Are you thinking about getting the Goodyear Fortera SL Edition but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for you? This review dives into everything you need to know about this tire, from its performance in various conditions to how it stacks up against the competition.
The Goodyear Fortera SL Edition is a dependable all-season tire, performing well in wet and dry conditions but showing some weaknesses in snow and ice compared to top competitors. It offers a comfortable ride and good tread life, making it a solid choice for everyday driving.
In this article, we will explore the key features, performance metrics, and potential drawbacks of the Goodyear Fortera SL Edition. We’ll compare it to other leading tires in its category and provide insights to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your vehicle.
Goodyear Fortera SL Edition
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
7.8 of 10
Wet Weather
8.0 of 10
Winter Weather
6.2 of 10
Tread Wear
7.9 of 10
Dry Weather
8.8 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.3 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 500
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
None
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.0 of 10
Cornering: 8.6 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.0 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.8 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 6.9 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 6.1 of 10
Ice Grip: 5.6 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.6 of 10
Road Noise: 8.1 of 10
The Goodyear Fortera SL Edition is designed to provide a balanced performance for street and sport truck drivers seeking a reliable all-season tire. Known for its versatile capability, this tire ensures a dependable ride across various weather conditions, making it an excellent choice for urban and highway driving.
Goodyear has equipped the Fortera SL Edition with a specially formulated tread compound that enhances traction in wet and dry conditions. The tread pattern features wide circumferential grooves that aid in hydroplaning resistance, while the continuous center rib contributes to improved steering response and stability on the road. This design ensures that drivers experience a smooth and controlled ride, even during sudden maneuvers or tight turns.
While primarily focused on on-road performance, the Fortera SL Edition also offers reasonable traction in light snow conditions, making it suitable for mild winter climates. However, it is important to note that its performance in deeper snow and ice is limited, aligning with its primary use case as a street/sport truck all-season tire.
OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE
The Goodyear Fortera SL Edition is not specifically designed for off-road use, but it can handle light off-road conditions:
- Light Off-Road Capability: Suitable for occasional ventures off paved roads, handling dirt and gravel with ease.
TREAD WEAR AND LONGEVITY
Durability is a notable feature of the Fortera SL Edition:
- Long-Lasting Materials: Constructed with durable compounds to extend tire life, particularly for highway and urban driving.
- Even Tread Wear: Engineered to wear evenly, maintaining performance over the tire’s lifespan.
WET WEATHER PERFORMANCE
The Fortera SL Edition excels in wet conditions:
- Hydroplaning Resistance: Wide circumferential grooves effectively channel water away, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
- Wet Traction: Provides confident handling and braking performance in rainy conditions.
DRY WEATHER PERFORMANCE
On dry roads, the Fortera SL Edition offers:
- Stable Cornering: Delivers reliable road contact for safe and predictable cornering.
- Strong Dry Traction: High traction levels ensure grip during sudden maneuvers and sharp turns.
RIDE COMFORT AND NOISE LEVEL
Designed to offer a comfortable and quiet ride:
- Comfort Features: The tire’s construction helps to absorb road imperfections, enhancing ride quality.
- Noise Control: Engineered to minimize road noise, providing a quieter driving experience.
PROS
- Excellent wet and dry traction.
- Stable and responsive handling.
- Comfortable ride with low noise levels.
- Durable construction for extended tread life.
CONS
- Limited performance in deep snow and ice.
- Not suitable for extreme off-road conditions.
The Verdict
The Goodyear Fortera SL Edition is a well-rounded choice for drivers seeking a reliable all-season tire for street and sport truck use. Its strong performance in wet and dry conditions, combined with a comfortable and quiet ride, makes it a standout option in the Street/Sport Truck All-Season tire category. Good luck and happy motoring.
