Firestone Destination AT2 Review: The All-Terrain Tire That Does It All

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The Firestone Destination AT2 is an all-terrain tire designed for drivers who demand versatility and performance on both paved roads and off-road adventures. This tire is a popular choice among truck and SUV owners who seek a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.

In this review, we’ll explore the various aspects of the Firestone Destination AT2, including its construction, performance characteristics, and overall value. By providing an in-depth analysis, we aim to help potential buyers make an informed decision about whether this tire is the right fit for their driving needs and preferences.

Tire Construction and Design

The Firestone Destination AT2 is engineered with a robust construction and advanced design features to deliver reliable all-terrain performance. At the heart of this tire lies a two-ply polyester casing, reinforced with two steel belts and a spiral-wrapped nylon cap ply. This combination of materials provides excellent strength and durability, enabling the tire to withstand the rigors of off-road adventures while maintaining a comfortable on-road ride.

One of the standout features of the Destination AT2 is its advanced tread compound. Firestone has developed a proprietary rubber compound that strikes an optimal balance between off-road traction and on-road handling. The tread pattern features deep, interlocking sipes and grooves that provide exceptional grip on loose surfaces like mud, gravel, and sand, while the siping design also enhances traction on wet or icy roads.

The tire’s sidewall construction is another noteworthy aspect, incorporating Firestone’s DEFLECT-A-MATIC technology. This design incorporates two distinct layers of rubber compounds, with the outer layer being more resistant to cuts, punctures, and abrasions encountered during off-road driving. The inner layer is engineered to absorb impacts and dissipate energy, reducing the risk of sidewall damage and promoting a smoother ride.

Additionally, the Destination AT2 features Firestone’s FULL-TIME 4WD capability, ensuring optimal performance and even treadwear distribution in various driving conditions, whether on the highway or off the beaten path.

On-Road Performance

The Firestone Destination AT2 delivers impressive on-road performance for an all-terrain tire. On dry pavement, the tire provides reliable traction and responsive handling. The symmetric tread pattern and optimized siping allow for confident cornering and braking, even at higher speeds. The tire feels planted and provides good steering feedback, instilling confidence in the driver.

In wet conditions, the Destination AT2 excels with its deep grooves and biting edges that effectively evacuate water from the tread area. Hydroplaning resistance is excellent, and the tire maintains good traction during acceleration and braking on slick surfaces. The handling remains composed and predictable, even when driving through heavy rain.

Ride comfort is another area where the Destination AT2 shines. The tire’s construction and tread design help absorb road imperfections and vibrations, resulting in a smooth and comfortable ride. Road noise is also well-controlled, contributing to a quieter cabin experience, especially on the highway.

Overall, the Firestone Destination AT2 strikes an impressive balance between on-road performance and off-road capability. While it may not match the outright grip and handling of dedicated highway tires, it offers more than enough on-road prowess for daily driving and long-distance trips, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a capable all-terrain tire.

Off-Road Capability

The Firestone Destination AT2 is designed to tackle a wide range of off-road terrains with confidence. Its aggressive tread pattern and rugged construction make it a capable performer on loose surfaces like gravel, dirt, and rocky trails.

The tire’s deep, interlocking tread blocks and wide grooves provide excellent traction in muddy conditions, allowing the tire to bite into the terrain and maintain control. The reinforced sidewalls and thick rubber compound also help resist punctures and cuts from sharp rocks and debris encountered off the beaten path.

On sandy surfaces, the AT2’s open tread design helps prevent the tire from becoming overwhelmed and losing grip. The tread pattern effectively expels sand and dirt, maintaining traction even in loose, shifting conditions.

While not designed for extreme rock crawling, the Destination AT2 can handle moderate rocky terrain with ease. The reinforced casing and sturdy construction allow the tire to absorb impacts and maintain stability over uneven, jagged surfaces.

Overall, the Firestone Destination AT2 offers excellent off-road capability for a wide range of adventures. Whether tackling muddy trails, sandy paths, or rocky terrain, this tire provides the traction, durability, and confidence needed to explore the great outdoors.

