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Last updated 11/14/2024 - Originally published 11/14/2024
Written by SimpleTire
The American tire giant, Goodyear and the Japanese tire manufacturer Falken are the two popular names in the tire industry across the globe. While Goodyear certainly has the advantage of being an older tire brand whose legacy commenced in 1898, Falken has been a favorite of enthusiasts because of its cutting-edge innovations and high-quality tires that perform very well. Both tire manufacturers offer a diversified range of tires that can be used on passenger cars, light trucks, CUVs, SUVs, trailers, commercial vehicles, and more.
The Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT and the Falken Wildpeak H/T02 are the two highway terrain tires suitable for use on light trucks and SUVs and allow the drivers to experience year-round performance and confident highway driving. While the Wrangler Fortitude HT comes with the ability to go on- and off-road and is classified more as an all-terrain tire with year-round driving ability, the Wildpeak H/T02 can be defined as a more specific all-season tires.
Highway terrain tires are typically designed for smooth and quiet rides, and they are engineered to provide optimum durability and heavy-duty towing ability. Additionally, confident handling and long-lasting wear are the other two additional qualities of these tires. The Wrangler Fortitude HT and the Wildpeak H/T02 tires also have these qualities. But, if you are looking for a suitable choice for your pickup truck or SUV and want to know which one could be more relevant for your driving needs, then this Wrangler Fortitude HT vs Wildpeak H/T02 tires comparison is a must-read for you. Using our proprietary tire rating system, SimpleScore we have analyzed the tire based on traction, handling, and longevity. So, read on this comparison till the end!
Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT tires
The Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT is an all-terrain tire with all-season driving ability in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. This highway terrain-specific tire allows your pickup truck or SUV to tow heavy loads, offer quieter and smoother drives, stay strong and durable to resist driving pressures, and gain enhanced traction. The tire is backed by a generous tread life warranty and allows you to go on- and off-road, offering you the best of both worlds. So, whether you have to cover long distances on the highways or cross those rough terrains occasionally, the Wrangler Fortitude HT won’t disappoint you.
Overall, the Wrangler Fortitude HT scores an admirable 8.4 out of 10 SimpleScore rating because of its exceptional on- and off-road traction year-round, responsive handling, and long-lasting tread life.
Falken Wildpeak H/T02 tires
The Falken Wildpeak H/T02 is a highway-terrain all-season tire with credible year-round performance in dry, wet, and light snow weather. It is designed for use on light trucks and SUVs and comes with rugged all-season durability. It allows you to achieve operations at construction work sites and haul and tow heavy materials. It is optimized for wet braking performance, extended wear life, quieter rides, heavy-duty towing, and enhanced all-season handling.
Overall, the Wildpeak H/T02 secures an 8.7 SimpleScore rating, thanks to its excellent tread life, great traction performance, and responsive handling.
Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT vs Falken Wildpeak H/T02 tires on traction
Let’s talk about the traction performance of these tires first as it will help you understand which tire is good at year-round surefootedness and grip.
Commencing with the Wrangler Fortitude HT, the tire scores an admirable 8.9 SimpleScore rating in traction, ensuring drivers that they will be able to enjoy on- and off-road traction in changing weather. The tire features a patented symmetrical tread design that has full-depth sipes and biting edges for increased snow traction. The four deep aqua grooves of the tire prevent hydroplaning and offer adequate hydroplaning resistance and a solid wet grip. The all-season tread compound of this tire maintains flexibility in varying temperatures despite being durable for a commanding grip. Likewise, the biting edges on the tread allow the tire to gain traction even in rough road conditions, making the tire more versatile.
On the contrary, with an 8.5 SimpleScore rating in traction, the Wildpeak H/T02 is another dependable choice that features Advanced 4D Nano Design and 3D Canyon Sipe Technology to offer confident all-season traction. The four wide circumferential grooves of the tire enhance hydroplaning resistance to ensure maximized contact with the surface in heavy rain. The Silica-enriched tread compound boosts wet performance and there are plenty of biting edges that allow the tire to perform better in dry conditions.
No doubt, the Wildpeak H/T02 has some of the most advanced features to boost traction, but it is the Wrangler Fortitude HT that’s ahead in the traction with a better score.
ADVANTAGE: Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT
Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT vs Falken Wildpeak H/T02 tires on handling
Whether you’re hauling or towing with your pickup truck or cruising your SUV, the tires must respond to your commands instantly.
