Firestone Destination LE3 is a highway all-season tire that is mainly built for CUVs, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Highway all-season tires are great options if you’d like to combine a smooth riding experience with long-lasting rubber. The Firestone Destination LE3 tackles the tough balancing act of catering to SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks—a challenge many all-season tires struggle with. Designed for drivers prioritizing affordability without sacrificing versatility, it delivers quiet highway comfort and reliable all-weather traction. But does it truly excel across such diverse vehicles? We dissect its performance to see if it’s the ideal fit for your SUV’s daily drives, your CUV’s family trips, or your light truck’s mixed-duty needs. Discover how Firestone’s budget-friendly contender stacks up in durability, winter capability, and ride smoothness—and whether its compromises are worth the cost savings. Let’s dive in!
| Firestone Destination LE3 | |
|---|---|
| Cons | It can only handle dirt & gravel, tread life is suspicious for light-trucks |
| Pros | Wet & dry traction, decent level of handling, light-snow traction, fuel efficiency |
| Best for | CUV&SUV owners who would like to combine smooth & quiet riding experience with a good MPG |
| Vehicle | SUV, CUV, Light Truck |
| Available Sizes | 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 22” |
| Test Report | vs TerrainContact HT & Geolander HT G056 (June 1, 2020) |
| Made In | US, Mexico, Costa Rica |
| Labels | No |
| Warranty | 70,000 miles |
As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, Firestone Destination LE3 is an affordable highway all-season tire that provides a very satisfying level of smooth and quiet riding experience. This tire can handle wet and dry conditions with ease. However, its winter performance is limited to light snow. While Firestone Destination LE3 offers excellent handling, it is also a great option if you want better MPG. However, the longevity of the tire is slightly behind the competition for light trucks. Yet, it’s still a great option if you’re looking for an affordable option.
All-Season Tires Cheat Sheet
My team & I have analyzed 100 different tires and generated this ‘Quick Answer Sheet‘ for those who don’t wanna spend too much time during tire selection.
Before we start, here are the incredibly helpful articles I highly recommend to take a look at;
- How to keep tire noise down:
https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/why-do-tire-tread-patterns-make-noise - Fuel-Efficiency:
https://www.tirerack.com/landing/fuel_efficiency - Traction/Stability control for AWD/4WD (All-Season tires specific)
https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/traction-stability-4ws-awd
Depending on your needs, the below article might help;
Table of Contents
Handling
Highway all-season tires generally offer decent handling. Since these tires aren’t built for loose ground traction, they generally have a symmetrical pattern and rib-type design that improve the handling capability.
In addition to that, these tires are made for huge vehicles. Hence, durability is their priority.
For this reason, these tires have a stiff compound which increases handling capability in a good way.
Under these circumstances, it’s easy to say Firestone Destination LE3 offers decent handling. Yet, I would like to explain the reasons behind this.
In order to explain myself better, I prefer to divide this section into two.
Steering Response
Responsiveness is extremely important for highway all-season tires. These tires should have the capability to work under loaded conditions which include towing or hauling. Since responsiveness becomes vital under loaded conditions, responsiveness is a priority for highway all-season tires.
Things are quite the same for Firestone Destination LE3.
In this case, tread depth, compound stiffness, and pattern design are the game changers.
- Higher tread depth decrease the steering response time. Firestone Destination LE3’s tread depth is lower than most of the highway all-season tires in the market.
- Firestone Destination LE3 has a fluffier compound. Its UTQG rating is 700. Yet, 700 is a still good number for a decent steering response.
- Firestone Destination LE3 has a relatively softer tread design. It has a rib-lug-type hybrid design like other highway all-season tires in the market. If you can check the placement of the center section lugs, you can clearly see that the main idea is interlocking these lugs for better steering response and handling.
Firestone Destination LE3 offers a satisfying steering response. If you’re an aggressive driver, it could be a good fit for you.
Cornering Stability
Cornering stability is related to the inner structure and it’s generally not an issue for highway all-season tires.
Firestone Destination LE3 has a durable inner structure that offers decent cornering stability.
In this case, the real game-changer is the extra nylon reinforcement. This reinforcement goes through the whole tire and its main duty is to keep the tire in shape while cornering at high speeds. Does it work? Absolutely.
As a result, if your priority is handling or satisfying on-road manners, I think Firestone Destination LE3 is one of the best you can get for this price level.