Treadwear and Durability

The Firestone Destination AT2 is designed to provide impressive treadwear and durability, making it a reliable choice for drivers who demand longevity from their tires. The tire features a rugged tread compound formulated to resist excessive wear, even under challenging conditions.

Firestone’s proprietary tread design incorporates deep, interlocking tread blocks and wide circumferential grooves, which not only enhance traction but also contribute to extended treadlife. The staggered tread blocks help distribute wear evenly across the tire’s surface, preventing premature wear in specific areas.

In real-world usage, the Destination AT2 has demonstrated impressive treadwear performance. Many drivers report achieving well over 50,000 miles on a single set of tires, with some even surpassing 70,000 miles under normal driving conditions. This level of treadwear is exceptional for an all-terrain tire, which typically sacrifices some treadlife for enhanced off-road capabilities.

The tire’s durability is further bolstered by its reinforced internal construction, featuring two high-strength steel belts and a polyester casing. This robust design helps protect the tire from impacts, punctures, and other potential hazards encountered both on and off the road. The sidewalls are also reinforced to resist cuts and abrasions, ensuring the tire maintains its structural integrity even in challenging environments.

Overall, the Firestone Destination AT2 strikes an impressive balance between treadwear, durability, and off-road performance. With proper maintenance and rotation, these tires can provide reliable service for thousands of miles, making them a cost-effective choice for drivers seeking a long-lasting all-terrain solution.

Noise and Comfort

The Firestone Destination AT2 tires strike an impressive balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort. On paved surfaces, these tires deliver a remarkably smooth and quiet ride, thanks to their advanced tread design and construction. The noise levels are well-controlled, even at higher speeds, ensuring a serene driving experience.

Off-road, the Destination AT2 tires continue to impress with their ability to soak up bumps and irregularities. The reinforced sidewalls and optimized tread pattern work together to provide excellent cushioning, absorbing impacts and minimizing vibrations. Whether you’re traversing rocky trails or navigating over uneven terrain, these tires maintain a comfortable ride quality, reducing fatigue and enhancing overall driving enjoyment.

Additionally, the tires’ advanced rubber compound contributes to their comfortable performance. It strikes the right balance between firmness and flexibility, ensuring responsive handling while still providing a compliant ride. This versatility allows the Destination AT2 to excel both on and off the beaten path, delivering a smooth and controlled driving experience in a wide range of conditions.

Warranty and Customer Support

Firestone backs the Destination AT2 tire with a strong warranty and customer support program. The tire comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is a respectable coverage for an all-terrain tire. This warranty ensures that you’ll get a decent amount of mileage out of the tires before needing to replace them.

In addition to the treadwear warranty, Firestone also offers a limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is valid for the first 6 years of the tire’s life or until the treadwear indicators are visible, whichever comes first.

If you experience any issues with your Destination AT2 tires, Firestone has a comprehensive customer support system in place. You can take your tires to any Firestone tire retailer or authorized dealer for inspection and potential warranty claims. The company has a reputation for standing behind its products and providing prompt and professional service.

Overall, the warranty and customer support offered by Firestone for the Destination AT2 tire are competitive within the all-terrain tire segment. While the treadwear warranty could be longer, the combination of treadwear and defect coverage, along with Firestone’s established customer service network, should give buyers peace of mind when investing in these tires.

Pricing and Value

The Firestone Destination AT2 strikes a compelling balance between performance and affordability within the all-terrain tire segment. While not the most economical option on the market, its pricing is competitive and often lower than many of its direct rivals from leading brands like BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Michelin.

What sets the Destination AT2 apart is its impressive value proposition. It delivers a well-rounded mix of on-road comfort, off-road traction, and respectable treadwear – capabilities typically associated with more premium and expensive tires. This makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious drivers seeking a capable all-terrain tire without compromising too much on performance or longevity.

