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Last updated 11/12/2024 - Originally published 11/12/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Most of you are likely to have heard about all-terrain tires that are equally suitable for on- and off-road use. Though available with robust internal construction and aggressive tread patterns for traction on gravel, loose dirt, and mud, there is another category that is slightly better in terms of grip and performance. Known as rugged-terrain tires, they provide higher durability, performance, and traction than all-terrain tires but are normally not as smooth. However, remember that rugged-terrain tires will never be as easy to use in deep mud and gravel as compared to mud-terrain tires.
Our objective here is to compare two tires in this category and tell you the better one as per different parameters. The tires in question for this comparison are Firestone Destination X/T and Hankook Dynapro XT RC10. Both of these provide a great combination of comfort and on- and off-road traction while featuring extra sidewall reinforcements, more durable tread compounds, and deeper tread blocks. A limited manufacturer tread life warranty and long tread life are also visible on both of these tires.
During this Firestone Destination X/T vs Hankook Dynapro XT RC10 comparison, we found that these tires are built for fitting light trucks, Jeeps, lifted trucks, and SUVs. Additionally, you can also use them for crossing pavements. This comparison shows competition between a Japanese brand (Firestone) and a South Korean brand (Hankook), both of which sell a substantial portfolio of products in the US. We have rated both tires as per our proprietary SimpleScore system and the results are visible below.
Firestone Destination X/T tires
Despite this being a rugged-terrain tire, Firestone includes X/T as part of this name as it uses the words ‘Extreme Terrain’ to denote it, unlike most other brands. There are full-depth sipes for great traction and even wear, resulting in long tread life. The combination of an open-shoulder design and an aggressive tread pattern provides confidence in difficult rocky and muddy conditions. For those buyers who experience moderate to heavy snowfall 6-7 months a year, this tire features the well-known Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification.
Get peace of mind upon buying the Destination X/T as it features an attractive limited manufacturer tread life warranty and Firestone’s 90-Day Buy and Try Guarantee. If you’re the kind who likes attractive-looking tires, you will love the Outlined White Letter (OWL) sidewall on select sizes here. Based on performance, traction, longevity, durability, and more, the Firestone Destination X/T deserves an average SimpleScore of 8.3.
Hankook Dynapro XT RC10 tires
Well, as it turns out, Hankook uses the term XT as well to denote its ‘Extreme Terrain’ tire. One look at the Hankook Dynapro XT RC10 shows the aggressive, sawtoothed sidewall that enhances off-road traction and secures the tires against damage. As compared to many all-terrain tires, this features optimized pitch variations for a comfortable, quiet ride. Additionally, the Dynapro XT RC10’s shoulder block cushions and its chamfered edges further dampen the road noise. Polygonal blocks improve off-road performance and traction and there are special grooves for better grip on snowy roads. Much like the Firestone, this tire also features Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. Based on the above, the Dynapro XT RC10 receives an average SimpleScore of 8.4.
Firestone Destination X/T vs Hankook Dynapro XT RC10 tires on traction
Deep grooves and open shoulder slots get rid of water quickly, preventing hydroplaning and providing a confident wet grip. On the other hand, there are full-depth interlocking 3D sipes for better dry traction. Staggered lugs are able to provide extra biting edges on the tread for greater levels of grip. A fairly high tread depth also plays its part here and allows the Destination X/T to receive an average traction score of 8.6.
Compared to the above, the aggressive, sawtoothed sidewall ensures high off-road traction, as do the polygonal blocks in the tire’s center and shoulder. To generate better off-road grip on snow, the Dynapro XT RC10 features V-shaped lateral grooves. Additionally, there are wide zigzag grooves to remove slush, water, mud, and other debris from the tire to provide consistent traction. We found this Hankook tire suitable for an average traction score of 8.3.
ADVANTAGE: Firestone Destination X/T
Firestone Destination X/T vs Hankook Dynapro XT RC10 tires on handling
The Firestone Destination X/T has been successful as a rugged-terrain tire thanks to its stability and dependable performance. The full-depth interlocking 3D sipes, apart from generating better traction and causing lower wear, also contribute to better handling. With time, you'll discover that its wet performance is superior to dry performance. Expect an improvement in ice and snow handling due to the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. While braking and at turns, this tire will give you a lot of confidence. Given the information provided above, we felt that the Destination X/T is suitable for an average handling score of 8.6.
Expect the polygonal blocks in the shoulder and center of the Hankook Dynapro XT RC10 to play an important role in boosting off-road performance. A special rubber compound also contributes towards better handling here, as does the higher tread depth. Much like the Firestone tire, this Hankook tire also receives an average handling score of 8.6.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
Firestone Destination X/T vs Hankook Dynapro XT RC10 tires on longevity
Longer wear on a tire means that it can run for a longer period, without necessitating change. The Firestone Destination X/T makes this possible through full-depth interlocking 3D sipes that have been suitably designed for minimum wear. You’ll be happy to know that Firestone offers buyers a limited manufacturer warranty of 50,000 miles and a 90-day Buy and Try Guarantee (terms and conditions apply) on the Firestone Destination X/T. Both the Firestone and the Hankook showcase 10-ply ratings, implying that they’re capable of handling heavy loads. Based on the above, the Destination X/T receives an average longevity score of 8.2.
Apart from better traction, the sawtoothed sidewall also protects the Hankook Dynapro XT RC10 from damage. You can also expect the wide, zigzag grooves to remove slush, water, mud, stones, and other debris to protect the casing from damage. This tire is made using a unique rubber compound that enhances cut, chip, and abrasion resistance for a longer tread life. A 50,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty is the same as is available for the Firestone. We feel that the Hankook Dynapro XT RC10 is suitable for an average longevity score of 8.3.
ADVANTAGE: Hankook Dynapro XT RC10
When to use each
Rugged-terrain tires are generally designed to be most fuel-efficient and have better off-road abilities and durability compared to all-terrain tires. They are great products for buyers who wish to tread the middle path, right between all-terrain and mud-terrain tires. You can expect mud-terrain tires to perform best in muddy and rugged off-road conditions at all times. While mud-terrain tires rarely feature limited manufacturer tread life warranties, the same can be seen on rugged-terrain tires. Light trucks and lifted trucks are the most suitable vehicles for them, along with SUVs and Jeeps.
Which one should you choose?
It is a neck-and-neck battle between the Firestone Destination X/T and the Hankook Dynapro XT RC10. Some buyers may find the Hankook tires to be a little complicated to remember, but there’s little else that runs against them. Each of the tires wins a parameter above and handling is a tied indicator. There’s very little to separate the SimpleScores, which is why we would like to talk about the prices here. The Firestone Destination X/T is available for $214 per tire ($856 for 4) and the Hankook Dynapro XT RC10 for $254 ($1016 for 4).
Here is why the Firestone Destination X/T is a good buy:
- It provides better traction
- It is now under the Bridgestone family of tires
- It is the cheaper tire
- A 90-day Buy and Try Guarantee is available
Consider the Hankook Dynapro XT RC10 for the following reasons:
- It ensures a higher longevity
- Several types of grooves enhance grip
- It provides lower rolling resistance for better fuel economy
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.