Goodyear Fortera SL Edition vs Competitors
| Tire | Hydroplaning Resistance | Wet Traction |
|---|---|---|
| Goodyear Fortera SL Edition | 8.1 | 8.0 |
| Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Plus | 8.6 | 8.8 |
| Yokohama Parada Spec-X | 8.6 | 8.8 |
| Hankook Ventus ST RH06 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season | 8.6 | 8.7 |
| Toyo Proxes ST III | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Tire | Corner Stability | Dry Traction | Steering Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodyear Fortera SL Edition | 8.6 | 9.0 | 8.8 |
| Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Plus | 9.0 | 9.1 | 9.0 |
| Yokohama Parada Spec-X | 8.8 | 9.2 | 8.9 |
| Hankook Ventus ST RH06 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season | 8.8 | 9.1 | 8.9 |
| Toyo Proxes ST III | 9.1 | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Tire | Light Snow Traction | Deep Snow Traction | Ice Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodyear Fortera SL Edition | 6.9 | 6.1 | 5.6 |
| Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Plus | 7.9 | 7.3 | 6.8 |
| Yokohama Parada Spec-X | 7.8 | 7.0 | 6.8 |
| Hankook Ventus ST RH06 | 7.3 | 5.8 | 6.2 |
| Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season | 7.5 | 6.8 | 6.2 |
| Toyo Proxes ST III | 7.1 | 6.3 | 5.7 |
| Tire | Ride Quality | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Goodyear Fortera SL Edition | 8.6 | 8.1 |
| Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Plus | 8.8 | 8.6 |
| Yokohama Parada Spec-X | 8.8 | 8.6 |
| Hankook Ventus ST RH06 | 8.7 | 8.6 |
| Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season | 8.6 | 8.4 |
| Toyo Proxes ST III | 8.5 | 8.1 |
| Tire | Treadwear |
|---|---|
| Goodyear Fortera SL Edition | 7.9 |
| Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Plus | 8.2 |
| Yokohama Parada Spec-X | 7.9 |
| Hankook Ventus ST RH06 | 8.6 |
| Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season | 7.4 |
| Toyo Proxes ST III | 8.3 |
Goodyear Fortera SL Edition Problems
The Goodyear Fortera SL Edition is generally well-regarded for its balanced performance in various driving conditions. However, like any product, it has its share of potential drawbacks that prospective buyers should consider. Understanding these issues is essential for making an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and expectations.
Road Noise and Comfort
- Increased Road Noise: Some users have reported that the Goodyear Fortera SL Edition can be noisier than expected, particularly at highway speeds. While it is designed to provide a comfortable ride, the noise levels may be higher compared to other tires in the Street/Sport Truck All-Season category.
- Ride Comfort: Although the tire is praised for its overall ride quality, some drivers have noted that it can feel slightly firm on uneven surfaces. This firmness is a trade-off for its durability and performance in various conditions.
Tread Wear and Longevity
- Inconsistent Tread Life: The tread life of the Fortera SL Edition has received mixed reviews from users. While many drivers report satisfactory longevity, others have experienced premature wear. Factors such as driving style, vehicle type, and adherence to tire maintenance can significantly influence tread wear.
- Treadwear Warranty Concerns: There have been instances where users felt that the tire’s treadwear warranty does not fully align with its actual lifespan under typical usage conditions. This has led to some dissatisfaction regarding warranty coverage.
Winter Performance Limitations
- Limited Ice Traction: While the Fortera SL Edition performs adequately in light snow, its traction on ice leaves room for improvement. Drivers in regions with severe icy conditions might find this tire lacking compared to dedicated winter tires.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Performance Against Competitors: When compared to other leading tires in the Street/Sport Truck All-Season category, the Fortera SL Edition holds its own in terms of dry and wet performance. However, for those who prioritize the quietest ride and maximum comfort, there are alternatives that might offer a better balance for everyday driving.
The Bottom Line
The Goodyear Fortera SL Edition offers a solid blend of performance, comfort, and durability, making it a reliable choice for many drivers. However, potential buyers should be aware of the reported issues, such as road noise, ride firmness, variable tread life, and limited ice traction. By considering these factors, you can ensure that the Fortera SL Edition meets your specific driving needs and expectations.