Riding Comfort
Riding comfort of highway all-season tires are also good because these are high-profile tires that have more air inside of the tire.
This might come a bit fancy but in fact, the air inside of the tread carries all the load. Hence, more air means a higher load index and a generally more comfortable ride.
Besides these natural advantages, Firestone Destination LE3’s design is slightly softer than its competitors.
Firestone Destination LE3’s center section is more compact than the others. Besides that its lugs are interlocked which increases the comfort level significantly.
Due to its symmetrical pattern and relatively softer tread design, Firestone Destination LE3 provides a highly comfortable driving experience.
Road Noise
Road noise is where this tire shines due to its softer center section design.
Generally, highway all-season tires have highly sectional ribs that provide a comfortable but sometimes slightly noisy ride.
Firestone Destination LE3 is a bit different. Even though its tread also has lugs, these lugs are interlocked vertically and horizontally.
Due to its low void area center section and blocky but a bit fluffy shoulder blocks, Firestone Destination LE3 provides one of the quietest rides in the market.
Wet Performance
The wet performance of highway all-season tires is generally better than all-terrain tires. This is because highway all-season tires put more rubber on the surface. In another saying, these tires have fewer void areas.
Wet performance has two different dimensions that are completely different than the others. In fact, at some point, these two totally need the opposite features.
While one of these two dimensions is wet traction and it’s related to compound stiffness and sipe density; the other one is hydroplaning resistance which is highly vital, especially under the downpour.
Let’s evaluate them one by one.
Wet Traction
As I’ve mentioned above, wet traction is related to compound stiffness and sipe density.
The easiest way to understand decent wet traction is by checking to UTQG rating.
UTQG rating contains one number and two letters after that. The first letter rates the wet traction. A is the highest rating, continues B, C…
In this case, my limit stiffness is 700 which highway all-season generally doesn’t match with.
Unlike other highway all-season tires, Firestone Destination LE3 meets this criterion. Its UTQG rating is 700 A B. Which means it also has A-rating wet traction and B-rating heat resistance. I’m going to talk about heat resistance in the longevity section.
On the other hand, maybe you realize that Firestone Destination LE3’s sipe density is lower than most highway all-season tires in the market. This is because its compound is fluffier and provides a better grip.
It seems like Firestone trying to make tires that can provide decent traction and maximum comfort level. I can confidently say that you’ll not have any issues regarding wet traction.
Firestone Destination LE3 provides excellent wet traction.
Hydroplaning Resistance
Hydroplaning resistance basically the water evacuation capability of the tread. It becomes vital, especially at high velocity and under the downpour.
While going through the puddle, if you break, you may feel the flotation feeling. That’s hydroplaning and actually, it can be extremely dangerous.
Luckily, highway all-season tires have relatively narrower patterns than all-terrain tires which decrease the floatation level.
More importantly, the priority of these tires doesn’t off-road traction. Hence, manufacturers can use a relatively softer tread design which helps them to increase hydroplaning resistance.
In this case, circumferential grooves and open shoulder blocks do most of the job.
Firestone Destination LE3’s symmetrical pattern contains 4 circumferential grooves. Besides that this tire has a blocky shoulder design that provides a lot of open shoulder slots.
Moreover, you can see the deep and angled notches at the center section of the tread. These notches provide two things. Vertical biting edges and water evacuation. The shape of the notches directs water in the center section to the shoulders or grooves.
Firestone Destination LE3 offers trustworthy hydroplaning resistance.
Winter Performance
First of all, if someone saying great about any highway all-season tires’ winter performance is lying.
These tires are built for huge vehicles and their main duty is to provide durability and a decent level of handling.
Because of that, highway all-season tires have a stiff compound that can’t get the 3PMSF marking.
3PMSF marking is the severe snow rating of the tires’ compound. If the tire doesn’t have this label, that means the compound of the tire becomes relatively useless under 7 Celcius degrees.
The above statement is what is written in the books. Yet, technology’s developing rapidly. In the last 4-5 years, the tire compounds maybe can’t get the 3PMSF label but can handle at least freezing temperatures.
So, if I have to talk about Firestone Destination LE3, I think it can be an assertive competitor in this case.
I would like to explain this for 3 different conditions,
Light-Snow Traction
Light-snow traction is actually what you should expect from highway all-season tires.
Unlike most people think, this is the most dangerous snow type.
