Firestone Destination AT2 vs BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA

Firestone Destination AT2 vs BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA: The Firestone Destination AT2 and the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA, released in 2019 and 2021respectively, are prominent all-terrain tires from two industry giants, Bridgestone and Michelin. These tires are remarkable for their advanced features, off-road capabilities, and most notably, the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, certifying their performance in severe snow conditions.

Firestone Destination AT2: Firestone, a subsidiary of Bridgestone, offers the Destination AT2, an all-terrain tire known for its versatility and durability. This tire, bearing the 3PMSF symbol, provides balanced performance in dry, wet, and winter conditions due to its full-depth interlocking 3D sipe technology. It features an aggressive shoulder design and a proprietary tread pattern for enhanced off-road traction. Furthermore, it incorporates stone rejecter technology to prevent stones from drilling into the tire, contributing to its longevity.

BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA: Owned by Michelin, BFGoodrich introduced the Trail Terrain TA in 2021, offering a harmonious blend of on-road comfort and off-road resilience. Like its Firestone counterpart, this tire is also adorned with the 3PMSF symbol, showcasing its ability to perform in harsh winter conditions. The Trail Terrain TA features a high-silica compound for improved wet and dry traction while optimizing fuel efficiency. Its unique footprint and advanced deflection design resist sharp objects and protect against punctures. Additionally, the tire’s serrated shoulder design enhances traction in deep sand and loose soil, ideal for off-road adventures.

In this head-to-head comparison, we will dive deeper into the performance, features, and suitability of the Firestone Destination AT2 and BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA to help you make the best choice for your off-road adventures

Off road segmentation

When it comes to a pick up truck, the main segmentation of tires comes in the form of on/off road terrain groups. However in this class of tires, there is an even further distribution as below:

Segment	Off road	On road
ATR (all terrain road)	30%	70%
AT (all terrain)	50%	50%
MT (mud terrain)	70%	30%

In this analysis, both the Firestone Destination AT2 & BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA fall under the All Terrain Road (ATR) tire segment. The ATR segment is a relatively new category that emerged primarily due to the R117 regulation in Europe. This regulation enforces a maximum noise level threshold for tires, pushing the industry to adopt lower void designs to meet these requirements. Consequently, ATR tires have a 70% on-road and 30% off-road focus, making them suitable for drivers who require versatile performance without sacrificing on-road comfort and noise levels.

The All Terrain (AT) segment, on the other hand, caters to drivers who enjoy a balance of off-road and on-road activities, with a 50% focus on each. This segment is a popular choice for pickup truck owners who engage in off-road adventures on a monthly basis, as it provides the necessary traction and durability for various terrains. Additionally, there is the Mud Terrain (MT) segment, which prioritizes off-road performance with a 70% off-road and 30% on-road focus. This segment is designed for those who frequently tackle challenging off-road conditions and require maximum traction and control in such environments.

Results

Results below were taken from the 2022/23 Best 9 All Terrain Tyres test. A total of 9 tires were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between Firestone Destination AT2 vs BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA based on the relevant performance category. The Firestone Destination AT2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.

Thanks to TyreReview, we had the luxury to evaluate the off-road performances of both tires. The tires were tested on gravel & dirt to simulate typical off-road condition at Continental’s Uvalde, Texas proving ground. The tire size of interest is a 275/65 R18 which is a common tire size for Ford Expedition and F-150 . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information.

Dry

Based on the provided results, the Firestone Destination AT2 demonstrates superior dry performance compared to the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA. In dry braking tests, the Destination AT2 stopped 1.4 meters shorter when decelerating from 100 km/h to a complete stop. This shorter stopping distance indicates better grip and control on dry surfaces, offering enhanced safety and confidence for drivers. Additionally, in dry handling tests, the Destination AT2 outperformed the Trail Terrain TA by completing lap times 0.27 seconds faster. This achievement highlights the Destination AT2’s exceptional dry handling capabilities.

While both tires scored the same in subjective dry handling, the Firestone Destination AT2’s performance in the objective tests suggest it offers better dry performance overall compared to the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA. These results indicate that drivers who prioritize dry surface performance should consider the Firestone Destination AT2 as a top contender for their tire choice.

Trail Terrain TA :

• -3% in dry braking
• -0.4% in dry handling (lap times)
• 0% in dry handling (subjective)

Wet

Wet performance is a critical aspect of tire evaluation, determining a tire’s ability to maintain grip, control, and safety on wet surfaces. In regions with regular rain or wet road conditions, exceptional wet performance is essential for driver confidence and overall driving experience.

