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Last updated 2/07/2025 - Originally published 2/07/2025
Written by SimpleTire, Expertly reviewed by Brett Antosh
Commercial vans and transport vehicles are used for a variety of purposes from transporting passenger vehicles to carrying goods or equipment. Versatile vehicles like these need dependable sets of tires that are durable, cover more miles, do not disappoint on the handling front, and most importantly offer solid traction performance. So, to ease your search for the perfect set of tires for your commercial vans or transport vehicles, we present the comparison of Firestone Transforce CV2 and Hankook Vantra LT (RA18) tires.
Both, the Transforce CV2 and the Vantra LT (RA18) are all-season tires and they are suitable for use in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. Thus, both of these tires offer the convenience of using a single set for your fleet throughout the year.
The Transforce CV2 represents Firestone’s innovation and advanced tire engineering and has been built and designed for longer tread wear, pressure resistance, and a lot more abilities. Similarly, the Vantra LT (RA18) is also a reliable choice from the South Korean tire manufacturer and mileage and durability are two of its key attributes.
So, without any further ado, let’s learn more about these tires and help you decide which of the two is better overall, and in areas like traction, handling, and longevity using our tire rating system SimpleScore.
Firestone Transforce CV2 tires
Let’s start with the Firestone Transforce CV2 which made its debut in October 2024. The tire is engineered for consistent navigating on city streets and is optimized to withstand grind. The all-season tread compound of the Transforce CV2 provides drivers the confidence to drive on roads in rain, shine, and snow. It is available in LT and Euro-C sizing, giving more compatibility options to fleets and operators. All thanks to its long-lasting tread life, dependable year-round traction, solid durability, and tough construction, the Transforce CV2 secures a great 8.6 SimpleScore rating.
Get Transforce CV2 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Hankook Vantra LT (RA18) tires
The Hankook Vantra LT (RA18) is comparatively an older tire and has been in the market for over a decade. Built for use on commercial vans and transport vehicles, the Vantra LT (RA18) sports anti-abrasion qualities and solid durability. The tire offers all-season performance like the Transforce CV2 and is also M+S (Mud and Snow) rated for extra traction. It is also optimized for long-lasting tread life, high-speed stability, better braking performance, improved hydroplaning resistance, and enhanced cornering. Loaded with all the aforementioned traits, the Vantra LT (RA18) scores a good 7.6 SimpleScore on a scale of 10.
Get Hankook Vantra LT (RA18) tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Firestone Transforce CV2 vs Hankook Vantra LT (RA18) tires on traction
In this Transforce CV2 vs Vantra LT (RA18) tires comparison, let’s first know about the traction performance of these tires. This will help you know how these tires fare when it comes to maintaining grip and surface-biting ability.
Commencing with the Transforce CV2, the tire scores a strong 8.9 SimpleScore in traction, which means you can certainly rely on this tire to drive with confidence and a solid grip in dry, wet, and light winter conditions. The full-depth 3D sipe technology of the Transforce CV2 provides biting edges for increased grip in wet and winter conditions. The all-season rubber compound ensures that consistent surefootedness is maintained in varying seasons.
Contrarily, the Vantra LT (RA18) secures a 7.9 score for traction, which is good enough to provide reliable grip and confident motion in varying seasons. For optimum hydroplaning resistance, the tire features three circumferential grooves that facilitate quicker water dispersion. Likewise, the all-season rubber compound and sipes on the ribs and shoulders ensure that the grip is consistently maintained.
While the Vantra LT (RA18) offers reliable traction, it is the Transforce CV2 that’s much better in this area and secures a higher SimpleScore.
ADVANTAGE: Firestone Transforce CV2
Firestone Transforce CV2 vs Hankook Vantra LT (RA18) tires on handling
Your commercial van must be able to respond to the driver’s command, maintain stability, assure confident cornering, stop right in time, and change lanes seamlessly. To know which of the two tires is better in all these areas, let’s know about their handling performance.
