Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT vs Bridgestone Dueler LX: The Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT and Bridgestone Dueler LX are key players in the highway all-season tire market. The Wrangler Steadfast HT is known for its durability, smooth ride, and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for long drives. Meanwhile, the Dueler LX excels in handling and stability, offering comfort and safety in various weather conditions.
Both tires have faced off against Continental TerrainContact H/T, as detailed in our comprehensive reviews [here] and [here]. These comparisons highlight the unique strengths of each tire, providing insights for drivers seeking the best choice for their needs. Get ready for an exciting showdown in the world of high-performance highway tires!
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Results: Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT vs Bridgestone Dueler LX
Results below were taken from Tire Rack’s Testing Highway All-Season Tires 2023 test. A total of 3 tires were tested on Tire Rack’s proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT vs Bridgestone Dueler LX based on the relevant performance category. The Wrangler Steadfast HT was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are classified as an all season tire, Tire Rack will include snow & ice in its testing portfolio. A detailed testing on snow including acceleration, braking & handling will be available after the 2023 winter season. The tire size of interest is a 265/60R18 which is a common tire size for Toyota Hilux 1500 & Ford Ranger. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a powerful 2022 Ford Explorer ST.
Wet
In wet conditions, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT and Bridgestone Dueler LX demonstrate slightly different performances. The Wrangler Steadfast HT takes 113 feet to come to a stop from 50 mph, while the Dueler LX does the same in 111.3 feet, showing a marginal but notable advantage in wet braking for the Bridgestone tire.
For wet handling, subjective ratings give the Wrangler Steadfast HT a slight edge with a score of 7.31 out of 10, compared to the 7.00 rating for the Dueler LX. However, in terms of lap times on a wet track, the Dueler LX is marginally quicker, completing a lap in 34.44 seconds, just a fraction behind the Wrangler Steadfast HT’s time of 34.29 seconds.
Wrangler Steadfast HT:
The Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT tire doesn’t grip the road as well overall, especially when turning corners. It’s not as precise in following the track, but it can still handle turns decently by sliding the back end a bit when it starts to lose grip. The tire feels stable and easy to control, but it tends to slide forward (understeer) more than desired. When this happens, you need to slow down a bit more to get it back under control. Overall, it’s a manageable tire, but it could be quicker in recovering its grip during sharp turns.
Test driver feedback on Wrangler Steadfast HT
Dueler LX:
On the other hand, the Dueler LX had a bit less grip. While its performance in a straight line and during braking was still pretty good, it struggled more when it came to sharp turns. The tires had a tendency to slide (also understeer) during aggressive cornering. The steering responded quickly, but sometimes it was too quick for the tires to keep up, making it easier to lose grip.
Test driver feedback on Dueler LX
Overall, both tires offer competent performances in wet conditions, with each having its own areas of slight superiority.
Dueler LX:
- +2% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling (subj)
- ~0% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry conditions, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT and Bridgestone Dueler LX display distinct performances. When it comes to dry braking, the Wrangler Steadfast HT has a slight edge, requiring 83.3 feet to stop from 50 mph, compared to the Dueler LX’s 85.7 feet. This indicates a better stopping capability for the Goodyear tire in dry conditions.
Regarding dry handling, the Wrangler Steadfast HT again scores slightly higher, with a subjective rating of 7.31 out of 10, versus the 7.06 rating for the Dueler LX. In terms of lap times on a dry track, the Wrangler Steadfast HT maintains its lead, completing a lap in 31.41 seconds, which is marginally faster than the Dueler LX’s time of 31.62 seconds. These differences highlight the Wrangler Steadfast HT’s superior performance in dry conditions, although both tires show strong and competitive capabilities.
Dueler LX:
- -3% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling (subj)
- -1% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT and Bridgestone Dueler LX exhibit different levels of performance. The Bridgestone Dueler LX slightly outperforms the Wrangler Steadfast HT in ride quality, scoring 8 out of 10 compared to the Goodyear’s 7.5. This suggests a smoother and more comfortable ride with the Dueler LX.
When it comes to noise levels, the Dueler LX again has a slight advantage with a rating of 8.25, compared to the Wrangler Steadfast HT’s 7.75. This indicates that the Dueler LX is a bit quieter, which can enhance the driving experience, especially on long journeys.
However, in steering and road handling, the Wrangler Steadfast HT takes the lead with a rating of 7.75, surpassing the Dueler LX’s 7.25. This implies better control and responsiveness from the Goodyear tire during driving.
Overall, when averaging out the scores for noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Bridgestone Dueler LX edges out with a score of 7.83, just above the Wrangler Steadfast HT’s 7.67. While both tires perform well, the Dueler LX offers a slightly more comfortable and quieter ride, whereas the Wrangler Steadfast HT provides better handling.
Dueler LX:
- +1% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality
Snow
The Bridgestone Dueler LX outperforms the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT in snow braking, stopping in 78.80 feet compared to the Goodyear’s 81.80 feet—a difference of 3 feet. In snow acceleration, the Dueler LX also leads with 18.60 feet required to reach 12 mph, compared to 20.80 feet for the Wrangler Steadfast HT, giving the Bridgestone an advantage of 2.2 feet.
Dueler LX:
- +4% in snow braking
- +12% in snow acceleration
Ice
The Bridgestone Dueler LX has better ice braking performance, stopping in 50.40 feet compared to the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT, which takes 52.10 feet. This gives the Bridgestone a 1.7-foot advantage in stopping distance on ice.
Dueler LX:
- +3% in ice braking
UTQG rating
We have previously shown that UTQG tread wear rating can be a good indication of your expected mileage. Below are the UTQG values of both of the tirelines.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodyear | Wrangler Steadfast HT | All | 800 | A | B |
| Bridgestone | Dueler LX | All | 700 | A | B |
In the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) ratings, which assess tire durability and performance, there’s an interesting discrepancy between the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT and Bridgestone Dueler LX, especially considering both tires offer a 70,000-mile warranty.
The Wrangler Steadfast HT boasts a higher tread wear rating of 800, suggesting longer tire life compared to the Dueler LX, which has a tread wear rating of 700. Despite this, both tires promise the same mileage warranty, which is somewhat contradictory given the difference in their tread wear ratings.
As for traction and temperature ratings, both tires are rated equally with an ‘A’ for traction, indicating good performance in wet conditions, and a ‘B’ for temperature, showing satisfactory resistance to heat build-up during use.
Overall, while the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT appears to have a superior tread wear rating, both tires maintain similar promises regarding mileage and show equivalent performance in traction and temperature resistance. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of tire ratings and the importance of considering multiple factors when evaluating tire performance.
Price
For the tire size 265/60R18, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT is priced at $249, while the Bridgestone Dueler LX is slightly more affordable at $236. This makes the Dueler LX about 6% cheaper than the Wrangler Steadfast HT. The price difference, though not substantial, favors the Dueler LX, offering a slightly more cost-effective option in this comparison.
Tire size: 265/60R18
- Wrangler Steadfast HT: $249
- Dueler LX: $236
Difference: -6% more cheaper for Dueler LX.
Summary
The Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT excels in dry braking, handling, and durability with a higher tread wear rating, making it ideal for dry conditions and long-term use. The Bridgestone Dueler LX outperforms in wet, snow, and ice conditions, offering better braking, acceleration, comfort, and lower noise, all at a 6% lower price. Choose the Wrangler for dry performance and durability, or the Dueler for all-weather versatility and comfort.
Dr Edwin Pang