Firestone’s Destination X/T all-terrain tire didn’t look aggressive on paper—narrow lug voids, modest shoulders, two-ply construction. But across 1,200 miles of Eastern Oregon’s demanding terrain, from highway miles to volcanic rock and spring mud, this unassuming tire delivered surprising performance and a 6.3 percent fuel economy gain. Here’s what we learned during our initial shakedown.
I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive when the Destination X/Ts landed on my driveway. Firestone had invited us to join them on a scouting trip in Eastern Oregon, so I shed my tried-and-tested ATs for an unknown. So why the apprehension?
Well, the X/T looked a bit on the timid side, with narrower lug voids, a modest shoulder, and two-ply construction. Additionally, the brand is typically associated with OEM factory-fit tires rather than aftermarket re-fit.
What I’ve discovered over the years is that tire design is a balance of compromises, and though our target might be a strong dirt performer, 95 percent of a tire’s life is usually on the pavement. The test run was 1,222 miles, with roughly 700 on pavement.
The rest consisted of graded dirt, two-tracks of embedded rock, volcanic debris, mud, and alkali flats. On the highway the X/T was quiet, directionally predictable, round (balance weight averaged 2.3 ounces), and fuel economy increased by 6.3 percent over my previous dogs.
Tire manufacturers rarely suggest anything but door placard air pressure, but airing down is what we do. At 15 psi, deformation on embedded rock provided good grip and a soft(ish) ride, and at threshold throttle input over spring-thaw mud the X/T did an admirable job of maintaining traction and clearing voids.
This is in-part due to the full-depth 3D siping across the tread block, void ratio and spacing, a staggered shoulder, rubber compound, and an innovative crenelated design on the longitudinal edge of the outermost rib.
Overall, I’m pleasantly surprised with this tire’s performance. But a proper test requires more than a dash across Oregon’s outback, and should include varying types of sand, snow, and wet pavement conditions.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the Destination X/T does during my annual sojourn to Baja, and we’ll circle back around with a long-term evaluation after we’ve spun 20k or so on the odometer.
Specifications:
Size/load range: LT285/75R16/E
Diameter, section width (in.): 32.8, 11.3
Weight/tread depth (in.): 52, 16/32
Siping: Full depth, interlocking
Tread warrantee: 50,000
3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certified: Yes
URL: firestonetire.com
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This article originally appeared in OVR Issue 10. For more informative articles like this, consider subscribing to OVR Magazine in print or digital versions here. You can also find the print edition of OVR at your local newsstand by using our Magazine Finder.
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