Goodyear Fortera SL Edition Alternatives
While the Goodyear Fortera SL Edition is a solid all-season tire, you might be exploring other options to better suit your specific needs. Here are three top alternatives, each offering unique strengths, including a budget-friendly choice for those looking to save some cash without sacrificing too much performance.
Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Plus
Overall Rating: The Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Plus is an outstanding all-season tire that excels in both wet and dry conditions.
Wet/Dry Performance: This tire shines with a wet traction rating of 8.8 and a dry performance rating of 9.1, making it one of the best in its class. It offers superb corner stability and steering response, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.
Winter/Snow Performance: With a light snow traction rating of 7.9 and deep snow traction of 7.3, it performs admirably in winter conditions, although it’s not as strong on ice with a rating of 6.8.
Comfort: The tire provides a comfortable and quiet ride, scoring 8.8 in ride quality and 8.6 in noise.
Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 8.2, it promises a decent lifespan, although slightly lower than some competitors.
Comparison: The Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Plus surpasses the Goodyear Fortera SL Edition in wet and dry performance while offering comparable comfort. However, it’s slightly better in winter conditions, making it a robust all-around choice.
Yokohama Parada Spec-X
Overall Rating: The Yokohama Parada Spec-X is a high-performance all-season tire that offers balanced excellence across various conditions.
Wet/Dry Performance: With wet and dry ratings of 8.8 and 9.0 respectively, it performs exceptionally well. It provides excellent corner stability and steering response, making it reliable for everyday driving.
Winter/Snow Performance: Its winter performance is decent with a light snow traction rating of 7.8 and a deep snow traction rating of 7.0. Ice traction, however, is modest at 6.8.
Comfort: The tire scores high on comfort with an 8.8 ride quality rating and 8.6 for noise, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.
Treadwear: It has a treadwear rating of 7.9, which is slightly lower but still respectable.
Comparison: The Yokohama Parada Spec-X is on par with the Fortera SL Edition in wet and dry conditions but offers a slight edge in comfort. It’s a great option if you need a well-rounded all-season tire.
Toyo Proxes ST III
Overall Rating: The Toyo Proxes ST III is a solid, budget-friendly all-season tire that doesn’t skimp on performance.
Wet/Dry Performance: With wet and dry ratings of 8.3 and 9.1 respectively, it handles well across various conditions. Its steering response and corner stability are impressive, especially given its price point.
Winter/Snow Performance: The tire’s winter performance is modest, with a light snow traction rating of 7.1 and deep snow traction of 6.3. Ice traction is lower at 5.7, so it’s best suited for mild winter climates.
Comfort: It offers a comfortable ride with an 8.5 ride quality rating and an 8.1 noise rating.
Treadwear: The tire has a good treadwear rating of 8.3, making it a durable choice for those on a budget.
Comparison: While the Toyo Proxes ST III may not match the top-tier performance of the Fortera SL Edition in all areas, it offers a very competitive alternative at a lower price. It’s an excellent pick for those who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Each of these alternatives provides distinct features tailored to different priorities.
- Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Plus: Ideal for top performance in all conditions.
- Yokohama Parada Spec-X: Offers balanced excellence with a slight edge in comfort.
- Toyo Proxes ST III: Provides solid performance at a budget-friendly price.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Goodyear Fortera SL Edition offers a strong blend of wet and dry performance, providing reliable traction and a comfortable ride. It excels in hydroplaning resistance and steering response, making it a solid choice for everyday driving on urban and highway roads. However, its performance in deep snow and ice is less impressive, so it's not the best option for severe winter conditions.
In comparison to its peers, the Fortera SL Edition holds its own in many areas but falls slightly short in winter performance. It's a great all-around tire for those who prioritize comfort and durability in mostly mild weather conditions.
Good luck and happy motoring.
