Highway All‑Season SUV/Truck Tire Overview – Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT
The Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT is a highway-terrain (HT) all-season tire designed specifically for light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. It blends rugged styling and load-bearing strength with comfortable, quiet highway performance. With a symmetric tread, full-depth sipes, and wide grooves, it delivers dependable traction in dry, wet, and mild winter conditions. Backed by a 65,000‑mile warranty for standard sizes, the Fortitude HT aims to provide value and longevity for everyday drivers.
Key Features and Advanced Tire Technology
Goodyear builds the Wrangler Fortitude HT with a reinforced construction that handles heavy-duty loads, ideal for hauling or towing. Its low rolling resistance tread compound improves fuel efficiency, while the full-depth sipes and four deep circumferential grooves ensure effective water and slush evacuation. A continuous center rib and wrap-around shoulder blocks offer enhanced stability and durable tread life.
Internally, the tire features twin high-tensile steel belts over a polyester casing—combining strength with ride comfort.
Fortitude HT Real‑Word Driving Performance
Dry Road Grip and Handling
Enjoying a robust dry grip, the Fortitude HT features a continuous rib and strong shoulder blocks to deliver stable steering and responsive handling. It routinely earns high marks for dry traction and highway stability in consumer surveys.
Wet Weather Traction and Hydroplaning Control
Wide grooves and deep full-depth sipes help channel water, yielding strong wet traction and hydroplaning resistance. Consumer data confirms reliable control in rainy conditions, with ratings typically above average.
Light Snow Traction & Mild Winter Performance
Though not a snow-specific tire, the Fortitude HT provides usable traction in light snow, thanks to its sipes and compound flexibility. Reddit users report it did “alright in packed snow,” though it’s not ideal for heavy winter use. – Reddit
“They did alright in the snow… but I’d definitely have been more comfortable with all-terrain tires.” – Consumer Reports
Ride Comfort & Road Noise
The tire is documented as exceptionally quiet and smooth, often praised for absorbing bumps and reducing highway road noise.
Tread Life and Durability
With a 65,000‑mile treadwear warranty on standard sizes (50,000 for LT sizes), the Fortitude HT demonstrates strong longevity. Consumer reviews mention drivers achieving 90,000+ miles with even wear patterns. Built for load-duty, the robust construction enhances durability.
Technical Specifications – Wrangler Fortitude HT
- Tire Type: Highway Terrain / All‑Season
- Load Range & Index: SL/C7–SL, 102H–116T
- UTQG: 680 A B
- Tread Depth: 10–12 32nds (varies by size)
- Max PSI: 51–83 psi (size-dependent)
- Warranty: 65,000 miles (SL), 50,000 miles (LT)
- Construction: Twin steel belts + polyester casing
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Quiet, comfortable ride on highways
- Strong dry and wet traction
- Long mileage warranty (65k mi.)
- Rugged look with load-bearing strength
- Effective light snow capability
Cons:
- Not suitable for severe winter or icy roads
- Slightly firmer ride on rough terrain
- Wet grip, while good, is not class-leading
Final Verdict
The Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a durable highway all-season tire that combines comfort, mileage, and reliable traction. It excels in dry and wet conditions, offers a long lifespan, and presents a rugged appearance with load-handling robustness. While winter grip is adequate for light snow, drivers in harsher climates should consider dedicated snow tires or AT models. For everyday use on pavement and occasional light off-road excursions, the Fortitude HT delivers outstanding value.
Competing Highway‑Terrain All‑Season Tires – Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Tire Model | Dry Grip | Wet Grip | Snow Traction | Ride Comfort | Tread Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT | Excellent | Very Good | Fair–Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Michelin LTX Guard 2 | Very Good | Excellent | Good–Very Good | Very Good | Very Good |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | Very Good | Excellent | Good–Very Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus | Very Good | Very Good | Moderate | Excellent | Very Good |
| Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season | Good | Very Good | Moderate | Very Good | Good |