Comparing the wet performance of Firestone Destination AT2 and BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA, the Destination AT2 demonstrates a significant advantage over its competitor:

• Wet Braking: The Destination AT2 stopped 10 meters shorter in wet braking tests when decelerating from 80 km/h to a complete stop. This difference is tremendous and underscores the superior grip and control provided by the Destination AT2 on wet surfaces.

• Wet Handling: In wet handling tests, the Destination AT2 completed lap times 4.43 seconds faster than the Trail Terrain TA, demonstrating its exceptional handling capabilities in wet conditions.

• Subjective Wet Handling Evaluation: The Destination AT2 scored 0.5 points higher in subjective wet handling evaluation, placing 2nd in the overall competition. This score showcases its superior wet handling capabilities in the eyes of the evaluators.

• Wet Circle Test: The Destination AT2 was 0.61 seconds faster in the wet circle test, indicating better grip and stability on wet surfaces, and clinching 1st place in this competition.

• Aquaplaning: The Destination AT2 registered an aquaplaning slip speed of 83.8 km/h compared to the 82.9 km/h of the Trail Terrain TA, demonstrating better resistance to aquaplaning.

• Lateral Aquaplaning: The Destination AT2 outperformed the Trail Terrain TA with a lateral acceleration that was 0.86 m/s² faster, highlighting its superior lateral water dispersive capability.

Taking into account these results, the Firestone Destination AT2 exhibits outstanding wet performance compared to the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA. Drivers who frequently encounter wet road conditions or prioritize wet surface performance should consider the Destination AT2 as their top choice.

Trail Terrain TA :

• -14.5% in wet braking
• -5.1% in wet handling (lap time)
• -2.5% in wet handling (subjective)
• -4.4% in wet circle
• -3.3%  in straight aquaplaning
• -23.7% in curved aquaplaning

Off-road

Gravel

Gravel surfaces present unique challenges for all-terrain tires, as they require a perfect balance of traction, stability, and durability. A tire’s performance on gravel surfaces is a crucial factor for off-road enthusiasts and those who frequently drive on unpaved roads. Comparing the gravel performance of Firestone Destination AT2 and BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA, the Trail Terrain TA demonstrates a clear advantage over its competitor, excelling in both objective and subjective evaluations:

• Gravel Handling: In gravel handling tests, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA completed lap times 0.17 seconds faster than the Firestone Destination AT2. This result highlights the Trail Terrain TA’s slightly better handling capabilities on gravel surfaces.

• Subjective Gravel Handling Evaluation: The BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA scored 0.5 points higher in subjective gravel handling evaluation, indicating that the evaluators perceived it to offer better performance on gravel surfaces compared to the Destination AT2.

Moreover, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA was ranked number 1 in the competition in both gravel tests, showcasing its exceptional performance on gravel surfaces. In conclusion, based on these results, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA outperforms the Firestone Destination AT2 in gravel performance, making it a top choice for drivers who prioritize traction and control on gravel surfaces.

Trail Terrain TA :

• +0.3% in gravel handling (lap time)
• +2.5% in gravel handling (subjective)

Dirt

All-terrain tires are expected to perform efficiently on a variety of surfaces, including dirt. Dirt roads and trails often present inconsistent and loose surfaces that demand superior grip, stability, and control from a tire. When comparing the dirt performance of the Firestone Destination AT2 and the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA, the latter shows a significant advantage in both objective and subjective evaluations:

• Dirt Handling: In dirt handling tests, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA completed lap times 1.05 seconds faster than the Firestone Destination AT2. This quicker lap time demonstrates the Trail Terrain TA’s superior handling capabilities on dirt surfaces.

• Subjective Dirt Handling Evaluation: The BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA scored 0.5 points higher in subjective dirt handling evaluations. This suggests that the evaluators found the Trail Terrain TA to offer better control and performance on dirt surfaces compared to the Destination AT2.

In addition, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA was ranked number 1 in the competition in both dirt tests, highlighting its outstanding performance on dirt surfaces. These results suggest that the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA outperforms the Firestone Destination AT2 on dirt surfaces, making it a compelling choice for drivers who frequently navigate dirt roads or prioritize performance on such surfaces.