Moreover, Firestone’s reputation for quality and the tire’s extensive warranty coverage further bolster its value. With proper maintenance and rotation, the Destination AT2 can provide thousands of miles of reliable service, making it a cost-effective investment over its lifespan.

While enthusiasts with extreme off-roading needs may still gravitate towards more specialized and pricier options, the Firestone Destination AT2 emerges as a compelling all-around package for the vast majority of truck and SUV owners seeking a versatile, high-value all-terrain tire.

Recommended Applications

The Firestone Destination AT2 is an all-terrain tire designed for drivers who demand versatility and performance on both paved roads and off-road adventures. Its rugged construction and aggressive tread pattern make it an excellent choice for a wide range of vehicles and driving scenarios.

For pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossovers, the Destination AT2 offers a perfect balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. Its reinforced tread compound and sturdy internal structure provide the durability required for hauling heavy loads or towing trailers, while the specialized tread design ensures reliable traction on various terrains.

If you frequently venture off the beaten path for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or off-road exploration, the Destination AT2 is an ideal companion. Its deep tread grooves and interlocking tread blocks enhance traction on loose surfaces like mud, gravel, or dirt, allowing you to tackle challenging trails with confidence.

For those living in areas with harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or ice, the Destination AT2’s all-terrain capabilities make it a suitable choice. Its tread design helps channel water away from the contact patch, improving wet traction, while the specialized rubber compound maintains flexibility in cold temperatures, ensuring reliable grip on slippery surfaces.

Overall, the Firestone Destination AT2 is a versatile tire that caters to drivers seeking a blend of on-road comfort, off-road capability, and year-round performance. Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on outdoor adventures, or tackling challenging terrains, this tire offers the durability and traction you need for a confident driving experience.

Alternatives and Competitors

The Firestone Destination AT2 faces stiff competition from other well-known all-terrain tire models in the market. One notable alternative is the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, which is widely regarded as one of the best all-terrain tires available. The KO2 offers exceptional off-road traction and durability, thanks to its aggressive tread design and rugged construction. However, it may come at a higher price point compared to the Destination AT2.

Another popular option is the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar. This tire boasts a unique Kevlar-reinforced construction, providing excellent puncture resistance and tread life. It delivers reliable performance both on and off the road, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is also a worthy contender in the all-terrain tire segment. Known for its impressive off-road capabilities and long treadwear, this tire strikes a balance between on-road comfort and off-road prowess. It may be a more budget-friendly option compared to some of its competitors.

While the Firestone Destination AT2 holds its own against these alternatives, each tire has its strengths and weaknesses. Factors such as intended use, vehicle type, and budget will ultimately determine which option is the best fit for individual drivers.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Firestone Destination AT2 is a well-rounded all-terrain tire that delivers a balanced performance on and off the road. Its sturdy construction and aggressive tread pattern provide excellent traction and handling on various surfaces, making it a reliable choice for adventurous drivers.

One of the standout strengths of the Destination AT2 is its impressive off-road capability. The tire’s deep tread grooves and rugged shoulder lugs provide exceptional grip on loose surfaces like mud, gravel, and rocky terrain. Additionally, its reinforced sidewalls offer protection against punctures and cuts, ensuring durability in challenging environments.

On the road, the Destination AT2 performs admirably, offering a comfortable and quiet ride. Its optimized tread design and advanced compound help reduce road noise, while the tire’s responsive handling and braking capabilities inspire confidence in various driving conditions.

However, it’s important to note that the Destination AT2’s off-road prowess may come at the expense of slightly reduced on-road tread life compared to dedicated highway tires. Additionally, its aggressive tread pattern can contribute to slightly higher rolling resistance, potentially affecting fuel efficiency.

Overall, the Firestone Destination AT2 is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a versatile and capable all-terrain tire. Whether you’re tackling rugged off-road adventures or navigating daily commutes, this tire delivers a well-balanced performance. If you prioritize off-road capability and don’t mind a slight trade-off in on-road tread life, the Destination AT2 is a solid investment that won’t disappoint.