Firestone Winterforce 2 UV Review

The next-generation of Firestone winter tires is here, but is it an improvement?

PROS

  • Winter grip in ice and snow
  • Great price point
  • Well-rounded safety and performance

CONS

  • Not as capable as some more premium options
  • Slush evacuation could be better

   

Recently redesigned, Firestone rolled out the new Winterforce 2 and Winterforce 2 UV tires, with the latter being specifically designed for light trucks, SUVs and crossovers. It features internal reinforcements to deal with the heavier weight and higher ride height of modern utility vehicles, though looks identical from the outside.

This unique UV model also helps Firestone offer more versions of the Winterforce for more drivers.

A more budget-focused winter tire its not really fair to compare it to class leaders like the Bridgestone Blizzak DMV2 or the Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV, because those tires cost a premium.

Does that mean you should steer-clear of the Firestones? Not at all. In fact, we’re big proponents of buying winter tires if you live somewhere with snow and insist that even budget winter tires are a huge improvement in performance and safety. To that end, Firestone makes that an attractive option.

Where it does lack compared to more premium tires is in stability and handling capability on snow packed roads. It’s still plenty capable though and brings high levels of safety. Those looking for even more grip can get it too, with the Winterforce 2 being pre-pinned for TSMI #11 blue-colored metallic winter studs.

While it may not look it, this is a directional tire, which is important to point out as it does limit how you can rotate the tires to prolong the life of a set.

The tire features five general tread segments, with the center rib being divided for added evacuation of water and slush. All of the tread blocks are heavily siped. Made with a unique tread compound that resists freezing, these sipes help the tire grip the snow and trap it, using it as a friction source against snow on the road.

On clear roads the tire handles reasonably well. It’s a touch ponderous and a little bit louder than some in the segment, but both are expected characteristics in this sort of tire. Grip on clear cold roads or slightly icy roads is quite good.

Based on owner feedback, you should expect to get around 3 full seasons out of them.

Our survey of owner reviews found a few complaints from owners of the previous versions of the tire who didn’t think it performed as well as the old versions. Still, on reviewing the facts, it’s clear this is a solidly capable winter tire at a very attractive price point.

For those reasons we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these and would only suggest spending more on a premium winter tire if you’re hunting for next-level performance.

Who Should Consider This Tire?

The Firestone Winterforce 2 UV is an ideal winter tire for most any driver of a truck, SUV or crossover who lives somewhere with regular winter conditions, ranging from snow, to the sort of cold temperatures that make all-season tires freeze-up and perform poorly. You don’t need to extreme winter conditions to own some quality winter tires and the pricing on these Firestones makes it easy to become a winter tire convert.

It’s capability will be sufficient for the vast majority of drivers and it will deliver confidence and safety.

Firestone Winterforce 2 UV Price

Pricing for the Firestone Winterforce 2 UV starts at just over $100 per tire for a 16-inch fitment, making this an extremely attractively-priced winter tire.

   

Firestone Winterforce 2 UV Warranty

As a winter tire the Firestone Winterforce 2 UV does not come backed with a mileage warranty. A standard limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship with defective tires replaced on a pro-rated basis for the first five years since the date of purchase.

Firestone Winterforce 2 UV Sizes

16-inch sizes
215/65R16
215/65R16
215/70R16
225/70R16
235/65R16
235/70R16
255/70R16
265/70R16
265/75R16

17-inch sizes
215/60R17
225/60R17
235/60R17
235/65R17
P245/65R17
255/70R17
255/70R17
265/65R17

18-inch sizes
235/55R18
235/65R18
235/65R18
265/60R18
265/65R18