Are you looking for the perfect off-road tires and you are hesitating between the Firestone Destination XT vs AT2? Both of these tires in the Destination range have several traits in common that make them great companions for light to mid-size trucks, although they both offer different features, skills, and driving modes.
Blackcircles helps you decide and determine which is best for you: the Firestone Destination X/T or the Firestone Destination A/T2 ?
How do the Firestone Destination XT vs AT2 compare?
The same way we wouldn’t go hiking with canvas shoes, driving off-road also means picking the perfect footwear for your vehicles; which means tires. Whether for pleasure or adventure, or because your job requires it, off-road tires offer:
- Sturdier and more robust tires;
- Safe braking distances;
- Traction that can easily adapt to difficult road conditions.
However, off-road tires are not all the same, and the best tire for you depends on your needs. For example, if you drive in a variety of road conditions, you will also be looking for a comfortable driving experience on asphalt as well.
If, on the other hand, you drive only on gravel or rural roads, or steep hills, then you will really need performance that is well adapted to these conditions and a comfortable driving experience on asphalt will not be important to you. The Firestone Destination XT vs AT2 share many common attributes, but are not made for the same drivers or driving experience.
In this sense, the AT2 is the more versatile model: it includes both off-road skills and a rubber compound that will also insure a more quiet and comfortable driving experience on paved roads. If you often alternate between long distances on the highway and gravel roads, this is an excellent choice for you.
When it comes to the XT, it is specially designed for off-road skills, without any compromise. This is easy to tell even just by looking at it: its design is more aggressive than that of the AT. Its compound even adds more rubber for added protection against protruding elements.
The AT2 and the XT both share common technologies, but the XT is specially designed for easier transportation of heavy loads and generates a lot more unpleasant noise on paved roads.
When it comes to driving on wet surfaces, both have a tread with Hydro-Grip technology, which aspirates water and then rejects it so that it can better grip the road surface. This is what makes these tires so efficient when it comes to driving on wet roads, but also in the snow, on the ice and in the slush.
This is why both of these Firestone tires are winter certified, and included the 3 peak mountain snowflake symbol. In winter and in summer, these tires are well equipped to face the harshest conditions found when driving off the beaten path.
Firestone Destination XT specifications
As previously mentioned, the Firestone Destination X/T tire is the most robust tire for heavy-duty off-road driving. Amongst its features, you will find:
- Full-depth interlocking 3D sipes;
- Open shoulder slots;
- Alternating shoulder blocks;
- A muscular structure outside of the shoulders;
- Gripping edges;
- Rock expelling technology.
Depending on the dimensions of the selected tire, the tread depth reaches up to 17 mm. The depth of the grooves greatly influences the capacity for the tire to remain stable on surfaces such as mud and gravel.
Firestone Destination AT2 specifications
The Firestone Desination AT2 tire is known for being more versatile and better suited for occasional off-road drivers. It includes features that make it comfortable on paved roads and off the beaten path:
- Deep 3D sipes;
- A central rib;
- A muscular shoulder structure;
- Added deep elements compared to the previous generation;
- Rock expelling technology.
In fact, the new AT2 is an improved version compared to the AT. The latter offered less performance when it came to off-road driving and was much more focused on paved roads; the AT2 balances the two. Its depth is less than that of the XT, and reaches 12mm.
How to choose between the Firestone Destination XT and the AT2
As you may have noticed, choosing between the Firestone Destination XT vs AT2 depends on your driving habits. Their different specifications provide them with a different set of skills.
For example, the AT2 grooves are a little narrower than those of the XT; that is why it is slightly less efficient on surfaces like snow and mud. Inversely, its wider contact surface provide it with greater traction on ice.
It does remain an excellent tire for off-road conditions, especially when we compare it to its previous generation. Grooves have been widened and reject gravel and mud more efficiently, amongst other changes.
When it comes to the Destination XT, it offers outstanding performance on this type of surface thanks to very deep grooves and a reinforced design in general. However, given the amount of space the grooves occupy and the absence of a central rib, its contact surface is reduced, which means it is less stable on icy roads. Dry paved roads are also not its cup of tea.
All in all, if you are thinking of using your vehicle exclusively in difficult to handle off-road conditions, the Firestone Destination will be an excellent choice and quite performant. If you alternate between off-road driving and city or highway driving, you should lean towards the AT2.
When it comes to the warranty, both offer the very advantageous 90 day satisfaction guarantee, which will allow you to be reimbursed or exchange your tires should you not be fully satisfied. When it comes to the limited warranty, it is for up to 80,000 km with the XT or 90,000 km with the AT2.
Comparing the driving experience
The driving experience is an important element and should be considered when choosing an all-season tire. When it comes to off-road driving, the Destination XT offers excellent handling and control, especially during braking and turns, mostly thanks to its shoulder block design.
Even if it is a heavy tire, it is quite agile and is easy to manoeuvre once we’re at the wheel. However, on the road –especially on the highway-, it can become very noisy and can even cause light vibrations. The AT2 doesn’t not share these points.
Both tires are very skilled on wet surfaces: their wide grooves evacuate water quickly and efficiently, for a stable driving experience without aquaplaning.
The AT2 is also very performant off-road, by absorbing shocks and imperfections for a smooth driving experience. However, it will prove less stable in paths where mud is very deep, given that its grooves are not as wide.
In summary, your choice will depend first and foremost on your life habits or work habits. You should also take note that perhaps the AT2 offers slightly less performance, but it is also sold at a lower price.
No matter which tire you select, take advantage of an easy and simple purchasing and installation experience with blackcircles! The best tires at the best possible price, with blackcircles.