The Wrangler Fortitude HT scores an 8.8 SimpleScore rating in handling. The wide and flat footprint of the tire provides much-needed stability and control, while the sipes and biting edges let the tire achieve steering response in slick and wet conditions. The durable construction ensures that the heavy loads can be towed without the tire losing its shape and a consistent rolling is maintained throughout the tread life. Likewise, the sidewalls are built strong to enhance the cornering ability and the optimized tread reduces the vibrations to offer smooth rides.
On the contrary, the Wildpeak H/T02 scores an 8.4 SimpleScore in handling and comes with an array of features to ensure sharp steering response and agility. The wider, flat footprint of the Wildpeak H/T02 improves ride control and handling performance. The rigid tread blocks of the tire feature a “support bridge” for increased stability and handling. For enhanced braking performance, especially in wet weather, the four circumferential grooves evacuate water from the contact patch, and likewise, the 3D Canyon Sipe Technology augments handling in wet and snowy weather.
There isn’t much of a difference in the scores of both tires, but it is the Wrangler Fortitude HT that beats the Wildpeak H/T02 in the handling race.
ADVANTAGE: Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT
Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT vs Falken Wildpeak H/T02 tires on longevity
Long-lasting judgment is necessary to know which of the two tires will serve longer: The Wrangler Fortitude HT or the Wildpeak H/T02? Here’s our analysis to uncover the question.
The Wrangler Fortitude HT scores an 8.4 SimpleScore rating in the long-lasting area and is an indicator that the tire can cover a decent number of miles. Goodyear offers an up to 65,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty on the purchase of the Wrangler Fortitude HT, which means it has been optimized for longer wear. The durable tread compound and reinforced inner construction of this tire increase tread life. The tread blocks and the design also help in a long-lasting tread life.
When it comes to the Wildpeak tires, the longevity score is an excellent 9.2. The score highlights that tire buyers can enjoy a long-lasting service. The further add-on to the longevity factor is the limited manufacturer tread life warranty of up to 75,000 miles. The rugged sidewall protection prevents the tire from hazards at construction sites or during highway drives. The 3D Canyon Sipe Technology interlocks shoulders resist wear while the Silica-enriched compound ensures superior wear life.
Contrary to the normal belief, it is the Wildpeak H/T02 that surpasses the Wrangler Fortitude HT on the longevity front.
ADVANTAGE: Falken Wildpeak H/T02
When to use each
Both tires are built and designed for use on light trucks and SUVs but there are slight differences in their uses. While the Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT tires are good for on- and off-road driving and can be used year-round, the Wildpeak H/T02 is primarily made for highway driving on paved surfaces. But, both tires can be used in dry, wet, and light winter weather conditions. It is to be noted that neither of these tires is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, and therefore, none of them can be used in moderate to severe winter conditions.
Goodyear offers the Wrangler Fortitude HT tires in rim sizes ranging between 16- to 18-inch, while the Wildpeak H/T02 tires are available in 15- to 22-inch rim size choices, providing a wider range of compatibility options to the buyers.
Which one should you choose?
Looking at the overall SimpleScores, we found that the Wildpeak H/T02 tires were slightly better with an overall SimpleScore of 8.7 against the Wrangler Fortitude HT’s overall SimpleScore of 8.4. However, it must be noted that both tires have their own advantages and they should be weighed against each other before buying tires.
As far as prices are concerned, the Wrangler Fortitude HT will cost at least $120.98 per tire, while the Wildpeak H/T02 will cost you at least $132.99 per tire. This means, a set of four Wrangler tires will cost you at least $483.92, while a set of Wildpeak tires will cost you at least $531.96.
Based on SimpleScore, you should consider the Wrangler Fortitude HT if you:
- Drive a full-size pickup truck like the Dodge RAM 1500, a full-size luxury SUV like the Cadillac Escalade, or a truck-based SUV like the Ford Bronco
- Need tires that offer better traction performance (8.9 vs 8.5 in traction)
- Need tires that offer better handling performance (8.8 vs 8.4 in handling)
- Need tires that can be used on- and off-road
- Need all-terrain tires with all-season usability at a lesser price
On the other hand, you should consider the Wildpeak H/T02 if you:
- Drive a half-ton truck like the Nissan Titan XD, a full-size pickup truck like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, or a full-size pickup like the GMC Sierra 1500
- Need tires that last longer (9.2 vs 8.5 in longevity)
- Are comfortable paying more to enjoy a better paved road or highway driving experience
- Need tires that are backed by higher tread life warranty coverage
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, and our helpful agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.