Trail Terrain TA :

• +1.8% in dirt handling (lap time)
• +2.5% in dirt handling (subjective)

Noise & Comfort

When evaluating all-terrain tires, noise and comfort play a significant role in ensuring a pleasant driving experience, especially during long trips or daily commutes. Comparing the noise and comfort performance of Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain+ and Nitto Terra Grappler G2, we observe the following results:

1. Comfort and Subjective Noise: The Scorpion All Terrain+ scored 0.5 points higher in comfort and subjective noise evaluation. This suggests that drivers may experience a smoother and quieter ride with the Scorpion All Terrain+ compared to the Nitto Terra Grappler G2.
2. Exterior Noise: However, the Scorpion All Terrain+ produced 0.8 dB more exterior noise than the Nitto Terra Grappler G2, indicating that it may be louder from an outside perspective.

In summary, the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain+ offers better comfort and subjective noise performance, which may be more suitable for drivers who prioritize a smooth and quiet ride. However, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 has the advantage of lower exterior noise, which could be important for those who want to minimize noise pollution or adhere to strict noise regulations in certain areas. Ultimately, drivers should weigh their specific needs and preferences when choosing between these two all-terrain tires.

Trail Terrain TA :

• -2.5% in comfort (subjective)
• +2.5% in subjective noise
• -1% in exterior noise (+0.7 dB)

Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance refers to the force that opposes a tire’s motion when it rolls on a surface. It is a crucial factor for fuel efficiency, as a lower rolling resistance translates to less energy (and thus less fuel) required to move the vehicle. Consequently, lower rolling resistance also means lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which is a significant factor in sustainability efforts to reduce the environmental impact of transportation.

A tire’s rolling resistance is affected by various factors, including its design, materials, and the type of tread pattern. The lower the rolling resistance (measured in Newton per kilonewton, or N/kN), the more fuel-efficient the tire is. Comparing the rolling resistance of the Firestone Destination AT2 and the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA:

Firestone Destination AT2: With a rolling resistance of 8.4 N/kN, the Destination AT2 exhibits superior performance in this area. This tire’s low rolling resistance contributes to better fuel efficiency and less CO2 emissions, making it a more sustainable choice. Notably, it ranked 1st in the competition in terms of rolling resistance.

BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA: This tire has a slightly higher rolling resistance at 8.9 N/kN, ranking 2nd in the competition. While it might be slightly less fuel-efficient compared to the Destination AT2, it still performs admirably and contributes positively to sustainability efforts.

In summary, while both tires demonstrate good performance in terms of rolling resistance, the Firestone Destination AT2 stands out as the more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly choice, given its lower rolling resistance.

Trail Terrain TA :

• -5% in rolling resistance

Price

When evaluating the price difference between the Firestone Destination AT2 and the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA for the tire size 275/65 R18, there is a clear disparity:

• Destination AT2 : $279

• Trail Terrain TA :  $256

Difference: -9% more cheaper for Trail Terrain TA.

Firestone Destination AT2: Retailing at $279, this all-terrain tire is part of the Firestone offering, a subsidiary of Bridgestone. Bridgestone is globally recognized for its high-quality products and commitment to performance. As a result, Firestone, even though typically associated with value and affordability, commands a higher price point for this particular model, reflecting its superior range of features and performance capabilities.

BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA: Priced at $256, the Trail Terrain TA is a product of BFGoodrich, a brand owned by Michelin. Despite being recognized as a specialist in off-road, high-performance tires, BFGoodrich’s Trail Terrain TA is priced noticeably lower than the Firestone Destination AT2.

The price difference between these two models is $23, with the Firestone Destination AT2 being the more expensive option. This is intriguing given that Firestone is usually a value-focused counterpart to Bridgestone, while BFGoodrich is known as a premium off-road specialist under Michelin’s umbrella. Ultimately, the decision between these two tires should be based on a combination of budget and specific performance requirements, considering both brands’ reputations and the backing of their parent companies, Bridgestone and Michelin.

Summary

In summarizing the comparative strengths of the Firestone Destination AT2 and the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA, it is clear that both models have unique features that stand out.

The Firestone Destination AT2 showcases excellent performance on wet surfaces. It offers superior grip and control, and stands out in the wet circle test and subjective wet handling evaluation. Additionally, it boasts lower rolling resistance, contributing to better fuel efficiency and sustainability efforts. Further, the Destination AT2 offers a more comfortable ride, ranking higher in subjective comfort evaluations.

On the other hand, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA excels on gravel and dirt surfaces. It ranked first in both gravel and dirt handling tests, demonstrating its superior off-road capabilities. Despite being a bit noisier externally, the Trail Terrain TA offers a quieter ride inside the vehicle, scoring higher in subjective noise evaluations.

In conclusion, the Firestone Destination AT2 and the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA, both backed by globally renowned parent companies, Bridgestone and Michelin, offer distinct strengths. The choice between these two high-quality all-terrain tires should be based on specific performance requirements and budget considerations.

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