Firestone Destination XT Review (2024) | TireGrades (2024)

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

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

Find The Best Price

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.

Firestone Destination XT Review (2024) | TireGrades (2024)

FAQs

What does XT mean on tires? ›

The X/T tire are typically extreme all-terrain tires which is the perfect choice for any 4×4, truck or even crossover owner who expects both burly look and feel without having to give up too much ride comfort and road noise. Most of the them can offering warranty support, wheel protection and dual sidewall designs.

What is the mileage warranty on Firestone Destination XT tires? ›

Firestone Destination X/T

Backed by our 50,000-mile limited mileage warranty* and heavy-duty toughness, you can depend on these tires to take you anywhere because tough terrains require an even tougher tire.

What ply is Firestone Destination XT? ›

Internal construction of the Destination X/T utilizes a two-ply, polyester cord casing supporting two high-tensile steel belts.

What is the difference between XT and RT tires? ›

XT stands for extreme-terrain. Truth be told, XT tires are the same as R/T tires. While XT tires are claimed to be superior in performance versus R/T, the differences are likely negligible and the noise levels from both XT and R/T are about the same.

What is the difference between XT and MT tires? ›

Hybrid Tires

Hybrid tires, also known as X/T or crossover tires, have larger tread voids than all-terrain tires, especially on the shoulder lugs. They also have pretty aggressive side-biters. They are a perfect blend of AT and MT tires, with on and off-road capabilities.

How long do Firestone destination tires last? ›

Firestone Destination LE3

Backed by a 70,000-mile limited warranty*, these all-season tires will keep your adventure going no matter the destination. *Conditions apply.

How many years are Firestone tires good for? ›

Bridgestone recommends that its Bridgestone or Firestone brand tires be removed from service after ten years regardless of their remaining tread depth.

How long should 60000 mile tires last? ›

They need to be in tip-top shape to ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. So, how long should tires last? The straightforward answer is “it depends.” A normal set of tires should last for 60,000 to 75,000 miles, or about four to five years.

Who makes Firestone tires? ›

Firestone become the original equipment supplier of Ford Motor Company automobiles. They also sold a lot of replacement tires. In 1988, the company was sold to the Japanese Bridgestone Corporation. It is now known as Bridgestone Firestone.

Where does Firestone get its rubber? ›

In 1926, the Liberian government granted Firestone a 99–year lease for a million acres (to be chosen by the company wherever in Liberia) at a price of 6 cents per acre, Firestone then set about establishing rubber tree plantations of the non–native South American rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis in the country, ...

Who manufactures Firestone rubber? ›

Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is an American tire company founded by Harvey S. Firestone (1868–1938) in 1900 initially to supply solid rubber side-wire tires for fire apparatus, and later, pneumatic tires for wagons, buggies, and other forms of wheeled transportation common in the era.

What does the T stand for on a tire? ›

Speed Rating

It is indicated by a letter that corresponds to the maximum speed of the tire. For example, a speed rating of “T” means that the tire is designed to go up to 118 miles per hour. Read: A Guide to Tire Load Index & Speed Ratings.

Which is better H or T rated tires? ›

H-Rated Tires: This is a perfect, average tire for most sedans and commuter vehicles. It might not seem to fit in our chart, but the tire speed rating “H” is rated for up to 130 mph. T-Rated Tires: This tire is often recommended for family sedans and vans. It's rated for up to 118 mph.

Who makes Venom XT tires? ›

Venom tires are manufactured by Venom Power. This is an American tire brand that has focused on designing various off-road truck tires, which got them recognized in the tire market. However, the brand also deals with creating performance, passenger tires as well.

What do the letters on tires mean? ›

Sometimes you'll find that size designations start with a letter(s). These letters identify the type of vehicle and/or type of service for which the tires were designed. The typical letter for passenger and light truck tires would read P, LT, T, C and ST.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 6415

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.