Firestone Destination AT Review: All-Terrain Tire That Balances On-Road Comfort and Off-Road Capability

Overview of the Firestone Destination AT Tire

The Firestone Destination AT is an all-terrain tire designed for drivers who demand versatile performance on and off the pavement. Engineered to handle a variety of driving conditions, this tire strikes a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability, making it an excellent choice for pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossovers.

Intended for drivers with an active lifestyle who frequently venture off the beaten path, the Destination AT features an aggressive tread pattern that provides excellent traction on loose surfaces like mud, gravel, and dirt. At the same time, its optimized tread design and advanced compound ensure a smooth, quiet ride on the highway, delivering the comfort and handling expected from a premium all-terrain tire.

Key features of the Firestone Destination AT include:

  • Rugged tread pattern with deep grooves and interlocking tread blocks for superior off-road traction
  • Specialized shoulder lugs for enhanced grip on loose terrain
  • Dual compound tread rubber for long-lasting performance and wear resistance
  • Optimized siping and biting edges for improved wet traction and braking
  • Reinforced internal construction for increased durability and resistance to punctures

Whether you’re tackling a challenging off-road trail or commuting to work, the Firestone Destination AT provides the versatility and performance you need in an all-terrain tire.

Firestone Destination AT

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Tire Construction and Materials

The Firestone Destination AT features an advanced tread compound designed for optimal performance both on and off the road. This proprietary rubber blend offers enhanced traction on wet surfaces while maintaining impressive longevity and resistance to cuts and chips from off-road hazards.

Beneath the tread lies a robust internal structure engineered for durability and stability. High-tensile steel belts reinforce the tire’s crown area, providing increased strength and puncture resistance. Meanwhile, polyester cord plies in the sidewalls contribute to impact protection and improved ride quality, even when traversing rough terrain.

Firestone’s engineers have also incorporated strategically placed circumferential and lateral grooves into the tread pattern. These grooves effectively evacuate water, mud, and debris, promoting reliable traction in adverse conditions. Additionally, the tread blocks feature a specialized siping design that enhances grip on loose surfaces like gravel or sand.

On-Road Performance

The Firestone Destination A/T delivers reliable on-road performance that inspires confidence in daily driving conditions. On dry pavement, the tire provides solid grip and traction, allowing for controlled handling and responsive steering inputs. The tread compound and pattern work together to promote even wear and consistent dry performance throughout the tire’s life.

In wet conditions, the Destination A/T exhibits impressive hydroplaning resistance. The tread design features circumferential grooves and lateral notches that effectively evacuate water from beneath the tire’s footprint, enhancing traction on slick surfaces. Braking distances remain composed, even on rain-soaked roads.

Handling characteristics are balanced, with a good blend of responsiveness and stability. The tire feels planted through corners, with minimal body roll or vague steering feedback. While not a dedicated performance tire, the Destination A/T delivers secure handling that exceeds expectations for an all-terrain tire.

Noise levels are well-controlled, contributing to a comfortable ride quality. The tread pattern is engineered to reduce the common humming or droning sounds associated with aggressive all-terrain tires. Even at highway speeds, cabin noise remains within acceptable levels, allowing for a more enjoyable driving experience.

Off-Road Capability

The Firestone Destination AT tires are designed to provide capable off-road performance while maintaining a comfortable on-road driving experience. These all-terrain tires excel in various off-road conditions, including mud, rocks, and sand.

Mud Traction: The aggressive tread pattern and deep grooves on the Destination AT tires offer excellent mud traction. The tread blocks are designed to effectively expel mud, ensuring a secure grip even in the most challenging muddy conditions. Whether you’re tackling a muddy trail or navigating through a rain-soaked construction site, these tires will provide reliable traction and control.

Rock Crawling: The Firestone Destination AT tires are built with a robust construction that can withstand the rigors of rock crawling. The reinforced sidewalls and sturdy tread compound help resist punctures and cuts, ensuring durability when traversing over rocky terrain. The tread pattern’s interlocking tread blocks provide excellent grip and traction, allowing you to confidently navigate over rocky surfaces without sacrificing control.

Sand Performance: The unique tread design of the Destination AT tires excels in sandy environments. The widely spaced tread blocks and deep grooves work together to prevent sand from packing and clogging the tread, maintaining traction and mobility. Whether you’re exploring sandy trails or hitting the dunes, these tires will provide reliable performance, allowing you to enjoy your off-road adventures without getting bogged down.

Overall, the Firestone Destination AT tires offer a well-rounded off-road capability, making them a versatile choice for adventurers who demand reliable performance in various terrains. With their impressive mud traction, rock crawling capabilities, and sand performance, these tires are ready to tackle your next off-road adventure with confidence.

Treadwear and Durability

The Firestone Destination A/T tire is designed to provide impressive treadwear and durability for drivers who demand long-lasting performance from their all-terrain tires. With its rugged construction and advanced tread compound, this tire can withstand the rigors of both on-road and off-road driving.

One of the standout features of the Destination A/T is its impressive tread life expectancy. Firestone’s engineers have carefully crafted the tire’s tread design and compound to maximize treadwear, ensuring that you can enjoy thousands of miles of dependable performance before needing a replacement. The tire’s symmetric tread pattern and optimized siping help to evenly distribute wear, prolonging the tread’s lifespan.

