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Last updated 11/18/2024 - Originally published 11/18/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Falken is a well-known Japanese brand of tires that’s been in the US since 1985. With time, the brand has attained great heights and offers buyers several tire products across different segments in the US. Falken is owned by Sumitomo Rubber Industries and its portfolio includes a combination of premium tires, budget tires, and OEM tires. As a brand known for its valuable products, its tires exude characteristics such as capable handling, quietness, good ride quality, and more. One of its products is Falken Ziex CT60 A/S, an all-season tire that ensures long tread life and is suitable for use on SUVs and CUVs.
Compared to the above, Firestone is an American brand that arrived on the scene much earlier, in 1900. Today, it is owned by Bridgestone, one of the top tire brands in the world, and this has led to improved quality and performance. Firestone also has many products across different tire segments, one of which is the Firestone Destination LE3. Expect optimum handling, stability, reliable performance, and much more from the Destination LE3 which is built for SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks.
Both brands have introduced tire models in the US market only after extensive studies, development, and testing to meet or surpass consumer expectations. We have compared the above two tires in this comparison to tell you whether both perform at the same level or if one is better than the other. So, if you’re in the market for suitable all-season tires that are available at affordable rates, ensure that you go through this Ziex CT60 A/S vs Destination LE3 tires comparison. To give you ratings on both tires, we have compared them as per our in-house grading system called SimpleScore.
Falken Ziex CT60 A/S tires
The Falken Ziex CT60 A/S adheres to the qualities expected from most mid-range all-season tires, including long tread life. To ensure complete peace of mind, an attractive limited manufacturer tread life warranty is on offer. Vehicles like SUVs and CUVs will stop quickly when on these tires as the advanced tread compound ensures better braking performance in wet and snowy weather conditions. Falken is known for making reliable tires and the Ziex CT60 A/S is no exception. An asymmetric tread pattern helps boost traction here, as does the tread compound. After comprehensive road tests, we found the Ziex CT60 A/S good enough for an average SimpleScore of 8.6.
Firestone Destination LE3 tires
Some of the characteristics drivers of light trucks, CUVs, and SUVs want in their tires are good ride quality, great year-round traction, high tread life, and a limited manufacturer tread life warranty. We are happy to inform you that the Firestone Destination LE3 offers all of the above, making it an all-season tire worth your money and time. While the black or Outlined White Sidewall (OWL) for certain sizes makes the tire look good, TractionTech technology results in even wear and a lower rolling resistance for better fuel economy. An advanced tread design enhances ride comfort by absorbing vibrations and keeping road noise at bay. The Firestone Destination LE3 features a symmetric tread pattern and is good enough for an average SimpleScore of 8.6.
Falken Ziex CT60 A/S vs Firestone Destination LE3 tires on traction
Though meant for both SUVs and CUVs, you’ll see the Falken Ziex CT60 A/S as a better fit for modern CUVs as it meets the needs of the latest crossover platforms. These tires are meant to maximize year-round safety through the silica-enriched tread compound, resulting in a favorable dry and wet grip. As per the above, the CT60 A/S is deemed suitable for an average traction SimpleScore of 8.3.
Both tires being compared here are available with the same tread depth. The Firestone Destination LE3 features full-depth 3D sipes for better regular and snow traction and Hydro-Grip Technology for generating a wet grip while removing water from the contact patch. For the amount of traction available in dry, wet, and light winter conditions, the Destination LE3 receives an average traction SimpleScore of 8.3.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
Falken Ziex CT60 A/S vs Firestone Destination LE3 tires on handling
There are small differences in terms of speed ratings between the two tires, with H, V, and W signifying that Falken is the faster tire. It would be possible to drive and corner the Falken Ziex CT60 A/S tire at higher speeds. Though the tread depth is the same for both tires, Falken’s rubber compound has been specially designed for improved dry and wet braking power. Both can be regarded as premium all-season tires designed for year-round performance and safety, with the tire showcasing a high-rigidity outside shoulder rib for better handling and stability. As per the above, the Ziex CT60 A/S gets an average handling score of 8.7.
In comparison to the above, the Firestone Destination LE3 sports H and T as its speed ratings. The full-depth 3D sipes boost performance and you can expect the tire to demonstrate similarly high levels of dry and wet performance. We found the Destination LE3 suitable for an average handling score of 8.3.
ADVANTAGE: Falken Ziex CT60 A/S
Falken Ziex CT60 A/S vs Firestone Destination LE3 tires on longevity
It’s finally time to reveal the limited manufacturer tread life warranty figures for both tires and tell you which one provides higher longevity. Though warranty is an important metric that determines the longevity score, it is not the only one. A 65,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty is available for the Falken Ziex CT60 A/S, along with a 30-day trial and Road Hazard Protection. Apart from the above, the silica-enhanced tread compound and the shoulder blocks interlocked by 3D Canyon Sipes are responsible for minimum wear, resulting in longer tread life. The 3D Canyon Sipes also help maintain the unique ride height requirements of CUVs here. Based on the above, the Falken Ziex CT60 A/S earns an average longevity score of 8.9.
Firestone offers buyers a higher limited manufacturer tread life warranty of 70,000 miles for the Destination LE3, further backed by a 90-day Buy and Try Guarantee. An optimized rubber compound and solid construction decrease rolling resistance for high fuel efficiency. The full-depth 3D sipes are responsible for lower wear and the tire is suitable for more types of vehicles. We found the Firestone Destination LE3 suitable for an excellent average longevity score of 9.4.
ADVANTAGE: Firestone Destination LE3
When to use each
Both are available with technologies that keep them quiet and vibration-free for long rides. Although both can be used on CUVs and SUVs, the Falken is the better option for modern CUVs as it helps maintain the specific ride requirements of every vehicle. If it’s a question of fuel efficiency, the Firestone is the better option. On the whole, you wouldn’t have to worry about year-round traction with these two all-season tires and a tie in terms of traction scores shows that any of them can be picked for the sake of grip.
Which one should you choose?
It is here that we give you different reasons to choose one tire over another. Both Falken and Firestone are ahead in one parameter each and the traction scores are tied. More often than not, prices are very important while making the final decision, and so the prices for the two tires are given. While the Falken is available from a starting price of $118 per tire ($472 for 4), the Firestone begins from $131 per tire ($524 for 4).
Buy the Falken Ziex CT60 A/S for the following reasons:
- It costs less
- It delivers better handling
- It is better suited for modern CUVs
On the other hand, you can select the Firestone Destination LE3 for the reasons below:
- It has a higher limited manufacturer tread life warranty
- It generates high fuel efficiency
- It showcases higher longevity
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, and our helpful agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.