The Transforce CV2 scores an 8.1 SimpleScore in handling and indicates that you will enjoy faster steering response and better ride control with these. The flat and wide construction of the tire helps maintain consistent stability, while the detailed sipes offer better braking on wet and slick surfaces. Thanks to the durable construction, the tire can maintain its shape, allowing responsive lane changes. The reinforced sidewall construction that also utilizes curb protectors not only prevents the tire from damage but also contributes to increased pressure-absorption ability while cornering.
The Vantra LT (RA18) achieves an 8.3 SimpleScore rating in handling. This means you will experience better handling performance compared to its rival. The construction of the tire features the foldable belt-end tape that wraps the edges of the steel belt layer for enhanced stability at higher speeds. The great details on the tread contribute to reduced stopping distance, while the optimized longitudinal grooves and contact patch shape improve cornering and stability.
Here, it is visible that the Vantra LT (RA18) scores slightly higher than Transforce CV2 in handling.
ADVANTAGE: Hankook Vantra LT (RA18)
Firestone Transforce CV2 vs Hankook Vantra LT (RA18) tires on longevity
It is important that the tire you buy for your commercial van is durable, long-lasting, and can resist wear. In our longevity analysis, we found that while one tire was great, the other stood average. Here are the details:
The Transforce CV2 scores an exceptional 8.8 SimpleScore in longevity, confirming the tire’s great ability to last longer. It features a wear-resistant tread compound with a robust tread pattern that prevents the chances of irregular wear. The sidewall curb protector of the tire offers additional durability to resist damage and offer long-lasting service. Additionally, the inner construction of the tire is built for toughness and durability, allowing you to run for more miles.
Let’s talk about the Vantra LT (RA18) that scores a 7.0 SimpleScore in longevity. This means the tire is neither too good nor too bad, and delivers mediocre performance in the long-lasting area. The square contact patch is optimized for durability and even wear and the optimized design with slim bead fillers provides adequate durability for a lasting performance. Additionally, the construction of the Vantra LT (RA18) features the ends of two steel belts placed between the rubber layers to absorb the driving pressures and resist wear.
On the longevity front, it is the Transforce CV2 that’s way much better than the Vantra LT (RA18) and scores a higher rating.
ADVANTAGE: Firestone Transforce CV2
When to use each
The use of Transforce CV2 and Vantra LT (RA18) tires extends beyond a single season. Their rubber compound and tread pattern are engineered for service on dry and wet roads, as well as for confident driving in milder snow conditions. But, since these tires are not Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, they should not be considered for driving in moderate to severe winter weather. In addition, these tires are also not made for driving in off-road conditions, despite boasting durable constructions.
When it comes to size you may prefer the Transforce CV2 for vehicles having the 16-inch rim size, while the Vantra LT (RA18) is available for use on vehicles with 14- or 16-inch rims.
Which one should you choose?
The overall SimpleScore analysis of both tires reveals that the Firestone Transforce CV2 is a better choice over the Hankook Vantra LT (RA18) (8.6 vs 7.6 overall SimpleScore). But, as we see both offer one or the other advantage and therefore, their selection should be made as per your driving needs.
Now, let’s talk about another important area of purchase consideration, the price.
The Transforce CV2 is available at a starting price of at least $151 per tire, while the Vantra LT (RA18) is offered at an initial price of at least $102 per tire. So this means, a set of four Transforce CV2 tires will cost you at least $604, while a set of four Vantra LT (RA18) tires will cost you at least $408.
Based on SimpleScore, you should consider the Transforce CV2 if you:
- Drive vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit.
- Need a tire that’s better in traction (8.9 vs 7.9) and longevity (8.8 vs 7.0).
- Can pay more to buy an overall better tire.
- Have a commercial van with a rim size of 16 inches.
On the contrary, you should choose the Vantra LT (RA18) if you:
- Drive vehicles like the Chevrolet Express or RAM ProMaster City.
- Want a tire that’s better in handling (8.3 vs 8.1).
- Want a more affordable tire.
- Need a tire for commercial van or transport vehicle with rims measuring 14- or 16-inch.
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.