In addition to its impressive treadwear, the Destination A/T also boasts excellent resistance to chips and cuts. The tire’s robust construction, featuring a two-ply polyester casing and a two-ply steel belted body, helps to protect against punctures and sidewall damage. This durability is particularly important for those who frequently venture off the beaten path, where sharp rocks and other debris can pose a threat to tire integrity.

To further instill confidence in the Destination A/T’s durability, Firestone backs the tire with an impressive warranty. Depending on the specific tire size and application, the warranty coverage can range from 50,000 to 60,000 miles for passenger vehicles and up to 50,000 miles for light trucks and SUVs. This warranty not only covers treadwear but also offers protection against defects in materials and workmanship, providing peace of mind for Destination A/T owners.

Sizes and Fitments

The Firestone Destination A/T is available in a wide range of sizes to fit most trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. From smaller sizes like 235/75R15 for compact SUVs to massive 37-inch tires for heavy-duty pickup trucks, there’s a Destination A/T size for nearly any vehicle.

Some of the most popular fitments include:

  • Ford F-150: 275/65R18, 275/55R20, 285/55R20
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 275/65R18, 275/55R20, 285/60R20
  • Ram 1500: 275/60R20, 285/60R20, 275/55R20
  • Toyota 4Runner: 265/70R17, 275/65R18, 285/70R17
  • Jeep Wrangler: 285/70R17, 315/70R17, 35X12.50R17

The Destination A/T covers a wide range of diameters from 15-22 inches, with multiple width and sidewall options for each diameter. This gives drivers plenty of flexibility to fit these tires on their specific vehicle while achieving the desired look, performance characteristics, and load capacity.

In addition to mainstream sizes, Firestone offers plus sizing for drivers looking to upsize their tires for improved traction, ground clearance, and styling. The largest Destination A/T sizes are a burly 37×12.50R17 for serious off-road rigs.

Competition Comparison

The Firestone Destination A/T faces stiff competition in the all-terrain tire market from well-established rivals like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar, and Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail. While not as aggressive as some dedicated off-road tires, the Destination A/T holds its own when it comes to balancing on-road comfort with off-road traction.

Compared to the BFGoodrich KO2, the Destination A/T offers a quieter and more comfortable on-road ride, with better steering response and handling. However, the KO2 outperforms the Firestone in terms of pure off-road capability, with superior traction in mud and over rocky terrain. The Goodyear Wrangler Adventure boasts impressive on-road manners and a long treadwear warranty, but its off-road performance lags behind the Destination A/T on loose surfaces.

The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail is another strong contender, offering a good balance of on-road and off-road performance similar to the Firestone. However, the Destination A/T tends to be more affordable, making it a better value proposition for budget-conscious buyers. Ultimately, while the competition is fierce, the Firestone Destination A/T carves out a niche as a well-rounded all-terrain tire that excels at daily driving while still being capable of light off-road adventures.

Price and Value

The Firestone Destination A/T carries a mid-range price tag compared to other all-terrain truck and SUV tires. Retail pricing from Firestone starts around $150 for a 16-inch rim diameter and climbs to over $350 for larger 20-inch and higher sizes. While not the most budget-friendly option, the Destination A/T presents a nice balance of cost and performance.

For the money, you get a capable all-terrain tire adept at tackling mild off-road trails while providing a compliant on-road ride. The long treadwear warranties of up to 60,000 miles add further value by maximizing your investment’s longevity. Firestone’s reputation for quality construction and the Destination A/T’s versatility make it a smart pick for truck and SUV owners seeking a well-rounded performer without breaking the bank.

When scrutinizing the cost versus performance equation, the Firestone Destination A/T emerges as a solid value option among the ever-expanding all-terrain category. It delivers trusted off-road capability and on-road manners at a price point that won’t overly strain your budget.

Pros and Cons Summary

The Firestone Destination A/T is an impressive all-terrain tire that offers a well-balanced combination of on-road comfort, off-road traction, and long-lasting durability. Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

  • Excellent all-season traction on various terrains, from highways to mud and rocky trails
  • Aggressive tread pattern with deep grooves and beefy lugs for reliable off-road grip
  • Reinforced internal construction for enhanced durability and resistance to punctures
  • Relatively quiet and comfortable ride quality on paved roads
  • Long treadwear warranty for added peace of mind

Cons:

Overall, the Firestone Destination A/T is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a capable all-terrain tire that can handle various driving conditions without sacrificing too much on-road comfort or treadlife. Its strengths outweigh its minor drawbacks, making it a solid investment for those with an active lifestyle or frequent off-road adventures.

Is the Destination AT Right for You?

The Firestone Destination AT is a highly capable all-terrain tire that delivers impressive performance both on and off the road. Its rugged construction and aggressive tread pattern make it an excellent choice for those who frequently venture off the beaten path, whether for off-road adventures or navigating challenging terrain.

If you’re an avid off-roader or overlander who demands a tire that can handle mud, rocks, and other obstacles with ease, the Destination AT is an excellent option. Its reinforced sidewalls and sturdy construction provide the durability and puncture resistance required for tackling demanding off-road conditions.

However, if your driving is primarily limited to well-maintained highways and city streets, the Destination AT may be overkill. Its aggressive tread pattern can generate slightly more road noise and potentially compromise fuel efficiency compared to highway-terrain tires. In such cases, a more road-focused tire might better suit your needs.

Ultimately, the Firestone Destination AT is a versatile and reliable choice for those seeking a tire that can seamlessly transition from paved roads to rugged off-road environments. Its balanced performance, durability, and off-road prowess make it a compelling option for adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts who refuse to let terrain limitations hold them back.

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