rainstorms. Most drivers will appreciate the predictable wet weather behavior. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger wet traction and hydroplaning resistance than most of the competition.
Ride Comfort and Noise Level
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Firestone WeatherGrip provides a comfortable ride for most drivers. However, some users have noticed that the tire produces a slightly higher level of road noise, especially on paved surfaces. While the ride remains smooth, this extra noise might be noticeable on longer highway trips. Within the category, this level of ride comfort and noise control is par for the course, with most competitors delivering a similar experience.
Winter/Snow Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
In snowy conditions, the tire does well, especially in light to moderate snow where it shows decent traction. However, its performance on ice isn’t as robust, and you might experience occasional slipping during cornering. If you often drive in mild winter conditions with icy patches, extra caution is advised. Within its category, it stands out as one of the top performers for winter and snow traction.
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
- Strong dry road performance
- Responsive steering and stable handling
- Capable winter and snow performance
- Balanced overall performance
Cons
- Slightly elevated road noise on paved surfaces
- Tread life may be shorter than touring alternatives
- Limited long-term data due to newer market presence
- May not suit all driving styles
Value Analysis
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Firestone WeatherGrip delivers outstanding value in the mid-range segment. Its performance ratings consistently exceed what you’d expect at this price point, and reasonable longevity when properly maintained adds to the long-term return on investment. For drivers seeking reliable grand touring all-season performance, this tire punches well above its weight.
The Verdict
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Firestone WeatherGrip is a strong option if you value balanced performance and reliability. It excels on dry roads and wet conditions and shows good overall balance. However, if you have very specific performance requirements, you might want to consider other alternatives. Overall, this tire is a worthy pick for those who need a reliable tire that performs well across a range of everyday conditions.
Firestone WeatherGrip Problems
While the Firestone WeatherGrip 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 WeatherGrip 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 WeatherGrip. 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 WeatherGrip 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 WeatherGrip 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 WeatherGrip 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 WeatherGrip Alternatives
While the Firestone WeatherGrip 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 WeatherGrip’s concerns.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the WeatherGrip’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the WeatherGrip’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the WeatherGrip’s winter capability.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the WeatherGrip.
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 WeatherGrip’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the WeatherGrip’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Offers adequate winter performance, though its snow and ice traction are lower than the WeatherGrip’s ratings.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the WeatherGrip.
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 WeatherGrip in every area, it stands out as a strong performer for its cost.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Delivers adequate wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, though it doesn’t quite match the WeatherGrip’s exceptional wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the WeatherGrip’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Offers adequate winter performance, though its snow and ice traction are lower than the WeatherGrip’s ratings.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the WeatherGrip.
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 WeatherGrip.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Firestone WeatherGrip is a solid all-season tire that offers great value with its strong dry and wet traction. It is built for drivers who need a tire that performs well across varied conditions throughout the year.
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 WeatherGrip offers a balanced mix of performance and value. If you want dependable all-season performance, it is a strong choice. But if you are concerned about the issues mentioned above, you might want to look at alternatives like the Michelin CrossClimate2, Vredestein HiTrac All Season, and the Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91. Your decision should reflect your driving style and priorities.
Good luck and happy motoring.
