New Firestone H/T category tires introduced
Bridgestone has launched a new Firestone Destination LE4 tire in the North American market, designed for SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks, primarily intended for asphalt use: the manufacturer classifies it as a Highway-Touring tire, emphasizing its high level of comfort on paved surfaces.
The new model replaces the Destination LE3, one of the most popular models from the Firestone brand in the region. The initial tread depth has been increased, and combined with optimized rib width, this extends the tire's service life. Internal manufacturer tests showed a 16% improvement in tread life compared to the previous generation, with the LE4 also outperforming competing models—the General Grabber H/T and the BFGoodrich Advantage Control HT—by 9% and 43% respectively in mileage. The warranty covers up to 110,000 km.
The tires retain the recognizable tread pattern with S-shaped grooves, while the addition of finer sipes across the entire tread has improved traction and control in challenging weather conditions. According to test results, compared to the Toyo Open Country H/T II, the new tires achieve 6.9% and 7.7% shorter braking distances on wet and dry surfaces respectively. The LE4 also outperforms the BFGoodrich Advantage Control HT by 4% and 2.1% respectively, and reduces braking distances on dry roads by 2.6% compared to the LE3.
The Destination LE4 is particularly significant for Bridgestone's North American division, as it marks the first application of two new technologies developed at the company's technical center in Akron, Ohio. Specifically, the LE4 features a modified casing construction with lighter yet high-strength layers, ensuring reliability while improving energy efficiency despite the deeper tread. Additionally, a new rubber compounding process enhances the uniform distribution of compound components. Bridgestone states that the «improved molecular structure increases tread life, steering precision, and wet-surface grip.»
«Drivers have highly valued the Destination LE3 for its comfortable, quiet ride and year-round reliability,» said Jeremy Norwood, Senior Engineer at Bridgestone Americas’ New Product Development division. «With the Destination LE4, we’ve built upon these strengths, extending tread life and improving wet-weather handling.»
The Firestone Destination LE4 is now available in 65 sizes, with rim diameters ranging from 15 to 22 inches, offering broader market coverage compared to other H/T-class tires. The new tires are suitable for vehicles such as the Mazda CX-5, Ford F-150, RAM 1500, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Nissan Armada.