Falken Wildpeak R/T01 vs Firestone Destination X/T tires

Most people identify with all-terrain tires that are designed for equal on- and off-road use. These tires primarily feature robust construction and display aggressive tread patterns for traveling on loose dirt, gravel, mud, and other off-road surfaces. Yet another category that ensures more traction than all-terrain tires but lesser than mud-terrain tires in deep mud and slush is rugged-terrain. We aim to compare two tires that fall into this category and tell you which is the better one. Tires such as Falken Wildpeak R/T01 and Firestone Destination X/T deliver a potent combination of on- and off-road traction with comfort. As compared to all-terrain tires, these feature extra sidewall reinforcements, deeper tread blocks, and a more durable tread compound.

During this Falken Wildpeak R/T01 vs Firestone Destination X/T comparison, we found that they can be fitted on full-size pickups, lifted trucks, and SUVs. These rugged-terrain tires can also be used for driving on pavements. This comparison shows the competition between a Japanese and an American brand that have created a strong presence for themselves in the US market and are constantly upgrading their portfolios. Both tires have been rated as per our proprietary SimpleScore system.

Falken Wildpeak R/T01 tires

Falken Wildpeak R/T01 is yet another innovative product in Falken’s illustrious Wildpeak portfolio. It offers drivers high stability and tread life as a rugged-terrain tire while providing the road manners necessary for everyday driving. A 10-ply rating means that it is perfectly capable of handling heavy loads. The tread depth on this tire is much higher than that of the Toyo and it is available with a limited manufacturer warranty as well. It is a tire that can perform all the functions of a modern heavy-duty pickup, including hauling, crawling, working, and more. Based on the above, it is good enough for an average SimpleScore of 8.7.

Firestone Destination X/T tires

Although this is a rugged-terrain tire, Firestone includes X/T as part of this name as it denotes ‘Extreme Terrain’. Available with Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for severe winter service, it gets full-depth sipes for promoting even wear. The aggressive, open-shoulder design ensures greater confidence in muddy and rocky conditions. Apart from the above, a limited manufacturer tread life warranty and Firestone’s 90-Day Buy and Try Guarantee are also available (terms and conditions apply). A reasonably high tread depth allows the Firestone Destination X/T to provide a good mix of performance and traction. Additionally, the black or Outlined White Letter (OWL) sidewall gives it a unique appearance. We found the Destination X/T suitable for an average SimpleScore of 8.3.

Falken Wildpeak R/T01 vs Firestone Destination X/T tires on traction

Falken calls the Wildpeak R/T01 a hybrid terrain tread pattern that provides the longevity and stability of an all-terrain while generating the off-road traction of a mud-terrain tire. It has a significantly higher tread depth than the Toyo and offset shoulder blocks for claw-like traction in off-camber driving scenarios and at low tire pressures. The wide shoulders display self-cleaning properties that remove mud and other debris from the tread for better traction, resulting in a traction score of 8.5.

The Firestone Destination X/T features full-depth interlocking 3D sipes for great traction. Apart from the above, deeper grooves and open shoulder slots remove water from the footprint to prevent hydroplaning and ensure a confident grip on wet surfaces. There are extra biting edges on the tread due to staggered lugs for further enhancing grip. Additionally, the tread depth also contributes to grip and enables the Destination X/T to receive an average traction score of 8.6.

ADVANTAGE: Firestone Destination X/T

Falken Wildpeak R/T01 vs Firestone Destination X/T tires on handling

With a higher tread depth and a hybrid tread pattern that puts more rubber on the surface for better on- and off-road stability and handling, the Falken seems to be perfectly built for its functions. Tectonic tread blocks with step-down support minimize tread squirm and increase hauling stability. With a higher tread depth, we found the Falken to be suitable for a score of 8.6.

Stability and reliable performance are the cornerstones of the Firestone Destination X/T’s success. You’ll find wet performance to be better than dry performance here, with the full-depth interlocking 3D sipes playing their part in improving handling. Expect the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification to boost snow and ice handling as well. Based on the above, the Destination X/T deserves an average handling score of 8.6.

ADVANTAGE: Tie

Falken Wildpeak R/T01 vs Firestone Destination X/T tires on longevity

Compared to the above, the Falken Wildpeak R/T01’s hybrid tread pattern ensures high contact with the surface to ensure uniform wear. The optimized tread pattern provides a high mix of durability and longevity and the Wildpeak R/T01 provides a limited manufacturer tread life warranty of 50,000 miles. The tectonic tread blocks on this tire generate step-down support for firming up hauling and towing stability. Expect the wide open shoulders to increase off-road puncture and abrasion resistance. As a result, we have given the Wildpeak R/T01 a fantastic average longevity score of 9.2.

Firestone has provided the Destination X/T with full-depth interlocking 3D sipes for minimum wear. Suitable for fitment on Jeeps, light trucks, and SUVs, this rugged-terrain receives a limited manufacturer tread life warranty of 50,000 miles and a 90-day Buy and Try Guarantee (terms and conditions apply). Both tires feature 10-ply ratings that are indicative of the high loads they can carry easily. The Wildpeak R/T01 receives an average longevity score of 8.2 which is considerably lower than the Destination X/T.

ADVANTAGE: Falken Wildpeak R/T01

When to use each

Although they may produce a bit more noise on some pavement conditions, rugged-terrain tires are made with the same performance objectives in mind for street use. In contrast, mud-terrain tires perform best in muddy and rugged off-road conditions. Unlike the Falken Wildpeak R/T01, the Firestone Destination X/T is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, which means that it is fully capable of handling heavy snow and ice. Pickup trucks are commonly used for fitting both the above tires, with the Falken being a better bet for high-power diesel pickups.

Which one should you choose?

While comparing the two tires, you would have noticed that both tires have an equal standing, beating the other in one parameter each. However, there’s virtually no difference between the two products in terms of handling. To gain a better idea, let’s take a look at the starting prices of the Wildpeak RT01 and the Destination X/T. At $211 per tire ($844 for 4), the Firestone is cheaper than the Falken which begins from $277 per tire ($1108 for 4).

Given below are the reasons to buy the Falken Wildpeak R/T01:

• You own a lifted or a high-power diesel truck
• You want higher longevity
• You want reliable on- and off-road road performance

Consider the following reasons to purchase the Firestone Wildpeak X/T:

• You want to drive through heavy snow
• You want the combination of a limited manufacturer tread life warranty and ‘Buy and Try Guarantee’
• You want better traction

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.