NEW 2023 XLT AND NEW AT TIRES

[SSchnauzer]

Finally, after a year and a half wait, I got my 2023 XLT with the FX4 package. Absolutely enjoy the truck for what it is and how it was designed. The one thing I was not impressed with was the Pirelli ATR "all terrain" tires that come with the FX4 package. I've read many reviews about how they are not particularly well suited for winter conditions, which is a concern for me in SE Pennsylvania since I don't get snow days at my job. In fairness, the Pirelli's have been fine thus far on dry and wet roads and they handle well. However, I was not a big fan of their profile, especially the tread on an FX4 off-road package. So, the plan was to wait until winter and swap them out with another AT tire. Well, I came upon a good deal yesterday on the Firestone Destination AT2 tires that I took advantage of. I kept the stock 225/65/17 size and opted for the BSW rather than the OWL (I'm not even sure if the stick size comes in OWL, but the 235's did.) Anyway, the tires look great and handle very well, with minimal noise considering the noticeably more aggressive tread pattern. I'll still have to wait for winter to gauge their snow/ice capability, but practically every review states they are great and have the 3MP certification. Considering Firestone is an OEM supplier to Ford, I wish Ford would have simply used the already proven capable Destination AT2 as the OEM tire for the Maverick (and Bronco Sport) rather than commission Pirelli to "specially design" the ATR for the Maverick and Bronco. Oh well, at least now I have the complete package!

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[bgn]

Congrats on the new tires. I was also not a fan of the Pirellis. I think they're fine for most people, but they definitely limit the AWD system.

 

[MM Mav]

Finally, after a year and a half wait, I got my 2023 XLT with the FX4 package. Absolutely enjoy the truck for what it is and how it was designed. The one thing I was not impressed with was the Pirelli ATR "all terrain" tires that come with the FX4 package. I've read many reviews about how they are not particularly well suited for winter conditions, which is a concern for me in SE Pennsylvania since I don't get snow days at my job. In fairness, the Pirelli's have been fine thus far on dry and wet roads and they handle well. However, I was not a big fan of their profile, especially the tread on an FX4 off-road package. So, the plan was to wait until winter and swap them out with another AT tire. Well, I came upon a good deal yesterday on the Firestone Destination AT2 tires that I took advantage of. I kept the stock 225/65/17 size and opted for the BSW rather than the OWL (I'm not even sure if the stick size comes in OWL, but the 235's did.) Anyway, the tires look great and handle very well, with minimal noise considering the noticeably more aggressive tread pattern. I'll still have to wait for winter to gauge their snow/ice capability, but practically every review states they are great and have the 3MP certification. Considering Firestone is an OEM supplier to Ford, I wish Ford would have simply used the already proven capable Destination AT2 as the OEM tire for the Maverick (and Bronco Sport) rather than commission Pirelli to "specially design" the ATR for the Maverick and Bronco. Oh well, at least now I have the complete package!

Are you going to share photos of the new tires?

 

[SSchnauzer]

Are you going to share photos of the new tires?

As per your request...

 

[RLmesc]

Finally, after a year and a half wait, I got my 2023 XLT with the FX4 package. Absolutely enjoy the truck for what it is and how it was designed. The one thing I was not impressed with was the Pirelli ATR "all terrain" tires that come with the FX4 package. I've read many reviews about how they are not particularly well suited for winter conditions, which is a concern for me in SE Pennsylvania since I don't get snow days at my job. In fairness, the Pirelli's have been fine thus far on dry and wet roads and they handle well. However, I was not a big fan of their profile, especially the tread on an FX4 off-road package. So, the plan was to wait until winter and swap them out with another AT tire. Well, I came upon a good deal yesterday on the Firestone Destination AT2 tires that I took advantage of. I kept the stock 225/65/17 size and opted for the BSW rather than the OWL (I'm not even sure if the stick size comes in OWL, but the 235's did.) Anyway, the tires look great and handle very well, with minimal noise considering the noticeably more aggressive tread pattern. I'll still have to wait for winter to gauge their snow/ice capability, but practically every review states they are great and have the 3MP certification. Considering Firestone is an OEM supplier to Ford, I wish Ford would have simply used the already proven capable Destination AT2 as the OEM tire for the Maverick (and Bronco Sport) rather than commission Pirelli to "specially design" the ATR for the Maverick and Bronco. Oh well, at least now I have the complete package!

Okay - AT tires ARE NOT FOR SNOW, they are year-round tires for gravel roads, some off-road excursions BUT NOT SNOW or ice. Surprisingly the tires you want are SNOW tires. I live in the upper mid-west and have always had two sets of wheels/tires (except for my summer sports cars) one for summer months + and the good snows for the winter. I have gone thru cars every 2-3 years and have only worn out either set of tires veery other car because I usually could keep the winter wheels/tires because I always had fords (with a few exceptions and not counting the sports cars). I like the Blizzacks and Winterforce tires best. But ANY snow tire is better than M=S or AT tires ever!

 

[SSchnauzer]

While I agree a dedicated SNOW tire is the best option for, surprisingly, snow and ice, I ran Geolander AT G015's for years on Subarus and NEVER had an issue with snow or ice. They too are 3 mountain peak certified so I have total faith in the Destination AT2's. Just wanted to try something different from the Yokohama's with no need to play the seasonal ture swap game-tire technology has advanced a long way. Anyway, I'll let ya know for sure come winter. Cheers!