The light snow can easily merge with dust and dirt and become slush or muddy. Hence, sliding and spinning are highly expected in this kind of weather condition.
So, Firestone Destination LE3’s fluffy compound gets into the game again here. Due to its fluffy compound, Firestone Destination LE3 provides a decent level of grip.
Besides that, its sipes are full-depth and 3D which provides vertical and horizontal grip at the same time. This is very important for light-snow traction.
Due to its 3D-siped pattern and fluffy compound, Firestone Destination LE3 provides reliable light-snow traction.
Deep Snow Traction
You can actually call this one packed-snow traction.
Unlike most people who think positively, I think Firestone Destination LE3 isn’t a good tire for packed snow traction.
First of all, the tire has a lower tread depth. Which is highly important regarding loose ground traction.
Secondly, Destination LE3’s center section isn’t blocky to provide decent deep snow traction. I like deep notches and I’m sure they gonna work but it’s still too far away from dedicated winter tires.
Last but not least, soft compound again. It still increases the biting capability.
Firestone Destination LE3 isn’t a perfect deep-snow tire but it can take you out of unexpected situations.
Ice Traction
Highway all-season tires generally have similar performance on the ice.
Firestone Destination LE3 has a slight advantage in this case. Its compound is softer and it can put more rubber on the surface.
For this reason, Firestone Destination LE3 is a good option for icy surfaces. Yet, I still recommend using a dedicated winter tire at least on the ice.
Longevity
Longevity is actually the only feature that I have doubts about.
First of all, the soft compound is a disadvantage in this case.
Besides that, the tire has B-rated heat resistance which means it’s gonna wear more quickly than A-rated tires. For instance, Michelin Defender LTX M/S has A-rated heat resistance and an 800 UTQG rating.
On the other hand, a compact and less notched pattern is a huge advantage in this case. Besides that, Firestone Destination LE3 is one the lightest of its segment. The huge advantage regarding tread life.
In a summary, I think Firestone Destination LE3 provides great tread life for CUVs and SUVs. However, it can be only a price/performance tire for a pickup owner who is looking for the longest tread life.
Getting maximum wear life from a tire is related to you as well as your tire,
If you’d like to learn how to get maximum tread life:
Warranty
- Firestone offers 70,000 miles treadwear warranty for this product
- You can also buy & try this product for a 90-days. If you’re not happy with it, it’s free to return
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is where this tire shines.
Due to its lightweight and relatively lower sipe density, I strongly believe that Firestone Destination LE3 is one of the most housewifely tires in the market.
Off-Road Performance
The off-road performance of highway all-season tires is meh.
In fact, the main duty of these tires isn’t loose ground traction.
They can handle off-road because they’re durable and they have plenty amount of void area to provide a decent level of light-duty off-road traction.
Mild off-road traction only contains gravel and dirt traction.
Firestone Destination LE3 can handle some mild off-road conditions but it’s slightly behind the competition due to its fluffy compound and compact pattern.
Dirt: Dirt traction is related to gripping capability. Firestone Destination LE3’s fluffy compound is an advantage in this case.
Gravel: Firestone Destination LE3 can provide a decent level of gravel traction. However, its fluffy compound will definitely wear faster
Mud: Depending on the depth of the mud, it can be useful. Yet, its shallow tread can’t have enough void area for decent mud traction. It can still take you out of unexpected situations
Sand: Softer designs work better on the sand. It’s gonna be fine.
In summary, Firestone Destination LE3 isn’t a tire to buy if off-road traction is your priority. Besides its low-rated heat resistance, it’s also a bit soft for a decent level of off-road traction. So, dirt & gravel is okay but I recommend keeping it only occasionally.
