Firestone Destination X/T vs Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT tires

The majority of individuals are familiar with all-terrain tires, which are made to be equally useful on- and off-road. Over the years, several manufacturers have come up with tread patterns that are equally at ease on any surface. The main characteristics of these all-terrain tires are their sturdy design and aggressive tread patterns which are ideal for off-road conditions including mud, gravel, and loose dirt, but if you're looking for slightly more grip that is still lesser than that of a mud-terrain tire, you now have an option called rugged-terrain tire. They'll not be as easy to drive in thick slush and mud as mud-terrain tires but they'll be grippier than the all-terrains. Comparing two tires in this category and determining which is superior is our goal, so we'll be pitting the Firestone Destination X/T against the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT.

The above tires ensure a powerful blend of off-road traction, high durability, and aggressive tread patterns. There are deeper tread blocks, more durable tread compounds, and more sidewall reinforcements as compared to all-terrain tires. We discovered throughout this Firestone Destination X/T vs Goodyear DuraTrac RT comparison that they are built for fitting SUVs, Jeeps, full-size pickups, and lifted trucks. Driving on pavements with these tires is easy. Both tires have been rated using our in-house SimpleScore system.

Firestone Destination X/T tires

Firestone uses the abbreviation X/T to stand for "Extreme terrain" as its unique terminology for a rugged-terrain tire. It has full-depth sipes to promote even wear and is certified by Three Peak Mountain Snowflake for severe winter duty. In muddy and rough circumstances, the aggressive, open-shoulder design will allow you to feel increasingly confident as you cross obstacles. In addition to the above, Firestone offers a suitable limited manufacturer tread life warranty and a 90-Day Buy and Try Guarantee (terms and restrictions apply). The Firestone Destination X/T presents a solid balance of performance and traction thanks to a comparatively high tread depth. It also has a distinctive look due to the black or Outlined White Letter (OWL) sidewall. During our road test, the Destination X/T was deemed appropriate for an average SimpleScore of 8.3.

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT tires

If you're looking for a tire that can handle more than the ordinary all-season type, but not quite as much as a hardcore mud terrain tire, a rough terrain tire like the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT is a great choice. With an average SimpleScore of 8.8, it is one of the tires with the highest rubber quality in the market and is built for trucks and SUVs. The tire's deep and aggressive tread pattern, big shoulder blocks, and reinforced sidewalls provide superior traction and durability. This Goodyear tire is also available with a healthy limited manufacturer tread life warranty, a feature generally absent on mud-terrain tires. Tread depth is slightly higher than the Firestone, but you'll soon see if it translates into a performance or traction advantage or not.

Firestone Destination X/T vs Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT tires on traction

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.

We have awarded the Wrangler DuraTrac RT an excellent average traction SimpleScore of 9.0 for its large shoulder blocks and aggressive, deep tread pattern that help boost grip on gravel, mud, pavement, snow, and other types of terrain. Overall, both tires feature the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol for performing well in severe winter conditions but the Goodyear showcases a proven tread pattern with extra biting edges. The tread depth is slightly higher than that of the Firestone Destination R/T and the grip is further boosted by Goodyear's revolutionary DuPont Kevlar compound.

ADVANTAGE: Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT

Firestone Destination X/T vs Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT tires on handling

The Firestone Destination X/T's success is based on its stability and dependable performance. You'll find wet performance to be better than dry performance here and the full-depth interlocking 3D sipes contribute to better handling. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification also results in improved snow and ice handling. Based on a reasonably high tread depth and the above information, the Destination X/T merits an average handling score of 8.6.

On the other hand, the Wrangler DuraTrac RT displays reliable braking, precise steering control, and responsive handling for increased confidence. The higher tread depth and the DuPont Kevlar compound ensure an average handling SimpleScore of 8.8.

ADVANTAGE: Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT

Firestone Destination X/T vs Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT tires on longevity

The Destination X/T includes full-depth interlocking 3D sipes which are provided by Firestone to ensure minimal wear. This rugged-terrain tire is compatible with Jeeps, SUVs, and light trucks and it comes with a 90-day Buy and Try Guarantee and a limited manufacturer tread life warranty of 50,000 miles. Both these tires are capable of carrying high loads as per their 8-ply or 10-ply ratings. The tough carcass provides high durability and this tire deserves an average longevity score of 8.2.

The Wrangler's ability to withstand cuts, punctures, and abrasions from rocks and other debris on harsh off-road terrain is due to its Durawall sidewall compound and three-ply sidewall construction. Thanks to the addition of DuPont Kevlar, the tire gains additional strength and is protected from tread damage. It is supported by a limited manufacturer tread life warranty of 50,000 miles and a 60-day Satisfaction Guarantee. As per the above, the Wrangler DuraTrac RT receives an average longevity score of 8.8.

ADVANTAGE: Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT

When to use each

There may not be huge differences between these and either mud-terrain or all-terrain tires, but the changes are important from the off-roading point of view. Even though they might be a little noisier on some types of surfaces, rugged-terrain tires are nonetheless designed to meet the performance standards required for street use. On the other hand, mud-terrain tires are designed to excel in rough and muddy off-road terrain. When it comes to heavy snow and ice, tires like the Firestone Destination X/T and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT have your back as they're approved as per Three Peak Mountain Snowflake regulations. Goodyear has traditionally been the better-known manufacturer, but Firestone also has a long history and has been gaining popularity; thanks to its association with Bridgestone.

Which one should you choose?

While comparing the two tires, Goodyear clearly shows a monopoly across all parameters mentioned here. However, the scores are indicative of better performance but they are not always the only reasons to select a brand. To gain a better idea, we would like to show you the starting prices of the Destination X/T and the Wrangler DuraTrac RT. At $214 per tire ($856 for 4), the Firestone is definitely more affordable than the Goodyear which begins from $230 per tire ($920 for 4).

Here are the main reasons to purchase the Firestone Wildpeak X/T:

• You want the combination of a limited manufacturer tread life warranty and Buy and Try Guarantee
• You like the design on the Firestone tire
• You want even wear throughout the life of the tire
• You want the cheaper tire

Now that you have read the above, it is time to see why you should consider the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT:

• You want better traction
• You want better handling
• You want higher longevity
• You feel more confident about the DuPont Kevlar compound’s abilities

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.