 

[MortyHooper]

Okay - AT tires ARE NOT FOR SNOW, they are year-round tires for gravel roads, some off-road excursions BUT NOT SNOW or ice. Surprisingly the tires you want are SNOW tires. I live in the upper mid-west and have always had two sets of wheels/tires (except for my summer sports cars) one for summer months + and the good snows for the winter. I have gone thru cars every 2-3 years and have only worn out either set of tires veery other car because I usually could keep the winter wheels/tires because I always had fords (with a few exceptions and not counting the sports cars). I like the Blizzacks and Winterforce tires best. But ANY snow tire is better than M=S or AT tires ever!

Chill out buddy, I’m Canadian aka snow expert / people think I’m slow, and can tell you right now there are fantastic “all weather” AT options that are great in snow. Look at options like the Nokian Outpost, Falken Wildpeak etc. Times are changing.

 

[MortyHooper]

As per your request...

These look great… I’m interested. Looks like they are directional, in terms of rotation later is that the case?

 

[SSchnauzer]

These look great… I’m interested. Looks like they are directional, in terms of rotation later is that the case?

Nope, they are not directional, so one less minor hassle when it comes to rotation or if you had a fifth one as a spare (I kept the OEM as a spare). With 550 miles on the new sneakers, they were great in the rain (which is a nice benefit) and fine on light to moderate fire roads and gravel (as they should be). You can hear the slightest bit of road noise but it is a semi aggressive tread, so no issue there. Check out online reviews and YouTube for comparisons-the Destination AT2 does well. In fact, when the Destination M/T2's finally need replacement (another great tire, but definitely a true off-road tire) on the Wrangler, I think these will be it. The AT2's are more highway oriented rather than heavy duty dedicated off-road, but that, of course, depends on your needs. There are always compromises in life, vehicles, and tires...

 

[Decayed]

Tread design looks pretty good if you are doing mostly road driving. I like the continuous center spine for those.

Didn't realize these were 3 peak rated - they are similar to ones I've been looking at.

What other tires have you considered? I keep vacillating between wildpeak at3s and BFG train terrains. Looking for something that is good on the road but will work well off road as needed.

 

[SSchnauzer]

Tread design looks pretty good if you are doing mostly road driving. I like the continuous center spine for those.

Didn't realize these were 3 peak rated - they are similar to ones I've been looking at.

What other tires have you considered? I keep vacillating between wildpeak at3s and BFG train terrains. Looking for something that is good on the road but will work well off road as needed.

I'm certainly not a tire expert, but I agree these are more highway oriented (which is most of my driving) versus true off-roading. However, definitely a more aggressive tread than the OEM Pirelli tires. Based on reviews, the Falken's rate slightly better on Tirerack but not by a margin that affected my decision. Both are 3 mountain peak rated which was a must for me. On the personal bias side, I've had Firestone tires in the past, and Destination M/T2 OEM tires on another vehicle I have, and am very pleased with them. Also, my local Firestone dealer has always been good to me, so that's why I went with them. I'm a Sam's Club member, and they had a good deal on the Falken's that was cheaper than the Destination's. The reason I passed was because I get the road hazard warranty (it eases my mind). Sam's "includes" it while you end up paying more for it at Firestone if you want the warranty. Catch is, if you need warranty service (as I have in the past), a Firestone store always got me in, and are more available than trying to get into a Sam's tire center. Again, just something to consider. I have zero regrets with the Destinations and highly recommend them based on my limited use thus far and the numerous private and professional reviews I have read.

 

[RLmesc]

Chill out buddy, I’m Canadian aka snow expert / people think I’m slow, and can tell you right now there are fantastic “all weather” AT options that are great in snow. Look at options like the Nokian Outpost, Falken Wildpeak etc. Times are changing.

Dude, all tires will work in snow, that is until they don’t. However snow tires are specifically designed for snow on pavement and thus better. That is/was my point and I am chill. Its just that I did not know that all snow experts were in Canada. I stand corrected.

 

[Maverickman74]

If the snow is deep enough paddle-ish tires like TSL Boggers or MT Baja Claws are the way to go. Or just paddle tires!

 

[MortyHooper]

Dude, all tires will work in snow, that is until they don’t. However snow tires are specifically designed for snow on pavement and thus better. That is/was my point and I am chill. Its just that I did not know that all snow experts were in Canada. I stand corrected.

I’m just joking about the snow expert thing, they stopped that certification here in the 90s so I don’t have it.

Nope, they are not directional, so one less minor hassle when it comes to rotation or if you had a fifth one as a spare (I kept the OEM as a spare). With 550 miles on the new sneakers, they were great in the rain (which is a nice benefit) and fine on light to moderate fire roads and gravel (as they should be). You can hear the slightest bit of road noise but it is a semi aggressive tread, so no issue there. Check out online reviews and YouTube for comparisons-the Destination AT2 does well. In fact, when the Destination M/T2's finally need replacement (another great tire, but definitely a true off-road tire) on the Wrangler, I think these will be it. The AT2's are more highway oriented rather than heavy duty dedicated off-road, but that, of course, depends on your needs. There are always compromises in life, vehicles, and tires...

This sounds ideal, thanks for the review/ details!

 

[710-oil-614]

Okay - AT tires ARE NOT FOR SNOW, they are year-round tires for gravel roads, some off-road excursions BUT NOT SNOW or ice.

Interesting. The Triple Peak Severe Snow rating on many AT tires would tend to disagree with you....

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