Sizes
| 15” | 16” | 17” | 18” | 19” | 20” | 22” |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 215/75R15 100T SL BSW 700 A B | 205/70R16 97H SL BSW 700 A B | 215/60R17 96H SL BSW 700 A B | 225/55R18 98H SL BSW 700 A B | 225/55R19 99H SL BSW 700 A B | 235/55R20 102H SL BSW 700 A B | 285/45R22 110H SL BSW 700 A B |
| 225/70R15 100T SL BSW 700 A B | 215/65R16 98H SL BSW 700 A B | 215/65R17 99H SL BSW 700 A B | 225/60R18 100H SL BSW 700 A B | 235/45R19 95H SL BSW 700 A B | 245/50R20 102H SL BSW 700 A B | |
| 225/75R15 102T SL BSW 700 A B | 215/70R16 100H SL BSW 700 A B | 225/55R17 97V SL BSW 700 A B | 235/50R18 97H SL BSW 700 A B | 235/50R19 99H SL BSW 700 A B | 245/60R20 107H SL BSW 700 A B | |
| 235/75R15 109T XL BSW 700 A B | 225/70R16 103T SL OWL 700 A B | 225/60R17 99H SL BSW 700 A B | 235/55R18 100V SL BSW 700 A B | 235/55R19 101H SL BSW 700 A B | 255/50R20 109H XL BSW 700 A B | |
| 265/75R15 112T SL BSW 700 A B | 225/75R16 104T SL BSW 700 A B | 225/65R17 102H SL BSW 700 A B | 235/65R18 106T SL BSW 700 A B | 245/55R19 103H SL BSW 700 A B | 255/55R20 107H SL BSW 700 A B | |
| 265/75R15 112T SL BSW 700 A B | 225/75R16 104T SL BSW 700 A B | 225/65R17 102H SL BSW 700 A B | 235/60R18 103H SL BSW 700 A B | 255/50R19 107H XL BSW 700 A B | 265/50R20 107H SL BSW 700 A B | |
| 235/65R16 103H SL BSW 700 A B | 235/55R17 99H SL BSW 700 A B | 245/60R18 105H SL BSW 700 A B | 255/60R19 109H SL BSW 700 A B | 275/45R20 110H XL BSW 700 A B | ||
| 235/70R16 106T SL BSW 700 A B | 235/60R17 102H SL BSW 700 A B | 255/55R18 109H XL BSW 700 A B | 275/55R19 111H SL BSW 700 A B | 275/55R20 113H SL BSW 700 A B | ||
| 235/75R16 108T SL BSW 700 A B | 235/65R17 104H SL BSW 700 A B | 255/65R18 111H SL BSW 700 A B | 275/60R20 115H SL BSW 700 A B | |||
| 245/70R16 107T SL BSW 700 A B | 235/70R17 109T XL BSW 700 A B | 255/70R18 113T SL BSW 700 A B | ||||
| 245/75R16 111T SL BSW 700 A B | 245/65R17 107T SL BSW 700 A B | 265/60R18 110T SL BSW 700 A B | ||||
| 255/65R16 109T SL BSW 700 A B | 245/70R17 110T SL BSW 700 A B | 265/65R18 114T SL BSW 700 A B | ||||
| 255/70R16 111T SL BSW 700 A B | 255/65R17 110T SL BSW 700 A B | 265/70R18 116T SL BSW 700 A B | ||||
| 265/70R16 112T SL BSW 700 A B | 255/70R17 112T SL BSW 700 A B | 275/65R18 116T SL BSW 700 A B | ||||
| 265/75R16 116T SL OWL 700 A B | 265/65R17 112T SL BSW 700 A B | |||||
| 265/70R17 115T SL BSW 700 A B |
Spec
| Firestone Destination LE3 | |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | SUV, CUV, Light Truck |
| Available Sizes | 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 22” |
| Test Report | vs TerrainContact HT & Geolander HT G056 (June 1, 2020) |
| Made In | US, Mexico, Costa Rica |
| Labels | No |
| Warranty | 70,000 miles |
| Prices | Check Price Section to See Possible Best Prices |
Conclusion
Firestone Destination LE3 is a highway all-season tire that focuses on comfortable & quiet rides. It’s a great option for SUVs and CUVs looking for comfortable highway driving. Even though it can be used on light trucks, it provides lower tread life.
| Firestone Destination LE3 | |
|---|---|
| Cons | It can only handle dirt & gravel, tread life is suspicious for light-trucks |
| Pros | Wet & dry traction, decent level of handling, light-snow traction, fuel efficiency |
| Best for | CUV&SUV owners who would like to combine smooth & quiet riding experience with a good MPG |
| Vehicle | SUV, CUV, Light Truck |
| Available Sizes | 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 22” |
| Test Report | vs TerrainContact HT & Geolander HT G056 (June 1, 2020) |
| Made In | US, Mexico, Costa Rica |
| Labels | No |
| Warranty | 70,000 miles |
I hope the article was helpful, if you need any further support, please leave a comment in the below section. Have a safe ride folks!
